Check out all of last year’s Torah observations from Leviticus
Parsha Vayikra Leviticus 1:1-5:26
This week we begin reading a new book in the Torah, the book of Leviticus. I know when everyone thinks about the book of Leviticus what probably immediately comes to mind are the verses, “…You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18) as well as the verse, “…Proclaim liberty throughout the Land.” (Lev. 25:10) … Continue reading Parsha Vayikra Leviticus 1:1-5:26
Parsha Tzav Leviticus 6:1 (8)-8:36
This week we read basically a reiteration of the previous portion. It goes through the 5 different types of offerings, as well as the particularities concerning each. It then finishes with the inauguration of the Priesthood and the Tabernacle. Normally, when we read about God telling Moses to convey a message, He uses the wording … Continue reading Parsha Tzav Leviticus 6:1 (8)-8:36
Parsha Shemini Leviticus 9:1-11:47
In this week’s Torah portion we read about the end of the Priests ordination. For seven days the Priests have been ministering inside the “Mishkan—Tabernacle.” This portion immediately launches into what happened “…on the eighth day…” For this observation, I want to jump straight into the first verse of this portion and work our way … Continue reading Parsha Shemini Leviticus 9:1-11:47
Parsha Tazria/Metzora Leviticus 12:1-15:33
This week’s portion goes into the details concerning childbirth, leprosy and marital /personal purity. There is a lot we could explore in this portion even though these are probably the chapters most of us would want to skip over. For this observation I want to get into the chapters about leprosy and talk about how … Continue reading Parsha Tazria/Metzora Leviticus 12:1-15:33
Acharei Mot/Kodeshim Leviticus 16:1-20:27
This weeks Torah portion takes us back to where we left off in the story of Nadav and Avihu, who were “consumed” because they offered “Esh Zarah—Strange Fire” to God. In Leviticus 10 we read about this incident, but we don’t conclude the story until chapter 16 of Leviticus in this portion, “Acharei Mot—After the … Continue reading Acharei Mot/Kodeshim Leviticus 16:1-20:27
Parsha Emor “Say” Leviticus 21:1-24:23
This week’s portion starts off talking about the laws that apply to the “Big Kahuna” and his sons. I found it funny that the Hawaiian term “Kahuna—Priest/Master” can be translated as “Priest/Service” in Hebrew as well, though the languages themselves are totally unrelated to each other. The letter pattern “k-h-n” in Hebrew always relates to … Continue reading Parsha Emor “Say” Leviticus 21:1-24:23
Parsha Behar/Bechukotai Leviticus 25:1-27:34
This week we have another double portion, which finishes up the book of Leviticus for this Torah reading cycle. While there are many different angles that could be pursued concerning this portion, my reading of this portion started immediately with a question. So let’s jump right into the text of the first verse of this … Continue reading Parsha Behar/Bechukotai Leviticus 25:1-27:34