Author: Joanna Gammel

We begin a new book of the Torah this week, Vayikra. What this Torah portion is all about – and indeed, much of what the entire book of Vayikra (also known as Leviticus or as the instruction guide for priests, Torat Kohanim) is all about – is details: details about which ancient sacrifice to perform…

It is interesting to note that our tradition is to sing the entire Torah, one weekly portion at a time throughout the entire year. In other words, the Torah is a song as much as it is a text, perhaps more of a song than a text. Although there are several ‘melodies’ for chanting the…

The case could be made that the idea of slavery in Egypt begins in this week’s parashah, Vayigash, with the famine and Joseph’s ability to exploit the people’s hunger to enrich the Pharoah. Don’t feel bad: If it was not Joseph, it would have been someone else. Once the people had given all their money,…

Shalom Chaverim, There was an event going on down the block from my house recently. On the sidewalk was a laughing toddler trying to chase after her granddad without falling down. She was laughing because her granddad was doing his best to clown her – spinning a ball on his finger, calling her name in…

The “highlight” of this week’s Torah portion, Nasso, is something you are all familiar with: The Birkat Kohanim, the priestly blessing of the people of Israel. You know the one [from Numbers 6:24-26]… May the Eternal bless you and protect you; May the Eternal’s Face give light unto you and show you favor; May the…

Shalom Chaverim, The Festival of Shavuot, which begins after Shabbat this Saturday night – we begin a new book of the Torah with parashat BaMidbar on Shabbat morning – is one of […]

Shalom Chaverim, This week’s Torah portion, Bechukotai, is known for its stark, black-and-white warning, called the “tochecha”: Either follow God’s laws and observe the commandments – maintaining the covenant – and […]

Shalom Chaverim, The ultimate answer to the “Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe and Everything” is… …nothing more or less than… 42. At least, it is “42” according to the […]

Together with all the Torah’s great wisdom, and its system of laws for everyday life, there are only a precious few verses in the Torah that address the ultimate reality and purpose of human life and our connection to the wider universe. These are concentrated nuggets of Truth which, if you could just focus on…