Tag Archives: bible

AZAZEL

The Torah reading on Yom Kippur is from the Book of Leviticus, chapter 16. This Parasha describes the ritual of apologizing for and redressing sins on the Day of Atonement. The ritual involves two similar appearing goats. One goat is sacrificed at the altar in the Tabernacle. The second goat is sent into the desert,Continue reading “AZAZEL”

CHILDBIRTH AND PURIFICATION – TAZRIA

The Torah describes ritual contamination after a woman gives birth to a child.   When the child is male, the mother is impure for 7 days and separated from participating in marital relations.  She then remains in a partial state of contamination for another 33 days.  During this period, she may not touch sacrificial meat.  Thus,Continue reading “CHILDBIRTH AND PURIFICATION – TAZRIA”

BUILDING THE SANCTUARY IN THE DESERT

The English title of the second book of the Torah is “Exodus,” because this is the book wherein the children of Israel leave Egypt. It is also the book that contains the giving of the Ten Commandments. Significant happenings. This book consists of eleven chapters. The last five chapters are dedicated to the building ofContinue reading “BUILDING THE SANCTUARY IN THE DESERT”

WHAT DOES GOD WANT OF PEOPLE?

The Bible tells us that God created human beings.  It is natural to believe that there was and is a purpose inherent in this act.  The assumption is that Humanity is partnered with God to accomplish this goal. For this essay, I will set aside questions of whether God “wants” anything or needs “purpose.”  ReligiousContinue reading “WHAT DOES GOD WANT OF PEOPLE?”