A Torah scroll is written by a Sofer, or scribe. The scribe must follow a lot of rules that govern how a Torah is written, on what, with which ink, and with which tools. Torah scrolls must be meticulously copied and not written by memory to ensure that each is...
This week, with Parshat Vayikra, we begin the book of Leviticus. The first word of the book, and the one that also gives this Torah portion and indeed this entire book of the Torah its Hebrew name is, “Vayikra” – He (sorry for the gender pronoun) called. The use of...
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,...
Ah Leviticus. Here we go again. As a teacher of B'nei Mitzvah students, Leviticus is the bane of my existence. Although it may have interesting lessons to teach, it is very difficult for 12 year olds to relate to and understand. They may be able to grasp the concept...
“A perpetual fire shall be kept burning on the altar, not to go out.” These words appear at the beginning of Parashat Tzav (Lev 6:6), this week’s Torah portion. How do you keep a perpetual fire burning? You have to feed it constantly. If you neglect it, it will...