Annual Torah Cycle

In the observance of the annual cycle of Torah Reading, each week is assigned its own portion of Scripture, or what we refer to as a Parashah.  This year, 5780,  began on 1 Tishrei or October 1, 2019. There are 54 Parshiyot (Parashah plural), one for each week of a leap year, so that in the course of one year, we complete the entire Torah from B'resheet to D'varim (Genesis to Deuteronomy). A leap-year adds an additional 4 weeks (one month) to the usual 12 months, and we refer to this month as: ADAR II. During non-leap years (regular), there are 50 weeks, as a result some of the shorter Parshiyot are doubled up.

The weeks of Pesach (Passover) and Sukkot have different Torah portions assigned to them, so on leap years that leaves 52 weeks to accomplish 54 Parshiyot. This is achieved by doubling up 2 portions, and for non-leap years there remain 48 weeks to accomplish 54 Parshiyot and this is achieved by having 6 double Parshiyot.

This Week's Parashah

16

Torah: B'reisheet(Genesis) 12:1-17:27

Haftara: Isiah 40:27-41:16

Brit Chadashah: John 8:51-58

 

Portion Summary

The third reading from the book of Genesis is named Lech Lecha (לך לך). It means "go forth." The first verse says, "Now the LORD said to Abram, 'Go forth (lech lecha לך לך) from your country.'" Section Lech Lecha introduces Abraham and tells the story of his pilgrimage in pursuit of God.

 

Portion Outline

  • Torah
    • Genesis 12:1 | The Call of Abram
    • Genesis 12:10 | Abram and Sarai in Egypt
    • Genesis 13:1 | Abram and Lot Separate
    • Genesis 14:1 | Lot's Captivity and Rescue
    • Genesis 14:17 | Abram Blessed by Melchizedek
    • Genesis 15:1 | God's Covenant with Abram
    • Genesis 16:1 | The Birth of Ishmael
    • Genesis 17:1 | The Sign of the Covenant
  • Prophets
    • Isaiah 40:1 | God's People Are Comforted
    • Isaiah 41:1 | Israel Assured of God's Help
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