Rabbi Shimon Felix

The princes' gifts to the Tabernacle illustrate important principles of leadership and methods of balancing personal and communal needs.

Our changing observance of the period between Passover and Shavuot reflects our sensitivity to the realities of our history.

Charity is rooted in our understanding that those who need our help are indeed our brothers.

The juxtaposition of laws about the high priest on Yom Kippur, forbidden sexual relationships and laws about blood teach the sanctity of basic parts of life.

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

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

The small aleph in the opening word of Vayikra alerts us to the subtle but significant differences between intentional, loving relationships with God, and accidental, casual ones.

The high priest's breastplate reminds us of the numerous ways to understand text and reality.

The mirrors used to create the basin in the Tabernacle teach us that sanctified sexuality means seeing ourselves in relation to others.

In focusing on ritual laws, Parashat Terumah teaches us that by reliving heroic historic moments we can introduce the transcendent into our daily lives.