Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1–4:20)
This week we begin the book of Numbers, the fourth volume in our weekly Torah readings. Previously, we covered the grand sweeps of human history in Genesis and followed the sons of Jacob into Egypt. We reached a dramatic turning point in the Israelite story when...
Behar–Bechukotai (Leviticus 25:1–27:34)
This week’s Torah portion is known as Behar–Bechukotai and covers Leviticus 25:1–27:34. These are the final two Torah portions in the book of Leviticus. In the Jewish liturgical calendar, they are often read together as a double portion. The word Behar translates to...
Emor (Leviticus 21:1–24:23)
This week’s Torah portion is known as Emor—which means “speak”—and it covers Leviticus 21:1–24:23. After God gave Israel the ten commandments, he commissioned Israel to be a “priestly kingdom and a holy nation” (Ex. 19:6). Israel’s requirement for holiness was...
Acharei Mot–Kedoshim (Leviticus 16:1–20:27)
This week we are reading Leviticus 16:1 to 20:27. The reading calendar combines two portions, so this week’s assigned reading is on the longer side. The first portion is titled Acharei Mot, which means “after the death,” because the narrative picks up right after the...
Tazria (Leviticus 12:1–15:33)
This week’s reading is called Tazria and it covers Leviticus 12:1–15:33. This portion is completely occupied by issues of ritual impurity. Last week’s reading, Shemini, was concerned with the structural boundaries between the sacred and the profane, as it pertained to...
Shemini (Leviticus 9:1–11:47)
This week’s Torah portion covers Leviticus 9:1–11:47. The portion is titled Shemini, which in Hebrew means “eighth,” because the text begins “on the eighth day.” In the Bible, the number seven symbolizes the completion of creation. In Genesis, God finishes his...
Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1–6:7)
By following the Jewish calendar reading cycle over the last five months, we have already reached the third book of the Bible. In Jewish tradition, the book is called Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-6:7), based on the opening words that translate as “And He called.” The book...
Vayakhel-Pekudei (Exodus 35:1–40:38)
This week’s Torah portion is Vayakhel-Pekudei, which covers Exodus 35:1–40:38. This is our 22nd Torah portion in the annual reading cycle and our final Exodus study. The transition between the instructions for the tabernacle and its actual construction marks one of...
Ki Tissa (Exodus 30:11–34:35)
This week’s Torah portion is Ki Tissa, which covers Exodus 30:11–34:35. It is also the week Jews in Israel and abroad celebrate Purim. Purim is the joyous Jewish holiday that marks the survival of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian Empire after a plot to...
Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10)
This week, we explore the Torah portion called Tetzaveh, which translates to “you command.” This section covers Exodus 27:20-30:10. Much of the reading is about the priesthood, one of the most critical institutions in Israel’s spiritual architecture. Tetzaveh covers...