The law of God as revealed to Moses and recorded in the first five books of the Hebrew scriptures (the Pentateuch). The Torah includes the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, namely: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Ki-Tisa (“When You Elevate”) opens as God tells Moses to collect a half-shekel donation from all Israelites and to anoint the Mishkan (Tabernacle), its vessels, and the priests. The Israelites worship the golden calf and Moses breaks the tablets. Moses beseeches God to forgive, and returns with a second set of tablets.
Parashat Tetzaveh reports God’s commands to bring olive oil for the lamp (מְנוֹרָה, Menorah), make sacred garments for the priests, conduct an ordination ceremony, and make an incense altar.
Terumah (“Donation”) opens as God tells Moses to collect donated materials in order to build a dwelling place for God called the Mishkan (Tabernacle). God describes how to build the vessels that will fill the Mishkan – including the ark, table, menorah, and sacrificial altar – as well as the Mishkan’s walls and curtains.
Parashat Mishpatim sets out a series of laws, which some scholars call the Covenant Code. It reports the people’s acceptance of the covenant with God.
The parasha tells of Yitro’s (Jethro’s) organizational counsel to Moses and God’s revelation of the Ten Commandments to the Israelites at Mount Sinai.
In Parashat Beshalach, Pharaoh changes his mind and chases after the Israelite people with his army, trapping them at the Sea of Reeds.
Parashat Bo marks the crescendo of plagues, the birth of Passover, and the Exodus, epitomizing divine justice, liberation, and transformation.
Parashat Vaera tells of the first seven Plagues of Egypt.
Parasha Shemot describes the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt, the concealment and rescue of the young Moses, Moses’ time in Midian, his calling, his circumcision on the journey, his encounter with the elders, and his appearance before Pharaoh.
The parasha describes Jacob’s desire for burial in Canaan, Jacob’s blessing of Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Menashe, Jacob’s blessing of his sons, Jacob’s death and burial, and Joseph’s death.
