Our guest this week is Rabbi Andrew Paley, Senior Rabbi and spiritual leader of Temple Shalom, Dallas. Ordained by the Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion in 1995, Rabbi Paley earned a Master's degree in Hebrew Letters from Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion and Bachelor's degree in psychology from Ohio State University. Rabbi Paley is a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the Southwest Association of Reform Rabbis, and the Rabbinical Association of Greater Dallas, of which he is currently the President. He serves on the boards of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, the Dallas chapter of the Anti-Defamation League, and the Dallas Hebrew Free Loan Association. Rabbi Paley has edited two prayer books – one for the Sabbath and one for families for the High Holy Days – and has authored numerous articles.
This week’s Torah Portion – Parashat Shmini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47) – tells us about God’s acceptance of Aaron’s offering, the deaths of Aaron’s sons Nadav and Aviu, and regulations concerning clean and unclean animals. Our discussion focuses on the importance of communal leadership.
If you’d like to learn some more about Parashat Shemini, check out our discussion with Rabbi Ahud Sela.