TORAH: Leviticus 9:1-11:47
HAFTARAH: 2 Samuel 6:1-7:17
GOSPEL: Matthew 3:11-17
Portion Summary
Shemini is the twenty-sixth reading from the Torah and third reading from the book of Leviticus. The word shemini means “eighth,” and it comes from the first words of Exodus 9:1, which says, “Now it came about on the eighth day that Moses called Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel” (Leviticus 9:1). The text goes on to describe the events of the eight day after setting up the Tabernacle, a phenomenal worship service followed by a tragic incident. The reading concludes with the biblical dietary laws regarding animals fit for consumption and prohibitions regarding those that are unfit.
Portion Outline
- TORAH
- Leviticus 9:1 Aaron’s Priesthood Inaugurated
- Leviticus 10:1 Nadab and Abihu
- Leviticus 11:1 Clean and Unclean Foods
- Leviticus 11:24 Unclean Animals
- PROPHETS
- 2 Samuel 6:1 David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem
- 2 Samuel 7:1 God’s Covenant with David
Portion Resources
Studying Torah Requires Searching the Scriptures
Path of a Ragamuffin 