“…in Bechukotai from Leviticus 26:3 and 26:14 we read simply that if God’s laws concerning the land are followed then there will be “rains in their season the earth shall yield its produce and the trees of the field their fruit,” but if they do not “you shall sow your seed to no purpose, for your enemies shall eat it.”
Rabbi Sacks also quotes Rashi, but he addresses the issue of Shabbat and its inclusion in the instructions for the Shalosh Regalim. Rashi explains that this is to emphasize the holiness of the festivals by comparing them to Shabbat.
Rabbi Ruditsky quotes Rashi, who stipulates that the Levitical text addressing methods of execution for specific crimes is not to advocate the execution, but to underscore the difference between the holy and the secular.
Rabbi Sacks also quotes Rashi, but he addresses the issue of Shabbat and its inclusion in the instructions for the Shalosh Regalim. Rashi explains that this is to emphasize the holiness of the festivals by comparing them to Shabbat.
Rabbi Ruditsky addresses multiple themes in this week’s parashat, starting with the concept of separation between the Holy and the secular.
Rabbi Ovadia addresses the key themes of the weekly parashah, which covers the importance of following God’s commandments.
Temple Israel announces their installation of Rabbi Minster on May 19-20.
Rabbi Ruditsky tackles the challenging problem of why some foods are not kosher, while others are, yet the distinction, as we understand the science of diet today, is not necessarily conducive to good physical health. He addresses it from a fascinating and unique perspective: entitlement; namely, humanity tends to feel a sense of entitlement to whatever they want, yet we are not entitled.
Announcement: Rabbi Rachel Axelrad has completed a Certificate in Aging and Palliative Care for Interfaith Clergy from Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva University.
Dayenu with Cantor Ali Schwartz and others: A little fun for your Passover table!