Torah portion Vayikra

COVID19 and the Reconciling of Distance and Closeness

COVID19 and the Reconciling of Distance and Closeness

“Social distancing” has become a rallying cry to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This week’s Torah portion Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1- 5:26), begins with the statement “God called (vayikra – ויקרא) Moshe” to instruct the Jewish people to bring offerings. In these times of “distancing,” it is noteworthy that the word Vayikra can also mean “to come close” to God. How do we reconcile distancing with coming close? The spiritual way to make an offering is to pursue ways that bring us cl
Torah portion Vayikra COVID -19
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz
Demystifying the Paradox of Animal Sacrifices

Demystifying the Paradox of Animal Sacrifices

Demystifying the Paradox of Animal Sacrifices I often recall the stories my father and grandfather told me about fighting in the World Wars. Their experiences taught me that “sacrifice” means the willingness to put your life on the line to help others. To this day, I adhere to this belief and salute their bravery. However, when I discuss the Bible, the word “sacrifice” has a different connotation, one I never thought about when I was young. I knew Judaism rejected human sacrifices. That was s
Torah portion Vayikra sacrifices
Zalman Kravitz

Zalman Kravitz