The Portion of Shemini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2023 | Shemini

This portion is a busy one. It details at length the special service Aaron and his four sons brought in the Tabernacle for the first time, following the seven day period of inauguration. It tells of the tragic demise of Aaron’s elder two sons, Nadab and Abihu, and...

The Portion of Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36)

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2023 | Tzav

Our portion provides additional details regarding the sacrificial rites discussed in last week’s portion. God instructs both the priests and the people, via Moses, on proper conduct with the various offerings they may encounter. Additionally, the portion delineates...

The Portion of Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26)

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2023 | Vayikra

The portion of Vayikra opens where the book of Exodus left off; after God’s glory descends to the Tabernacle, Moses cannot enter, therefore God has to call to him to come forward. The portion, like most of the book of Leviticus, continues with a detailed accounting of...

The Portion of Pekudei (Exodus 38:21-40:38)

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2023 | Pekudei, Temple

This week’s portion is often read together with the previous portion, Vayakhel. Besides the mathematical inevitability of some years having an extra Saturday, Jewish tradition prescribes a leap month be added seven times over a 19-year cycle so that Passover always...

The Portion of Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20)

by Shira Schechter (Moderator) | f 9, 2023 | Vayakhel

The portion of Vayakhel is often read together with the following portion, Pekudei. They deal with the fulfillment of the instructions from the last three portions regarding the Tabernacle. In the portion of Vayakhel, Moses collects donations from the Children of...