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For a few years I have been fascinated with the transitions from one book of Torah to another. Each book is so different from the others they could each be their own movie about the Jewish people. Not unlike the Star Wars movies, they don’t necessarily need to be viewed in order, and in fact, in more traditional communities, it is often the third book, Leviticus that is the one introduced to children first.

If Genesis is about our founding ancestors, Exodus our dramatic escape story, Numbers about us traversing the desert and Deuteronomy Moses’ final sermon, what makes Leviticus special?

It is in Leviticus that the Israelites begin to transform from a ragtag group of ex-slaves into a people of laws. Leviticus is formative. It contains the most mitzvot and, in particular, in parashat Kedoshim, it lays out what is called the Holiness Code. Think of it as an expanded version of the Ten Commandments, ways in which all people should conduct themselves to create a respectful, considerate, and ethical society. It is in the middle of the Torah that our identity as a people begins to take shape.

How appropriate to be starting the book of Leviticus on the weekend we will also celebrate Rabbi Dr. Brad Levenberg’s 18th year at Temple Sinai. While Brad was not our founding rabbi, he entered our community at a pivotal time when we were ready for his influence and could refine our identity as a congregation by following his teachings and the example he sets in how he lives and serves. I hope you will join us Friday night as we honor our beloved rabbi on our bima and give thanks for the many ways in which he has helped Temple Sinai become who we are today.

Shabbat Shalom,

Beth