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Sacrifices That Remove Pain and Bring Healing
Since the destruction of the Second Temple, the book of Leviticus might appear irrelevant since we can no longer offer the animal sacrifices mentioned in this week’s Torah portion Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:16). Some argue that we are better off without this ‘barbaric” ritual, and others claim we are now bereft of a means of atoning for our sins. In a profound statement, the prophet Samuel says, "Does God delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of God? Behold, obed
Zalman Kravitz
Sacrifices, Salt and Spirituality
This Shabbat Jews throughout the world Jews read the opening chapters of the book of Leviticus known as the Torah portion of Yayikra. These chapters discuss the commandment to bring both animal and grain sacrifices, for a variety of reasons, of which only one was for unintentional sins. We are also instructed to accompany each offering with salt (Leviticus 2:13). At the same time, the Torah commands us to avoid cruelty to animals. In Genesis 9:4, we are forbidden from eating flesh torn from a
Zalman Kravitz
I Turned Down A Ticket To Heaven
I Turned Down A Ticket To Heaven While attending college, a fellow student offered me a ticket to heaven. All I had to do was “believe in Jesus,” and if not, I would go to hell. I turned down his offer and explained that Judaism requires that we believe in God and follow the commandments. King Solomon affirms this principle when he says the bottom line of Judaism is to “Be in awe of God and keep His commandments for that is the whole person” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Despite Solomon’s powerful wo
Zalman Kravitz
What Skeptics and Believers Can Learn From Noah
What Skeptics and Believers Can Learn From Noah Most people are familiar with the Torah’s story of Noah and the Ark. Whether skeptic or believer, it is interesting to know that many cultures have flood stories. One account inscribed in Sumerian on clay tablets dates to the late third millennium — B.C.E. Dozens of movies portray the story of Noah’s Ark, and some explorers claim they have discovered the ark’s remains in present-day Turkey. There is even a $100 million Christian theme park in K
Zalman Kravitz
God Is ONE — Not Two or Three
God Is ONE — Not Two or Three During the long years of exile, the Jewish people lost the Land of Israel, the Temple, the priesthood, the Davidic kingship, and sacrifices. We survived despite these temporary losses because we never abandoned the Torah with its moral, legal, and spiritual teachings. The word Torah means more than just “the law” or “Bible.” The root of the word Torah is “horah,” which means “instruction.” As it says, “to instruct [להורת–l’horot] the children of Israel”(Leviticus
Zalman Kravitz
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The War of Armageddon Is Not The Apocalypse
Sukkot and Simchat Torah The War of Armageddon Is Not The Apocalypse The Jewish High Holidays, known as the Days of Awe, constitute a spiritual progression. On Rosh Hashanah, we coronate God as our King, on Yom Kippur, we receive God’s forgiveness; and on Sukkot [the Festival of Booths], we rise to another level. Sukkot is a time to demonstrate our trust in God by moving from the safety of our homes to the temporary and less-secure dwelling known as the sukkah. In this tiny hut with its ro
Zalman Kravitz