I sent this note (below) to the Oseh Shalom listserve last week. Unfortunately I had to postpone the particular talk topic I mentioned, and will instead be giving that talk on Friday evening, April 15th.
Dear Hevre,
This week we read Parshat Shemini, the third weekly reading in the
Book of Leviticus. To many modern readers, these opening weekly
portions of Leviticus seem to offer some of the most bizarre,
inaccessible and even repulsive material in the entire Torah. They
focus on instructions for animal sacrifice, priestly inspections of
diseased body parts, a seemingly arbitrary system of quarantine, and a
God who’s fiery presence departs abruptly and even erupts dangerously
depending on human actions. One chapter of this week’s parasha,
Leviticus 11, describes the animals which our Israelite ancestors were
permitted and forbidden to eat. The distinctions between categories
of animals don’t seem to correspond to any modern notions of
sanitation, health or conservation.
Can we find meaning in all this obscure material? Does it speak to
modern society, even to those most disconnected from Torah? Spoiler
alert: I believe the answer is ‘YES’. I believe Leviticus, including
this week’s reading, articulates messages and concerns that speak to
the heart of the modern health crisis today, for Jews and non-Jews
alike. During our service this Friday evening, I’ll speak about these
questions and more in my drash, “A Modern Health Crisis, the Holiness
of the Body, and the Incendiary God of Leviticus.” The Erev Shabbat
service begins at 8 PM.
The Shabbat morning service begins at 10 AM, as always. We will call
Zoe & Zev Sheppard to the Torah in honor of their bnei mitzvah.
Please note that, on Sunday, March 27th at 3 PM, Oseh Shalom will hold
a Ladies’ Tea, featuring great camaraderie, a selection of fine teas
and delicious treats. Profits will go to the House of Ruth to help
victims of domestic abuse. This event is for girls only! Bring your
daughter, your mother, your daughter’s best friend, your best friend
or come on your own and join the Oseh “girls.” RSVP to the synagogue
office (301-498-5151) by tomorrow, March 24th.
I hope to see you this Shabbat or some other time soon at Oseh Shalom.
Shalom,
Rabbi Doug Heifetz
Oseh Shalom
Laurel, MD
Tel. #301-498-5151
Website: www.oseh-shalom.org
Rabbi’s Blog: www.TheRavBlog.com
