Voices of WRJ

This weekly blog series, published on Fridays, features insights from WRJ leaders on the Torah portions from a women's perspective. Enhance your Torah learning and understanding by adding Voices to your reading list.

Voices of WRJ: Parashat Sh'mini

by Annice Benamy Parashat Sh'mini describes the laws of Kashrut (set of Jewish dietary laws) and ritual purity. This parashah specifically examines the role of women as it is the responsibility of the people, which is largely carried out by women, to observe these laws. In Leviticus 11:1-23, we are presented with a list of foods that we are and are not allowed to eat. The Torah permits the eating of animals with cloven hoofs that chew the cud, fish with fins and scales, and 24 types of fowl, but forbids the eating of creepy things, foods contaminated by contact with prohibited animals, carcasses, or decomposed foods. Ultimately, the key word in the parashah is k’dosh (holiness) as we are to eat animals that are pure and this is a diet for purity and holiness for our body and soul.

Voices of WRJ: Parashat Tzar

by Connie Golden I remember my first treasure hunt. I was four years old, spending my summer at Camp Tapawingo. All I knew was that another camper and I were going to play a game looking for a hidden treasure.  After being handed a slip of paper with words on it at the Lodge, we were off, running down the big grassy hill to Bunk One. I saw a piece of paper under the front steps and grabbed it, yelling “we won!” Trying to calm me down my partner said "no, Connie, that's only the next clue! We have to keep going. Come on, or we'll never win!"

Voices of WRJ: Parashat Vayikra

by Barbara Thomas Parashat Vayikra translates to “and God called” and begins with instructions on how to approach God with sacrificial offerings of animals. This method of approaching God is not part of modern religious practice, but the significance of animal sacrifice to an agricultural society is a guide to how important our sacrifices should be to us when we approach God so that we can gain strength and understanding as we are led to a more righteous place. WRJ makes significant sacrifices and leads us, as sisterhood members, to make significant sacrifices of money, time, and emotion; a modern equivalent of this animal sacrifice.

Voices of WRJ: P'kudei

by Ellen Wagner This week’s torah portion involves the “Inventory of Donated Metals and Their Use” in the completion of the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 38:21-40:38). Moses is given specific instructions from God, and the Israelites carry out the instructions faithfully. While women are not directly mentioned in the parashah, their role in the creation of the Tabernacle is paramount. While the men construct the Tabernacle, the women’s feminine touch provides its soul, just as WRJ does in the Reform Movement.

Voices of WRJ: Parashat Vayak’heil

by Elaine Lust The chapters of Parashat Vayak’heil form a comprehensive narrative about the design, construction, and dedication of the Tabernacle, the Israelite’s portable sanctuary in the desert. Of particular interest are the descriptions of the women’s contributions. It is clear that the women in the community are among the skilled artisans and their expertise is acknowledged and valued.