Why Torah Limericks?

Over the course of the past two years, I have taken up the hobby (more of an obsession really) of writing a Limerick for every Torah weekly portion in the Jewish calendar. I'm not exactly sure WHY I have done this. But, I've enjoyed it- and from the feedback I've received on my facebook page, others have enjoyed them as well. After a few weak attempts to get them published in a book form, I've decided that I'd try out the format of a blog to share my efforts.
One of the things I've enjoyed most about the facebook posts is when others have posted their responses to my limericks with their own. Feel free to do so on this blog as well.


The rules of this blog are but few
To post, here is what you must do:
Find a rhyme exegetical
Doctrinal or heretical
Be you Christian, Muslim or Jew.


I look forward to the conversation.
LET THE LIMERICKS BEGIN!!!!!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Hukkat Limerick

Hukkat contains one of the most obscure passages in the Torah - the "Red Heifer."
The text teaches that if a heifer is born that is completely red, it is to be be burned and it's ashes are to be used for purification rituals- particulary in the case of those who have come in contact with a corpse.

When you have a pure heifer that’s red
Its burnt ashes are carefully spread
To be used for a cure
If you’re labeled impure
By stumbling on someone who’s dead
Posted by at

3 comments:

  1. LarryKaufmanJune 29, 2011 at 10:08 AM

    When we're reading the sidrah Chukat,
    The heifer must not be forgot-
    But the people are dry,
    And the siblings both die.
    There's more than the cow to the plot!

    ReplyDelete
  2. LarryKaufmanJune 29, 2011 at 5:36 PM

    Just noticed to my consternation
    We differ on transliteration --
    I follow the Plaut,
    Chet in, one K out.
    May this not lead to alienation.

    True story: when my wife was teaching at Anshe Emet Day School, one of the kids announced at Shabbat lunch that his mother could not pronounce the "ch" in challah -- and then went on to explain, "She's a convert."

    ReplyDelete
  3. AvieJune 30, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    Though the cow truly is at the fore
    Larry’s right, there is very much more
    Miriam and Aaron die of old age
    Moses hits the rock in a rage
    And with the nations the Jews go to war

    ReplyDelete

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