A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week we read the Parsha, Shemini, which literally means “Eighth.” There are some laws of kosher animals and various laws surrounding purity, but I’m going to focus on the name of the Parsha. The Eighth refers to the day on which, after the seven days of inauguration, Aaron, the high priest of… Read More

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY Sometimes things feel a little monotonous. Like, weeks go by and nothing especially exciting is happening and we feel the inherent need to shake things up. This week’s Parsha is named Tzav, literally “Command.” It discusses much of the regular sacrifices that the Kohanim—Aaron and his priestly dynasty—would be bringing in the Tabernacle… Read More

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY I’m going to deviate a bit from this week’s Parsha (Vayikra) to talk about Purim. Especially since the Fast of Esther was yesterday and we’re all in the Purim spirit. To give a quick refresher on the story: Achashverosh was the King of Persia who had his wife killed and replaced her with… Read More

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY I’ve got nothing. So this week I’m in a bit of a conundrum. There is lots going on from a Jewish perspective (we conclude the Book of Exodus, we are about a week away from Purim) and the Parsha – Pekudei – is pretty repetitious. A few weeks ago, Moses is commanded by… Read More

A WEEKLY TORAH THOUGHT FROM RABBI MORDY This week’s Parsha, Vayakhel, contains the actual production of the Tabernacle. Yes, several weeks ago (Teruma) contained the exact instructions of how it should be done and this week contains the exact details of the Jewish people, directed by Moses, fulfilling those instructions. Why? The Torah does not include anything extra and can… Read More