VaYikra (Leviticus 1:1 - 5:26)

The portion is named VaYikra, literally "and he called out", because it begins with God
calling out to Moses from the Tent of Meeting.

The portion, which begins the Book of Leviticus, begins the ongoing detailed description in this book of the different sacrifices which are to be brought to the Temple, specifying the need for each sacrifice, the way it is to be offered, and different laws relating to it. The list begins with stating that a sacrifice to God which is brought from livestock must be from the herd or from the flock. There is a detailed description of how the sacrifice is brought, how the animal is slaughtered, what is done with the different parts and how the sacrifice is burned on the altar. Offerings of birds are also accepted. A burnt offering such as these is called an "Ola". All of the offering is burned
before God.

In addition to offerings of animals, it is also possible to bring an offering called "minxa", which is an offering of grain and oil. The remainder of the offering after it has been burned
is given to the priests. The numerous circumstances requiring this offering are listed.

Another kind of offering described is an offering of peace, "zevax Shelamim",which can also be brought from various kinds of animals, each kind requiring a slightly different ritual.

A very important kind of offering is a "xatat", a sin offering. Any member of the Israelites
who has committed a sin without intent is required to bring a sin offering, according to what each can afford. The entire congregation may also be required to bring a sin offering under certain circumstances. The many different sins that require the bringing of this offering are listed, with an emphasis ON THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE REQUIREMENTS, RELATING TO THE NATURE OF THE SIN AS WELL AS THE SOCIAL STATUS OF THE ONE WHO SINNED. The remainder of the xatat is given to the priests.