Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12 (2-3 Minute Read) The parasha, or Torah portion, of V’zot haBracha is defined by the series of blessings delivered by Moses to the twelve tribes of Israel before he died. The blessings include: may Reuben have life; may…
Ecclesiastes 1:1-12:14 (3-4 minute read) During the Jewish festival of Sukkot, sometimes called the Feast of Booths or Tabernacles, the book of Kohelet, or Ecclesiastes, is traditionally read. Written by King Solomon of Israel, Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) has the distinction of…
(3-4 Minute Read) Deuteronomy 32:1-52 Ha’azinu is a relatively brief Torah portion primarily encompassing a poetic declaration by the Almighty for the posterity of the Jewish people. The poem first calls for the heavens and the earth to “hear” (ha’azinu)…
I Samuel 1:1-2:10 (3-4 Minute Read) In addition to reading from the Torah on Rosh HaShanah, also known as Jewish New Year and the Festival of the Sounding of the Shofar (ram’s horn), a portion of the Tanakh is read…
(4 – 5 Minute Read) Leviticus 25:1-27:34 In the combined Torah parshiot, or portions, of Behar and Bechukkotai, the Holy One, Blessed Be He, first outlines the process of the sabbatical and jubilee years. G-d also details the rules for…
(3 -4 Minute) Leviticus 12:1 – 13:59 The Torah parshiyot, or portions, of Tazria and Metzora, primarily discuss the malady, quarantine, and remedy of tzaraat. Tzaraat is commonly translated as “leprosy” in English. However, this is a misnomer, as tzaraat…
(5-6 Minute Read) Lev. 9:1-11:47 The Torah parasha, or Biblical portion, of Shemini first describes the inauguration of Aaron and his sons as the kohanim, or Levitical priesthood. A fire issued from G-d to consume the original offerings, and the…
(3 – 4 Minute Read) Pesach is a week-long holiday (eight days outside of the land of Israel). This year, the key days of the holiday partially overlap with Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath. Our Chachamim, rabbinical sages of blessed memory,…
4 – 5 Minute Read Leviticus 6:1 – 8:36 The Torah parasha, or portion, of Tzav continues the recounting of the commandments of the Almighty through Moses regarding Aaron and his sons as well as the affiliated sacrifices. The burnt…
(4 – 5 Minute Read) Leviticus 1:1 – 5:26 Vayikra commences the book by the same name, otherwise known as Leviticus. The Almighty called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tabernacle, giving instructions through him to the people…
(3 – 4 Minute Read) Exodus 35:1 – 40:38 The combined Torah portion of Vayakhel-Pekudei begins as Moses gathered the congregation of Israel and told them what the Eternal One commanded them. On six days work could be done, but…
(3-4 Minute Read) Exodus 18:1 – 20:23 Yitro was the priest of Midian and the father-in-law of Moses who lent his name to this Torah parasha, or portion. Yitro heard of all that the Almighty had done for Moses and…
