Axarei Mot - Kedoshim (Axarei Mot: Leviticus 16:1-18:30; Kedoshim: Leviticus 19:1-20:27)

This week's Torah reading is in fact the combination of two portions. These two portions are often combined, since the system of dividing the Torah into portions is designed so that there will be enough portions for all of the Sabbaths of the year. The weekly portion is not read on holidays that come out on the Sabbath, and therefore, when there is a year during which many holidays do, some portions are joined together to that the Torah will still be completed during the year.

Axarei Mot, literally "after the death", is thus named because it begins with instructions God gives to Moses for Aaron and his sons after the death of Aaron's two eldest sons, Nadav and Avihu.

Kedoshim, literally "holy", is thus named because it begins with a commandment to the Israelites that they must be holy, because God is holy.

Axarei Mot: The portion begins with instructions given to Moses for Aaron and his sons. Teaching them about the ritual of the Day of Atonement. This ritual is performed by the high priest once a year, in order to atone for the sins of all the Israelites. As part of this ritual, a he-goat is sent to the desert, thus removing all the sins from the Temple. In addition, another he-goat is sacrificed. Throughout the ritual, the High Priest washes and changes clothes repeatedly. In addition, the Israelites are commanded to fast on the Day of Atonement.

The Israelites are then commanded to bring any animal they slaughter before God, thus preventing paganism. They are also commanded not to eat the blood. The portion ends with a list of prohibitions concerning incest.

Kedoshim: The portion begins with a commandment to the Israelites to be holy. Being holy includes keeping the Sabbath, avoiding idolatry, caring for the poor, judging fairly, treating strangers properly, respect for parents, avoiding incest, keeping the dietary laws and more.