G-d instructs Moshe to tell the people about the importance of observing His statutes and laws: “Keep My decrees and laws that a person can do — and live with them. For I am … more

There are two Hallels, the paragraphs dedicated uniquely to praising G-d, in the book of Tehillim. One is Hallel Mitzrayim (the Egyptian Hallel), the other is Hallel HaGadol (the Great … more

When we encounter the parshas of Tazria and Metzora, our thoughts typically run to lashon hara (speech that brings people down), which is argued by the Talmud (Arakhin 15-16) to be the main impetus … more

I created a program several years ago called ParshaDrama, in which I go to a school and present the weekly Torah portion to different grades through a combination of storytelling and dramatics, … more

Shortly after the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, the Torah tells us that Moshe “announced to Aaron and ‘his surviving sons,’ telling them to take the remainder of the meal offering … more

Having given all the instructions for the kohanim, in chapter 8 we see Moshe being given precise instructions to set the stage for Inauguration Day. In one of the most immediate cause and effect … more

How does the opening of the book of Vayikra, which we begin this Shabbat, relate to us today? Our service is not the Service of the Temple, it does not include sacrificial lambs and goats and … more

The Torah tells us that Moshe was given an instruction that “On the day of the first month, on the first day, you shall erect the Communion Tent Tabernacle.” (40:2). This was fulfilled in … more

As the Torah progresses with the building of the mishkan (tabernacle), we find the instructions of chapters 25–31 coming to life, culminating with Moshe telling Bezalel, “Do your … more

Prior to describing each of the garments of the priests, the Torah tells us, “These are the vestments that they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a knitted tunic, a turban, … more