Messages from May 2023

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha: Bamidbar/Shavuos 5781-2021

May 19, 2023
Leviticus
Bamidbar

You Count! When the cycle for the weekly Torah readings was established centuries ago, this week’s Parsha was designated specifically to precede the holiday of Shavuot, the festival commemorating the giving of the Torah. What is the connection between the two? It begins with G-d’s charge to Moses to conduct a census of the Jewish people. The […]

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha: Behar/Bechukotai (Leviticus 25-27)

May 12, 2023
Leviticus
Bechukotai, Behar

Dry Bread in Peace vs. Abundance in Pieces A blessing was bestowed on the Jewish people when they entered the Land of Israel. After mentioning how eaue to the generosity of the Land and how the people would eat in satiety, it concludes: And I will place peace in the land… (Leviticus 26:6) Four verses later there’s another […]

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha: Emor (Leviticus 21-24)

May 5, 2023
Leviticus
Emor

The Thoughtful Observer A Jew who is Shomer Shabbos (Sabbath observant), adheres to the kosher laws, and keeps other mitzvot in the Torah is referred to as an observant Jew. I’m not sure where exactly the term “observant” came from with reference to Jews, but a verse in this week’s Torah portion suggests an answer. You shall observe […]