THOUGHTS ON THE PARASHAH Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Parshat V’zot Ha-berakhah – פרשת וזאת הברכה Simchat Torah 5781 This essay is sponsored by Janet & Gary Waller in memory of Estelle Alexander. Semikhah in History and Legend With death fast approaching, Moses laid his hands upon Joshua in...

THOUGHTS ON YOM KIPPUR Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Yom Kippur 5781 Obsessing over the Heavenly Verdict On Yom Kippur, the Temple officials made frequent use of crimson wool strips. A bundle of combed wool shaped like a tongue was dyed carmine red. The dye was produced from the blood of an