Have a picky eater? The laws of kashrut are sort of like a picky eating meal plan. As we learn in Shmini, this too is Torah.

In Rabbi Isaak’s speech at Congregation Neveh Shalom’s annual meeting last June, he joked that perhaps his title will remain “New Rabbi” and incoming senior rabbi, Rabbi Kosak, will become “Newer Rabbi.” The inside joke is that to some of our life-long members who were around when Rabbi Isaak was installed as senior rabbi, he remained the “new rabbi,” even after 22 years of service to our community.

I suppose you could call the ner tamid a “nightlight” for the Israelites. Funny how such a small light is such a huge reminder that we’re not alone. This too is Torah.

I have an addiction to the Food Network. I could spend hours watching other people prepare food, talk about food, and even eat food, but I never end up watching for long stretches of time because it always makes me too hungry. How I wish I could taste or simply just smell the delicious foods being prepared.

You wouldn’t necessarily know it from our current political climate, but manners still count, and Vayikra shows us how. This too is Torah.

My mom will confirm I have been a rule follower my whole life. I thrive on order, and I see rules as guidelines meant to keep me and those around me safe. It’s partly my type A personality that makes me a rule follower, but I honestly don’t mind following the rules as long as they make sense to me.

What’s your favorite part of the bedroom routine with your children? A story? A song? Mine is a recap of the day, and as we see in Pekudei, this too is Torah.