Daily Aliya for Tzav, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Further anointing of Aharon, his sons, and their garments. Then Moshe told them to prepare part of the meat for eating with the accompanying cakes and wafers. That which was left over was to be burned. During the seven inaugural days, the kohanim were not to leave the Mishkan; they remained there as an honor-guard.

This time, when the Torah says that they did everything that G-d commanded, it is not just saying "great job" to the Kohanim for doing their jobs. Had they not done "all the things that G-d commanded via Moshe", they would have been liable to the Death penalty from Heaven. These were serious, life-or-death responsibilities.

Daily Aliya for Tzav, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The second ram was then offered and several procedures, as specified in the Torah, followed. Moshe Rabeinu was an active participant in the 7-day inauguration period for the Mishkan. Thereafter, Aharon and his sons (and all kohanim) are the ones who perform the sacred service of the Mikdash.

Some commentators speculate that had Moshe accepted his first mission at the Bush without continually claiming his inabilities, he would have been the Kohen Gadol as well as Leader (Melech) of the People. Instead, Aharon was "given to him" then, to share the burdens of leadership. Moshe was acutely aware that he was to pass the baton to Aharon in this vital area of communal and spiritual function. It must have been difficult for Moshe to step back at this point.

Daily Aliya for Tzav, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: A bull as a sin-offering is brought and Aharon and his sons "lean" on it. Leaning (smicha) is accompanied by confession (vidui) or words of praise to G-d, depending upon the sacrifice. The bull was slaughtered and part of its blood was put on the corners of the Altar and on its base. Parts of the bull were placed on the Altar; the remainder was burned outside the camp.

Leaning is a vital element of most personal korbanot. It facilitates a psychological identification with the animal and adds meaning to the act of sacrifice. If acts had to have meaning, certainly words (prayers) should have even more meaning/identification!

Daily Aliya for Tzav, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: We now read about the induction of the priests and the inauguration of the Tabernacle. In the presence of all the Jews, Moshe dressed Aaron and his sons in the priestly vestments and anointed them, along with the Tabernacle and its vessels, with the holy anointing oil.

According to Rashi, the seven day inauguration period for the Mishkan preceded its erection. This, says Rashi, is another example of the Torah not always presenting the story in chronological order. Could the reason for the reversed order be to demonstrate that the product is more important than the process, at least in this case of having G-d's presence)?

Daily Aliya for Tzav, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Torah now discusses the Thanksgiving Offering, brought by an individual who survived a perilous circumstance. We then learn about various grounds for the invalidation of a sacrifice, such as impurity or improper thoughts on the part of the priest performing the service. We are then commanded not to consume blood or any of the fats offered on the altar. The prohibition against eating these fats applies to all domesticated animals. The section wraps up with the portions of meat the priest is given from the Peace Offering. With this we conclude the laws of sacrifices.

It's interesting to note that the most severe lapse in a kohen's obligation is one concerning time. A lapse regarding place of the eating of the offering, for example, is less severe (punishment-wise). the sanctity of time is more important than that of place. (from of a long-time-ago drasha by Rabbi Fabian Schonfeld.)

Daily Aliya for Tzav, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: This Aliya discusses the priestly meal offering, brought by the High Priest twice daily, and by every priest on the day he is first inducted into Temple service. The laws of the Sin Offering and Guilt Offering, also discussed in last week's Parsha, are also repeated with added details. An important principle discussed is a vessel's absorption of sacrificial meats cooked therein, and the possibility of purging (certain types of) vessels of the vestiges it absorbed -- a concept which is very germane in the laws of kosher. This section concludes with a discussion regarding various gratuities the priests were entitled to take from the different offerings and sacrifices.

The Kli Yakar points out that the Torah commands the bringing of the Chatat and Asham (the Sin and Guilt offerings) in the same place in the courtyard of the Beit HaMikdash as the Olah in order to protect the feelings and privacy of the sinner. People who see someone at that place can now assume that they are bringing an Olah and will not automatically jump to the conclusion that the person has sinned. This is similar to one of the reasons given for the Amida being a silent prayer - this protects a davener from the embarrassment of something they might include in their prayer.

Daily Aliya for Tzav, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: This week's Torah reading, Tzav, continues describing the various sacrifices offered in the Tabernacle and Temple -- a topic started in last week's reading. This is followed by an account of the seven-day inaugural of the Tabernacle.

Aliya Summary: The Torah describes the mandatory daily removal of ashes from the altar. This was the first order of the day in the Temple service. The Torah then repeats the laws of the meal offerings described in last week's reading, adding several important details.

Daily Aliya for Vayikra, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: This Aliya concludes the laws of the Korban Oleh Viyored. We then move on to the last sacrifice discussed in this week's Torah reading, the "Guilt Offering," the Asham Sacrifice. Three types of Asham Sacrifices are discussed: a) an Asham brought by one who inadvertently misappropriates Temple property. b) An Asham brought by one who falsely swears regarding money owed to another. (Aside for bringing a sacrifice, these two individuals must repay the principal amount, and pay a punitive fine equal to one fourth of the principle.) c) An Asham brought by a person who is uncertain whether he violated a Torah prohibition.

Daily Aliya for Vayikra, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Torah discusses the fourth and final type of Chatat, that of a common person who sins. Also discussed is the Korban Oleh Viyored, a "vacillating" Sin Offering, brought by an individual guilty of certain specific sins. The Korban Oleh Viyored depended on the financial position of the transgressor -- a wealthy person brought a sheep or goat, a person of lesser means brought two birds, and a pauper brought a meal offering.

The main animal that represents the Chatat offering is a goat, the same animal whose blood was used by Yosef's brothers to deceive their father of Yosef's fate. Perhaps this should prove as the ultimate reminder of our faults, and how even mistakes can turn out well, if handled appropriately (i.e. learned from, trust in G-d).

Daily Aliya for Vayikra, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: We now begin learning about the "Sin Offering," the Chatat sacrifice, brought by an individual who is guilty of inadvertently transgressing a sin. This section discusses the unique Chatat sacrifices brought by a High Priest who sins, by the Sanhedrin (Jewish Supreme Court) who issue an erroneous ruling which causes the populace to sin, and a monarch who sins.

From OU.org: When a leader of the people shall sin... "Asher Nasi Yecheta". The initials of this phase spell A;NI (I, me) What is likely to lead a leader astray? Focusing on themselves and losing sight of their responsibilities to the community they lead.

Daily Aliya for Vayikra, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The "Peace Offering," the Shelamim sacrifice, is described in this Aliya. The Shelamim -- which could be brought from cattle, sheep, or goats -- was shared by the altar, which consumed some of the animal's fats, the Kohanim, and the donors of the sacrifice who were given the bulk of the meat. The Aliya ends with the prohibitions against consuming blood and the specific fats which were offered on the altar. These prohibitions apply to all animals, even those not offered in the Temple.

The element of completeness that is special to the Shelamim is that part of the offering is burned on the alter, part is given to the kohen as one of his gifts, and part is returned to the owner. "Everyone" benefits from a Shelamim.

Daily Aliya for Vayikra, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Torah describes the last type of voluntary meal offerings -- the deep-fried meal offering -- and the mandatory barley offering, the Omer offering, brought on the second day of Passover. G‑d instructs the Jews to add salt to every animal sacrifice or meal offering, a symbol of our everlasting "salt covenant" with G‑d. We are also commanded not to include any leavened items or anything which contains honey in any Temple offering (there are two exclusions to the leaven prohibition).

Our table is like the Alter. A famous saying with many different manifestations. We salt our HaMotzi bread because we are expected to add an element of spirituality to an otherwise very mundane act of eating. Salt is a preservative and salt does not spoil. As such, it represents an element of the eternal in this temporal world.

Daily Aliya for Vayikra, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d then teaches Moshe the laws of the fowl Olah. This Aliya then continues with a description of three types of voluntary meal offerings: unbaked flour, baked loaves, and the shallow-fried meal offering. All voluntary meal offerings also contained olive oil and frankincense.

Until this point in Vayikra, the Torah has described four different types of voluntary offerings, each one less expensive than the one before it. The bull is most costly, sheep and goat cost less, but more than a dove. And a flour and oil offering is the least expensive. The person who brings the korban is referred to as "adam", a human, the first time, and then with the pronoun he, him, his (she, her, hers). Only with the flour & oil offering is the donor referred to as "nefesh", a soul. Rashi says this refers to the poor person, who is the one who would most likely bring the Mincha. It might not cost a lot, but the poor person puts his soul into his modest korban.

Daily Aliya for Vayikra, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: This week's Torah reading, Vayikra, begins the third book of the Torah, Leviticus. Last week we completed the reading of the book of Exodus, which concluded with a description of the construction of the Tabernacle. This week's portion will provide a description of the various sacrifices – animal, fowl, and meal-offerings – offered by the priests in this newly constructed Sanctuary.

Aliya Summary: G‑d calls out to Moshe from the Tabernacle and teaches him the laws of the elective burnt offering, the Olah sacrifice. This aliyahdiscusses the laws of the cattle, sheep, or goat Olah. Many details of korbanot have psychological effects upon the one who brings the korban. The contact with the animal gives the korban-bringer a sober realization of the tenuousness of life (his own, not just the animal's).

Daily Aliya for Vayakhel/Pekudei, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d instructed Moshe to erect the Tabernacle on the first of Nissan. G‑d also instructed Moshe to place all the Tabernacle's vessels in their proper places, and to anoint all of the items with the anointing oil, thus sanctifying them. Moshe is also directed to dress Aaron and his sons in the priestly garments, and to anoint them, too. When Moshe finished this task a Cloud of Glory and the Divine Presence filled the Tabernacle. This cloud also served as the Jews' guide throughout their desert sojourn: when the cloud lifted, the people would travel, following the cloud until it rested, where they would set up camp until the cloud would lift again.

Rashi says that on the 8th day of the dedication of the Mishkan, Moshe and Aharon were on equal status. But only on that day. After that, Moshe is "only" a Levi, and Aharon takes over the reins. It is said that Moshe would have been the Kohen Gadol, except for the way he spoke to G-d at the Burning Bush. It was then that G-d brought Aharon to Moshe, so to speak, to share the responsibilities and privileges of leadership.

Daily Aliya for Vayakhel/Pekudei, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The rest of the priestly garments were completed: The High Priest's me'il (blue robe adorned with golden bells and cloth "pomegranates") and tzitz (a golden band worn on the forehead, which was engraved with the words "Holy to G‑d"); and the four garments worn by both the High Priest and the regular priests: tunics, turbans, sashes and pants. With this, the construction of the Tabernacle and all its vessels and accoutrement were finished. The craftspeople brought their finished products to Moshe. Moshe saw that all the work had been done exactly to G‑d's specifications, and he blessed the workers.

Talmud Yerushalmi notes that the phrase, "as G-d had commanded Moshe" appears 18 times in Pekudei. Correspondingly, we have 18 brachot in our weekday Amida (the connection between Service in the Mikdash and Davening is obvious). Thus says Sh'muel b. Nachmani in the name of Rabbi Yochanan. This does not include the first time the phrase is used: And Bezalel... did all the G-d had commanded Moshe. There are differences between the context of the phrase with Bezalel and contexts of all the other uses of the phrase that justify its not being counted together with the rest. On the other hand, our Amida does have a 19th bracha, so the "extra" phrase is accounted for.

Daily Aliya for Vayakhel/Pekudei, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The High Priest's ephod -- a reversed apron which covered the back -- and its precious-stone-studded shoulder straps were made. The High Priest's Choshen Mishpat ("Breastplate of Judgment") was assembled. It contained four rows of precious stones, each row containing three stones. Artisans engraved the names of the Twelve Tribes of Israel upon these twelve stones. The Choshen Misphat was then secured by straps which connected it to the ephod.

The names of the 12 tribes (actually, it was the 12 sons of Yaakov) were engraved on the stones, six on each stone.

Daily Aliya for Vayakhel/Pekudei, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Tabernacle's construction is capped off with the construction of the Outer Altar, the copper wash basin, the mesh curtains which surrounded the Tabernacle courtyard, and the beams and hooks which anchored them. The Torah then gives an exact accounting of the amounts of gold, silver and copper donated for the construction of the Tabernacle, as well as the vessels and building materials constructed with these supplies.

We are taught from the fact that Moshe gave a voluntary accounting of the materials he collected, that a person in the position of collecting monies for the community must conduct themselves in such a way that they will always be above suspicion. Even if the individual is completely trustworthy, they should take measures to avoid the possibility of appearing improper. The Talmud tells us that the family of Kohanim that was in charge of compounding the Ketoret (incense) did not allow its women to use perfume, lest someone suspect them of taking from the sacred ingredients of the Ketoret. Similarly, the bakers of the Lechem HaPanim did not eat fine bread, so that no one should even get an idea that they were taking the special flour of the Mikdash for their own use.

Daily Aliya for Vayakhel/Pekudei, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: This Aliya describes the construction of the menorah (candelabra) and the Incense Altar. The anointing oil and the incense are also prepared.

One common aspect of both of these items is that they emit their "influence" to all those around them, without prejudice, providing light and a sweet smell to all near them. It's meant to be a model for our behavior.

Daily Aliya for Vayakhel/Pekudei, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe announces G‑d's choice of Bezalel and Oholiav to serve as foremen of the Tabernacle construction project, and he transfers to them all the donated materials. The people, however, continued donating generously, until the craftspeople report to Moshe that they have more than enough materials to complete their task, causing Moshe to issue a proclamation requesting everyone to cease donating materials. The craftspeople began their work. The tapestries which covered the Tabernacle were assembled, and the craftspeople construct the Tabernacle wall panels, their sockets, the curtains which covered the entrance to the sanctuary and which separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the sanctuary, the Ark, and the Showbread Table.

When G-d commanded Moshe about the Mishkan, He first commanded the making of the Aron, Shulchan, and Menora. Then, the roofing layers - the Mishkan, the Ohel, and the Orot. Only then were the wall boards and foundation sockets brought into the picture. In the carrying out of the commands, a more "practical" plan was followed. The structure and then the furnishings. But how can Moshe and Bezalel deviate from the commands of G-d? You can't just do whatever you want in this kind of thing. Commentaries say that Moshe and Bezalel requested and received permission from G-d to take the more human, practical approach.

Daily Aliya for Vayakhel/Pekudei, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: In this week's portion, Vayakhel-Pekudei, Moshe gathers the Jews and relays to them all the details regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, its vessels, and the priestly garments. The actual construction and assembly is also described. This portion repeats many of the details described in the portions of Terumah and Tetzaveh, wherein G‑d instructed Moshe regarding the assembly of all these objects. The Tabernacle is erected, and G‑d's presence dwells therein.

First Aliya: On the day after Moshe descended from Mount Sinai with the Second Tablets, after successfully securing atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf, he gathered all the Jewish people. The primary purpose of this assembly was to inform the Jews of G‑d's desire for a Sanctuary to be constructed. He began, however, with a brief reminder regarding the observance of the Shabbat. This was followed by a description of the materials needed to construct the Tabernacle, and a list of the vessels, Tabernacle parts, and priestly garments which were to be produced. The men and women came forward and generously donated all the materials which Moshe enumerated.

Daily Aliya for Ki Tisa, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe descends Mount Sinai with the second tablets, and unbeknown to him beams of light were projecting off his face. Aaron and the people are originally afraid of him. Moshe teaches the people the Torah he studied on the mountain. Moshe wears a veil on his face from that time on, but removes it when speaking to G‑d and when repeating G‑d's words to the people.

Curious that Moshe's face glowed, but not his hands, or other skin exposed to G-d's presence.

Daily Aliya for Ki Tisa, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d seals a covenant with Moshe, assuring him again that His presence will only dwell with the Jews. G‑d informs the Jewish people that He will drive the Canaanites from before them. He instructs them to destroy all vestiges of idolatry from the land, and to refrain from making any covenants with its current inhabitants. The Jews are then commanded not to make molten gods, to observe the three festivals, not to eat chametz on Passover, to sanctify male firstborn humans and cattle, and not to cook meat together with milk.

The Midrash says that when G-d dictated to Moshe the laws of meat-in-milk, Moshe asked G-d's permission to write meat and milk (rather than the potentially misleading and confusing goat in the milk of its mother). It seems that Moshe anticipated the questions and comments that people would have, and the wrong ideas that would spring from the wording of this mitzva. Is it forbidden only to cook but permitted to eat? Only the animal's own mother's milk or any meat with milk? Just meat from a young animal, or a mature one too? G-d's answer in the Midrash comes from the passuk that follows: And G-d said to Moshe: you write these things, for it is on the basis of these things that I make my covenant with you with Israel. Some see G-d's response as teaching Moshe about the significance of the Written Word and the Oral Law. The Written Word is incomplete without the Oral Tradition handed down from generation to generation, and G-d meant it to be that way. He does not want the Torah to be correctly understood by those who have and value only the written word.

Daily Aliya for Ki Tisa, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d tells Moshe to carve new tablets upon which G‑d will engrave the Ten Commandments. Moshe takes the new tablets up to Mt. Sinai, where G‑d reveals His glory to Moshe while proclaiming His Thirteen Attributes of Mercy.

One can say that not only did G-d forgive the People for the Golden Calf, but He also gave them (us) the method of approaching Him in prayer. Not only are we to recite these 13 Attributes, but we must emulate as many of them as possible. "Just as He is merciful, so too must we be merciful..." In this way we will KNOW His Attributes, live by them, and not just mechanically recite them.

Daily Aliya for Ki Tisa, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d's agrees to Moshe's request that His presence only dwell amongst the Jews. Moshe requests to be shown G‑d's glory. G‑d agrees, but informs Moshe that he will only be shown G‑d's "back," not G‑d's "face."

This limitation can be extended to include our daily exposure to G-d. If we were to see blatant miracles daily (such as the splitting of the sea or the giving of the Torah), it would be impossible for us to sin. So G-d shows us smaller miracles that we can label as nature, natural, or coincidence. If only we realized how many miracles happen daily for our benefit, we'd be a lot less prone to doing the wrong thing.

Daily Aliya for Ki Tisa, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe asks G‑d to reconsider the matter of the angel leading them. G‑d reconsiders, and agrees to lead them Himself again. Moshe then requests that G‑d's presence never manifest itself on any other nation other than the Jews.

It's fascinating that while the Jews were creating and serving the Golden Calf, Moshe was asking for a more intimate understanding of G-d. One would think that would be the worst time to ask for more, but Moshe saw it as an opportunity to seek a better understand, arguing that if we knew/understood G-d better, we would be less likely to stray, an argument still true today.

Daily Aliya for Ki Tisa, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: After G‑d revealed Himself to the entire nation at Mount Sinai and told them the Ten Commandments, Moshe ascended the mountain where he remained for forty days. There he was to study the Torah and receive the Tablets. The Jews miscalculate when Moshe is supposed to return, and when he doesn't appear on the day when they anticipate him, they grow impatient and demand of Aaron to make for them a new god. Aaron cooperates, all along intending to postpone and buy time until Moshe's return, but despite his efforts, a Golden Calf emerges from the flames. The festivities and sacrifices start early next morning. Moshe pleads with an incensed G‑d to forgive the Jews' sin. G‑d acquiesces and relents from His plan to annihilate the Jews. Moshe comes down with the Tablets, sees the idolatrous revelry, and breaks the Tablets. Moshe enlists the Tribe of Levi to punish the primary offenders. Three thousand idol worshippers are executed on that day. Moshe ascends Mount Sinai again, in an attempt to gain complete atonement for the sin. G‑d tells Moshe to lead the Jews towards the Promised Land, but insists that He won't be leading them personally; instead an angel will be dispatched to lead them. Seeing G‑d's displeasure with the Jews, Moshe takes his own tent and pitches it outside the Israelite encampment. This tent becomes the center of study and spirituality until the Tabernacle is inaugurated.

When Moshe sees the Calf, the Tablets either slip from his hands and break or he intentionally smashes them (opinions differ - interesting connotations to either opinion). He seizes the Calf, destroys it, spreads its ashes over the water, and prepares a potion for the people to drink (also interesting connotation that requires analysis).

Daily Aliya for Ki Tisa, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: The Parsha discusses the census of the Israelites, the washbasin of the Tabernacle, the anointing oils for the priests and kings, the incense offering, and the Sabbath. The Torah then relates the story of the Golden Calf, G‑d's anger at the Jewish nation, Moshe successfully arguing for Divine forgiveness for the sin, the subsequent breaking of the tablets, and the giving of the second tablets.

Aliya Summary: G‑d commands Moshe to take a census of the Jewish adult male population by collecting an atonement offering of half a silver shekel from each individual. The collected silver was melted down, and was made into sockets for the beams of the Tabernacle. G‑d instructs Moshe to make a copper washstand for the Tabernacle. The priests would use this laver to wash their hands and feet before their service. G‑d tells Moshe the recipe for making holy "anointing oil." This oil, which was prepared with various aromatic herbs and fine spices, was used to anoint and sanctify the Tabernacle, its vessels, and Aaron and his sons. The remainder of the oil was put aside, and was used to anoint kings and high priests of future generations. G‑d also gives Moshe the formula for the incense which was offered twice-daily in the Tabernacle. The duplication of the anointing oil or incense for personal use is prohibited. G‑d imbues Bezalel with wisdom, and appoints him to be the chief craftsman of the Tabernacle and its contents. G‑d appoints Oholiab as his assistant. This lengthy Aliya concludes with G‑d telling the Jewish people to observe the Shabbat, the eternal sign between Him and the Children of Israel.