SHABBAT ZACHOR

VAYIKRA

Leviticus 1:1-5:26

Maftir: Deuteronomy 25:17-19

1 Sam 15:1-34

Hebrews 10:1-18

The vocabulary of sacrifice pervades the book: the words “priest,” “sacrifice,” “blood,” and “offering” occur very frequently; and “kodesh,” translated “holy” or “holiness,” appears more than 150 times. Also, the repeated command: “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (11:44,45; 19:2; 20:7,26).

Leviticus may be divided as follows:

I. The Offerings, chapters 1-7

II. Consecration of Aaron and His Sons, chapters 8-10

III. Laws of Cleanliness and Holiness, chapters 11-15; 17-22

IV. The Day of Atonement, chapter 16

V. Laws Regulating the Personal Relationships of the Redeemed People, chapters 18-20

VI. Laws Regulating the Priesthood and the Seven Great Feasts of the Hebrew Calendar, chapters 21-23

VII. Additional Laws, Promises and Warnings, chapters 24-27

This Parasha is always read before Purim. It is the second of four special Shabatot readings preceding Passover. The first, which was two weeks ago, was Shabbat Shekalim.

This week is Shabbat Zachor, which is part of the Maftir, additional Torah Readings. All of these Parashot are meant to prepare us to come into the presence of G-d.

As we see in Exodus 25:1-27:19, Moshe is commanded to build the Mishkan (Sanctuary) with detailed instructions. The children of Israel are asked to contribute precious metals, stones, fabrics, skins, oil and spices. Details are given regarding separation of the different chambers, altars, the menorah, the Holy of Holies and the Ark. These were built so that G-d would dwell in the midst of His treasured people (Ex 19:5).

Also, this special place was to show G-d’s people that we are a holy, separated people. We seek and create a division between the sacred and profane. Also, it was built to show that we are a community and we are to serve G-d in a community, not only as individuals (Heb 10:25).

Shavua Tov

Rabbi Z.

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