302b1cc0 Df51 4dab 873c Dcbf7abc5a80 My2022guidetojudaism3

MY 2022
GUIDE TO JUDAISM
5782/5783
SHAY HAKOHEN
MY 2022
GUIDE TO JUDAISM
5782/5783
SHAY HAKOHEN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 Guide to Shabbat 42 Parashat Sh’lach
6 Parashat Vaera 43 Parashat Korach
7 Parashat Bo 44 Parashat Chukat
8 Parashat Beshalach 45 Parashat Balak
9 Tu B'Shevat 46 Shiva Asar b’Tammuz
10 Parashat Yitro 47 Parashat Pinchas
11 Parashat Mishpatim 48 Parashat Matot-Masei
12 Parashat Terumah 50 Parashat Devarim
13 Parashat Tetzaveh 51 Tisha B’Av
14 Parashat Ki Tisa 52 Tu B’Av
15 Parashat Vayakhel 53 Parashat Vaetchanan
16 Parashat Pekudei 54 Parashat Eikev
17 Parashat Vayikra 55 Parashat Re’eh
18 Purim 56 Parashat Shoftim
19 Parashat Tzav 57 Parashat Ki Teitzei
20 Parashat Shmini 58 Parashat Ki Tavo
21 Parashat Tazria 59 Parashat Nitzavim
22 Parashat Metzora 60 Rosh Hashanah
23 Pesach 62 Tzom Gedaliah
27 Readings for Pesach 63 Parashat Vayeilech
30 Yom HaShoah 64 Yom Kippur
32 Parashat Achrei Mot 66 Parashat Ha’Azinu
33 Parashat Kedoshim 67 Sukkot
34 Parashat Emor 69 Parashat Vezot
35 Parashat Behar
Haberakhah
36 Parashat Bechukotai 70 Shemini Atzeret /
37 Yom Yerushalayim Simchat Torah
38 Parashat Bamidbar
39 Shavuot
40 Parashat Nasso
41 Parashat Beha’alotcha
GUIDE TO SHABBAT
Shabbat is a day of peace, rest, reflection, and hospitality for the entire
community. The Torah invites all to share in the blessing of rest. The gift
of Shabbat is part of G-d's covenant with the Jewish people. Honoring
Shabbat is one way Jews have of maintaining that agreement.

Light the candles
In biblical times, Jews lit a lamp that had to last them through the next
evening, since lighting a fire was work they would not do during Shabbat.
This tradition has been carried forward through Jewish history. Still
today, we begin Shabbat on Friday evening by lighting the candles and
saying a blessing. While you will find no verse in the Torah instructing
you to light two candles at dusk, the rabbinic sages over the centuries
linked the practice to the concept of shamor Shabbat and zachor
Shabbat, the commandments to keep and remember Shabbat.
Blessings over the candles:

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech Ha’Olam asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu
l’hadlik ner shel Shabbat (Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who
commands us to kindle the light of Shabbat.)
*It is traditional to light the candles and then cover your eyes to hide their light while
saying the blessing. Many have the additional custom of waving the hands toward
the face, as though scooping up the holiness of the light and the day.
Some families take a moment to bless their children, each child getting a
moment with their parent(s), as the Sabbath starts. Customarily, this
moment is after the lighting of the candles and follows the blessings,
below. Other families have the custom of sharing something they are
thankful for about each member of the family, or telling their children
something special they noticed during the week. Partners may also take
a moment to thank each other during this time, point out a trait or
moment they appreciated during the busy week, or give each other a
blessing.
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Blessings:
For boys:
Yis'm'cha Elohim k'Efrayim v'ch'Menashe. (May G-d make you like Ephraim and
Menashe.)
For girls:
Yis'meych Elohim k'Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel v'Leah. (May G-d make you like Sarah,
Rebecca, Rachel and Leah.)
For both:
Y'varch'e'cha Adonai v'yish'marecha. Ya'er Adonai panav e'lecha vichuneka. Yisa Adonai
panev e'lecha v'yasem l'cha shalom. (May G-d bless you and keep you. May G-d shine
G-d's Countenance upon you and be gracious to you. May G-d favor you and give you
peace.)
Blessings Up to the Meal
The blessing over the Challah bread

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech Ha'Olam ha'motzi lekhem min ha'aretz (Blessed are
You, L-rd our G-d, king of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth)
Wine
Before both the Friday evening meal and lunchtime on Saturday, there is
an opportunity to affirm the holiness of Shabbat through the blessing
over wine. This blessing is called Kiddush. The blessing combines the
acknowledgment of G-d's role in feeding people with a blessing for
Shabbat and remembering creation and liberation. Some families have
the custom of saying the shorter version, which is just the blessing over
the wine itself. Others have the custom of saying all three parts.
Abbreviated:
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheynu Melech Ha'olam boray p'ree hagafen. (Blessed are you, L-rd
our G-d, King of the universe, who created the fruit of the vine.)
Full:
Va'y'hee erev va'y'hee bo'keir yom ha'shee'shee. Va'y'chu'lu ha'shamayim v'ha'aretz v'chol
tze'va'am. Va'ye'chal Elohim ba'yom hash'vee'ee m'lach'to asher asa, va'yeesh'bot ba'yom
hash'vee'ee me'kol m'lach'to asher asa. Va'y'varech Elohim et yom hash'vee'ee by'kadeish
oto, key vo sha'vat mee'vat mee'kol m'lach'to asher bara Elohim la'asot. Baruch ata
Adonai, Eloheynu Melech Ha'olam boray p'ree hagafen. Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheynu
Melech Ha'olam asher key'd'sha'nu b'mitz'vo'tav v'ratza vanu. V'Shabbat kod'sho
b'a'ha'va uv'ratzon heen'chee'lanu zee'kron l'ma'aseh v'ray'sheet. Key hoo yom t'chee'la
l'meek'ra'ei ko'desh ze'cher lee'tzee'at Meetz'ra'im. Key vanu va'charta v'otanu key'dash'ta
mee'kol ha'a'meem v'Shabbat kod'sh'cha b'a'ha'va iv'ratzon heen'chee'lanu. Baruch ata
Adonai m'ka'desh ha'Shabbat (And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth
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day. The heavens and the earth were finished, the whole host of them. And on the
seventh day G-d completed the work that He had done and he rested on the seventh
day from all his work that he had done. And God blessed the seventh day and
sanctified it because in it He had rested from all his work that G-d had created to do.
Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who sanctified us with
commandments. Lovingly You have willingly given us Your holy Shabbat as an
inheritance, in memory of creation, a day for holy assembly and for recalling the
exodus from Egypt. Because You have chosen us, making us holy among the people
and have willingly and lovingly given us Your holy Shabbat as inheritance. Blessed are
You, who santifies Shabbat.)
Hand Washing
Traditionally, this ritual washing is done with a two-handled cup. The cup
is filled and the water is poured over first hand and then held in the wet
hand and poured over the other hand. The hands are dried on a towel
while reciting the blessing.
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheynu Melech Ha'olam asher kid'shanu b'mitz'votav vitz'ivanu al
n'ti'lat ya'dai'im. (Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, who has
sanctified us with Your commandments, and commanded us concerning the washing
of the hands.)
If you are exploring Shabbat as a spiritual practice, you may also choose to use
it as a day to be in nature, to sit by the ocean, or take a small walk at the park.
You may prefer to take a long nap, read a book, or play games with kids or
friends. Without any rituals at all, Shabbat can still be a day of rest and
relaxation, a needed respite from the regular week.
Yemenite Jewish family reading from the book of Tehillim on Shabbat after lunch, 1947
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PARASHAT VAERA
JANUARY 1 28 TEVET
TORAH READING HAFTARAH

Shemot (Exodus) Yekhezqel (Ezekiel)
6:2 - 9:35 28:25 - 29:21
The second reading from the book of Shemot and fourteenth reading
from the Torah is named Vaera, which means "And I appeared." The title
comes from the first words of the second verse of the reading, which
says, "and I appeared to Avraham, to Yizhaq (Isaac), and to Ya'aqov (Jacob)
as El Shaddai, but I did not make Myself known to them by My name ‫יהוה‬
(which is neither pronounceable nor translatable)." (Shemot 6:3). The
portion begins with four expressions of redemption whereby G-d
promises to bring Israel out of the Egyptian bondage. The narrative
progresses to tell the story of the first seven of the ten plagues that G-d
unleashed on Egypt.
Torah Portion Outline

Shemot 6:14 | The Genealogy of Moshe and Aharon
Shemot 6:28 | Moshe and Aharon Obey G-d's Commands
Shemot 7:9 | Aharon's Rod
Shemot 7:14 The First Plague: | Water Turned to Blood
Shemot 8:1 The Second Plague: | Frogs
Shemot 8:16 The Third Plague: | Gnats
Shemot 8:20 The Fourth Plague: | Flies
Shemot 9:1 The Fifth Plague: | Livestock Diseased
Shemot 9:8 The Sixth Plague: | Boils
Shemot 9:13 The Seventh Plague: | Thunder and Hail
Haftarah
Yekhezqel 28:25 | Future Blessing for Israel
Yekhezqel 29:1 | Proclamation against Egypt
Yekhezqel 29:17 | Babylonia Will Plunder Egypt
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PARASHAT BO
JANUARY 8 6 SHEVAT
Shemot (Exodus) Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah)
10:1 - 13:16 46:13 - 46:28
The fifteenth reading from the Torah is named Bo, which means "Come"
The title comes from the first words of the first verse of the reading,
which say, "Then the LORD said to Moshe, [Come] to Pharaoh, for I have
hardened his heart" (Shemot 10:1). The portion begins by concluding the
narrative of the ten plagues, the tenth of which is the slaying of the
firstborn. To avoid the plague, the Israelites are given the instructions for
the Pesach (Passover) offering and the laws of the Feast of Unleavened
Bread. Pharaoh finally consents to let Israel go, and they leave Egypt.

Shemot 10:1 The Eighth Plague: | Locusts
Shemot 10:21 The Ninth Plague: | Darkness
Shemot 11:1 | Warning of the Final Plague
Shemot 12:1 | The First Passover Instituted
Shemot 12:29 The Tenth Plague: | Death of the Firstborn
Shemot 12:33 The Exodus: | From Rameses to Sukkot
Shemot 12:43 | Directions for Pesach
Shemot 13:3 | The Festival of Unleavened Bread
Shemot 13:11 | The Consecration of the Firstborn
Haftarah
Yirmeyahu 46:13 | Babylonia Will Strike Egypt
Yirmeyahu 46:27 | G-d Will Save Israel
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PARASHAT BESHALACH
JANUARY 15 13 SHEVAT
Shemot (Exodus) Shoftim (Judges)
13:17 - 17:16 4:4 - 5:31
The sixteenth reading from the Torah is named Beshalach, which means
"When he sent." The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which
can be literally translated to say, "And it happened when Pharaoh sent
out the people." The reading tells the adventures of the Israelites as they
leave Egypt, cross the Red Sea, receive miraculous provisions in the
wilderness (manna), and face their first battle.

Shemot 13:17 | The Pillars of Cloud and Fire
Shemot 14:1 | Crossing the Red Sea
Shemot 14:26 | The Pursuers Drowned
Shemot 15:1 | The Song of Moshe
Shemot 15:20 | The Song of Miryam
Shemot 15:22 | Bitter Water Made Sweet
Shemot 16:1 | Bread from Heaven
Shemot 17:1 | Water from the Rock
Shemot 17:8 | Amalek Attacks Israel and Is Defeated
Haftarah
Shoftim 4:1 | D'vorah and Barak
Shoftim 5:1 | The Song of D'vorah
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2022 5782
TU B'SHEVAT
Tu B'Shevat, also known as Rosh HaShanah La'Ilanot (New year of the
trees), is the day that marks the season in which the trees in Eretz Yisrael
(the Land of Israel) awake from their winter sleep and begin a new fruit-
bearing cycle.

This day is celebrated by eating the fruits of the land: grapes, figs,
pomegranates, olives, and dates*; planting trees, and reflection.
Blessings:
To be said before eating the fruit - Ha'etz:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha’Olam borei pri ha-aitz. (Blessed are You, L-rd
our G‑d, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the tree.)
To be said when tasting any of those fruit for the first time this season -
Shehecheyanu:
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha'Olam shehecheyanu v'kiy'manu, v'higiyanu
laz'man. (Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who has granted us life,
sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion)
Reflection:
"(...) you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an ax against them, for you may eat
from them, but you shall not cut them down. Is the tree of the field a man, to go into
the siege before you?" (Devarim 20:19)
*"a land of wheat and barley, of vines, figs, and pomegranates, a land of olive
trees and honey;"
Deuteronomy/Devarim 8:8
Begins at sunset on January 17, and ends on the evening of January 18

Work is permitted
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PARASHAT YITRO
Shemot (Exodus) Yeshayahu (Isaiah)
18:1 - 20:23 6:1 - 7:6; 9:5 - 9:6
The seventeenth reading from the Torah is named Yitro, which is the
literal Hebrew behind the name Jethro. The title comes from the first
words of the first verse of the reading, which says, "Now Yitro (Jethro),
the priest of Midian, Moshe's father-in-law, heard of all that G-d had
done for Moshe and for Israel His people" (Shemot 18:1). The portion
tells the story of Yitro's visit to the camp of Israel, then relates the great
theophany at Mount Sinai, where G-d gives Israel the Ten
Commandments and invites the people to enter a special covenant
relationship with Him.

Shemot 18:1 | Yitro's Advice
Shemot 19:1 | The Israelites Reach Mount Sinai
Shemot 19:9 | The People Consecrated
Shemot 20:1 | The Ten Commandments
Shemot 20:22 | The Law concerning the Altar
Haftarah
Yeshayahu 6:1 | A Vision of G-d in the Temple
Yeshayahu 9:1 | The Righteous Reign of the Coming King
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PARASHAT MISHPATIM
Shemot (Exodus) Melakhim Bet (II Kings)
21:1 - 24:18 12:1 - 12:17
Shabbat Shekalim
The eighteenth reading from the Torah is named Mishpatim, which

means "judgments." The title comes from the first words of the first
verse of the reading, which could be literally translated to say, "And
these are the judgments which you will place before them" (Shemot
21:1). The first three chapters of this Torah portion deliver a legal code of
laws and commandments that form a nucleus for the Torah's laws, these
include laws about worshiping other gods, kashrut, business ethics, and
treatment of animals. G-d outlines the details of three holidays:
Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. The last chapter tells the story of how the
people of Israel consented to keep these laws and entered into a
covenant relationship with G-d through a series of rituals conducted by
Moshe.

Shemot 21:1 | The Law concerning Slaves
Shemot 21:12 | The Law concerning Violence
Shemot 21:28 | Laws concerning Property
Shemot 22:1 | Laws of Restitution
Shemot 22:16 | Social and Religious Laws
Shemot 23:1 | Justice for All
Shemot 23:10 | Sabbatical Year and Shabbat
Shemot 23:14 | The Annual Festivals
Shemot 23:20 | The Conquest of Canaan Promised
Shemot 24:1 | The Blood of the Covenant
Shemot 24:9 | On the Mountain with G-d
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PARASHAT TERUMAH
FEBRUARY 5 4 ADAR I
Shemot (Exodus) Melakhim Aleph (I Kings)
25:1 - 27:19 5:26 - 6:13
The nineteenth reading from the Torah is named Terumah. In Shemot

25:2, the LORD commanded Moshe to "tell the sons of Israel to [take] a
contribution for Me." The word translated as "contribution" is terumah,
which is the name of this Torah portion. Terumah is a word with no real
English equivalent. In the Torah, terumah refers to a certain type of
offering dedicated to the Temple, like a tithe or firstfruits offering. In
Shemot 25, the contribution is for the building of a holy place. This Torah
reading is occupied with the instructions for the building of the
Tabernacle and its furnishings, which includes an ark, two cherubs,
curtains and a menorah.

Shemot 25:1 | Offerings for the Tabernacle
Shemot 25:10 | The Ark of the Covenant
Shemot 25:23 | The Table for the Bread of the Presence
Shemot 25:31 | The Lampstand
Shemot 26:1 | The Tabernacle
Shemot 26:15 | The Framework
Shemot 26:31 | The Curtain
Shemot 27:1 | The Altar of Burnt Offering
Shemot 27:9 | The Court and Its Hangings
Haftarah
Melakhim Aleph 5:1 | Preparations and Materials for the Temple
Melakhim Aleph 6:1 | Solomon Builds the Temple
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PARASHAT TETZAVEH
FEBRUARY 12 11 ADAR I
27:20 - 30:10 43:10 - 43:27
Tetzaveh is the twentieth reading from the Torah. Tetzaveh means "You
shall command," as in the first verse of the reading, which says, "You
shall [command] the sons of Israel, that they bring you clear oil of beaten
olives for the light, to make a lamp burn continually" (Shemot 27:20). This
Torah portion continues to narrate the instructions for the construction
of the Tabernacle, focusing particularly on the priesthood that was to
serve in that sanctuary. The Israelites are commanded to make special
garments for Aharon and his sons to wear while ministering as priests.
Aharon is commanded to make incense offerings to G-d every morning
on an altar. G-d explains that once a year Aharon will make an offering
on that altar to atone for all of the Israelites’ sins. After describing the
priestly garments, the portion concludes with instructions for the ritual
inauguration of Aharon and his sons into the priesthood.

Shemot 27:20 | The Oil for the Lamp
Shemot 28:1 | Vestments for the Priesthood
Shemot 28:6 | The Ephod
Shemot 28:15 | The Breastplate
Shemot 28:31 | Other Priestly Vestments
Shemot 29:1 | The Ordination of the Priests
Shemot 29:38 | The Daily Offerings
Shemot 30:1 | The Altar of Incense
Haftarah
Yekhezqel 43:13 | The Altar
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PARASHAT KI TISA
30:11 - 34:35 36:16 - 36:38
Ki Tisa, the twenty-first reading from the Torah, literally means "when
you lift up." It comes from the first words of the second verse of the
reading, which could be literally rendered, "When you lift up the head of
the sons of Israel to reckon them" (Shemot 30:12). The phrase "lift up the
head" is an idiom for taking a headcount. The portion begins with
instructions for taking a census, finishes up the instructions for making
the Tabernacle, reiterates the commandment of Shabbat and then
proceeds to tell the story of the golden calf. The majority of Ki Tisa is
concerned with the sin of the golden calf, the breach in the covenant
between G-d and Israel, and how Moshe undertakes to restore that
covenant relationship.

Shemot 30:11 | The Half Shekel for the Sanctuary
Shemot 30:17 | The Bronze Basin
Shemot 30:22 | The Anointing Oil and Incense
Shemot 31:1 | Bezalel and Oholiab
Shemot 31:12 | The Shabbat Law
Shemot 31:18 | The Two Tablets of the Covenant
Shemot 32:1 | The Golden Calf
Shemot 33:1 | The Command to Leave Sinai
Shemot 33:7 | The Tent outside the Camp
Shemot 33:12 | Moshe's Intercession
Shemot 34:1 | Moshe Makes New Tablets
Shemot 34:10 | The Covenant Renewed
Shemot 34:29 | The Shining Face of Moshe
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PARASHAT VAYAKHEL
Shemot (Exodus) Melakhim Bet (II Kings)
35:1 - 38:20 12:1 - 12:17
Shabbat Shekalim
The twenty-second reading from the Torah and the second-to-last

reading from the book of Shemot is called Vayakhel, which means "and
he assembled." The name comes from the first words of the first verse of
the reading, which could be literally translated to read, "And Moshe
assembled all the congregation of the sons of Israel..." (Shemot 35:1).
This portion from the Torah describes how the assembly of Israel worked
together to build the Tabernacle.

Shemot 35:1 | Shabbat Regulations
Shemot 35:4 | Preparations for Making the Tabernacle
Shemot 35:20 | Offerings for the Tabernacle
Shemot 35:30 | Bezalel and Oholiab
Shemot 36:8 | Construction of the Tabernacle
Shemot 37:1 | Making the Ark of the Covenant
Shemot 37:10 | Making the Table for the Bread of the Presence
Shemot 37:17 | Making the Lampstand
Shemot 37:25 | Making the Altar of Incense
Shemot 37:29 | Making the Anointing Oil and the Incense
Shemot 38:1 | Making the Altar of Burnt Offering
Shemot 38:9 | Making the Court of the Tabernacle
Haftarah
Melakhim Bet 7:13 | Products of Hiram the Bronzeworker
-15-
PARASHAT PEKUDEI
MARCH 5 2 ADAR II
Shemot (Exodus) Melakhim Aleph (I Kings)
38:21 - 40:38 7:51 - 8:21
The twenty-third reading from the Torah and last reading from the book
of Shemot is called Pekudei, which means "Accounts." The first words of
the first verse of the reading could be literally translated to read, "These
are the accounts (pekudei) of the Tabernacle" (Shemot 38:21). The last
reading from Shemot begins with an audit of how the contributions for
the Tabernacle were used. The portion goes on to describe the
completion of the Tabernacle and its assembly and concludes by
depicting the glory of G-d entering it.

Shemot 38:21 | Materials of the Tabernacle
Shemot 39:1 | Making the Vestments for the Priesthood
Shemot 39:32 | The Work Completed
Shemot 40:1 | The Tabernacle Erected and Its Equipment Installed
Shemot 40:34 | The Cloud and the Glory
Haftarah
Melakhim Aleph 7:13 | Products of Hiram the Bronzeworker
-16-
PARASHAT VAYIKRA
MARCH 12 9 ADAR II
Vayikra (Leviticus) Shemuel Aleph (I Samuel)
1:1 - 5:26 15:2 - 15:34
Shabbat Zachor
The book of Vayikra (Leviticus) is predominantly concerned with Levitical

rituals. An older Hebrew name for the book was "The Laws of the
Priesthood," but in Judaism today, it is referred to by the name Vayikra,
which means "And He called." Vayikra is the first Hebrew word of the
book, which begins by saying, "And the LORD called to Moshe and spoke
to him from inside the tent of meeting" (Vayikra 1:1).
Vayikra describes the offering services and the duties of the priests. It
also introduces ritual purity, the kashrut diet, the calendar of appointed
times, laws of holiness, and laws relating to redemption, vows, and
tithes. In addition, Vayikra discourses on ethical instruction and holiness.
This portion introduces the offering services and describes five different
types of offerings.

Vayikra 1:1 | The Burnt Offering
Vayikra 2:1 | Grain Offerings
Vayikra 3:1 | Offerings of Well-Being
Vayikra 4:1 | Sin Offerings
Vayikra 5:14 | Offerings with Restitution
-11-
2022 5782
MARCH 16 - 17 14 - 15 ADAR
PURIM
Purim is one of the most joyful holidays in the Jewish Calendar, it's a
festival that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in the
ancient Persian Empire from Haman’s plot "to destroy, kill and annihilate
all the Jews, young and old, infants and women, in a single day."

This holiday is preceded by a minor fast, Ta'anit Esther (the Fast of

Esther), which commemorates Esther’s three days of fasting in
preparation for her meeting with the king. It's commemorated with the
reading of the Megillah (book of Esther), which recounts the story of the
Purim miracle, charity to the poor, gifts, and a big feast. In Ashkenazi
tradition, it's customary for children to dress in costumes, and we can't
forget hamantaschen, a traditional Ashkenazi Purim pastry. In Sephardic
tradition, biscocchos, and fulares. As to Mizrahi tradition: Ba’ba Ta’Mar,
and bourekas.
Blessings:
Before reading the Megillah:
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha'Olam asher kideshanu be-mitzvotav, vetzivanu
'al mikra Megillah (Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, Who has
sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us regarding the reading
of the Megillah)
Anenu - A Prayer When in Distress (During Fast):
Answer us, O L-rd, answer us on our fast day, for we are in great distress. Do not turn
to our wickedness, do not conceal Your countenance from us, and do not disregard
our supplications. Be near to our cry; let Your loving-kindness console us; answer us
even before we call You . . . For You, L-rd, are He who answers in times of distress,
who redeems and rescues in all times of distress and tribulation.
Reflection:
"We should not be exceedingly cautious with money on Purim. Rather, we give to
everyone who puts out a hand." (Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 694:3)
Begins at sunset on March 16, and ends on the evening of March 17

Work is avoided
-18-
PARASHAT TZAV
MARCH 19 16 ADAR II
Vayikra (Leviticus) Malachi
6:1 - 8:36 3:4 - 3:24
The twenty-fifth reading from the Torah and second reading from the
book of Vayikra is called Tzav, which means "Command." The name
comes from the first word of Vayikra 6:9, where the LORD says to
Moshe, "Command Aharon and his sons..." Tzav reiterates the five types
of offerings introduced in the previous portion but this time discusses
the priestly regulations pertaining to them. The last chapter of the
reading describes the seven-day ordination of Aharon and his sons as
they prepared to enter the holy priesthood.

Vayikra 6:8 | Instructions concerning Sacrifices
Vayikra 7:11 | Further Instructions
Vayikra 8:1 | The Rites of Ordination
-19-
PARASHAT SHMINI
MARCH 26 23 ADAR II
Vayikra (Leviticus) Yekhezqel (Ezekiel)
9:1 - 11:47 36:16 - 36:38
Shabbat Parah
Shemini is the twenty-sixth reading from the Torah and third reading
from the book of Vayikra. The word shemini means "eighth," and it
comes from the first words of Vayikra 9:1, which says, "Now it came
about on the eighth day that Moshe called Aharon and his sons and the
elders of Israel" (Vayikra 9:1). The text goes on to describe the events of
the eight day after setting up the Tabernacle, a phenomenal worship
service followed by a tragic incident. The reading concludes with the
dietary laws regarding animals fit for consumption and prohibitions
regarding those that are unfit.

Vayikra 9:1 | Aharon's Priesthood Inaugurated
Vayikra 10:1 | Nadab and Abihu
Vayikra 11:1 | Clean and Unclean Foods
Vayikra 11:24 | Unclean Animals
-20-
PARASHAT TAZRIA
APRIL 2 1 NISAN
12:1 - 13:59 45:16 - 46:18
Shabbat HaChodesh
The name of the twenty-seventh reading from the Torah is Tazria, which
means "she conceived." The name is derived from the words of Vayikra
12:2, where the LORD says to Moshe, "When a woman [conceives] and
bears a male child." Vayikra 12 discusses the laws of purification after
childbirth. Vayikra 13 introduces the laws for diagnosing and
quarantining those infected with leprosy.

Vayikra 12:1 | Purification of Women after Childbirth
Vayikra 13:1 | Leprosy, Varieties and Symptoms
-21-
PARASHAT METZORA
APRIL 9 8 NISAN
Vayikra (Leviticus) Malachi
14:1 - 15:33 3:4 - 3:24
Shabbat HaGadol
The twenty-eighth reading from the Torah is Metzora, a word that means
"leper." The word appears in the second verse of the reading, which says,
"This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing" (Vayikra
14:2). Vayikra 14 spells out the complex purification rituals for the
cleansing of a leper and a leprous home. Vayikra 15 briefly covers the
laws regarding ritual unfitness stemming from bodily emissions.

Vayikra 14:1 | Purification of Lepers and Leprous Houses
Vayikra 15:1 | Concerning Bodily Discharges
-22-
2022 5782
APRIL 15 - 23 15 - 23 NISAN
PESACH
Pesach (Passover) is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals of
ancient Israel and commemorates the Exodus from slavery in Egypt,
because they had to leave in a hurry, they didn’t have time for their
bread to rise. That’s why matzah, a flat, cracker-like food, is one of the
main symbols of the holiday, and an important food eaten during the
week. It is also why some people choose not to eat any “chametz” or
leavened bread—anything that uses a raising agent, like yeast—for the
duration of the holiday.
Its name, Pesach, comes from the miracle in which G-d “passed over” the
houses of the Israelites during the tenth plague. Centered on the family
or communal celebration of the seder (ritual meal). Together with
Shavuot (the Festival of Weeks) and Sukkot (The Festival of Booths),
Passover is one of the three ancient Israelite pilgrimage festivals, during
which adult males journeyed to the Temple in Jerusalem to offer
sacrifices and bask in the divine presence. Since the destruction of the
Second Temple in 70 CE, the focus of Pesach shifted to the ritual meal,
called the seder, which normally takes place at home.
Get ready

In the days and even weeks leading up to Passover, some people clean
out their houses thoroughly, like a religiously-inspired spring cleaning.
Some people try to get rid of all their leavened foods, including bread,
pasta, many cereals and even beer, and some have a separate set of
dishes used only on Passover. Others may clean as a symbolic gesture
and store their leavened foods out of sight during the holiday.
The night before the first seder, there’s an old ritual called bidikat
chametz where some families search the house for leavened foods using
a candle and a feather. Some people create a bread scavenger hunt with
their kids, which is the first of many parts of the holiday designed to keep
children interested.
-23-
The Seder
The Pesach seder is based on the Haggadah, a book of instructions,

prayers, blessings, and stories that lays out the proper order for the
ritual. Haggadah means “the telling,” referring to one of the most
important aspects of the seder: the recitation of the Exodus story.
The basic text of the traditional Haggadah is almost identical to that used
in the eleventh century. However, in the 1960s and 1970s, many different
versions began to appear, and now there are literally hundreds of
Haggadot (the plural of Haggadah) available, each laying out the same

basic ritual but with a different spin.
The seder takes place following the Pesach evening synagogue service
on the first two nights (or just the first night in Israel). The seder is
supposed to take place with everyone in a reclining position. This is
because slaves ate hurriedly; the affluent and free were able to recline
on cushions. On Erev Pesach (Passover eve), rich and poor are
indistinguishable and all are free and thus privileged to recline. Many
families have the tradition of placing pillows on each chair.
The Seder Plate
The seder plate (there’s

usually one per table)
holds at least six of the
ritual items that are
talked about during the
seder: the shankbone,
karpas, chazeret,
charoset, maror, and egg.
-24-
Roasted lamb shankbone: One of the most striking symbols of
Passover is the roasted lamb shankbone (called zeroah), which
commemorates the paschal (lamb) sacrifice made the night the ancient
Hebrews fled Egypt. Some people say it symbolizes the outstretched arm
of God (the Hebrew word zeroah can mean “arm”).
Roasted egg: The roasted egg (baytsah) is a symbol of either the spring
season or mourning (for the destruction of Jerusalem). Another popular
interpretation is that the egg is like the Jewish people: the hotter you
make it for them, the tougher they get..
Maror (“bitter herb”): Any bitter herb will work, though horseradish is
the most common. Bitter herbs bring tears to the eyes and recall the
bitterness of slavery. The seder refers to the slavery in Egypt, but people
are called to look at their own bitter enslavements, whether addiction or
habit.
Charoset: There’s nothing further from maror than charoset, that sweet
salad of apples, nuts, wine, and cinnamon that represents the mortar
used by the Hebrew slaves to make bricks.
Karpas: Karpas is a green vegetable, usually parsley (though any spring

green will do). While karpas may symbolize the freshness of spring,
others say people eat it to make them feel like nobility or aristocracy.
Some families still use boiled potatoes for karpas, continuing a tradition
from Eastern Europe where it was difficult to obtain fresh green
vegetables.
Chazeret: The chazeret is a second bitter herb, most often romaine

lettuce, but people also use the leafy greens of a horseradish or carrot
plant. The symbolism is the same as that of maror.
Matzah: Perhaps the most important symbol on the seder table is a

plate that has a stack of three pieces of matzah (unleavened bread) on it.
The matzot (that’s plural for matzah) are typically covered with a cloth.
People have come up with numerous interpretations for the three
matzot.Some say they represent the Kohen class (the Jewish priests in an
-25-
cient times), the Levis (who supported the priests), and the Israelites (the
rest of the Jews). What symbolism you attribute to this trinity isn’t all that
important, as long as you’re thinking about it.
During the struggles of Soviet Jewry, a fourth piece of matzah was added
to the seder plate to symbolize the struggles of Jews who were not yet
free enough to celebrate the Passover. Today, some families still use that
fourth matzah as a way of remembering all people who are not yet free
to celebrate as they wish.
The longest part of the seder is called “Maggid,” which means

storytelling. It includes the story of the Exodus as well as the story of the
ancient rabbis telling the story. There are also four glasses of wine or
grape juice blessed and drunk at specific points in the seder, and songs
sung at the very end. Traditionally, the four cups represent the four
promises of redemption: “I will bring you out from under the burdens of
the Egyptians, and I will rid you from their slavery, and I will redeem you
with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments. And I will take you
to me for a people . . .” Others say the four cups represent the four
letters in the unspeakable Name of G-d.
Another special part of the seder is the extra cup of wine left on the table
for Eliyahu (Elijah), a child is sent to open the door for the prophet who
will be a harbinger of messianic times. The chanting of the song Dayenu
(“it would have been enough”), a joyous recognition of G-d’s numerous
gifts to us in the course of the Exodus, is another highlight.
Let's eat
Beyond the ritual foods on the seder plate, another seder step is
shulchan orech, a festive meal. Any dishes that feel festive and do not
contain leavened products are appropriate to serve for dinner. Some
popular choices in Ashkenazi families may include matzah ball soup,
gefilte fish (fish cakes), brisket and tzimmes (stewed fruit and
vegetables). Sephardi families may serve lamb, rice or legumes, and
often use lemons, leeks, artichokes and dates when cooking.
-26-
During first two days and last two days (the latter commemorating the
splitting of the Red Sea) are full-fledged holidays. Holiday candles are lit
at night, and kiddush and sumptuous holiday meals are enjoyed on both
nights and days. We don’t go to work, drive, write, or switch on or off
electric devices. We are permitted to cook and to carry outdoors.
The middle four days are called Chol Hamoed, semi-festive “intermediate
days,” when most forms of work are permitted.
Blessings and prayers:

Candle lighting
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha-olam, asher kiddishanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu
lehadlik neir shel [Shabbat v’shel] Yom Tov. (Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the
universe, who has directed us to kindle [the Shabbat] and holiday lights.)
Kiddush (Blessing over the wine)
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheynu Melech Ha'olam boray p'ree hagafen. (Blessed are you, L-rd
our G-d, King of the universe, who created the fruit of the vine.)
Shehecheyanu (Gratitude)
Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha'Olam shehecheyanu v'kiy'manu, v'higiyanu
laz'man. (Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the Universe, who has granted us life,
sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion)
Urwatz (Hand washing in preparation for the Seder)
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheynu Melech Ha'olam asher kid'shanu b'mitz'votav vitz'ivanu al
n'ti'lat ya'dai'im. (Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, who has
sanctified us with Your commandments, and commanded us concerning the washing
of the hands.)
Don't forget to say L'Shana Haba'ah B'Yerushalayim (Next year in

Jerusalem) at the end of your Seder - If in the Diaspora
Begins at sunset on April 15, and ends on the evening of April 23

No work is permitted on April 16 - 17 and April 22 - 23. Work is permitted
only on April 18 - 21 with certain restrictions.
-27-
READINGS FOR PESACH
APRIL 16 15 NISAN
Shemot (Exodus) Yehoshua (Joshua)
12:21-51 3:5-7; 5:2 - 6:1; 6:27

Bamidbar (Numbers)
28:16-25
APRIL 17 16 NISAN
Vayikra (Leviticus) Melakhim Bet (II Kings)
22:26 - 23:44 23:1-9; 23:21-25

Bemidbar (Numbers)
28:16-25
APRIL 18 17 NISAN APRIL 19 18 NISAN

TORAH READING TORAH READING
Shemot (Exodus) Shemot (Exodus)
13:1-16 22:24 - 23:19

Bemidbar (Numbers) Bemidbar (Numbers)

28:19-25 28:19-25
-28-
APRIL 20 19 NISAN APRIL 21 20 NISAN
TORAH READING TORAH READING
Shemot (Exodus) Bemidbar (Numbers)
34:1-26 9:1-14

Bemidbar (Numbers) Bemidbar (Numbers)

28:19-25 28:19-25
APRIL 22 21 NISAN
Shemot (Exodus) Shmuel Bet (Samuel II)
13:17 - 15:26 22:1-51

Bemidbar (Numbers)
28:19-25
APRIL 23 22 NISAN
Devarim (Deuteronomy) Yeshayahu (Isaiah)
14:22 - 16:17 10:32 - 12:6

Bemidbar (Numbers)
28:19-25
-29-
2022 5782
APRIL 27 27 NISAN
YOM HASHOAH
Yom Hazikaron laShoah ve-laG'vurah (Holocaust and Heroism
Remembrance Day) better known as simply Yom Hashoah is an annual
day of remembrance of the victim, although the date was established by
the Israeli government, it has become a day commemorated by Jewish

communities and individuals worldwide.
In the early 1950s, education about the Holocaust emphasized the

suffering inflicted on millions of Jews by the Nazis. Surveys conducted in
the late 1950s indicated that young Israelis did not sympathize with the
victims of the Holocaust, since they believed that European Jews were
“led like sheep for slaughter.” The Israeli educational curriculum began to
shift the emphasis to documenting how Jews resisted their Nazi
tormentors through “passive resistance”—retaining their human dignity
in the most unbearable conditions—and by “active resistance,” fighting
the Nazis in the ghettos and joining underground partisans who battled
the Third Reich in its occupied countries.
Yom Hashoah ceremony in the Israeli town of Kiryat Gat, 1963. (PikiWiki Israel/Wikimedia Commons)
-30-
Since the early 1960s, the sound of a siren on Yom Hashoah stops traffic
and pedestrians throughout the State of Israel for two minutes of silent
devotion. The siren blows at sundown as the holiday begins and once
again at 11 a.m. the following morning. All radio and television programs
during this day are connected in one way or another with the Jewish
destiny in World War II, including personal interviews with survivors.
Even the musical programs are adapted to the atmosphere of Yom
Hashoah. There is no public entertainment on Yom Hashoah, as
theaters, cinemas, pubs, and other public venues are closed throughout
Israel.

Jews in North America observe Yom Hashoah within the synagogue as

well as in the broader Jewish community. Commemorations range from
synagogue services to communal vigils and educational programs. A few
congregations find it more practical to hold commemorative ceremonies
on the Sunday closest to Yom Hashoah. Many Yom Hashoah programs
feature a talk by a Holocaust survivor, recitation of appropriate songs
and readings, or viewing of a Holocaust-themed film. Some communities
choose to emphasize the depth of loss that Jews experienced in the
Holocaust by reading the names of Holocaust victims one after another
— dramatizing the unfathomable notion of six million deaths. Many
Jewish schools also hold Holocaust-related educational programs on or
around Yom Hashoah.
It's customary to light candles in the memory of those that perished

during this dark period in Jewish History.
-31-
PARASHAT ACHREI MOT
APRIL 30 29 NISAN
Vayikra (Leviticus) Shmuel Bet (I Samuel)
16:1 - 18:30 20:18 - 20:42
Shabbat Machar Chodesh
The twenty-ninth reading from the Torah and sixth reading from Vayikra
is named Acharei Mot, two words that mean "after death." The title
comes from the first words of the first verse of the reading, which say,
"Now the LORD spoke to Moshe after the death of the two sons of
Aharon" (Vayikra 16:1). Vayikra 16 describes the Tabernacle ceremony
for the holy festival of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). Vayikra 17
establishes general rules for sacrifice and sanctuary. Vayikra 18 lays
down specific laws about permitted and forbidden sexual relationships.

Vayikra 16:1 | Yom Kippur
Vayikra 17:1 | The Slaughtering of Animals
Vayikra 17:10 | Eating Blood Prohibited
Vayikra 18:1 | Sexual Relations
-32-
PARASHAT KEDOSHIM
MAY 7 6 IYYAR
Vayikra (Leviticus) Amos
19:1 - 20:27 9:7 - 9:15
The thirtieth reading from the Torah and seventh reading from Vayikra is
named Kedoshim, which mean "holy." The title comes from the words in
Vayikra 19:2, which says, "You shall be holy, for I the LORD your G-d am
holy." Vayikra 19 describes the holy community through a series of
specific commandments. The laws described include some of those
recorded in the Ten Commandments, such as respecting one’s parents,
keeping the Shabbat, and not stealing. G-d also introduces laws about
farming and about belief in supernatural beings.

Vayikra 19:1 | Ritual and Moral Holiness
Vayikra 20:1 | Penalties for Violations of Holiness
Haftarah
Amos 9:1 | The Destruction of Israel
Amos 9:11 | The Restoration of David's Kingdom
-33-
PARASHAT EMOR
MAY 14 13 IYYAR
21:1 - 24:23 44:15 - 44:31
The thirty-first reading from the Torah is called Emor, a title that comes
from the first verse of the reading, which says, "Then the LORD said to
Mohse, 'Speak (emor) to the priests, the sons of Aharon...'" (Vayikra 21:1).
Emor begins with special laws of sanctity, propriety and purity for the
priesthood. G-d then describes a variety of holidays, including Passover,
Shabbat, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot. G-d outlines the omer period, asking
the Israelites to bring food offerings to the priests for seven weeks.

Vayikra 21:1 | The Holiness of Priests
Vayikra 22:1 | The Use of Holy Offerings
Vayikra 22:17 | Acceptable Offerings
Vayikra 23:1 | Appointed Festivals
Vayikra 23:3 | Shabbat, Passover, and Unleavened Bread
Vayikra 23:9 | The Offering of First Fruits
Vayikra 23:15 | The Festival of Weeks
Vayikra 23:23 | The Festival of Trumpets
Vayikra 23:26 | The Day of Atonement
Vayikra 23:33 | The Festival of Booths
Vayikra 24:1 | The Lamp
Vayikra 24:5 | The Bread for the Tabernacle
Vayikra 24:10 | Blasphemy and Its Punishment
Haftarah
Yekhezqel 44:15 | The Levitical Priests
-34-
PARASHAT BEHAR
MAY 21 20 IYYAR
Vayikra (Leviticus) Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah)
25:1 - 26:2 32:6 - 32:27
The thirty-second reading from the Torah and second-to-last reading

from the book of Vayikra is called Behar, which means "On the
Mountain." The name comes from the first words of the first verse of the
reading, which could be literally translated to read, "The LORD then
spoke to Moshe on Mount Sinai" (Vayikra 25:1). This portion from the
Torah introduces the laws of the sabbatical years, the jubilee, and laws
concerning redemption.

Vayikra 25:1 | The Sabbatical Year
Vayikra 25:8 | The Year of Jubilee
Vayikra 26:1 | Rewards for Obedience
Haftarah
Yirmeyahu 32:1 | Yirmeyahu Buys a Field During the Siege
Yirmeyahu 32:16 | Yirmeyahu Prays for Understanding
Yirmeyahu 32:26 | G-d's Assurance of the People's Return
-35-
PARASHAT BECHUKOTAI
MAY 28 27 IYYAR
Vayikra (Leviticus) Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah)
26:3 - 27:34 16:19 - 17:14
The last reading from the book of Vayikra is called Bechukotai, which
means "In My Laws." The name comes from the first verse of the
reading, which begins with the words "If you follow My Laws..." (Vayikra
26:3). This last reading from Vayikra promises blessings and rewards for
Israel if they keep the Torah, but punishment and curses if they break
the commandments of the Torah. The last chapter discusses laws
pertaining to vows, valuations, and tithes.

Vayikra 26:14 | Penalties for Disobedience
Vayikra 27:1 | Votive Offerings
Haftarah
Yirmeyahu 16:14 | God Will Restore Israel
Yirmeyahu 17:1 | Yehudah's Sin and Punishment
Yirmeyahu 17:14 | Yirmeyahu Prays for Vindication
Yirmeyahu 17:19 | Hallow the Sabbath Day
-36-
2022 5782
MAY 29 28 IYYAR
YOM YERUSHALAYIM
Ethiopian Jews' Memorial Day
Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) is the most recent addition to the

Hebrew calendar. It is celebrated on the 28th day of Iyar (six weeks after

the Passover seder, one week before the eve of Shavuot) and was
declared by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel a minor religious holiday to
mark the regaining of access to the Kotel (Western Wall).
In Jerusalem, thousands of people march around the city and walk

through the liberated Old City, where Jews were denied access from 1948
to 1967 while it was under Jordanian control. The march ends at the
Kotel, one of the ancient retaining walls surrounding the Temple Mount,
Judaism's holiest site. Once everyone gets to the Kotel, there are
speeches and concerts and celebratory dancing. One of the themes of
Jerusalem Day, based on a verse from the book of Tehillim (Psalms), is
"Built-up Jerusalem is like a city that was joined together" (Tehillim
122:3).
This day was also decreed as Ethiopian Jews' Memorial Day, every year
a ceremony is held on Yom Yerushalayim to commemorate the Ethiopian
Jews who perished on their way to Eretz Israel. In 2004, the Israeli
government decided to turn this ceremony into a state ceremony held at
the memorial site for Ethiopian Jews who perished on their way to Israel
on Mount Herzl.
-37-
PARASHAT BAMIDBAR
JUNE 4 5 SIWAN
Bamidbar (Numbers) Hosea
1:1 - 4:20 2:1 - 2:22
The Hebrew name of the fourth book of the Torah (also the name of the
first reading) is Bamidbar, which means "In the wilderness." It comes
from the first words of the first verse, which say, "Then the LORD spoke
to Moshe in the wilderness of Sinai" (Bamidbar 1:1). The book of
Bamidbar tells the story of Israel's trek through the wilderness on their
way to the Promised Land, their failure at the edge of the land, and the
subsequent forty years of wandering. It concludes with the story of the
second generation's triumphs over the first Canaanite resistance. The
book ends with the Israelites poised on the edge of Canaan, ready to
take their inheritance. Woven in the midst of these narratives is a
significant amount of legal material.
The first reading from Bamidbar and the thirty-fourth reading from the
Torah begin with a census of the tribes of Israel and the Levi'im (Levitical)
families just prior to the departure from Sinai.

Bamidbar 1:1 | The First Census of Israel
Bamidbar 2:1 | The Order of Encampment and Marching
Bamidbar 3:1 | The Sons of Aharon
Bamidbar 3:5 | The Duties of the Levi'im
Bamidbar 3:14 | A Census of the Levi'im
Bamidbar 3:40 | The Redemption of the Firstborn
Bamidbar 4:1 | The Kohanim
Haftarah
Hosea 2:2 | Israel's Infidelity, Punishment, and Redemption
-38-
2022 5782
JUNE 4 5 SIWAN
SHAVUOT
Shavuot commemorates the spring harvest and the giving of the Torah
on Mount Sinai. The Torah was given by G‑d to the Jewish people on
Mount Sinai on Shavuot more than 3,300 years ago. Every year on the
holiday of Shavuot we renew our acceptance of G‑d’s gift, and G‑d “re-
gives” the Torah.
Although the reasons for this custom are not completely clear, it has
become traditional to eat milk and cheese products as part of the
celebration of Shavuot. Much of the observance of the holiday centers
on the synagogue and its rituals. The special readings for the holiday
include medieval poems (piyyutim) and the Book of Ruth. A number of
reasons are given for the inclusion of the latter. Among them are that the
book takes place at the time of the barley harvest, that Ruth’s
assumption of Naomi’s religion reflects the Israelites’ acceptance of the
Torah at Sinai, and that King David, who is alleged to have died at this
time of year according to rabbinic tradition, is mentioned at the end of
Ruth. Another tradition is to participate in a Tikkun Leil Shavuot, an all-
night study session marking the holiday. And finally, Shavuot is one of
the holidays on which both Hallel, the Psalms of Praise, is recited and
Yizkor, the memorial service, is observed. Some have the custom to
decorate their homes (and synagogues) with flowers and sweet-smelling
plants in advance of Shavuot.
Shehechiyanu
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha'Olam shehechiyanu v'kiyimanu, v'higiyanu
laz'man hazeh. (Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, who has given us
life, and sustained us, and brought us to this day.)
Begins at sunset on June 4, and ends on the evening of June 6

Work is not permitted
-39-
PARASHAT NASSO
JUNE 11 12 SIWAN
Bamidbar (Numbers) Shofetim (Judges)
4:21 - 7:89 13:2 - 13:25
The second reading from the book of Bamidbar and the thirty-fifth
reading from the Torah is called Nasso, a word that literally means "lift
up." It comes from the first word of the second verse in Hebrew, which
could literally be translated to say, "Lift up the heads of the sons of
Gershon," an idiomatic way of saying, "Make an accounting of the sons of
Gershon." This Torah portion finishes up the census of the Levi'im
(Levites) that was under way at the end of the last Torah portion, before
going on to discuss the purification of the camp, the ritual for a woman
suspected of adultery, the laws of the Nazirite vow, the priestly
benediction and the gifts the heads of the twelve tribes brought for the
dedication of the altar.

Bamidbar 4:21 | The Gershonites and Merarites
Bamidbar 4:34 | Census of the Levi'im
Bamidbar 5:1 | Unclean Persons
Bamidbar 5:5 | Confession and Restitution
Bamidbar 5:11 | Concerning an Unfaithful Wife
Bamidbar 6:1 | The Nazirites
Bamidbar 6:22 | The Priestly Benediction
Bamidbar 7:1 | Offerings of the Leaders
Haftarah
Shofetim 13:1 | The Birth of Samson
-40-
PARASHAT BEHA’ALOTCHA
JUNE 18 19 SIWAN
Bamidbar (Numbers) Zechariah
8:1 - 12:16 2:14 - 4:7
The third reading from the book of Bamidbar and the thirty-sixth reading
from the Torah is called Beha'alotcha, a word that literally means "When
you ascend." It comes from the first verse of the portion, which could
literally be translated as "When you ascend the lamps" (Bamidbar 8:2), a
reference to the fact that the priest had to step up to clean and light the
lamps of the menorah. This portion is jam-packed, telling the story of the
consecration of the Levi'im (Levites), the first Pesach in the wilderness,
the silver trumpets, the cloud of glory, the departure from Sinai, the
grumbling in the wilderness, the first Sanhedrin, and the punishment of
Miryam.

Bamidbar 8:1 | The Seven Lamps
Bamidbar 8:5 | Consecration and Service of the Levi'im
Bamidbar 9:1 | The Pesach at Sinai
Bamidbar 9:15 | The Cloud and the Fire
Bamidbar 10:1 | The Silver Trumpets
Bamidbar 10:11 | Departure from Sinai
Bamidbar 11:1 | Complaining in the Desert
Bamidbar 11:16 | The Seventy Elders
Bamidbar 11:31 | The Quails
Bamidbar 12:1 | Aaron and Miryam Jealous of Moshe
Haftarah
Zechariah 2:6 Interlude: | An Appeal to the Exiles
Zechariah 3:1 Fourth Vision: | Yehoshua and the Accuser
Zechariah 4:1 Fifth Vision: | The Lampstand and Olive Trees
-41-
PARASHAT SH’LACH
JUNE 25 26 SIWAN
Bamidbar (Numbers) Yehoshua (Joshua)
13:1 - 15:41 2:1 - 2:24
The thirty-seventh reading from the Torah is called Shelach, an

imperative verb that means "send out." The portion is so named from
the first few words of the second verse: "Send out for yourself men so
that they may spy out the land of Canaan" (Bamidbar 13:2). The Torah
reading tells the tragic story of how the spies returned with a bad report
about the Land of Promise and influenced the congregation of Israel to
rebel against the LORD. Thus G-d consigned the generation of Moshe to
wander in the wilderness for forty years.

Bamidbar 13:1 | Spies Sent into Canaan
Bamidbar 13:25 | The Report of the Spies
Bamidbar 14:1 | The People Rebel
Bamidbar 14:13 | Moshe Intercedes for the People
Bamidbar 14:26 | An Attempted Invasion is Repulsed
Bamidbar 15:1 | Various Offerings
Bamidbar 15:32 | Penalty for Violating the Shabbat
Bamidbar 15:37 | Fringes on Garments
Haftarah
Yehoshua 2:1 | Spies Sent to Yericho
-42-
PARASHAT KORACH
JULY 2 3 TAMMUZ
Bamidbar (Numbers) Shemuel Aleph (I Samuel)
16:1 - 18:32 11:14 - 12:22
Korach was the name of a prominent Levi. It is also the name of the
thirty-eighth reading from the Torah. It comes from the first verse of this
week's reading, which says, "Now Korach the son of Izhar... took action"
(Bamidbar 16:1). This week's Torah reading tells the story of how Korach
led an unsuccessful rebellion against Moshe and Aharon. After thwarting
the insurrection, G-d confirms Aharon in the priesthood and provides
additional legislation regarding Kohanim and Levi'im privileges and
responsibilities.

Bamidbar 16:1 | Revolt of Korach, Dathan, and Abiram
Bamidbar 17:1 | The Budding of Aharon's Rod
Bamidbar 18:1 | Responsibility of Kohanim and Levi'im
Bamidbar 18:8 | The Kohanim's Portion
Haftarah
Shemuel Aleph 11:1 | Sa'ul Defeats the Ammonites
Shemuel Aleph 12:1 | Shemuel's Farewell Address
-43-
PARASHAT CHUKAT
JULY 9 10 TAMMUZ
Bamidbar (Numbers) Shofetim (Judges)
19:1 - 22:1 11:1 - 11:33
Chukat is the thirty-ninth reading from the Torah. The word chukat
means "statute." The name is derived from the second verse of the
reading: "This is the statute of the law which the LORD has commanded"
(Bamidbar 19:2). Chukat presents the mysterious laws of the red-heifer
ceremony for purification after contact with human death. This reading
also contains the story of Moshe striking the rock, the stories of the
deaths of Aharon and Miryam, and the wars with the Amorites. The
portion concludes with the host of Israel encamping on the edge of the
Promised Land.

Bamidbar 19:1 | Ceremony of the Red Heifer
Bamidbar 20:1 | The Waters of Meribah
Bamidbar 20:14 | Passage through Edom Refused
Bamidbar 20:22 | The Death of Aharon
Bamidbar 21:1 | The Bronze Serpent
Bamidbar 21:10 | The Journey to Moab
Bamidbar 21:21 | King Sihon Defeated
Bamidbar 21:33 | King Og Defeated
Haftarah
Shofetim 11:1 | Yiftah
Shofetim 11:29 | Yiftah's Vow
-44-
PARASHAT BALAK
JULY 16 17 TAMMUZ
Bamidbar (Numbers) Micah
22:2 - 25:9 5:6 - 6:8
Balak was the name of a Moabite king in the days of Moshe. It is also the
name of the fortieth reading from the Torah. It comes from the second
verse of this week's reading, which says, "Now Balak the son of Zippor
saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites" (Bamidbar 22:2). This
week's Torah reading tells the story of how Balak hires the occult
prophet Balaam to lay a curse on Israel. Balaam meets resistance from
G-d, has a conversation with his donkey, and ends up blessing Israel
instead of cursing them.

Bamidbar 22:1 | Balak Summons Balaam to Curse Israel
Bamidbar 22:22 | Balaam, the Donkey, and the Angel
Bamidbar 22:41 | Balaam's First Oracle
Bamidbar 23:13 | Balaam's Second Oracle
Bamidbar 24:1 | Balaam's Third Oracle
Bamidbar 24:15 | Balaam's Fourth Oracle
Bamidbar 25:1 | Worship of Baal of Peor
Haftarah
Micah 5:2 | The Ruler from Bethlehem
Micah 5:7 | The Future Role of the Remnant
Micah 6:1 | G-d Challenges Israel
Micah 6:6 | What G-d Requires
-45-
2022 5782
JULY 16 17 TAMMUZ
SHIVA ASAR B’TAMMUZ
The 17th of the month of Tammuz is observed as a minor fast day, with
eating and drinking forbidden from dawn until sundown. Like Tisha B’Av,
which comes just three weeks later, Shiva Asar b’Tammuz or 17th of
Tammuz is said to commemorate not just one calamitous event in Jewish
history, but several tragedies of the Jewish people.
The Mishnah in Taanit 4:6 lists five events that occurred on the 17th of
Tammuz: Moshe broke the tablets of law he had been given on Mount
Sinai, the Kohanim (priests) in the First Temple stopped offering the
Tamid (daily) sacrifice because Jerusalem was besieged and they ran out
of sheep, the walls of Jerusalem were breached by the Romans in the
Second Temple Period, a Roman general named Apostomos burned a
Torah scroll, and an idol was erected in the Temple by the Romans. The
minor fast also begins a period of mourning that lasts through Tisha
B’Av, the major fast day that commemorates, among other things, the
destruction of both the First and the Second Temples. During this three-
week period some people abstain from listening to music, getting
married, and cutting their hair.
Anenu - A Prayer When in Distress:

Breaking the fast:

Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha'Olam, Ha-Motzi lechem min ha-aretz (Blessed
are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the Universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.)
Begins at sunset on June 16, and ends on the evening of August 7

Work is permitted
-46-
PARASHAT PINCHAS
JULY 23 24 TAMMUZ
Bamidbar (Numbers) Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah)
25:10 - 30:1 1:1 - 2:3
Pinchas is the Hebrew name translated in English Bibles as Phinehas. It is

also the name of the forty-first reading from the Torah because of the
second verse of the reading, which says, "Phinehas the son of Eleazar,
the son of Aaron the priest, has turned away My wrath" (Numbers 25:11).
In this Torah portion, the LORD makes a covenant of peace with
Phinehas and his descendants, orders a second census, settles questions
about inheritance, appoints Joshua to succeed Moses and lists the
sacrifices for the appointed times.

Bamidbar 25:10 | The Zeal of Phinehas
Bamidbar 26:1 | A Census of the New Generation
Bamidbar 27:1 | The Daughters of Zelophehad
Bamidbar 27:12 | Yehoshua Appointed Moses' Successor
Bamidbar 28:1 | Daily Offerings
Bamidbar 28:9 | Shabbat Offerings
Bamidbar 28:11 | Monthly Offerings
Bamidbar 28:16 | Offerings at Pesach
Bamidbar 28:26 | Offerings at Shavuot
Bamidbar 29:1 | Offerings at Rosh Hashanah
Bamidbar 29:7 | Offerings on the Yom Kippur
Bamidbar 29:12 | Offerings at Sukkot
-47-
PARASHAT MATOT-MASEI
JULY 30 2 AV
Bamidbar (Numbers) Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah)
30:2 - 36:13 2:4 - 28; 3:4
Matot
The name of the forty-second reading from the Torah is Matot, which
means "tribes." The name is derived from the words of Bamidbar 30:1,
which says, "Then Moshe spoke to the heads of the tribes of the sons of
Israel." Bamidbar 30 discusses the laws of vows and oaths. Bamidbar 31
tells the story of Israel's war with Midian. Bamidbar 32 relates the story
of how the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Mannaseh came
to inherit the land east of the Jordan River. Except in Hebrew calendar
leap years, Mattot is read together with the subsequent Torah portion,
Massei, on the same Shabbat.
Masei

The last reading from the book of Bamidbar is called Masei, a word that
means "journeys." It comes from the first verse of the reading, which
begins with the words "These are the journeys of the sons of Israel"
(Bamidbar 33:1). Masei is the end of the continuous narrative of Torah
that began in Bereshit with the creation of the universe. The narrative
does not resume until the end of Devarim, when Moshe dies.
The final reading in Bamidbar settles several last-minute details. In it we
find a list of the encampments from Egypt to the plains of Moab. We also
find instructions for apportioning the land, as well as the specifics
regarding the borders of the land. While explaining the land and its
borders, Moshe introduces the laws of the cities of refuge and more
inheritance laws.
-48-
Bamidbar 30:1 | Vows Made by Women
Bamidbar 31:1 | War against Midian
Bamidbar 31:13 | Return from the War
Bamidbar 31:25 | Disposition of Captives and Booty
Bamidbar 32:1 | Conquest and Division of Transjordan
Bamidbar 33:1 | The Stages of Israel's Journey from Egypt
Bamidbar 33:50 | Directions for the Conquest of Canaan
Bamidbar 34:1 | The Boundaries of the Land
Bamidbar 34:16 | Tribal Leaders
Bamidbar 35:1 | Cities for the Levi'im
Bamidbar 35:9 | Cities of Refuge
Bamidbar 35:16 | Concerning Murder and Blood Revenge
Bamidbar 36:1 | Marriage of Female Heirs
Haftarah
Yirmeyahu 5:2 | The Ruler from Bethlehem
-49-
PARASHAT DEVARIM
AUGUST 6 9 AV
1:1 - 3:22 1:1 - 1:27
Devarim is both the title for the last book from the Torah and the title of
the first Torah portion therein. Devarim means "words", the title for the
book comes from the opening phrase: "These are the words (devarim)
which Moses spoke to all Israel across the Jordan in the wilderness"
(Devarim 1:1). One ancient name for the book of Devarim is Mishnah
HaTorah, which means "repetition of the Torah."
The book of Devarim is dominated by Moshe's farewell address to the
children of Israel as he urges them to remain faithful to the covenant
and prepares them for entering Canaan. During the course of the book,
Moshe reviews the story of the giving of the Torah at Sinai and the trip to
the Promised Land, reiterates several laws of Torah and introduces new
laws.

Devarim 1:1 | Events at Horeb Recalled
Devarim 1:9 | Appointment of Tribal Leaders
Devarim 1:19 | Israel's Refusal to Enter the Land
Devarim 1:34 | The Penalty for Israel's Rebellion
Devarim 1:46 | The Desert Years
Devarim 2:26 | Defeat of King Sihon
Devarim 3:1 | Defeat of King Og
Haftarah
Yeshayahu 1:1 | Introduction
Yeshayahu 1:2 | The Wickedness of Yehudah
Yeshayahu 1:21 | The Degenerate City
-50-
2022 5782
AUGUST 6 9 AV
TISHA B’AV
Tisha B’Av is the major day of communal mourning in the Jewish
calendar. Although a large number of disasters are said to have befallen
the Jews on this day from the expulsions of the Jews from England and
Spain to more localized disasters, the major commemoration is of the
destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem in 586 B.C.E.

and 70 C.E., respectively.
Tisha B'Av practices mirror that of Yom Kippur in many respects. It is a

day of fasting, on which one also is to refrain from washing, sexual
activities, using perfume and other such ointments, and wearing leather.
The Book of Lamentations (Megillat Eicha) and other dirges (kinot) are
read in the synagogue. It is also customary to give extra charity on Tisha
B’Av, as on every fast day and many communities have the custom to
clean the house and wash the floors after midday, in anticipation of the
Redemption, which we await.
When night falls, before breaking the fast, one should perform netilat
yadayim (hand-washing) but without reciting the blessing. It is also
customary to perform Kiddush Levanah at this point, celebrating the
rebirth of the moon, and our hoped-for national rebirth.

Breaking the fast:

Begins at sunset on August 6, and ends on the evening of August 7

Work is avoided
-51-
2022 5782
AUGUST 12 15 AV
TU B’AV
Tu B’Av (15th Day of Av), is both an ancient and modern holiday. The
Talmud tells us that during the second Temple period the “daughters of
Jerusalem would go dance in the vineyards”* on the 15th of Av, and
“whoever did not have a wife would go there” to find himself a bride. The
Talmud considers this the greatest festival of the year. In modern-day it
is gradually becoming a Hebrew-Jewish Day of Love, slightly resembling
Valentine’s Day in English-speaking countries.
As the “full moon” of the month of Av, it is the festival of the future
Redemption, marking the end of the tragedy that marred the first part of
the month. Until this day, we gave charity each day to mitigate our
sadness and hasten the Redemption. But on the 15th of Av, this is no
longer. It is now Forty-five days before Rosh Hashanah, this is also the
first day on which we begin to wish each other a ketivah v'achatimah
tovah, to be signed and sealed for a good year.
There were no better (i.e. happier) days for the people of Israel than the
Fifteenth of Av and Yom Kippur, since on these days the daughters of
Israel/Jerusalem go out dressed in white and dance in the vineyards. What were
they saying: Young man, consider whom you choose (to be your wife)? (Ta’anit,
Chapter 4)
Begins at sunset on August 12, and ends on the evening of August 13

Work is permitted
-52-
PARASHAT VAETCHANAN
AUGUST 13 16 AV
3:23 - 7:11 40:1 - 40:26
The forty-fifth reading from the Torah and the second reading from the
book of Devarim is named Vaetchanan, which means "and I pleaded."
The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, "I also
pleaded (vaetchanan) with the LORD at that time" (Devarim 3:23). The
portion completes the historical prologue of the Devarim covenant
document and begins a rehearsal of the stipulations. Part of that
rehearsal is a repetition of the Ten Commandments and the famous first
passage of the Shema: Devarim 6:4-9.

Devarim 3:23 | Moshe Views Canaan from Pisgah
Devarim 4:1 | Moshe Commands Obedience
Devarim 4:41 | Cities of Refuge East of the Jordan
Devarim 4:44 | Transition to the Second Address
Devarim 5:1 | The Ten Commandments
Devarim 5:22 | Moses the Mediator of God's Will
Devarim 6:1 | The Great Commandment
Devarim 6:10 | Caution against Disobedience
Devarim 7:1 | A Chosen People
Haftarah
Yeshayahu 40:1 | G-d's People Are Comforted
-53-
PARASHAT EIKEV
AUGUST 20 23 AV
7:12 - 11:25 49:14 - 51:3
The forty-sixth reading from the Torah and the third reading from the
book of Devarim is named Ekev, a word from the first verse of the
portion. Devarim 7:12 says, "and if you do obey these rules and observe
them carefully, the LORD your G-d will maintain faithfully for you the
covenant that He made on oath with your fathers:" Usually the word
ekev means "heel." In fact, this word shares the same three-letter root as
the name Yaakov (Jacob), whose name actually means "heel." He was
born holding on to Esau's heel. However, in Devarim 7:12, the word ekev
means "on the heels of" or "because of." This portion of Devarim speaks
of the rewards that will come to Israel on the heels of keeping G-d's
covenant and commandments.

Devarim 7:12 | Blessings for Obedience
Devarim 8:1 | A Warning Not to Forget G-d in Prosperity
Devarim 9:1 | The Consequences of Rebelling against G-d
Devarim 10:1 | The Second Pair of Tablets
Devarim 10:12 | The Essence of the Law
Devarim 11:1 | Rewards for Obedience
Haftarah
Yeshayahu 49:8 | Zion's Children to Be Brought Home
Yeshayahu 50:4 | The Servant's Humiliation and Vindication
Yeshayahu 51:1 | Blessings in Store for G-d's People
-54-
PARASHAT RE’EH
AUGUST 27 30 AV
11:26 - 16:17 54:11 - 55:5
In this Torah portion, Moshe tells the Israelites that if they worship idols,
they will be punished. Moshe explains the laws of kosher food, and he
details the three pilgrimage festivals: Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot.

Devarim 12:1 | Pagan Shrines to Be Destroyed
Devarim 12:13 | A Prescribed Place of Worship
Devarim 12:29 | Warning against Idolatry
Devarim 14:1 | Pagan Practices Forbidden
Devarim 14:3 | Clean and Unclean Foods
Devarim 14:22 | Regulations concerning Tithes
Devarim 15:1 | Laws concerning the Sabbatical Year
Devarim 15:19 | The Firstborn of Livestock
Devarim 16:1 | Pesach Reviewed
Devarim 16:9 | Shavuot Reviewed
Devarim 16:13 | Sukkot Reviewed
Haftarah
Yeshayahu 54:1 | The Eternal Covenant of Peace
Yeshayahu 55:1 | An Invitation to Abundant Life
-55-
PARASHAT SHOFTIM
SEPTEMBER 3 7 ELUL
16:18 - 21:9 51:12 - 52:12
Shoftim, the literal meaning of Judges is used in the first verse of this
Torah portion "You shall appoint magistrates (Judges) and officials for
your tribes, in all the settlements that the LORD your G-d is giving you,
and they shall govern the people with due justice." (Devarim 16:18) In
this Torah portion, Moshe reviews the justice system for the Israelites.
Moshe talks about the limits future kings should have on their
possessions. Moses explains that the Kohanim (priests) and Levi'im
(Levites) should not be paid and should survive on donations from the
people. Finally, Moshe explains the laws of warfare.

Devarim 16:18 | Municipal Judges and Officers
Devarim 16:21 | Forbidden Forms of Worship
Devarim 17:8 | Legal Decisions by Priests and Judges
Devarim 17:14 | Limitations of Royal Authority
Devarim 18:1 | Privileges of Kohanim and Levi'im
Devarim 18:9 | Child-Sacrifice, Divination, and Magic Prohibited
Devarim 18:15 | A New Prophet Like Moshe
Devarim 19:1 | Laws concerning the Cities of Refuge
Devarim 19:14 | Property Boundaries
Devarim 19:15 | Law concerning Witnesses
Devarim 20:1 | Rules of Warfare
Devarim 21:1 | Law concerning Murder by Persons Unknown
Haftarah
Yeshayahu 51:1 | Blessings in Store for G-d's People
Yeshayahu 52:1 | Let Zion Rejoice
-56-
PARASHAT KI TEITZEI
SEPTEMBER 10 14 ELUL
21:10 - 25:19 54:1 - 54:10
In this Torah portion, Moshe delivers specific rules about proper family
relationships. He continues with laws involving many aspects of daily
living, justice, family responsibility, work and sexuality.

Devarim 21:10 | Female Captives
Devarim 21:15 | The Right of the Firstborn
Devarim 21:18 | Rebellious Children
Devarim 21:22 | Miscellaneous Laws
Devarim 22:13 | Laws concerning Sexual Relations
Devarim 23:1 | Those Excluded from the Assembly
Devarim 23:9 | Sanitary, Ritual, and Humanitarian Precepts
Devarim 24:1 | Laws concerning Marriage and Divorce
Devarim 24:5 | Miscellaneous Laws
Devarim 25:5 | Levirate Marriage
Devarim 25:11 | Various Commands
Haftarah
Yeshayahu 54:1 | The Eternal Covenant of Peace
-57-
PARASHAT KI TAVO
26:1 - 29:8 60:1 - 60:22
Devarim 26 begins the fiftieth reading from the Torah with the words,
"Then it shall be, when you enter the land which the LORD your G-d gives
you as an inheritance" (26:1). In Hebrew, the words for "when you enter"
are ki tavo. This Torah portion begins with laws regarding first fruits and
tithes. It goes on to discuss covenant renewal, after which Moshe recites
the blessings guaranteed to Israel for covenant obedience and warns of
the curses for apostasy.

Devarim 26:1 | First Fruits and Tithes
Devarim 26:16 | Concluding Exhortation
Devarim 27:1 | The Inscribed Stones and Altar on Mount Ebal
Devarim 27:11 | Twelve Curses
Devarim 28:1 | Blessings for Obedience
Devarim 28:15 | Warnings against Disobedience
Devarim 29:2 | The Covenant Renewed in Moab
Haftarah
Yeshayahu 60:1 | The Ingathering of the Dispersed
Yeshayahu 60:19 | G-d the Glory of Zion
-58-
PARASHAT NITZAVIM
29:9 - 30:20 61:10 - 63:9
The name of the fifty-first reading from the Torah is Nitzavim, which
means "standing." The name is derived from the first verse of the portion
in which Moshe says, "You stand (nitzavim) today, all of you, before the
LORD your G-d" (Devarim 29:10). In this portion, Moshe invites the entire
assembly of Israel to take on the covenant. He warns them that if they
sin, they will go into exile, but he also predicts that, in the future, they will
repent and G-d will return them to the land of Israel.

Devarim 29:9 | The Terms of the Covenant
Devarim 30:1 | Repentance and Forgiveness
Devarim 30:11 | The Choice of Life and Death
Haftarah
Yeshayahu 61:10 | G-d Favor
Yeshayahu 62:1 | Zion's Coming Salvation
Yeshayahu 63:1 | The LORD's Day of Vengeance
Yeshayahu 63:7 | The LORD's Mercy Remembered
-59-
2022 5783
SEPTEMBER 25 1 TISHREI
ROSH HASHANAH
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, is a fall holiday, taking place at the
beginning of the month of Tishrei , which is actually the seventh month
of the Jewish year. It is both a time of rejoicing and of serious
introspection, a time to celebrate the completion of another year while

also taking stock of one’s life. Rosh Hashanah is the birthday of the
universe, the day G‑d created Adam and Eve.
The two days of Rosh Hashanah usher in the Ten Days of Repentance
(Aseret Yemei Teshuvah), also known as the Days of Awe (Yamim
Noraim), which culminate in the major fast day of Yom Kippur, the Day of
Atonement. The Days of Awe represent the climax of a longer process.
Starting at the beginning of the previous month, called Elul, the shofar is
traditionally sounded at the conclusion of the morning service. A ram’s
horn that makes a trumpet-like sound, the shofar is intended as a wake-
up call to prepare for the Tishrei holidays. One week before Rosh
Hashanah, special petitionary prayers called Selichot are added to the
ritual. Rosh Hashanah itself is also known as Yom Hadin or the Day of
Judgment, on which God opens the Books of Life and Death, which are
then sealed on Yom Kippur.
The challah (traditional Ashkenazi bread) that is eaten for the Rosh
Hashanah season is round, symbolizing the eternal cycle of life. The
challah is traditionally dipped in honey, symbolizing the hopes for a
sweet New Year. The same is done with apples, which are made even
sweeter with the addition of honey. Some people avoid eating nuts at
this time, since according to a somewhat convoluted gematria (mystical
numerical interpretation) the Hebrew words for nut (egoz) and sin (het)
have the same numerical value.
When dipping our Challah, we might use this Hassidic wish: “May God
create yeast in your soul, causing you to ferment, and mature, to rise,
elevate to your highest possibilities, to reach your highest self.”
-60-
The Iraqi custom is to eat a baked apple with sugar, while in Yemen,
quinces were served instead of apples. In all variations, these foods
represent the wish for a sweet year to come. The sage the Hafetz Haim
reminds us that the sweetness should be reflected in our mood, too:
Avoid anger, for it is a bad omen for the coming year; rather, we should
be sweet of temperament on Rosh HaShanah.
Blessings:
the beginning of Rosh HaShanah is marked with candle lighting
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech Ha'Olam asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu
l'hadlik ner shel (Shabbat v') yom tov. (Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the
Universe, who has sanctified us with commandments, and commanded us to light
(Shabbat and) festival candles.)
Kiddush
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheynu Melech Ha'Olam boray p'ree hagafen. (Blessed are you, L-
rd our G-d, King of the universe, who created the fruit of the vine.)
Shehechiyanu
hand-washing
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech Ha'Olam asher kideshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu al
netillat yada'im. (Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, who makes us holy with
commandments and has commanded us concerning the washing of hands.)
Begins at sunset on September 25, and ends on the evening of

September 27
-61-
2022 5783
SEPTEMBER 27 3 TISHREI
TZOM GEDALIAH
Tzom Gedaliah or the Fast of Gedaliah is a day set aside to
commemorate the assassination of Gedaliah, the Babylonian-appointed
official charged with administering the Jewish population remaining in
Judah following the destruction of the Temple and exile in 586 B.C.E. It is
observed on the day after Rosh Hashanah (if that day is Shabbat, it is
observed on Sunday) with a fast from sunrise to sundown, and like on
other fast days, the recital of special prayers (Anenu) and the reading of
selected Torah readings Shemot/Exodus 32:14; 34:1-10 in which G‑d
forgives Israel for the sin of the golden calf. During the afternoon
prayers, haftorah, from Yeshayahu/Isaiah 55:6–56:8 is also read.

Breaking the fast:

Begins at sunset on September 27, and ends on the evening of

September 28
Work is avoided
-62-
PARASHAT VAYEILECH
OCCTOBER 1 6 TISHREI
Devarim (Deuteronomy) Hosea 14:2-10
31:1 - 31:30 Micah 7:18-20
Yoel 2:15-27
Shabbat Shuva
The name of the fifty-second reading from the Torah is Vayelech, which
means "and he went." The name is derived from the first word of the
first verse of the portion: "So Moshe went (vayelech) and spoke these
words to all Israel." In this short portion, Moshe commands an assembly
for a public Torah reading and covenant renewal once every seven years.
He then finishes writing the scroll of the Torah and has it deposited in
the Holy of Holies next to the ark of the covenant.

Devarim 31:1 | Yehoshua Becomes Moshe's Successor
Devarim 31:9 | The Law to Be Read Every Seventh Year
Devarim 31:14 | Moshe and Yehoshua Receive G-d's Charge
Devarim 31:30 | The Song of Moshe
-63-
2022 5783
OCTOBER 4 9 TISHREI
YOM KIPPUR
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year—the day on which we are
closest to G‑d and to the quintessence of our own souls. It is the Day of
Atonement—“For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you, that you
be cleansed from all your sins before G‑d” (Vayikra/Leviticus 16:30). This
is the day at the conclusion of which, according to tradition, G-d seals the
Books of Life and Death for the coming year. The day is devoted to
communal repentance for sins committed over the course of the
previous year. Because of the nature of Yom Kippur and its associated
rituals, it is the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar.
For nearly twenty-six hours—from several minutes before sunset on 9
Tishrei (October 4) to after nightfall on 10 Tishrei (October 5)—we “afflict
our souls”: we abstain from food and drink, do not wash or anoint our
bodies, do not wear leather footwear, and abstain from marital relations.
Instead, our time is spent in prayer to G‑d.
The liturgy of Yom Kippur is completely centered in the synagogue. It is

traditional to wear a tallit, or prayer shawl, at all times on Yom Kippur.
There are more and longer services on this day than any other in the
Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur is ushered in while it is still light out with a
powerful and ancient prayer called Kol Nidrei (All Vows), in which the
congregation asks that all vows made under duress during the coming
year may be considered null and void before G-d. In addition to the three
daily services of Maariv (evening service), Shachrit (morning services),
and Mincha (afternoon service), the Yom Kippur liturgy adds a special
Musaf (additional) service. On Yom Kippur, Yizkor, the memorial service,
is recited, as is the Avodah, a symbolic reenactment of the ancient
priestly ritual for Yom Kippur. During the course of the holiday, a major
component of the liturgy is the repeated communal confession of sins,
the Viddui. The day closes with a unique and emotionally powerful
service called Neilah, during which the liturgy imagines the gates of
heaven closing at the end of the High Holiday period. Neilah, during
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which it is traditional to stand since the ark is opened, ends with a long
blast of the shofar or ram’s horn, understood by many as signifying G-d’s
redemptive act in answer to true repentance. After night has fallen, the
closing Neilah service ends with the resounding cries of the Shema
prayer: Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad (Hear O Israel: G‑d is
our L‑rd, G‑d is one.)
Beyond specific actions, Yom Kippur is dedicated to introspection, prayer

and asking G‑d for forgiveness. Even during the breaks between services,
it is appropriate to recite Tehilim (Psalms) at every available moment.


Breaking the fast:

Shehecheyanu:
Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Ha'Olam, shehecheyanu, vekiyemanu, vehigiyanu laz-
man ha-zeh. (Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, king of the Universe, Who has given us
life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.)
Begins at sunset on October 4, and ends on the evening of October 5

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PARASHAT HA’AZINU
Devarim (Deuteronomy) Shemuel Bet (II Samuel)
32:1 - 32:52 22:1 - 22:51
The word Ha'azinu literally means "give ear," an expression meaning

"Listen to this." It is also the name of the fifty-third and second-to-last
reading from the Torah. It is the first word of the Song of Moshe, which
begins with the words "Give ear (Ha'azinu), O heavens, and let me speak"
(Devarim 32:1). This Torah portion is only a single chapter long, and the
majority of it consists of the Song of Moshe. The Song of Moshe is a
prophetic oracle warning Israel about apostasy to come and the resulting
wrath of G-d. The song looks far into the future, even envisioning the
Messianic advent amid rich and frightening apocalyptic imagery. After
the conclusion of the song, Moshe is told to ascend Mount Nebo and
overlook the Promised Land before dying.

Devarim 31:30 | The Song of Moshe
Devarim 32:48 | Moshe's Death Foretold
Haftarah
Shemuel Bet 22:1 | David's Song of Thanksgiving
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2022 5783
OCTOBER 9 14 TISHREI
SUKKOT
Beginning five days after Yom Kippur, Sukkot is named after the booths
or huts in which Jews are supposed to dwell during this week-long
celebration. According to rabbinic tradition, these flimsy sukkot
represent the huts in which the Israelites dwelt during their 40 years of
wandering in the desert after escaping from slavery in Egypt. As soon
after the conclusion of Yom Kippur as possible, often on the same
evening, one is enjoined to begin building the sukkah, or hut, that is the
central symbol of the holiday. The sukkah is a flimsy structure with at
least three sides, whose roof is made out of thatch or branches, which
provides some shade and protection from the sun, but also allows the
stars to be seen at night. It is traditional to decorate the sukkah and to
spend as much time in it as possible. Weather permitting, meals are
eaten in the sukkah, and the hardier among us may also elect to sleep in
the sukkah. In a welcoming ceremony called ushpizin, ancestors are
symbolically invited to partake in the meals with us. And in
commemoration of the bounty of the Holy Land, we hold and shake four
species of plants (arba minim), consisting of palm, myrtle, and willow
(lulav ), together with citron (etrog ).
The first two days of the holiday (one day in Israel) are yom tov, when
work is forbidden, candles are lit in the evening, and festive meals are
preceded by Kiddush and include challah dipped in honey.
The intermediate days are quasi holidays, known as Chol Hamoed. We

dwell in the sukkah and hold and shake four species of plants every day
of Sukkot (except for Shabbat).
The final two days are a separate holiday (one day in Israel): Shemini
Atzeret / Simchat Torah
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As with all festivals, services play an important role in the communal
celebration of Sukkot. In addition to special festival readings, including
Psalms of Praise (Hallel), on Sukkot additional prayers are included in the
service asking God to save us (hoshana). During the Hoshana prayers,
congregants march around the synagogue sanctuary holding the lulav
and etrog. The seventh and last day of the festival is called Hoshanah
Rabba, the “Great Hoshana.”
Blessings:
candle lighting
Kiddush
Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheynu Melech Ha'Olam boray p'ree hagafen. (Blessed are you, L-
rd our G-d, King of the universe, who created the fruit of the vine.)
Shehechiyanu
hand-washing
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech Ha'Olam asher kideshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu al
netillat yada'im. (Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, who makes us holy with
commandments and has commanded us concerning the washing of hands.)

No work permitted on October 10 - 11. Work is permitted on October 12
- 14 and October 16 with certain restrictions.
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PARASHAT VEZOT HABERAKHAH
Devarim (Deuteronomy) Yehoshua (Joshua)
33:1 - 34:12 1:1 - 1:18
Vezot Haberakhah in its literal meaning is "And This is the Blessing" and
is found in the first verse of this Last Torah portion "This is the blessing
with which Moshe, the man of G-d, bade the Israelites farewell before he
died." (Devarim 33:1) In this Torah portion, Moshe gives the tribes of
Israel a final blessing and dies at the age of 120. The Children of Israel
mourn and begin to follow Yehoshua, their new leader.
-69-
2022 5783
OCTOBER 16 21 TISHREI
SHEMINI ATZERET / SIMCHAT TORAH
Following the seven joyous days of Sukkot, we come to the happy holiday
of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah. In the diaspora, the first day is known
by Shemini Atzeret. We still dwell in the sukkah, but without a blessing.

Yizkor, the memorial for the departed, is also said on this day.
The second day is known as Simchat Torah, during which we complete
and immediately begin the annual Torah reading cycle. This joyous
milestone is marked with dancing, traditionally following seven circuits
known as hakafot, as the Torah scrolls are held aloft. Both days are
celebrated by nightly candle lighting, festive meals at both night and day.
In Israel, the entire holiday is compacted into one heady 24-hour period.
Blessings:
candle lighting
Shehechiyanu

-70-

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MY 2022

Light the candles

Blessings over the candles:

Blessings Up to the Meal

The blessing over the Challah bread

TORAH READING HAFTARAH

Torah Portion Outline

Torah Portion Outline

Torah Portion Outline

Begins at sunset on January 17, and ends on the evening of January 18

Torah Portion Outline

The eighteenth reading from the Torah is named Mishpatim, which

Torah Portion Outline

The nineteenth reading from the Torah is named Terumah. In Shemot

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Torah Portion Outline

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The twenty-second reading from the Torah and the second-to-last

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Torah Portion Outline

The book of Vayikra (Leviticus) is predominantly concerned with Levitical

Torah Portion Outline

This holiday is preceded by a minor fast, Ta'anit Esther (the Fast of

Begins at sunset on March 16, and ends on the evening of March 17

Torah Portion Outline

Torah Portion Outline

Torah Portion Outline

Torah Portion Outline

The Pesach seder is based on the Haggadah, a book of instructions,

basic ritual but with a different spin.

The Seder Plate

The seder plate (there’s

Karpas: Karpas is a green vegetable, usually parsley (though any spring

Chazeret: The chazeret is a second bitter herb, most often romaine

Matzah: Perhaps the most important symbol on the seder table is a

The longest part of the seder is called “Maggid,” which means

Blessings and prayers:

Don't forget to say L'Shana Haba'ah B'Yerushalayim (Next year in

Begins at sunset on April 15, and ends on the evening of April 23

APRIL 18 17 NISAN APRIL 19 18 NISAN

Bemidbar (Numbers) Bemidbar (Numbers)

Bemidbar (Numbers) Bemidbar (Numbers)

the Israeli government, it has become a day commemorated by Jewish

In the early 1950s, education about the Holocaust emphasized the

Jews in North America observe Yom Hashoah within the synagogue as

It's customary to light candles in the memory of those that perished

Torah Portion Outline

Torah Portion Outline

Torah Portion Outline

The thirty-second reading from the Torah and second-to-last reading

Torah Portion Outline

Torah Portion Outline

Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day) is the most recent addition to the

In Jerusalem, thousands of people march around the city and walk

Torah Portion Outline

Begins at sunset on June 4, and ends on the evening of June 6

Torah Portion Outline

Torah Portion Outline