THOUGHTS ON THE PARASHAH Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Parshat Emor – פרשת אמר May 14, 2022 – יג אייר תשפב The Origins of the Minyan Jewish law mandates that a quorum be present for the public liturgy to be conducted fully and properly. The quorum, known colloquially and in the post-Talmudic halakhic...

THOUGHTS ON THE PARASHAH Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Parshat Tazria – פרשת תזריע April 2, 2022 – ראש חדש ניסן תשפב This essay is sponsored by David Goldstein. Burdening the congregation This year, Rosh Chodesh Nisan falls on the Sabbath. To mark the occasion, three Torah scrolls will be taken from...

THOUGHTS ON PURIM Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Purim 5782 This essay is sponsored by Esther Greenblatt. An Auspicious Month The Mishnah states that when the month of Av enters, we reduce our joy (Mishnah Ta’anit 4:6). The Talmud adds that when Adar enters, we increase our joy. Concluding that Av is...