Adding Good Deeds to Ritual By Rabbi Rami Pavolotzky This week we read two parashot, Acharei Mot and Kedoshim. In the beginning of the first one we find the ritual of Yom Kippur. Indeed, it is the same reading we read on the morning of Yom Kippur. One of the first instructions for Aaron, the
“Who is the person who desires life, loving each day to see good? Then guard your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.” (Psalm 34: 13-14) B”H Rabbi Daniela Szuster In the two parashot of this week, Tazria and Metzora, are described the details of the disease of leprosy, Tzaraat, and stipulate how
Torah Thoughts on Parashat Shemini and Yom Hashoah 5781 By Rabbi Rami Pavolotzky Today, Thursday, Nissan 27th, April 8th, is the official Jewish commemoration of the Holocaust, known as Yom HaShoah V’Hagvurah, meaning Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day. The date was selected in a resolution passed by Israel’s Parliament, the Knesset, on April 12, 1951.
We Should Not Rejoice When a Human Being Falls B”H Rabbi Daniela Szuster The service of Hallel consists of six Psalms (113-118), which are recited as a unit on different Jewish festivals, immediately following the Shacharit Amidah. These occasions include the three major festivals, Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot, and the minor festival, Chanukah, and Rosh Chodesh. Besides this, it is
Torah Thoughts on Bedikat Chametz 5781 By Rabbi Rami Pavolotzky Traditionally, the formal search for chametz (leaven), bedikat chametz, is conducted on the night before Pesach. This year, since Pesach starts on Saturday night, we search for chametz on Thursday evening, the day you are probably reading these lines. That is why I would like
Drawing Closer to God and to our People: The Advantages we have in our Time compared with those of our Ancestors B”H Rabbi Daniela Szuster This week, we are starting to read the third book of the Torah, the book of Vayikra, Leviticus. In this week’s parashah, you can find the rules and procedures for