29-Torah-Acharei Mot-Kedoshim
Portion Summary
Acharei Mot
In this twenty-ninth reading from the Torah and the sixth reading from the book of Leviticus is titled Acharei Mot, meaning "after the death." This title comes from the opening words of (Leviticus 16:1), where YHVH speaks to Moses following the death of Aaron's two sons.
This reading covers the ceremony for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) in (Leviticus 16), the importance of sacrificial rituals in (Leviticus 17), and the laws governing permitted and forbidden relationships in (Leviticus 18).
Kedoshim
The thirtieth reading, Kedoshim, means "holy" and begins with YHVH's call for the people to "be holy, for I YHVH your Father am holy" (Leviticus 19:2). This portion describes the commandments for building a holy community, including guidelines on relationships, respect, and ethical behavior. (Leviticus 20) continues with warnings against immoral behavior and idolatry, highlighting the gravity of these sins and, in some cases, mandating severe consequences. In non-leap years, Kedoshim is often read on the same Sabbath as Acharei Mot.
Key Themes in Acharei Mot-Kedoshim:
Day of Atonement: The sacred ritual of atonement, including the scapegoat ceremony, emphasizes forgiveness and reconciliation.
Holiness in Community: Kedoshim outlines the ethical and moral guidelines that contribute to a community's holiness.
Sexual Purity: Both portions stress boundaries in relationships, underscoring the value of honoring and protecting one another.
Idolatry and Morality: The commandments warn against the pitfalls of idol worship and moral decay, calling for dedicated loyalty to YHVH.
TORAH:
Leviticus 16:1-20:27: Detailed instructions for the Day of Atonement, sacrificial regulations, and guidelines for holy living.
Exodus 36:8: Reference to the sanctuary's construction and dedication to YHVH.
Exodus 20:1-30: Reinforcement of the Ten Commandments.
Deuteronomy 12:11-23: Instructions on worship and the designated place for sacrifices.
SEPTUAGINT:
Leviticus 23:22: Instructions for leaving part of the harvest for the poor, promoting kindness and community responsibility.
WRITINGS:
Psalms 141:2: A prayer for pure worship, likening prayer to incense.
2 Chronicles 13:11: Description of temple service and the faithful offerings to YHVH.
Proverbs 6:23: Wisdom about the commandments as a guide to life.NEVI'EM:
Ezekiel 22:1-19: Condemnation of sin and call to repentance.
Isaiah 6:1-7: Isaiah's vision of YHVH's holiness and his call to prophetic service.
Zephaniah 1:1-7: Judgment upon unfaithfulness, calling for reverence and obedience.
Ezekiel 39:17-22: Judgment against idolatry and sin.
Isaiah 42:21: YHVH's delight in righteousness and the upholding of His law.
GOSPEL AND EPISTLES:
Matthew 15:10-20: Y'shua teaches that purity comes from within, not external rituals alone.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Call to a lifestyle of constant prayer, gratitude, and rejoicing.
Revelation 15:5-8: The opening of the heavenly temple and the display of YHVH's glory.
Revelation 14:17-20; 19:9, 15-21: Imagery of YHVH's judgment and the call to purity.
1 John 2:1-11: Encouragement to walk in the light of YHVH and to love one another.
Matthew 22:34-40: Y'shua summarizes the commandments as love for YHVH and love for neighbor.Revelation 22:15: Warnings about the consequences of immorality.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10: A reminder of the importance of purity for those in YHVH's kingdom.
Galatians 5:19-21: Warning against works of the flesh that separate from YHVH.
Romans 8:1: Assurance for those living in YHVH's Spirit.
Hebrews 10:1-39: Discussion on the law, sacrifice, and the new covenant in Y'shua.
2 Peter 2:1-21: Call to be watchful against false teaching and immorality.
Matthew 7:14: The narrow path to righteousness.
Matthew 22:14: Reminder that many are called, but few are chosen.
APOCRYPHA:
Enoch 10:1-5; 12:1-6; 13:1-3; 15:4-7: Writings on the consequences of sin, particularly the consequences of immorality.
2 Esdras 13:1-58: Vision of judgment and restoration, encouraging faithfulness.
Study Questions:
How does Acharei Mot-Kedoshim connect with the themes in the Haftarah and New Testament portions?
What teachings or readings did you find most impactful, and why?
In what ways is Y'shua reflected in these passages?
How do these readings apply to our personal lives, emphasizing themes of holiness, purity, and devotion?
This portion reinforces the call to a life of holiness and integrity, echoing throughout the Torah, Prophets, Writings, and New Testament, with a focus on loyalty to YHVH and the pursuit of purity.
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