Some Laws of Animal Sacrifices

The Torah now tells us who may or may not eat of the holy food which is consecrated for the priests. We are told that a layman may not partake, even if he lives with or works for a priest. If he is a slave owned by a priest, however, he is permitted to eat. The...

Temple Rites and the Blasphemer

This brief section tells of two additional rituals which took place in both the Tabernacle and the Temple. The first is the lighting of the Menorah, and the second is the arrangement of the showbread. The Menorah must be lit continually, burning pure olive oil. It is...

Laws of the Priest

While the entire nation of Israel is commanded to “be holy” (Leviticus 19:2), the Torah now delves into the special measures the priests must take to remain so. The first set of instructions forbids a priest from becoming ritually impure by making contact with the...

Holidays

This passage delineates the holidays God has designated for the Children of Israel. Beginning with the Sabbath, it lists the unique commands of each holiday and an overview of its sacrificial service. Passover, or Pesach, is next, with its unleavened bread, followed...