Thinking Torah Blog

The Eternal One spoke to Moses after the death the two sons of Aaron who died when they drew too close to the presence of the Eternal. - Leviticus 16:1 The Eternal One spoke to Moses saying: "Speak to the whole Israelite community and say to them: You shall be holy, for I, the Eternal your God, am holy." - Leviticus 19:1-2

TORAH, Leviticus 16:1-20:27

SUMMARY 

- The duties that the head kohein must perform on Yom Kippur are delineated and the ceremony of the scapegoat is outlined. (16:1-28) 

- Moses instructs Aaron about the Yom Kippur laws for fasting and atonement. (16:29-34) 

- Warnings are issued against the offering of sacrifices outside the Sanctuary and the consumption of blood. (17:1-16) 

- Moses condemns the sexual practices of some neighboring peoples. Certain forms of sexual relations are prohibited. (18:1-30) 

- God issues a variety of commandments, instructing the Israelites on how to be a holy people. (19:1-37) 

- Various sex offenses are discussed and punishments for them are presented. (20:1-27)