Tazria Metzora Text message

Parashiot Tazria (When a woman conceives) and Metzorah (Leper)

Skin diseases for everybody!!!

These sections deal mainly with sacrifices and skin diseases.

The Torah (in the first parasha) starts describing the diseases that can affect a person (Adam) and ends with the diseases that can affect clothing (Begued).

This speaks about the downward spiral a person can experience.

Two interpretations.

At the beginning, a person is considered a person... at the end, a person is considered only what he or she wears.

Or all the way around... The decline occurs on those who judge others; one thing is to judge by who the person is and something completely different (and lower) is to judge someone by what he/she wears.

 

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Shemini Text Message

Parashat Shemini (The eighth day)

We read in Leviticus chapter 9:7 "Moses said to Aaron, 'Come up to the altar and perform your purification offering...' "

It was the day of the consecration of the Tabernacle and Moses tells Aaron:  "Come closer..." That is really weird...

Apparently, Aaron saw the horns of the altar and they reminded him of the horns of the Golden Calf and he felt ashamed. Therefore, he decided to keep some distance.

Aaron knew his faults and imperfections; he didn't very easily forget his mistake.

Sometimes mistakes are difficult to erase from our memories... When that happens, it is always good to keep some distance and react with humility.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Pesach Text message

Pesach eight day

When I was in Barranquilla, Colombia, it was extremely difficult to get Passover products.

Today the Passover products in Argentina are extremely expensive.

Here in the U.S., it is easier... The variety of products that is available is incredible and the prices are "reasonable."

I know we are about to finish the Holiday and you may start thinking how tired we are of the matzoth and the Passover food.

Before you complain, think of all the blessings, opportunities and accessibilities  you have today in this country.

I am sure you will change your mind and will not complain, backwards, take advantage and thank G-d for all you have.

This is what Pesach is about, remembering things could have been worse and enjoying the present.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L

Pesach Text message

The Haggadah is one of these mysterious items our tradition has.

I still remember the Haggadah my mother's uncle brought every year to the Seder.

Even though he visited us very frequently and always brought presents, I looked at that Haggadah with curiosity and special interest.

Now that I think back to those times, I think I understand why that green book was so particular.

The Haggadah tells us where we come from. Two nights in the year we sit down around the table to talk about our origins.

It is a mitzvah to speak about our origins, not just a social act.

This Pesach think of the Sedarim you remember from your childhood and thank G-d for all the accomplishments you personally and we as a people made.

In memory of my beloved mother and teacher Miriam Rachel bat Israel Itzchak Z"L