Torah Portions
B’chukotai
Leviticus 25:1 – 27:34
May 18-19, 2012
The Book of Leviticus closes with Moses' charge that Israel choose the way of Torah and Israel's voluntary contributions to the upkeep of the sanctuary.
B’midbar
Numbers 1:1 - 4:20
May 25-26, 2012
The Torah reports in detail the taking of a census of adult Israelites. The manner in which Israel was organized for encampment is described.
Naso
Numbers 4:21 - 7:89
June 1-2, 2012
This portion continues with a description of the duties of the Levite families in the Tabernacle; the laws relating to clean and unclean persons who can live in the camp; and the laws concerning the Nazarites. This portion concludes with the beautiful Priestly Benediction recited by people for thousands of years.
B’ha-alot’cha
Numbers 8:1 – 12:16
June 8-9, 2012
Aaron prepares the lamps of the menorah as God had commanded Moses. Moses purifies the Levites and then Aaron ordains them in the sight of all the Israelites. The text recounts the observance of Passover as commanded by God. God tells Moses to have two silver trumpets made to be sounded by the priests to summon the people.
Sh’lach L’cha
Numbers 13:1 – 15:41
June 15-18, 2012
God tells Moses to send twelve men to scout the land of Canaan. They informed the people that Canaan was a strongly fortified country. Caleb and Joshua insisted that Israel could succeed in taking Canaan if they would have faith in God. But the people lacked faith, and even wanted to return to Egypt. Moses pleaded with God for His forgiveness of the people. God decreed that the adult generation would never enter Canaan. That privilege would be reserved for the next generation of Israel. They were to remain wanderers for their lifetime.
