The words “after the death” hang over this week’s portion. These words are not only the translation of the portion’s name, Acherei Mot, but also the heart of everything that happens inside of it. The words have particular resonance this week, as we…
“Being Gluten Free on Passover”
Three years ago when I was first diagnosed with Celiac disease my first response was, “well, at least Passover will be easier.” After all, I would now be faced with a lifetime of gluten restrictions; therefore the holiday dedicated to…
Torah Thoughts Passover Mah Nishtanah: Why Everything You Ever Learned About the Four Questions is Wrong and Why it Matters
The Mah Nishtanah, or Four Questions, is one of the most beloved traditions of our Passover seder night. Hearing our youngest participants recite these ancient words in Hebrew or in English is a wonderful thing. But, there is so much…
Torah Thoughts Metzorah (Leviticus 14:1-15:33) – “A Little Grain of Prophesy Can Go a Long Way”
![Torah Thoughts Metzorah (Leviticus 14:1-15:33) – “A Little Grain of Prophesy Can Go a Long Way” Torah Thoughts Metzorah (Leviticus 14:1-15:33) – “A Little Grain of Prophesy Can Go a Long Way”](https://shirshalombuffalo.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Rabbi-Alex-1.png)
When we think of the duties of the ancient Israelite High Priest, his once-a-year entrance into the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur seems to be by far the hardest. But, I beg to differ. The private walk to meet with…
Torah Thoughts Tazria (Leviticus 12:1-13:59) – “A Woman! Full Stop! End of Sentence!”
This week’s Torah portion, Tazria, begins with the sentence: “God spoke to Moses saying: speak to the Israelites: ‘Esha – a woman!” The verse continues in describing about what a woman should do after giving birth, but I choose to…
Torah Thoughts Shmini (Leviticus 9:1 -11:47) – “Seeing the World a Little Clearer”
Well, it has finally happened. I have reached the age of reading glasses. After a lifetime of 20/20 vision (something I thank God for), I find myself straining to read words on a page, particularly at night. Luckily, for me, a simple, over-the-counter,…
Torah Thoughts Tzav (Leviticus 6:1 – 8:36) – “Mitzvah Powers”
While the name of this week’s Torah portion – Tzav– might not be immediately recognizable, if you just added a Memto the front of it and a Heyto the end of it you would know exactly what it is about. Tzav, meaning commanded, is…
Torah Thoughts Leviticus (Leviticus 1:1 – 5:26) – “Arghhh! Leviticus!”
“Arghhh!” is the sound rabbis make when they realize we are starting the book of Leviticus. The Levites, God bless them, were dedicated to safeguarding the purity of the Jewish people. They did this through an endless series of sacrifices whose explanations…
Torah Thoughts Pekudei 5779 “The Sacred Work of Setting-Up Community”
During a recent visit to a local church, I noticed that the maintenance staff were listed as sextons in the service leaflet. Sexton, like Gabbai, or Beadle, is a title given out of respect for the individuals tasked with taking…
Torah Thoughts – Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1 – 38:20) 5779 “The Thrill of Being Together” – Plus a Bonus From Cantor Frank – Vi’hi Noam – Parashat Vayakhel
Believe it not, religion in the ancient world was a private endeavor. Communal gatherings were rare. Offerings to the Gods were done, for the most part, in private. On a trip to the Far East, I had the experience of what this might…