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Leviticus 9-11
Last weeks Torah portion details the types of animals that God has designated to be used for food.  Animals had a critical role to play in Israel's sacrificial system.  Only certain kinds of animals were acceptable to be used for sacrifice.  As we see in the Bible, God created a variety of animals for the use of man on the earth.  And God has designated that certain animals are to be used as God has prescribed in the Bible.  When we use animals outside of God’s intended purposes, we not only disrespect that creature but we also disrespect God.  God has set an order for man’s use of living creatures.

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Leviticus 6-8
This portion continues to detail Israel’s sacrificial system. At the center of sacrifice, is the altar of sacrifice.  In the bible, the altar was the place for meeting and worshiping God. The first altar recorded in the Hebrew Bible is that erected by Noah (Genesis 8:20). Altars were erected by Abraham (Genesis 12:7; 13:4; 22:9), by Isaac (Genesis 26:25), by Jacob (33:20; 35:1-3), and by Moses (Exodus 17:15). After the theophany on biblical Mount Sinai, in the Tabernacle–and afterwards in the Temple–only two altars are mentioned: the Altar of Burnt Offering, and the Altar of Incense.

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Leviticus 1-5
This Torah portion begins to detail the sacrificial system that God required of ancient Israel. The primary purpose of the sacrificial system was to commune with God – forgiveness of sin, thanksgiving, and ritual purity.  But this was not God’s preferred method for getting close to Him.  God’s preferred method was to accept His atoning sacrifice and honor Him by living His law.  Because of Israel’s disobedience and stiffneckness, God employed the system of sacrifices to teach Israel the relationship between sin and death, and as a method of worshiping Him.  In this review, we see how we can commune with God as receivers of Yeshua’s infinite atonement and resurrection; and, commune with our neighbor under God’s system of justice and mercy.

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Exodus 38-40
This Torah portion describes the holy garments to be worn by the High Priest. An integral fitment of the High Priest garments is the breastplate. On the breastplate was fastened twelve jewels representing the twelve tribes of Israel.  The High Priest would wear this breastplate as he approached the throne of God on the Day of Atonement – Yom Kippur.    

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Exodus 35-38
We see in this portion another discussion and construction of the Tabernacle.  The Tabernacle represented to Israel the central focus of worship – it was the dwelling place of God.  Within the Tabernacle, God directed that certain furnishings be present.  One such furnishing was God’s lamp – the Menorah. The Menorah is a dominant symbol of the Jewish faith as is the Star of David.  In this portion review, we will examine the special meanings associated with the Menorah.