Two-Line Torah: Emor 5776: Sacred Time
“Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: The appointed seasons of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are My appointed seasons.” (Leviticus 23:2)
Parashat Emor lays out the calendar of sacred celebrations. Rashi suggests that by God appointing these specific days, they will be fixed days and all of Israel will become accustomed to celebrating them in their proper time.
This commandment of time was given directly from God. These times are fixed and should be branded in the Jewish calendar forever.
But today, in our overly scheduled and busy lives, can we actually take a moment to celebrate holidays in their proper time?
Finishing up this academic year and reflect on our past Jewish calendar year offers us a chance to think about how we marked these particular holy days- whether it was enough or not quite enough- and how we intend to connect to the divine through setting aside time for sharing in the meanings of human existence.
Mollie Andron is the Assistant Director of the Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Experience.
Parashat Emor lays out the calendar of sacred celebrations. Rashi suggests that by God appointing these specific days, they will be fixed days and all of Israel will become accustomed to celebrating them in their proper time.
This commandment of time was given directly from God. These times are fixed and should be branded in the Jewish calendar forever.
But today, in our overly scheduled and busy lives, can we actually take a moment to celebrate holidays in their proper time?
Finishing up this academic year and reflect on our past Jewish calendar year offers us a chance to think about how we marked these particular holy days- whether it was enough or not quite enough- and how we intend to connect to the divine through setting aside time for sharing in the meanings of human existence.
Mollie Andron is the Assistant Director of the Meyerhoff Center for Jewish Experience.