Combined Parshiyot: Acharei Mot / Qedoshim

We read two Torah portions this week so we can get through the entire Torah by the end of the year

Acharei Mot (After the Death), Leviticus 16:1-18:30
This parshah begins by referring back to the death of Aaron's sons Nadav and Abihu in Chapter 10, then goes on to detail the offerings and procedures for Yom Kippur. It limits offerings to the central location (the Tent of Meeting here; the Temple in later days), prohibits eating blood, and prohibits certain sexual practices identified as common in Egypt: incest, homosexuality and bestiality. Don't blame me or call me homophobic; I am merely reporting what this parshah says.

Qedoshim (Holy), Leviticus 19:1-20:27
This parshah begins by emphasizing holiness and reiterating some of the "Ten Commandments" in more detail. This is followed by a wide variety of commandments about the treatment of people, animals and plants, and many other specific details. It also reiterates and elaborates on the commandments against incest, homosexuality and bestiality first mentioned in the previous parshah that is often read in the same week as this one. Don't blame me or call me homophobic; I am merely reporting what this parshah says. It also speaks of the rules of kosher animals as being a source of holiness. In an unusual turn, the parshah ends on a negative note, imposing the death penalty on those who consult with spirits.

The haftarah is for Qedoshim, Amos 9:7-9:15. It speaks of the penalties of not maintaining the laws of holiness from the Torah portion, but assures that the children of Israel will survive and will be rewarded in the end.

In synagogues using the Sephardic tradition, the Haftarah is Ezekiel 20:2-20:20.