The Torah Teachings Videos

A Beginner's Guide to the Jewish Weekly Torah Portions

One of the best ways to learn about the Jewish religion is to read the Torah, which is the sacred text of Judaism. A great way to get started is by reading the weekly Torah portions. Each week, a different portion of the Torah is read in synagogues worldwide. That helps Jews keep up with their religious studies and stay connected to their heritage.

The weekly Torah portion includes a section from the Book of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, or Deuteronomy. The portion is divided into seven sections; each called an aliyah. Jews are encouraged to read aloud from the Torah during synagogue services, and many people enjoy doing this at home.

How many times is Torah read in a week?

The Torah is read every week, on Shabbat and holidays. Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest, which begins at sundown on Friday evening and lasts until nightfall on Saturday evening. On Shabbat, Jews were not allowed to work or do anything that could be considered labor. Instead, they focus on spending time with family, praying, and studying the Torah.

What are the four major holidays in Judaism?

Judaism has four major holidays: Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur. Each holiday has its specific traditions and observances.

1. Passover

Passover celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. The holiday lasts for seven or eight days, and during that time, Jews refrain from eating leavened bread or anything else that contains yeast.

2. Shavuot

Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. It occurs 50 days after Passover and lasts for two days. During Shavuot, Jews eat dairy foods and refrain from eating meat.

3. Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, marking the beginning of the High Holy Days. The holiday lasts two days; during that time, Jews pray and ask for forgiveness for their sins. They also eat particular foods, such as apples dipped in honey, to symbolize a sweet new year.

4. Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement when Jews ask forgiveness for their sins and resolve to do better in the coming year. The holiday lasts for 25 hours, during which Jews fast and pray.

What are the five books of the Torah?

The Torah comprises five books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Each book tells a different story about the history of the Jewish people.

1. Genesis begins with the world's creation and ends with Joseph's death. It tells the stories of Adam and Eve, Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob and his twelve sons.

2. Exodus tells the story of the Israelites' slavery in Egypt and their deliverance by Moses. It includes the Ten Commandments and the laws known as the Torah.

3. Leviticus contains the laws governing ritual purity and impurity, sacrificial offerings, and priestly duties.

4. Numbers tells the story of the Israelites' journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. Along the way, they face many challenges, including a rebellion led by Aaron's son, Korah.

5. Deuteronomy is a collection of Moses' speeches summarizing the Jewish people's history up to that point. It also contains laws governing everything from warfare to slavery to family relationships.

Conclusion

Jewish weekly Torah portions, holidays, and the five books of the Torah all play an essential role in the Jewish religion. Understanding these aspects of Judaism can deepen your appreciation for the faith.