Aliya Summary: It is forbidden to follow the customs and practices of the nations amongst whom we find ourselves, and to be meticulous about eating only kosher foods. The Torah portion ends on the same note as it started -- an enjoinder that we be holy (different/special/above our surroundings).
Notice the dual role that every Jew must play. We are each individuals and we are part of a people. We are exhorted to keep the Torah as individuals, but we are also "advised" to be faithful to G-d so that tragedies will not happen to the People as a whole.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Daily Aliya for Kedoshim, Shishi (6th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: The Torah sets the punishments for individuals who curse their parents and those who engage in prohibited sexual relations.
Ponder a different perspective: Punishing those that perform these terrible crimes is a positive commandment, on par with more "normal" commandments of keeping Shabbat and helping those in need. Although justified and necessary, how difficult must it be to dole out such punishments? By extension, how great must the reward me for those that take on this gruesome responsibility?
Ponder a different perspective: Punishing those that perform these terrible crimes is a positive commandment, on par with more "normal" commandments of keeping Shabbat and helping those in need. Although justified and necessary, how difficult must it be to dole out such punishments? By extension, how great must the reward me for those that take on this gruesome responsibility?
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Daily Aliya for Kedoshim, Chamishi (5th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: The Torah prescribes capital punishment for one who worships Molech; a form of idolatry which required human sacrifices. The Torah also describes the punishment which will befall the nation if they neglect to punish Molech worshipers.
An interesting twist is presented here. If society doesn't have the moral compass to understand the gross immorality of human sacrifice, G-d will punish those that perform it, and those that don't punish the perpetrators. Although it's not an active sin (one that requires action), the acceptance it indicates is enough of an evil to warrant severe retribution.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Daily Aliya for Kedoshim, Revii (4th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: One must not take advantage of the newcomer to the Land (convert and/or stranger). The convert shall be treated with love; we must learn from our Egyptian experience.
It is forbidden to cheat with any false measures, and one must be honest in weights and measures. Clearly there is a reason why this commandment is stated both ways, underscoring the importance of being fair with those with whom we deal with (that statement applies to both converts and business dealings).
It is forbidden to cheat with any false measures, and one must be honest in weights and measures. Clearly there is a reason why this commandment is stated both ways, underscoring the importance of being fair with those with whom we deal with (that statement applies to both converts and business dealings).
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Daily Aliya for Kedoshim, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)
Aliya Summary: We are introduced to the laws of "orlah," the prohibition against eating the fruit of a new sapling for the first three years, and the obligation to sanctify the fruit of the fourth year. We are enjoined not to engage in witchcraft or prostitution, or tattoo our bodies. Men are instructed not to destroy the hair at the edges of their scalp or the corners of their beards. We are commanded to observe the Shabbat; respect G‑d's sanctuary, Torah scholars and the elderly.
The Talmud tells of a Rabbi who told his collegue that when he sees men sitting by the roadside, he circumvents them so as not to burden them with standing for him as he passes by. His friend told him that he was not acting wisely, because the Torah attached Reverence for G-d to the commandment of standing for the elderly and the Torah Scholar, and that he shouldn't "spare them" from this opportunity.
The Talmud tells of a Rabbi who told his collegue that when he sees men sitting by the roadside, he circumvents them so as not to burden them with standing for him as he passes by. His friend told him that he was not acting wisely, because the Torah attached Reverence for G-d to the commandment of standing for the elderly and the Torah Scholar, and that he shouldn't "spare them" from this opportunity.
Daily Aliya for Kedoshim, Sheni (2nd Aliya)
Aliya Summary: More mitzvot: Not to pervert justice, gossip, be indifferent to a fellow's predicament, hate a fellow Jew, bear grudges, or take revenge. To reprimand a sinner, and to love every Jew. The following statutes are also given here: not to sow a field with two kinds of seed, wear a garment made of a mixture of wool and linen (shatnez), or crossbreed animals. The Aliya concludes with the laws of one who commits adultery with a half-free maidservant.
R. Chananya b. Akashya says: G-d wanted to merit the Jews, therefore he "heaped" upon us Torah and Mitzvot - these commandments aren't burdens, but opportunities to strengthen one's relationship with G-d, knowing what it is that G-d prefers we do/don't do.
R. Chananya b. Akashya says: G-d wanted to merit the Jews, therefore he "heaped" upon us Torah and Mitzvot - these commandments aren't burdens, but opportunities to strengthen one's relationship with G-d, knowing what it is that G-d prefers we do/don't do.
Daily Aliya for Kedoshim, Rishon (1st Aliya)
General Overview: Dozens of commandments are discussed in this week's Parsha, Kedoshim. Among them: various mandatory gifts for the poor, love for every Jew, prohibition against sorcery, honesty in business dealings, and sexual morality.
Aliya Summary: G‑d commands the Jewish people to be holy (a deep term). This section then briefly discuses several laws: revering parents; observing the Shabbat; prohibitions against idolatry; the obligation to burn "leftover" sacrificial flesh; the obligation to leave certain parts of one's harvest for the poor; not to lie, cheat, withhold wages, swear falsely, curse or mislead another.
Aliya Summary: G‑d commands the Jewish people to be holy (a deep term). This section then briefly discuses several laws: revering parents; observing the Shabbat; prohibitions against idolatry; the obligation to burn "leftover" sacrificial flesh; the obligation to leave certain parts of one's harvest for the poor; not to lie, cheat, withhold wages, swear falsely, curse or mislead another.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Daily Aliya for Acharei Mot, Shvii (7th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: The prohibitions against homosexuality and bestiality are mentioned. The Jews are then warned that engaging in these forbidden relationships will result in their expulsion from the Land of Israel -- a holy land which cannot tolerate immoral behavior.
The prohibition against homosexuality is specifically against the sexual act, NOT against being attracted to the same gender, a common misconception.
The prohibition against homosexuality is specifically against the sexual act, NOT against being attracted to the same gender, a common misconception.
Daily Aliya for Acharei Mot, Shishi (6th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: Continuing on the above theme, the Torah provides a list of prohibited sexual relationships. The list includes adultery, cohabiting with a menstruating woman, and forbidden close relatives.
Not much to write about in this Aliya, except to note the different terminology used for staying away from a menstruating woman. There it says that one should "not come close" to her, which is the source for the prohibition of even touching a woman in that state, a step beyond the other prohibitions of having relations.
Not much to write about in this Aliya, except to note the different terminology used for staying away from a menstruating woman. There it says that one should "not come close" to her, which is the source for the prohibition of even touching a woman in that state, a step beyond the other prohibitions of having relations.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Daily Aliya for Acharei Mot, Chamishi (5th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: We are enjoined not to consume blood. When slaughtering fowl or undomesticated animals, we are commanded to cover their blood with earth. The Jews are admonished not to follow the depraved ways of the Egyptians and Canaanites.
This Aliya contained the expression that we should follow G-d's statutes and ordinances and "live by them". While the standard definition is that these are laws to live by, it could also mean that the laws are alive as well, meaning that they are organic and meant to adjust to our times and situations. While some interpret this to mean that some laws are less relevant and therefore don't need to be followed, the truth is that the laws still exist as a baseline of observance and must always remain, but a "branch" might have grown from it (a perfect example is electricity, which didn't exist back then, but is a "live" extension of the prohibition of starting a fire on Shabbat).
This Aliya contained the expression that we should follow G-d's statutes and ordinances and "live by them". While the standard definition is that these are laws to live by, it could also mean that the laws are alive as well, meaning that they are organic and meant to adjust to our times and situations. While some interpret this to mean that some laws are less relevant and therefore don't need to be followed, the truth is that the laws still exist as a baseline of observance and must always remain, but a "branch" might have grown from it (a perfect example is electricity, which didn't exist back then, but is a "live" extension of the prohibition of starting a fire on Shabbat).
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Daily Aliya for Acharei Mot, Revii (4th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: The Jews are forbidden to offer sacrifices anywhere other than the Tabernacle or Temple.
A korban (sacrifice) slaughtered outside is invalid and must be burned, "personal" meat inside is likewise forbidden. Both are wasteful, hence sinful, acts which can be construed as a form of "bloodshed".
A korban (sacrifice) slaughtered outside is invalid and must be burned, "personal" meat inside is likewise forbidden. Both are wasteful, hence sinful, acts which can be construed as a form of "bloodshed".
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Daily Aliya for Acharei Mot, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)
Aliya Summary: After concluding the order of the Yom Kippur service in the Temple, the Torah instructs us to observe Yom Kippur as a Day of Atonement when we must abstain from work and "afflict" ourselves.
The Rambam says that there is "communal forgiveness"for "minor" offenses, but major sins require that the individual do their own Teshuva (repentance) . Even when there is "communal forgiveness", an individual still has to be part of the community in order to benefit from it. One who distances themselves from the community does not receive the benefits of communal prayer, repentance, and atonement.
The Rambam says that there is "communal forgiveness"for "minor" offenses, but major sins require that the individual do their own Teshuva (repentance) . Even when there is "communal forgiveness", an individual still has to be part of the community in order to benefit from it. One who distances themselves from the community does not receive the benefits of communal prayer, repentance, and atonement.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Daily Aliya for Acharei Mot, Sheni (2nd Aliya)
Aliya Summary: This Aliya continues the description of the special Yom Kippur service. The procedure of the "scapegoat" ceremony is described in this Aliya.
A korban slaughtered outside is invalid and must be burned, "personal" meat inside is likewise forbidden. Both are wasteful, hence sinful, acts which can be construed as a form of "bloodshed".
A korban slaughtered outside is invalid and must be burned, "personal" meat inside is likewise forbidden. Both are wasteful, hence sinful, acts which can be construed as a form of "bloodshed".
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Daily Aliya for Acharei Mot, Rishon (1st Aliya)
General Overview: This week's Parsha, Acharei Mot, begins with a detailed description of the service of the High Priest on Yom Kippur. The Torah then discusses prohibitions against offering sacrifices outside the Temple, consuming blood, and incestuous, adulterous, or other forbidden relationships.
Aliya Summary: The High Priest is instructed to only enter the Holy of Holies chamber of the sanctuary once a year, on Yom Kippur; and even on this holiest day of the year, the entry into the Temple's inner sanctum must be accompanied by a special service and specific offerings which are detailed in this reading. The High Priest was only permitted to enter amidst a cloud of burning incense. Also, special white garments were worn by the High Priest on this day. While offering the day's sacrifices, the High Priest would "confess" on behalf of the entire nation, attaining atonement for the past year's sins.
Aliya Summary: The High Priest is instructed to only enter the Holy of Holies chamber of the sanctuary once a year, on Yom Kippur; and even on this holiest day of the year, the entry into the Temple's inner sanctum must be accompanied by a special service and specific offerings which are detailed in this reading. The High Priest was only permitted to enter amidst a cloud of burning incense. Also, special white garments were worn by the High Priest on this day. While offering the day's sacrifices, the High Priest would "confess" on behalf of the entire nation, attaining atonement for the past year's sins.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Daily Aliya for Metzora, Shvii (7th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: Under certain circumstances a menstruating woman was required to bring to the Temple two bird offerings in order to attain purity. These sacrifices are described in this Aliya.
Commentaries note that the laws pertaining to human beings follow the laws pertaining to animals (chronologically, in the Torah). This corresponds to the sequence of creation - animals were created before humans. If a person behaves in an improper manner, they are lower than an animal, and are reminded that "the mosquito preceded him". If however, we behave properly, keep the Torah and mitzvot, rise to the challenge of being holy, then we are worthy of having been created in the image of G-d.
Commentaries note that the laws pertaining to human beings follow the laws pertaining to animals (chronologically, in the Torah). This corresponds to the sequence of creation - animals were created before humans. If a person behaves in an improper manner, they are lower than an animal, and are reminded that "the mosquito preceded him". If however, we behave properly, keep the Torah and mitzvot, rise to the challenge of being holy, then we are worthy of having been created in the image of G-d.
Daily Aliya for Metzora, Shishi (6th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: This Aliya discusses the ritual impurity contracted by a man who issues a (normal) seminal discharge, the ritual impurity of a menstruating woman, and of a man who cohabits with her. All such people must immerse in a mikvah (ritual pool) in order to be purified.
Sitting on the same bed or chair as an impure woman renders you impure as well, a unique law designed to separate married people for part of a normal monthly cycle. While there might be some psychological advantages to this law (abstinence makes the heart grow fonder?), it's also important to keep the original text in mind. Otherwise one might theorize that because we are already so connected and close these laws shouldn't apply to us, which would be a faulty argument. It's a law, fringe benefits aside.
Sitting on the same bed or chair as an impure woman renders you impure as well, a unique law designed to separate married people for part of a normal monthly cycle. While there might be some psychological advantages to this law (abstinence makes the heart grow fonder?), it's also important to keep the original text in mind. Otherwise one might theorize that because we are already so connected and close these laws shouldn't apply to us, which would be a faulty argument. It's a law, fringe benefits aside.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Daily Aliya for Metzora, Chamishi (5th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: After concluding the subject of tzara'at, the Torah discusses the ritual impurity of a man who issues a sickly and unnatural seminal discharge, as well as the method by which this person attains purity when the condition passes.
Rashi points out that the discharge contaminates only if it's on a portion of the body, but if the entire body is discharging, the person is still pure. Logic would dictate otherwise, unless you view it as an indicator of specific internal issues that need to be addressed, and having an entire body secrete anything is not operable or helpful. You can't tell someone "everything is wrong with you" and expect them to be able to do anything about it. Being "impure" means that the person needs to fix something about their character traits, and that just isn't possible with a full-body discharge (a separate question would be why a full-body discharge would ever happen, if it's inoperable).
Rashi points out that the discharge contaminates only if it's on a portion of the body, but if the entire body is discharging, the person is still pure. Logic would dictate otherwise, unless you view it as an indicator of specific internal issues that need to be addressed, and having an entire body secrete anything is not operable or helpful. You can't tell someone "everything is wrong with you" and expect them to be able to do anything about it. Being "impure" means that the person needs to fix something about their character traits, and that just isn't possible with a full-body discharge (a separate question would be why a full-body discharge would ever happen, if it's inoperable).
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Daily Aliya for Metzora, Revii (4th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: Homes, too, can be afflicted with tzara'at. If bricks on a home become discolored -- acquiring a strong red or green pigment -- a priest is summoned. If indeed the discoloration seems to be tzara'at, the priest quarantines the home for up to three weeks. Depending on the spread of the discoloration, the home is either declared to be pure, or the specific bricks are removed from the house, or, in the most extreme situations, the house is demolished. The Torah then describes the purification process for such a home -- which is very similar to the initial stage of the purification of the human afflicted with tzara'at (described in the First Aliya).
Although we do not "practice" this whole topic today, the lessons of the bridge and connection between the physical world and the spiritual one still applies. A person whose home is a place for Torah, a launching pad for acts of charity and kindness, a training ground for a new generation of sensitive, enthusiastic Jews, such a home cannot be infected by spiritual plagues.
Although we do not "practice" this whole topic today, the lessons of the bridge and connection between the physical world and the spiritual one still applies. A person whose home is a place for Torah, a launching pad for acts of charity and kindness, a training ground for a new generation of sensitive, enthusiastic Jews, such a home cannot be infected by spiritual plagues.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Daily Aliya for Metzora, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)
Aliya Summary: If the individual suffering from tzara'at cannot afford the above sacrifices, two birds can be substituted for two of the animals. This Aliya describes the slightly different purification process reserved for the impoverished person.
The significance of placing the blood on the big toe and thumb of the person might be because if the person did anything wrong, the thumb was likely instrumental in anything their hands did, and the big toe was instrumental in anywhere the person went. The blood would then remind the person to use the body we were given to do good things, not otherwise.
The significance of placing the blood on the big toe and thumb of the person might be because if the person did anything wrong, the thumb was likely instrumental in anything their hands did, and the big toe was instrumental in anywhere the person went. The blood would then remind the person to use the body we were given to do good things, not otherwise.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Daily Aliya for Metzora, Sheni (2nd Aliya)
Aliya Summary: The priest processes the offerings in the manner prescribed in this Aliya. With this the purification process is completed.
The Metzora is isolated from others during the time they are ritually unclean. That gives them time to examine themselves, their deeds and thoughts. But as part of the process of purification, as part of the process of having a second chance in the world, a kohen ( for guidance?) who becomes the first contact in the renewal procedure.
The Metzora is isolated from others during the time they are ritually unclean. That gives them time to examine themselves, their deeds and thoughts. But as part of the process of purification, as part of the process of having a second chance in the world, a kohen ( for guidance?) who becomes the first contact in the renewal procedure.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Daily Aliya for Metzora, Rishon (1st Aliya)
General Overview: This week's reading, Metzora, discusses the purification process for one who contracts "tzara'at" (skin maladies which are contracted as a result of engaging in forbidden gossip), and the symptoms and laws of "house tzara'at," indicated by certain brick discolorations. Following is a discussion of various ritual impurities, including the laws of the menstruating woman.
Aliya Summary: The Torah reading begins with a description of the purification procedure for a person who contracted tzara'at. After the priest determines that the tzara'at has been healed, a ceremony involving two birds, a cedar plank, a scarlet thread and water from a live stream, is used for the initial stage of the purification. The individual also shaves their entire body. After a seven day wait, the person shaves again, and brings three animals and an oil offering to the Temple.
Aliya Summary: The Torah reading begins with a description of the purification procedure for a person who contracted tzara'at. After the priest determines that the tzara'at has been healed, a ceremony involving two birds, a cedar plank, a scarlet thread and water from a live stream, is used for the initial stage of the purification. The individual also shaves their entire body. After a seven day wait, the person shaves again, and brings three animals and an oil offering to the Temple.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Daily Aliya for Tazria, Shvii (7th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: The topic of "afflictions of garments" is continued in this Aliya.
The fact that there was such a thing as an affliction of a garment tells us something. We are dealing with different ways that G-d communicates his "displeasure" with us, as individuals. Today, we might say, His communication is more subtle - but we must see it, and react appropriately.
The fact that there was such a thing as an affliction of a garment tells us something. We are dealing with different ways that G-d communicates his "displeasure" with us, as individuals. Today, we might say, His communication is more subtle - but we must see it, and react appropriately.
Daily Aliya for Tazria, Shishi (6th Aliya)
Aliya Summary: This Aliya discusses tzara'at which appears on a bald spot, as well a white discoloration streaked with red, which can appear anywhere on the body. Also discussed is the procedure followed by an individual who is afflicted with tzara'at, the main requirement being that they must remain outside the city until their condition clears up. The Torah then discusses "clothing tzara'at," a green or red discoloration which can affect certain types of materials. The garment is shown to a priest who quarantines it for up to two weeks.
A person who has Tzora'at, tears their clothes, lets their hair hang loose, and must announce in public that they are impure (possibly some sort of public repentence). The proper conduct of the Metzora is a mitzvah (positive commandment).
A person who has Tzora'at, tears their clothes, lets their hair hang loose, and must announce in public that they are impure (possibly some sort of public repentence). The proper conduct of the Metzora is a mitzvah (positive commandment).
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