Emor (Speak) Vayikra/Leviticus 21:1-24:23
Torah Portion: Emor(Speak)Vayikra/Leviticus 21:1-24:23
Haftorah Reading: Ezekiel 44:15-31
Today we read a very important section of Torah. This portion begins in chapter 21 of Leviticus. Here we read verses about the requirements for a priest of G-d as he lives out his life in the service of G-d. We also have a listing of the holidays celebrated by the people dedicated to G-d.
Tetzaveh (You are to order)Exodus 27-30
Torah Portion: Tetzaveh (You Are To Order)(Sh’mot) Exodus 27:20-30:10
Haftorah Reading: Ezekiel 43:10-27
In this Torah Portion we read about the clothing of the priest and their duties as priest. In fact, one entire chapter is set aside to describe the clothes of the High Priest that he was to wear for honor and glory. However, the portion begins with the last two verses of chapter 27 that speaks of the eternal light that was to burn continually before the veil in the Mishkan. The portion ends with a description of the altar of incense. Why do you think this division was used when the portion last week was devoted to the furnishing of the Mishkan? Why separate these two things out? It could be that scripture is saying here that the priests and their duties were to reflect these two vessels. Light symbolizing wisdom, and the Sprit of G-d and ending with the altar of incense, which might symbolize the priests prayers being lifted to G-d. This seems like a spiritual message to us as we continue to look at the clothing of the priests and the offerings. It should also speak to us as believers today as we go about each day to always be aware of who we are and what our life is to be.
Entering, Possessing, Dwelling – Ki Tavo (When You Come) Deut 26
Torah Portion: Ki Tavo (When You Come) Deut. 26:1-29:8
HafTorah: Isaiah 60:1-22
In the days of the Temple farmers were to set aside the first of the seven things mentioned in Torah in Deut. 8:8. How did they do this? The farmer went out into the fields at the first sign of blossoms or heads of grain and marked them with a ribbon on the stems. When they reached maturity he would harvest them and take them to the Temple in Jerusalem during Shavuot. He would give them to the priest and recite the words of Deut 26:5-11. What was the purpose of this ritual to the farmer? It kept it in his mind and spirit that all things come from the Father, and gave him an opportunity to show his gratitude for G-d’s provisions.