Posted by in Uncategorized Parshat Tzav Leviticus 6:1 -8:36 Religion is meant to be mysterious. It talks about things you can’t see- like God. Religion tries to in its best case scenario link people through emotional and communal bonds. Religion lifts up ideals of ethics and morality. Religion tries to bind a group through ritual and to help us…Read more »
Posted by in Uncategorized Parshat Vayikra Leviticus 1:1 – 5:26 Vayikra means “God called out.” (Lev. 1:1). With this new book of the Bible, Leviticus, God calls out to Moses. Exodus ends with the building of the Tabernacle. It has exquisite detail of the design and the construction of the Tabernacle, God’s earthly home. Now God wants to draw…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Emor Leviticus 21:1-24:23 The Torah portion for the week is Emor. This Torah portion continues instruction to the priesthood that is the theme of most of Leviticus. The priesthood is holy to God. In fact, Aaron wears a crown with those very words engraved upon them. The priesthood had special obligations to maintain their…Read more »
Posted by in glbt, Torah Commentary Parshat Kedoshim Leviticus 19:1 -20:27 This week’s Torah portion Kedoshim contains the second explicit verse that is often pointed out condemns gay male sex. Leviticus 20:13 prescribes the death penalty. Of course this entire section of Leviticus has a whole series of punishments for sexual transgressions and idolatry all of which are punishable by death…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Achrei Mot Leviticus 16:1-18:30 Each year when we come to this week’s Torah portion, Achrei Mot I think about the violence that has been done to gay people reading from Chapter 18, verse 22. “Do not lie with a male as one lies with a woman; it is a toevah.” This verse has been…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Vayikra Leviticus 1:1-6:5 The third book of the Bible begins this week just as we begin the new month of Adar Bet. Leviticus is also known as Torat Cohanim- the Torah of the Priests or the Instructions for the Priests. Throughout this book of the Bible the details of priestly holy work are described. …Read more »
Walking Humbly. Seeking Justice. Living with Hope. 