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TORAH PORTIONS
Pekudei - Exodus 38:21-40:38 — The last reading from Exodus begins with an audit of how the
contributions for the Tabernacle were used. The portion goes on to describe the completion of the
Tabernacle and its assembly and concludes by depicting the glory of G-d entering it.
Vayikra - Leviticus 1:1-5:26 — Leviticus describes the sacrificial service, the duties of the priests,
ritual purity, the biblical diet, the calendar of appointed times, laws of holiness and laws relating to
redemption, vows and tithes. This first portion introduces the sacrificial service and describes five
different types of sacrifices.
Tzav - Leviticus 6:1-8:36 —This Torah portion reiterates the five types of sacrifices introduced in
the previous portion, but this time discusses the priestly regulations pertaining to them. The last
chapter of the reading describes the seven-day ordination of Aaron and his sons as they prepared to
enter the holy priesthood.
Sh’mini - Leviticus 9:1-11:47 —This portion describes the events of the eighth day after setting up
the Tabernacle, a phenomenal worship service followed by a tragic incident. The reading concludes
with the biblical dietary laws regarding animals fit for consumption and prohibitions regarding
those that are unfit.
Tazria - Leviticus 12:1-13:59 —Leviticus 12 discusses the laws of purification after childbirth. Leviticus 13 introduces the laws for diagnosing and quarantining lepers. Except in biblical calendar
leap years, Tazria is read together with the subsequent Torah portion, Metzorah, on the same Sabbath.