Weekly Torah Reading, Korah and Shelah-Lekha, June 20, 2020

In Israel: Koraḥ (Numbers 16:1-18:32)   Ganging Up on Moses   This week’s Torah reading recounts the attempted revolt of Koraḥ and his allies. According to Num 16:3, the rebels “assembled” (vayyiqqahalu) against Moses and Aaron. The same verb appears …

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Weekly Torah Reading, June 13, 2020

In Israel: Shelaḥ Lekha: Numbers 13:1-15:41   To Be an Ish   Commentators have long noticed a contradiction in the Torah’s account of the tribal leaders who were sent to spy out the land of Canaan. In this week’s reading, …

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Weekly Torah Reading, BeHa’alotekha and Naso, June 6, 2020

Torah Reading Inside Israel: Weekly Torah Reading, Beha‘alotekha, June 6, 2020 Numbers 8:1-12:16   The Good Old Days   In the book of Ecclesiastes, the author advises, “Don’t say, ‘How has it come about that things were better in earlier …

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Weekly Torah Reading, Shavu‘ot, May 29, 2020

The Torah by Word of Mouth    The festival of Shavu‘ot, which starts tonight, commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It is marked with special celebrations and readings in synagogue, and many Jews stay up all night …

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Weekly Torah Reading, BeMidbar, May 23, 2020

Numbers, 1:1-4:20   Don’t Look!   This week’s Torah reading begins with a detailed census of Israel’s tribes. However, the Levites are not included in the census; they are listed separately afterwards.   The Torah says that there were three …

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Weekly Torah Reading, Behar-Behukkotai, May 15, 2020

Leviticus 25:1-27:34 Very Very!   The second part of this week’s double reading, the portion Behukkotai, contains of a long list of misfortunes that will befall the people of Israel if they fail to keep God’s commandments. These punishments—including various …

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Weekly Torah Reading, Emor, May 7, 2020

Leviticus chapters 21 through 24   Down for the Count   In this week’s reading, the Torah commands the people of Israel to bring the first sheaf (‘omer) of the new grain harvest to the Temple. This is to be …

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Weekly Torah Reading, Aḥarei Mot-Kedoshim, May 2, 2020

Leviticus 16:1-20:27 Two Sanctuaries   The very beginning of the reading for this Shabbat ought to appear somewhat surprising. Following the death of Aaron’s two sons, Nadab and Abihu, in the wilderness sanctuary (mishkan), God says to Moses: “Tell your …

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