Lag Ba'Omer

What Is Lag Ba’omer?

This minor holiday — known for bonfires, weddings and haircuts — takes place about a month after Passover.

What is Jewish Meditation?

“Truly, you are where your mind is,” taught the Baal Shem Tov.

Polygamy in Judaism

Once a tolerated and regulated practice, polygamy is virtually unheard of in Jewish life today.

Maimonides (Rambam) and His Texts

One of the greatest Jewish scholars of all time, he was both a traditionalist and an innovator.

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Next Torah Portion

Summary

God describes the restrictions related to priests’ sexuality and marriage. God then describes a variety of holidays, including Passover, Shabbat, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. God outlines the omer period, asking the Israelites to bring food offerings to the priests for seven weeks.

FULL SUMMARY

HAFTARAH SUMMARY

Parashat Emor

Leviticus 21:1-24:23

Ezekiel 44:15-31

Parashat Emor: Sacred Time, Sacred Connections

An unusual juxtaposition in this Torah portion highlights an oft-overlooked piece of observing the major festivals.


Recharge Now

Our weekly Shabbat newsletter, Recharge, features a thoughtful, timely essay to enrich your Shabbat. Here are a few of our recent pieces:

Confronting Our Enemies

We don’t need to love our enemies, but we might want to value them.

On the Omer and Orchids 

The force of life is stronger than death.

Empty, Full

If sweeping away all leaven symbolizes freedom, then maybe the Omer is a time to fill ourselves with that which truly leavens.


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Kosher Details: Waiting Between Meals

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Ask the Expert: What’s a Jewish Godparent?

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The Jews of Argentina

The largest Jewish community in Latin America has struggled through the economic and political upheavals of the 20th century.

36 Questions for Jewish Lovers

Rabbi and marriage counselor Ari Sytner offers 36 questions for Jewish couples to achieve greater intimacy and harmony.

The Kabbalistic Secret of Kissing

What the Zohar teaches about love-making and the coming of the messiah.

The Omer as a Period of Mourning

An overview of the restrictions Jews traditionally observe during the 49 day period between Passover and Shavuot.

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