“VAYIKRA/VAYIQRA/And He Called”

SHALOM!

 

 

TORAH PORTION READING 24 / WEEK 24:

Vayikra/And he called — ויקרא

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• TORAH:

LEVITICUS 1:1-5:26

 

• HAF-TORAH (either PROPHETS or WRITINGS) – PROPHETS:

ISAIAH 43:21-44:23

 

• BRIT CHADASHAH (NEW COVENANT / NEW TESTAMENT) – GOSPEL:

MATTHEW 5:23-30

 

 

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Note: The regular readings above are often interrupted with special readings on Jewish holidays, special Sabbaths, and Rosh Chodesh. Refer to the annual Torah Portion schedule for these special portions.

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Portion Summary

The title “Leviticus” is derived from the Greek Septuagint (LXX) version of the TORAH. The book of Leviticus is predominantly concerned with Levitical rituals. An older Hebrew name for the book was “The Laws of the Priesthood,” but in Judaism today, it is referred to by the name Vayikra (ויקרא), which means “And He called.” Vayikra is the first Hebrew word of the book, which begins by saying, “And the LORD called to Moses and spoke to him from inside the tent of meeting” (Leviticus 1:1).

Leviticus describes the sacrificial service and the duties of the priests. It also introduces ritual purity, the biblical diet, the calendar of appointed times, laws of holiness and laws relating to redemption, vows and tithes. In addition, Leviticus discourses on ethical instruction and holiness. The twenty-fourth reading from the Torah is eponymous with the Hebrew name of the book it introduces: Vayikra. This portion introduces the sacrificial service and describes five different types of sacrifices.

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Portion Outline

• TORAH
  • Leviticus 1:1 | The Burnt Offering
  • Leviticus 2:1 | Grain Offerings
  • Leviticus 3:1 | Offerings of Well-Being
  • Leviticus 4:1 | Sin Offerings
  • Leviticus 5:14 | Offerings with Restitution
• PROPHETS
  • Isaiah 43:1 | Restoration and Protection Promised
  • Isaiah 44:1 | God’s Blessing on Israel
  • Isaiah 44:9 | The Absurdity of Idol Worship
  • Isaiah 44:21 | Israel Is Not Forgotten