Torah
Tazria-Metzora (Leviticus 12:1-15:33) This is such a challenging and strange portion. Most women recoil at the idea of being “impure” because they gave birth. The entire passage deals with what is and isn’t “tamei” and how to deal with a variety of afflictions called “tzaraat.” One of the first things I always think of when [...]
In reading Yitro (Ex 18:1-20:23) this week several things struck me. I did a bit of a double-take with Tzipporah’s reappearance. What happened to here? Where did she go? We last saw her in Ex 4:25, which is the infamous “bridegroom of blood” passage where she circumcises her son. As far as I can tell, [...]
There are four tradtional “special” Shabbats during the year: Shabbat Shekalim, Shabbat Zachor, Shabbat Parah, and Shabbat haChodesh. All of these occur during or near the month of Adar. There is another special Shabbat that the women of Kohenet have identified and are figuring out ways to honor: Shabbat Tzovot. The traditional special Shabbats are [...]
