Parshat Chukat is filled with mystery and meaning.

It begins with God’s instruction to Moses and Aaron to tell the people to sacrifice a red heifer that is free from blemish (nearly impossible to find), and which has never been yoked. Its ashes are then to be used in a ritual of purification to release individuals from impurity. As many of our sages commented, this was an irrational or supra-rational instruction. In subsequent verses we see how important it was for the supplicant to cleanse himself and his clothing after contact with a corpse. It is obvious that transitions of life and death had great significance then, as they do now. Transitions become sacred or meaningful for us, as for them, when marked by rituals for the cleansing of body, mind and spirit.

This week’s Parsha, Emor, begins with an intimate conversation between Moshe and the Cohanim. They are reminded of their unique role in the community and in the creation of a conscious community and a people that is compassionate, just, aware of and appreciative of the Ineffable Source of Life.

This week we witness the rebirth and beauty of spring. For many of us, it is most welcome. For some with allergies, Oy! This Shabbat is also Earth Day! Of course, every Shabbat is an earth day, when we traditionally refrain from disturbing the earth, no plowing, planting, cutting, harvesting etc… to be in harmony with the natural world.

This past Shabbat we concluded the Book of Exodus with establishment of the Mishkan, the sacred structure. So what now? Can the Israelites now continue on their journey to the Land of Promise?

This week’s Parsha, Vayakel-Pekudei, perfectly coincides with the creation of our new Mishkan at 1729 Wilmart Street. The Parsha describes in great detail the contributions and the commitment of the people in creating their sacred center as they prepare to move forward on their journey.

It is awesome to be back in Jerusalem again. When we exited from the bus and train station onto Jaffa Street we were greeted with amplified Hanukah music, a large Hanukah menorah and folks dancing. It was a sight.

Welcome to Fall! I hope the Yom Tovim have been renewing for you. Many of us felt energized just being able to reconnect with community, either in person or on zoom.

We shared Simchat Torah this year with Shirat HaNefesh, another independent community that is also wrestling with its future. Some members of the Fabrangen Havurah also joined us when their Simhat Torah was cancelled because one of their leaders came down with covid. They are also another independent community in search of renewal.

Shanah Tovah! For those who attended our High Holiday service at WJ High School and on Zoom I hope you found the services meaningful. I’m most appreciative of the amazing and hardworking Kehila HiHo Team. There are so many details of planning, security, technological challenges, etc. Thankfully, we didn’t need to endure bad weather.

The last Parsha, Ekev, started with notion of how we take our steps (Ekev) moving forward. This Parsha opens with the word, Re’eh, the intention of “seeing.” To watch where we are stepping is a important insight. “See, I set before you today a blessing and a curse.” Moshe Rabeynu, our eminent Teacher uses the visual aid of two mountains, one that is lush, Har Grizim, and the other that is barren, Har Eval, to drive home the point of the choices before us.

As the Israelites prepare to enter into the Land of Promise we have just witnessed the long overdue Inflation Reduction Act, a thumbs up for this Land of Promise.

We hope it will impact the wellbeing of millions of people and the Land, Earth and climate. Like in ancient times, the bickering and ups and downs of the wilderness journey led to a reaffirmation of the covenant that we ought to have with each other, this planet and the Source of All Being.

Well, we just got back from the Promised Land! Actually, not the biblical Promised Land. We spent several days in and around Canaan Valley, West Virginia. It was the perfect place to go if you’re into the Parshiot this week. Matot-Masey, a double Parsha, brings us to the mountains overlooking the Promised Land. The Israelites are about to enter and in Masey we recall the forty-two stops along the way.

This Shabbat we read from Parshat BaMidbar, in the Wilderness, the fourth book of the Torah. In English we know it as the Book of Numbers, given that name because of the census taken at the beginning of the book, counting those eligible for the defense of the new nation and those, the Levites, responsible for the Mishkan and the spiritual life of the people.

pect of mourning that is still observed. In spite of the loss, the day is an affirmation of life.Tonight is the 33rd day of the Omer. Known throughout time as Lag B’Omer it is a special day during the 7 weeks between Pesach and Shavuot. After an intense four weeks of planting and cultivating the land there is a reprieve. Our sages also credit the day with the lifting of a plague. Some scholars say that was the day the fighting ended between the Roman legions and the Jewish rebels. There is an as

The first several verses of Parsha Tazria describe a healing process for women postpartum. How does this fit into the narrative of Leviticus?

The Parsha this week seems to start out with a simple instruction to take a census of the Israelites over the age of 20 (to serve in the army?). Ki Tissa, first of all, does not mean “take a census.” It means to “lift up“ one's self to be counted by giving atonement for wrongdoing! Each person is instructed to give a half shekel as an offering. The sages asked, why a half shekel? A response was that it takes another person to make a whole shekel, or to make one whole. Atonement doesn’t work unless it is done with another, or with others. Also, everyone, rich or poor, gives the same half shekel.

Recently, we lost two beloved members of our community, Marcia Wagner, of blessed memory and Edgar Cahn, of blessed memory. They passed this last weekend.

Welcome to the month of Heshvan (Kheshvan), the eighth month on the Hebrew calendar. Originally, called Marcheshvan, from the ancient Akkadian language, it is a month without holidays! Some say it is time for settling in after the flurry of penitential and renewing holidays in Tishri.

Moadim L’Simcha, Festivals for Joy! This week and into next is known as Z’man Simchateynu, the Season of Our Rejoicing.

This is a Shmitah Year!

No, not the yiddish word Shmateh.

This coming Jewish new year 5782 has been designated by our sages as a Shmita Year, a year of honoring and allowing the land to renew itself and for us, stewards of the earth, to renew ourselves as well. Originating In the Torah, Leviticus 25, we are instructed:

Our nation is engaged in a battle right now over President Biden’s economic program to redistribute trillions of dollars of resources to address economic disparity, social inequity and to fight climate change. He has been compared to FDR and LBJ in this regard. I also believe his vision is of biblical and prophetic magnitude!

The month of Nisan is, traditionally, a month of renewal and hopefulness. In many Jewish communities it was the custom to not recite the usual Tachanun or supplication liturgy during this time. With this is mind I chose last week to plant a pear tree at Sanctuary to complete our Sephirot Garden of ten trees.

Tu Bishvat is coming! The New Year of the Trees! What fabulous timing! A week after reflections on the vision of MLK Jr and the Inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris, we can feel the spirit of renewal.