Torah Commentary

The priestly prohibition against excessive drinking reminds us to support those in our community challenged by alcoholism.

Several commentators discuss the relationship of the elders to the priests, the people, Moses and God.

The prohibition against leavened bread for most Temple grain offerings imbues the Temple with the spirit of freedom all year round.

Recognizing our fallibility can lead us to compassion and empathy for our fellow humans, and bring us closer to God and others.

The deaths of Aaron's sons Nadav and Avihu remind us of the need for leaders who connect with the people.

The deaths of Nadav and Avihu, Aaron's sons, teach us the value and also danger of spontaneous religious expression.

Jewish dietary practices allow us to welcome the sacred into our daily lives and into mundane acts.

The complex rules of thanksgiving offering ensured that it enabled the public participation of the broader community in thanking God.

God tells Moses to describe the rituals for some of the offerings to the priests; the priests then undergo the process of ordination.

Like the fire that always burned on the altar, we should make sure that our inner fires of compassion always inspire us to work for justice.