by Cantor Sally L. Neff | Apr 20, 2018 | D'var Torah, Leviticus
The double portions of Tazria and Metzora continue the Torah’s discussion of ritual impurities. Tzara’at, often translated as leprosy, is a plague that can afflict people’s skin, their clothing, or even their homes. If someone suspects tzara’at, a priest is summoned,...
by Cantor Sally L. Neff | Feb 24, 2018 | D'var Torah, Exodus
I delivered this sermon for Parshat T’tzaveh on Friday evening, February 23, 2018. We read in this week’s Torah portion, Parshat T’tzaveh, “And you shall command the children of Israel, that they bring unto you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to...
by Cantor Sally L. Neff | Feb 24, 2017 | D'var Torah, Exodus
This week’s Torah portion is Mishpatim. Mishpatim means judgements and the parshah contains a collection of rules covering virtually every aspect of human life. Many of the laws have to do with behavior and moral values. The Torah reminds us that we are obligated...
by Cantor Sally L. Neff | Jan 13, 2017 | D'var Torah, Genesis
With parshat Vay’chi, we reach the final parsha of the book of Genesis. An ailing Jacob prepares to offer a final blessing to his children. He tells Joseph that Joseph’s own sons, Ephraim and Menasseh “shall be mine no less than Reuben and Simeon,” and Jacob...
by Cantor Sally L. Neff | Mar 25, 2015 | Judaism
My son is 2 years and 4 months old. Last week, we played hide and seek at my mother’s house. “You hide, and I’ll count to 10,” I said. I counted and he went and hid. It was very clear where he was hiding. I could see him...