Torah Thoughts on Parashat Bechukotai 5782 By Rabbi Rami Pavolotzky This week we read parashat Bechukotai, the last section of the Book of Leviticus. It contains a famous and long paragraph, known in Hebrew as the tochecha, literally admonition or reproof. This paragraph highlights the negative consequence of a failure by the people of Israel
The Connection between Mount Sinai and the Land of Israel B”H Rabbi Daniela Szuster The event at Mount Sinai is well behind us. After that event, the Torah told us about the building of the tabernacle and its dedication, and several laws were introduced in detail. Now, quite unexpectedly, the Torah brings us back to
Torah Thoughts on Parashat Emor 5782 By Rabbi Rami Pavolotzky We find the following verse in our parasha, “You shall not profane My holy name, and I shall be sanctified in the midst of the children Israel—I Adonai who sanctify you” (Leviticus 22:32). Regarding this concept of God being “sanctified in the midst of the
Transforming Hate into Love B”H Rabbi Daniela Szuster This week’s parashah, parashat K’doshim, deals with many rules related to ethical and good relationships with our fellows. This is one of the precepts: “You shall not hate your kinsfolk in your heart. Reprove your kinsman but incur no guilt because of him. You shall not take
On the Modern Jewish Holidays B”H By Rabbi Rami Pavolotzky This Shabbat we read from the Torah Parashat Acharei Mot. We are told about the ritual that took place in the Tabernacle during the most sacred day of the year, Yom Kippur. This festival is one of many that are listed in the Torah, together
The Steps of the Seder as Accomplishments for our Lives B”H Rabbi Daniela Szuster Some days or even weeks before Pesach we are very excited about getting ready for the Sedarim. We need to think about guests, meals, the cleaning, the shopping, the cooking, etc. In contrast to other Jewish festivals, we are very busy
