Leviticus 25:1-27:34 Parashat Behar-Bechukotai, comprising the final double portion of Vayikra, encompasses a richly textured matrix of mitzvoth, divine assurances, and warnings, through which the identity of Israel as a holy people consecrated unto Mar-Yah is further refined. Here, within these sacred ordinances, the covenantal dynamics between Mar-Yah and Israel are revealed in legal, theological, […]
Commentary on Parashat Emor
Torah Reading: Leviticus 21:1–24:23 This Sabbath’s Parashah opens with a solemn charge to the kohanim, beginning with a clear delineation of the boundaries of ritual purity and conduct. Mar-Yah commands Moshe to say to the priests. “Speak to the priests the sons of Aaron, and say to them, There shall none be defiled for the […]
Commentary on Parashat Achrei Mot–Kedoshim
We will consider Achrei Mot–Kedoshim, a double portion that encompasses the holy commands found in Vayiqra (Lev. 16:1–20:27), chapters 16 through 20. These passages form a foundational pillar of righteousness for the remnant, that we might walk in the path of separation from the defilements of the nations and in the light of the presence […]
Commentary on Parashat Tazria-Metzora
This week’s Torah portion is a double portion found in the book of Vayikra, chapters 12 through 15. This parashah is deeply concerned with the matters of ritual purity and impurity, which in Hebrew are termed taharah and tumah. These concepts are often misunderstood in modern thought, for they do not necessarily relate to sin […]