Rabbi | Adath Israel

Shoftim – guarding our gates

“Shoftim,” means “Judges” – The portion begins with the commandment to appoint judges and police in every city. “Justice, justice shall you pursue” is the most famous half-sentence of our reading – justice needs to happen without...

Bamidbar – Being hefker, being free, being open

The name of the Parshah, “Bamidbar,” means “In the desert”. It opens with God commanding Moshe and Aaron to conduct a census of the twelve tribes of Israel. The tribe of Levi is counted separately becausethey serve in the Sanctuary as kohanim...

Acharei-Mot – being open

Acharei Mot-Kedoshim covers instructions for Yom Kippur, prohibitions against forbidden sexual relations, and a call to holiness through ethical and ritual laws, including “Love your neighbor as yourself”. The portions are combined this year. Together,...