Parshat Tetzaveh (You Shall Command)

The Torah portion is Tetzaveh, Exodus 27:20-30:10. In synagogues using the Triennial system, 5783 is year 1 and the Torah reading is Exodus 27:20-28:30.

Tetzaveh (Command) continues the discussion of sacred objects, including the Neir Tamid (continual light), the garments of the priests, including the Breastplate of Judgment and the Urim and Thummim. It discusses the anointing of the priests and the seven days of offerings of consecration. Concludes with the building the Altar of Incense, used only for incense and not for other offerings or for any "strange" (zarah) incense.

There is a special maftir portion (the final piece of the Torah reading) for Shabbat Zakhor: Deuteronomy 25:17-19. A reminder of the treachery of the Amalek, a group that preyed upon the weak as the Israelites fled Egypt. Remember what Amalek did to you... and blot out their memory! This is not a call to genocide but to put an end to those who prey upon the weak.

The haftarah is for Shabbat Zakhor, I Samuel 15:2-34. King Saul is sent to destroy the Amalekites, but he spares king Agag and his men took the spoil against G-d's wishes. The villain of Purim is an Agagite, a descendant of the spared king.

In synagogues using the Sephardic tradition, the Haftarah is I Samuel 15:1-34.