A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: KEDOSHIM (LEVITICUS 19:1-20:27)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant The second Parsha for this week (KEDOSHIM) begins with the momentous call: “You shall be holy because I, the Lord, your God am holy” (1). This statement is followed by repetition of dozens of ‘Divine’ commandments, which would enable the Israelites to consecrate their holy relationship with God. This […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: ACHEREI MOT (Leviticus 16:1–18:30)

This week, we read two Parshiot, (ACHAREI MOT), followed by Parsha (KEDOSHIM). The primary focus of the first Parsha pertains to the ancient rituals of Yom Kippur, the ‘Day of Atonement’. During the period of MISHNAH (i.e. the first major redaction of the Oral Torah) in the second century, the Jewish calendar was altered, so […]

Jane’s Kitchen: Roasted Chicken with Clementines & Arak

Servings: 4 Recipe Origin: Yotam Ottolenghi, Jerusalem   6 1/2 tablespoons arak, ouzo or Pernod 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice 3 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons grain mustard 3 tablespoons light brown sugar 2 medium fennel bulbs , 1 pound 3 pounds chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in 4 clementines, […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: TAZRIA-METZORA (LEVITICUS 12:1-15:33)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant This week, we read a double Parshiot (TAZRIA), followed by Parsha (METZORA). Each of these Parshiot describe in punctilious detail, the bewildering phenomenon of ‘TZARAAT’. In effect, this is a physical manifestation of a spiritual malaise, frequently mistranslated as ‘leprosy’. An individual afflicted with ‘TZARAAT’, would be referred to […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: SHEMINI (LEVITICUS 9:1-11:47)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant For several weeks and many chapters- – the longest prelude in the Torah – – we have read of the preparations for the moment at which God would bring His Presence to rest in the midst of the people. Five Torah Parshiot (TERUMAH, TETZAVEH, KI TISA, VAYAKHEL, and PEKUDI) […]