Parashat Achrei Mot

The sexual relationships forbidden by the Torah are intended to prohibit non-Israelite religious practices and abuses of power.

The proper observance of Yom Kippur, including repentance and introspection, should bring us nearer to God all year long.

This portion teaches us that there are no easy fixes to the complex problems that face our social systems.

The commandment to the priests to purify themselves of sin before God reminds us to hold our leaders accountable to act ethically.

Holiness and secrecy are intricately enmeshed in the Torah.

Assumptions in Leviticus 18 are in some cases abhorrent to contemporary sensibilities.

The juxtaposition of laws about the high priest on Yom Kippur, forbidden sexual relationships and laws about blood teach the sanctity of basic parts of life.

Seeking meaning in the sudden deaths of Aaron's sons.

We can reach God by engaging with the world around us and connecting to others and the earth.

Aaron's silence after the death of his sons confirms what we know: Death should not be explained away.

This week's text connects food to the idea of holiness, which leads us to ask: What is holy about food?

Achrei Mot: A resource for families.

Jerusalem is a bloody mess.

Learn more about the weekly Torah portion.

How to develop a healthy relationship with the material world.

Both the Israelite and the stranger are given equal status in the sacrificial cult.

God instructs Moses regarding the procedures for the Day of Atonement; sexual prohibitions are then listed.

Nadav and Avihu died in an act of sanctification; our goal should be to sanctify God through our lives, not our deaths.