Vayikra

Vayikra deals primarily with the services and responsibilities of the Kohanim (priests). This and the next Torah portions focus on many of the korbanot (offerings) to be brought in the newly-constructed Mishkan (Tabernacle).

Tzav

Parshat Tzav begins with Hashem continuing to teach Moses many of the various laws relating to the Mishkan (Tabernacle) service. However, while last week's Torah portion described the korbanot (offerings) from the perspective of the giver, this week the Torah focuses more directly on the attending Kohanim.

Shemini

Parshat Shemini begins by discussing the events which occurred on the eighth and final day of the melu'im, inauguration service in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). After months of preparation and anticipation, Aaron and his sons are finally installed as Kohanim (priests) in an elaborate service.

Tazria

Parshat Tazria introduces the various categories of tumah emanating from human beings, beginning with a woman upon giving birth. The rest of the portion describes in great detail the varying and numerous manifestations of the disease called tzaraat.

Metzora

Parshat Metzora continues the discussion of tzaraat, detailing the three part purification process of the metzora administered by a Kohen, complete with immersions, korbanot (offerings), and the shaving of the entire body.

Aharei Mot

The commandments described in Parshat Acharei Mot chronologically follow the tragic deaths of Aaron's two oldest sons, which we read about in Parshat Shemini two weeks ago. This week's first portion begins with a lengthy description of the special Yom Kippur service to be performed in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest).

Kedoshim

Parshat Kedoshim begins with Hashem's command to the entire nation of Israel to be holy, emulating the supreme sanctity of Hashem Himself. The Torah goes on to delineate a multitude of mitzvot through which we can achieve sanctity, covering a wide variety of subjects, both positive commandments and prohibitions.

Emor

Following on the heels of the command given in last week's portion to the entire Jewish population to be sanctified and holy, Parshat Emor begins by discussing various laws directed specifically to the Kohanim (priests) and the Kohen Gadol (high priest) whose Divine service requires them to maintain a higher standard of purity.

Behar

Parshat Behar focuses primarily on mitzvot concerning the land of Israel, beginning with the command to observe Shemittah the mitzvah to leave one's fields uncultivated every seventh year, refraining from the normal cycle of planting and harvesting.

Bechukotai

Parshat Bechukotai, the last Torah portion in the book of Leviticus, begins by briefly listing some of the blessings and rewards that the Jewish people will receive for diligently following the Torah and performing Hashem's mitzvot. The portion then shifts to the subject matter which has made it famous the tochachah, Hashem's harsh rebuke.