Vayikra
וַיִּקְרָא
[God] Called Out
Leviticus 1:1−5:26
When Is Vayikra Read?
/ 7 Nisan 5785
/ 3 Nisan 5786
/ 11 Adar II 5787
Summary
God instructs Moses on the five different kinds of sacrifices that were to be offered in the sanctuary:
- The olah or "burnt offering" was a voluntary sacrifice that had a high degree of sanctity and was regarded as the "standard" offering. The entire animal, except for its hide, was burned on the altar. (1:1-17)
- The minchah or "meal offering" was a sacrifice made of flour, oil, salt, and frankincense that was partly burned on the altar and partly given to the priests to eat. (2:1-16)
- The zevach sh'lamim or "sacrifice of well-being" was a voluntary animal offering from one's herd, sometimes brought to fulfill a vow. (3:1-17)
- The chatat or "sin offering" was an obligatory sacrifice that was offered to expiate unintentional sins. This offering differs from the others in the special treatment of the blood of the animal. (4:1-5:13)
- The asham or "penalty offering" was an obligatory sacrifice of a ram that was required chiefly of one who had misappropriated property. (5:1-26)
More Vayikra Commentaries
Learn More About Parashat Vayikra With BimBam
Parashat Vayikra: Why were Ancient Sacrifices Important?
Listen to Podcasts About Vayikra
Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs discuss Parashat Vayikra in these episodes of his podcast, On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah.
The Laws of Leviticus, Choice, and A.J. Jacobs, the Gratitude Expert
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Ten Minutes of Torah: Vayikra Commentary
Vayikra – Setting the Scene
By: Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg
As we begin Vayikra, The Book of Leviticus, we say goodbye to the Biblical stories that we may be more familiar with. The foundational narratives of Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, and Joseph and his siblings have passed. In Vayikra, the Israelites are well on their way to the Promised Land.
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