Leviticus (ויקרא)

Parashiot in Leviticus (ויקרא)

Vayikra (ויקרא)

Verses: Leviticus (ויקרא) 1:1 - 5:26

Parashat Vayikra introduces the laws of korbanot (sacrifices) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It details various offerings: the olah (burnt offering), mincha (meal offering), shelamim (peace offering), chatat (sin offering), and asham (guilt offering). Each serves a unique spiritual purpose—atonement, thanksgiving, or voluntary devotion. The parasha emphasizes precise procedures, highlighting the Kohen's role and the importance of intention (kavanah). Orthodox interpretation views korbanot as a means to draw closer to Hashem, with their underlying principles remaining relevant even after the Temple's destruction, as prayer substitutes sacrifices. The opening word "Vayikra" (with a small aleph) signifies humility, teaching that divine communication requires human humility.

Tzav (צו)

Verses: Leviticus (ויקרא) 6:1 - 8:36

Parashat Tzav continues detailing the laws of korbanot (sacrifices), focusing on the responsibilities of the kohanim (priests). It outlines the procedures for the olah (burnt offering), minchah (meal offering), chatat (sin offering), asham (guilt offering), and shelamim (peace offering). The parasha emphasizes the eternal nature of the fire on the altar, symbolizing unwavering devotion to Hashem. It also describes the inauguration of Aharon and his sons into the priesthood, including their seven-day consecration process. The portion underscores the sanctity of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the importance of ritual purity, reinforcing the central role of the kohanim in facilitating the relationship between Bnei Yisrael and Hashem.

Shemini (שמיני)

Verses: Leviticus (ויקרא) 9:1 - 11:47

Parashat Shemini describes the eighth day of the consecration of the Mishkan, when Aharon and his sons begin their priestly service. Aharon offers sacrifices, and the Divine Presence appears, confirming God’s acceptance. However, tragedy strikes when Nadav and Avihu bring an unauthorized fire and are consumed by divine fire. Moshe instructs Aharon and his remaining sons not to mourn publicly, emphasizing the sanctity of their role. The parasha then details kosher dietary laws, distinguishing between permitted and forbidden animals, fish, birds, and insects. These laws underscore the principle of kedushah (holiness), teaching that spiritual elevation requires adherence to divine commandments in both ritual and daily life.

Tazria (תזריע)

Verses: Leviticus (ויקרא) 12:1 - 13:59

Parashat Tazria (Vayikra 12-13) primarily discusses the laws of ritual impurity related to childbirth and tzara'at (often mistranslated as leprosy). A woman who gives birth enters a state of tumah (impurity) for varying durations depending on the child's gender, followed by a period of taharah (purification) involving korbanot (sacrifices). The parasha then details the intricate laws of tzara'at—affecting skin, garments, or homes—which require examination by a kohen. Tzara'at is understood by Chazal as a spiritual affliction, often resulting from lashon hara (evil speech) or arrogance. The kohen's role is central in diagnosing and declaring purity or impurity, emphasizing the connection between physical symptoms and spiritual rectification.

Metzora (מצרע)

Verses: Leviticus (ויקרא) 14:1 - 15:33

Parashat Metzora continues the laws of tumah (ritual impurity) and taharah (purification) introduced in Tazria, focusing on the metzora (one afflicted with tzara'at, often mistranslated as leprosy). The Torah details the purification process involving korbanot (sacrifices), cedar wood, scarlet thread, hyssop, and immersion. The parasha also addresses tzara'at affecting houses, requiring inspection by a kohen and potential demolition if contamination persists. A central theme is the spiritual dimension of tzara'at, traditionally linked to lashon hara (evil speech), emphasizing repentance and moral rectification. The parasha concludes with laws of bodily emissions, reinforcing the connection between physical purity and spiritual sanctity in Jewish life.

Acharei Mot (אחרי מות)

Verses: Leviticus (ויקרא) 16:1 - 18:30

Parashat Acharei Mot begins with the Yom Kippur service, detailing the Kohen Gadol's avodah (service) in the Holy of Holies, including the special sacrifices and the lottery between the two goats—one offered to Hashem and the other sent to Azazel. The parasha emphasizes the sanctity of the Mishkan and the gravity of the Kohen Gadol’s role in achieving atonement for the nation. The latter portion outlines forbidden relationships (arayot), stressing the imperative to uphold moral purity and distinguish between permitted and prohibited unions, reflecting the holiness of the Jewish people. These laws reinforce kedushah (holiness) as central to Jewish life.

Kedoshim (קדשים)

Verses: Leviticus (ויקרא) 19:1 - 20:27

Parashat Kedoshim, found in Vayikra (Leviticus) 19-20, opens with the command to be holy, as Hashem is holy. It details ethical and ritual laws, emphasizing interpersonal obligations—honoring parents, leaving gleanings for the poor, honesty in business, and loving one’s neighbor. The parasha also includes prohibitions against idolatry, sorcery, and forbidden relationships. Central is the principle of "V’ahavta l’re’acha kamocha" (love your neighbor as yourself), which Rabbi Akiva calls a fundamental Torah principle. Kedoshim underscores that holiness is achieved through both ritual observance and ethical conduct, integrating divine service with moral behavior in daily life.

Emor (אמור)

Verses: Leviticus (ויקרא) 21:1 - 24:23

Parashat Emor details laws pertaining to the kohanim (priests), emphasizing their need for heightened holiness, including restrictions on contact with the dead and marriage prohibitions. It outlines the physical perfection required for sacrificial service and lists blemishes disqualifying kohanim. The parasha then presents the Jewish holiday cycle—Shabbat, Pesach, Sefirat HaOmer, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot—specifying their dates, offerings, and observances. It concludes with laws of the menorah, showbread, and the episode of the blasphemer, who is punished for cursing God’s name. The portion underscores the sanctity of God’s name and the importance of maintaining holiness in time, space, and conduct.

Behar (בהר)

Verses: Leviticus (ויקרא) 25:1 - 26:2

Parashat Behar outlines the laws of the Shemitah (Sabbatical) and Yovel (Jubilee) years, emphasizing divine ownership of the land and social justice. Every seventh year, the land must rest, and debts are forgiven, reinforcing trust in Hashem’s providence. The Yovel, every 50th year, restores ancestral lands to their original owners, ensuring economic equity. The parasha also prohibits permanent indentured servitude, mandating the release of Jewish servants in the Yovel year. These laws highlight the sanctity of Eretz Yisrael, the importance of social responsibility, and the principle that all Jews are ultimately servants of Hashem, not of man.

Bechukotai (בחקתי)

Verses: Leviticus (ויקרא) 26:3 - 27:34

Parashat Bechukotai, the final portion of Sefer Vayikra, outlines the blessings for observing Torah commandments and the severe consequences for neglecting them. Hashem promises abundant prosperity, peace, and Divine presence if Bnei Yisrael follow His laws. Conversely, disobedience brings a series of escalating punishments—drought, famine, exile—culminating in the desolation of the land. The parasha emphasizes the covenant’s conditional nature, linking Israel’s fate directly to their spiritual fidelity. It concludes with laws of vows and valuations (arakhin), teaching the sanctity of dedicating possessions to the Mishkan. The message underscores Divine justice and the eternal bond between Hashem and His people.

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