The Haftarah portion for Shabbat Parah (Ezek 36:16-36) narrated in English by Ronald Guttman.
Questions for Discussion:
This haftarah is focused on the concept of hillul Hashem—the desecration of the Divine name through the unholy behavior of people purportedly acting in God’s name.
• Where do you see the desecration of God’s name in our world today, by clergy or people reporting to act from a set of religious beliefs?
• Where do you see the sanctification of God’s name?
• If you were continually aware that your behavior reflects on God—much as a child’s behavior is seen as reflecting on their parents—what would you do differently?

JTS wishes to acknowledge the generosity of the Jewish Publication Society for allowing us to use their translation.