Lev. 21:1 - 24:23
Précis: This parasha is divided into four sections. First, it reviews procedures for the Priests to use to remain ritually pure. Second, it outlines the festival and holiday calendar. Third, it explains the use of the oil and the bread on display on the altar. Finally, there is a brief narrative about a blasphemer who is condemned to death.
Lev. 23:4 “These are Adonai’s appointed times, holy assemblies that you shall proclaim at their appointed time.”
This verse begins a restatement of the calendar of Jewish holidays, one of several times the listing appears in the text. Since this is Leviticus, it may be inferred that this statement is intended to remind the Levites and Priests of their obligations as they relate to festivals.
While we no longer have “holy assemblies” overseen by the Priests, there are echoes today (including many congregations which recite the Priestly Blessing on festivals).
My brief point of emphasis this week is a bit different. For the past several years, our ability to participate in person at “holy assemblies” in our congregations has been limited by Covid. Time itself can be holy, and in a sense, our recent history has had a particular form of holiness: we have striven to find ways to remain connected, to be part of “holy assemblies.” As we move ahead, it’s my prayer and hope that we will soon return to the meaningful times we spend together in person, as we celebrate our unity and relish the holiness of time as expressed by Shabbat.
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