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Tzav – צַו (Leviticus 6:1−8:36)

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

“For I GOD act with loving kindness,
justice, and equity in the world;
For in these I delight
—declares GOD”.

God wants us to be like God – treating every person with Hesed (loving kindness, caring and compassion). That is the only thing that matters.

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 “For I GOD act with loving kindness, justice, and equity in the world; For in these I delight —declares GOD”. God wants us to be like God – treating every person with Hesed (loving kindness, caring and compassion). That is the only thing that matters.

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

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

“When a leader (president) sins” Leviticus 4:22

The Torah lists the sacrifices that regular people bring to the Sanctuary, if they sin. When it comes to a leader (The Torah specifies a president) the terms are not “if” but, “when”. Teaching us that power corrupts, and leaders sin. Teaching us that a good and worthy leader acknowledges that they made a mistake, and after publicly admitting it, brings a sacrifice.

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 “When a leader (president) sins” Leviticus 4:22 The Torah lists the sacrifices that regular people bring to the Sanctuary, if they sin. When it comes to a leader (The Torah specifies a president) the terms are not “if” but, “when”. Teaching us that power corrupts, and leaders sin. Teaching us that a good and worthy leader acknowledges that they made a mistake, and after publicly admitting it, brings a sacrifice.

Vayak’heil – P’kudei – וַיַּקְהֵל – פְקוּדֵי (Exodus 35:1–40:38)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Vayak’heil – P’kudei – וַיַּקְהֵל – פְקוּדֵי (Exodus 35:1–40:38)

Moses is giving a detailed report of what went into the building of the Sanctuary. It is the 3rd time we have gotten a full detailed list of every building material that has created the Sanctuary.

Teaching us that every leader is accountable towards their people. Teaching the need of every leader to be transparent and accountable.

Parsha Vayak’heil – P’kudei – וַיַּקְהֵל – פְקוּדֵי Torah Summary:

Moses teaches the rules of Shabbat. (35:1-3) Moses asks the Israelites for a donation of gifts and those who are skilled help build the Mishkan [Tabernacle] under the direction of Bezalel and Oholiab. (35:4-38:20) 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) Vayak’heil – P’kudei – וַיַּקְהֵל – פְקוּדֵי Moses is giving a detailed report of what went into the building of the Sanctuary. It is the 3rd time we have gotten a full detailed list of every building material that has created the Sanctuary. Teaching us that every leader is accountable towards their people. Teaching the need of every leader to be transparent and accountable.

Ki Tisa – כִּי תִשָּׂא (Exodus 30:11−34:35)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Ki Tisa – כִּי תִשָּׂא (Exodus 30:11−34:35)

GOD spoke to Moses, “Go down, for your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt, have gone astray”.

Moses wants to stay with God on Sinai. God is teaching Moses and us, being a Jew is about the community. There is no Lone Ranger Jew. God is not interested in having a relationship with Moses without the people.

Parsha Ki Tisa – כִּי תִשָּׂא Torah Summary:

Moses takes a census of the Israelites and collects a half-shekel from each person (30:11-16) God tells Moses to construct a water basin and to prepare anointing oil and incense for the ordination of the priests. Bezalel and Oholiab, skilled artisans, are assigned to make objects for the priests and the Tabernacle. (30:17-31:11) The Israelites are instructed to keep Shabbat as a sign of their covenant with God. God gives Moses the two tablets of the Pact. (31:12-18) The Israelites ask Aaron to build them a Golden Calf. Moses implores God not to destroy the people and then breaks the two tablets of the Pact on which the Ten Commandments are written when he sees the idol. God punishes the Israelites by means of a plague. (32:1-35) Moses goes up the mountain with a blank set of tablets for another 40 days so that God will again inscribe the Ten Commandments. Other laws, including the edict to observe the Pilgrimage Festivals, are also revealed. (34:1-28) Moses comes down from the mountain with a radiant face. (34:29-35) Ki Tisa – כִּי תִשָּׂא GOD spoke to Moses, “Go down, for your people, whom you brought out of the land of Egypt, have gone astray”. Moses wants to stay with God on Sinai. God is teaching Moses and us, being a Jew is about the community. There is no Lone Ranger Jew. God is not interested in having a relationship with Moses without the people.