Shemini 5781-2021
“Using, Not Abusing, a Sanctified Substance”
(updated and revised from Shemini 5763-2003)
The severe punishment meted out to the sons of Aaron is a powerful reason to carefully study the Jewish attitude toward intoxicants and drugs. Alcoholism and drug abuse is serious business, not something that can be ignored. Wine is a divine gift, and plays a key role in Judaism. Yet, we need to make certain that it is treated as a special gift and imbibed with respect.
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Passover 5781-2021
“The Final days of Pesach - Days of Unity”
(updated and revised from Passover 5761–2001)
For Jews who live in the Diaspora, the last day of Passover is meant to be a day of unity, הִתְחַבְּרוּת, hit’chab’rut, of coming together. Just as the ancient Children of Israel go down to Egypt as 70 souls, as members of 12 disparate tribes, and emerge as one united nation, so are contemporary Jews bidden to emphasize the many common bonds we have, rather than the differences. Passover, after all, is in the month of Nissan, the month of redemption. Only through unity, will the Jewish people be fortunate enough to achieve ultimate redemption.
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Tzav 5781-2021
Understanding Shabbat Hagadol
(updated and revised from Tzav 5762-2002)
Our commentators offer a host of reasons to explain why the Sabbath prior to Passover is called by the grand name "Shabbat Hagadol," the Great Sabbath. Whatever the reason for this Sabbath to be given such a distinguished name, it is always a very special Sabbath for the Jewish people.
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Vayikra 5781-2021
“The Lesson of the Mincha Offering--Giving with a Full Heart”
(updated and revised from Vayikra 5762-2002)
Among the many profound lessons that the Mincha offering conveys, is that Judaism is not the religion of the gifted or well endowed. In fact, Judaism provides venues of expression and worship for all the people of Israel, rich and poor, young and old, male and female alike. The lesson of the Mincha offering is that one must give with a full heart.
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Vayakhel-Pekudei 5781-2021
“The Original Jewish Renewal Movement”
(Updated and revised from Vayakhel-Pekudei 5762-2002)
On the Sabbath prior to the new month of Nissan, a portion known as Parashat Hachodesh is read, announcing the arrival of the new month of Nissan, the first month of the calendar year. Nissan is the month of redemption and salvation. It is a time when the Jewish people burst forth from darkness and despair to allow the glory of G-d to shine forth. This is the original Jewish renewal movement.
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Kee Tisah 5781-2021
“Reverence for Learning in Jewish Tradition”
(updated and revised from Kee Tisah 5763-2003)
Immediately after the sin of the Golden Calf, Moses distances himself from the sinful people. Moving his tent outside the camp, he proceeds to hold court from that location. Scripture tells us that, despite the peoples' rebelliousness, when Moses went out to his tent, the entire nation would stand at the entrance of their tents as a sign of respect. From this gesture of respect, an entireritual of behavior emerged that continues to this day, reflecting the uncompromising reverence for learning that is the very essence of Jewish educational success.
0 Comments9 Minutes