This week’s Torah portion, Parshat Behar- Bechukotai examine the laws of farming. Seemingly mundane, these laws were so important that they were given at Mt Sinai.

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?

Shmuel dives into casting lots, the Day of Judgement, and finding a place for good and evil- welcome to parsha Acharei-Kedoshim!

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?

Why does kosher matter? Why is a snake forbidden but a goat acceptable? From rabbinic opinions to wild chickens, Shmuel shares new insights to portion Shmini.

This week, we pause from the regular Torah cycle to reflect (a few days early) on the seventh day of Passover, a day dedicated to one of the most awe-inspiring moments in our history—the splitting og the sea and what it reveals about miracles, redemption, and our future.

Shmuel connects this portion to Psalm 107, a psalm of thanksgiving. As Shmuel said, this Psalm is essentially “…recognition of the fact that God is good”.

In modern times with no Temple, one must ask: what is the essence of sacrificing animals?

In Bowling Alone, Robert D. Putnam, writes that American society today is less social than in previous years. He contrasts the growing isolation of American individuals with people who gather regularly in houses of prayer. Such people are more likely to give charity, volunteer and contribute to society. The unity described in the Torah is a lesson that has carried through the ages!

Did you know that the building of the Tabernacle influenced the laws of Shabbat?