In Acharei, hangin’ out with the heathen hoards runs the people afoul in this week’s haftorah, a similar theme to the parsha as a whole, during which the people are warned against bringing animal offerings anywhere but in the Temple, the consumption of blood, and enumerates a number of forbidden interpersonal relations. Amos delivers the warning that the Northern kingdom of Israel is doomed for destruction, but that eventually, the Jewish people will be redeemed and “mountains shall drip sweet wine” and that the people will be allowed to return to the desolate cities.
Similarly, in Kedoshim, through Ezekiel, the people are chastised for not keeping Shabbat holy and again, seem to have a recurring problem with idol worship.
It’s difficult indeed to keep one’s bearings when examining the haftorah, and this week’s pairings illustrate that beautifully. Because the portions were chosen to correspond with the general theme of the parshot, rather than [Read more…]