This week we begin the reading of the book of Leviticus

This week we begin the reading of the book of Leviticus. We know that the Book of Leviticus contains in depth discussion of rules and regulations related to the role of the cohanim or priests during Biblical times and details related to various sacrifices that were performed back in the days of the Bible. Although all Jews are responsible for the commandments as outlined in the Torah, there were special expectations for priests.

However….the first word of the portion, Vayikra, contains a small aleph which has been explained in many ways, including a grammatical tool to separate the first and second words of the Torah. I choose to believe that the small aleph is there to remind us that although the portion deals primarily with cohanim(priests), each one of us is important and by the small actions we perform we make a big difference.

The Book of Leviticus also deals with human relationships and contains the Holiness Code which defines holy ways in which we are expected to live. There are rules and regulations which define our most intimate behavior since everything we do has the potential to bring holiness into our world.

On Wednesday, March 24, we will be discussion Judaism and Sexuality from 6pm -7:30pm and will be serving dinner. I must warn you…the Biblical text makes strong statements which define how we are supposed to behave in our intimate behavior and this session will be very thought provoking.

I look forward to seeing you at the Shabbat Dinner on Friday night and at our Torah text discussion on Shabbat morning where we will talk about the ways in which we can make a difference in the world through our small actions.

B’shalom,
Rabbi Bruce Aft

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