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Parashat Vayikra

Verses:111 [Siman: דעואל]

Haftorah: Isaiah 43:21-44:23

Number of Mitzvot: There are a total of Sixteen Mitzvot in Parashat Vayikra; Eleven positive commands and Five negative commands. The following are the commands in the chronological order that they are brought in the Portion.   A. Positive: 1. Mitzvah 115/Positive 48: To offer the Olah sacrifice according to its detailed laws. 2. Mitzvah 116/Positive 49: To offer the Mincha offering according to its detailed laws. 3. Mitzvah 119/Positive 50: To salt all the offerings. 4. Mitzvah 120/Positive 51: For the Beth Din to bring a Chatas offering in case of a mistaken ruling involving excision. 5. Mitzvah 121/Positive 52: For an individual to bring a Chatas offering in case of a mistaken transgression involving excision. 6. Mitzvah 122/Positive 53: To testify in court regarding matters one has witnessed that carry criminal or civil liability. 7. Mitzvah 123/Positive 54: To bring a Olah Veyoreid offering for certain sins, which include swearing falsely, Shavuot Haeidus, and entering the Temple while impure. 8. Mitzvah 127/Positive 55: For one who benefited from consecrated items [i.e. Meilah] to pay for the benefit plus an additional 1/5th, to the Temple. 9. Mitzvah 128/Positive 56: To bring an Asham Taluy guilt offering if one performed an act of questionable transgression that involves a negative command that contains the penalty of excision. 10. Mitzvah 129/Positive 57: To bring an Asham guilt offering for certain sins [i.e. Asham Vadaiy], including stealing, sinfully swearing, Meila, and other sins. 11. Mitzvah 130/Positive 58: To return a stolen object to its rightful owner. B. Negative: 1. Mitzvah 117/Negative 68: Not to offer honey or Chametz onto the altar. 2. Mitzvah 118/Negative 69: Not to bring offerings without salt. 3. Mitzvah 124/Negative 70: Not to separate [behead[1]] the bird Chatas offering. 4. Mitzvah 125/Negative 71: Not to place oil on the flour sin offering. 5. Mitzvah 126/Negative 72: Not to place frankincense on the flour sin offering.

 

Chapter 1

First Aliyah

1. The Mitzvah of Sacrifices:

• G-d called to Moses from the Tent of Meeting and commanded him to relate to the Jewish people the laws involving the sacrifices. These laws relate to the following topics:
• The type of animal to bring as a sacrifice: A man who desires to bring a sacrifice to G-d, is to bring it from the domestic animal, whether from cattle or sheep.

2. The cow Olah offering:

• If one brings an Olah offering from cattle, it is to be a perfect male. It is to be offered at the opening of the Tent of Meeting.
• Semicha: One is to rest his hand on the head of the Olah, and it will be an appeasement for him, to bring him atonement.
• Offering the animal: Once slaughtered, the Kohanim are to offer the blood of the animal onto the altar.
• The Olah must be skinned and dismembered. The Kohanim are to light a fire on the altar and set up the wood. They are to arrange the limbs on the altar. The intestines and feet are washed and offered on the altar. All of the parts of the Olah are offered to G-d.

3. The sheep and goat Olah offering:

• If one brings an Olah offering from flock, it is to be brought from sheep, or goats, it is to be an unblemished male animal.
• It is to be slaughtered in the northern part of the altar in front of G-d.
• The Kohanim are to offer the blood around the altar.
• The Olah must be dismembered.
• The Kohanim are to light a fire on the altar and set up the wood. They are to arrange the limbs on the altar. The intestines and feet are washed and offered on the altar. All of the parts of the Olah are offered to G-d. It is a pleasant smell for G-d.

Second Aliyah

4. The bird Olah offering:

• If one brings an Olah offering from birds, it is to be from the turtledoves or young doves.
• The Kohen is to bring the bird to the altar and remove its head, and offer it to the altar, spraying its blood on the wall of the altar.
• Its innards is to be removed and discarded to the side of the altar, to the area where the ash rests.
• The bird is to be partially torn and then offered on the altar, on the wood that is one the fire. It is an Olah offering to G-d.

Chapter 2

5. The Mincha offering:
   • When a soul brings a Mincha offering to G-d it is to be made of Soles, fine flour. It is to contain oil and frankincense.
   • The Kohen is to take his three full fingerfuls of the flour, and oil, together with all of its frankincense, and offer it to the altar. The remainder of the Mincha is to be distributed to the Kohanim.
   • The baked Mincha: If an oven baked Mincha [i.e. Maafeh Tanur] offering is brought, it is to be baked into Matzot. If one bakes loaves, it is to be mixed with oil. If one bakes crackers, it is to be smeared with oil.
   • The fried Mincha: If a pan fried Mincha is offered, it is to contain fine flour that is mixed with oil, and is baked into Matzot. It is to be broken to small pieces, and then have oil poured over it.

Third Aliyah

• The deep fried Mincha: If a deep pan Mincha offering is brought, it is to be made of fine flour and oil. You shall bring this Mincha to the Kohen and place it close to the Altar. The Kohen is to take a commemorative portion from the Mincha and offer it to the altar. The remainder of the Mincha is to be distributed to Aaron and his sons, it is a Holy of Holies.

• Chametz: Any Mincha offering may not be made into Chametz, as all Chametz and all honey may not be offered to G-d. They are to be offered as the first offering [on Shavuot] and are not to be brought to the Altar.

6. Salting the offerings:

• Every flour offering is to contain salt, and you shall not discontinue using the salt of G-d’s covenant from on the Mincha.
• Every offering is to be salted.

7. The Bikurim-Omer offering:
   • When you bring a Mincha offering of the first grains to G-d, it should be made from flour that is ground from ripe ears of grain which is parched over fire. Oil is to be poured over it as well as frankincense. The Kohen is to take a commemorative portion from the flour, oil and its frankincense as an offering to G-d.

 

Chapter 3

Fourth Aliyah

8. The Shlomim sacrifice from cattle:

• If one brings a Shelamim from cattle, it may be either male or female, although must be unblemished.
• Semicha: One is to rest his hand on the head of his offering, and it is to be slaughtered by the opening of the Tent of Meeting.
• Offering the animal: The Kohanim are to offer the blood of the animal onto the altar, all around. The fat that covers the innards is to be offered. The two kidneys and the fat that is on them, and the diaphragm on the liver and kidneys is to be offered. It is to be offered over the Olah, which is on the wood that is on the fire.

9. The Shelamim sacrifice from sheep:

• If one brings a Shelamim from flock, it may be either male or female, although must be unblemished.
• Semicha: If the offering is a sheep, he is to bring it before G-d and rest his hand on the head of the offering, and it is to be slaughtered by the opening of the Tent of Meeting.
• Offering the animal: The Kohanim are to offer the blood of the animal onto the altar, all around. The entire tail, up until the kidneys, is to be offered, and the fat that covers the innards is to be offered. The two kidneys and the fat that is on them, and the diaphragm on the liver and kidneys is to be offered.

10. The Shlomim sacrifice from a goat:

• If one brings a Shelamim from a goat he is to rest his hand on its head, and it is to be slaughtered by the opening of the Tent of Meeting.
• Offering the animal: The Kohanim are to offer the blood of the animal onto the altar, all around. The fat that covers the innards is to be offered. The two kidneys and the fat that is on them, and the diaphragm on the liver and kidneys is to be offered.

11. Prohibition of eating Chelev fat or blood:

• It is an eternal decree for all generations that one may not eat any fat or blood.

Chapter 4

Fifth Aliyah

12. The Chatas sin offering of a Kohen Moshiach:

• G-d spoke to Moses saying that he should tell the Jewish people the following laws relating to a sin offering that is brought if a soul unintentionally sins and transgresses one of the commands that G-d prohibited.
• The sin offering of a Kohen Moshaich: If the anointed Kohen sins, he is to bring a young bull which is unblemished as a Chatas offering for G-d. The bull is to be brought to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting and he is to rest his hands on the head of the bull and sacrifice it before G-d.
• Offering the blood: The Kohen is to dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle it seven times before G-d, onto the face of the Parochet curtain. The Kohen is to take from the blood and place it on the corners of the altar used for the incense. The remaining blood is to be spilled on the base of the altar that is outside the Tent of Meeting. 
• Offering the animal: All the fat that covers the innards is to be offered. The two kidneys and the fat that is on them, and the diaphragm on the liver and kidneys is to be offered on the Olah altar. The skin of the bull and its meat, head, feet, innards and waste is to be taken outside of the camp to a pure place where the ashes are poured, and is to be burnt there using wood.

13. The Chatas sin offering of the congregation/Sanhedrin:

• If the entire Jewish people accidently sin, then the congregation is to offer a young bull as a Chatas offering for G-d. The bull is to be brought to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. The elders of the congregation are to rest their hands on the head of the bull and slaughter it before G-d.
• Offering the blood: The Kohen Hamoshiach is to bring the blood to the Tent of Meeting and dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle it seven times before G-d, onto the face of the Parochet curtain. The Kohen is to take from the blood and place it on the corners of the altar used for the incense. The remaining blood is to be spilled on the base of the altar that is outside the Tent of Meeting.
• Offering the animal: All of its fat is to be offered to the altar. Everything that is done to the offering of the Kohen Moshiach is likewise to be done to this offering. Doing so will bring atonement and G-d will forgive them. The bull is to be removed to outside the camp and be burnt just as described by the previous offering.

14. The Chatas sin offering of a President:

• If a leader accidently sins, he is to bring a male goat which is unblemished as a Chatas offering for G-d. He is to rest his hands on the head of the goat and sacrifice it before G-d in the same area as the Olah offering.
• Offering the blood: The Kohen is to take from the blood and place it on the corners of the altar used for the incense. The remaining blood is to be spilled on the base of the Ohel altar.
• Offering the animal: All of its fat is to be offered to the altar. Doing so will bring atonement and G-d will forgive him.

Sixth Aliyah

15. The goat Chatas sin offering of an individual:

• If an individual accidently sins, he is to bring a female goat which is unblemished as a Chatas offering for G-d. He is to rest his hands on the head of the goat and sacrifice it before G-d in the same area as the Olah offering.
• Offering the blood: The Kohen is to take from the blood and place it on the corners of the altar used for the incense. The remaining blood is to be spilled on the base of the Ohel altar.
• Offering the animal: All of its fat is to be offered to the altar. Doing so will bring atonement and G-d will forgive him.

16. The sheep Chatas sin offering of an individual:
    • If an individual accidently sins, and he bring a female sheep which is unblemished as a Chatas offering for G-d. He is to rest his hands on the head of the goat and sacrifice it before G-d in the same area as the Olah offering.
    • Offering the blood: The Kohen is to take from the blood and place it on the corners of the altar used for the incense. The remaining blood is to be spilled on the base of the Ohel altar.
    • Offering the animal: All of its fat is to be offered to the altar. Doing so will bring atonement and G-d will forgive him.

Chapter 5

17. The Olah Veyoreid offering for specified sins:
    • Anyone who has transgressed the following sins is responsible to bring a Chatas offering:
      • Swearing falsely: If an individual sins, by swearing falsely that he does not have testimony of something that he witnessed, then he will bear his sin.
      • Impurity: Likewise, an individual who touches an impure item or a carcass and he became impure, and he forgot of his impurity and sinned [through entering the Temple or eating offerings].
      • Vow: An individual who made a vow and forgot and transgressed it.
    • The animal offering: Anyone who is guilty of the above is to confess his sin and bring his guilt offering before G-d. It is to be a female sheep or goat, and the Kohen is to atone for him.
    • If he is poor-the bird offering: If one cannot afford to bring an animal then he is to bring two turtledoves or two young doves to the Kohen. The first is to be offered as a Chatas offering and have Melika performed on its head, by its neck area, although it is not to be beheaded. The blood of the Chatas offering is to be sprayed on the wall of the altar, and the remaining blood is to be poured on the base of the altar. The second bird is to be offered as an Olah.

Seventh Aliyah

• If he is very poor-The Mincha offering: If one cannot afford even birds, then he is to bring a tenth of an Ephah of fine flour as a Chatas offering. It is not to contain oil or frankincense, as it is a sin offering. It is to be brought to the Kohen and he removes three fingerfuls from it and offers it to G-d. The Kohen atones for his sin and it will be forgiven. The Kohen receives the flour offering [for himself to eat].

18. The Asham Vadaiy guilt offering for Meila-Benefiting from consecrated items:
    • G-d spoke to Moses saying: An individual who has accidently committed misuse of consecrated items is to bring his Asham guilt offering to G-d. He is to bring an unblemished ram with a value of the silver Shekalim. He is to compensate that which he deprived from the consecrated items, as well as an additional fifth. The ram is to be given to the Kohen and he will atone for him.

19. The Asham Taluiy guilt offering:
    • Anyone who possibly transgressed a sin and does not know for certain, is to bring an unblemished ram the value of a guilt offering as an Asham to the Kohen. The Kohen is to atone for his sin and he will be forgiven.

20. The Asham Vadaiy guilt offering for swearing falsely:
    • If an individual swears falsely to deny that he possesses the item of another which he truly has in his possession, he must a) return the item, adding an additional fifth to its value and b) bring a guilt offering.
    • The offering is to be an unblemished ram. The Kohen is to atone for him and he will be forgiven.

Parashat Tzav

Verses: 97 [Siman: צו ]

Haftorah: Jeremiah 7:21-28[2], 9:22-23

Number of Mitzvot: There are a total of eighteen Mitzvot in Parashat Tzav; Nine positive commands and Nine negative commands. The following are the commands in the chronological order that they are brought in the Portion.   A. Positive: 1. Mitzvah 131/Positive 59: To remove the ash from the altar [i.e. Terumas Hadeshen]. 2. Mitzvah 132/Positive 60: To keep a fire constantly alit on the altar and to daily light a stack of wood on the altar.[3] 3. Mitzvah 134/Positive 61: For the Kohanim to eat the leftovers of the flour offering. 4. Mitzvah 136/Positive 62: For the Kohen Gadol to offer a daily Mincha offering in the morning and afternoon. 5. Mitzvah 138/Positive 63: For the Kohanim to perform the Chatas offering according to the laws mentioned in the Torah. 6. Mitzvah 140/Positive 64: For the Kohanim to perform the Asham guilt offering according to the laws mentioned in the Torah. 7. Mitzvah 141/Positive 65: For the Kohanim to perform the Shelamim offering according to the laws mentioned in the Torah. 8. Mitzvah 143/Positive 66: The Mitzvah to burn any leftovers of the Sacrifices, which remain past their time [i.e. Nosar]. 9. Mitzvah 146/Positive 67: The Mitzvah to burn Sacrifices which have become impure. B. Negative: 1. Mitzvah 133/Negative 73: The prohibition to extinguish a fire from on the altar. 2. Mitzvah 135/Negative 74: The prohibition to bake the leftover flour offering into Chameitz. 3. Mitzvah 137/Negative 75: The prohibition for the Mincha of a Kohen to be eaten, and rather it is entirely offered to G-d. 4. Mitzvah 139/Negative 76: The prohibition to eat from the Chatas offering which is offered in the Heichal. 5. Mitzvah 142/Negative 77: The prohibition to have any leftovers from the Toda offering, or other offerings, left until the morning [i.e. Nosar]. 6. Mitzvah 144/Negative 78: The prohibition to eat Pigul, which is an offering that was slaughtered or offered with intent to offer or eat past its time. 7. Mitzvah 145/Negative 79: The prohibition to eat offerings that are impure. 8. Mitzvah 147/Negative 80: The prohibition to eat the Cheilev fat of a Kosher domestic animal. 9. Mitzvah 148/Negative 81: The prohibition to eat the blood of an animal or fowl.

Chapter 6

First Aliyah

1. The constant fire on the altar, the Olah offering & Terumas Hadeshen [ash cleaning of the altar]:

• G-d spoke to Moses and told him to command Aaron and his children the following laws [of Sacrifices]:
• The law of the burning of the Olah offering on the altar, is that it shall remain burning on the altar throughout the night.
• Terumas Hadeshen-Removing the ashes: The Kohen is to wear his linen shirt and pants on his flesh upon removing the ash of the sacrifices. The ash is to be placed next to the altar. He is to change clothing and remove the ash out of the encampment, to a place of purity.
• The constant fire: The fire on the altar is to remain there constantly and is not to be extinguished. The Kohen is to place wood on the altar each morning to fuel the fire. The Kohen is to arrange the Olah offering on it and cause the fats of peace offering to go up in smoke.

2. The laws of the Mincha/flour offering:

• The children of Aaron are to offer the Mincha offering to the altar.
• They are to remove three fingersful of the fine flour of the Mincha, including its oil and all of its frankincense, and offer it on the altar.
• The remainder of the Mincha is to be eaten by the Kohanim in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting. It is to be eaten as Matzah [unleavened], and not Chameitz [leavened]. It is considered Holy of Holies like the Chatas and Asham offering.
• Every male Kohen is allowed to eat its leftovers. This law applies for all generations.
• Whatever touches the offering becomes Holy.

Second Aliyah

3. The offering of the Kohanim on the day of their inauguration:
   • On the day of his inauguration, Aaron and his children are to offer to G-d a 10^th of an Eipha [2.49 liter[4]] of flour as a Mincha offering. It is to be fine flour [i.e. Soles]. Half is to be offered in the morning and half in the evening.
   • Fried crackers: It is to be fried in oil in a pan and broken to small pieces.
   • This offering is to be brought in each generation by the Kohen who inherits the mantle of priesthood from his father.
   • Entirely offered: The entire Mincha is to be offered to G-d and no part of it is to be eaten.

4. The laws of the Chatas offering:

• The following are the laws of the Chatas offering: It is to be slaughtered in the same area as the Olah, in front of G-d. This offering is a holy of holies.
• The eating: It is to be eaten by the Kohen who offers it. It is to be eaten in a holy area, in the courtyard of the Tent of Meeting. It is to be eaten by all male Kohanim.
• Its taste: Whatever touches [and absorbs from] its flesh becomes holy.
• The garments: Any garment that gets wet from its blood is to be laundered in the holy place.
• The vessel: The earthenware vessel in which it is cooked is to be destroyed, while if it is cooked in a copper vessel, it is to be cleaned and washed with water.
• Invalidations: Any Chatas which its blood is entered into the Tent of Meeting to atone is not to be eaten. It is rather to be burnt in fire.

Chapter 7

5. The laws of the Asham offering:

• The following are the laws of the Asham offering: This offering is a holy of holies.
• Where: It is to be slaughtered in the same area as the Olah and its blood is to be sprinkled all around the altar.
• What is offered: All its fat is to be offered, as well as its tail, and the fat covering the intestines. The two kidneys and their fat which are on them are to be offered. The diaphragm which is on the liver is to be removed. It is to be offered by the Kohen onto the altar.
• The eating: It is to be eaten by all the male Kohanim in a holy area.

6. Who keeps the meat and skin of the Sacrifices?

• The Chatas and Asham have the same law; it is given to the Kohen who offers it. Likewise, the Kohanim who offer the Olah of an individual gets to keep its skin. Likewise, any baked and fried Mincha which is offered by a Kohen, is to be given to that Kohen. Any Mincha offering that is mixed with oil or is dry, belongs to all of Aaron’s sons.

Third Aliyah

7. The laws of the Shelamim, Toda offering:

• The following is the law of the Shelamim offering:
• The Todah and its breads: If a Todah Shelamim offering is brought, it is to have [four types of breads, three which are] Matzah breads offered with it. The breads are to be mixed with oil [type #1], and contain Matzah crackers which are smeared with oil [type #2], and fine broiled flour which is mixed with oil [type #3]. In addition, Chametz bread is also to be brought with the offering. [type #4]
• Distributing the breads and eating the meat: One loaf of each of the breads of the Todah offering are to be donated to G-d and given to the Kohen who throws the blood of the Shelamim. The meat of the Toda is to be eaten that day and is not to remain until morning.

8. The sacrificial laws of leftovers, Pigul, impurity:

• Voluntary offering-leftovers: If one donates a Shelamim offering, it may be eaten that day and the next day, however any leftovers may not be eaten. The leftovers [i.e. Nosar] of the third day are to be burnt in a fire.
• Pigul: If the meat is [intended] to be eaten on the third day, the sacrifice is invalid for the person who brought it, as it is considered Pigul [distanced]. One who eats it is liable [for punishment].
• Impure meat: If the meat become impure, it may not be eaten and is to be burnt in the fire.
• Impure person: The meat of the offering may only be eaten by a person who is pure. One who eats the meat while he is in a state of impurity, receives the penalty of excision. A person who touches anything that is impure due to man [i.e. Tumas Meis] or animal [i.e. Carcass] is considered impure.

9. The laws of Cheilev/forbidden fats:

• The forbidden fats of an ox, sheep or goat may not be eaten. The forbidden fats of a carcass of Treifa may be used for all ones needs, although may not be eaten. Whoever eats the forbidden fats of a an offering [or other animal] receives the penalty of excision.

10. The law of blood:

• One may not eat any blood of a bird or animal in any of the encampments. One who eats any of the blood receives the penalty of excision.

11. The Shelamim offering:
    • The Shelamim is to have its fat rest on its breast and be waved before G-d.
    • The Kohen is to offer the fat on the altar and the breast is distributed to the Kohanim [to eat].
    • The right leg is to be given as a present to the Kohen. It is given to the Kohen who offers the blood and fats of the sacrifice. This is an eternal gift to the priests from G-d.
    • The above is the laws of all the Sacrifices of the Olah, Mincha, Chatas, Asham, and Shelamim which G-d commanded Moses on Mount Sinai, and the Jewish people were told to offer in the desert of Sinai.

 

Chapter 8

Fourth Aliyah

12. The inauguration of Aaron and his sons:

• G-d told Moses to take Aaron and his sons and perform the inauguration. He is to take the clothing, the anointing oil, the sacrifices which include the Chatas cow, the two rams and the basket of Matzot.
• The entire congregation is to be gathered to the opening of the Tent of Meeting.
• Dressing Aaron: Moses did as instructed, and bathed Aaron and his sons in water and dressed them. He placed on Aaron the Kutones shirts, and wound the belt around him, the Meil robe, the apron, and the belt of the apron, the breastplate and the Urim Vetumim. He placed the turban on his head, and on the turban, towards his face, he placed the Tzitz [golden band].
• Anointing with oil: Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the Tabernacle and all of its vessels, and sanctified it. He sprinkled the oil onto the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all its vessels with the oil, as well as the Kiyor sink. He poured the anointing oil on the head of Aaron to sanctify him.
• Dressing the sons of Aaron: Moses clothed also the sons of Aaron in their four priestly garments

  

Fifth Aliyah

13. Offering the Sacrifices by the inauguration

• The Chatas bull: Aaron and his sons performed Semicha to the head of the Chatas bull offering. It was slaughtered, and its blood was taken by Moses and placed on the corners of the Altar with his fingers. The remainder of the blood was poured on the foundation of the altar and it was sanctified to atone. Moses offered onto the altar the fat that covers the intestines and the diaphragm of the liver and the two kidneys. The bull itself, its skin, meat and waste he burnt in a fire outside of the camp, as G-d commanded Moses.
• The Olah ram: Aaron and his sons performed Semicha to the head of the Olah ram offering. It was slaughtered, and its blood was thrown by Moses around the Altar. The ram was dismembered, and Moses offered its head and other limbs onto the altar. Its innards were washed in water. Moses offered the entire ram to the altar as it is an Olah offering to G-d.

 

Sixth Aliyah

14. The second inauguration ram:

• Aaron and his sons performed Semicha to the head of the second Olah ram offering.
• Placing the blood on the ears and thumbs: It was slaughtered, and its blood was taken by Moses and placed on the edges of the right ear and right thumb of the hand and toe of Aaron and his sons. The remainder of the blood was poured around the altar.
• Waving the offering and the Kohanim: Moses took the fat, and the tail and all the fat that covers the intestines and the diaphragm of the liver and the two kidneys, and the right thigh. He also took one bread from each of the baskets and he placed them on the fats and the right leg. He placed them all on the palm of Aaron and his sons and waved them before G-d. Moses removed the foods off the palm of their hands and offered them before G-d.
• Moses took the breast of the ram and waved it before G-d. It was a present to Moses from G-d.

Seventh Aliyah

15. Anointing the Kohanim with the oil and blood:

• Moses took the anointing oil [Shemen Hamishcha] and blood that was on the altar and sprinkled on Aaron and his sons and their clothing, and they were all sanctified.

16. Eating the sacrifices:

• Moses told Aaron and his sons to cook the meat in front of the Tent of Meeting and eat it there. Likewise, the bread is to be eaten there. The leftover meat and bread is to be burnt.
• Not to leave the Tent of Meeting: Aaron and his sons are to remain for the full seven days, day and night, in the opening of the Tent of Meeting, until the end of the inauguration. They are not to leave the area, lest they die.
• Aaron and his sons followed all the instructions they were given.

Parashat Shemini

Verses: 91 [Siman:עבדיה ]

Haftorah: Samuel 2 6/1-19[5]

Number of Mitzvot: There are a total of seventeen Mitzvot in Parashat Shemini; Six positive commands and Eleven negative commands. The following are the commands in the chronological order that they are brought in the Portion.   A. Positive: 1. Mitzvah 153/Positive 68: To know and check the Kashrut signs of an animal.[6] 2. Mitzvah 155/Positive 69: To know and check the Kashrut signs of fish.[7] 3. Mitzvah 158/Positive 70: To know and check the Kashrut signs of locust. 4. Mitzvah 159/Positive 71: That the eight rodents listed in the Torah impurify a person. 5. Mitzvah 160/Positive 72: To guard the laws of impurity of food and drink, as required by Torah law. Such as that all produce that is detached from the ground, becomes susceptible to impurity upon it becoming wet. 6. Mitzvah 161/Positive 73: That the carcass impurifies a person and one act in accordance to its laws. B. Negative: 1. Mitzvah 149/Negative 82: The prohibition for the Kohanim to enter the Temple with long hair. 2. Mitzvah 150/Negative 83: The prohibition for the Kohanim to enter the Temple with torn clothing. 3. Mitzvah 151/Negative 84: The prohibition for the Kohanim to leave the Temple during their service. 4. Mitzvah 152/Negative 85: Not to enter the Temple, or give Torah rulings, while under the influence of wine or alcohol. 5. Mitzvah 154/Negative 86: Not to eat impure/non-Kosher animals. 6. Mitzvah 156/Negative 87: Not to eat impure/non-Kosher fish. 7. Mitzvah 157/Negative 88: Not to eat impure/non-Kosher fowl. 8. Mitzvah 162/Negative 89: Not to eat insects that crawl on the ground. 9. Mitzvah 163/Negative 90: Not to eat insects that grow in fruits and legumes while attached to the ground. 10. Mitzvah 164/Negative 91: Not to eat water insects.[8] 11. Mitzvah 165/Negative 92: Not to eat insects of spontaneous generation, created from rotting produce.

  

Chapter 9

First Aliyah

1. The order of the eighth day of inauguration:

• On the eighth day Moses summoned Aaron, his sons, and the elders of Israel and commanded them the order of sacrifices for the day of inauguration.
• Aaron’s offerings: Aaron is commanded to take a calf for a Chatas, and a ram for an Olah and to offer it to G-d.
• The offering of the people: The Jewish people are commanded to take a he-goat for a Chatas, and a calf and sheep in their first year for an Olah, and a bull and ram for a Shelamim, and a Mincha mixed with oil. The Jewish people brought all the offerings and came to the front of the Tent of Meeting.
• Moses tells the Jewish people that through doing the above service the Shekhinah will be seen.
• The meat offerings: Aaron is told to offer the Chatas and Olah and atone for himself and for the nation. He is then to offer the Sacrifices of the nation. Aaron did as he was told and slaughtered his calf Chatas sacrifice and he dipped his finger in the blood and placed it on the Altar. The fat, kidneys, and diaphragm of the liver of the Chatas was offered to the Altar. The meat and skin were burnt outside the camp. The Olah was then slaughtered and its blood was sprinkled around the Altar. The limbs and its head were offered to the Altar. The innards and legs were offered. The Chatas of the nation was slaughtered similar to the first Chatas. The Olah of the nation is offered.

Calves	2 calves [One for Chatas for Aaron, and one for an Olah of the Jewish people]
Rams	2 rams [One for Olah for Aaron, and one for Shelamim of Jewish people]
Goat	1 Goat [For Chatas for Jewish people]
Sheep	1 Sheep [For an Olah of the Jewish people]
Ox	1 Ox [For a Shelamim of the Jewish people]
Mincha	1 Mincha

Second Aliyah

• The Mincha: The Mincha of the nation was offered. He filled his hand from it and offered it onto the altar.
• The Shelamim: The Shelamim bull and ram of the nation was slaughtered and offered. The sons brought Aaron the blood and he threw it upon the Altar, all around. The fats of the bull and the ram, and the tail and the kidneys and the diaphragm of the liver were brought. The fats were placed on the breasts and were then offered on the altar. The breast and the right thigh were waved by Aaron before G-d.
• Birchas Kohanim: Aaron raised his hands towards the nation and blessed the Jewish people, and then descended from [the altar after] having performed the offerings.
• G-d appears: Moses and Aaron finished blessing the Jewish people and the Shekhinah appeared before the nation.

 

Third Aliyah

• A fire came from before G-d and consumed the offerings, the Olah and the fats. The entire nation witnessed this and praised G-d and fell on their faces.

Chapter 10

2. The passing of Nadab and Abihu:
   • Nadab and Abihu took a pan with coals and incense and offered a foreign fire to G-d, of which they were not commanded. A fire came out from G-d and consumed them, and they died before G-d.
   • Moses comforted Aaron saying that G-d had told him that his sons merited to be chosen by G-d to have the Temple sanctified through them. Aaron was silent.
   • Moses summoned Mishael and Eltzafan, the second cousins of Nadab and Abihu, to remove the bodies of their brothers from the Holy and remove them from the camp. They approached and removed Nadab and Abihu through their clothing to outside the camp.
   • Mourning customs: Moses instructed Aaron and his sons Elazar and Ithamar not to let their hair grow long or tear their clothing, or leave the Tent of Meeting, lest they die, and G-d become wrathful with all the Jewish people. The Jewish people will mourn the burning that G-d made.

3. Not to work while intoxicated:
   • G-d commanded Aaron that the Kohanim may not perform service in the Temple under intoxication of alcohol, lest they die. This applies for all generations. This is necessary in order to distinguish between the holy and profane, and pure and impure and for them to instruct the Jewish people the laws of G-d.

Fourth Aliyah

4. The eating of the Sacrifices:

• Moses instructed Aaron and his surviving sons Elazar and Isamar to eat the leftovers of the Mincha offering as Matzah, as it is a Holy of Holies. It is to be eaten in a holy area because it is your portion from the Sacrifices of G-d.
• Eating the Shelamim: The breast and thigh [of all Shelamim sacrifices] are to be eaten in a pure area by the sons and daughters of the Kohanim. The breast and thigh are to be waved with the fats before G-d.

Fifth Aliyah

5. The goat sin offering is burnt and not eaten.
   • Moses discovers the goat offering was not eaten: Moses questioned why the male goat offering was completely burnt and not eaten. He became angry with Elazar and Isamar, the remaining children of Aaron, asking them why they did not eat the Chatas which was given to atone for the congregation, in a holy area. “Its blood was not entered into the Holies, and hence you should have eaten it in the holies as I instructed.”
   • Aaron’s explanation: Aaron replied to Moses that it is not befitting in the eyes of G-d to eat the offering on a day like this when these tragedies occurred to me [i.e. the death of Nadab and Abihu]. Moses approved of this response.

 

 Chapter 11

Sixth Aliyah

6. The Kashrut laws:
   • G-d spoke to Moses saying, tell the Jewish people the following laws of Kashrut:
   • Signs of Kosher animals: You may eat the following animals from amongst all the animals on earth: Any animal that has completely split hooves and chews their cud [regurgitates their food], may be eaten.
   • The non-Kosher animals: The following you may not eat amongst those who chew their cud or have split hooves: The camel, hyrax and rabbit, as although they chew their cud they do not have split hooves. Likewise, the pig may not be eaten as it has split hooves but does not chew its cud. You may not eat their flesh, and if their corpse is touched one becomes impure.
   • Kosher fish: All fish that have fins and scales may be eaten. All fish that do not have fins and scales are not Kosher and are considered an abomination for you.
   • Non-Kosher birds: The following [20] birds are not Kosher and are considered an abomination to eat [the identification of these birds from the original Hebrew is mostly unknown]: 1) Eagle; 2) Peres; 3) Ozniah; 4) Daah; 5) Ayah; 6) Raven; 7) Bas Hayaanah; 8) Tachmos; 9) Shachaf; 10) Netz [i.e. sparrow hawk]; 11) Kos; 12) Shalach [i.e. seagull] 13) Yanshuf [i.e. owl] 14) Tinshemes; 15) Kaas; 16) Racham; 17) Chasidah [i.e. stork]; 18) Anafah; 19) Duchifas [i.e. wild rooster]; 20) Atalef [bat].
   • Insects: All flying creatures that walk on all four legs is an abomination to you.
   • Locusts: The following insects may be eaten: Those locusts who walk on four legs and have an additional two jumping legs which they use to jump upon the earth, of these the following may species be eaten: Arbeh; Salam; Chargol; Chagav.

7. Laws of impurity:
   • The following carcasses cause one to contract impurity if they are touched or carried. If one touches them he becomes impure until evening and if he carries them he and his clothing become impure, and he is to wash his clothing.
   • Animal carcasses who give off impurity: The carcasses of all animals that do not have completely split hooves and do not chew their cud are impure, and whoever touches them becomes impure. All animals that walk on their paws are impure to you and whoever touches their carcass is impure until evening.
   • Creeping animal carcasses which give off impurity: The following creeping creatures give off impurity: 1) Choled [i.e. weasel]; 2) Achbar [i.e. rat]; 3) Tzav [i.e. turtle]; 4) Hanaka [i.e. porcupine] 5) Koach; 6) Letaah [i.e. lizard]; 7) Chomet [i.e. snail]; 8) Tinshemes [i.e. mole]. One who touches their dead bodies is impure until evening.
   • Vessels becoming impure: If the above carcasses fell on a garment of leather, or sackcloth, or on a vessel, it must be immersed and remains impure until evening.

 

Seventh Aliyah

• Earthenware vessels: An earthenware vessel that becomes impure due to a carcass falling in it must be broken.
• Food: All food that contacts liquid [after being detached from the ground] can become impure. Likewise, liquids can become impure.
• A Mikveh: A spring or well is pure.
• Carcasses of Kosher animals: The carcasses of Kosher animals likewise give off impurity if one touches them.

8. Prohibition to eat insects:

• All creeping creatures on the ground are forbidden to be eaten. Whatever walks on its belly, on four legs, or with many legs is an abomination for you and may not be eaten
• Do not abominate your souls by eating these creatures, as I am G-d your G-d and you shall be holy, for I am holy.

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[1] Rambam Maaseh Hasacrifices 7/6

[2] So is followed by Chabad communities. However, Ashkenazi and Sepahardi communities read until verse 8:3 and then add the verses 9:22-23

[3] See Minchas Chinuch ibid that according to the Rambam the Mitzvah is to make sure that a flame is always alit on the altar, while according to the Chinuch the Mitzvah is light a pile of wood on the altar every morning and evening.

[4] Shiureiy Torah

[5] So is followed by Sepharadi and Chabad communities. However, Ashkenazi communities read until verse 7:17

[6] This Mitzvah is listed by the Rambam, although according to the Ramban it is not included as one of the 613. See Chinuch ibid

[7] This Mitzvah is listed by the Rambam, although according to the Ramban it is not included as one of the 613. See Chinuch Mitzvah 153

[8] This Mitzvah is listed by the Rambam, although according to the Ramban it is not included as one of the 613. See Chinuch ibid

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