Chukat (Ordinance) B’Midbar (Numbers) 19-22

Torah Portion:  Chukat (Ordinance) B’Midbar 19-22

Haftorah Reading: Judges 11:1-33

Tonight we read a Torah section that includes two passages that are difficult to completely understand.  The first is the “Red Heifer.” When we read the verses about the preparation and use of the ashes of the red heifer we see a process that cleanses one person from ritual impurity, because of contact with a dead body, while at the same time causing the priest, who is involved, to become unclean in the process. How can this be? I think we will be able to answer this riddle over the next few minutes.

Shemini Lev 9-11

Torah Portion: Shemini Leviticus 9:1-11:47

HafTorah: II Sam 6:1-7:17

This week we read of the culmination of the process of setting up the Mishkan (tabernacle) and instituting the priestly order. We will talk of the death of Nadav and Avihu, Aaron’s sons, as well as the verses concerning what food are to be eaten. We will explore the connection, if any, between these divergent subjects.