Welcome to the short, practical Lelamed Weekly Dvar (and future Daily Aliya). Please consider forwarding this to others, and I hope you enjoy... Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach. _______________________________________________ Dvar Torah for Acharei Mot 6th Aliya After detailing all the illicit relationships, the Torah concludes with a single law prohibiting one from giving of their offspring to pass through for Molech (18:21). Ibn Ezra explains that Molech was worshipped by passing children over a fire, where some lived, and some died. Why is a separate statement about handing over your child to Molech juxtaposed in our Parsha that generally deals with inappropriate relationships? Rav S. R. Hirsch explains that Molech represents the delusion of chance and is contrary to everything G-d stands for. We are not products of blind physical instincts but are born into moral freedom. We are guided by standards, rules, and a G-d that cares for us. Our actions must consistently reflect those standards and not leave our fate to chance. The placement of this obscure rule next to all illicit relationships is to help us see that, at times, we require guidelines to help us reach moral heights. Shlomo Ressler _____________________________________________ Quotation of the week: "Don't promise when you're happy, don't reply when you're angry, and don't decide when you're sad.."