by Katie Eacrett | May 15, 2026 | Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat Shalom! The book of Numbers opens with a census of the Children of Israel. This population count prepared them for entry into Israel, and reminds us today of the value of each person. Why did the children of Israel receive the Torah in the desert of all...
by Katie Eacrett | May 8, 2026 | Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat Shalom! The portion of Behar – Behukotai opens with the commands for the Shemitah, the agricultural sabbatical year. After six years of planting and harvesting, one is commanded to allow the land a year’s rest. To understand this unusual...
by Katie Eacrett | May 1, 2026 | Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat Shalom! In this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Emor, we confront a difficult question: Why were individuals with physical blemishes or disabilities excluded from serving in the ancient Temple? Join us as we explore this challenging and often misunderstood topic...
by Katie Eacrett | Apr 24, 2026 | Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat Shalom! This Shabbat we have yet another double Torah portion: Achrei Mot- Kedoshim. Achrei Mot means “after the death” and begins after the death of Aaron’s sons and continues into the laws for priests during Yom Kippur. Shmuel dives into casting lots, the...
by Katie Eacrett | Apr 17, 2026 | Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat Shalom! Why does the Torah command a sin offering after childbirth in Parshat Tazria? What spiritual message is hidden in the pain of giving birth—and how is it connected to the biblical role of women, Jewish purity laws, and even Queen Victoria’s childbirth?...
