May 17, 2025
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA
This week’s parsha is called Emor, which means “speak.” In it, Hashem tells Moshe what to say to the kohanim and to the rest of Bnei Yisrael. First, we learn that the kohanim have special jobs in the Beit HaMikdash, and because of their holy work, they also have to follow special rules. For example, a regular kohen is not allowed to go near a dead body, except those who are close family members, because being near a dead body makes someone tamei (ritually impure). Also, kohanim must be extra careful about who they marry.
Then we learn about the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest. He has even more rules, like never going near a dead
ONE BIG IDEA
Parshat Emor teaches us about the chagim, like Shabbat, Pesach, Shavuot, and more. Each holiday is a special gift from Hashem that helps us stop and remember something important. But the Torah doesn’t just list the holidays. It calls them “moadei Hashem”Hashem’s special times to meet with us. This reminds us that these days aren’t just about food or fun they’re about connecting with Hashem. When we light candles, pray, or eat in the sukkah, we’re spending time with Hashem. Let’s get excited for the chagim and use them to grow closer to Hashem!
body not even for family and he wears special clothing when he works in the Beit HaMikdash.
We learn the dates of the chagim and what we’re supposed to do on each one. This includes:
• Shabbat – A day of rest every week
• Pesach (Passover) – When we remember leaving Egypt
• Sefirat HaOmer – Counting the days from Pesach to Shavuot
• Shavuot – The day we received the Torah
• Rosh Hashanah – The Jewish New Year
• Yom Kippur – A special day to say sorry and ask Hashem to forgive us
• Sukkot – When we sit in the sukkah to remember how Bnei Yisrael lived in the desert
The parsha also tells us about keeping the Beit HaMikdash clean and respectful, and it reminds us not to say Hashem’s name in the wrong way. We also learn that we should behave in a way that gives honor to Hashem and not in a way that brings shame to Hashem. At the end of the parsha, there’s a story about someone who cursed Hashem’s name, and he was punished. This reminds us to always speak respectfully, especially about Hashem.
Candle-lighting: 7:49pm
Havdalah: 8:50pm allah: 5:25pm
PARSHA STATS DID YOU KNOW…?
Mitzvot ..............................63 (24 Do’s, 39 Don’ts)
Lines in the Torah ..............215 (20th most)
Pesukim .............................124 (15th most)
Words ................................2614 (22nd most)
Letters................................7523 (23rd most)
Year(s)................................6106
(Source: OU Torah Tidbits)
Emor is Hashem commanding Moshe to speak to the Kohanim. Did you know that it is 1 of 8 parshiot whose name is a command? Did you also know that there are:
6 parsha names that have a name in them (e.g. Noach, Yitro, Pinchas)
11 parsha names that describe an action (e.g. Vayeirah, Vayeitzei)
11 parsha names that are timerelated (e.g. Acharei Mot, Ki Teitzei)
Can you find the others in each category?
CHECKLIST
To be filled out after shabbat and brought in Monday.
Called someone to wish them a “Shabbat Shalom”
Went to shul
Participated in Hadlakat Nerot/Kiddush/ Hamotzi/Birkat Hamazon
Sang zemirot/songs
Wore Shabbat clothing
Helped prepare our home for Shabbat
Full Name: ______________________________
Class: __________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________
QUESTIONS
1. Thought question: In “Did you know,” 36 of the 54 parshiot names are categorized. Can you find any new categories for the other 18 parshiot names?
2. What do we learn by the chagim being called “meeting times?”
3. What is one difference between the Kohen Gadol and a regular kohen?
4. Can you name one special thing about each of the chagim?
5. Thought question: How does someone act in way that brings honor to Hashem?