Priesthood
The Portion of Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16:1-18:30)

The Portion of Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16:1-18:30)

The portion of Acharei Mot picks up following the deaths of Aaron’s older sons, Nadab and Abihu. It contains the instructions for the Yom Kippur — or Day of Atonement — service in the Tabernacle, and forbids slaughtering animal offerings outside the Tabernacle and the consumption of blood. It lists a series of forbidden relationships and other abominations condemned by God, and emphasizes the holiness of the Land of Israel. 

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Tithes: A Reminder That Everything Comes from God

Tithes: A Reminder That Everything Comes from God

Agriculture in Israel is a joint venture in which God partners with the farmers. God promises that if the Jews are faithful to the Torah and keep the commandments, He will ensure that the rain will fall in its proper season and the land...

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The Yom Kippur Temple Service

The Yom Kippur Temple Service

The Torah portion of Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16-18) describes the Temple service on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The Bible mandates 15 specific sacrifices and many other rituals for Yom Kippur, or Yom HaKippurim, outlined in Leviticus...

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Tzaraat of the Home: A Punishment and a Blessing

Tzaraat of the Home: A Punishment and a Blessing

After dealing with tzaraat, a spiritual affliction similar in presentation to leprosy, that appears on the body and clothing, the Torah goes on to describe the tzaraat that afflicts houses. If the walls became discolored with streaks of...

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Tzaraat On Clothing: The First Warning

Tzaraat On Clothing: The First Warning

Leviticus introduces the affliction of tzaraat. Commonly mistranslated as leprosy, tzaraat can afflict the body, a home, or even clothing.  Tzaraat only afflicts clothing made of three materials: wool, linen, or leather. Only sheep's wool...

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The Status of the Priests, Then and Now

The Status of the Priests, Then and Now

After the sin of the Golden Calf, the tribe of Levi is chosen to serve in the Temple instead of the firstborn as they did not participate in the sin. Aaron is chosen to be the High Priest, and Moses anoints his brother and his brother's...

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Why Was Aaron Chosen to be the High Preist?

Why Was Aaron Chosen to be the High Preist?

When Aaron and his sons were anointed in order to begin serving in the Tabernacle, it transformed their descendants for all time, establishing them as Kohanim (priests) and the only people to perform the Temple service.  It should be...

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