by RabbiOlivier | Apr 9, 2016 | Torah Reflections
Tazria Leviticus 12:1 – 13:59 Sin is a Divine Gift Our weekly Torah reading begins laying out spiritual practices connected to human birth: “Ishah ki tazria… – When a woman conceives…” [Lev. 12:2] In his commentary on these three words, Rashi (11th...
by RabbiOlivier | Mar 18, 2016 | Torah Reflections
VaYikra Leviticus 1:1 – 5:26 The Fire of Divine Love The last few Torah portions of the Book of Exodus were, as we have seen, focused on the building of the Tabernacle in the wilderness; a Sacred Space amidst the traveling Israelite tribes where God came to...
by RabbiOlivier | Mar 4, 2016 | Torah Reflections
Vayak’hel Exodus 35:1 – 40:38 Our Spiritual Attitude Toward Work This week’s portion in our Torah reading nears the conclusion of the Book of Exodus. The construction of the Tabernacle begins in earnest, only preceded by Moses gathering the entire...
by RabbiOlivier | Feb 19, 2016 | Torah Reflections
Tetzaveh Exodus 27:20 – 30:10 The Olive Oil Paradigm You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light, to kindle an eternal light. Aaron and his sons shall set it up in the Tent of Meeting, outside the...
by RabbiOlivier | Feb 5, 2016 | Torah Reflections
Mishpatim Exodus 21:1 – 24:18 You Shall Be Holy Both this past week and this week’s Torah portions speak of God’s desire for us to be holy. Last week, just before the Decalogue, God said: “… all the earth is Mine, and you shall be to Me… a holy nation.”...