Our guest today is Rabbi Joshua Rose, Rabbi of the Shaarie Torah Synagogue in Portland, Oregon. Rabbi Rose grew up in Portland and is the son of Rabbi Emanuel Rose, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth Israel, and Lorraine Rose. He attended Occidental College, where he obtained his B.A. and the Harvard Divinity School, where he received a Masters in Theological Studies. He returned to Portland to teach at the Oregon Episcopal School for three years before attending the rabbinical program at the Hebrew Union College in New York, following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and many family members. Prior to his position at Shaarie Torah, Rabbi Rose served as the spiritual leader of Har HaShem, a 500 family member congregation in Boulder, Colorado.
This week's Torah portion – Parashat Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36) – features instructions given to the priests concerning sacrifices, the holy fire and the rites of ordination. Our discussion focuses on the character of Aaron and on the question of why he received the role of Cohen Gadol (Head Priest) even after his involvement in the Golden Calf affair.
If you would like to learn some more about Parashat Tzav, take a look at our discussion with Rabbi Rachel Barenblat.