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Sh’mini – שְׁמִינִי (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Sh’mini – שְׁמִינִי (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)

“On the eighth day Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel.” Leviticus 9:1

We are finely dedicating the Sanctuary, and it is on the eighth day.

But there are only 7 days in the week?

The eight day is for the events that are above nature. Like the covenant of circumcision, not natural to make a covenant with God, so it is on the 8th day, the day above nature.

Not natural to dedicate a home to God in our midst, so it is on the eighth day.

Parsha Sh’mini – שְׁמִינִי Torah Summary:

Aaron and his sons follow Moses’ instructions and offer sacrifices so that God will forgive the people. (9:1-24) Two of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, offer “alien fire” to God. God punishes these two priests by killing them immediately. (10:1-3) God forbids Moses, Aaron, and his surviving sons from mourning but commands the rest of the people to do so. Priests are told not to drink alcohol before entering the sacred Tabernacle and are further instructed about making sacrifices. (10:4-20) Laws are given to distinguish between pure and impure animals, birds, fish, and insects. (11:1-47) Sh’mini – שְׁמִינִי “On the eighth day Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel.” Leviticus 9:1 We are finely dedicating the Sanctuary, and it is on the eighth day. But there are only 7 days in the week? The eight day is for the events that are above nature. Like the covenant of circumcision, not natural to make a covenant with God, so it is on the 8th day, the day above nature. Not natural to dedicate a home to God in our midst, so it is on the eighth day.

Tzav – צַו (Leviticus 6:1−8:36)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Tzav – צַו (Leviticus 6:1−8:36)

“A perpetual fire shall be kept burning on the altar, not to go out.” Leviticus 6:6.

Having the Sanctuary in our midst, having the house of God in our midst, means that the presence of Adonai is always here, for that we need the fire to never stop, to always continue. Not an easy thing to have the fire always on, 24/7 all year round.

Parsha Tzav – צַו Torah Summary:

The five sacrifices that the priests are to perform are described. (6:1-7:38) Limitations on the consumption of meat are delineated. (7:17-27) Details about the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests and the preparation of the Tabernacle as a holy place are given. (8:1-36) Tzav – צַו “A perpetual fire shall be kept burning on the altar, not to go out.” Leviticus 6:6. Having the Sanctuary in our midst, having the house of God in our midst, means that the presence of Adonai is always here, for that we need the fire to never stop, to always continue. Not an easy thing to have the fire always on, 24/7 all year round. Tzav – צַו The five sacrifices that the priests are to perform are described. (6:1-7:38) Limitations on the consumption of meat are delineated. (7:17-27) Details about the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests and the preparation of the Tabernacle as a holy place are given. (8:1-36) Tzav – צַו “A perpetual fire shall be kept burning on the altar, not to go out.” Leviticus 6:6. Having the Sanctuary in our midst, having the house of God in our midst, means that the presence of Adonai is always here, for that we need the fire to never stop, to always continue. Not an easy thing to have the fire always on, 24/7 all year round. Tzav – צַו

Vayikra – וַיִּקְרָא (Levicitus 1:1−5:26)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Vayikra – וַיִּקְרָא (Levicitus 1:1−5:26)

Vayikra is the first Torah portion in the book of Leviticus. Exodus ended with a crisis, the Sanctuary to Adonai was finished, God’s glory filled it, and Moses and everyone else could not enter the Sanctuary, because God’s presence did not leave room for human presence.

Leviticus starts with the solution, Adonai called Moses from the Sanctuary and invited him in!

Why does Adonai invite Moses?

Rashi answers, Adonai likes Moses. When you have a relationship of liking or loving God or people, we can overcome any obstacle together.

Parsha Vayikra – וַיִּקְרָא Torah Summary:

God instructs Moses on the five different kinds of sacrifices that were to be offered in the sanctuary: The olah or “burnt offering” was a voluntary sacrifice that had a high degree of sanctity and was regarded as the “standard” offering. The entire animal, except for its hide, was burned on the altar. (1:1-17) The minchah or “meal offering” was a sacrifice made of flour, oil, salt, and frankincense that was partly burned on the altar and partly given to the priests to eat. (2:1-16) The zevach sh’lamim or “sacrifice of well-being” was a voluntary animal offering from one’s herd, sometimes brought to fulfill a vow. (3:1-17) The chatat or “sin offering” was an obligatory sacrifice that was offered to expiate unintentional sins. This offering differs from the others in the special treatment of the blood of the animal. (4:1-5:13) The asham or “penalty offering” was an obligatory sacrifice of a ram that was required chiefly of one who had misappropriated property. (5:1-26) Vayikra – וַיִּקְרָא

P’kudei – פְקוּדֵי (Exodus 38:21-40:38)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: P’kudei – פְקוּדֵי (Exodus 38:21-40:38)

When the Children of Israel had completed all the work of the building of the Tabernacle, the Torah teaches us:

“Moses saw all the work, and, behold, they had done it just as God had commanded, and Moses blessed them.” (Exodus 39:43)

Rashi, the great biblical commentator has a question: How did Moses bless them? What words did he use? The Torah does not tell us, so Rashi fills in the blanks:

“May it be God’s will that the Divine Presence rests on the work of your hands.”

May this be our blessing always: May the work of our hands be blessed, may the work of our hands bring blessing. Amen.

Parsha P’kudei – פְקוּדֵי Torah Summary:

A statistical summary of the materials used for the Tabernacle and an account of producing the priestly vestments are recorded. Moses blesses the Israelites for the work they did. (38:21-39:42) Upon God’s instruction, Moses sets up the Mishkan and the priests are anointed and consecrated. (40:1-33) A description is given of a cloud that covers the Mishkan by day and a fire that burns by night, indicating God’s Presence therein. (40:33-38) P’kudei – פְקוּדֵי When the Children of Israel had completed all the work of the building of the Tabernacle, the Torah teaches us: “Moses saw all the work, and, behold, they had done it just as God had commanded, and Moses blessed them.” (Exodus 39:43) Rashi, the great biblical commentator has a question: How did Moses bless them? What words did he use? The Torah does not tell us, so Rashi fills in the blanks: “May it be God’s will that the Divine Presence rests on the work of your hands.” May this be our blessing always: May the work of our hands be blessed, may the work of our hands bring blessing. Amen.