Parshah
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The deaths of Avihu and Nadav may speak to us today as a reminder of community service, done for the right reasons, and for the need to continue moving forward, even when confronted with profound and tragic loss.
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In April, we’ll explore Jewish heritage with a humanist twist. We’ll continue delving into the weekly Torah portions, diving deep into the upcoming Passover holiday, and offering practical tips for celebrating it from a humanist perspective.
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Beyond the specifics of the red heifer ritual, Shabbat Parah offers opportunities for modern interpretations. Secular humanists can find meaning in creating their own traditions that foster community.
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“Here is what studying sacrifice does for me: It centers me on ritual and intention. What if we separate the act of sacrifice from the concept of a deity? Could the act of offering itself present something of value, even symbolically? And what would this look like?” #HItzonim
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What does justice demand of us? A project of truth telling about our ancestors and a commitment now to be better. And isn’t that what the Torah is? A frame for moral discourse?
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I guess this is how I’m religious. I was mindful of what I was eating. I was being religious by violating our religion.
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We Jews tend to be more straight up about our leaders and each other because we’ve thrown in our lot in with each other and following the Law, and it is Gd that is in charge. Anthropomorphic and emotional on the pre-Priestly accounts and transcendent on the Priestly view.
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Maybe confronting these stories, finding their core, understanding what is to be done with them is something we need more of, not less.
Hitzonim | Outsiders 