B"H
Wednesday, Nissan 26, 5779 / May 1, 2019
The Torah readings for this Shabbat will differ between Israel and the Diaspora. In Israel, where last Shabbat was already after the Pesach holiday, as they celebrate only seven days, the regular weekly Torah portion of Acharei Mot, in the Book of Leviticus, was read already. This Shabbat they read Parshat Kedoshim. In the Diaspora, where Pesach is celebrated eight days, the regular Torah reading was waved for the holidays reading. This Shabbat we will read Parshat Acharei Mot.
In a regular year the portions of Acharei Mot and Kedoshim are combined and read the same Shabbat. In a leap year, as this year, they are read separately.
Q. Why is there a difference in the Torah readings between a leap year and a regular year?
A. The reason for combining two portions of the Torah is so that all 54 portions of the Torah will be completed in the course of one year. When a holiday falls on Shabbat the regular Torah portion is not read. The number of Shabbat readings in a year will vary from a leap year (13 months) to a regular year (12 months). Thus, adjustments have to be made from year to year, by combining or separating some Parshiot, in order to complete the entire Torah each year.
In Parshat Acharei Mot, we will read that G-d tells the Jewish people, “You shall keep My statutes to walk in them.” (Leviticus 18:4). Also, “You shall observe My statutes and My laws, which man should do and live in them. I am G-d.” (Leviticus 18:5)
Q. What is the meaning of the words, “You shall keep My statutes to walk in them?”
A. The Torah emphasises that we must not be static, but go forward– to advancein the observance of Torah and mitzvot. One should not be satisfied with yesterday’s and today’s accomplishments, but always strive to be a better person and go forward – “to walk in them.”
Another explanation is that when a person is away from their home and Jewish environment, on business or leisure, they must not become lax in the observance of mitzvot. One must keep the mitzvot, “to walk in them” – even when one is on the go.
Q. What does the Torah mean when it says that one must “live in them”?
A. Mitzvot can be performed by habit, without any feeling whatsoever. One can pray every day, give charity etc., but without any feeling. When that is the case, the mitzvah may at times feel a burden, wishing they didn’t have to perform the mitzvah.
The Torah teaches us that the proper way to perform mitzvot is to “live in them.” Feelingand excitementis associated with life. One should do the mitzvot with feeling and excitement – “To live in them.”
HAVE A WONDERFUL, HAPPY, HEALTHY & SUCCESSFUL DAY