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An auto mechanic working on a new model car opens the Chilton manual to learn the car's specifications and directions for its repair. A therapist encountering an unfamiliar problem consults the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. A tax accountant consults a stack of manuals detailing this year's deductions and allowances. Every profession has its "tech manual." Even rabbis. When I was ordained, I received the little black book with the words recited at the bris, under the Huppah, and at graveside. Read more...

This Shabbat marks a new beginning, as we open a fresh book of the Humash, Sefer Vayikra/the Book of Leviticus, for our weekly Torah reading. Along with pushing ahead in our annual progression through our Torah scroll this week, we'll hear from a second Torah as well. Our Maftir portion for this Shabbat is Parashat Zachor – literally the "Parashah of Memory" – read every year on the Shabbat before Purim. Read more...

I grew up thinking that the Bible consisted only of stories – Adam and Eve, Abraham, Sarah, Joseph, the Exodus from Egypt, the giving of the Torah at Sinai.  So, as I got older and started studying more of the bible, it was hard when the cycle of Torah reading reached the point of the year that we begin this Shabbat.  This week, we start reading the book of Vayikra, the book of Leviticus.  Except for the brief narrative describing the death of Nadav and Avinu who offered up their unauthorized incense, much of the book is consumed with technical details about sacrifices that w Read more...

"We need to talk." I apologize if these words create residual trauma and I've probably already scared you off. But at least we're in this together. Each of us has likely been on the other side of this ominous phrase at one point or another, and probably guilty of saying it, too. It just stings. Let's harness the pain, briefly, and take a moment to reflect on the elusive art form of difficult-conversation starters. The book of Leviticus, Va-Yikr'a, begins: Read more...