In this week’s parsha, Parshas Kedoshim, we are commanded not to stand idly by while our fellow’s blood is being shed: לֹא תַעֲמֹד עַל-דַּם רֵעֶךָ (Lev.19:16). דַּם means blood - do not stand by while your brother’s blood is being shed!, the Torah commands. And...
Sweet Pumpkin Bake (Kugel) This dish is perfectly sweet, perfectly delicious, and super easy to make. It’s a great way to serve pumpkin and a wonderful accompaniment to any meal. I find that both children and adults enjoy this dish very much. It also works nicely...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Achrei Mos, the Torah tells us about the service, the avodah, which the Kohen Gadol performed on Yom Kippur in Temple times. When the Kohen Gadol (the High Priest) entered into the Kodesh ha’Kodashim, the Holy of Holies, he was to...
Pesach, the festival of redemption and freedom, is upon us. While still in Egypt, the first national mitzvah given to the about-to-be-freed Israelite slaves was the mitzvah of Rosh Chodesh - sanctification of the new month. The verse says: הַחֹדֶשׁ הַזֶּה לָכֶם, רֹאשׁ חֳדָשִׁים: רִאשׁוֹן הוּא לָכֶם,...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Metzora, we meet the individual who is now officially labeled as a metzora - one afflicted with the spiritual disease of tzaraas, a spiritual disease which manifests with physical symptoms. The metzora is one who spoke lashon harah - slanderous...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Tazria, we meet the metzorah, the individual afflicted with the plague of tzaraas, which can be defined as a spiritual illness with a physical manifestation. The Torah delineates the illness, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of the metzorah over the two...
In this week’s parsha, Parshas Shmini, we read of the laws of permitted and forbidden in regard to kashrus. דַּבְּרוּ אֶל-בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, לֵאמֹר: זֹאת הַחַיָּה אֲשֶׁר תֹּאכְלוּ, מִכָּל-הַבְּהֵמָה אֲשֶׁר עַל-הָאָרֶץ, Speak to the Children of Israel, saying: these are the life forms that you...
It has been a while since I posted a recipe… So here we go! Both of these dips are super easy and quick to throw together (food processor needed), as well as tasty and healthy, with none of the preservatives and heavy-on-calories additions that go into...
With the opening of Sefer Vayikra and Parshas Vayikra, we enter into the ancient world of korbanos, sacrificial offerings, in full force. Chazal point out that the same phrase רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ - a pleasing fragrance, is used with regard to korbanos of different value - cattle,...
Erev Shabos Kodesh, Rosh Chodesh Adar II, Parshas Pekudei, Shabos Chazak. The Sages teach (Taanis 29a) משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה, When Adar begins we increase joy. Rashi (ibid) explains that the joy is due to the great miracles that were done for Israel on the days...