Vayikra

וַיִּקְרָא
[God] Called Out

Levicitus 1:1−5:26

When Is Vayikra Read?

/ 13 Adar II 5784
/ 7 Nisan 5785
/ 3 Nisan 5786

Summary

God instructs Moses on the five different kinds of sacrifices that were to be offered in the sanctuary:

  1. 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)
  2. 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)
  3. 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)
  4. 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)
  5. 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)

Ten Minutes of Torah: Vayikra Commentary

an image of four people standing in front of an open arch with a tallit spread out across their backs

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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Learn More About Parashat Vayikra With BimBam

Parashat Vayikra: Why were Ancient Sacrifices Important?

Welcome to Leviticus - in Hebrew, the book of Vayikra. Plunge into the wild world of Biblical sacrifice with the spiritual insight of Rachel Kohl Finegold, whose clear and inspiring explanation of animal sacrifice brings all the gory details to life! Welcome to Parashat Vayikra. Enjoy this video and others with BimBam.

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

When Torah Meets Theater

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Rabbi Rick Jacobs