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Torah readings

7th day of Chag Matzot (Festival of Unleavened Bread) readings

The Bible’s seven-day commemoration of Matzot (Unleavened Bread) is tied to both Pesach (Passover; without leaven) and Shavuot (Pentecost; with leaven). Here are readings that focus on Messiah-related themes of the last day of the festival.

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Torah readings

Shabbat Pesach (Sabbath of Passover) readings

The Shabbat (Sabbath) during the seven days of Chag Matzot (Festival of Unleavened Bread) traditionally has special Bible readings that help us step back and reflect on the overarching messages of Lamb Selection Day, Pesakh (Passover), Matzot and Bikkurim (Firstfruits). These relate directly to the life and mission of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus).

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Torah readings Unleavened Bread

1st day of Chag Matzot (Unleavened Bread) readings

Because ancient Israel had to flee Egypt quickly during the Exodus and not let the dough to rise. Because Israel was afflicted in bondage in Egypt. These are a couple of the reasons the Torah gives for why these seven days of leaven-lessness following Passover are observed from generation to generation. Yet why does “leaven” get featured mention by Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) in the Gospels and by the Apostle Paul? Check out these Bible readings and related studies about Chag Matzot (Festival of Unleavened Bread) to discover the lessons that help us become alive in the Spirit of God.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Metzora (מצורע): Leviticus 14–15

A house with toxic mold can be a hidden chronic health hazard. And an unsightly discoloration of the skin could be the harbinger of a creeping killer, if not diagnosed properly and quickly. The physical necessities of dealing with such “leprosy” in body and stuff illustrate well the cancers of character that grow and consume, if left untreated.

The Torah reading, מְּצֹרָע Metzora (“leper,” Leviticus 14–15) reveals how entering the Presence of the Creator of Heaven and Earth requires cleanliness that’s more than skin-deep. That cleanup job is something that’s described in Yom haKippurim (Day of Atonement, Leviticus 16) and reaches its reality in the death and resurrection of Yeshua the Mashiakh (Jesus the Christ).

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Torah readings

Torah reading Tazria (תזריע): Leviticus 12–13

Why would God want newborns and their mothers to be purified shortly after birth? Why is God so concerned about leprosy amid instructions for living life differently from the rest of the world? If we stick with appearances, our understanding the heart of God will be only skin deep. That’s what’s between the lines of this week’s Torah reading, תזריע Tazria (“she will conceive”), covering Leviticus 12–13.

The lesson about childbirth goes back to the beginning of the world and stretches to our time. The teaching on leprosy is more about what’s going on inside a person.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Shemini (שמיני): Leviticus 9–11

In our joy to come into close relationship with the Creator, we may forget to have respect of Who He is. One of the lessons of this week’s Torah reading, שמיני Shemini (“eighth”), covering Lev. 9:1–11:47, is remembering how to discern what God has set apart — cleaned up — from what isn’t. That’s behind the object lesson of clean and unclean foods, and put into sharp focus in Acts 10.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Tzav (צו): Leviticus 6:8–8:36

The extended Tabernacle parable of how the contrite enter the Creator’s presence continues with instructions for the priesthood, detailed in this week’s Torah reading, צו Tzav (“command”), covering Lev. 6:8–8:36.