By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant Last week, we read Parsha (TAZIRA), which introduced us to the bizarre malady of ‘TZARAAT’. In effect, this was considered a physical evidence of a spiritual failing, disclosed in a myriad of dermatological disorders. The mystery shrouding parsha (TAZIRA) was the absence of any specific transgression, or identification of […]
Posts with the Torah tag
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: TAZIRA (LEVITICUS 12:1-13:59)
This week’s Torah Parsha (TAZIRA) is extraordinary, not for its content; but, for its absence of content. TAZIRA has been labeled “the Torah Parsha least likely to be studied” (1). It has also been accused of having “challenged and confused generations of Torah scholars, as well as legions of rabbinical students” (2) To understand the […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: SHEMINI (LEVITICUS 9:1-11:47)
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) all describe the instructions for building […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: TZAV (LEVITICUS 6:1-8:36)
The primary theme of last week’s Torah Parsha (VAKIRA) pertained to the five diverse sacrifices, which the Israelites presented at the Sanctuary. On the surface, this week’s Torah Parsha (TZAV) appears to be merely an extension of Parsha (VAKIRA), differentiated solely by the focus shifting to the kohanim, who were the recipients of the various […]
A Bissel of Torah: VAKIRA (LEVITICUS 1:1-5:26)
VAKIRA (LEVITICUS 1:1-5:26) By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant This week’s Torah Parsha (VAKIRA) is the first Parsha in the Book of Leviticus, known formally as ‘Torat Kohanim’ (instructions for the Priests) (1). The title for this Parsha defines the entire Book of Leviticus. We have just completed reading the thrilling and dramatic story of the […]