Leviticus25:1-26:2 (In the Mountain) Behar extends the meaning of Shabbat by legislating the Shemitah, a resting year for the land every seventh year. The land is to lie fallow, released from cultivation. After seven times seven years, a Jubilee Year is proclaimed in the fiftieth year. At the time of the Jubilee, slaves are freed … Continue reading Behar →

Exodus27:20-30:10 (You Shall Command) Tetzaveh describes the inside of the Mishkan, the implements. and clothing of the Priests. Then, finally, it describes the ceremony of Priestly consecration. Click to see Exodus 27:20-30:10 in Hebrew with the English JPS (1985) translation. THE BLESSING WHEN I WAS A CHILD ATTENDING SYNAGOGUE I was fascinated by the ner … Continue reading Tetzaveh →

Exodus25:1-27:19 (Offering) The people are given instruction concerning the building of the Mishkan, the movable sanctuary that they are to carry throughout the wilderness journey. Click to see Exodus 25:1 – 27:19 in Hebrew with the English JPS (1985) translation. THE BLESSING OUR JOURNEY TAKES US AT LAST TO THE THRESHOLD of a great mystery. … Continue reading Terumah →

Exodus10:1 – 13:16 (Come On In!) The story of the Exodus from Egypt continues. Click to see Exodus 10:1 – 13:16 in Hebrew with the English JPS (1985) translation. THE BLESSING THE BLESSING OF BO IS OUR FREEDOM. We finally take that first step out of the narrow spaces of Mitzrayim and become conscious journeyers … Continue reading Bo →

I HAVE DISCOVERED A WAY OF RECEIVING TORAH that transforms each line, each word, each letter into a blessing that infuses every moment of my life. This blessing is so alive within me that it calls out to be shared. A young boy reluctantly studying for his Bar Mitzvah once complained to me. “Why do we have to … Continue reading Torah as Blessing →