Leviticus

We have a double portion this week. The 29th reading Acharei Mot אַֽחֲרֵ֣י מ֔וֹת and the 30th reading Kedoshem קְדשִׁ֣ים are combined to create our third double reading during the annual reading cycle, also it is the second in Leviticus (Vayikra). This double reading occurs in the years 2021, 2023, 2025, 2026, 2028, 2029, 2031, 2032,  and 2034.

Acharei Mot/ Kedoshim parsha summary

Acharei Mot reaches back to chapter ten and picks up the narrative “from the death” of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu. God speaks to Moses to instruct Aaron concerning the Yom Kippur service. God continues His discourse, this time His instructions are addressed to Aaron, his sons and all of Israel about eating the blood of animals. Afterwards, God provides instruction the to entire nation concerning sexual relationships. This ends parsha Acharei Mot.

Tazria תַזְרִיעַ is translated as “she conceives”.

Parsha Tazria תַזְרִיעַ It is made up of 3,667 Hebrew letters, 1,010 Hebrew words, 67 verses, and 128 lines in a Torah Scroll. ¹

Metzora מְּצֹרָע is translated as “one being diseased”.

Parsha Metzora מְּצֹרָע It is made up of 4,697 Hebrew letters, 1,274 Hebrew words, 90 verses, and 159 lines in a Torah Scroll ²

Parsha Shemini is the twenty-sixth portion in the annual reading and the third in Leviticus (Vayikra) וַיִּקְרָא . Shemini is translated as “eighth”. There are three ways to spell it – “Shemini”, “Sh’mini”, or “Shmini”. They are all correct.

Parsha Shemini Summary

For about a half of year, Israel as a whole, were constructing the tabernacle (mishkan).  In parsha Shemini, we pick up after the seven days of installing the priesthood; it is now the eighth day.  Therefore, it is time for Aaron and his sons to inaugurate the first service. We see the first offerings given. Then tragedy hits, Nadav and Avihu is struck down for offering an inappropriate gift. The next events deals with this issue and finishing and complete the “sin” offering.  The remainder section is dealing with the laws of animals that may be consumed by the children of Israel.

Shemini שְּׁמִינִ֔י is the third word and in the Hebrew text (see text below).

Tzav צַ֤ו is the twenty-fifth parshoit of the year reading cycle; it’s also the second of Vaykra. Tzav צַ֤ו is translated as “command”. It is the sixth word in the Hebrew. It can be spelled five different ways: (1) T-Z-A-V, (2) T-S-A-V, (3) Z-A-V, (4) S-A-V, (5) S-A-W

Tsav צַ֤ו parsha summary

Previously, we see the instructions to the people to bring the offerings קָרְבָּן korban. In Tsav צַ֤ו, Torah turns it’s attention towards Aaron and the priesthood. We will discover their responsibilities concerning the korban services. It begins with the fire on the altars and proceeds through each of the korban. In the end, Aaron and his sons are successful in following the details of God’s commands concerning the acceptable methods of handling the korban services.

Vayikra וַיִּקְרָא is the twenty-fourth parsha reading in the yearly cycle; it is the first in the book of Leviticus (Vayikra) וַיִּקְרָא . Vayikra is translated as “and he called”. I have found six ways to spell it – (1) Vayikra, (2) VaYikra, (3) Va-yikra, (4) Vayiqra,  (5) Wayyiqra, or (6) Wayyiqro. They are all correct.

Parsha Vayikra Summary

In parsha Vayikra וַיִּקְרָא we pick up were the book of Exodus (Shemot) ends. This section of text explains the acceptable offerings and the manner of slaughter. We begin with the burnt offering and proceed to the meal offering. We continue with the peace and “sin” offerings. Finally, we will discuss the fifth offering which is called the guilt offering. Our final reading deals with an offering for dishonesty. It introduces the third type of guilt offering. It reveals how monetary misappropriation is a sin towards HaShem.

Vayikra is the first word in the first verse. It is highlighted in red below.