this week
Weekly Torah Portions
We follow the tradition of reading through the first five books of the bible, commonly called the Torah, every year. While we recognize that ancient Israel probably read through these books at a slower pace, like the three-year cycle, we find that this schedule keeps us in the same rhythm with the larger community. This year, we are following the readings published by TorahResource. Please click the button below to download the PDF from their site. The PDF includes the calendar dates and associated readings.
Berishyt / Genesis / בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית
The first book of the Torah (Pentateuch in Greek) is called בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית (Berishyt) after the first word found in the entire Bible. "In the beginning" is the most common and appropriate translation for this Hebrew word. The first book in our English Bible is called Genesis because the word comes from the Greek word “γένεσις” (genesis), which means “origin” or “beginning.” Both titles highlight the book's central theme: the origins of everything, including creation, human beings, sin, and God’s covenant relationship with humanity.
בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית Berishyt
לך לך Lech L'cha
וירא Vayera
חיי שרה Chayei Sarah
תולדת Tol'dot
וישלח Vayishlach
וַיֵּשֶׁב Vayeshev
ויגש Vayigash
ויחי Vay'chi
Sh'mot / Exodus / שְׁמוֹת
The second book of the Torah is called שְׁמוֹת (Shemot), which means “names” in Hebrew, taken from the opening phrase, “These are the names” (referring to the sons of Israel who came to Egypt). In Greek, the book is known as Ἔξοδος (Exodos), meaning “departure” or “exit,” which reflects the central theme of the book: the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. Key aspects of the narrative are summarized by the titles, with Shemot focusing on the identity and formation of the nation of Israel, and Exodus highlighting their miraculous journey toward freedom and covenant with Hashem at Mount Sinai.
וָאֵרָא Vaera
בְּשַׁלַּח Beshalach
מִּשְׁפָּטִים Mishpatim
תְּרוּמָה Terumah
תְּצַוֶּה Tetzaveh
כִּי תִשָּׂא Ki Tisa
וַיַּקְהֵל Vayakhel
פְקוּדֵי Pekudei
Vayikra / Leviticus / וַיִּקְרָא
The third book of the Torah is called וַיִּקְרָא (Vayikra), meaning “and He called” in Hebrew, taken from the opening verse where Hashem calls to Moses from the Tent of Meeting. In Greek, the book is known as Λευιτικόν (Levitikon), which translates to “pertaining to the Levites,” highlighting its focus on priestly laws and rituals. Vayikra centers on holiness, sacrifice, and purity, laying out detailed instructions for offerings, ethical conduct, and communal sanctity. These themes underscore Israel’s unique relationship with Hashem, emphasizing the call to holiness as a defining aspect of the nation’s covenant.
וַיִּקְרָא Vayikra
תַזְרִיעַ Tazria
מְּצֹרָע Metzora
אַחֲרֵי מוֹת Acharei Mot
קְדֹשִׁים Kedoshim
בְּהַר Behar
בְּחֻקֹּתַי Bechukotai
Numbers / Bamidbar / בְּמִדְבַּר
The fourth book of the Torah is called בְּמִדְבַּר (Bemidbar), meaning “in the wilderness” in Hebrew, taken from the opening phrase, “Hashem spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai.” In Greek, it is called Ἀριθμοί (Arithmoi), or “Numbers,” reflecting the census of the Israelites detailed at the beginning of the book. Bemidbar narrates the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness, covering their trials, rebellions, and growth as a nation preparing to enter the Promised Land. The dual themes of Bemidbar capture both the challenges of a people in transition and the divine guidance shaping their destiny.
בְּמִדְבַּר Bamidbar
נָשֹׂא Nasso
בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ Beha’alotcha
שְׁלַח-לְךָ Sh’lach
קֹרַח Korach
חֻקַּת Chukat
בָּלָק Balak
פִּינְחָס Pinchas
מַּטּוֹת Matot
מַסְעֵי Masei
Devarim / Deuteronomy / דְּבָרִים
The fifth and final book of the Torah is called דְּבָרִים (Devarim), meaning “words” in Hebrew, taken from the opening phrase, “These are the words that Moses spoke.” In Greek, the book is known as Δευτερονόμιον (Deuteronomion), meaning “second law,” an unfortunate translation which resulted in an inappropriate understanding of "torah" by the modern reader. Devarim is presented as Moses’ farewell address to the Israelites, preparing them to enter the Promised Land by recalling their journey, covenant responsibilities, and core instructions. The themes of Devarim emphasize covenantal loyalty, ethical living, and the importance of remembering and upholding the relationship with Hashem as they transition into a new chapter of nationhood.