Torah Portion

When the Torah counts the people by tribes and families, it teaches the art of integration: Each individual is counted on his or her own, yet as part of a larger structure.

Shmita teaches that true blessing is found not in abundance, but in satisfaction, faith, and learning to focus on what truly matters.

This portion is read during the days of the Counting of the Omer, when Judaism emphasizes mutual respect and love between people as preparation for receiving the Torah on the festival of Shavuot.

The covenant endures. The people have returned. And, as the Malbim teaches, we shall never again be cast out.

The days between Pesach and Shavuot invite reflection, as Rabbi Akiva teaches that loving others is central to receiving the Torah.

Shabbat Rosh Hodesh is an invitation to renew not only the month but also ourselves.

These parashot deal at length with a unique phenomenon described in the Torah – tzara’at, which are marks or changes that appear on the walls of a house, on clothing, or on the body.

The Hebrew word timtum means “blockage” or “dullness.” Forbidden foods can lead to this blockage – to emotional numbness and a diminished ability to perceive spiritual depth.

Shabbat Hagadol is a time of inner preparation for the Festival of Freedom. On this Shabbat, we begin to think and act from a broader perspective.

Vayikra’s message of purity, repentance, and unity teaches that even without sacrifices, we can draw closer to God and to one another.