Daily Aliya for Behar-Bechukotai, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: This Aliya addresses an obvious concern: "What will we eat in the seventh year if we do not sow our gather our grain?!" G‑d reassures us that He will bless the sixth year's harvest, and it will produce enough to provide for three years! The Torah then gives the rationale for the prohibition against selling land for perpetuity (instead, land can only be "leased" until the Jubilee year) -- "Because the Land belongs to Me; you are strangers and residents with Me." The seller of land, or his relative on his behalf, has the option of "redeeming" the land from the purchaser -- provided that two years have past from the date of purchase.

One commentator says that the passuk states that if someone were to ask what are we going to eat..., then G-d will command His blessing to give us an abundant yield. However, one should not ask. If we are completely faithful and believe without reservation or question that G- d will provide for us, then He won't have to command the blessing to come; it will happen as a natural reaction to that faith. This speaks to different levels of Emunah (faith).

Daily Aliya for Behar-Bechukotai, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: This week's double reading, Behar-Bechukotai, speaks about the Sabbatical and Jubilee years, laws regulating commerce and the redemption of slaves. It also contains a vivid description of the rewards for observing G‑d's commandments and the series of punishments that will befall us if we choose to disregard them. The Torah then discusses different types of gifts given to the Temple, and the animal tithe.

Aliya Summary: G‑d commands Moshe regarding the Sh'mitah (Sabbatical) and Jubilee years. Every seventh year is a Sabbatical year, when it is forbidden to work the land (in the Land of Israel). After seven sets of seven years a Jubilee year is proclaimed. During Jubilee years all the laws of the Sabbatical year apply, and, in addition to the Sabbatical laws, all slaves are set free and all lands revert to their original owners. We are commanded to conduct business ethically. Since all land reverts to their original owners during the Jubilee year, the amount of years remaining until the next Jubilee year must be taken into account whenever a real-estate sale is conducted, and the price should be set accordingly. The end of this aliyah enjoins us not to verbally harass or intentionally mislead our fellows.

Daily Aliya for Emor, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: We are instructed to use the purest of olive oils for the daily kindling of the Temple Menora, and to arrange twelve "showbreads" on the Temple Table every Shabbat. The Torah then tells the story of a Jewish man who was put to death for blaspheming G‑d. The portion concludes with the penalties for committing murder, property damages, and personal injury.

The juxtaposition of the Festivals and the lighting of the Menora as a hint to Chanukah, a festival marked by kindling the lights of the Chanukiya in commemoration of the rededication of the Temple. What makes the point stronger is the Torah's stress on the concept that the lights of the Menora are eternal through the generations. In fact, while the real Menorah of the Temple has not made it through the generations, the Chanuka lights have!

Daily Aliya for Emor, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The autumn holiday of Sukkot is now introduced. During this seven-day holiday we are commanded to sit in outdoor booths, take the Four Species (citron, palm branch, myrtles, and willows), and rejoice before G‑d. The final holiday is Shemini Atzeret, a one-day holiday which immediately follows Sukkot.


As the first major holiday of the Jewish year, it's important to establish the attitude that we appreciate the opportunities otherwise known as Mitzvot, and don't see them as a burden. As such, Shmini Atzeret is meant to inspire the desire to hold on to any opportunities for one more day, or as long as we can. It's not just a one-day holiday that ends Sukkot, it's a way of life!

Daily Aliya for Emor, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The High Holidays are discussed. We are commanded to hear the shofar (ram's horn) on Rosh Hashanah, and to "afflict" ourselves on Yom Kippur.

The last Passuk (verse) in this Aliya says "... from evening to evening, you should observe your Shabbat." From the unusual wording (evening to evening) the Gemara teaches us the concept of adding from one's weekday to Shabbat and Chag, both at its beginning and at its end. Our practice of counting the time from sunset to stars-out is part of this commandment, as are the additional minutes on both ends of Shabbat and Yom Tov.

Daily Aliya for Emor, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: This Aliya begins a lengthy discussion about the Jewish holidays. After making brief mention of the Shabbat, the Torah talks about the holiday of Passover and the mitzvah of eating matzah. On the second day of this holiday, an "omer" barley offering is brought in the Temple. This is followed by a seven-week counting period that culminates with the holiday of Shavuot. After discussing the Shavuot Temple service, the Torah briefly interrupts the holiday discussion to mention the obligation, when harvesting fields, to leave certain gifts for the poor.

The Rambam and the Chinuch consider the counting of the Omer to be an independent mitzva which applies today.

Daily Aliya for Emor, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Blemished animals are disqualified for sacrificial use. This Aliya also forbids the castration of animals, sacrificing animals before they are eight days old, and slaughtering a mother animal and her child on the same day. The Aliya concludes with the mitzvah of kiddush Hashem, sanctifying G‑d's Name by giving one's life rather than transgressing certain cardinal sins.

We may not desecrate G-d's Name; we must sanctify His Name: These commandments have many facets. A Jew is required to give up their life rather than violate one of the "big three": murder, incest/adultery and idolatry. In times of "forced conversion", martyrdom is required even for the "smallest" violation.