Kohen - First Aliya - 15 p'sukim - 21:1-15
This Aliya is particularly appropriate for a kohein

[P> 21:1 (9)] Following Parshat K'doshim, which focuses on the challenge to the individual Jew and the whole Jewish community to rise to higher levels of sanctification, Emor begins with the special sanctity of the kohein, and the even higher sanctity of the Kohein Gadol. These higher levels of k'dusha are concomitant with stricter rules of personal religious conduct.

A kohen is not to become ritually defiled due to contact with a dead body [263,L166 21:1], except for his seven closest relatives: wife, mother, father, son, daughter, brother, and (unmarried) sister. This is more than permission; a kohen is required to participate in the funeral and burial of his close relatives, becoming "Tamei" [264,A37 21:3].

Kohanim (and all Jews) are forbidden to afflict the body in any way as a sign of grief. [This is an example, among many, of a mitzva that appears in a particular sedra, but is counted elsewhere. In other words, Emor has even more than the "official" count of 63 mitzvot.]

Mitzva Watch
The Talmud teaches that from this same source, mitzva 264, comes the requirement, incumbent upon all Jews (not just kohanim), to mourn one's seven close relatives. It is important to note that this is not a case of rabbinic extension of Torah law or rabbinic legislation sanctioned by their obligation to "protect" Torah and mitzvot. This is more. This is part of the definition of the Torah's mitzva #264, as transmitted to us by the Talmud, the Oral Law. The Sages of the Talmud present us with two categories of Law - Torah Law, which includes the Written Word AND the Oral Law, and Rabbinic law. They not only teach us both, but they (most often) clearly differentiate between the two categories for us, so that we will know what is D'ORAITA and what is D'RABANAN, thereby neither adding to nor detracting from the Torah. Our commitment to G-d at Sinai includes careful adherence to Torah and Rabbinic Law (since the Torah requires us to listen to the rulings and teachings of the Sanhedrin). But it is important for us to know the difference so that we will not have a distorted view of the Torah. (There are also practical distinctions between Biblical and Rabbinic law.) Specifically, in the case of mourning, the first day is considered Torah Law, the balance of Shiva is Rabbinic.

Rabbinic, but inspired by the Torah. But that's not the same as Torah law itself.

Kohanim must be holy and avoid desecrating His Name, because they perform sacred service. This mitzva for the kohein is also taken to refer to the prohibition of doing Temple service after purification in a mikve, but before the day has completely passed [265, L76 21:6]. (Such a person is known as a T’VUL YOM. His complete purification is lacking only time.)

A kohen may not marry a "zona" (a non-Jew and/or a Jewish women who has had relations with a man who is forbidden to her) [266,L158 21:7], a "chalala" (the daughter of a kohen from a woman to whom he is forbidden because he is a kohen) [267,L159 21:7], nor a divorcee [268,L160 21:7].

Because of the sanctity invested in the kohen by HaShem, we are commanded to honor the kohen [269,A32 21:8]. Calling him to the Torah first is one manifestation of this honor. So is having him lead Birkat HaZimun. We may not "use" a kohen to serve us.

[S> 21:10 (6)] The Kohen Gadol has even more restrictions because of his higher sanctity. He may not defile himself to any dead person (even his parents - the only exception is a body that has no one to tend to it. This is known as a MEIT MITZVA) [271,L168 21:11] nor enter under a roof with a dead body [270,L167 21:11].The Kohen Gadol's sanctity derives from the anointing oil and/or the special garments. He is to marry a previously unmarried woman [272,A38 21:13]. He may not marry a widow [273,L161 21:14] nor any of the types of women that the regular kohen is forbidden to marry. He is further forbidden to have relations with a widow [274,L162 21:15], as this would contravene his sanctity.

The Kohen Gadol should (preferably) be smarter (better educated, wiser) than his fellow kohanim, bigger (taller) in build, and wealthier.

One of the Chassidic Masters gave a different spin to the phrase HaKohein HaGadol Mei'Echav (plain meaning is the Kohein who is greater than his brothers, viz. the Kohein Gadol). He said it is the Kohein whose greatness comes from his brothers (Mei'Echav), a Kohein respected and honored by his fellow kohanim.

Levi - Second Aliya - 25 p'sukim - 21:16-22:16
[S> 21:16 (9)] A kohen with a disqualifying blemish may not serve in the Mikdash [275,L70 21:17]. The Torah next identifies many of the disqualifying blemishes.

The rule applies not just to a permanent blemish or deformity, but even to temporary blemishes [276,L71 21:21]. A disqualified kohen may eat of the sacred foods (some but not all categories), but may not even enter the Mikdash [277,L69 21:23].

Clarification: A kohen baal mum (with a disqualifying blemish) is barred from the area of the Mikdash from the (external) Altar and inward, but may enter the outer area of the courtyard of the Mikdash, and even may perform some tasks.

[P> 22:1 (16)] Furthermore, a kohen who becomes "tamei" is temporarily barred from the Mikdash [278,L75 22:2], nor may he "approach" sacred foods. He may not eat T'ruma [279, L136 22:4] or other "kodoshim" while "tamei" from any of various sources. On the day of impurity (for the 1-day type) or on the last day (for the 7-day type), the kohen immerses in a mikve and, "with stars-out", he once again is allowed to eat T'ruma.

Not only may one not eat non-kosher meat, it also renders a kohen "tamei".

A non-kohen may not eat T'ruma [280, L133 22:10] (or other sacred foods specifically designated to the kohanim). Jewish servants and laborers of a kohen may not partake of T'ruma [281,L134 22:10]. OTOH, an "eved K'naani" who is considered part of the kohen's possessions, may eat his master's T'ruma. An uncircumcised male may not eat T'ruma (even if he has valid medical reasons for being uncircumcised) [282,L135 22:10]. This rule is not expressly stated in the text, but is learned by "parallel texts" from korban Pesach. It is nonetheless one of the 613 mitzvot, noteworthy, in that it is a mitzva with no direct "chapter & verse" to point to.

A kohen's daughter (and any woman) who has relations with someone to whom she is forbidden, may no longer eat T'ruma [283,L137 22:12]. This mitzva also includes the situation of a kohen's daughter who marries a non-kohen. During her marriage, she may not eat T'ruma. If her husband dies or divorces her, she may return to her father's home and eat T'ruma - if she has not had children. With children the fear is she might feed them (her children are NOT kohanim) from the T'ruma. Hence, she too is barred.

A person who inadvertently eats T'ruma must compensate the kohen by paying the value plus an amount which equals 1/5 of the payment. Eating "tevel" (produce from which none of the required separations was taken) is forbidden for all to eat [284,L153 22:15]. Violation constitutes a disgrace of the sacred.

Shlishi - Third Aliya - 17 p'sukim - 22:17-33
[P> 22:17 (9)] Animals offered as sacrifices must be blemish-free [285, A61 22:20]. It is forbidden to consecrate a blemished animal as a korban [286,L91 22:21].

It is also forbidden to make a blemish in a korban [287, L97 22:21]. Blemishes referred to are specifically defined by the Torah & Talmud. If a blemished animal is offered, it is additionally forbidden to sprinkle its blood on the Mizbei'ach [288,L93 22:22], or to slaughter (as a korban) a defective animal [289,L92 22:22] [289,L92], nor to place any of the animal's parts on the Mizbei'ach to burn [290,L94 22:22]

Castration of animals is forbidden [291,L361 22:24]. (This is a serious halachic issue related to house pets. Consult a Rav who knows these things for details.)
A defective animal may not be offered as a korban, even if received from a non-Jew [292,L96 22:25].

[S> 22:26 (8)] From this point through chapter 23, is the Torah reading for the first day of Sukkot (second day as well, outside of Israel) and the second day of Pesach (our first day of Chol HaMoed. Second day Yom Tov in Chutz LaAretz)

A new-born animal stays with its mother for 7 days and only thereafter may be used as a korban [293,A60 22:27].

It is forbidden to slaughter (as korban or for personal use) an animal and its offspring on the same day [294,L101 22:28].

The Torah, once again reminds us that korbanot to be eaten have time limits which must not be exceeded.

Until this point in the sedra, the Torah has dealt with the sacrificer (kohein) and the sacrificee (animals). It now changes gears and we find another meaning of the word sacrifice, as in being willing to die in sanctification of G-d's Name.

We may not desecrate G-d's Name [295,L63 22:32]; we must sanctify His Name [296,A9 22:32]. These mitzvot have many facets. A Jew is required to give up his life rather than violate one of the "big three": murder, incest/adultery and idolatry. In times of "forced conversion", martyrdom is required even for the "least" violation.

MitzvaWatch
Our Sages have broadened the scope of this very significant mitzva-pair: Kiddush/Chilul HaShem. In addition to Martyrdom, one who violates any prohibition in a spiteful manner, esp. in public, is considered to be disgracing G-d's Name. Conversely, the special way in which a person can perform a mitzva, when esteem for mitzvot in the eyes of other people is enhanced, when respect for Torah and Torah-Jews is increased, then that person has not only performed a mitzva - he has sanctified G-d's Name. This same idea is extended to any facet of human behavior. The religious Jew (or the Jew who appears to be religious) has the constant potential of Kiddush (or Chilul) HaShem. Simple acts of common courtesy or discourtesy can have far-reaching ramifications, depending upon who is involved, who is watching, how things are perceived, etc.

R'vi'i - Fourth Aliya - 22 p'sukim - 23:1-22
[P> 23:1 (3)] Chapter 23 in Vayikra is the "Portion of the Holidays". It begins with the statement: "These are the Festivals..." Shabbat is presented as the first of the Holidays (we designate it so in Kidush on Friday night when we say that Shabbat is in commemoration of the Exodus and is the first of the "days called Holy").

[P> 23:4 (5)] On the 14th day of Nissan, the Korban Pesach is brought. On the 15th, begins the Matza Festival (which we call Pesach), “requiring” matza for 7 days.

The first is a holy day with most forms of "melacha" forbidden [297,298;A159,L323 23:7].

(In each case of a Yom Tov, there is a positive command to abstain from "melacha", and a prohibition against doing "melacha").

Korban Musaf is to be brought on the 7 days of Pesach [299,A43 23:8]. The seventh day is Yom Tov [300,301; A160,L324 23:8].

[P> 23:9 (6)] Following the 1st day of Pesach, the Omer (barley-offering) is brought [302,A44 23:10]. Special korbanot are offered on the day of the Omer. One may not eat different forms of new grains until the bringing of the Omer [303,304,305;L189,190,191 23:14].

[S> 23:15 (8)] We are to count from the day of the bringing of the Omer a period of 7 weeks - 49 days [306, A161 23:15]. The Torah says 50 days, but we understand it to mean "up to but not including" (because it also says 7 full weeks, and 50 is not divisible by 7, but 49 is).

Following the 49th day, a special offering of two loaves from the new wheat is to be offered [307,A46 23:16] [307,A46]. This is on the holiday of Shavuot which has "melacha" restrictions [308,309;A162,L325 23:21]. This Aliya ends with the reminder of the gifts of the field that must be left for poor people.

Why mention these mitzvot in the midst of the portion of the Holydays? Rashi quotes R’ Avdimi: He who gives gifts to the poor in a proper manner is considered equal to one who builds the Beit HaMikdash and offers the Festival sacrifices therein.

Chamishi - Fifth Aliya - 10 p'sukim - 23:23-32
[P> 23:23 (3)] The 1st day of the 7th month (Tishrei) is holy (Rosh Hashana), "melacha" being forbidden [310,311; A163,L326 23:24,25]. Special Musaf sacrifices are brought [312,A47 23:25], in addition to the Rosh Chodesh Musaf. Note that Shofar is not counted here, but in Parshat Pinchas. Here Rosh HaShana is referred to as ZICHRON T'RU'A, a remembrance of the T'ru'a. In Pinchas, the Torah tells us to have a "T'ru'a day" - that is the command to blow Shofar [405,A170].

Zichron T'ru'ah is the term we associate with RH when it falls on Shabbat and we do not blow the Shofar by rabbinic decree. It fits then that Shofar should not be counted as a mitzva here in Emor. Furthermore, one commentator suggests that the silent Shofar came first because the first Rosh HaShana after Matan Torah was a Shabbat.

[P> 23:26 (7)] The 10th of Tishrei is Yom Kippur. One must fast [313,A164 23:27]. There is a Korban Musaf to be brought on Yom Kippur [314,A48 23:27], (in addition to the Yom Kippur service described in "Achrei"). Eating or drinking (without a valid excuse) is punishable by excision (death and more, from Heaven).

Similarly, ALL "melacha" is forbidden [315,L329 23:28], as are to eat and drink on Yom Kippur [316,L196 23:29]. We must abstain from (Shabbat-like "melacha on Yom Kippur [317,A165 23:32].

"...On the ninth of the month in the evening, from evening to evening, observe your Shabbat." From here the Gemara teaches up the concept of Tosefot Shabbat and Yom Tov, which we partly observe by counting the time from sunset to stars-out as Kodesh on both ends of the day.

Shishi - Sixth Aliya - 12 p'sukim - 23:33-44
[P> 23:33 (12)] The 15th of Tishrei is Sukkot, a 7-day holiday. "Melacha", (referring to most of the Shabbat restrictions, with the well-known exceptions) is forbidden on its 1st day [318,319;A166,L327 23:35]. Musaf sacrifices are to be brought on each of the 7 days [320,A50 23:36]. The 8th day (sometimes Shmini Atzeret,a.k.a. Simchat Torah, is viewed as its own holiday; sometimes as the 8th day of Succot) is also a Yom Tov [321,322; A167,L328 23:36] with korban musaf of its own [323,A51 23:36].

These are the Holidays, besides the Shabbatot of the year and other offerings to the Beit HaMikdash. It is at the harvest time in the fall that Succot is to be celebrated.

On the 1st day we are required to take the 4 species (a lulav, etrog, hadasim, aravot) [324,A169 23:40].

During the holiday of Sukkot, we are to dwell in sukkot [325,A168 23:42]. This is in order to instruct all generations about the aftermath of the Exodus when we were privileged to Divine protection in the wilderness.

The standard understanding of the portion of the Holydays is that the “list” begins with Shabbat, as mentioned above. There is an interesting other way to understand the situation, attributed to the GR”A. Six days you shall work refers to the six holy days that some Melacha is permitted - 1 & 7 Pesach, Shavuot, Rosh HaShana, 1 & 8 Sukkot. But on the seventh (holy day), it is “Shabbat”, i.e. Yom Kippur. In other words, Shabbat is not part of this whole chapter. This novel analysis of the wording in the p'sukim helps explain why "these are Mo'adei HaShem..." is repeated. First there is a summary, then the details. On the other hand, in Friday night kiddush, we call Shabbat the beginning of the days called Holy. T'CHILA L'MIKRA'EI KODESH. And Shabbat's description as ZEICHER LITZIYAT MITZRAYIM, commemorative of the Exodus, also puts it on the list of the holidays.

Sh'vi'i - Seventh Aliya - 23 p'sukim - 24:1-23
[P> 24:1 (4)] G-d tells Moshe to command the people to prepare pure virgin olive oil for lighting the Menora, always. The lamps of the Menora burned through each and every night, right outside the dividing curtain (Parochet) between the Sanctuary and the Holy of Holies.

SDT The juxtaposition of the Festivals and the lighting of the Menora is taken as a hint to Chanuka from the Torah. What even makes the point stronger is the Torah's stress on the concept that the lights of the Menorah are constant, eternal, always, through the generations. The Menorah of the Beit HaMikdash has not made it through the generations. The Chanuka lights have!

[P> 24:5 (5)] We are also to take fine flour and bake 12 loaves (matza rules) which are placed on the Shulchan in the Mikdash. This too was a permanent fixture in the Beit HaMikdash. The loaves were exchanged weekly, on Shabbat (having been baked on Friday, unless it was a Yom Tov - then the baking was on Erev Yom Tov). The kohanim on duty would share the loaves that were replaced by the new ones.

[S> 24:10 (3)] The Torah next tells us of the son of a Jewess and an Egyptian who "blessed" G-d's name. He was incarcerated pending word from G-d on how to punish him. The command was to stone him to death. This is to be the punishment for "blessing G-d".

The Midrash says that the Egyptian father of the blasphemer was the one that Moshe killed and hid in the sand.

So too, murder is a capital offense. Killing an animal requires compensation to the owner. Causing injury to a person requires compensation based on factors resulting from the injury.

The execution of the "curser" was carried out, as commanded by G-d through Moshe.

The three last p’sukim are repeated for the Maftir.

Haftara - 17 p'sukim - Yechezkeil 44:15-31
Yehezkel, himself a kohen whose early days were spent in the Beit HaMikdash, prophesies the rebuilding of the Mikdash and the restoration of the active kehuna. He reiterates many of the rules of the kohen, many of which are based in Parshat Emor. It is interesting to note that some of his rules are stricter than required by Torah law, but suited the conditions of his time. For example, Yechezkeil restates the marriages permitted and forbidden to a kohen. He says that a kohen cannot marry a divorcee (correct) nor a widow (this is not so according to the Torah; only the K.G. may not marry a widow). But he adds that a kohen may marry a widow of a kohen. Apparently, by not allowing a kohen of the time to marry a widow of a non-kohen, the community would take care of its widows (from kohanim) in a better way. To apply the halachic details to the future, on a permanent basis is problematic in light of the immutability of the Torah. They can be considered "for the moment" or possibly they could be "suggested" strict measures.

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