
The first parashah - אַחֲרֵ֣י מ֔וֹת – Acharei Mot ("After the death") Vayikra/Leviticus 16:1 - 18:30 sets out the rituals of Yom Kippur - the day of atonement, along with instructions for sending off the sins of the community on the head of a hapless scapegoat. And just for spice, there are warnings about what NOT to do in the bedroom (and WHO not to do it with). The second parashah, קְדשִׁים – K'doshim ("Holy") Vayikra/Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27 instructs the Israelites to be a holy community, listing myriad laws on everything from Shabbat to leaving grain in the harvest for the poor to glean. Oh, and there are also punishments listed for certain sexual misconduct. Join us Saturday on Zoom to read and discuss this double Torah portion. No prior knowledge is necessary and a variety of views is welcome. Kona Beth Shalom – West Hawai`i Jewish Congregation