We begin the third book of the Torah this week, in which the Israelites receive instructions for various sacrifices and offerings to be made in the Tabernacle. We'll read and discuss Vayikra/Leviticus 1:1–5:26 on Zoom this Saturday, March 21, starting at 10:00 AM Hawai`i time. No prior knowledge is necessary and we welcome a wide Continue Reading »
Join with KBS members, friends and guests for a Shabbat service at New Thought Center of Hawai`i in Kealakekua. Dr. Barry Blum leads the service, joined by Rabbi Shari Joy Berman who will read from this week's parashah, Tzav / צַו ("command"), in which the Israelites are further instructed to prepare for sacred rituals in Continue Reading »
"And Moses said to the people, “Remember this day on which you went out of Egypt, from the house of slaves, for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from here" - Sh'mot/Exodus 13:3 Chag sameach, As we celebrate Passover, the Torah portions this week repeat chapters from Sh'mot/Exodus that tell of the freedom from Continue Reading »
To mark Yom HaShoah and the Days of Remembrance, you are invited to screen a powerful and inspiring film about Jews who fought back against the Nazis and their collaborators. "Four Winters" spotlights some of the last surviving partisans, recalling the cold, hunger, and fear, but also courage, resourcefulness, and determined resistance. Directed by Julia Continue Reading »
Shemini (“Eighth”), Leviticus 9:1-11:47, opens with the consecration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Two of Aaron’s sons are consumed by a fire sent from God when they attempt to offer a “strange fire.” God describes the animals, birds, and fish that are permissible and prohibited for consumption, as well as some laws of ritual purity. We'll read Continue Reading »
Join Courtney Meiselman in her studio for a fun pinch pot workshop on April 12, 2026, with a possible additional date of April 19, 2026. Limited spaces available. Please RSVP early. The address will be given to those who RSVPd closer to the event date. $10 supply fee to be paid directly to Courtney. Reserve Continue Reading »
Tazria (“She Bears Seed”) Vayikra/Leviticus 12:1-15:33, opens by describing the purification process for a woman after childbirth. It then describes different forms of tzaraat, a discoloration condition on skin or clothing, and the requirement of an infected person to dwell alone outside the camp and be inspected by a priest. Metzora opens by describing the purification process Continue Reading »
Courtney Meiselman is offering a second date for the ceramics workshop in case the first one fills up quickly. Limited spaces available. RSVP required, and the address will be given to those who RSVPd closer to the event date. $10 supply fee to be paid directly to Courtney.
"K'doshim" (2011) by Barbara Mendes from "Women of the Book" The KBS monthly Shabbat service will be led by Aviva Plaut, with Rabbi Shari Joy Berman reading from Parashah Kedoshim (Vayikra/Leviticus 19:1-20:27), in which the Israelites receive instructions on how to become - and stay - a holy community. Following services enjoy our Kiddush & Continue Reading »
The next KBS Book Club selection is “Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth” by Noa Tishby. A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A “fascinating and very moving chronological timeline spanning from Biblical times to today that explores one of the most interesting countries in the world—Israel.” (Aaron Sorkin, award-winning screenwriter of The West Wing andThe Social Continue Reading »
"Bringing the Omer to the Kohein" by Ahuva Klein (Israel) Emor / אֱמֹר ("say") Vayikra/Leviticus 21:1-24:23, opens with laws regulating priestly behavior, working in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and consuming sacrifices and priestly food. It enumerates the biblical holidays of Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, and includes the "omer offering" – the instruction Continue Reading »
Behar/בְּהַר (“On The Mountain”) Vayikra/Leviticus 25:1-27:34 details the laws of the sabbatical year (Shemita), when working the land is prohibited and debts are forgiven. It also sets out laws of indentured servitude and of the Jubilee year (Yovel), when property reverts to its original ownership. Bechukotai/בְּחֻקֹּתַי (“In My Laws”) is the final Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus. Continue Reading »
Beha’alotcha -בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ (“When You Raise”) Numbers 8:1-12:16 opens with God instructing Moses to inaugurate the Levites for service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It also recounts the stories of people who request a second chance to offer the Passover sacrifice, complaints of the Israelites and their punishments, and a disease that affects Miriam. We'll read and discuss parasha Beha’alotcha on Zoom this Continue Reading »