The first seven Sidrot in the book of Vayikra concentrate on the laws relating to the purity and holiness of the whole nation of Israel. The Sidra of Emor focuses on the holiness of the priests who were obliged to adhere to a higher standard of sanctity than others. The first verse in the Sidra […]
The Sidra of Shemini begins with an account of the dedication of Aaron and his four sons as KOHANIM. It took place on the eighth day, after seven days of purification from all their sins and sanctification to become servants of the Almighty. The eighth day has great significance in the Bible. Circumcision takes place […]
The Sidra of Tzav is addressed to the KOHANIM with the instructions to them how to prepare and offer up the sacrifices on behalf of the nation and also on behalf of individuals. According to a famous interpretation by Rashi, the word Tzav, which means ‘command’, denotes encouragement to perform it with urgency and […]
The Book of Vayikra is devoted almost entirely to the laws of the sacrifices and the conduct of the priests who served in the sanctuary. For this reason our ancient rabbis called the book TORAT KOHANIM and it is this name that became known in the Greek speaking world and in other European languages. […]