Kedoshim (Holy People) Vayikra/Leviticus 19:1-20:27

Kedoshim(Holy People)Vayikra/Leviticus 19:1-20:27
Haftorah Reading: Ezekiel 20:2-20
 
Today we look at a Torah portion that by most accounts is the most important section of Torah. This Torah portion actually tells us in practical terms what it means to be holy. Our world has improved in many ways since Adam and Eve. Humanity has grown in number. There are many new inventions to make life easier. There are new and easier to use tools that are supposed to help us cope better with the challenges of life. These advances are to make our lives more pleasant and profitable.

D’Varim (Deut.) 1:1-3:22

D’Varim (Deut.) 1:1-3:22

Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 1:1-27

Messianic Scripture  Hebrews 3:7-4:11

Today I would like to mention a few things concerning the Fast day of Tisha B’Av that begins this evening as Shabbat ends. In English this is the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av. This is one of the most solemn days of the year. What gives it this name? On this day over 2,500 years ago the Babylonians destroyed the first temple in Jerusalem. Exactly five hundred years later the Romans destroyed the second temple. On that same day, in 1492 Queen Isabella decreed that all Jews in Spain must convert to Christianity or be expelled from Spain.  During Tisha B’Av we are encouraged to read the book of Lamentations. This book lays out a very vivid picture of the lamenting and mourning that took place over the destruction of the city of G-d.