March, 2008

Parshat Hashavua: Tsav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36)

The first Parashah in Leviticus outlined the various types of offerings. This week's reading opens with the specifics rituals that were to attend each of these offerings. Except for the Olah/burnt offering, these offerings were eaten by the Kohanim and/or the individual who would bring the offering for sacrifice.

Parshat Hashavua: Vayikra (Shabbat Zakhor) Leviticus 1:1-5:26; Deuteronomy 25:17-19

Shabbat Zakhor, the Sabbath of Remembrance, always observed on the Shabbat prior to Purim. On Shabbat Zakhor we read as a Maftir the obligation to remember Amalek who attacked the Israelites in the desert. We are actually obliged to obliterate his name, which clearly is in direct contradiction to the obligation to remember.

Parshat Hashavua: Vayakhel Exodus 35:1-38:20

Following the extensive construction details in Parshiot Terumah and Tetzaveh for the Tabernacle and all its contents and the trauma of the Golden Calf described in last week's parashah of Ki Tissa, the people now embark on the construction itself. First the people are warned not to violate Shabbat, which takes precedence over and of the building.