In these weeks leading up to Tisha B’av, we read a passage of Jeremiah, overflowing with water imagery and see the boiling point.
This week’s parashah, Chukat, focuses on the story of Moshe hitting the rock, choosing not to spare the rod, to get water.
Korach led a rebellion against Moshe (and Aaron). Ahead of the incense trial, Korach gathers the congregation against Moshe and Aaron.
Korach and his followers, a rebellion undermining the leadership of Moshe and Aaron, teach about disputation without denigration.
The haftarah for Bechukotai is from the book of Jeremiah and discusses two words, Eikev and Enosh, and what these words mean.
Our haftarah starts bold and bloody, and connects the destruction in Amos to the destruction in the story of Noah and the flood.
Tazria takes its name from conception and childbirth. Ilana Kurshan connects this to bearing fruit, both literally and metaphorically.
Connected Parashat Shemini’s Haftarah, in Ezekiel, Bex Stern Rosenblatt explores the intersection of shame, guilt, and embarrassment.
This week’s haftarah explores human sacrifice. While the Tanakh seems to be mixed about it, God may command human sacrifice in this haftarah.
Parashat Pekudei describes the construction of the Mishkan in accordance with the specific instructions given by God to Moshe.
This week’s Haftarah parallels the parashah’s discussion on God. The Israelites face more attractive gods but return to God, in the end.
This week’s study guide explores the relationship between God and the Israelites, in the Israelites keeping the Sabbath for God.
Ezekiel is rather similar to Moses. Both of them serve God and Israel outside of the land of Israel. This week’s Haftarah explores that.
This week’s parshah discusses instructions for building accessories for the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. This includes a lavish, gold table.
Our parashah describes the creation of the Mishkan, especially the ark, holding the tablets, manna, Aaron’s staff, and oil.
The greatest story of our tradition is a story about freedom. This week’s Haftarah from Jeremiah explores freedom and our choices.
Our parashah describes a puzzling episode, following the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai when elders of Israel envision God.
Rabbi Mordecai Miller reflects on the Shema with 7 questions: Throughout my life, I’ve tried to understand what this sentence really means.
After leaving his father’s home, Jacob dreams of God and experiences prayer for the first time. Learn about living in dialogue with God.
In the haftarah for Parashat Toldot, the Book of Malachi describes a dialogue of pushback between God and the people of Israel.