This week our Torah portion is about the installation of the priesthood and the seriousness of walking in holiness before God. It is appropriate for this time of year because we are at the beginning of the important season that we refer to as "Counting the Omer." This is the period between the offering of the early firstfruits and the offering of the latter firstfruits.

One of the names that describes Passover in the Haggadah is z’man cheruteinu, the “season of our freedom.” We gather around the Seder table remembering how God brought our ancestors out of Egyptian slavery to freedom in the wilderness.

This week there is a special Shabbat. In addition to its being the weekly day of rest, it is the Shabbat before Passover. It is called Shabbat HaGadol, the Great Sabbath.

This week our Torah portion is the beginning of the Book of Leviticus. The Tabernacle is completed, and the Glory of the Lord has filled the Tabernacle.

This week our Torah portion is the narrative about the building of the Tabernacle, which brings us to the conclusion of Exodus.

This week our Torah portion focuses on the story of the Golden Calf. To get the most out of this narrative, we must go back to Exodus 24 and read about the great covenantal ceremony when the whole nation spoke with one voice and promised to obey God.