Parashat Emor

The Jewish concept of holiness is bound to notions of sacred time and space--and reaching out to those in need.

Freeing yourself from 'the busy trap'

By and large it is not only the preference for beauty that has spilled into Western culture, but also the equation between beauty and goodness.

Even when times are tough, we still must give.

Despite their focus on life, priests are permitted to attend to their closest relatives in death.

The days between Passover and Shavuot are a time of great vulnerability and profound opportunity.

Our changing observance of the period between Passover and Shavuot reflects our sensitivity to the realities of our history.

The biblical exclusion of people with disabilities from serving in the priesthood demands that we develop greater sensitivity to those with special needs in our communities.

As identified Jews, our speech and actions reflect on our families and the larger Jewish people.

We are commanded always to act in ways that bring honor and sanctity to God's name.

There are real actions we can take to preserve species diversity.

Obligations to the poor at harvest time.

Although priests cannot have any contact with death, exceptions are made for their immediate relatives.

Parashat Emor focuses on the laws of the priesthood, sacred donations to the Temple and the calendar of sacred festivals. ...

Taking care of a guest's needs takes precedence over one's relationship with G-d.

We must remember that respect for the living creatures in this world is also an important value.

Today is the ___ day of the Omer.

Emor: A resource for families.

Learn more about the weekly Torah portion.

Regulations for the Zadokite priests.

Reckoning with the exclusion of those with disabilities and illnesses from the Temple service.

The Jewish holidays can help those on the periphery gain access to the rhythm of Jewish life.

God gives Moses a series of laws specific to the priests; God then instructs Moses to tell the people about the festivals in addition to laws of blasphemy and murder.

The commandment to proclaim the festivals includes concepts of communal responsibility and imitating God.