Daily Chumash

Sacrificial offerings were divided into two categories: Obligatory and voluntary. The first type of offering mentioned in the Torah, is the free-will voluntary offerings.

The book of Vayikra begins with commandments regarding the sacrifices.

The book of Vayikra is dedicated to offerings in the holy temple

This portion describes the construction of the priestly cloak/shift, which had pomegranates made of wool and golden bells at its hem. The shirt, hat, and pants were made of linen. The belt was made of twisted wool rope similar to the Ephod. The Tzitz was a gold plate inscribed with holy words on it, worn on the forehead of the high priest. Rashi explains how the Tzitz is attached to the linen hat with a turquoise woolen string. The vessels, accessories, and priestly garb were all complete. Moshe blesses the people and their handiwork.

Thursday's portion lists all of the vessels constructed. There were several types of materials used to create the priestly garb, including golden thread. The gold was a seventh thread twisted in each type of yarn, which was all twisted into a multi-colored 28 thread rope, used to weave the Ephod and Choshen, the priestly apron and breastplate.

This portion continues the actualization of the building of the Tabernacle and the priestly vestments enumerated in Terumah and Tetzaveh. The Menorah and the incense altar were constructed here.

Betzalel and Ahaliav fulfill the commandment of G-d and construct all of the Mishkan

Vayakhel and Pikudei are combined this week. This is the fulfillment of the directives of Terumah and Tetzaveh. The first Mitzvah in Vayakhel is the laws of Shabbos. The work of the Tabernacle does not supersede the holiness of Shabbos. The portion continues to enumerate the work done for the construction of the Tabernacle.

This portion G-d responds to Moshe for his supplication. G-d makes a covenant with the people of Israel.

This portion G-d is showing goodwill to the people of Israel. It is after the famous moment when G-d shows His Glory to Moshe, saying He would only show His back vs. His Face. Here G-d commands Moshe to form a new set of tablets after the first set had been broken. This portion also contains the 13 attributes of G-d's compassion.