Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim

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.

We can learn from and adopt only those practices foreign to Judaism that enhance and strengthen Jewish practice.

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.

This week’s Torah reading is a double portion composed of Achrei Mot (“After the Death” ) and Kedoshim (“Holiness”). The ...

Though it may be hard to see at times, we all have abundant blessings, and even a surplus, if only we could notice it.

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

When we bear a grudge or take revenge, we do not allow other people to say they are sorry and fix their mistakes.

Achrei Mot: A resource for families.

Kedoshim: A resource for families.

Parashat Kedoshim teaches us the ways to be holy. But do women have a different understanding of what holiness is?

Two kinds of seed.

We always have the opportunity to rise above our human flaws.

On chosenness and holiness.

Jerusalem is a bloody mess.

Learn more about the weekly Torah portion.

Learn more about the weekly Torah portion.

We need to learn to produce, sell, and consume fewer unnecessary products.

We must learn to offer hand-ups instead of hand-outs.

How to develop a healthy relationship with the material world.

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

Parashat Kedoshim teaches us to preserve our natural resources.

Leviticus 19:1-20:27

Leviticus 16:1-18:30

We achieve nobility and holiness through practicing self-restraint.

The commandment to be holy permeates every other commandment, fills in gaps between commandments, and infuses every human action.

The commandment to rebuke one another teaches the importance of mutual responsibility.

The prohibition against interbreeding animals and plants raises questions about the kashrut of genetically modified foods.

Only through the combination of ritual and ethics can Judaism fully express itself.

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

The commandment to be holy raises questions about our responsibilities towards community and our relationships with God.

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

The commandment to leave behind some of the harvest for the poor challenges our assumptions about to whom the food belongs in the first place.