Following is a quick reference summarizing each week’s Torah portion, delineated by the book of the Bible in which it appears. Click on the links below to see the portions and the synopses.

Torah reading for Saturday, April 28, 2018: Acharei Mot - K’doshim
After the Death [of the Two Sons of Aaron] / [You Shall Be] Holy
(Leviticus 16:1-20:27)
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B’reishit (Genesis)
B’reishit
(Genesis 1:1-6:8)
God creates the world in six days; Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden; Cain kills Abel; God regrets creating the world and vows to destroy it all except for Noah.
NoachGod creates the world in six days; Adam and Eve are expelled from the Garden of Eden; Cain kills Abel; God regrets creating the world and vows to destroy it all except for Noah.
(Genesis 6:9-11:32)
God saves Noah and two of each animal; Noah builds ark; God floods the world; world is repopulated; Tower of Babel results in people scattered across the earth with many languages.
Lech L’chaGod saves Noah and two of each animal; Noah builds ark; God floods the world; world is repopulated; Tower of Babel results in people scattered across the earth with many languages.
(Genesis 12:1-17:27)
God calls Abram; promises him Canaan; Abram goes to Canaan, but famine drives him to Egypt; returns to Canaan; Abram rescues Lot; Ishmael born; circumcision commanded as symbol of covenant.
VayeiraGod calls Abram; promises him Canaan; Abram goes to Canaan, but famine drives him to Egypt; returns to Canaan; Abram rescues Lot; Ishmael born; circumcision commanded as symbol of covenant.
(Genesis 18:1-22:24)
God promises a son to Abraham and Sarah; Abraham argues for Sodom and Gomorrah; cities are destroyed; birth of Isaac; Hagar banished; binding of Isaac.
Chayei SarahGod promises a son to Abraham and Sarah; Abraham argues for Sodom and Gomorrah; cities are destroyed; birth of Isaac; Hagar banished; binding of Isaac.
(Genesis 23:1-25:18)
Sarah dies; Abraham buys a burial plot; Isaac and Rebecca marry; Abraham takes a new wife; Abraham dies.
Tol’dotSarah dies; Abraham buys a burial plot; Isaac and Rebecca marry; Abraham takes a new wife; Abraham dies.
(Genesis 25:19-28:9)
Birth of Esau and Jacob; Esau sells Jacob his birthright; Jacob steals Esau’s blessing; Jacob flees to escape Esau’s anger.
VayeitzeiBirth of Esau and Jacob; Esau sells Jacob his birthright; Jacob steals Esau’s blessing; Jacob flees to escape Esau’s anger.
(Genesis 28:10-32:3)
Jacob dreams about the ladder stretched between heaven and earth; Jacob meets Rachel; Jacob works for Laben for 14 years, marrying his daughters Leah and then Rachel; after much strife, Jacob makes peace with Laben.
VayishlachJacob dreams about the ladder stretched between heaven and earth; Jacob meets Rachel; Jacob works for Laben for 14 years, marrying his daughters Leah and then Rachel; after much strife, Jacob makes peace with Laben.
(Genesis 32:4-36:43)
Jacob sends gifts to Esau; Jacob wrestles at Peniel and receives a new name, Israel; Jacob and Esau reconcile; rape of Dina; brothers retaliate; birth of Benjamin; death of Rachel and Isaac.
VayeishevJacob sends gifts to Esau; Jacob wrestles at Peniel and receives a new name, Israel; Jacob and Esau reconcile; rape of Dina; brothers retaliate; birth of Benjamin; death of Rachel and Isaac.
(Genesis 37:1-40:23)
Joseph’s dreams of greatness; brothers sell Joseph into slavery; Tamar tricks Judah into impregnating her; Potiphar’s wife attempts to seduce Joseph; Joseph is jailed; Joseph interprets two prisoners’ dreams.
MikeitzJoseph’s dreams of greatness; brothers sell Joseph into slavery; Tamar tricks Judah into impregnating her; Potiphar’s wife attempts to seduce Joseph; Joseph is jailed; Joseph interprets two prisoners’ dreams.
(Genesis 41:1-44:17)
Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream; Joseph appointed prime minister of Egypt; Joseph’s brothers go to Egypt to seek food; brothers return to Canaan to fetch Benjamin; Joseph frames and detains Benjamin.
VayigashJoseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream; Joseph appointed prime minister of Egypt; Joseph’s brothers go to Egypt to seek food; brothers return to Canaan to fetch Benjamin; Joseph frames and detains Benjamin.
(Genesis 44:18-47:27)
Judah pleads for Benjamin’s freedom; Joseph reveals himself to his brothers; Jacob brings family to Egypt, settles in Goshen; Joseph governs during famine in Egypt.
Va-y’chiJudah pleads for Benjamin’s freedom; Joseph reveals himself to his brothers; Jacob brings family to Egypt, settles in Goshen; Joseph governs during famine in Egypt.
(Genesis 47:28-50:26)
Joseph promises to bury Jacob in Canaan; Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons; Jacob speaks last words to his sons; Jacob dies and is buried; Joseph forgives his brothers; Joseph dies.
Joseph promises to bury Jacob in Canaan; Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons; Jacob speaks last words to his sons; Jacob dies and is buried; Joseph forgives his brothers; Joseph dies.
Sh’mot (Exodus)
Sh’mot
(Exodus 1:1-6:1)
Israelites enslaved by new Pharaoh; Moses is born; Moses flees to Midian; God calls Moses at the burning bush; Moses discovers ability to do miracles; Moses returns to Egypt; Moses and Aaron ask Pharaoh to let people go pray in the wilderness; in response, Pharaoh increases workload of Israelite slaves.
Va-eiraIsraelites enslaved by new Pharaoh; Moses is born; Moses flees to Midian; God calls Moses at the burning bush; Moses discovers ability to do miracles; Moses returns to Egypt; Moses and Aaron ask Pharaoh to let people go pray in the wilderness; in response, Pharaoh increases workload of Israelite slaves.
(Exodus 6:2-9:35)
God promises to redeem Israel; Moses and Aaron tell Pharaoh to “let my people go”; Pharaoh refuses; Plagues 1-7: water into blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail.
BoGod promises to redeem Israel; Moses and Aaron tell Pharaoh to “let my people go”; Pharaoh refuses; Plagues 1-7: water into blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock disease, boils, hail.
(Exodus 10:1-13:16)
Plagues 8-10: locusts, darkness, death of first-born; first Passover; 600,000 men leave Egypt with family and livestock and Egyptian riches; laws of the Passover offering and festival.
B’shalachPlagues 8-10: locusts, darkness, death of first-born; first Passover; 600,000 men leave Egypt with family and livestock and Egyptian riches; laws of the Passover offering and festival.
(Exodus 13:17-17:16)
Israelites follow pillar of cloud and fire; Israelites cross Red Sea; Egyptians drown in Red Sea; Moses and Miriam lead victory celebration in song; Moses makes bitter water sweet; manna from Heaven; water from the rock; Amalek attacks and is defeated.
YitroIsraelites follow pillar of cloud and fire; Israelites cross Red Sea; Egyptians drown in Red Sea; Moses and Miriam lead victory celebration in song; Moses makes bitter water sweet; manna from Heaven; water from the rock; Amalek attacks and is defeated.
(Exodus 18:1-20:23)
Jethro advises Moses to delegate responsibility; Israelites reach Mount Sinai; Israelites purify themselves in preparation for the Ten Commandments; God gives the Ten Commandments.
MishpatimJethro advises Moses to delegate responsibility; Israelites reach Mount Sinai; Israelites purify themselves in preparation for the Ten Commandments; God gives the Ten Commandments.
(Exodus 21:1-24:18)
Laws concerning slaves, violence, property, restitution, society, religion, universal justice, sabbatical years, Sabbath and annual festivals; God promises military victory; Israelites promise to follow covenant; sealing of covenant with sacrifice; Moses ascends Mount Sinai to get the tablets of the law.
T’rumahLaws concerning slaves, violence, property, restitution, society, religion, universal justice, sabbatical years, Sabbath and annual festivals; God promises military victory; Israelites promise to follow covenant; sealing of covenant with sacrifice; Moses ascends Mount Sinai to get the tablets of the law.
(Exodus 25:1-27:19)
Israelites bring gifts to build the Tabernacle; God gives directions for building the Ark, table, lamp-stand, the Tabernacle itself, framework, curtain, altar for burnt offerings.
T’tzavehIsraelites bring gifts to build the Tabernacle; God gives directions for building the Ark, table, lamp-stand, the Tabernacle itself, framework, curtain, altar for burnt offerings.
(Exodus 27:20-30:10)
Laws of the eternal light; how to make the priestly vestments, breastplate and ephod; how to ordain the priests; how to make the daily sacrificial offerings; how to build and use the altar of incense.
Ki TisaLaws of the eternal light; how to make the priestly vestments, breastplate and ephod; how to ordain the priests; how to make the daily sacrificial offerings; how to build and use the altar of incense.
(Exodus 30:11-34:35)
Tabernacle tax, washing and anointing oil; Bezalel and Oholiab named chief Tabernacle builders; admonition to keep the Sabbath; God gives Moses tablets with commandments; the Golden Calf; command to leave Sinai and promise of safe passage; Moses sees God pass before him; Moses carves new tablets, renews the covenant and his face shines.
Vayak’heilTabernacle tax, washing and anointing oil; Bezalel and Oholiab named chief Tabernacle builders; admonition to keep the Sabbath; God gives Moses tablets with commandments; the Golden Calf; command to leave Sinai and promise of safe passage; Moses sees God pass before him; Moses carves new tablets, renews the covenant and his face shines.
(Exodus 35:1-38:20)
Sabbath regulations; preparing to build the Tabernacle; personal contributions to building project; Bezalel and Oholiab build Tabernacle and all sacrificial equipment.
P’kudeiSabbath regulations; preparing to build the Tabernacle; personal contributions to building project; Bezalel and Oholiab build Tabernacle and all sacrificial equipment.
(Exodus 38:21-40:38)
Tabernacle erected and equipment installed; Eight Priestly Garments are made; Moses initiates Aaron and his sons into the priesthood; God’s presence descends on Tabernacle.
Tabernacle erected and equipment installed; Eight Priestly Garments are made; Moses initiates Aaron and his sons into the priesthood; God’s presence descends on Tabernacle.
Vayikra (Leviticus)
Vayikra
(Leviticus 1:1-5:26)
God instructs Moses on the five different kinds of sacrifices to be offered in the sanctuary: olah (burnt offering), minchah (meal offering), zevach sh’lamim (sacrifice of well-being), chatat (sin offering) and asham (penalty offering).
TzavGod instructs Moses on the five different kinds of sacrifices to be offered in the sanctuary: olah (burnt offering), minchah (meal offering), zevach sh’lamim (sacrifice of well-being), chatat (sin offering) and asham (penalty offering).
(Leviticus 6:1-8:36)
Instructions for various offerings; instructions for ordination of the priests including bathing, dress, anointing and sacrifice.
Sh’miniInstructions for various offerings; instructions for ordination of the priests including bathing, dress, anointing and sacrifice.
(Leviticus 9:1-11:47)
Aaron’s priesthood is inaugurated; Nadav and Avihu make an alien offering, and God strikes them down; list of kosher and non-kosher animals.
TazriaAaron’s priesthood is inaugurated; Nadav and Avihu make an alien offering, and God strikes them down; list of kosher and non-kosher animals.
(Leviticus 12:1-13:59)
Rituals for a woman’s purification after childbirth; description of and treatment for leprosy.
M’tzoraRituals for a woman’s purification after childbirth; description of and treatment for leprosy.
(Leviticus 14:1-15:33)
Purification for lepers and leprous houses; issues of bodily discharge.
Acharei MotPurification for lepers and leprous houses; issues of bodily discharge.
(Leviticus 16:1-18:30)
Priestly responsibilities on the Day of Atonement; scapegoats; sacrificial instructions; prohibition on drinking blood; rules for sexual relations.
K’doshimPriestly responsibilities on the Day of Atonement; scapegoats; sacrificial instructions; prohibition on drinking blood; rules for sexual relations.
(Leviticus 19:1-20:27)
Holiness code concerning ritual and moral behaviors; penalties for violating various laws; love your fellow as yourself.
EmorHoliness code concerning ritual and moral behaviors; penalties for violating various laws; love your fellow as yourself.
(Leviticus 21:1-24:23)
Marriage, sexuality, disability, dietary and mourning laws for priests; acceptability of various sacrifices; establishment of holy days and festivals; eternal light; penalty for blasphemy.
B’harMarriage, sexuality, disability, dietary and mourning laws for priests; acceptability of various sacrifices; establishment of holy days and festivals; eternal light; penalty for blasphemy.
(Leviticus 25:1-26:2)
Laws of the sabbatical year; laws of the Jubilee; real-estate laws;
command to provide for others; slavery laws.
B’chukotaiLaws of the sabbatical year; laws of the Jubilee; real-estate laws;
command to provide for others; slavery laws.
(Leviticus 26:3-27:34)
Rewards and punishments for following or spurning God’s laws; providing for the Temple.
Rewards and punishments for following or spurning God’s laws; providing for the Temple.
B’midbar (Numbers)
B’midbar
(Numbers 1:1-4:20)
Census of Israelite men; marching formation; genealogy of priests; responsibility for transporting Mishkan; redemption of first born; transporting ritual objects.
NasoCensus of Israelite men; marching formation; genealogy of priests; responsibility for transporting Mishkan; redemption of first born; transporting ritual objects.
(Numbers 4:21-7:89)
B’haalot’chaMore responsibility for transporting parts of Mishkan; laws of purity; laws about accused adulterers; laws about sacrifice.
(Numbers 8:1-12:16)
Lighting of menorah; Levites inaugurated for Temple service; celebration of second Passover since Egypt; pillar of cloud directs Israelites after they break camp; silver trumpets used to herald movement of Israelites; Israelites leave Sinai desert; Israelites complain about desert travel conditions; Moses complains to God; God promises to send quail for food; Moses institutes Sanhedrin to govern people; prophesy that Joshua will succeed Moses as leader.
Sh’lach L’chaLighting of menorah; Levites inaugurated for Temple service; celebration of second Passover since Egypt; pillar of cloud directs Israelites after they break camp; silver trumpets used to herald movement of Israelites; Israelites leave Sinai desert; Israelites complain about desert travel conditions; Moses complains to God; God promises to send quail for food; Moses institutes Sanhedrin to govern people; prophesy that Joshua will succeed Moses as leader.
(Numbers 13:1-15:41)
Moses sends spies into the Land of Israel; spies return with outsized fruit and negative report; Moses defends people against God’s wrath; God decrees that those who left Egypt over the age of 18 will die in the desert; various sacrificial laws; Sabbath transgressor punished; laws of tzitzit.
KorachMoses sends spies into the Land of Israel; spies return with outsized fruit and negative report; Moses defends people against God’s wrath; God decrees that those who left Egypt over the age of 18 will die in the desert; various sacrificial laws; Sabbath transgressor punished; laws of tzitzit.
(Numbers 16:1-18:32)
Korach and his followers lead a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of taking power for themselves that belongs to all the Israelites; God causes an earthquake that swallows Korach and his entourage alive; the people protest, so God causes a plague; Israelites are then instructed to bring gifts to Aaron and the priests.
ChukatKorach and his followers lead a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of taking power for themselves that belongs to all the Israelites; God causes an earthquake that swallows Korach and his entourage alive; the people protest, so God causes a plague; Israelites are then instructed to bring gifts to Aaron and the priests.
(Numbers 19:1-22:1)
Laws of the red heifer; Miriam dies and well dries up; people complain of thirst; Moses hits rock for water; as punishment, Moses will not enter the Land; various battles with surrounding peoples; Aaron dies; Moses miraculously saves people bitten by snakes.
BalakLaws of the red heifer; Miriam dies and well dries up; people complain of thirst; Moses hits rock for water; as punishment, Moses will not enter the Land; various battles with surrounding peoples; Aaron dies; Moses miraculously saves people bitten by snakes.
(Numbers 22:2-25:9)
Balak, the king of Moab, worried that the Israelites will defeat his kingdom, sends for the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites. When Balaam tries, he finds he is only able to bless the Israelites.
PinchasBalak, the king of Moab, worried that the Israelites will defeat his kingdom, sends for the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites. When Balaam tries, he finds he is only able to bless the Israelites.
(Numbers 25:10-30:1)
Pinchas is appointed a kohein (priest); Moses is told to go into battle against the Midianites in retaliation for their trickery; Moses conducts a census of the Israelites and divides them into tribes; laws of inheritance are discussed; Moses is told to prepare for his death; Joshua is named Moses’ successor; details about public sacrifices are discussed.
MatotPinchas is appointed a kohein (priest); Moses is told to go into battle against the Midianites in retaliation for their trickery; Moses conducts a census of the Israelites and divides them into tribes; laws of inheritance are discussed; Moses is told to prepare for his death; Joshua is named Moses’ successor; details about public sacrifices are discussed.
(Numbers 30:2-32:42)
Laws of verbal vows discussed, including the laws of a woman who makes a vow and how her husband or father can overturn her vow; God commands Moses to take revenge against the Midianites, after which Moses dies; war takes place with 12,000 Jews; all adult males of Midian and their five kings are killed in battle; Bilam dies in the war; spoils of the war are divided evenly between the soldiers and the community; tribes of Reuben and Gad ask Moses if they can settle on the east bank of the Jordan; God commands the Jewish people to drive out inhabitants of the west bank when they cross the Jordan.
Mas’eiLaws of verbal vows discussed, including the laws of a woman who makes a vow and how her husband or father can overturn her vow; God commands Moses to take revenge against the Midianites, after which Moses dies; war takes place with 12,000 Jews; all adult males of Midian and their five kings are killed in battle; Bilam dies in the war; spoils of the war are divided evenly between the soldiers and the community; tribes of Reuben and Gad ask Moses if they can settle on the east bank of the Jordan; God commands the Jewish people to drive out inhabitants of the west bank when they cross the Jordan.
(Numbers 33:1-36:13)
God appoints men to be in charge of dividing up the land; God commands the Jews to designate six cities of refuge; laws of purposeful murder, which is punishable by death, and unintentional death are established; God commands that when daughters inherit their father’s land, they must marry someone from their own tribe, as in the case of Zelophehad’s daughters.
God appoints men to be in charge of dividing up the land; God commands the Jews to designate six cities of refuge; laws of purposeful murder, which is punishable by death, and unintentional death are established; God commands that when daughters inherit their father’s land, they must marry someone from their own tribe, as in the case of Zelophehad’s daughters.
D’varim (Deuteronomy)
D’varim
(Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22)
Moses begins his repetition of the Torah to the Children of Israel, reviewing the events that occurred and the laws that were given in the course of their 40-year journey, admonishing the people for their failings and iniquities, and commanding them to keep the Torah and observe its commandments.
Moses begins his repetition of the Torah to the Children of Israel, reviewing the events that occurred and the laws that were given in the course of their 40-year journey, admonishing the people for their failings and iniquities, and commanding them to keep the Torah and observe its commandments.
Va-et’chanan
(Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11)
Moses tells the Children of Israel that God has refused him entry into the Land of Israel; instead, Moses is told to climb a mountain and view the Promised Land; Moses continues his review of the Torah; predicts that people will turn away from God and be exiled from their land but from there will seek God and return to obey his commandments; portion includes repetition of the Ten Commandments, verses of the Sh’ma, and mitzvot to love God and study Torah.
Eikev
(Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25)
Moses continues his farewell to the Children of Israel, describing the blessings promised by God (including a land “flowing with milk and honey” and blessed with the “Seven Kinds” [wheat, barley, grapevines, figs, pomegranates, olive oil and dates]) if the laws of the Torah are obeyed and the adverse results (famine and exile) if the laws are neglected; reminds the Children that God’s provision of daily manna from heaven during their 40 years in the desert was to teach them that “man does not live on bread alone” but through God’s words.
R’eih
(Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17)
Moses instructs the Israelites regarding idolatry, false prophets, clean and unclean foods, tithes, freeing slaves and the pilgrimage festivals; all should go to “see and be seen” before God in the Holy Temple.
Shof’tim
(Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9)
The People of Israel are told to appoint judges and law-enforcement officers in every city so that crimes can be investigated and prosecuted without bias; two credible witnesses are required for conviction and punishment; includes the prohibitions against idolatry and sorcery, laws governing the appointment and behavior of a king and guidelines for the creation of “cities of refuge” for the inadvertent murderer; also includes rules of war (such as who is exempt from battle) and the requirement to offer terms of peace before attacking a city; concludes with the law of Eglah Arufah, the special procedure to be followed when a person is killed by an unknown murderer and his body is found in a field, which makes the community responsible for preventing crime.
The People of Israel are told to appoint judges and law-enforcement officers in every city so that crimes can be investigated and prosecuted without bias; two credible witnesses are required for conviction and punishment; includes the prohibitions against idolatry and sorcery, laws governing the appointment and behavior of a king and guidelines for the creation of “cities of refuge” for the inadvertent murderer; also includes rules of war (such as who is exempt from battle) and the requirement to offer terms of peace before attacking a city; concludes with the law of Eglah Arufah, the special procedure to be followed when a person is killed by an unknown murderer and his body is found in a field, which makes the community responsible for preventing crime.
Ki Teitzei
(Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19)
Features 74 of the Torah’s 613 commandments (mitzvot), including inheritance rights of the first-born, the wayward and rebellious son, burial and dignity of the dead, and returning a lost object. Also recounted are judicial procedures and penalties for adultery, for the rape or seduction of an unmarried girl, and for a husband who falsely accuses his wife of infidelity.
Features 74 of the Torah’s 613 commandments (mitzvot), including inheritance rights of the first-born, the wayward and rebellious son, burial and dignity of the dead, and returning a lost object. Also recounted are judicial procedures and penalties for adultery, for the rape or seduction of an unmarried girl, and for a husband who falsely accuses his wife of infidelity.
Ki Tavo
(Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8)
Moses instructs the People of Israel, upon entering the Land, to declare their gratitude for all that God has done; reminds them that they are the chosen people; includes laws of tithes to the poor, blessings as reward for following the laws of the Torah and punishments if they fail to follow God’s commandments.
Moses instructs the People of Israel, upon entering the Land, to declare their gratitude for all that God has done; reminds them that they are the chosen people; includes laws of tithes to the poor, blessings as reward for following the laws of the Torah and punishments if they fail to follow God’s commandments.
Nitzavim
(Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20)
Features some of the most fundamental principles of the Jewish faith, including the unity of Israel, future redemption, the importance of following the Torah and freedom of choice.
Features some of the most fundamental principles of the Jewish faith, including the unity of Israel, future redemption, the importance of following the Torah and freedom of choice.
Vayeilech
(Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30)
Recounts the last days of Moses’ life; includes transfer of leadership to Joshua, the writing of the Torah in a scroll to be kept in the Ark of the Covenant and commandment to gather during Sukkot; concludes with God saying that he will hide His face from the Children of Israel because they will break their covenant with God.
Recounts the last days of Moses’ life; includes transfer of leadership to Joshua, the writing of the Torah in a scroll to be kept in the Ark of the Covenant and commandment to gather during Sukkot; concludes with God saying that he will hide His face from the Children of Israel because they will break their covenant with God.
Haazinu
(Deuteronomy 32:1-52)
Moses delivers a tone poem about the last days of his earthly life; encourages the Children of Israel to remember days past and how God granted them a bountiful land; also warns against the pitfalls of plenty and the calamities that will result; ends with God instructing Moses to climb to Mount Nebo, from which he will see the Promised Land before dying.
Moses delivers a tone poem about the last days of his earthly life; encourages the Children of Israel to remember days past and how God granted them a bountiful land; also warns against the pitfalls of plenty and the calamities that will result; ends with God instructing Moses to climb to Mount Nebo, from which he will see the Promised Land before dying.
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