Parsha: Emor

Day#1: Leviticus 21:1-15

Emor, when translated from Hebrew to English, means “to say” or “to speak.”  However, this is not the simple notion of talking without reason. The deeper connotation of Emor is that HaKadosh Baruch Hu is holding a deep, intimate conversation with His Kedoshim. Unlike generals in an army spitting out orders, Hashem is lovingly speaking to His bride. This conversation is of the most Holy and intimate topics—Priestly service and Holy Days.

Beyond mere duties that we must or must not partake in, HaKadosh Baruch Hu is portraying details about our divine marital vows. Like lines in a ketubah, each command is a promise—a vow, that if kept will lead to the most loving and intimate relationship with the Creator of the Universe. Such a relationship brings blessing and shalom. It breaks the cycles of abuse, darkness, and terror that is held dear to many of…

Day 1: Leviticus 21:1-15

Emor

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהֹוָה֙ אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֔ה אֱמֹ֥ר אֶל־הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים בְּנֵ֣י אַהֲרֹ֑ן וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֲלֵהֶ֔ם לְנֶ֥פֶשׁ לֹֽא־יִטַּמָּ֖א בְּעַמָּֽיו׃

1 And the LORD said unto Moses: Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them: There shall none defile himself for the dead among his people;

כִּ֚י אִם־לִשְׁאֵר֔וֹ הַקָּרֹ֖ב אֵלָ֑יו לְאִמּ֣וֹ וּלְאָבִ֔יו וְלִבְנ֥וֹ וּלְבִתּ֖וֹ וּלְאָחִֽיו׃