Leviticus

Parshat Behar-Bechukotai is the third double portion in Leviticus (Vayikra). Parsha behar is the thrirty-second reading in the annual cycle and bechikotai is the thirty-third.  Behar is translated as “on the mount“. I found four different spellings – “Behar”, “BeHar”, “Be-har”, or “B’har”. Bechukotai is translated as “in my laws“. I found four different spellings – “Bechukotai”, “Bechuqotai”, “Bechukosai”, or “Bəḥuqothai”.

Parshat Behar-Bechukotai Summary

Parsha Behar continues the theme of scared time. It discusses the does and don’ts of the sabbatical year (Shemita) and the Jubilee year (Yovel). Shemita and Yovel have very specific details about the land, debts, and indentured servants.

Parsha Bechukotai closes the book of Leviticus. It discusses the blessings and curses based upon the actions of Israel. It ends with the instructions concerning vows and the consecration of people and property.

To discover more about this week’s double portion. Hit the button below.

Parsha Emor אֱמֹר‎ is the 31st reading of the annual reading cycle. Emor is translated as “speak”.

Parsha Emor Summary

Parsha Emor begins by enumerating the holiness standard for the priests and the offerings. The previous sections explains the holiness standard for the whole Community of Israel. However, the standard for the priests are even a higher level. Also the standard is even higher for the high priest. This is due to the proximity they have to sanctuary. We proceed and concluded with the high holy days.

Emor אֱמֹר‎ is the fifth word in the Hebrew text.

Acharei Mot-Kedoshim is the second double portion in Leviticus (Vayikra). 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. This double reading occurs in the years 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-Metzora תַזְרִיעַ מְּצֹרָע is a double Torah reading this year. Parsha Tazia is the twenty-seventh and Metzora is the twenty-eighth readings in the annual Torah cycle.

Parsha Tazira discusses the purification process for a woman after birthing a child. Then it describes tzaraat (leprosy) and the requirement for the person to leave the camp. He/she is to be inspected by a priest.

Parsha Metzora discusses the purification process for a person with tzaraat (leprosy). It also tells us about the process for a house infected by tzaraat. It ends with the discussion about the impurity caused my bodily discharges.

For more information about parshat Tazria-Metzora click the button below.

Parsha Shemini is the twenty-sixth portion in the annual reading and the third in Leviticus (Vayikra) וַיִּקְרָא . Shemini is translated as “eighth”. I have found 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).

Parsha 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

Parsha Tsav 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. 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.