Double Parsha: Achrei Mot-Kedoshim Day 1:

(Leviticus 16:1-24)

In our previous parsha study, we learned about the various ways in which the Jewish people, camp, or certain possessions could become unclean with various leprous conditions. We also learned about the purification rituals that are to be performed upon the healing or cleansing of such conditions. These cleansing rituals are to be performed whenever a person becomes clean.

This week’s parsha continues the theme of cleansing and purification, but extends the atonement of impurities to the entire Jewish nation in the High Holy Day of Yom Kippur. Unlike the personal cleansing and purification rituals that are to be performed anytime a person becomes healed of a leprous condition, Yom Kippur is performed one day per year.

(Leviticus 16:1)

Double Parsha: Achrei Mot-Kedoshim

Day 2 (Part 1):

(Leviticus 16:2-34)

(Leviticus 16:25)

To reiterate the lessons we learned from day 1 of this parsha, we are told the fat of the sin offerings (the bull of the priesthood and the he-goat of the chieftains) are to be turned into smoke by Aaron, or the future High Priest. It is interesting to note again that on Yom Kippur (the High Holy Day of National Atonement), Hashem only calls to account the sins of the leaders. Through forgiveness of the leaders’ sins, Hashem extends national forgiveness to the laypeople and the ger (converts) living among the Israelites.

We mentioned in our day 1 notes that this highlights the importance of leaders in the Israelite community and nations. Hashem sets leaders in many ranks, who are to care for and shepherd the flock of Hashem. Throughout Tanakh there are accounts of good leaders,…

Day 2 (Part 2): Leviticus 17:1-7 (Study Notes)

(Leviticus 17:1-7)

This chapter opens with a discussion about the types of sacrifices that the people were making prior to the construction of the Tabernacle, Temple, and sacrifice altars.

(Leviticus 17:3-7)

Mentions the ox, sheep, and goats, specifically. Prior to the construction of the tabernacle, these sacrifices were “sacrifices the Jewish people have been making in the open.” This means, prior to the Torah, sacrifices occurred—we know this through reports of Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob all offering sacrifices prior to Mt. Sinai.

Now that an official system was in place, however, the sacrifices had to be brought to the temple even if a layperson, not a priest, slaughtered the animal. If the animal is not brought to the temple or the tabernacle (in the wilderness), then “bloodguilt” is imputed upon the one who slaughtered the sacrifice—whether in the camp or country or…

Day 3 (Part 2): Leviticus 18:1-22

(Leviticus 18:1-4)

In this portion, Hashem prohibits His people from following any of the laws or practices of the Egyptians, from whence He had just brought them. Hashem also prohibits Jews from following or practicing the laws or ways of the people in Canaan—the promised land of Genesis 15, to which Hashem was about to bring His people to settle.

Hashem’s reason: “I the LORD am your God.”

Thus, instead of following after the laws and rules of the Pagan nations, which lead to death, Hashem desires and commands His beloved Jewish people to only follow His laws, rules, and statutes. By keeping and observing Hashem’s Torah, rulings, and statutes the people and nation of Israel can and will live. These rules and laws are the wisdom of Hashem. They were the first thing created in the universe. Thus, by the wisdom of Hashem,…