On this Shabbat we begin the Book VaYikra (in English, “Leviticus”, because the book is really an instruction manual for the Levites and Kohanim, priests). This book records for us the ancient ritual of sacrifices as they were offered to our G-d (other sacrifices offered in specifically different ways were offered to other gods). What are we, two thousand yearsContinue reading “The Meaning of Sacrifice”
Tag Archives: parashat hashavua
Va’Era: parashat hashavua commentary
This week’s parashat hashavua, Va’Era, derives its name from a curious assertion on the part of none other than God about the names by which we know God: I am יהוה – I appeared to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob by the name El Shaddai, but my name יהוה they did not come to know. (Ex.6.2-3). What’s a bit strange about this is thatContinue reading “Va’Era: parashat hashavua commentary”
Torah for the 21st Century by Rabbi Ariel Stone 