Shemini (Leviticus 9:1–11:47)
This week’s Torah portion covers Leviticus 9:1–11:47. The portion is titled Shemini, which in Hebrew means “eighth,” because the text begins “on the eighth day.” In the Bible, the number seven symbolizes the completion of creation. In Genesis, God finishes his creative work in six days and rests on the seventh. Number seven is forever…