Weekly Torah portion
Parascha Emor אמור
Leviticus (Wajikra) · Leviticus 21:1-24:23
„And He Called"
Summary
The portion begins with specific laws for the Kohanim (priests), requiring them to maintain a high level of spiritual purity. They are given restrictions regarding contact with the dead and guidelines for whom they may marry to ensure their sanctity remains intact for Temple service.
The text transitions into the laws of sacrifices, mandating that animals offered to G"d must be without physical blemishes. It emphasizes that a newborn animal must stay with its mother for seven days before it can be used as an offering.
A major section of Emor outlines the Moadim (appointed festivals), providing a calendar of the Jewish year. It details the observance of Shabbat, Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, establishing them as holy convocations.
People
Aaron
The first High Priest who received the initial instructions regarding the holiness of the priesthood.
Eleazar
The son of Aaron who served as a priest and carried the responsibility of the Tabernacle's sanctity.
Ithamar
The youngest son of Aaron who assisted in the administration of the Levites and the Tabernacle.
The Son of Shelomith
A man who was executed for the sin of blasphemy after a dispute in the Israelite camp.
Moses
The prophet who communicated G"d's detailed laws regarding festivals and purity to the Children of Israel.
Key commandments (mitzvot)
Priestly Purity · 21:1
A priest is forbidden from becoming spiritually impure through contact with a corpse, except for his seven closest relatives.
Sanctifying G"d's Name · 22:32
Every Jew is commanded to sanctify G"d's name and is strictly forbidden from desecrating it through their actions.
Resting on Shabbat · 23:3
The commandment to cease all creative work on the seventh day as a holy assembly for G"d.
Dwelling in a Sukkah · 23:42
The requirement to live in temporary booths for seven days to remember G"d's protection in the wilderness.
Lighting the Menorah · 24:2
The obligation to provide pure olive oil for the constant lighting of the lamps in the Sanctuary.
Full text
Quiz & badge
Answer every question correctly to earn the badge.
1. Which of these is NOT listed in Emor as one of the appointed festivals?
2. How long must a newborn animal stay with its mother before it can be offered as a sacrifice?
3. What special item was placed on the Table in the Sanctuary every Shabbat?
4. Which agricultural commandment involves leaving the corners of the field for the poor?