Torah Study Discussion Starter: Emor
The parashah that kicks off May 2021 is Emor, which outlines the many Jewish holidays and celebrations, as well as our daily laws for living within a Jewish community.
Many of us were born into Jewish households, growing up with the Jewish rhythm around us and celebrating Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah and more every year without a question. But for some, entering the Jewish community was a choice made later in life and taking that first step into the Jewish rhythm was a bit nerve-wracking. There ARE a lot of rituals and prayers…and we ARE literally speaking a different language.
In Parashat Emor, God offers up the best access points for people to enter the Jewish community - the holidays! They are times when our Jewish community comes together in celebration and a fantastic time to demonstrate our values and how welcoming the Jewish community can be. Bringing newcomers, friends and neighbors around your seder table or inviting someone new into the sukkah can help others feel comfortable within our Jewish community.
QUESTION: What was your first step into the Jewish rhythm? Was it as a child or an adult?
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