Sharon Safra: Parasita Tazria-Metzora From Isolation to Healing

Sharon Safra confronts the challenge of rituals for purification the seem so anachronistic in our contemporary society. She questions the requirement to ostracize members of a community when inclusion is so important in our tradition. She interprets the text by emphasizing the purpose of ritual purity to end isolation and establish wholeness. Her drash was written during the time of the pandemic, yet its relevance continues.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z/l: Tzav Why Civilisations Die

Rabbi Sacks writes of the complexity of societies who, after generations of incredible accomplishments, die off.  He evaluates  potential theories, including how the society responds to severe challenges, e.g., with religious sacrifices or changes in religious observance.  Unlike the Mayans, who resorted to extensive human sacrifices to appease deities, the Jews transitioned from a Temple with sacrifices to gemillut hasadim, or Torah Study.