For Jews the world over, weekly sections of the Five Books of Torah coupled with a matching extract of Prophets are read in synagogues on Shabbat, a tradition that has roots in the oldest Jewish communities. Across the course of a year, beginning at Simchat Torah, this enables all Jews to hear and learn the whole Torah together, in manageable weekly pieces, one section at a time. Five Books helps you to hear the parashat in full every week, coupled with a thought-provoking meditation on one of its messages, known as a D’var Torah.
The twenty-sixth portion of Torah is a forward looking and remarkably insightful piece of text, a set of instructions that echoes modern best practice in terms of managing infectious diseases and securing the wellbeing of the community. In an era when medicine was non-existent, and most cultures...
Published 04/15/23
The Twenty-fifth porthion of Torah tells three separate, but probably related stories. Aaron and his sons are ordained as priests for the Tabernacle, and G-d appears to bring holiness to the occasion. Then, two of Aaron's sons, with good intention but bad execution, bring an offering of incence...
Published 04/07/23