Shabbat Shalom. And Chag Pesach Samayach. I begin with an apology: I DO know how to spell AHAVAH in Hebrew. My tongue slipped. We follow Alice down a rabbit hole today, as the inconsistencies and mysteries surrounding this week’s Torah reading (Exodus 33:12ff) and Haftarah reading (from Ezekiel) come into focus. How long is Passover? It depends. And why does counting sheaves of grain yield spiritual cleansing? Check the Zohar. 13 is everywhere. It links God’s unity with love. It also is the number of God’s attributes of mercy. It also builds connections between us and God. It also brings Yom Kippur to its powerful conclusion. 13 in Judaism might be much more significant than 18. The mysteries of Jewish life might be hidden within 13. Have a great week. Enjoy Pesach. See you next week.

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