Torah Commentary

Two linguistic features of this Torah portion remind us of the need to speak carefully even when our message is true.

How do we make sense of the census commanded in this Torah portion, which specifies only men be counted?

Engaging with difficult passages in the Torah requires sitting with complexity and tension.

An unusual juxtaposition in this Torah portion highlights an oft-overlooked piece of observing the major festivals.

The imperative to “be holy” is about more than just abstention.

These two Torah portions describe in hyper-focused detail a spectrum of infections and the spiritual methods of remedying them.

According to one commentator, Aaron’s silence after the death of his sons only comes after he has finished crying.

Why does the Torah require that a gratitude offering be accompanied by loads of bread?

This Torah portion teaches that it’s better to give than receive.

This Torah portion teaches that holiness is not meant to suppress our physicality, but to elevate it.