Parsha Achrei Mot-Kedoshim (Leviticus 16:1-20:27)

Double Parsha: Achrei Mot-Kedoshim Day 1:

(Leviticus 16:1-24)

(Study Notes)

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. The Day of Yom Kippur is the Holies Day of the Jewish Year.

Double Parsha: Achrei Mot-Kedoshim

Day 2 (Part 1): Leviticus 16:2-34

(Study Notes)

(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 nation. Hashem sets leaders in many ranks, who are to care for and shepherd the flock of Hashem. Throughout Tanakh there are accounts of…

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 who all offered sacrifices prior to Mt. Sinai.

Double Parsha: Acrei Mot-Kedoshim Day 3 (Part 2): Leviticus 18:1-22

(Study Notes)

(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: