Torah Portions Unknown

This is a commentary on the Torah portion Kedoshim – “Holy.” If  the previous portion begins what is regarded as lev ha’torah (the heart of the Torah), this portion is the “heart of the heart.” This sidrah defines the call to Israel to be holy “because I the LORD your God am holy.” This portion emphasizes the […]

This is a commentary on the Torah portion Acharei Mot – “After the death.” This portion begins what is regarded as lev ha’torah (the heart of the Torah) and emphasizes how the Creator is to be approached and uses the death of Aaron’s sons to make the point that it must not be done “at […]

This is a commentary on the Torah portion Metzora – “Leper.” In the previous Torah portion we learned about the affliction of tzarat and how it was the physical manifestation of a spiritual malady. In Metzora, instruction is given as to the procedure when a metzora is healed of his affliction. The distinctions between this ritual […]

This is a commentary on the Torah portion Tazriah – “Conceive.” Where the previous Torah portion emphasized those animals whose carcass could render someone unclean, this portion focuses on contamination resulting from what emanates from humans. The greater part of this sidrah details the plague of tzarat, most commonly treated as “leprosy,” yet as we see, […]

This is a commentary on the Torah portion Sh’mini – “Eighth.” All the preparation for and anticipation of the mishkan culminates on this the eighth day since the consecration of the priesthood began. Yet, on what should have been a joyous occasion for Aaron and his sons, this day turns out to be one of tragedy. […]