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 for WRJ: Parashat Tzav

Edith Caplan

This week’s parashah (Tzav, Lev. 6:1–8:36) is one that is a bit difficult for us in these modern times to relate to as it refers to the many kinds of sacrificial offerings made by the Israelites to God.

Voices for WRJ: Parashat Vayikra

by Rabbi Jaimee Shalhevet I remember being six years old, sitting at my parents’ Rosh Hashanah dinner table trying to add something to the conversation. They were talking with my grandparents and other family guests about my aunt’s new neighbors. I sat in a big wooden chair just barely able to see above the table listening as my aunt clearly stated matter of factly, “I don’t know how they could let people like that move into my neighborhood.” For about 10 minutes, I tried to speak my six year old mind about how all people are equal in the eyes of God and that we all deserve to live wherever we wish. Finally, my squeaking was interrupted with my grandfather’s sharp look and his stern words of, “children should be seen and not heard.” Well, I had had it. I swallowed my food, raised my hand, and actually waited to be called on. My parents are both teachers and so it did not take them long to notice, and they called on me to speak. I looked at my aunt and back again towards my grandfather. I spoke in soft, distinct tones. “Those people,” I began, “Earn as much money as you or else they could not afford to live in your neighborhood. They have a dog and they always smile at me when I visit. I want to know why they would want to live near you. Conversation stopped.

Voices for WRJ: Parashat Vayak’heil-Pekudei

by Helene H. Waranch This week we read the last two portions of Exodus: Vayak’heil and Pekudai. The Israelites have received the second set of the Ten Commandments and Adonai now believes they are ready to build the Tabernacle, the portal sanctuary for worship.

Voices for WRJ: Parashat Ki Tisa

Diane Kaplan

I knew when I chose to write this week’s D’var Torah on this portion that it was my birth portion but I did not realize that this year, it would come the week after my birthday. I didn’t know that my birthday would be on Purim and that this was the Torah portion that would be read on the Friday night that has been designated as Centennial Shabbat. A rabbi once told me that we are born to our Torah portions. So, since we often say that there are no coincidences, this was obviously the portion I was meant to write about! Still I have never been one to write traditional Dvrei Torah and this one is no exception. I hope you enjoy it.

Voices for WRJ: Parashat T’tzaveh

by Lyn Feldman This week's Torah portion, T'tzaveh, talks about the construction of the priestly garments, particularly the clothing of the high priest Aaron, that are to be worn in the Tabernacle. The parashah also describes the ordination of the priests, a necessary step before the Tabernacle can start to function, and discusses the sacrifices that will take place there.