Kol Ramah

This Friday and Shabbat is the holiday of Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks, also known as Hag Ha-biqqurim, the pilgrimage of first fruits and z’man matan torateinu, the season of the giving of the Torah. As Jeremy explained the midrash, the rabbis were sensitive to the notion of the giving of the Torah, developing the idea that the Torah was not received until the time of Esther and Mordecai. You will have to listen to the show to find out how we unpacked this! Suffice it to say, our focus was on Shavuot; even though the Ten Commandments figured in...

Parashat B’midbar [Numbers 1:1-4:20] is the first parashah in Sefer B’midbar [Book of Numbers]. There are a lot of names and numbers, the opening chapters detailing the census of the Israelites in the second month of the second year of their journey in the wilderness. There are numbers provided for each of the tribes, for each camp [3 tribes for each direction (east, south, west, and north)], and the beginning of the levitical census. As Jacob Milgrom makes clear in his JPS Commentary on the Book of Numbers, much can be learned from these names and number. Our focus was...

Parashat B’har-B’hukotai [Leviticus 25-27] is the concluding parashah of Sefer Va-yiqra [Book of Leviticus]. The parashah may be divided into three parts: 25:1-26:2, which Baruch Levine entitles “The Principles of Land Tenure”, 26:3-46, the “Epilogue of the Holiness Code”, featuring the tokheha [26:14-45] often translated as reproof [Levine’s preferred term is “execration”], and chapter 27, “Funding the Sanctuary”. We spent a lot of time exploring the meaning of the sabbatical and jubilee years described in chapter 25. Shabbat Shalom!

Parashat Emor [Leviticus 21-24] contains laws about the כהנים [kohanim, priests] [chapters 21-22, the holidays [chapter 23], and a miscellanea of laws [chapter 24], which includes one of the few events in Leviticus, that of the blasphemer. We focused on the holidays, in part because chapter 23 is read on the 1st two days of Sukkot and the 2nd day of Passover, in addition to the weekly reading. Because the holidays are observed differently in Israel, which lacks a second day of יום טוב [yom tov, holiday], it is only read additionally on the 1st day of Sukkot. There is a lot to say about the holidays, so the time was filled quickly, despite a technical difficulty early on in the show. We ask your forgiveness. Shabbat Shalom!

Parashat Acharei Mot-Q’doshim [Leviticus 16-20] includes, according to Rabbi Aqiva, the great principle of the Torah [Lev. 19:18], “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”. This verse is actually the second half of the verse, which begins with the injunction to not take vengeance or bear a grudge against members of your people, which in turn is preceded by the command to not hate your kinsmen in your heart but to reprove them and not bear sin on their account. The syntax here is a little confusing, but the sense seems to be that the reproof will prevent you from committing the sins of vengeance or bearing a grudge. Since we recorded on the afternoon of Yom Ha’Atzma’ut, we spent a lot of time talking about Israel and our connection to the land and the people. Please let us know your thoughts! Shabbat Shalom!!

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)

Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side B of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisrael. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

Side A of L'Chayeh Kol Am Yisreal. This album was recorded in Beit Am Bet at Camp Ramah in the Berkshires in Kayitz 1969. Cantor David Tilman Rosh Shira, and did much of the arranging and work for creating this album. It features music from that summer's Zimriyah and Arts Festival, along with camp plays, Kiddish, and Hymnon Ramah. Thank you to CRB Historian Max Silverstone for bringing this music to Radio Kol Ramah!

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side two consists of the cheers of the girls junior camp (first 4 tracks) and camp wide Kee-Wah spirit songs (the last 5 tracks)

From 1934 to 1963, Camp Kee-Wah operated on the property that we know as Camp Ramah in the Berkshires. It was split as Camp Kee-Wah-We for Boys (today's A-Side) and Kee-Wah-Ke for Girls (today's B side Boys Kikar from 1934-1951, and all of B-side from 1952-1963). In 1961, the camp created a vinyl record. Side one consists of the cheers of the boys camp (first 5 tracks) and girls senior camp (last 6 tracks). Many of these songs would have been sung in color war between the campers.

Parashat Tazri-Metzora [Leviticus 12-15] is well-described by this morning’s Bar Mitzvah student as yucky. There are four chapters which focus on the removal of impurity introduced by childbirth [chapter 12], skin diseases [chapters 13-14], and discharges from sexual organs [chapter 15]. As Baruch Levine explains in his JPS Commentary on Leviticus, purity and impurity in the Bible might be best understood as immune and susceptible. Certain bodily conditions render the person susceptible to danger; removal from the community provided protection to both the sufferer and the community. When the danger had passed, the condition disappeared or was treated, the person could be declared pure and rejoin the community. Recording on Wednesday, we took note of the observance of Yom HaShoah the day before and of Yom Ha-Zikkaron [Israel’s Memorial Day] and Yom Ha-Atzma’ut [Israel’s Independence Day] next Tuesday and Wednesday. We talked a little longer than usual, so I hope you enjoy the extra time with us! As the United States and Israel are still at war, we keep in our hearts and minds the members of the United States Military and the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. May peace soon descend on war zones everywhere. Chodesh Tov. Shabbat Shalom.

Parashat Sh’mini [Leviticus 9-11] features the strange story of Nadav and Avihu, and the even stranger haftarah from 2 Samuel [6:1-7:17], as well as the levitical version of the dietary laws [there is a close parallel in Deuteronomy 14]. We found ourselves recording during Chol Ha-mo’ed Pesach, wondering whether we should talk about the parashah, or something else, since the last 2 days of yom tov are still in front of us. In addition to parashat Sh’mini, we also begin reading Pirkai Avot this Shabbat, and continue to do so for the remaining Shabbat afternoons before Shavuot. Some will continue reading Pirkai Avot until just before Rosh Hashanah. Pirkai Avot is a charming little book, unlike any other tractate in the Mishnah. We hope you enjoy our conversation! We would be curious to hear from you about your favorite mishnah in the tractate. In the meanwhile, both the United States and Israel continue to be at war with Iran. We keep close to our hearts the soldiers in the United States Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. And, we keep in mind, too, the innocent civilians everywhere, may they soon find a true measure of peace. Mo’adim le-simchah. Chag Same’ach. Shabbat Shalom.

Parashat Tzav [Levicus 6:1-8:36] presents the principal sacrifices discussed last week, but this time from the perspective of the priests. Beginning with chapter 8 is the inauguaration of priestly office, which will conclude in parashat Shmini, in two weeks. Because Passover begins next week and we will not be recording, we devoted our conversation to the Haggadah, discussing some of our favorite passages. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the soldiers of the United States Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. With my best wishes for a Shabbat Shalom and a Hag Sa’me’ah. See you in two weeks.

We begin a new book this Shabbat, Va-yiqra [Leviticus], which is also the name of the parashah [Leviticus 1:1-5:26]. The rabbis call the book torat kohanim. In his JPS Commentary, Baruch Levine discusses the double meaning of the phrase: it is both the teaching for the priests and the teaching of or by the priests. The book is at once an instruction manual for priests and a distillation of priestly teaching. While many people find this book inaccessible, I love it! In particular, our parashah deals with the principal sacrifices brought by the individual: the olah [burnt offering], minhah [grain offering], zevah sh’lamim [sacred gift of greeting], hatta’t [sin offering], and asham [guilt offering]. The welter of details can be offputting, but they also remind us of the need for proper performance of rituals. There is a prescribed order; they do not happen by chance. And it is these rituals, I would argue, that make Judaism distinctive from other religions. Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers of the US Armed Forces and Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.

Parashat Va-yaq'hel-P’qudai [35:1–40:38] concludes the Book of Exodus, echoing the parts of the three previous parashiyot which contain the instructions for the Tabernacle. This week, the parashah describes the building of the Tabernacle, concluding with the note that “when Moses had finished the work, the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the Presence of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting, because the cloud had settled upon it and the Presence of the Lord filled the Tabernacle.” [Ex. 40:33b-35]. Most of our conversation expored the ramifications of verses 40:20-21, which describe the placement of the edut, translated as “Pact” in the NJPS and “testimony” in JPS, in the ark. We reserved some time at the end to talk about Exodus 12:1-21, the maftir for Shabbat Ha-Hodesh, the Shabbat coinciding with, or as with this year just before, Rosh Hodesh Nisan, observed next Thursday, March 19, 2026. Our thoughts and prayers are with the soldiers of the US Armed Forces and Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.