Leviticus Haikus

Vayikra

Dispatch guilt and sins
Send up scent and sacrifice
You are forgiven

Tzav

What pleases our God
Meticulous rituals
Priests as exemplars

Chol HaMo-eid Pesach

For those promises
Bring Deliver Redeem Take
Israel was freed

Sh'mini

Alien fire yields
consuming consequences
mourning in silence

Tazria/M'tzora

Examine a flaw
transition to a clean state
isolate and pray

Acharei Mot/K'doshim

Death then holiness
laws of love honor restraint
God's admonitions

Emor

Be it festival
Shabbat or moments between
make every day count

B'har B'chukotai

All things must release
servitude and property
are impermanent

About the Author

Helene Kohn

Helene Kohn (she/her) is a Haiku writer, concentrated on weekly Torah portions. Her work also includes Haiku for Jewish holidays and secular seasonal themes. A lifelong Chicagoan, her family has been affiliated with Temple Sholom of Chicago for more than three decades. Helene was honored and privileged to have served as president of the congregation. You may reach her at helenekohn@gmail.com.

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Experiencing Israel

A view of Jerusalem and the Western Wall

Building Deep Relationships with Israel: URJ Heller High and the People of Israel

March 16, 2023

Heller High aims to build deep, lasting relationships between North American Jewish teens and Israel, developing the next generation of Reform Jewish Zionists. The Heller High program gives students the opportunity to learn from and get to know different groups of Israelis.

Haikus on Leviticus

March 15, 2023

These Haikus focus on weekly Torah portions.

Jewish Values

an image of a father and two kids reading a book

The Importance of Storytelling

March 14, 2023

The Jewish people love to share stories, as memory is a central Jewish value. We cannot forget what has happened to us because we must share it with future generations. The past is one of our best learning tools.