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Opening the Window Within and the Closet Without (Parashat Shemini)

April 14, 2007 | By Moshe Ben Chacon

Media Type(s): Torah Commentary

Textual Source: Leviticus

Torah Portion: Shmini

This resource is part of the Torah Queeries collection.

The author argues that this Torah portion poses some gargantuan challenges to progressive-minded Jews – it provides detail about animal sacrifice. He explores the original purpose of sacrifice, both practical and spiritual—the ultimate role of the sacrifice was to get closer to God. To draw near God’s presence and find that little window within ourselves, we have to tackle—and ultimately move beyond—so many deeply rooted fears, traumas and stigmas.

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