Kol Ramah

Parsha Talk with Rabbis Eliot Malomet, Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Barry Chesler. This week, we begin a new book of the Torah, Va-yiqra [Leviticus] with the parashah [chapters 1-5] taking its name from the book. It provides a detailed description of the 5 major sacrifices an Israelite might offer, 3 voluntary [olah (burmt offering), minchah (grain offering), zevach sh’lamim (sacred gift of greeting)] and 2 required [chattat (sin-offering) and asham (penalty offering)], occasioned by certain sins and the desire to make amends.. In addition, it is Shabbat Zachor, the 2nd of the special shabbatot before Passover, which always falls on the Shabbat before Purim, observed this year Wednesday evening, March 16, and Thursday, March 17. We touch upon the maftir [Deuteronomy 25:17-19] but did not have time to discuss the fascinating haftarah [1 Samuel 15:2-34] in which Saul will lose his kingdom. Instead we concluded with a game to spark a discussion of the Book of Esther and the holiday of Purim. Let us know what you