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The Torah concepts of tahara and tum’a, imperfectly translated as spiritual purity and impurity, are impossibly difficult for us to entirely grasp through our intellect. And this is because, simply put, these concepts, or the realities that they express, are so much greater than our own individual selves. The period of impurity which visits a mother upon the birth of a child bespeaks of the passage of pure and perfect knowledge from one world to the next, and the necessary loss that results. The extended period of impurity upon the birth of a daughter reflects the more perfect image of G-d that is embodied in the female soul.
Tazria (Leviticus 12:1-13:59)
Parashat Tazria is read on Shabbat:
II Adar 27, 5771/April 2, 2011
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This upcoming Shabbat, (March 26), we read the special Torah reading, Parashat Parah, Numbers 19, all about the parah adumah – the red heifer. A necessary part of Passover preparation during the time of the Holy Temple, the reading of the Torah description of the statute of the red heifer continues to be part of our tradition today. In spite of it all, the red heifer remains to this day the most compelling and elusive mystery in the Holy Torah. Yet what the mystery reveals about our own nature and our relationship with G-d is most enlightening.
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On the eighth day of the inauguration of the Tabernacle, the first day of the month of Nisan, a whole new reality overtook creation. As fire rushed down from heaven to consume the first offering placed upon the altar on this the first day of the Divine service in the Tabernacle, Nadav and Avihu, the righteous sons of Aharon the High Priest, sought eternalize the moment, to make the momentous now be forever. Their error in implementation cost them their lives. Torah prescribes for the rest of us a way to succeed where they failed.
Shmini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)
Parashat Shmini is read on Shabbat:
II Adar 20, 5771/March 26, 2011
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The olah – burnt offering – described in parashat Tzav is understood by our sages to embody the potential to expiate the sin of doubtful thoughts of the heart, those thoughts which can distance us from G-d and lead us to transgression. An untoward thought is a most serious spiritual lapse, even if it does not ultimately lead to an ill-conceived action. The inclusion of the olah in the daily Tamid service of the Holy Temple attests to the centrality of the doubtful thoughts of the heart in the human condition and our need to vanquish the doubt and draw near to G-d.
Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36)
Parashat Tzav is read on Shabbat:
II Adar 13, 5771/March 19, 2011
Sacred to the memory of Udi, Ruth, Yoav, Elad and Hadas Fogel. May G-d avenge their blood.
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The book of Vayikra, (Leviticus), the most intimate of the five books of Torah, opens with a whisper. With the establishment of the Tabernacle, G-d is welcomed back into the world!
Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26)
Parashat Vayikra is read on Shabbat:
II Adar 6, 5771/March 12, 2011
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With the completion of the Tabernacle the work of the creation of the world finally draws to a close. Moses blesses the work Israel has done, and now, the final piece in place, the world can begin!
Pekudei (Exodus 38:21-40:38)
Parashat Pekudei is read on Shabbat:
I Adar 29, 5771/March 5, 2011
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What’s new in the world? What’s new in your life? Moshe gathers all Israel together before him and reveals to them two things that never grow old and never get stale, but are always fresh and new, and spectacularly always in the moment, in a forever sort of way: the Holy Shabbat and the Tabernacle – the Holy Temple. Keep it new – that’s G-d’s plan!
Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20)
Parashat Vayakhel is read on Shabbat:
I Adar 22, 5771/February 26, 2011
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