Dvar Torah

In this week's parsha - Beha'alotcha, Aaron is commanded to “raise light in the lamps” of the Menorah, and the tribe of Levi is initiated into service in the Sanctuary. 

The parshat of this week is parshat Naso. The main points of this parshat are the census of the Levite families of Gershon and Merari, the laws of Sota, the priestly blessings, the laws of the Nazir as well as the offerings from the leaders of the Twelve Tribes to the Mishkan. 

Just as we are approaching Shavuot, we start the fourth book of the Torah, Bamidbar.

This week's parsha, Bechukotai, outlines the blessings that will follow the people of Israel if they are faithful to their covenant with G-d. It then describes the curses that will befall them if they are not.

Parshat ‘Behar’ opens with G-d describing to Moses the laws of the Sabbatical year, or “Shmita” in Hebrew, and the laws of the Jubilee year, or “Yovel” in Hebrew. 

This week’s Parsha, Emor, discusses three main topics: laws regarding the Kohanim (Priests); laws regarding prominent Jewish holidays; and the forty-nine-day counting of the Omer. 

Our Parsha, Parshat Kedoshim, commands us to be holy and gives us examples of what that entails. 

Acharei Mot, which translates to “After the death” follows the deaths of Aaron's sons Nadav and Avihu. G‑d warns against unauthorized entry “into the holy”.

Our memory is who we are. It shapes our identity and defines us...