Our Parasha this Shabbat is titled M’tzora meaning ‘Leper’. It primarily deals with ritual impurity, covering topics such as cleansing from skin diseases, houses with mold, male genital discharges, and female menstruation. While these laws might seem rather irrelevant today, they were critical for Israel, because ritual impurity would limit a perso…

Parasha Tazria begins with the laws of ritual impurity and purity as it pertains to childbirth. A new mother is treated as a niddah (a woman on her period) and is considered “impure” (tamei) and not allowed in the sanctuary for 40 days (if a boy) or 80 days (if a girl). On the 8th […] SourceBởi Congregation Shema Yisrael - Torah Parasha Commentaries

This week’s parasha is entitled, “Shemini,” which translates as “Eighth.” This “eighth” refers to the 8th day of the consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons. Parasha Shemini covers Leviticus, chapter 9, verse 1 through chapter 11, verse 47. In chapter 9, Aaron, and his sons, who have been consecrating themselves for 7 days, are, […] Source…