Parashat Shmini

April 26, 2025

Shemini (“Eighth”) opens with the consecration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Two of Aaron’s sons are consumed by a fire sent from God when they attempt to offer a “strange fire.” God describes the animals, birds, and fish that are permissible and prohibited for consumption, as well as some laws of ritual purity.

Torah: Leviticus 9:1-11:47
Haftarah: II Samuel 6:1-7:17
Haftarah for Sephardim: II Samuel 6:1-19

Parashat Tazria-Metzora

May 3, 2025

Tazria (“She Bears Seed”) opens by describing the purification process for a woman after childbirth. It then describes different forms of tzaraat, a discoloration condition on skin or clothing, and the requirement of an infected person to dwell alone outside the camp and be inspected by a priest.

Metzora opens by describing the purification process and accompanying sacrifices for one infected with tzaraat, a discoloration condition on the skin. It then describes the process of treating a house infected with tzaraat and the ritual impurity generated by certain bodily discharges.

Torah: Leviticus 12:1-15:33
Haftarah: II Kings 7:3-20

Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim

May 10, 2025

Achrei Mot (“After The Death”) opens by describing the ritual service of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It then details the prohibitions of offering sacrifices outside of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and of eating animal blood, and ends with a list of forbidden sexual relations.
Kedoshim (“Holy”) opens by instructing the Israelites to be holy. It details dozens of laws regulating all aspects of life, including observing Shabbat, loving one’s neighbor, and leaving portions of a field for the poor. It ends by detailing punishments for certain types of idolatry and sexual misconduct.

Torah: Leviticus 16:1-20:27
Haftarah: Amos 9:7-15
Haftarah for Sephardim: Ezekiel 20:2-20