Friends of Jewish Renewal in Poland
Parashat Vayikra opens not with thunder, but with a gentle call: “Vayikra” – “And He called” – written with a tiny aleph at the end. Rashi explains that God used an aleph of affection and closeness, unlike the distant “vayikar” (by chance) for Bilam. Yet Moses, the humblest of leaders, made that aleph small – a quiet act of self-diminishment. He didn’t want to broadcast his intimacy with God; he preferred to step back so the Divine voice could shine fully.[…]
Picture this: We are finishing reading the Book of Exodus. The Israelites are finally building the Mishkan—the fancy portable synagogue-on-wheels where God’s presence is going to crash on their couch. And because this week is Shabbat HaChodesh, we also get that bonus maftir: “This month shall be for you the beginning of months.” God basically hits the reset button on the calendar and says, “Nissan is now Month One. Pesach prep starts… now!”[…]
In Parashat Ki Tisa, we encounter one of the Torah’s most dramatic moments: the sin of the Golden Calf. The people, waiting for Moses on Mount Sinai, grow anxious and impatient. They turn to Aaron and say, “Make us a god who shall go before us” (Exodus 32:1). Aaron collects their gold, fashions the calf, and the people declare, “This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!” (32:4). Chaos ensues—idolatry, revelry, divine anger, Moses’ fury breaking the tablets.[…]
Parashat Tetzaveh opens with the words “Ve’atah tetzaveh” — “And you shall command.” The language is direct and unambiguous. The priestly service, the lighting of the menorah, the daily offerings — these are not suggestions, invitations or recommendations. These are obligations.[…]
