Summary of The Weekly Torah Reading:
Parshas Behar - Bechukosai
Note: The Shabbos Torah Reading is divided into 7 sections. Each section
is called an Aliya [literally: Go up] since for each Aliya, one person
"goes up" to make a bracha [blessing] on the Torah Reading.
1st Aliya:
Parshas BeHar begins with the laws of Shemitah and Yovel. The land lay fallow every 7th year, and after the 49th year, (7x7) it lay fallow a 2nd year for the 50th as well.
2nd Aliya:
Hashem (G-d) promises (25:21-22) that He will provide for the nation, regardless of the land being fallow. No one will go hungry. The return, at Yovel, of all hereditary lands to their original owners is commanded.
3rd Aliya:
The difference between the sale of a property in a walled city vs. an unwalled city is established. Continuing the theme of providing and dependency, we are commanded to provide for our impoverished brethren. Just as Hashem provides for us, we must provide for each other.
4th Aliya:
The freeing of all Jewish slaves at the Yovel is detailed. The Torah discusses redeeming a Jewish slave from a non-Jewish owner, and the formula for how much to pay the non-Jewish master. We begin reading BeChukosai. The opening verses describe the wondrous successes awaiting the nation, so long as they follow Hashem's Mitzvos.
5th Aliya:
This Aliya is called the Tocheche - The Rebuke. It is a lengthy description of the terrible punishments awaiting the nation, if they do not follow the Torah. It is customary for the Baal Koreh (Reader) to have this Aliya, and to read it faster and more quietly than the rest of the Parsha.
6th Aliya:
The established prices for endowments of individual worth, or that of an animal, are listed.
7th Aliya:
The final portion deals with endowments of property to the Bais Hamikdash.
Parsha Summary by Rabbi Aron Tendler
Rabbi of Shaarey Zedek Congregation, Valley Village, CA
