BecomingJewish.Org Blog

BLOG IS MOVING

2008-07-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

I am moving this blog to its own site. Please visit http://blog.becomingjewish.org/ for future posts.

Shabbat - 07/05/08 (2 Tammuz 5768)

2008-06-29T05:51:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Chukat (Numbers 19:1-22:1).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Numbers 19:1-17
The Red Cow

Aliyah 2: Numbers 19:18-20:6
The Red Cow, Miriam’s death and the lack of water, The people protest, G-d commands Moses to bring water

Aliyah 3: Numbers 20:7-13
G-d commands Moses to bring water, Moses and Aaron err and are punished

Aliyah 4: Numbers 20:14-21
Moses and Aaron err and are punished, Amalek attacks, A new challenge, The song in the Book of the Wars of Hashem, The battle with Sihon, Og does battle

Aliyah 5: Numbers 20:22-21:9
Moses and Aaron err and are punished, Amalek attacks, A new challenge

Aliyah 6: Numbers 21:10-20
A new challenge, The song in the Book of the Wars of Hashem

Aliyah 7: Numbers 21:21-22:1
The battle with Sihon, Og does battle

Maftir: Numbers 21:34-22:1
Og does battle

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

This Week in Jewish History (6/29-7/5)

2008-06-29T05:33:00.000-07:00

June 29:
2nd Century CE - Rabbi Chananya ben Tradyon was martyred
1096 - Crusaders massacred the Jews of Mehr
1941 - Nazis murdered the male Jews of Drobian, Lithuania
1946 - British arrested 100 leaders of the Yishuv on the "Black Sabbath"

June 30:
1294 - The Jewish community of Berne, Switzerland forfeited all financial claims against non-Jews, and were expelled from the country
1298 - The Jewish community of Morgentheim, Austria was massacred
1927 - Henry Ford retracted and apologized for the publication of the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion"
1948 - The last British armed forced left Israel

July 1:
70 - Titus set up battering rams to assault the walls of Jerusalem
1388 - The Jews of Lithuania received a Charter of Privilege
1776 - The first Jew lost his life in the American Revolution
1862 - Russian Jews were granted permission to print Jewish books
1920 - Sir Herbert Smaul became the first British High-Commissioner of Palestine
1941 - Pogrom in Jassy, Romania claimed 5,000 Jewish lives
1941 - The Lubavitcher Rebbe arrived in America

July 2:
1490 - The Chumash with Ramban was first published
1941 - A Nazi-instigated pogrom claims many Jewish lives in Lvov

July 3:
1903 - Pogrom in Bialystock

July 4:
1562 bce - Birth of Joseph
1452 bce - Death of Joseph
1453 - 41 Jews were burned at the stake in Brelau and the remainder of the Jewish population was expelled
1632 - The non-Jewish owner of a building being used as a synagogue was burned at the stake
1776 - America Independence was declared
1794 - Catherine II of Russia restricted the area where Jews were permitted to trade
1946 - Progrom in Kielce, Poland was the first post-Nazi massacre of the Jews
1976 - Raid at Entebbe

July 5:
1247 - The Pope decreed against blood-ritual charges
1345 - The Pope banned forced baptism of the Jews
1950 - The Knesset passed a law granting every Jew the absolute right to settle in Israel
1960 - The Jewish community of the Belgian Congo fled due to riots that followed independence

Shabbat - 06/28/08 (25 Sivan 5768)

2008-06-22T06:58:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Korach (Numbers 16:1-18:32).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Numbers 16:1-13
Rebellion in the Wilderness, Moses summons Dathan and Abiram

Aliyah 2: Numbers 16:14-19
Moses summons Dathan and Abiram

Aliyah 3: Numbers 16:20-17:8
G-d responds, G-d creates a phenomenon, Protest and confirmation

Aliyah 4: Numbers 17:9-15
Moses intervenes again, A new proof of Aaron’s greatness

Aliyah 5: Numbers 17:16-24
A new proof of Aaron’s greatness, The fears remain

Aliyah 6: Numbers 17:25-18:20
The fears remain, Aaron’s duty reiterated, Gifts to the Kohanim

Aliyah 7: Numbers 18:21-32
Tithes to the Levites

Maftir: Numbers 18:30-32
Tithes to the Levites

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

This Week in Jewish History (6/22-6/28)

2008-06-22T06:38:00.000-07:00

June 22:
1559 - Jewish Quarter of Prague was burned and looted
1941 - Germany invaded Lithuania and Latvia in it first attacks against Russia
1942 - The Jewish Brigade was formed

June 23:
1171 - Martyrs of Blois (first blood libel in France)
1295 - The Pope entered Rome and spurned the Torah scrolls offered to him by the Jewish community
1298 - Massacre of the Jews of Wiener-Neustadt
1696 - Jews of Posen, Poland were saved from a mob set to avenge the murder of a soldier
1794 - Jews were given permission to settle in Kiev
1941 - The Slobodka and Telz yeshivot closed after Germany invaded Lithuania

June 24:
1298 - Massacre of the Jews of Ifhauben, Austria
1322 - Second and Third expulsions of the Jews from France
1648 - 1000 Jews of Tulchin, Poland were tortured and murdered by Cossacks
1843 - The Inquisitor of Ancona, Italy decreed that Jews may not live in any municipality where there was no ghetto
1873 - First public warning of rising anti-Semitism in America was given in a sermon by Reverend Henry Ward
1903 - Russia prohibited Zionist meetings
1941 - Germany occupied Kovno and Vilna (both in Lithuania) and killed the Jews of Gorzhdy, Lithuania

June 25:
1312 bce - Miriam is quarantined
1656 - Rabbi Menashe ben Yisrael applied for and was granted permission to practice Judaism in England
1941 - Pogrom in Jassy, Romania

June 26:
357 bce - Haman's decree was counteracted
797 bce - Jeroboam barricades Jerusalem
1523 - First printed edition of the Sefer Hachinuch
1629 - Rabbi Yom Tov Lipmann Heller was imprisoned
1941 - 2300 Jews were murdered in Kovno, Lithuania
1967 - Jews and Protestand were granted the right of public worship for the first time since Ferdinand and Isabella proclaimed Catholocism as Spain's only religion

June 27:
1918 - The volunteers of the Jewish Battalion in WWI were sent to the front
1941 - Bialystok, Poland fell to Germany

June 28:
313 bce - Jews debate before Alexander
2nd Century - Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel, Rabbi Yishmael ben Elisha, and Rabbi Chanina S'gan Hakohanim were martyred
1941 - 1500 Jews were killed in Kovno, Lithuania
1942 - 40,000 Jews were trapped after Germany captured Minsk, Russia

Shabbat - 06/21/08 (18 Sivan 5768)

2008-06-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Shelach (Numbers 13:1-15:41).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Numbers 13:1-20
The command to send spies to Eretz Yisrael, Moses prays for Joshua

Aliyah 2: Numbers 13:21-14:7
Moses prays for Joshua, The spies' report, Caleb is shouted down, National hysteria, The people cannot be placated

Aliyah 3: Numbers 14:8-25
The people cannot be placated, Israel is threatened with extermination, Moses pleads for the people, The decree of wandering 40 years

Aliyah 4: Numbers 14:26-15:7
G-d spells out the decree, A chastized nation realizes too late, The libations

Aliyah 5: Numbers 15:8-16
The libations

Aliyah 6: Numbers 15:17-26
Challah, Atonements for public, unintentional idol worship

Aliyah 7: Numbers 15:27-41
Atonements for individual idol worship, intentional idolatry, and Sabbath desecration in the Wilderness, Command of tzitzits

Maftir: Numbers 15:37-41
Command of tzitzits

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 06/14/08 (11 Sivan 5768)

2008-06-11T12:32:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Beha'alotcha (Numbers 8:1-12:16).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Numbers 8:1-14
The Menorah, Consecration of the Levites

Aliyah 2: Numbers 8:15-26
Consecration of the Levites, Apprenticeship and responsibility

Aliyah 3: Numbers 9:1-14
The Pesach offering in the Wilderness, Pesach sheni/The second Pesach offering

Aliyah 4: Numbers 9:15-10:10
Divine signs of the Israelites’ travels, The Trumpets, The order of breaking camp

Aliyah 5: Numbers 10:11-34
The order of breaking camp, Moses invites Jethro to join the nation, The first journey

Aliyah 6: Numbers 10:35-11:29
The Ark goes forth, The complainers, Dissatisfaction with the manna, Moses’ despair, The Sanhedrin, G-d responds to the people, New prophets

Aliyah 7: Numbers 11:30-12:16
The quail, Moses’ uniqueness is challenged and affirmed, Miriam is quarantined

Maftir: Numbers 12:14-16
Miriam is quarantined

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Happy Shavuot

2008-06-08T05:40:00.001-07:00

Hebrew Date: Sixth and Seventh of Sivan

Secular Dates: (5768) June 9-10, 2008 | (5769) May 29-30, 2009 | (5770) May 19-20, 2010 | (5771) June 8-9, 2011

Duration: Two days (outside Israel), One day (inside Israel)

Work: Not permitted

Name: Shavuot, Chag, Ha-Bikkurim

Summary: Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, is a Biblical festival that occurs on 6 and 7 Sivan-seven weeks after Pesach-(in May or June). Shavuot is the second of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Passover and Sukkot). Agriculturally, it commemorates the time when the first fruits were harvested and brought to the Temple, and is known as Chag ha-Bikkurim (the Festival of the First Fruits). Historically, it celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and is also known as Hag Matan Torateinu (the Festival of the Giving of Our Torah). It is customary to stay up the entire first night of Shavuot and study Torah (Tikkun Leil Shavuot), then pray as early as possible in the morning. It is customary to eat a dairy meal at least once during Shavuot. It is a reminder of the promise regarding the land of Israel, a land flowing with milk and honey. The Megillah (Book of Ruth) is read at this time.

Additional Information: Shavuot: The Giving of the Torah :: Shavuot :: Shavuot :: Shavuot

Family Activities: Tzivos HaShem: Shavuot

Shabbat - 06/07/08 (4 Sivan 5768)

2008-06-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Naso (Numbers 4:21-7:89).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Numbers 4:21-37
The Gershonites responsibilities, The Merarites’ responsibilities

Aliyah 2: Numbers 4:38-49
The totals

Aliyah 3: Numbers 5:1-10
Purification of the camp, Theft from a Jew and from a proselyte

Aliyah 4: Numbers 5:11-6:27
Sotah/the wayward wife, The meal offering of jealousies, Confession, The oath, The scroll, The Nazirite, Sudden contamination, Completion of the term, The Priestly Blessings

Aliyah 5: Numbers 7:1-41
The offerings of the tribal leaders, One each day: Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Reuben, Simeon

Aliyah 6: Numbers 7:42-71
Gad, Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin, Dan

Aliyah 7: Numbers 7:72-89
Asher, and Naphtali, The total, Moses enters the Tabernacle

Maftir: Numbers 7:87-89
The total, Moses enters the Tabernacle

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

A reunified Jerusalem

2008-06-01T04:18:00.000-07:00

Yom Yerushalayim: Celebrating the Reunification of Jerusalem
Hebrew Date: Twenty-eighth of Iyar

Secular Dates: (5768) June 2, 2008 | (5769) May 22, 2009 | (5770) May 12, 2010 | (5771) June 1, 2011

Duration: One day

Work: Permitted

Name: Yom Yerushalayim

Summary: Yom Yerushalayim occurs on 28 Iyar (in April or May) and is the celebration of the reunification of Jerusalem in 1967. It is a day of national celebration and remembrance of those who fought for the reunification of the eternal capital of Israel.

Additional Information: Yom Yerushalayim :: Yom Yerushalayim

Free Concert: Israel Day Concert (Central Park, New York)

Shabbat - 05/31/08 (26 Iyar 5768)

2008-05-27T10:50:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1-4:20).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Numbers 1:1-19
Census in the Wilderness, The tribal leaders

Aliyah 2: Numbers 1:20-54
Reuben, Simeon, Gad, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin, Dan, Asher, and Naphtali, The total, The Levites, The legion of G-d

Aliyah 3: Numbers 2:1-34
The four formationd: Judah’s encampment—to the east, Reuben’s encampment—to the south, Ephraim’s encampment—to the west, and Dan’s encampment—to the north, The total

Aliyah 4: Numbers 3:1-13
The progeny of Moses and Aaron, Appointment of the Levites, The Levites replace the firstborn

Aliyah 5: Numbers 3:14-39
Census of the Levites, Gershon, Kohath, Merari

Aliyah 6: Numbers 3:40-51
The Israelite firstborn are redeemed

Aliyah 7: Numbers 4:1-20
The Kohathites’ responsibilities, Special precautions for the Kohathites

Maftir: Numbers 4:17-20
Special precautions for the Kohathites

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 05/24/08 (19 Iyar 5768)

2008-05-18T03:43:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Bechukotai (Leviticus 26:3-27:34).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Leviticus 26:3-5
Miracles of blessing and curse

Aliyah 2: Leviticus 26:6-9
Miracles of blessing and curse

Aliyah 3: Leviticus 26:10-46
Miracles of blessing and curse, The Tochachah/Admonition, The first series of punishments, The second series, The third series, The fourth series, The fifth series, The conclusion of the Admonition

Aliyah 4: Leviticus 27:1-15
Gifts to the Temple Valuations, Sanctification and redemption of animals

Aliyah 5: Leviticus 27:16-21
Redemption of houses and fields

Aliyah 6: Leviticus 27:22-28
Redemption of houses and fields, Cherem/Segregated property

Aliyah 7: Leviticus 27:29-34
Cherem/Segregated property, The second title, The tithe of animals

Maftir: Leviticus 27:32-34
The tithe of animals

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 05/17/08 (12 Iyar 5768)

2008-05-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Behar (Leviticus 25:1-26:2).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Leviticus 25:1-13
Shemittah/Sabbatical Year, Yovel/Jubilee Year

Aliyah 2: Leviticus 25:14-18
Sequence of the passages

Aliyah 3: Leviticus 25:19-24
Sequence of the passages, Redemption of land

Aliyah 4: Leviticus 25:25-28
Redemption of land

Aliyah 5: Leviticus 25:29-38
Redemption of land, Levite cities, Preventing poverty

Aliyah 6: Leviticus 25:39-46
Preventing poverty, A Jew’s Jewish "slave"

Aliyah 7: Leviticus 25:47-26:2
Jewish slave of an idolater, Command against making idols

Maftir: Leviticus 25:55-26:2
Jewish slave of an idolater, Command against making idols

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 05/10/08 (5 Iyar 5768)

2008-05-09T10:36:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Leviticus 21:1-15
Laws of a Kohen, Laws of the Kohen Gadol

Aliyah 2: Leviticus 21:16-22:16
Disqualifying blemishes, Safeguarding the sanctity of offerings and terumah, Terumah

Aliyah 3: Leviticus 22:17-33
Blemished animals, Desecration and sanctification of G-d’s Name

Aliyah 4: Leviticus 23:1-22
Festivals, Pesach, The Omer, The Omer count and Shavuos

Aliyah 5: Leviticus 23:23-32
Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur

Aliyah 6: Leviticus 23:33-44
Succos and Shemini Atzeres

Aliyah 7: Leviticus 24:1-23
The Menorah, Showbread, The blasphemer

Maftir: Leviticus 24:21-23
The blasphemer

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 05/03/08 (28 Nisan 5768)

2008-05-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1-20:27).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Leviticus 19:1-14
Holiness, Piggul/Rejected offerings, Gifts to the poor, Honest dealings with others

Aliyah 2: Leviticus 19:15-22
Honest dealings with others, Love your fellow, Kil’ayim/Forbidden mixtures, Shifchah charufah/Designated maidservant

Aliyah 3: Leviticus 19:23-32
Fruit trees

Aliyah 4: Leviticus 19:33-37
Fruit trees, Weights and measures

Aliyah 5: Leviticus 20:1-7
Punishments, Molech

Aliyah 6: Leviticus 20:8-22
Molech, Penalties for forbidden relationships, The land and immortality

Aliyah 7: Leviticus 20:23-27
The land and immortality, Holiness and kashrus

Maftir: Leviticus 20:25-27
Holiness and kashrus

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Yom HaShoah

2008-04-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

In memory of those who perished.
In honor of those who survived.
In thanks to all the Righteous Gentiles and Jews who stood up against the perpetrators of genocide.

Yom HaShoah - 26 Nisan 5768/1 May 2008

Shabbat - 04/26/08 (21 Nisan 5768)

2008-04-25T10:21:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Pesach Reading (Exodus 13:17-15:26).

Special Note:
This week is reading for the seventh day of Pesach. The reading recalls the promise of the return of Prophet Elijah and the ushering in of the end times (Malachi 3:4-24).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Exodus 13:17-19
The route to Eretz Yisrael

Aliyah 2: Exodus 13:20-22
The route to Eretz Yisrael

Aliyah 3: Exodus 14:1-4
Pharaoh’s change of heart

Aliyah 4: Exodus 14:5-8
Pharaoh’s change of heart

Aliyah 5: Exodus 14:9-14
Israel panics, G-d’s assurance

Aliyah 6: Exodus 14:15-25
G-d’s assurance, The sea splits

Aliyah 7: Exodus 14:26-15:26
The sea splits, The water crashes down upon Egypt, The salvation, The Song by the Sea, The women sing, Marah: Israel tests G-d

Maftir: Numbers 28:19-25
Pesach

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Pesach

2008-04-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

May you have a happy Pesach!

Pesach (Passover) is a Biblical festival that begins on 15 Nisan (in March or April). Pesach is an eight-day holiday that celebrates the Exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt and our freedom from oppression in modern days. The holiday is also referred to as Chag he-Aviv (the Spring Festival), Chag ha-Matzoth (the Time of Our Freedom). It is the first of the three pilgrimage festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Shavuot and Sukkot). Agriculturally, it represents the beginning of the harvest season in Israel. The primary observances of Pesach are related to the Exodus from Egypt after generations of slavery. This story is told in Exodus, Chapters 1-15. Many of the Pesach observances are instituted in Chapters 12-15. Probably the most significant observance related to Pesach involves the removal of leaven/chametz (the five major grains-wheat, rye, barley, oats and spelt) from our homes. Ashkenazi Jews also avoid kitniyot (rice, corn, peanuts, and legumes-beans) as if they were chametz. We may not own, benefit from, or eat chametz during Pesach (this includes food for the animals). All chametz, including utensils and other kitchen accessories used to cook chametz, must either be disposed of or sold to a non-Jew (they can be repurchased after the holiday). This commemorates the fact that the Jews leaving Egypt were in a hurry, and did not have time to let their bread rise. The process of cleaning the home of all chametz in preparation for Pesach is an enormous task. To do it right, you must prepare for several weeks and spend several days scrubbing everything down, going over the edges of your stove and fridge with a toothpick and a Q-Tip, covering all surfaces that come in contact with foil or shelf-liner, etc. After the cleaning is completed, the morning before the seder, a formal search of the house for chametz is undertaken, and any remaining chametz is burned. The grain product we eat during Pesach is called matzah which is unleavened bread, made simply from flour and water and cooked very quickly. This is the bread that the Jews made for their flight from Egypt. The day before Pesach is the Fast of the Firstborn, a minor for all firstborn males, commemorating the fact that the firstborn Jewish males in Egypt were not killed during the final plague. It is traditional to study a tractate of Talmud during the night which then allows these men to avoid the fast (one must celebrate when finishing a tractate of Talmud). On the first night of Pesach (first two nights for Jews outside Israel), a seder is held. Pesach lasts for seven days (eight days outside of Israel). The first and last days of the holiday (first two and last two outside of Israel) are days on which no work is permitted. Work is permitted on the intermediate days (Chol Ha-Mo'ed).

Shabbat - 04/19/08 (14 Nisan 5768)

2008-04-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Acharey Mot (Leviticus 16:1-18:30).

Special Note:
This week is Shabbat HaGadol -the Shabbat before Pesach. The reading recalls the promise of the return of Prophet Elijah and the ushering in of the end times (Malachi 3:4-24).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Leviticus 16:1-17
The death of Aaron’s sons and the Yom Kippur service, The lots, The incense service

Aliyah 2: Leviticus 16:18-24
The incense service, The he-goat to Azazel, Removal of the shovel and ladle, Conclusion of the service

Aliyah 3: Leviticus 16:25-34
Conclusion of the service, The eternal commandment of Yom Kippur

Aliyah 4: Leviticus 17:1-7
Service outside the Tabernacle

Aliyah 5: Leviticus 17:8-18:5
Service outside the Tabernacle, Prohibition against eating blood, Covering blood, Forbidden practices and traditions

Aliyah 6: Leviticus 18:6-21
Forbidden relationships, Molech

Aliyah 7: Leviticus 18:22-30
Sodomy and bestiality, The holiness of the land

Maftir: Leviticus 18:28-30
The holiness of the land

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 04/12/08 (7 Nisan 5768)

2008-04-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Metzora (Leviticus 14:1-15:33).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Leviticus 14:1-12
The first stage of the metzora’s purification, From arrogance to humility, The second stage: Shaving, The final stage of purification: Offerings

Aliyah 2: Leviticus 14:13-20
The final stage of purification: Offerings

Aliyah 3: Leviticus 14:21-32
The offering of the poor metzora

Aliyah 4: Leviticus 14:33-53
Tzaraas on houses, Purification of the house

Aliyah 5: Leviticus 14:54-15:15
Purification of the house, Zav and baal keri/male discharges

Aliyah 6: Leviticus 15:16-28
Zav and baal keri/male discharges, Niddah and zavah/female discharges

Aliyah 7: Leviticus 15:29-30
Niddah and zavah/female discharges

Last Reading: Leviticus 15:31-33
Niddah and zavah/female discharges

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 04/05/08 (29 Adar II 5768)

2008-04-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

Special Note
This week is Shabbat HaChodesh is the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh Nisan or Rosh Chodesh Nisan if it falls on Shabbat. The Maftir reading recalls the establishment of the Jewish calendar (Exodus 12:1-20).

This week's reading is -- Tazria (Leviticus 12:1-13:59).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Leviticus 12:1-13:5
Human contamination, Childbirth and purification, The basic tzaras and the procedure for verification, Baheres

Aliyah 2: Leviticus 13:6-17
Baheres, S’eis

Aliyah 3: Leviticus 13:18-23
Inflammations

Aliyah 4: Leviticus 13:24-28
Burns

Aliyah 5: Leviticus 13:29-39
Tzaraas of the head or face

Aliyah 6: Leviticus 13:40-54
Baldness at the front and back of the head, The metzora’s isolation, Afflictions of garments

Aliyah 7: Leviticus 13:55-56
Afflictions of garments

Last Reading: Leviticus 13:57-59
Afflictions of garments

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 03/29/08 (22 Adar II 5768)

2008-03-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

Special Note
This week is Shabbat Parah -the Shabbat after Purim. The Maftir reading recalls the preparation for Pesach (Numbers 19:1-22).

This week's reading is -- Shemini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Leviticus 9:1-16
The Priestly service begins

Aliyah 2: Leviticus 9:17-23
Aaron’s blessing and the Divine Presence

Aliyah 3: Leviticus 9:24-10:11
Aaron’s blessing and the Divine Presence, The death of Nadab and Abihu, The commandments to Aaron against intoxicants

Aliyah 4: Leviticus 10:12-15
Disposition of the day’s offerings

Aliyah 5: Leviticus 10:16-20
The dispute between Moses and Aaron

Aliyah 6: Leviticus 11:1-32
Laws of Kashurus, Land animals, Fish, The forbidden birds, Forbidden and permissible insects, The non-kosher creatures that transmit contamination, The small creeping animals, Objects receiving contamination

Aliyah 7: Leviticus 11:33-44
Objects receiving contamination, Contamination of kosher animals, Prohibition of eating creeping creatures

Last Reading: Leviticus 11:45-47
Prohibition of eating creeping creatures

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 03/22/08 (15 Adar II 5768)

2008-03-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Leviticus 6:1-11
The taking of the ash and the Altar fire, The three Altar fires, Meal offering

Aliyah 2: Leviticus 6:12-7:10
Meal offering, Sin offering, Koshering, Guilt-offering, Miscellaneous gifts to the Kohen

Aliyah 3: Leviticus 7:11-38
Thanksgiving offering, Piggul/Rejected, Eating in a state of contamination, Fat and blood, The parts and their order

Aliyah 4: Leviticus 8:1-13
Consecration of the Kohanim, Aaron’s immersion, investiture and anointment

Aliyah 5: Leviticus 8:14-21
The sin offering bull

Aliyah 6: Leviticus 8:22-29
The inauguration ram

Aliyah 7: Leviticus 8:30-32
The inauguration ram

Last Reading: Leviticus 8:33-36
Seven days of inauguration

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Happy Purim!

2008-03-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

Taanit Esther is tomorrow - please remember to fast to remember the bravery and teshuva (repentance) of Esther, Mordechai, and the Jewish people. Purim begins tomorrow night.

May you all have a happy, happy Purim!

Shabbat - 03/15/08 (8 Adar II 5768)

2008-03-14T06:19:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26).

Special Note:
This Shabbat is Shabbat Zachor - the Shabbat before Purim. The Maftir reading recalls the treachery of Amalekites and the command to blot out their memory (Deuteronomy 25:17-19).

Torah Aliyot and Topics:
Aliyah 1: Leviticus 1:1-13
General rules of offerings, Burnt offerings from sheep and goats

Aliyah 2: Leviticus 1:14-2:6
Burnt offerings from fowl, Fine flour offering, Oven-baked offering, Pan-baked offering

Aliyah 3: Leviticus 2:7-16
Deep-pan offering, Covenant of salt

Aliyah 4: Leviticus 3:1-17
Peace offering

Aliyah 5: Leviticus 4:1-26
Sin offering, The bull of the anointed Kohen, The bull for a matter that was hidden from the congregation, He-goat of a ruler

Aliyah 6: Leviticus 4:27-5:10
Sin offering of an individual, The variable offering, Contamination of the Sanctuary and its sanctities, A spoken oath

Aliyah 7: Leviticus 5:11-23
Guilt offering, Guilt offering in case of doubt

Last Reading: Leviticus 5:24-26
Guilt offering for thefts

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 03/08/08 (1 Adar II 5768)

2008-03-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Pekudei (Exodus 38:21-40:38).

Topics in Pekudei: The Reckonings, Materials used for the work, Aaron’s Vestments, Ephod, Breastplate, Robe of the Ephod, Tunics of linen, and Headplate, Moses inspects the Tabernacle, Moses approves, The command to set up the Tabernacle, The Tabernacle is erected, G-d’s glory fills the Tabernacle

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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Shabbat - 03/01/08 (24 Adar I 5768)

2008-02-29T06:10:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20).

Topics in Vayakhel: The Sabbath, Contributions for the Tabernacle, The construction of the Tabernacle, Inspiration from the heart; motivation from the spirit, The craftsmen are selected, The mandate, The work begins: The Curtains, Cover, Planks, Partitions, Screen, Ark, Cover, Table, Menorah, The Incense Altar, Burnt Offering Altar, Laver, Courtyard, and Screen

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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Shabbat - 02/23/08 (17 Adar I 5768)

2008-02-22T01:27:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35).

Topics in Ki Tisa: The census, The Laver, Anointment oil, Incense, Designation of Bezalel and Oholiab, The Sabbath, Moses receives the Tablets, The Golden Calf, G-d’s anger, Moses’ successful prayer, Moses descends, Moses smashes the Tablets, Aaron explains, Moses prays, Aftermath of the Golden Calf, Moses’ tent, Moses pleads for G-d’s nearness, The limits of Moses’ vision, The second Tablets, G-d reveals His Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, Moses’ request, Safeguarding the promise, Renewal of the covenant, The radiance of Moses

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 02/16/08 (10 Adar I 5768)

2008-02-15T12:01:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10).

Topics in Tetzaveh: The Oil, The Kohanim and their Vestments, The Vestments, The Ephod, The Settings, The Breastplate of Judgment, The Urim and the Tumim, Robe of the Ephod, Headplate, Tunic, Vestments of the ordinary Kohanim, Inauguration ritual, Immersing vestments, anointment, The bull, The first ram, The second ram, Succession of High Priesthood, The tamid offering, The Incense Altar

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 02/09/08 (3 Adar I 5768)

2008-02-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19).

Topics in Terumah: The Tabernacle: A resting place for G-d’s presence, The Ark, The Cover, The Table, The Menorah, Covers of the Tabernacle, Walls of the Tabernacle, The Paroches/Partition, The Altar, The Courtyard

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 02/02/08 (26 Shevat 5768)

2008-02-01T11:07:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18).

Topics in Mishpatim: The civil law, Jewish bondsmen, "Sale" of a daughter, Murder and manslaughter, Killing of a slave, Penalty for bodily injury, Death caused by an animal, A pit, An animal damaging property, Stealing livestock, Self-defense: payment for theft, Damages caused by livestock, Laws of custodians, A borrower, Seduction, Sensitivity to the helpless and abandoned, The commandment to extend free loans, Do not curse a leader, Fullness offering and Priestly heave offering, Integrity of the judicial process, Fair dispensation of justice, The Sabbaths of the land and the week, The Three Pilgrimage Festivals, The promise of swift passage to, and conquest of, the land, "We will do and we will obey!", Prophecy at the mountain

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Updated: Video Added

Shabbat - 01/26/08 (19 Shevat 5768)

2008-01-25T09:58:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23).

Topics in Yitro: Jethro’s arrival, Jethro rejoices, Jethro’s advice, The list of requirements for leadership, Jethro leaves, Arrival at Sinai, G-d’s proposal, Preparing for the Torah, The day of the Revelation, The Ten Statements

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Happy Tu B'Shevat

2008-01-20T10:31:00.000-08:00

Tu B'Shevat, the Jewish Ecology Day, occurs on 15 Shevat. This year, it falls on January 22, 2008. Tu B’Shevat is an agricultural holiday that celebrates the earth and its produce. It is the new year for the purpose of calculating the age of trees for tithing (Leviticus 19:23-25). It is celebrated through prayer, celebration, and eating the seven types of plant produce that are cited in Deuteronomy 8:8 (wheat, barley, grape, fig, pomegranate, olives, and date-honey). Other customs include eating a new fruit on this day, planting trees on this day, and collecting money for trees for Israel.

Learn more at these sites:
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Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 01/19/08 (12 Shevat 5768)

2008-01-17T04:40:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:15).

Topics in Beshalach: The route to Eretz Yisrael, Pharaoh’s change of heart, Israel panics, G-d’s assurance, The sea splits, The water crashes down upon Egypt, The salvation, The Song by the Sea, The women sing, Marah: Israel tests G-d, Manna: Food from heaven, Quail, Equal portions, Preparation for the Sabbath, Test and contention: water from a rock, Amalek, The eternal struggle against Amalek

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 01/12/08 (5 Shevat 5768)

2008-01-11T10:24:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16).

Topics in Bo: The eighth plague: Locusts and Pharaoh’s servants complain, The ninth plague: Darkness and Pharaoh’s offerings and final intransigence, Warning of the Plague of the Firstborn, The new status of the Jews, Rosh Chodesh, The Pesach offering, G-d Himself will carry out the plague, The Pesach festival, The Pesach offering, The tenth plague: Death of the Firstborn, Pharaoh’s surrender, The Exodus, The duration of the Egyptian exile, Additional laws of the Pesach offering, Sanctification of the firstborn, Remember the Exodus, The firstborn, Tefillin and the Exodus

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 01/05/08 (27 Tevet 5768)

2008-01-04T10:33:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Va'eira (Exodus 6:2-9:35).

Topics in Va'eira: G-d’s reassures Moses, The four expressions of redemption, Moses demurs, The mission and its bearers, Second demurral, The redemption begins, The Ten Plagues, The first plague: Blood, The second plague: Frogs, The third plague: Lice, The fourth plague: Swarm of wild beasts, The fifth plague: Epidemic, The sixth plague: Boils, The seventh plague: Hail and Not to pray in an idolatrous city

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 12/29/07 (20 Tevet 5768)

2007-12-28T10:15:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Shemot (Exodus 1:1-6:1).

Topics in Shemot: The generation passes, Pharaoh’s plot, Infanticide, The birth of Moses, Moses identifies with his people, Moses marries, G-d concludes that the time of salvation has arrives, The burning bush, Moses’ doubts and G-d’s reassurance, The Names of G-d, The request to the Egyptians, Moses doubts the people’s faith, Moses’ desperate plea, G-d’s response, Moses’ objections are overridden, Moses embarks for Egypt, Zipporah circumcises her son, Moses and Aaron come to Pharaoh, Pharaoh increases the burden on the people, Egyptian taskmasters and Jewish foremen, Protesting in vain, The Jews complain to Moses and Aaron; Moses complains to G-d, Portent for the future

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 12/22/07 (13 Tevet 5768)

2007-12-21T10:23:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Vayigash (Genesis 47:28-50:26).

Topics in Vayiechi: Jacob’s end draws near; his request of Joseph, Jacob’s illness, The blessing of Manasseh and Ephraim, Reuven, Simeon and Levi, Judah and a tiny glimpse at the Messianic era, Zebulun, Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, Naphtali, Joseph, and Benjamin, Jacob’s final request, Jacob is mourned by all Egypt, Permission for burial, The burial procession, Joseph reassures his brothers, Joseph lives out his years, Signs of the redemption

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 12/15/07 (6 Tevet 5768)

2007-12-13T10:12:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27).

Topics in Vayigash: Judah steps forward, Joseph identifies himself and conciliates his brothers, Pharaoh joins in the welcome, Joseph dispenses gifts and sends his brothers off, Jacob receives the news, Jacob undertakes the journey to Joseph, Israel’s descendants journeying to Egypt, The grand total of seventy descendants, Jacob arrives in Egypt, Joseph ensures his family’s settlement in Goshen, Joseph reports his father and brother’s arrival to Pharaoh, Jacob and Pharaoh meet, Joseph and the famine

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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Shabbat - 12/08/07 (28 Kislev 5768)

2007-12-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Miketz (Genesis 41:1-44:17).

Topics in Miketz: Pharaoh’s dream, The Chamberlain of the Cupbearer’s “remembers Joseph”, Joseph is summoned, Pharaoh recapitulated his dream, Joseph’s interpretation, Joseph becomes Viceroy, Joseph’s plan is implemented, Joseph’s children: Manasseh and Ephraim, The famine devastates Egypt, Jacob sends his sons to Egypt, The brothers bow to Joseph, Joseph stands his ground, but offers his brothers a way out, The brothers’ regret, Joseph chooses his hostage, Joseph sends them back—with their money, The dialogue with Jacob, The brothers request that Jacob send Benjamin to Egypt, Joseph sees Benjamin and tests his brothers’ sincerity, The final test: Benjamin is accused of thievery, Judah, the leader of the brothers, speaks on behalf of all

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Happy Chanukah!

2007-12-05T12:16:00.000-08:00

Chanukah, the festival of lights, is a Rabbinic clebration that begins on 25 Kislev (in November or December). Chanukah celebrates the miracle of the oil in the Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabees’ defeat of the Greek army as well as the Jew’s freedom in the current time. Chanukah is not mentioned in the Hebrew Scripture but is related in the book of Maccabbees, which Jews do not accept as scripture. The only religious observance related to the holiday is the lighting of candles. The candles are arranged in a chanukiah that holds nine candles: one for each night, plus a shamus (servant) at a different height. It is traditional to eat fried foods, such as latkes (potato pancakes), on Chanukah because of the significance of oil to the holiday. Gift-giving is not a traditional part of the holiday, but has been added in places where Jews have a lot of contact with Christians, as a way of dealing with our children's jealousy of their Christian friends. It is extremely unusual for Jews to give Chanukah gifts to anyone other than their own young children. The only traditional gift of the holiday is gelt, small amounts of money (often chocolate coins). Another tradition of the holiday is playing dreidel, a gambling game played with a square top. Most people play for matchsticks, pennies, M&Ms or gelt.

Shabbat - 12/01/07 (21 Kislev 5768)

2007-11-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1-40:23).

Topics in Vayeishev: The chronicles of Jacob and his offspring, Joseph’s dream, The intensified hatred, Joseph’s second dream, Joseph is sent to visit his brothers, Reuben saves Joseph from the plot to kill him, Joseph is sold, The version told to Jacob, Judah and Tamar: The roots of the Messiah and the Israelite monarchy, Judah’s sons marry Tamar but die for their sin, The moral basis for the union of Tamar and Judah, Tamar’s pregnancy, Tamar bears twins, Joseph in Egypt, Potiphar’s wife slanders Joseph, The cupbearer and the baker: Their dreams and Joseph’s interpretations

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 11/24/07 (14 Kislev 5768)

2007-11-23T04:36:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43).

Topics in Vayishlach: Esau advances to attack Jacob, Military preparations, Prayer, The tribute, The struggle with the angel, The prohibition of eating the tendon of an animal’s thigh, The encounter, The parting, Jacob arrives in Shechem, Dinah’s abduction, Jacob’s family learns of the outrage, The deception, Simeon and Levi decimate Shechem, Jacob journeys to Beth-el, The deaths of Rebecca and Deborah, G-d blesses and renames Jacob, The birth of Benjamin and death of Rachel, Reuben’s error and partial vindication, Jacob and Isaac are reunited, Isaac’s death, The chronicles of Esau, Esau separates himself from Jacob, The Seirite genealogy, The Edomite kings

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 11/17/07 (7 Kislev 5768)

2007-11-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Vayeitzei (Genesis 28:10-32:3).

Topics in Vayeitze: Jacob’s flight and his vision at Moriah, Jacob meets Rachel, Jacob contracts to marry and is deceived, Laban substitutes Leah for Rachel, Leah bears four sons, Rachel is fulfilled through Bilhah, The dudaim, Leah’s last three children, Rachel conceives the birth of Joseph, Jacob wishes to leave, but concludes an employment contract with Laban, Laban’s new deceit, The decision to flee from Laban, Jacob wins the consent of his wives, Jacob’s flight, Laban’s pursuit and G-d’s warning, The confrontation of Jacob and Laban, Laban proposes a treaty

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 11/10/07 (29 Cheshvan 5768)

2007-11-09T11:26:00.000-08:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Toledot (Genesis 25:19-28:9).

Topics in Toledot: Rebecca’s barrenness and pregnancy, The birth of Jacob and Esau, The personalities emerge, Sale of the birthright, A famine forces Isaac to Philistia, Isaac in Gerar, The prophetic dispute over the wells, G-d assures Isaac, Abimelech reaffirms the treaty, Esau marries, Isaac’s decision to bless Esau, Rebecca’s scheme, Jacob comes to Isaac, Jacob gets Isaac’s blessing, Esau arrives for his blessings, Esau’s hatred of Jacob, Jacob is told to flee to Laban, The admonition against marrying a Canaanite; the Abrahamitic blessing is conveyed to Jacob, Esau marries the daughter of Ishmael

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

2007-11-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Tanach (mistakenly known as the "Old Testament") is made up of the Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim. The Tanach was canonized in approximately 500 BCE by the Men of the Great Assembly. The Tanach was not originally broken into chapter and verses. The idea of chapter and verses - as well as the breaking apart of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles - is a leftover from Christians in the 13th century. Before the study of Torah a brocha (blessing) is said in which the person thanks G-d for giving the Jews Torah. There have been many rabbis who have written commentaries on the Torah. Any complete study of the Torah needs to include some commentary from these sages.

Shabbat - 11/03/07 (22 Cheshvan 5768)

2007-11-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Chaya Sarah (Genesis 23:1-25:18).

Topics in Chaya Sarah: Sarah’s death, and purchase of a burial site, Finding a wife for Isaac, Eliezer’s criteria, Rebecca is equal to the test, Laban, The recapitulation, Isaac and Rebecca, Abraham’s genealogy

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Shabbat - 10/27/07 (15 Cheshvan 5768)

2007-10-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Vayera (Genesis 18:1-22:24).

Topics in Lech Lecha: Visiting the sick and hospitality to strangers, The promise of a son is revealed to Sarah, G-d’s love for Abraham, Abraham intercedes for Sodom, Sodom is destroyed, Lot—a perplexing hero, Lot is saved, Lot begs for a concession, Lot’s daughters and the birth of Moab and Ammon: The roots of Jewish monarchy, Abraham in Gerar: Sarah is abducted, Abimelech appeases Abraham and Sarah, The birth of Isaac, Hagar and Ishmael are expelled, Ishmael is saved, The alliance with Abimelech at Beer-sheba, The tenth trial: The Akeidah/Binding of Isaac on the altar, The birth of Rebecca

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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Torah Honors

2007-10-18T13:07:00.000-07:00

The Torah Scroll (also known as the Sefer Torah - Scroll of the Law) is the Five Books of Moses (Chumash in book form) written on parchment made from a kosher animal. The Sefer Torah is hand-written by a specially trained scribe (sofer) according to exacting ritual. The Sefer Torah is the text used in the synagogue for the public reading of the Torah. The Torah in a book form is know as a Chumash.

Shabbat - 10/20/07 (8 Cheshvan 5768)

2007-10-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1-17:27).

Topics in Lech Lecha: G-d's call to Abraham, Abraham comes to Canaan, Abraham and Sarah in Egypt, The return to Eretz Yisrael, Abraham and Lot part ways, The repetition of the promise, The war of the kings, Sodom is defeated, Lot taken captive, Abraham saves Lot, Abraham shuns honor, G-d’s reassurance to Abraham, The Covenant Between the Parts: The promise of the land, Egyptian exile and redemption, The ratification of the covenant, Hagar and Ishmael, The covenant, New names and a new destiny, The promise to Sarah

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
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Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

The Mitzvah of Tefillin

2007-10-12T10:22:00.001-07:00

The Tefillin are two leather boxes containing four passages of the Torah that refer to the Tefillin (Exodus 13:1-10,11-16; Deuteronomy 6:4-8, 11:13-21). They are warn by religous Jews (men in Orthodoxy and some women in non-Orthodox sects) during morning prayer services. The Shema commands Jews to bind the words to our hands and between our eyes. This is accomplished by laying tefillin (phylacteries), binding to our arms and foreheads a leather pouch containing scrolls of Torah passages. The word "tefillin" is usually translated "phylacteries". The word "tefillin" is etymologically related to the word "tefilah" (prayer) and the root word for judgment. Like the mezuzah, tefillin are meant to remind us of G-d's mitzvot. At weekday morning services, one case is tied to the arm, with the scrolls at the biceps and leather straps extending down the arm to the hand, then another case is tied to the head, with the case on the forehead and the straps hanging down over the shoulders. Appropriate blessings are recited during this process. The tefillin are removed at the conclusion of the morning services.

Shabbat - 10/13/07 (1 Cheshvan 5768)

2007-10-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32).

Topics in Noach: Noah, decree of the flood, the flood, receding of the waters, Noah making an offering, G-d's covenant with Noah, the rainbow, shame of Noah, genealogy of Noah (the seventy nations), Tower of Babel, ten generations from Noah to Abraham

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Simchat Torah - Dance Everyone!

2007-10-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Torah) occurs at the conclusion of Sukkot on 23 Tishri (in September or October). No work is permitted on Simchat Torah. Simchat Torah celebrates the conclusion of the annual reading of the Torah and the immediate beginning of the annual cycle. It is a time to celebrate the central symbol of Judaism, the Torah through prayer and celebration. The last Torah portion, then proceed immediately to the first chapter of Genesis, reminding us that the Torah is a circle, and never ends. This completion of the readings is a time of great celebration. There are processions around the synagogue carrying Torahs and plenty of high-spirited singing and dancing.

Happy Sukkot!

2007-10-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

Fun video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXKPpfoa2qo

Sukkot, the Harvest Festival, occurs on 15 Tishri (in September or October). The word Sukkot means booths, and refers to the temporary dwellings (sukkah) that we are commanded to live in during this holiday. Sukkot is also a harvest festival, and is sometimes referred to as Chag Ha-Asif, the Festival of Ingathering. The festival of Sukkot is instituted in Leviticus 23:34. It is the third of the three pilgrimage festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Pesach and Shavuot). No work is permitted on the first and second days of the holiday. The holiday commemorates the forty-year period during which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters. The commandment to "dwell" in a sukkah can be fulfilled by simply eating all of one's meals there; however, if the weather, climate, and one's health permit, one should live in the sukkah as much as possible, including sleeping in it. It is common practice, and highly commendable, to decorate the sukkah. In the northeastern United States, Jews commonly hang dried squash and corn in the sukkah to decorate it, because these vegetables are readily available at that time for the American holidays of Halloween and Thanksgiving. Another observance related to Sukkot involves what are known as The Four Species (arba minim) or the lulav and etrog. We are commanded to take these four plants and use them to rejoice before the L-rd. With these four species in hand, one recites a blessing and waves the species in all six directions (east, south, west, north, up and down, symbolizing the fact that G-d is everywhere). The four species are also held during the Hallel prayer in religious services, and are held during processions around the bimah each day during the holiday. These processions, known as Hoshanahs, commemorate similar processions around the alter of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.

Hoshanah Rabbah occurs on the seventh day of Sukkot (21 Tishri-in September or October). Seven circuits are made around the bimah while carrying The Four Species. For this reason, the seventh day of Sukkot is known as Hoshanah Rabbah (the great Hoshanah). It is celebrated by the beating of the aravah, prayer, and marching around the bimah.

Shemini Atzeret occurs on 22 Tishri (in September or October). It brings the celebration of Sukkot into a state of perfection and is celebrated by prayer and the ending of the stay in the sukkah. Shemini Atzeret literally means the assembly of the eighth (day). No work is permitted on Shemini Atzeret. (In Israel Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are celebrated on the same day).

Shabbat - 10/06/07 (24 Tishrei 5768)

2007-10-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is a double-portion -- Bereishit (Genesis 1:1-6:8).

Topics in Bereishit: the creation of the world and humans, the Sabbath, the Garden of Eden (Gad Eden), Cain and Abel, genealogy of mankind, prelude to the flood

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Yom Kippur 5768

2007-09-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hebrew Date: Tenth of Tishri

Secular Dates: (5768) Sept 22, 2007 | (5769) Oct 9, 2008 | (5770) Sept 28, 2009 | (5771) Sept 18, 2010

Duration: One day

Work: Not permitted

Name: Yom Kippur

Summary: Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is a Biblical holiday that occurs on 10 Tishrei (in September or October). It is a day set aside to "afflict the soul," to atone for the sins of the past year. Yom Kippur atones only for sins between man and G-d, not for sins against another person. To atone for sins against another person, you must first seek reconciliation with that person, righting the wrongs you committed against them. The holiday is instituted at Leviticus 23:27 No work can be performed on that day. On Erev Yom Kippur (the night of 9 Tishri) the service is commonly known as Kol Nidre (all vows), named for the prayer that begins the service. In Kol Nidre we ask G-d to annul all personal vows we may make in the next year. It refers only to vows between the person making them and G-d. Much of the day is spent in synagogue where the regular daily prayers are expanded. There is a special prayer book called the Machzor used for Yom Kippur. Services begin around 8am and continue until about 3pm. People then usually go home for an afternoon nap and return around 5pm for the afternoon and evening services, which continue until nightfall. The services end at nightfall, with the blowing of the tekiah gedolah, a long blast on the shofar. Yom Kippur is a complete, 25-hour fast beginning before sunset on the evening before Yom Kippur and ending after nightfall on the day of Yom Kippur. The Talmud also specifies additional restrictions that include: washing and bathing, anointing one's body (with cosmetics, deodorants, etc.), wearing leather shoes, and engaging in sexual relations are all prohibited on Yom Kippur. It is customary to wear white on the holiday, which symbolizes purity and calls to mind the promise that our sins shall be made as white as snow. Some people wear a kittel, the white robe in which the man is married and the dead are buried.

Shabbat - 09/15/07 (3 Tishrei 5768)

2007-09-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is the Yom Kippur reading -- Leviticus 16:1-34; 18:1-30

Topics in this week's Parsha: Death of Aaron's sons, Yom Kippur Service, The Lots, The Incense Service, The He-goat to Azazel, Removal of the Shovel and Ladle, Conclusion of the Service, The Eternal Commandment of Yom Kippur, Forbidden Practices and Traditions, Forbidden Relationships, Molech, Sodomy and Beastiality, The Holiness of the Land

Happy New Year!

2007-09-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

Learn more about Rosh Hashanah here.

L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem - May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.

Some of my favorite Rosh Hashanah links:
Rosh Hashanah
Orthodox Union: Rosh Hashanah
Being Jewish: Rosh Hashanah
Chabad: Rosh Hashanah
Union for Reform Judaism: Rosh Hashanah
Aish: High Holidays

Shabbat - 09/15/07 (3 Tishrei 5768)

2007-09-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is a double-portion -- Ha'azinu (Deuteronomy 32:1-52).

Topics in Ha'azinu: The Song of Moses, G-d’s last commandment to Moses

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Rosh Hashanah

2007-09-07T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hebrew Date: First and Second days of Tishri

Secular Dates: (5768) Sept 13-14, 2007 | (5769) Sept 30-Oct 1, 2008 | (5770) Sept 19-20, 2009 | (5771) Sept 9-10, 2010

Duration: Two days

Work: Not permitted

Name: Jewish New Year, Yom Ha-Zikkaron, Yom Teruah

Summary: Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year (literally "head of the year"), is a Biblical holiday that occurs on the first and second of Tishri (September or October). Rosh Hashanah is the day that G-d created man. Rosh Hashanah is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25. No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is spent in synagogue. where the regular daily prayers are expanded. There is a special prayer book called the Machzor used for Rosh Hashanah. Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d's sovereignty. Another popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year. Another popular practice of the holiday is Tashlikh ("casting off"). We walk to flowing water, such as a creek or river, on the afternoon of the first day and empty our pockets into the river (generally this means casting bread into the water), symbolically casting off our sins. The common greeting at this time is L'shanah tovah ("for a good year"). This is a shortening of "L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem" (or to women, "L'shanah tovah tikatevi v'taihatemi"), which means "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year."

Candles are lit and blessings are said on the first night and the second night in order to help usher in the Holy Day. Kiddush (blessing over wine/grape juice) is said as well as the blessing over the challah (braided bread). Slices of the challah and apple slices are dipped in honey, representing sweetness and hope for the new year.

Shabbat - 09/08/07 (25 Elul 5767)

2007-09-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is a double-portion -- Nitzavim-Vayeilech (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8).

Topics in Nitazvim: Renewal of the covenant, Warning against idolatry, The eventual repentance and redemption, The Torah is accessible, Choose life

Topics in Vayeilech: Moses takes leave, Joshua, Hakhel/The king reads Deuteronomy, Moses’ end draws near, The Torah as testimony

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

A Holy Sound

2007-08-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

Shabbat - 09/01/07 (18 Elul 5767)

2007-08-31T10:20:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is -- Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8).

Topics in Ki Tavo: First fruits, Declaration, Confession of the tithes, G-d and Israel are inseparable, The new commitment, Blessings and curses, The blessing for fulfilling the commandments, The admonition for disobedience, Moses’ final charge to the people

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Work on Shabbat

2007-08-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

According to Mishnah Shabbat, 7:2, there are 39 kinds of work that are forbidden on Shabbat.

Sowing
Plowing
Reaping
Binding Sheaves
Threshing
Willowing
Selecting
Grinding
Sifting
Kneading
Baking
Shearing Wool
Washing Wool
Beating Wool
Dyeing Wool
Spinning
Weaving
Making Two Loops
Weaving Two Threads
Separating Two Threads
Tying
Untying
Sewing Two Stitches
Tearing
Trapping
Slaughtering
Flaying
Salting Meat
Curring Hide
Scraping Hide
Cutting Hide Up
Writing Two Letters
Erasing Two Letters
Building
Tearing a Building Down
Extinguishing a Fire
Kindling a Fire
Hitting with a Hammer
Taking an Object from the Private Domain to the Public, or Transporting an Object in a Public Domain

Shabbat - 08/25/07 (11 Elul 5767)

2007-08-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is a double portion -- Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19).

Topics in Ki Teitzei: The woman of beautiful form, The firstborn’s inviolable right, The wayward and rebellious son, Hanging and burial, Concern for the property of another, Male and female garb, Sending the mother bird from the nest, Protective fence, Tzitzis, Defamation of a married woman, If the accusation was true, Adultery, Betrothed maiden, Forbidden and restricted marriages, Sanctity of the camp, An escaped slave, Sexual purity, Interest, Vows to G-d, A worker’s right to eat, Divorce and remarriage, Millstone, Kidnapping, Tzaraas and slander, Dignity of a debtor, Timely payment of workers, Individual responsibility, Consideration for the orphan and widow, Gifts to the poor from the harvest, Lashes, Levirate marriage and releasing the obligation, Penalty for embarrassing another, Honest weights and measures, Remembering Amalek

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part XVII

2007-08-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

Parts I : II : III : IV : V : VI : VII : VIII : IX : X : XI : XII : XIII : XIV : XV : XVI

The Book of Judges: The judicial system, rabbinic and parental authority, mourning, kings, and wars (74 mitzvot)

Section I: Laws Concerning the Sanhedrin and the penalties within Their Jurisdiction
540. Appoint judges (Deuteronomy 16:18)
541. Don't appoint a judge who does not know judicial procedure (Deuteronomy 1:17)
542. Rule according to the majority (when judges differ) (Exodus 23:2)
543. Don't execute the accused if there is only a bare majority for conviction (a majority of two necessary) (Exodus 23:2)
544. Don't (in capital cases) present argument for conviction if you have presented a plea for acquittal (Deuteronomy 23:2)
545. Put to death by stoning (Deuteronomy 22:24)
546. Put to death be burning (Leviticus 20:14)
547. Put to death by decapitation with sword (Exodus 21:20)
548. Put to death by strangling (Leviticus 20:10)
549. Hang (those stoned for blasphemy or idolatry) (Deuteronomy 21:22)
550. Bury the body on day of execution (Deuteronomy 21:23)
551. Don't let the body remain overnight (Deuteronomy 21:23)
552. Don't allow a sorcerer to live (Exodus 22:17)
553. Punish the wicked with stripes (for certain sins) (Exodus 25:2)
554. Don't exceed the number of (39) stripes in the Torah (Deuteronomy 25:3)
555. Don't put the innocent to death on presumptuous testimony (Exodus 23:7)
556. Don't punish one who committed sin under duress (Deuteronomy 22:26)
557. Don't show pity for one who slays another (Deuteronomy 19:13)
558. Don't show compassion at a trial to a person who is poor (Leviticus 19:15)
559. Don't show respect at a trial to a great man (Leviticus 19:15)
560. Don't decide the cause of a habitual transgressor unjustly (Exodus 23:6)
561. Don't pervert judgment (Leviticus 19:15)
562. Don't pervert the judgment of a stranger or an orphan (Deuteronomy 24:17)
563. Judge righteously (Leviticus 19:15)
564. Don't be afraid at a trial of a man who is violent (Deuteronomy 1:17)
565. Don't take a bribe (Exodus 23:8)
566. Don't receive a one-sided report (Exodus 23:1)
567. Don't curse judges (Exodus 22:27)
568. Don't curse prince (of state or Torah) (Exodus 22:27)
569. Don't curse any Jew who leads a worthy life (Leviticus 19:14)

Section II: Laws of Testimony
570. Testify in court if you are in possession of evidence (Leviticus 5:1)
571. Carefully interrogate the witnesses (Deuteronomy 13:15)
572. Don't (in a capital case) act as a judge if you have given evidence (Deuteronomy 19:17)
573. Don't make any ruling based on the testimony of only one witness (Deuteronomy 19:15)
574. Don't accept a transgressor's testimony (Exodus 23:1)
575. Don't accept a relative's testimony (Deuteronomy 24:16)
576. Don't testify falsely (Exodus 20:13)
577. Do unto an exposed false witness as he has plotted to do to accused (Deuteronomy 19:19)

Section III: Laws Concerning the Rebellious
578. Act in accordance with the law of the Torah as the High Court declares it (Deuteronomy 17:11)
579. Don't depart from rulings of this Court (Deuteronomy 17:11)
580. Don't add to the Torah (Written Law or Oral interpretation) (Deuteronomy 13:1)
581. Don't detract from the precepts (Deuteronomy 13:1)
582. Don't curse your father or mother (Exodus 21:17)
583. Don't strike you father or mother (Exodus 21:15)
584. Honor your father and mother (Exodus 21:12)
585. Revere your father and mother (Leviticus 19:3)
586. Don't rebel against the order of your father or mother (Deuteronomy 21:18)

Section IV: Laws or Mourning
587. Mourn relatives (even Priest defiles himself for relatives) (Leviticus 10:19)
588. Don't (High Priest) defile yourself through contact with deceased, even relatives (Leviticus 21:11)
589. Don't (any Priest) be under same roof as deceased forbidden for contact (Leviticus 21:11)
590. Don't (Ordinary Priest) defile yourself for anyone except relatives (Leviticus 21:1)

Section V: Laws of Sovereigns and their Wars
591. Appoint a King (Deuteronomy 17:15)
592. Don't appoint proselyte as king (Deuteronomy 17:15)
593. Don't (King) have too many wives (Deuteronomy 17:17)
594. Don't have too many horses (Deuteronomy 17:16)
595. Don't have too much gold and silver (Deuteronomy 17:17)
596. Destroy seven Canaanite nations (Deuteronomy 20:17)
597. Don't let any one to them live (Deuteronomy 20:16)
598. Blot out seed of Amalek (Deuteronomy 20:19)
599. Remember what Amalek did to us (Deuteronomy 25:17)
600. Don't forget his evil deeds (Deuteronomy 25:19)
601. Don't reside permanently in Egypt (Deuteronomy 17:16)
602. Offer terms of peace to inhabitants of besieged city (Deuteronomy 20:10)
603. Don't offer peace to Ammon and Moab (Deuteronomy 23:7)
604. Don't destroy fruit trees even during siege (Deuteronomy 20:19)
605. Prepare place outside camp where soldiers can relieve themselves (Deuteronomy 23:13)
606. Prepare a shovel to dig with (Deuteronomy 23:14)
607. Anoint priest to speak to men in wartime (Deuteronomy 20:2)
608. If a man takes a wife, builds a building, plants a vineyard - he should be deferred from service one year (Deuteronomy 24:5)
609. Don't draft them for any purpose (Deuteronomy 24:5)
610. Don't panic and retreat in battle (Deuteronomy 20:3)
611. Act according to law of beautiful women taken captive in war (Deuteronomy 21:11)
612. Don't sell this captive into slavery (Deuteronomy 21:14)
613. Don't retain her in servitude after having relations with her (Deuteronomy 21:14)

Shabbat - 08/18/07 (4 Elul 5767)

2007-08-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is a double portion -- Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9).

Topics in Shoftim: Establishment of just courts, Blemished sacrifice, The death penalty for an idol worshiper, The rebellious elder, A king in Israel, Priestly gifts, Prophecy, G-d sends His prophets to Israel, Cities of refuge, Preserving boundaries, Conspiring witnesses, When Israel goes to war, The Kohen anointed for battle speaks to the people, Those unqualified to fight, Overtures for peace, Preservation of fruit trees, Unsolved murder: the axed heifer

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part XVI

2007-08-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

Parts I : II : III : IV : V : VI : VII : VIII : IX : X : XI : XII : XIII : XIV : XV

The Book of Judgments: Labor relations, renting and borrowing, and inheritance (23 mitzvot)

Section I: Laws of Hiring
517. Carry out law of the man who rents and the depository for hire (Exodus 22:9)
518. Pay the hired wage the same day (Deuteronomy 24:15)
519. Don't delay the wage after it is due (Leviticus 19:13)
520. That the hired man may eat of agricultural produce at which he works (Deuteronomy 23:25)
521. Don't eat from un-severed produce until work is completed (Deuteronomy 23:26)
522. Don't take with you anything you don't consume (Deuteronomy 23:25)
523. Don't muzzle an ox (or cattle) while it is doing agricultural work (Deuteronomy 25:4)

Section II: Laws Concerning Borrowing an Article and Deposit
524. Carry out the law appertaining to a borrower (Exodus 22:13)
525. Carry out the law concerning a gratuitous depository (Exodus 22:6)

Section III: Laws Concerning Creditor and Debtor
526. Lend to the poor and needy (Exodus 22:24)
527. Don't press him for payment he doesn't have (Exodus 22:24)
528. Press the idolater (Deuteronomy 15:3)
529. Don't (the creditor) take a pledge by force (Deuteronomy 24:10)
530. Return the pledge to its owner when he is in need of it (Deuteronomy 24:13)
531. Don't be tardy in returning it to him (Deuteronomy 24:12)
532. Don't exact a pledge from a widow (Deuteronomy 24:17)
533. Don't take utensils used in preparing food (Deuteronomy 24:6)
534. Don't (the lender) give a loan at usury (Leviticus 25:37)
535. Don't (the borrower) take a loan at usury (Deuteronomy 23:20)
536. Don't act as intermediary in a loan at usury (Exodus 22:24)
537. Borrow from, and lend to an idolater at usury (Deuteronomy 23:21)

Section IV: Laws of Plaintiff and Defendant
538. Carry out laws of claims, admissions and denials (Exodus 22:8)

Section V: Laws of Inheritance
539. Carry out law regarding order of inheritance (Numbers 27:8)

Shabbat - 08/11/07 (27 Av 5767)

2007-08-10T11:50:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is a double portion -- Re'eh (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17).

Topics in Re'eh: Blessing and curse, Sanctity of the Land, Private altars, Permission to eat redeemed offerings, Sacred foods consumed only in Jerusalem, Permission to eat unconsecrated meat, General principles of observance, The prohibition against copying the rites of the Canaanites, A false prophet, One who entices others to go astray, The wayward city, A treasured people, Permitted and forbidden food, The second tithe, Remission of loans, To be warmhearted and openhanded to our brethren, A Jewish bondsman, The three pilgrimage festivals: Pesach, Shavuot, Succot, To come to Jerusalem with offerings

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part XV

2007-08-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

Parts I : II : III : IV : V : VI : VII : VIII : IX : X : XI : XII : XIII : XIV

The Book of Acquisition: Commercial transactions, neighbors, and bondage (18 mitzvot)

Section I - Laws of Sale
499. Carry out law of purchase and sale (Leviticus 25:14)
500. Don't do wrong in buying and selling (Leviticus 25:14)
501. Don't do wrong with words - like reminding a repentant man of his sins (Leviticus 25:17)
502. Don't wrong a proselyte in regard to his possessions (Exodus 22:20)
503. Don't wrong him with words (Exodus 22:20)

Section II: Laws of Acquisition of Derelict Property and Gifts
Laws in regard to one who acquires derelict property and by what methods one acquires title to such property; and laws in regard to donor of gifts and recipient and kind of gift which reverts to original owner and which doesn't

Section III: Laws of Neighbors
Laws of partnership divisions and removal of potential nuisances to neighbors

Section IV: Laws of Agents and Partners
Laws of agency and partnership regarding their transactions, profits and losses

Section V: Laws of Bondmen
504. Carry out the laws of the acquisition of a Hebrew bondman(Exodus 21:2)
505. Don't sell his as a slave is sold (Leviticus 25:42)
506. Don't force him to work rigorously (Leviticus 25:43)
507. Don't allow a non-Jew to work him with rigor (Leviticus 25:53)
508. Don't force him to do the menial work of a slave (Leviticus 25:59)
509. Bestow upon him a liberal gift when he goes free (Deuteronomy 15:14)
510. Don't send him away empty-handed (Deuteronomy 15:13)
511. Redeem a Hebrew bondwoman (Exodus 21:8)
512. Espouse her (the master or his son) (Exodus 21:8)
513. Don't sell her if you don't espouse her (Exodus 21:8)
514. Keep a Canaanite slave in perpetual bondage (except if master injured his limbs) (Leviticus 25:46)
515. Don't surrender a slave who fled from outside of Israel to Israel (Deuteronomy 23:16)
516. Don't wrong such a slave (Deuteronomy 23:16)

Shabbat - 08/04/07 (20 Av 5767)

2007-08-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is a double portion -- Eikev (Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25).

Topics in Eikev: The reward, The assurance, The lesson of food, A warning against the lure of prosperity, Remembering the Exodus and the tribulations in the Wilderness, Receiving the Tablets, A stiff-necked people, Repeated rebelliousness, A temporary Ark and the second Tablets, Aaron’s death, Elevation of the Levites, G-d’s reconciliation, Firsthand knowledge of G-d’s miracles, The great virtues of the Land, The second portion of the Shema

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part XIV

2007-07-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

Parts I : II : III : IV : V : VI : VII : VIII : IX : X : XI : XII : XIII

The Book of Injuries: The laws of compensation for damages and theft, returning lost property, murder, and the preservation of life (36 mitzvot)

Section I: Laws Concerning Damages to Property
463. Carry out law concerning the goring ox (Exodus. 21:28)
464. Carry out law concerning trespass cattle (Exodus 22:4)
465. Carry out law concerning damages by a pit (Exodus 21:33)
466. Carry out law concerning damages by fire (Exodus 22:5)

Section II: Laws Concerning Theft
467. Don't steal anything of pecuniary value (Leviticus 19:11)
468. Carry out law concerning the thief (his obligations) (Exodus 21:37)
469. Ensure correct scales and weights (Leviticus 19:36)
470. Don't commit injustice in respect to measures and weights (Leviticus 19:35)
471. Don't have in your possession a double standard of weights or measures (Deuteronomy 25:13)
472. Don't remove a landmark (to rob property) (Deuteronomy 19:14)
473. Don't kidnap (Exodus 20:13)

Section III: Laws Concerning Robbery and Concerning Things Lost
474. Don't rob (Leviticus 19:13)
475. Don't withhold wages or debt owed (Leviticus 19:13)
476. Don't covet (and take action for acquiring) (Exodus 20:14)
477. Don't desire another's possessions (Deuteronomy 5:18)
478. Restore what has been robbed (Leviticus 5:23)
479. Don't pass by a lost object to ignore it (Deuteronomy 22:3)
480. Restore lost property (Deuteronomy 22:1)

Section IV: Laws Concerning One Who Commits an Injury to Person or Property
481. Carry out laws of personal or property damage (Exodus 21:18)

Section V: Laws Concerning Murder and the Preservation of Human Life
482. Don't commit murder (Exodus 20:13)
483. Don't accept ransom for life of the murderer (Numbers 35:31)
484. Exile an accidental murderer (Numbers 35:25)
485. Don't accept ransom from him (Numbers 35:32)
486. Don't kill the murderer before trying him (Numbers 35:12)
487. Save the pursued at the cost of the life of the pursuer (Deuteronomy 25:12)
488. Don't show pity for the pursuer (Numbers 35:12)
489. Don't stand idly by when you can save a life (Leviticus 19:16)
490. Set aside cities of refuge for those who commit accidental homicide (Deuteronomy 19:3)
491. Break the neck of the calf by the river (in ritual following unsolved murder) (Deuteronomy 21:4)
492. Don't till by that river or sow there (Deuteronomy 21:4)
493. Don't cause loss of human life (through negligence) (Deuteronomy 22:8)
494. Build a parapet (in roof of house) (Deuteronomy 22:8)
495. Don't mislead with advice which is a stumbling block (Leviticus 19:14)
496. Help a man remove the load from his beast which can no longer carry it (Exodus 23:5)
497. Help him load his beast (Deuteronomy 22:4)
498. Don't leave him in a state of confusion and go on your way (Deuteronomy 22:4)

Shabbat - 07/28/07 (13 Av 5767)

2007-07-27T11:40:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is a double portion -- Vaetchannan (Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22).

Topics in Vaetchannan: Moses prays again, Exile and return, Decrees and ordinances, From the midst of the fire, Moses would not enter the Land, Exile and return, He will not abandon you, You heard His voice, Setting aside the cities of refuge, The Ten Statements, Fire, cloud, thick smoke, "Return to your tents", The Shema, Not succumbing to prosperity, Further trust in G-d, Teaching the tradition to children, G-d will clear the way to settle in the Land

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part XIII

2007-07-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

Parts I : II : III : IV : V : VI : VII : VIII : IX : X : XI : XII

The Book of Purity: All the causes of defilement and the requirements for purification (20 mitzvot)

Section I: Laws Concerning Defilement by a Dead Body
443. Carry out laws of defilement by the dead (Numbers 19:14)

Section II: Laws Concerning the Red Heifer
444. Carry out laws concerning the Red Heifer (Numbers 19:2)
445. Carry out laws concerning the uncleanliness of waters of sprinkling and the manner in which they must be used for purification (Numbers 19:21)

Section III: Laws Concerning the Uncleanliness of Leprosy
446. Carry out the law of leprosy of a man according the Torah rules (Leviticus 13:12)
447. Don't cut away marks pointing to uncleanliness (Deuteronomy 24:8)
448. Don't shave the scall (leprosy of head or beard) (Leviticus 13:33)
449. A leper shall rend his garments, allow his hair to go loose and cover his lips (Leviticus 13:45)
450. Carry out prescribed rules for cleansing of leprosy (Leviticus 14:2)
451. A leper shall shave all his hair when he becomes clean (Leviticus 14:9)
452. Carry out the law of leprosy of a garment (Leviticus 13:47)
453. Carry out the law of leprosy of a house (Leviticus 13:34)

Section IV: Laws Concerning Defilement of a Couch or Seat
454. Carry out the law of defilement of a menstruous woman (Leviticus 15:19)
455. Carry out the law of defilement of a woman after childbirth (Leviticus 12:2)
456. Carry out the law of defilement of a woman with a running issue (Leviticus 15:25)
457. Carry out the law of defilement of a man with a running issue (Leviticus 15:3)

Section V: Laws of Other Original Sources of Defilement
458. Carry out the law of defilement of that beast which died of itself (Leviticus 11:39)
459. Carry out the law of defilement of creeping things (Leviticus 11:29)
460. Carry out the law of defilement of seminal issue (Leviticus 15:16)

Section VI: Laws of Defilement of Food
461. Carry out laws relating to defilement of food and drink (Leviticus 11:34)

Section VII: Laws Concerning Ritual Baths
462. Every unclean person should immerse himself in a ritual bath in order to become clean (Leviticus 15:16)

Shabbat - 07/21/07 (6 Av 5767)

2007-07-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is a double portion -- Devarim (Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22).

Topics in Devarim: Veiled rebuke, The appointment of judges, The mission of the spies, Esau/Seir, Moab, G-d commands Israel to march toward the Land, The first conquest Sihon, The conquest of Og, The inheritance of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part XII

2007-07-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

Parts I : II : III : IV : V : VI : VII : VIII : IX : X : XI

The Book of Sacrifices: The sacrifices brought on holidays and as atonement for sins (39 mitzvot)

Section I: Laws of the Paschal Offering
404. Slaughter Paschal Offering at appointed time (14 Nissan) (Exodus 12:6)
405. Don't slaughter it until leaven is removed from home (Exodus 23:18)
406. Don't let fat remain un-offered overnight (Exodus 23:18)
407. Slaughter the Second Paschal Offering (14 Iyar) (Numbers 9:11)
408. Eat flesh of Paschal Offering with herbs and Matzah on the eve of Passover (Exodus 12:8)
409. Eat flesh of Second Paschal offering on the eve of 15 Iyar (Numbers 9:11)
410. Don't eat it half-broiled or broiled (Exodus 12:9)
411. Don't take the flesh of the Paschal Offering outside the place of assembly of the company (Exodus 12:46)
412. Don't eat of the Paschal lamb if you are an apostate (Exodus 12:43)
413. Don't allow it to be eaten even by a non-Jew who has left idolatry and been circumcised (Exodus 12:45)
414. Don't eat of it if you are uncircumcised (Exodus 12:48)
415. Don't break a bone of it (Exodus 12:46)
416. Don't break a bone of the Second Paschal Offering (Numbers 9:12)
417. Don't leave any till morning (Exodus 12:10)
418. Don't leave any of the Second Paschal Offering till morning (Numbers 9:12)
419. Don't leave flesh of the Festival Offering of the 14th day of Nissan to the 3rd day (Deuteronomy 16:4)

Section II: Laws Concerning the Celebration of the Festival
420. Appear before the L-rd (with a Burnt Offering) three times a year (Deuteronomy 16:16)
421. Celebrate the three festivals (with Peace Offerings) (Exodus 23:14)
422. Rejoice on the festivals (with Peace Offerings) (Deuteronomy 16:14)
423. Don't appear before the L-rd empty handed on these Festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16)
424. Don't neglect to bring joy to the Levite and give him due gifts on the Holiday (Deuteronomy 12:19)
425. Assemble the people on the Feast of Sukkot following the Sabbatical Year (Deuteronomy 31:12)

Section III: Laws of the first Born
426. Set apart the first born of cattle (Exodus 13:12)
427. Don't eat an unblemished first born outside of Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 12:17)
428. Don't redeem the first born (of clean cattle) (Numbers 18:17)
429. Set apart tithe of the young of the clean cattle (Leviticus 27:32)
430. Don't redeem tithe of cattle (Leviticus 27:33)

Section IV: Laws Concerning Offerings Brought for Transgressions Committed in Error
431. One who sinned shall bring a definite Sin Offering (Leviticus 4.27)
432. One who is uncertain of sinning shall bring a Trespass Offering (and a Sin Offering upon ascertainment) (Leviticus 5:17-18)
433. For certain specified transgressions the sinner shall bring a Trespass Offering (Levticus 5:25)
434. For other specified transgressions he shall bring an offering according to his means (Leviticus 5:7-11)
435. The Sanhedrin shall bring an offering if they erred in giving a decision of a serious transgression (Leviticus 4:13)

Section V: Laws Concerning Unclean Ones who Have to Bring Sacrifices as an Atonement
436. A woman who has a running issue shall bring an offering when she becomes clean (Leviticus 15:28-29)
437. A woman after child-birth shall bring an offering when she is clean (Leviticus 12:6)
438. A man who has a running issue shall bring an offering after he is clean (Leviticus 15:13-14)
439. A leper shall bring an offering after he becomes clean (Leviticus 14:10)

Section VI: Laws Concerning Substitution of Sacrifices
440. Don't substitute another beast for one set apart for Sacrifice (Leviticus 27:10)
441. If a substitute is made, the new beast must also be holy (Leviticus 27:10)
442. Don't switch things that are consecrated from one category to another (Leviticus 27:26)

Shabbat - 07/14/07 (28 Tammuz 5767)

2007-07-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is a double portion -- Mattot-Masei (Numbers 30:2-36:13).

Topics in Mattot: Vows and oaths, The battle against Midian, Moses rebukes the officers, Laws of koshering utensils, Division of the spoils, Kohanim and Levites, The soldiers’ share, The people’s share, The commanders, The request of Reuben and Gad, Moses’ objection, The request is clarified, Moses’ condition

Topics in Masei: Summary of the journey, Occupying the Land, The boundaries of Eretz Yisrael, The leadership, Cities for the Levites, Cities of refuge for unintentional murder, Intentional murder, Unintentional murder, Tribal intermarriage

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part XI

2007-07-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

Parts I : II : III : IV : V : VI : VII : VIII : IX : X

The Book of Divine Service: The Sanctuary, how it is to be built, who serves in it and the nature of the service (103 mitzvot)

Section I: Laws Concerning the Sanctuary
301. Erect a Sanctuary (Exodus 25:8)
302. Don't build altar of hewn stones (Exodus 20:22)
303. Don't ascend the altar with stairs (Exodus 20:23)
304. Show reverence for the Sanctuary (Leviticus 19:30)
305. Keep a guard about the Sanctuary (Numbers 18:2)
306. Don't leave the Sanctuary unguarded (Numbers 18:5)

Section II: Laws which deal with the Vessels in the Sanctuary and those who serve in it
307. Prepare the oil of anointment (Exodus 30:31)
308. Don't make this same oil for secular use (Exodus 30:32)
309. Don't anoint a human with it (Exodus 30:32)
310. Don't prepare spice mixture like Sanctuary incense (Exodus 30:37)
311. Don't offer anything but incense on the Golden Altar (Exodus 30:9)
312. Bear the Ark on the shoulder during transport (Numbers 7:9)
313. Don't remove staves from Ark (Exodus 25:15)
314. Serve (The Levites) in the Sanctuary (Numbers 18:23)
315. Don't (Priests and Levites) do the work of another in the Sanctuary (Numbers 18:3)
316. Consecrate the priest for the service (Leviticus 21:8)
317. See that all priestly divisions share equally in service and sacrifices on festivals (Deuteronomy 18:6-8)
318. Put on priestly vestments for the service (Exodus 28:2)
319. Don't rend the priestly vestments (Exodus 28:32)
320. Don't loose the breast plate from the Ephod (Exodus 28:28)

Section III: Laws Concerning Admission into the Sanctuary
321. Don't (Priest) enter Sanctuary while intoxicated (Leviticus 10:9)
322. Don't (Priest) enter with over-long hair (Leviticus 10:6)
323. Don't (Priest) enter with torn garments (Leviticus 10:6)
324. Don't enter the innermost Sanctuary at all times (Leviticus 16:2)
325. Don't leave the Sanctuary during service (Leviticus 10:7)
326. Send the ritually unclean out of the Sanctuary (Numbers 5:2)
327. Don't (unclean man) enter the Sanctuary (Numbers 5:3)
328. Don't (unclean man) enter the Temple Mount (Deuteronomy 23:11)
329. Don't (unclean Priest) participate in the service (Leviticus 22:2)
330. Don't (unclean Priest) participate even after immersion until sundown (Leviticus 22:7)
331. Sanctify your hands and feet by washing before serving in Sanctuary (Exodus 30:19)
332. Don't (a person with a physical blemish) enter the Sanctuary nor approach the Altar (Leviticus 21:23)
333. Don't (a person with a passing physical blemish) take part in the service (Leviticus 21:17)
334. Don't (a person with a passing physical blemish) take part in the service (Leviticus 21:17)
335. Don't (a stranger not descended from Aaron) take part in the service (Numbers 18:4)

Section IV: Laws Concerning Restrictions in regard to Sacrifices on the Altar
336. Offer only unblemished cattle (Leviticus 22:21)
337. Don't consecrate a blemished animal for the Altar (Leviticus 22:20)
338. Don't slaughter it for the Altar (Leviticus 22:22)
339. Don't sprinkle its blood on Altar (Leviticus 22:24)
340. Don't burn its fat on Altar (Leviticus 22:22)
341. Don't offer an animal with a passing blemish (Deuteronomy 17:1)
342. Don't inflict a blemish on cattle consecrated for Altar (Leviticus 22:25)
343. Don't inflict a blemish on cattle consecrated for Altar (Leviticus 22:21)
344. Redeem cattle consecrated for Altar and subsequently disqualified (Deuteronomy 12:15)
345. Offer an animal as sacrifice only from its eighth day on (Leviticus 22:27)
346. Don't offer as sacrifice the hire of the harlot or "price of the dog" (Deuteronomy 23:19)
347. Don't burn on the Altar leaven of honey (Leviticus 2:11)
348. Salt all sacrifices (Leviticus 2:13)
349. Don't omit seasoning all sacrifices with salt (Leviticus 2:13)

Section V: Laws Concerning the Procedure of Sacrifices
350. In offering Burnt Offering observe the procedure prescribed in Torah (Leviticus 1:13)
351. Don't eat flesh of Burnt Offerings (Deuteronomy 12:17)
352. Observe procedure of Sin Offering (Leviticus 6:18)
353. Don't eat flesh of innermost Sin Offering (Leviticus 6:23)
354. Don't divide asunder the fowl brought as a Sin Offering (Leviticus 5:8)
355. Observe procedure of the Trespass Offering (Leviticus 7:1)
356. Eat (the priests) the flesh of the holiest sacrifices within the Sanctuary (Exodus 29:33)
357. Don't eat them outside the Courtyard of the Sanctuary (Deuteronomy 12:17)
358. Don't (a stranger) eat any portion of the holiest sacrifices (Exodus 29:33)
359. Observe the procedure of the Peace Offering (Leviticus 7:11)
360. Don't eat the flesh of the offerings before their blood has been sprinkled (on the Altar) (Deuteronomy 12:17)
361. In offering a meal offering observe the procedure prescribed in Torah (Leviticus 2:1)
362. Don't put oil in a Sin Offering (Leviticus 5:11)
363. Don't put frankincense on it (Leviticus 5:11)
364. Don't eat the meal offering of a priest (Leviticus 6:16)
365. Don't bake a leavened meal offering (Leviticus 6:10)
366. Eat (the priests) the rest of meal offering after handful offered on Altar (Leviticus 6:9)
367. Fulfill all your vows and bring your free-will offering on the first Festival following the vow (Deuteronomy 12:5-6)
368. Don't delay in fulfilling your vows or offerings (Deuteronomy 23:22)
369. Offer all Sacrifices in the chosen Sanctuary (Deuteronomy 12:11)
370. Bring all hallowed things from abroad to the chosen Sanctuary (Deuteronomy 12:26)
371. Don't slaughter sacrifices outside the Sanctuary Courtyard (Leviticus 17:4)
372. Don't offer up a sacrifice outside the Sanctuary Courtyard (Deuteronomy 12:13)

Section VI: Laws Concerning the Daily Offerings and Additional Offerings
373. Offer daily two lambs as Burnt Offerings (Numbers 28:3)
374. Kindle the fire upon the Altar daily (Leviticus 6:6)
375. Don't extinguish it (Leviticus 6:6)
376. Remove the ashes daily (Leviticus 6:3)
377. Burn incense daily (Exodus 30:7)
378. Light lamps of Menorah daily (Exodus 27:21)
379. Offer (the High Priest) a Meal Offering daily (Leviticus 6:13)
380. Offer an additional two lambs as Burnt Offerings on the Sabbath (Numbers 28:9)
381. Prepare the show-bread (Exodus 25:30)
382. Offer the Additional Sacrifices of Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) (Numbers 28:11)
383. Offer the Additional Sacrifices of Passover (Numbers 28:19)
384. Offer the Omer as a wave offering (Leviticus 23:10)
385. Count (everyone) seven weeks from when Omer brought (Leviticus 23:15)
386. Offer Additional Sacrifice on the Feast of Shavuos (Leviticus 28:26)
387. Bring two loaves of bread in addition to sacrifices on Feast of Shavuos (Leviticus 23:17)
388. Offer Additional Sacrifices for Rosh Hashana (Numbers 29:2)
389. Offer Additional offering on Yom Kippur (Numbers 29:8)
390. Offer Additional Sacrifices on the Feast of Succos (Numbers 29:13)
391. Offer Additional Sacrifices on the Feast of Shemini Atzeres (Numbers 29:35)

Section VII: Laws Concerning Sacrifices that Have Become Unfit
392. Don't eat offerings that have become unfit or blemished (Deuteronomy 14:3)
393. Don't eat of an offering that is pigul (improper thought of priest during offering) (Leviticus 7:18)
394. Don't leave the offerings beyond time for consumption (Leviticus 22:30)
395. Don't eat what has been left over (Leviticus 19:8)
396. Don't eat sacrifices that have become unclean (Leviticus 7:19)
397. Don't eat sacrifices if you are unclean (Levitcus 7:20)
398. Burn that which has been left over (Leviticus 7:17)
399. Burn that which is unclean (Leviticus 7:19)

Section VIII: Laws Concerning the Sanctuary Service on Yom Kippur
400. Do the entire order of Yom Kippur Service (Leviticus 16)

Section IX: Laws Concerning Misuse of Sacred Property
401. The one guilty of misuse shall pay the value of what he has taken, add a fifth and bring an offering (Leviticus 5:16)
402. Don't work with cattle set apart for sacrifice (Deuteronomy 15:19)
403. Don't shear the fleece of such cattle (Deuteronomy 15:19)

Shabbat - 07/07/07 (21 Tammuz 5767)

2007-07-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading -- Pinchas (Numbers 25:10-30:1).

Topics in Pinchas: Phinehas’ zealotry, A new attitude toward Midian, The new census, The census total, The count of the Levites, The grievance of Zelophehad’s daughters, Laws of inheritance, G-d shows Moses the Land, Moses asks for a successor, The Tamid—Continual daily offering, The mussaf offerings: Sabbath, Rosh Chodesh/The New Moon, Pesach, Shavuos, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Succos, and Shemini Atzeres

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part X

2007-06-29T10:42:00.000-07:00

Parts I : II : III : IV : V : VI : VII : VIII : IX

The Book of Specific Seeds: The crossing of seeds, cattle and materials, laws of charity and tithing, and laws regarding the sabbatical and jubilee years (67 mitzvot)

Section I: Laws concerning the Sowing of Diverse seeds together
234. Don't sow diverse seeds together (Leviticus 19:9)
235. Don't sow seeds of grains or greens in a vineyard (Deuteronomy 22:9)
236. Don't crossbreed cattle of diverse species (Leviticus 19:9)
237. Don't work with cattle of diverse species together (Deuteronomy 22:10)
238. Don't wear garments woven of diverse species (wool and linen) (Deuteronomy 22:11)

Section II: Laws of Gifts to the Poor
239. Leave an un-reaped corner of the field (Leviticus 19:9)
240. Don't reap this corner (Leviticus 19:9)
241. Leave the gleanings (Leviticus 19:9)
242. Don't gather the gleanings (Leviticus 19:9)
243. Leave gleanings in the vineyard (Leviticus 19:10)
244. Don't gather the gleanings in the vineyard (Leviticus 19:10)
245. Leave the tiny clusters of the vineyard (Leviticus 19:10)
246. Don't gather the tiny clusters of the vineyard (Leviticus 19:10)
247. Leave the forgotten sheaf (Deuteronomy 24:19)
248. Don't turn back to take the forgotten sheaf (Deuteronomy 24:19)
249. Set aside tithe for the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28)
250. Give charity according to your means (Deuteronomy 15:8)
251. Don't harden your heart towards the poor (Deuteronomy 15:7)

Section III: Law of Trumah
252. Set aside the Trumah (for the priest) (Deuteronomy 18:4)
253. Set aside (the Levite) the Trumah from the Ma'aser (Numbers 18:26)
254. Don't set aside the Trumah Ma'aser tithes out of order (Exodus 22:28)
255. Don't - a non-priest - eat Trumah (Leviticus 22:10)
256. Don't - a non-priest - eat Trumah even if he is his Hebrew bondsman (Leviticus 22:10)
257. Don't - an uncircumcised priest - eat Trumah (Exodus 12:48)
258. Don't - an unclean priest - eat Trumah (Leviticus 22:4)
259. Don't - a Chalalah - eat Trumah or from sacrificial portions (Leviticus 22:12)

Section IV: Laws of Tithes
260. Set aside the first tithe of the produce every year and give it to the Levites (Numbers 18:24)

Section V: Laws of Second Tithes and Fruit of Fourth Year from Planting
261. Set aside a second tithe (Deuteronomy 14:22)
262. Don't spend the redemption money on anything but food, drink, ointment (Deuteronomy 26:14)
263. Don't eat the second tithe while unclean (Deuteronomy 26:14)
264. Don't eat it as Onan (first day following death of relative) (Deuteronomy 26:14)
265. Don't eat second tithe of grain outside of Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 26:17)
266. Don't eat second tithe of vintage outside of Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 26:17)
267. Don't eat second tithe of oil outside of Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 26:17)
268. Eat the fruits of the Fourth Year in Jerusalem (Leviticus 19:24)
269. Recite the confession of tithes in 4th and 7th years (Deuteronomy 26:13)

Section VI: Laws of First Fruits and other gifts to Priests beyond the Sanctuary
270. Set aside first fruits and bring to Sanctuary (Exodus 23:19)
271. Don't - Priests - eat first fruits outside Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 12:17)
272. Read a declaration when presenting first fruits (Deuteronomy 26:5)
273. Set apart a gift from dough for the priest (Numbers 15:20)
274. Give shoulder, two cheeks and stomach of slaughtered animal to the priest (Deuteronomy 18:3)
275. Give to the priest the first fleece (Deuteronomy 18:4)
276. Redeem the first born (if a son) and give redemption money to the priest (Numbers 18:15)
277. Redeem first born of an ass by giving lamb to priest (Exodus 13:13)
278. Behead firstborn of ass if refuses to redeem it (Exodus 13:13)

Section VII: Laws of Sabbatical Year and Year of Jubilee
279. See that land rests in Sabbatical Year (Exodus 34:21)
280. Don't do agricultural work that year (Leviticus 25:4)
281. Don't do arboricultural work that year (trees) (Leviticus 25:4)
282. Don't cut, in regular fashion, the aftermath that grows by itself (Leviticus 25:5)
283. Don't gather fruit of untended trees (Leviticus 25:5)
284. Leave what the land produces free to all (Exodus 23:11)
285. Release all loans (Deuteronomy 15:2)
286. Don't press debtor (Deuteronomy 15:2)
287. Don't refrain from making loans before the Sabbatical year (Deuteronoomy 15:9)
288. Count (Sanhedrin) the years by sevens (Leviticus 25:10)
289. Declare (Sanhedrin) the fiftieth year holy (Leviticus 25:10)
290. Sound the Shofar on the 10th of Tishrei (Leviticus 25:9)
291. Don't till the soil in that year (Leviticus 25:11)
292. Don't cut, in regular fashion, the aftermath which grows by itself (Leviticus 25:11)
293. Don't gather the fruits of the untended trees that year (Leviticus 25:11)
294. Carry out redemption of sold fields that year (Leviticus 25:24)
295. Don't cause the land to be sold in perpetuity (Leviticus 25:23)
296. Carry out law concerning houses in walled cities (Leviticus 25:29)
297. Don't give Tribe of Levi regular portion of land (Deuteronomy 18:1)
298. Don't let Tribe of Levi share in spoils of war (Deuteronomy 18:1)
299. Give Levites cities and their suburbs to dwell in (Numbers 35:2)
300. Don't cause the houses and suburbs of their cities to be sold in perpetuity (Leviticus 25:34)

Shabbat - 6/30/07 (14 Tammuz 5767)

2007-06-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading -- Balak (Numbers 22:2-25:9).

Topics in Balak: Balaam, prophet of the nations, G-d’s ambiguous permission, G-d impedes Balaam’s path, Balaam’s she-donkey speaks, Balaam sees the angel, Balak’s rebuke, Balaam’s altar offerings, Balaam’s first blessing, Balak’s anger, Balaam’s second blessing, Balak’s anger and further request, Balaam’s third blessing, Balak’s renewed anger, Balaam’s last prophecy , ...to Israel, ...to Edom, ...to Amalek, ...and to the Kenite, Baalam’s plot, Phinehas’ zealotry

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part IX

2007-06-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Parts I : II : III : IV : V : VI : VII : VIII

The Book of Specific Utterances: Oaths, vows, Nazirite restrictions, and devotion of property to the Sanctuary (25 mitzvot)

Section I: Law of Oaths
209. Don't swear by G-d's name falsely (Leviticus 19:12)
210. Don't swear by G-d's name in vain (Exodus 20:7)
211. Don't deny claim to an article left in trust (Leviticus 19:11)
212. Don't swear in denial of a money claim (Leviticus 19:11)
213. Swear by His Name when truth must be affirmed (Deuteronomy 10:20)

Section II: Law of Vows
214. Fulfill what you have uttered as a vow (Deuteronomy 23:24)
215. Don't break your vow or oath (Numbers 30:3)
216. That the vow shall be annulled under certain circumstances (Numbers 30:3)

Section III: Laws of the Nazir
217. Let your hair- of a Nazir - grow long (Numbers 6:5)
218. Don't cut off your hair while you are a Nazir (Numbers 6:6)
219. Don't drink wine, wine mixtures or wine vinegar (Numbers 6:3)
220. Don't eat fresh grapes (Numbers 6:3)
221. Don't eat raisins (Numbers 6:3)
222. Don't eat kernels of grapes (Numbers 6:4)
223. Don't eat skins of grapes (Numbers 6:4)
224. Don't enter a house where there is a dead body (Numbers 6:6)
225. Don't defile yourself by contact with dead (Numbers 6:7)
226. Shave off your hair when bringing your sacrifices (Numbers 6:9)

Section IV: Laws of Appraisal of Things Devoted to the Sanctuary
227. Carry out appraisal of human beings according to Torah laws (Leviticus 27:2)
228. Carry out appraisal of devoted animals according to Torah laws (Leviticus 27:12-13)
229. Carry out appraisal of dwellings devoted according to Torah laws (Leviticus 27:14)
230. Carry out appraisal of devoted fields according to Torah laws (Leviticus 27:16)
231. Carry out law of one who devoted his property (Leviticus 27:28)
232. Don't sell what was thus devoted (Leviticus 27:28)
233. Don't redeem what was thus devoted (Leviticus 27:28)

Shabbat - 6/23/07 (7 Tammuz 5767)

2007-06-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading -- Korach (Numbers 19:1-22:1).

Topics in Chukat: The Red Cow, Miriam’s death and the lack of water, The people protest, G-d commands Moses to bring water, Moses and Aaron err and are punished, Amalek attacks, A new challenge, The song in the Book of the Wars of Hashem, The battle with Sihon, Og does battle

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part VIII

2007-06-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Parts I : II : III : IV : V : VI : VII

The Book of Holiness: Illicit sexual relations, forbidden foods, and ritual slaughter (70 mitzvot)

Section I: Laws of Forbidden Sexual Relationships
139. Don't have relations with mother (Leviticus 18:7)
140. Don't have relations with father's wife (Leviticus 18:8)
141. Don't have relations with sister (Leviticus 18:9)
142. Don't have relations with father's wife's daughter (Leviticus 18:11)
143. Don't have relations with son's daughter (Leviticus 18:10)
144. Don't have relations with daughter (Leviticus 18:10)
145. Don't have relations with daughter's daughter (Leviticus 18:10)
146. Don't take as a wife a woman and her daughter (Leviticus 18:17)
147. Don't take as a wife a woman and her son's daughter (Leviticus 18:17)
148. Don't take as a wife a woman and her daughter's daughter (Leviticus 18:17)
149. Don't have relations with father's sister (Leviticus 18:12)
150. Don't have relations with mother's sister (Levitcus 18:13)
151. Don't have relations with father's brother's wife (Leviticus 18:14)
152. Don't have relations with son's wife (Leviticus 18:15)
153. Don't have relations with brother's wife (Leviticus 18:16)
154. Don't have relations with wife's sister (Leviticus 18:18)
155. Don't (man) have relations with a beast (Leviticus 18:23)
156. Don't (woman) have relations with a beast (Leviticus 18:23)
157. Don't have homosexual relations (Leviticus 18:22)
158. Don't have homosexual relations with father (Leviticus 18:7)
159. Don't have homosexual relations with father's brother (Leviticus 18:14)
160. Don't have relations with another man's wife (Leviticus 18:20)
161. Don't have relations with any woman while she is menstrually impure (Leviticus 18:19)
162. Don't intermarry with gentiles (Deuteronomy 7:3)
163. Don't let an Ammonite or Moabite marry into us (Deuteronomy 23:4)
164. Don't prevent a 3rd generation Egyptian from marrying into us (Deuteronomy 23:8-9)
165. Don't prevent a 3rd generation Edomite from marrying into us (Deuteronomy 23:8-9)
166. Don't let a mamzer marry into us (Deuteronomy 23:3)
167. Don't let a eunuch marry into us (Deuteronomy 23:2)
168. Don't castrate a male, even an animal (Leviticus 22:24)
169. Don't - a High Priest - marry a widow (Leviticus 21:14)
170. Don't - a High Priest - have relations with a widow, even out of marriage (Leviticus 21:15)
171. A High Priest shall marry a virgin in her maidenhood (Leviticus 21:14)
172. Don't - a priest - marry a divorced woman (Leviticus 21:7)
173. Don't - a priest - marry a zonah (one who had relations with heathen or relative) (Leviticus 21:7)
174. Don't - a priest - marry a chalalah (the party to or product of relations forbidden to priest) (Leviticus 21:7)
175. Don't have close contact with forbidden women (Leviticus 18:6)

Section II: Forbidden Foods
176. Examine the marks of the beast to distinguish clean from unclean (Leviticus 11:2)
177. Examine marks of fowl (to distinguish clean from unclean) (Deuteronomy 14:11)
178. Examine marks of Locust (to distinguish clean from unclean) (Leviticus 11:21)
179. Examine marks of Fish (to distinguish clean from unclean) (Leviticus 11:9)
180. Don't eat the unclean beasts (Leviticus 11:4)
181. Don't eat the unclean fowl (Leviticus 11:13)
182. Don't eat the unclean fish (Leviticus 11:11)
183. Don't eat winged creeping things (Deuteronomy 14:19)
184. Don't eat things that creep on earth (Leviticus 11:41)
185. Don't eat vermin that creep on earth (Leviticus 11:44)
186. Don't eat a worm found in fruit after it has emerged on the ground (Leviticus 11:42)
187. Don't eat creeping things of the water (Leviticus 11:43)
188. Don't eat the flesh of a beast that died without slaughter (Deuteronomy 14.21)
189. Don't benefit from on ox condemned to be stoned (Exodus 21:28)
190. Don't eat the flesh of a Treifah beast (Exodus 22:30)
191. Don't eat a limb of a beast removed while it was alive (Deuteronomy 12:23)
192. Don't eat blood (Leviticus 3:17)
193. Don't eat Chelev (certain fat) of a clean animal (Leviticus 3:17)
194. Don't eat the sinew of the thigh-vein (Genesis 32:33)
195. Don't eat meat with milk (Exodus 23:19)
196. Don't cook it with milk (Exodus 34:26)
197. Don't eat bread make of new grain (before Omer offered) (Leviticus 23:14)
198. Don't eat parched corn of the new produce (before Omer offered) (Leviticus 23:14)
199. Don't eat fresh ears of corn (before Omer offered) (Leviticus 23:14)
200. Don't eat Orlah (fruit from tree under 3 years old) (Leviticus 19:23)
201. Don't eat produce of diverse seeds sown in a vineyard (Deuteronomy 22:9)
202. Don't eat produce from which the priest's tithes have not been separated (Leviticus 22:15)
203. Don't drink wine poured as libation to idol (Deuteronomy 32:38)

Section III: Laws of Slaying Animals for Food
204. Slay an animal in prescribed way before eating it (Deuteronomy 12:21)
205. Don't slay a beast and its offspring on the same day (Leviticus 22:28)
206. Cover the blood of a wild beast or fowl (Leviticus 17:13)
207. Don't take the mother bird from its young (Deuteronomy 22:6)
208. Release the mother bird if you did take her (Deuteronomy 22:7)

Shabbat - 6/16/07 (30 Sivan 5767)

2007-06-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading -- Korach (Numbers 16:1-18:32).

Topics in Korach: Rebellion in the Wilderness, Moses summons Dathan and Abiram, G-d responds, G-d creates a phenomenon, Protest and confirmation, Moses intervenes again, A new proof of Aaron’s greatness, The fears remain, Aaron’s duty reiterated, Gifts to the Kohanim, Tithes to the Levites

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part VII

2007-06-07T12:02:00.000-07:00

Parts I : II : III : IV : V : VI

The Book of Women: Marriage, divorce, seduction, and infidelity (17 mitzvot)

Section I: Laws of Marriage
122. Take a wife through Kiddushin and Ketubah (Deuteronomy 22:13)
123. Don't have relations with a woman not thus married (Deuteronomy 23:18)
124. Don't withhold food, clothing and relations from wife (Exodus 21:10)
125. Have children with wife (Genesis 1:28)

Section II: Divorce
126. Divorce with a Get document (Deuteronomy 24:1)
127. Don't remarry your divorcee after she marries another (Deuteronomy 24:4)

Section III: Laws of a Widow
128. Do Yibum: Marry childless widowed brother's wife (Deuteronomy 25:5)
129. Do Chalitzah (when Yibum not desired) (Deuteronomy 25:9)
130. Don't (this childless widow) marry another while still bound to husband's brother (Deuteronomy 25:5)

Section IV: Laws of Young Maidens
131. Fine seducers (Exodus 22:15-16)
132. Marry maiden that he coerced (Deuteronomy 22:29)
133. Don't divorce her (Deuteronomy 22:29)
134. Slanderer to keep his wife forever (Deuteronomy 22:19)
135. Don't divorce her (Deuteronomy 22:19)

Section V: Laws of Suspect Wife
136. Carry out Torah Law of suspect wife (Numbers 5:30)
137. Don't put oil on her sacrifice (Numbers 5:15)
138. Don't put incense on her sacrifice (Numbers 5:15)

Shabbat - 6/9/07 (23 Sivan 5767)

2007-06-04T10:33:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading -- Shelach (Numbers 13:1-15:41).

Topics in Shelach: The command to send spies to Eretz Yisrael, Moses prays for Joshua, The spies' report and the national hysteria, Israel is threatened with extermination, Moses pleads for the people, The decree of wandering 40 years, The libations and challah, Atonements, Command of tzitzits

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part VI

2007-06-01T12:22:00.000-07:00

Parts I : II : III : IV : V

The Book of Seasons: The Shabbat, Yom Kippur, holidays, New Moon, and fast days (35 mitzvot)

Section V: Laws of Passover
108. Don't eat chametz 14th day from noon on (Deuteronomy 16:3)
109. Destroy chametz on 14th day (Exodus 12:15)
110. Don't eat chametz 7 days of Passover (Exodus 13:3)
111. Don't eat mixture of chametz (Exodus 12:20)
112. Don't allow chametz to be seen in your possession (Exodus 13:7)
113. Don't allow chametz to be found in your possession (Exodus 12:19)
114. Eat Matzah on eve of 15th (Exodus 12:18)
115. Tell of Exodus that night (Exodus 13:8)

Section VI: Shofar, Succah, Lulav
116. Hear blowing of Shofar on Rosh Hashana (Numbers 29:1)
117. Dwell in Succah during Succos (Leviticus 23:42)
118. Take up Lulav on Succos (Leviticus 23:40)

Section VII: Shekalim
119. To give half-shekel annually for sanctuary (Exodus 30:13)

Section VIII: New Moon
120. To calculate and determine start of each month (Exodus 12:2)

Section IX: Fasts
121. To fast and cry out in troubled times (Numbers 10:9)

Section X: Megillah and Chanukah

Shabbat - 6/2/07 (16 Sivan 5767)

2007-06-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading -- Beha'alotcha (Numbers 8:1-12:16).

Topics in Beha'alotcha: The Menorah, Consecration of the Levites, Apprenticeship and responsibility, The Pesach offering in the Wilderness, Pesach sheni/The second Pesach offering, Divine signs of the Israelites’ travels, The Trumpets, The order of breaking camp, Moses invites Jethro to join the nation, The first journey, The Ark goes forth, The complainers, Dissatisfaction with the manna, Moses’ despair, The Sanhedrin, G-d responds to the people, New prophets, The quail, Moses’ uniqueness is challenged and affirmed, Miriam is quarantined, The command to send pies to Eretz Yisrael, Moses prays for Joshua, The spies’ report, Caleb is shouted down, National hysteria, The people could not be placated, Israel is threatened with extermination, Moses’ successful plea, Moses’ successful plea, G-d spells out the decree, A chastened nation realizes too late, The libations, Challah, The atonement for public, unintentional idol worship, Individual idol worship, Intentional Idolatry, Sabbath desecration in the Wilderness, Tzitzis and all the commandments

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part V

2007-05-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

Parts I : II : III : IV

The Book of Seasons: The Shabbat, Yom Kippur, holidays, New Moon, and fast days (35 mitzvot)

Section I: Laws of Sabbath
87. Rest on the Sabbath (Exodus 23:12)
88. Don't do any work (Exodus 20:10)
89. Don't punish on the Sabbath (Exodus 35:3)
90. Don't go out of the boundaries of the city (Exodus 16:29)
91. Sanctify the day with words of remembrance (Exodus 20:8)

Section II: Laws of Eruvin

Section III: Laws of Yom Kippur
92. Rest on Yom Kippur (Leviticus 23:32)
93. Don't do any work (Leviticus 23:32)
94. Fast (Leviticus 16:29)
95. Don't eat or drink (Leviticus 23:29)

Section IV: Laws of Yom Tov
96. Rest on the 1st day of Passover (Leviticus 23:7)
97. Don't do any work (Leviticus 23:8)
98. Rest on the 7th day of Passover (Leviticus 23:8)
99. Don't do any work (Leviticus 23:8)
100. Rest on Shavuot (Leviticus 23:21)
101. Don't do any work (Leviticus 23:21)
102. Rest on Rosh Hashana (Leviticus 23:25)
103. Don't do any work (Leviticus 23:25)
104. Rest first day Succos (Leviticus 23:25)
105. Don't do any work (Leviticus 23:25)
106. Rest eighth day Shemini Atzeret (Leviticus 23:36)
107. Don't do any work (Leviticus 23:36)

Shabbat - 5/26/07 (9 Sivan 5767)

2007-05-22T14:01:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading -- Naso (Numbers 4:21-7:89).

Topics in Naso: The Gershonites responsibilities, The Merarites’ responsibilities, The totals, Purification of the camp, Theft from a Jew and from a proselyte, Sotah/the wayward wife, The meal offering of jealousies, Confession, The oath, The scroll, The Nazirite, Sudden contamination, Completion of the term, The Priestly Blessings, The offerings of the tribal leaders, One each day: Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Reuben, Simeon, Gad, Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin, Dan, Asher, and Naphtali, The total, Moses enters the Tabernacle

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part IV

2007-05-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

Part I Part II Part III

The Book of Adoration: Recital of the Shema, prayer, tefillin, mezuzah, Torah scroll, tzitzit, blessings, and circumcision (11 mitzvot)

Section I: Recital of Shema
76. Say Shema twice a day (Deuteronomy 6:7)

Section II: Prayer
77. Pray to G-d each day (Exodus 23:25)
78. (The Kohanim) Bless the People of Israel daily (Numbers 6:23)

Section III: Tefillin, Mezuzah, Sefer Torah
79. Wear Tefillin on the head (Deuteronomy 6:8)
80. Wear Tefillin on the arm (Deuteronomy 6:8)
81. Put up a Mezuzah on doorposts (Deuteronomy 6:9)
82. Write a Sefer Torah for yourself (Deuteronomy 31:19)
83. A king to write a second Sefer (Deuteronomy 17:18)

Section IV: Tzitzis
84. To wear Tzitzis fringes on garments (Numbers 15:38)

Section V: Blessings
85. Bless His Name after meals (Deuteronomy 8:10)

Section VI: Circumcision
86. To circumcise sons on eighth day (Leviticus 12:3)

Shabbat - 5/19/07 (2 Sivan 5767)

2007-05-18T14:07:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading -- Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1-4:20).

Topics in Bamidbar: Census in the Wilderness, The tribal leaders: Reuben, Simeon, Gad, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin, Dan, Asher, and Naphtali, The total, The Levites, The legion of G-d, The four formation: Judah’s encampment—to the east, Reuben’s encampment—to the south, Ephraim’s encampment—to the west, and Dan’s encampment—to the north, The total, The progeny of Moses and Aaron, Appointment of the Levites, The Levites replace the firstborn, Census of the Levites, Gershon, Kohath, Merari, The Israelite firstborn are redeemed, The Kohathites’ responsibilities, Special precautions for the Kohathites

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part III

2007-05-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

See Part I here and Part II here.

Book of Knowledge: The laws concerning religious belief, character, Torah study, idolatry, and repentance (75 mitzvot)

Section IV: Idol Worship
24. Don't inquire into idol worship (Leviticus 19:4)
25. Don't follow your desires (Numbers 15:39)
26. Don't blaspheme (Exodus 22.27)
27. Don't worship idols in the way they are worshipped (Exodus 20:5)
28. Don't worship idols in the four ways we worship G-d (Exodus 20:5)
29. Don't make an idol for yourself (Exodus 20:4)
30. Don't make an idol for others (Leviticus 19:4)
31. Don't make a statue of a man (Exodus 20:20)
32. Don't turn many people to idol worship (Exodus 23:13)
33. Burn a city that has turned to idol worship (Deuteronomy 13:17)
34. Don't rebuild it as city (Deuteronomy 13.17)
35. Don't derive any benefit from it (Deuteronomy 13.18)
36. Don't turn one person to idol worship (Deuteronomy 13:12)
37. Don't love the person that turns you to idol worship (Deuteronomy 13:9)
38. Don't abandon this hatred (Deuteronomy 13:9)
39. Don't try to save him (Deuteronomy 13:9)
40. Don't say anything in his defense (Deuteronomy 13:9)
41. Don't refrain from incriminating him (Deuteronomy 13:9)
42. Don't prophecy in the name of an idol (Deuteronomy 13:14, 18:20)
43. Don't listen to such a prophet (Deuteronomy 13:4)
44. Don't prophesy falsely, even in G-d's name (Deuteronomy 18:20)
45. Don't be afraid to kill a false prophet (Deuteronomy 18:22)
46. Don't swear in the name of idols (Exodus 23:13)
47. Don't perform act of "ov" (medium) (Leviticus 19:31)
48. Don't perform act of "yidoni" (magical seer) (Leviticus 19:31)
49. Don't pass children through flame to Molach (Leviticus 18:21)
50. Don't erect a structure for people to gather at (Deuteronomy 16:22)
51. Don't bow down on smoothed stone (Leviticus 26:1)
52. Don't plant a tree in the sanctuary (Deuteronomy 16:21)
53. Destroy idols and accessories (Deuteronomy 12:2)
54. Don't derive any benefit from man-made idols (Deuteronomy 7:26)
55. Don't derive any benefit from natural objects served as idols (Deuteronomy 7:25)
56. Don't make a covenant with idol worshippers (Deuteronomy 7:2)
57. Don't show favor towards them (Deuteronomy 7:2)
58. Don't let them stay in our land (Exodus 23:33)
59. Don't go in their fashion (Leviticus 20:23)
60. Don't be superstitious (Leviticus 19:26)
61. Don't go into a trance for foreseeing (Deuteronomy 18:11)
62. Don't engage in astrology (Leviticus 19:26)
63. Don't utter magic chants (Deuteronomy 18:11)
64. Don't try to make contact with the dead (Deuteronomy 18:11)
65. Don't consult "ov" (medium) (Deuteronomy 18:11)
66. Don't consult "yidoni" (magical seer) (Deuteronomy 18:11)
67. Don't do magic (Deuteronomy 18:10)
68. Don't round your head (side-burns) (Leviticus 19:27)
69. Don't destroy your beard with razor (Leviticus 19:27)
70. Don't (men) wear women's clothes (Deuteronomy 22:5)
71. Don't (women) wear men's clothes (Deuteronomy 22:5)
72. Don't tattoo your skin (Leviticus 19:28)
73. Don't tear your skin in mourning (Deuteronomy 14:1)
74. Don't pull out your hair in mourning (Deuteronomy 14:1)

Section V: Repentance
75. To repent and confess sins (Numbers 5:7)

Shabbat - 5/12/07 (24 Iyar 5767)

2007-05-11T10:07:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is a double portion -- Behar-BeChukotai (Leviticus 25:1-27:34).

Topics in Behar: Shemittah/Sabbatical Year, Yovel/Jubilee Year, Sequence of the passages, Redemption of land, Levite cities, Preventing poverty, A Jew’s Jewish "slave", Jewish slave of an idolater, Command against making idols

Topics in BeChukotai: Miracles of blessing and curse, The Tochachah/Admonition, The first series of punishments, The second series, The third series, The fourth series, The fifth series, The conclusion of the Admonition, Gifts to the Temple Valuations, Sanctification and redemption of animals, Redemption of houses and fields, Cherem/Segregated property, The second title, The tithe of animals

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot - Part II

2007-05-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

See Part I here.

Book of Knowledge: The laws concerning religious belief, character, Torah study, idolatry, and repentance (75 mitzvot)

Section II: Character
11. Emulate the Almighty (Deuteronomy 28:9)
12. Cleave to those who know Him (Deuteronomy 10:20)
13. Love Fellow Jews (Leviticus 19:18)
14. Love proselytes (Deuteronomy 10:19)
15. Don't hate your brothers (Leviticus 19:17)
16. Reprove (Leviticus 19:17)
17. Don't embarrass another (Leviticus 19:17)
18. Don't oppress the weak (Exodus 21:22)
19. Don't gossip (Leviticus 19:16)
20. Don't take revenge (Leviticus 19:18)
21. Don't bear a grudge (Leviticus 19:18)

Section III: Learn Torah
22. Learn Torah (Deuteronomy 6:7)
23. Honor those who know Torah (Leviticus 19:32)

Shabbat - 5/5/07 (17 Iyar 5767)

2007-05-04T08:03:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is a double portion -- Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23).

Topics in Emor: Laws of a Kohen, Laws of the Kohen Gadol, Disqualifying blemishes, Safeguarding the sanctity of offerings and terumah, Terumah, Blemished animals, Desecration and sanctification of G-d’s Name, Festivals, Pesach, The Omer, The Omer count and Shavuos, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Succos and Shemini Atzeres, The Menorah, Showbread, The blasphemer

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

613 Mitzvot

2007-04-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

Maimonides, one of the first codifiers of Jewish law, wrote the fourteen volume Mishneh Torah that covers all of Jewish law, belief and practice. He divides the 613 mitzvot into 14 books, with 83 sections. the 613 mitzvot are comprised of 248 positive commands and 365 negative ones. The positive mitzvot equal the number of parts of the body; the negative mitzvot correspond to the number of days in the solar year.

Book of Knowledge: The laws concerning religious belief, character, Torah study, idolatry, and repentance (75 mitzvot)

Section I: Torah Foundations
1. Know there is G-d (Exodus 20:2, Deuteronomy 5:6)
2. Don't believe in any other (Exodus 20:3)
3. Know that He is One (Deuteronomy 6:4)
4. Love Him (Deuteronomy 6:5)
5. Fear Him (Deuteronomy 6:13, Deuteronomy 10:20)
6. Sanctify His Name (Leviticus 22:32
7. Don't profane His Name (Exodus 22:27, Leviticus 24:16)
8. Don't destroy things bearing His Name (Deuteronomy 12:4)
9. Listen to a prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15)
10. Don't test Him too much (Deuteronomy 6:16)

Shabbat - 4/28/07 (10 Iyar 5767)

2007-04-27T08:19:00.000-07:00

For your local Shabbat Candle-lighting times, please go here.

This week's reading is a double portion -- Acharei-Kedoshim (Leviticus 16:1-20:27).

Topics in Acharei: The death of Aaron’s sons and the Yom Kippur service, The lots, The incense service, The he-goat to Azazel, Removal of the shovel and ladle, Conclusion of the service, The eternal commandment of Yom Kippur, Service outside the Tabernacle, Prohibition against eating blood, Covering blood, Forbidden practices and traditions, Forbidden relationships, Molech, Sodomy and bestiality, The holiness of the land

Topics in Kedoshim: Holiness, Piggul/Rejected offerings, Gifts to the poor, Honest dealings with others, Love your fellow, Kil’ayim/Forbidden mixtures, Shifchah charufah/Designated maidservant, Fruit trees, Weights and measures, Punishments, Molech, Penalties for forbidden relationships, The land and immortality, Holiness and kashrus

For more information about this week's Parsha, please visit these sites.
Orthodox Union
Chabad
Aish HaTorah
United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Union for Reform Judaism
Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

5767 (2006-2007) Holidays

2007-04-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

For specific information, please go here.

Rosh Hoshannah - September 23-24, 2006
Tzom Gedaliah - September 25, 2006
Yom Kippur - October 2, 2006
Sukkot - October 7-13, 2006
Hoshanah Rabbah - October 13, 2006
Shemini Atzeret - October 14, 2006
Simchat Torah - October 15, 2006
Chanukah - December 16-23, 2006
Asarah B'Tevet - December 31, 2006
Tu B'Shevat - February 3, 2007
Taanit Esther - March 1, 2007
Purim - March 4, 2007
Pesach - April 3-10, 2007
Yom HaShoah - April 15, 2007
Yom HaZikaron - April 23, 2007
Yom HaAtzmaut - April 24, 2007
Lag B'Omer - May 6, 2007
Yom Yerushalayim - May 16, 2007
Shavuot - May 23-24, 2007
Shiva Asar B'Tammuz - July 3, 2007
Tish B'Av - July 24, 2007
Tu B'Av - July 30, 2007