Behar/Be-hukkotai (Lev 25:1-27:34)

Another Chance

            The final reading in Va-yikra (Leviticus) for this cycle is a combination of parashat Behar and Behukkotai. The subject from them that I’d like to touch on is debt forgiveness. For the purposes of this blog, forgiveness in general. The book of Va-yikra extensively covers commandments and how one is cleansed if the rules are broken. In the days of the Temple, sacrifices were brought to Hashem. Our ancestors renewed themselves in the mikveh. Today we observe the Day of Atonement and other means to be on a clean slate. Hashem welcomes us back with open arms again and again and never turns away. Let’s have the same spirit with our fellow man.

'Emor (Lev. 21:1-24:23)

A Moment like This

            Parasha ‘Emor opens with rules in regards to degradation. It also includes rules for sacrifices and donations. What gave me pause in this week’s parasha was the section about when we take a pause in our lives. That is, the sacred occasions, or yom tov. It begins with the holiday built in to every week, the Sabbath. Shabbat allows us to step back from the hustle and bustle of every day life to worship and enjoy time with our families. The High Holy Days (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) are also mentioned; the joy of the New Year and the solemn Day of Atonement. Sukkot and Shavuot are described as well as the third of the festivals, Pesach, which was recently observed.

            The choice of language for our holidays, “observing” rather than “celebrating” denotes the reverence we hold for them. These special days allow us the honor of refocusing to Hashem. “Thank G-d it’s Friday” has so much more meaning than some people think. “More than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews”-Ahad Ha’am

'Aharei Mot/Kedoshim (Lev 16:1-20:27)

Wise Choices

            This week’s Torah portion is another combination of parashat, ‘Aharei Mot and Kedoshim. ‘Aharei Mot opens with Aaron purging and cleaning himself, his homestead, and the Tabernacle after the death of his two sons. It ends with commandments on sexuality. Kedoshim expands on laws given in the Ten Commandments, focusing on interpersonal relationships. Rules about stealing, lying, and hurting others in general hone in on how we treat others.

            I want you to consider this. What are the words for true and false in Hebrew? Emet (אמת) and Sheker (שקר), respectively. Emet is made up of three letters (Aleph, Mem, and Tav), which come from the beginning, middle, and end of the Alef-bet. Hashem is also known as the beginning, middle, and end. He was, is, and will always be. Sheker is also made up of three letters (Shin, Kush, and Resh). However, these letters are all from around the end of the Alef-bet. If you think of the letters on a linear plane, Emet is spread and balanced, while Sheker is unequal and misbalanced. Therefore, being truthful and kind in your dealings can only lead to good relationships and success, while lies and unfairness can only crumble.

            

Tazria'/Metsora' (Lev. 12:1-15:33)

Bathed in Tradition

            This week’s Torah portion combines parashat Tazria’ and Metsora’. Tazria deals with female uncleanness by way of childbirth. It also deals with skin conditions, such as rashes, swelling, and leprosy. Metsora’ opens with the cleansing procedure for a leper. It also includes how to deal with male and female discharges. Of all the cleaning procedures mentioned in the reading, only immersion in water remains as there is no Temple to bring sacrifices to. When one visits a mikveh, it is a privilege. Along with our other mitzvot and commandments, it is another experience that is shared with our ancestors.