From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat, May 9,10, 2025/11,12 Iyar 5785 (Omer 26,27)
Happy Mother’s Day to all our mothers!
Also, I have received the honor to deliver a prayer at the Southern Utah Law Enforcement Memorial on behalf of the St. George Interfaith Council.
The event will be on Wednesday, May 14, 2025/14 Iyar 5785 (Omer 32)
Time 8pm-9pm
Taking place at:
Tech Ridge Pavillion
454 S. Tech Ridge Dr. St. George
The Acharei Mot Torah portion begins by recalling the death of Aaron’s sons, Nadav and Avihu. The description is of the rituals for sin offerings that Aaron is to present in the sanctuary for himself and the people. Next the laws regarding sexual relations are presented.
Some of the Judaic concepts and values are the scapegoat/the two bulls that are offered, one was marked “for G-d” and the other “for Azazel/scapegoat” for the mistakes that people committed. Judaism has three categories for Chet/sin for missing the good mark, Avon/transgression implies the violation of the law, and Pesha/iniquity, which is the more serious of the three, which implies the outright revolt against G-d’s ordinances.
There are the relationships from incestuous unions, mamzerim, children born from a couple not allowed to be married under Jewish law. The Torah portion enumerates a myriad of forbidden marriages and sexual relationships, which are found in (Leviticus 18:6-18). There are additional reverences for various other actions between people.
The Torah portion Kedoshim has the ceremonial and moral laws listed in full detail. Injunctions against Moloch worship, and punishments for unlawful marriages and immoral practices.
Some important concepts and values are Holiness to G-d and as Jews, which became known as the “Holiness Code.” These are the ethical and ritual practices that one must obtain to live a sacred and holy Jewish life. The verse: “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your G-d am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2) Genevat da’at/stealing of one’s mind is another concept. This is from Leviticus 19:11, which states that one must not steal, deal falsely, or lie to one another. This has a myriad of examples such as not to hide facts from individuals when dealing in business or trade. Also to never be deceiving when selling a car or a home.
This Torah portion has approximately fifty mitzvot. Reverence for one’s mother and father (Leviticus 19:3), love your neighbor as yourself, prohibition of talebearing, respect for the elderly, do not put a stumbling block before a blind person (Leviticus 19:14), and many more moral and ethical behaviors.
Our Torah is a guideline to living a moral and ethical life. Today, the Jewish people can still see the horrific taking over of University Campuses and the individual Hateful rhetoric for the death of Jews and support for Pro Palestine and Hamas. As Jewish people we should be role models for others to emulate, and our actions will bring more light into the darkness. I continue to write and speak out against these Anti-Semitic attacks and the Civil Rights of our Jewish people that are being denied.
We continue to pray for the end of the war in Israel and the return or rescue of our hostages. One of our congregants, Lois Cernic, made 2 dozen knitted hats for the IDF. These Hats will be delivered to the IDF in Gaza on Monday! Kol Kavod/Job well done!
Am Ysrael Chai,
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
