This week our Torah portion is about the installation of the priesthood and the seriousness of walking in holiness before God. It is appropriate for this time of year because we are at the beginning of the important season that we refer to as "Counting the Omer." This is the period between the offering of the early firstfruits and the offering of the latter firstfruits.

Every year when we come to the beginning of Deuteronomy, we are also close to a Jewish observance called Tisha B'Av (the 9th of Av).

This week our Torah portion begins the second part of the description and building of the Tabernacle.

This week to commemorate Chanukah, there is a special Haftorah reading which includes the fourth chapter of the prophet Zechariah. This...