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Treating the M’tzora in Each Generation
Treating a person with a disease is the subject of this week's Torah portion. In Parashat M'tzora, we read about the ancient priests who served as diagnosticians for a skin disease known as tzara'at. The priests served as biblical dermatologists, assessing the skin condition and rendering a diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Birds of a Feather (Don’t Always) Flock Together: Sacred Ornithology and Efforts for Peace
The fishing guides on Florida’s Anna Maria Island had affectionately named him Jerry. Jerry was a Great White Egret who stood over three feet tall and perched on a worn wooden beam in close proximity to the shore. The anglers would share bits of unused fishing bait with Jerry, who would quickly consume the scraps between the sharp snap of his golden yellow beak.
When a Hallway is Sacred: Priests and Purity
An article in the New York Times describes a moving ritual by hospital staff to honor a deceased person who intends to be an organ donor. This ritual stuck in my mind. I was struck by the way in which the hospital staff had created a ritual, complete with special choreography and the involvement of the entire community, to honor this poignant moment.
When Sacrifice Tastes Like Chicken
The second chapter of Parashat Vayikra, begins "V'nefesh ki takriv korban mincha …" When a person [or soul] presents an offering of meal to the Eternal, the offering shall be of choice flour; oil shall be poured on it, frankincense laid on it." (Lev. 2:1) While the Hebrew word nefesh is understood in this context to mean a person, it also can mean "soul."
Sacred Nephrology in Parashat Tzav and The Power of Two
Our Torah portion, though in a very different context, mentions pairs of kidneys as well. This week we have arrived at Parashat Tzav, meaning "command," which is part of a series of parshiyot in Leviticus outlining the laws and procedures for different sacrifices. Tzav describes (among other sacrifices) a "guilt offering," which is made as reparation for a transgression. The guilt offering divides the offering into parts that are completely burned and "turned to smoke on the altar," and the rest is meant to feed the priests. (Lev 7:6) The parts "turned to smoke" and sacrificed to God included the kidneys.
Wholly Jewish: Anjelica: Dia de los Muertos Meets Yom Kippur
In this episode: What happens when Dia de los Muertos meets Yom Kippur and Golems meet Zombies? Anjelica Ruiz, this week’s featured guest, shares some of her most memorable, educational, heart-breaking and heart-warming moments.
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A Little Bit of This, a Little Bit of That, But Always 100% Me
What do we all have in common?
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Stories We Tell: Elijah's Gift
What would you do if a stranger offered you all the money in the world? What would you do if you were offered your heart's desire? Would you share your gift, or keep it for yourself? One man and his wife are given the ultimate choice to make when a stranger makes them this exact offer. Listen to this story as told by Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro to find out what happens.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah – Mishpatim: When Judaism Calls Us to Speak Out Courageously
Parashat Mishpatim presents a full catalog of laws, rituals, observance, and obligations that guide us in living a Jewish life of moral depth and courage. But, Rabbi Rick Jacobs asks, how do we, as liberal Jews regard these laws – which of them are we obligated to observe, and how?
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - T’tzaveh: What to Wear
Parashat T’tzaveh goes into detail about the ritual garments and dress of the ancient high priests. In almost every religious community, the leaders wear distinctive garments that make their roles clear in their respective communities.
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