Parshah Emor & Pesach Sheni

This week’s Torah portion, “Emor,” which means “speak, say” is found in Leviticus 21:1.  In the first part, the L-rd tells Moses to “speak” to the kohanim (priests) various laws pertaining specifically to them about how to avoid becoming ritually impure so they can perform rituals in the Temple.

Emor continues by naming the Holy days and festivals where we can connect with G-d, how to light the menorah and place the showbread, as well as listing the punishments for murder, committing injury, and destruction of property.

This week also contains the Holiday of Pesach Sheni, the Second Passover, which falls on Thursday evening April 30th and Friday, May 1st.  This lesser known Jewish Holiday was created for anyone who was unable to observe Passover at the proper time on the 15th of Nisan.

Pesach Sheni was initiated after the first anniversary of Passover because there were people who were unable to observe Passover due to becoming ritually impure. These individuals approached Moses and Aaron saying, “Why should we be deprived, and not be able to present G-d’s offering in its time, amongst the children of Israel?” (Numbers 9:6-7).  G-d heard their plea and responded by establishing Pesach Sheni, the Second Passover, on the 14th of Iyar.

• Pesach Sheni almost always occurs within Parshat Emor?  Is there any significance?

• Both Pesach Sheni and Parshat Emor always fall within the month of Iyar?  Is there a reason, a connection ?

• Come join the discussion and let’s get into it!