Parsha for the week of 15 March 2026

Parshah Vayikra “And He Called” (וַיִּקְרָא)

Torah: Vayikra ILeviticus) 1:1-5:26

• Leviticus 1:1 Burnt Offerings
• Leviticus 2:1 Grain Offerings
• Leviticus 3:1 Peace Offerings
• Leviticus 4:1 Sin Offerings
• Leviticus 5:14 Guilt Offerings

Prophets: Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 43:21-44:23

• Isaiah 43:21 Restoration and Protection Promised
• Isaiah 44:1 God’s Blessing on Israel
• Isaiah 44:9 The Absurdity of Idol Worship
• Isaiah 44:21 Israel Is Not Forgotten

Gospel: Mattityahu (Matthew) 5:23-30

Overview: The title “Leviticus” is derived from the Greek Septuagint (LXX) version of the Torah. The book of 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 Moses and spoke to him from inside the tent of meeting” (Leviticus 1:1).

Leviticus describes the sacrificial service and the duties of the priests. It also introduces ritual purity, the biblical diet, the calendar of appointed times, laws of holiness, and laws relating to redemption, vows and tithes. In addition, Leviticus discourses on ethical instruction and holiness. The twenty-fourth reading from the Torah is eponymous with the Hebrew name of the book it introduces: Vayikra. This portion introduces the sacrificial service and describes five different types of sacrifices.

Journal: HaShem calls to Moses from the Mishkan, detailing the korbanot (offerings). The burnt offering is a freewill gesture to God. The grain offering is a voluntary gift of grain, oil, and frankincense. The peace offering is shared with the priests by the one bringing it. The sin offering atones for unintentional sins and ritual impurity. The guilt offering follows restitution for sins like theft and misuse of sacred objects. Only repentance and divine forgiveness atone for intentional sin.

Print Resources

• Sacrifices Are Pure
• Salt of the Covenant
• Messiah and the Sacrifices
• A Soothing Aroma
• Sin and Guilt Offerings
• Obedience and Sacrifice

Video Resources