Date |
Event |
Torah |
Maftir |
Haftarah |
1 Tishrei 29th September 2011 | Rosh HaShanah I ראש השנה | Gen. 21:1-34 | maf. Num. 29:1-6 | 1 Sam. 1:1–2:10 |
2 Tishrei 30th September 2011 | Rosh HaShanah II ראש השנה | Gen. 22:1-24 | maf. Num. 29:1-6 | Jer. 31:1-19 |
3 Tishrei 1st October 2011 | Parashat Ha'azinu [Sabbath of Repentance,
Sabbath of Return] Shabbat Shuva פרשת האזינו, שבת שובה | Deut. 32:1-52 | | Hos. 14:2-10, Mic. 7:18-20, Joel 2:15-27 |
4 Tishrei 2nd October 2011 | Tzom Gedaliah [Fast of Gedaliah] יום גדליה Fast Day | Ex. 32:11-14; 34:1-10 [am & pm] | | Isa. 55:6–56:8 [pm]
[No Haftarah for Sephardim]
|
9 Tishrei 7th October 2011 | erev Yom Kippur ערב יום הכיפור | | | |
10 Tishrei 8th October 2011 | Yom Kippur [Day of Atonement] יום הכיפור, יום הכיפורים | Lev. 16:1-34 [am]
Lev. 18:1-30 alt. Lev. 19:1-18 [pm] | maf. Num. 29:7-11 | Isa. 57:14–58:14 [am]
Book of Jonah
Micah 7:18-20 [pm] |
14 Tishrei 12th October 2011 | Erev Sukkot ערב סוכות | | | |
15 Tishrei 13th October 2011 | Sukkot I סוכות א׳ | Lev. 22:26–23:44 | maf. Num. 29:12-16 | Zech. 14:1-21 |
16 Tishrei 14th October 2011 | Sukkot II סוכות ב׳
Sukkot is celebrated over seven days [Eight in the Diaspora.] The first two days of Sukkot are a major holidays [Yom Tov] in the Diaspora and are followed by the Festival "weekdays" called Chol HaMoed. In Israel the Chol HaMoed begin on Sukkot Day II. | Lev. 22:26–23:44 | maf. Num. 29:12-16 | 1 Kgs. 8:2-21 |
17 Tishrei 15th October 2011 | Sukkot [Shabbat Chol HaMoed] סוכות שבת חל המועד | Ex. 33:12–34:26 | maf. Num. 29:17-22 | Ezek. 38:18–39:16 |
18 Tishrei 16th October 2011 | Sukkot IV [Chol HaMoed II] סוכות ד׳, חל המועד ב׳ | Num. 29:20-28 | | |
19 Tishrei 17th October 2011 | Sukkot V [Chol HaMoed III] סוכות ה׳, חל המועד ג׳ | Num. 29:23-31 | | |
20 Tishrei 18th October 2011 | Sukkot VI [Chol HaMoed IV] סוכות ו׳, חל המועד ד׳ | Num. 29:26-34 | | |
21 Tishrei 19th October 2011 | Sukkot VII [Hoshanah Rabbah] סוכות ז׳ הושנא רבה | Num. 29:26-34 | | |
22 Tishrei 20th October 2011 | Shemini Atzeret שמיני עצרת | Deut. 14:22–16:17 | maf. Num. 29:35–30:1 | 1 Kgs. 8:54-66 |
22 Tishrei 20th October 2011 | erev Simhat Torah ערב שמחת תורה
In most Jewish communities the Torah is read at night on Simhat Torah. [This is the only time when the Torah is read at night.] There are various customs regarding which Torah sections are read, although many select Vezot Haberachah, the last weekly portion on the Torah, omitting the last verses. | Deut. 33:1-17
[or 33:1-26]
Customs may vary. | | |
23 Tishrei 21st October 2011 | Simhat Torah [Rejoicing in the Torah] שמחת תורה
Simchat Torah is a celebration marking the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle. In Israel, Simhat Torah and Shemini Atzeret are celebrated on the same day. | Deut. 33:1–34:12
Gen. 1:1–2:3 | maf. Num. 29:35–30:1 | Josh. 1:1-18
[Josh. 1:1-9] |
24 Tishrei 22nd October 2011 | Parashat Bereshit פרשת בראשית | Gen. 1:1–6:8 | | Isa. 42:5–43:10
[Isa. 42:5-21] |
30 Tishrei 28th October 2011 | Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan ראש חודש חשון | Num. 28:1-15 | | |
1 Cheshvan 29th October 2011 | Parashat Noach Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan פרשת נח | Gen. 6:9–11:32 | maf. Num. 28:9-15 | Isa. 66:1-24 |
8 Cheshvan 5th November 2011 | Parashat Lekh Lekha פרשת לך-לך | Gen. 12:1–17:27 | | Isa. 40:27–41:16 |
15 Cheshvan 12th November 2011 | Parashat Vayera פרשת וירא | Gen. 18:1–22:24 | | 2 Kgs. 4:1-37
[2 Kgs. 4:1-23] |
22 Cheshvan 19th November 2011 | Parashat Chayei Sarah פרשת חיי שרה | Gen. 23:1–25:18 | | 1 Kgs. 1:1-31 |
29 Cheshvan 26th November 2011 | Parashat Toledot Shabbat Machar Chodesh פרשת תולדות, שבת מחר חודש
[Sabbath before Rosh Chodesh] | Gen. 25:19–28:9 | | 1 Sam. 20:18-42 |
1 Kislev 27th November 2011 | Rosh Chodesh Kislev ראש חודש כסלו | Num. 28:1-15 | | |
7 Kislev 3rd December 2011 | Parashat Vayetze פרשת ויצא | Gen. 28:10–32:3 | | Hos. 12:13–14:10
Opt. subst. Mic. 7:18
[Hos. 11:7–12:12] |
14 Kislev 10th December 2011 | Parashat Vayishlach פרשת וישלח | Gen. 32:4–36:43 | | Obad. 1:1-21
Opt. Hos. 11:7–12:12
[Obad. 1:1-21] |
21 Kislev 17th December 2011 | Parashat Vayeshev פרשת וישב | Gen. 37:1–40:23 | | Amos 2:6–3:8 |
24 Kislev 20th December 2011 | Erev Chanukah חנוכה ערב | | | |
25 Kislev 21st December 2011 | Chanukah I חנוכה א׳ | Num. 7:1-17 | | |
26 Kislev 22nd December 2011 | Chanukah II חנוכה ב׳ | Num. 7:18-29 | | |
27 Kislev 23rd December 2011 | Chanukah III חנוכה ג׳ | Num. 7:24-35 | | |
28 Kislev 24th December 2011 | Parashat Miketz Shabbat Chanukah IV פרשת מקץ חנוכה | Gen. 41:1–44:17 | maf. Num. 7:30-35 | Zech. 2:14–4:7 |
29 Kislev 25th December 2011 | Chanukah V חנוכה ה׳ | Num. 7:36-47 | | |
30 Kislev 26th December 2011 | Chanukah VI Rosh Chodesh Tevet חנוכה ו׳, ראש חודש טבת | Num. 28:1-15 | maf. Num. 7:42-47 | |
1 Tevet 27th December 2011 | Chanukah VII Rosh Chodesh Tevet חנוכה ז׳, ראש חודש טבת | Num. 28:1-15 | maf. Num. 7:48-53 | |
2 Tevet 28th December 2011 | Chanukah VIII חנוכה ט׳ | Num. 7:54–8:4 | | |
5 Tevet 31st December 2011 | Parashat Vayigash פרשת ויגש | Gen. 44:18–47:27 | | Ezek. 37:15-28 |
10 Tevet 5th January 2012 | Asara B’Tevet [The Tenth of Tevet] עשרה בטבת
[Minor Fast Day] | Ex. 32:11-14; 34:1-10 | | Isa. 55:6–56:8 [pm]
[No haftarah for Sephardim] |
12 Tevet 7th January 2012 | Parashat Vayechi פרשת ויחי | Gen. 47:28–50:26 | | 1 Kgs. 2:1-12 |
19 Tevet 14th January 2012 | Parashat Shemot פרשת שמות | Ex. 1:1–6:1 | | Isa. 27:6–28:13; 29:22-23
[Jer. 1:1–2:3] |
26 Tevet 21st January 2012 | Parashat Vaera פרשת וארא | Ex. 6:2–9:35 | | Ezek. 28:25–29:21 |
1 Shevat 25th January 2012 | Rosh Chodesh Shevat ראש חודש שבט | Num. 28:1-15 | | |
4 Shevat 28th January 2012 | Parashat Bo פרשת בא | Ex. 10:1–13:16 | | Jer. 46:13-28 |
11 Shevat 4th February 2012 | Parashat Beshalach פרשת בשלח | Ex. 13:17–17:16 | | Judg. 4:4–5:31
[Judg. 5:1-31] |
15 Shevat 8th February 2012 | Tu B’Shvat [The Fifteenth of Sh'vat] New Year for Trees ט״ו בשבט; ראש השנה לאילנות
[Minor Jewish Holiday] | | | |
18 Shevat 11th February 2012 | Parashat Yitro פרשת יתרו | Ex. 18:1–20:23 | | Isa. 6:1–7:6; 9:5-6
[Isa. 6:1-13] |
25 Shevat 18th February 2012 | Parashat Mishpatim Shabbat Shekalim פרשת משפטים, שבת שקלים | Ex. 21:1–24:18 | maf. Ex. 30:11-16 | 2 Kgs. 12:1-17
[2 Kgs. 11:17–12:17] |
30 Shevat 23rd February 2012 | Rosh Chodesh Adar ראש חודש אדר | Num. 28:1-15 | | |
1 Adar 24th February 2012 | Rosh Chodesh Adar ראש חודש אדר | Num. 28:1-15 | | |
2 Adar 25th February 2012 | Parashat Terumah פרשת תרומה | Ex. 25:1–27:19 | | 1 Kgs. 5:26–6:13 |
9 Adar 3rd March 2012 | Parashat Tetzaveh Shabbat Zachor פרשת תצוה, שבת זכור | Ex. 27:20–30:10 | maf. Deut. 25:17-19 | 1 Sam. 15:2-34
[1 Sam. 15:1-34] |
13 Adar 7th March 2012 | Ta’anit Esther [Fast of Esther] תענית אסתר
[Minor Fast Day] | Ex. 32:11-14; 34:1-10 [am & pm] | | Isa. 55:6–56:8 [pm]
[No Haftarah for Sephardim] |
14 Adar 8th March 2012 | Purim פורים | Ex. 17:8-16 | | |
15 Adar 9th March 2012 | Shushan Purim שושן פורים
Shushan Purim is celebrated in Jerusalem and walled cities. | | | |
16 Adar 10th March 2012 | Parashat Ki Tisa פרשת כי תשא | Ex. 30:11–34:35 | | 1 Kgs. 18:1-39
[1 Kgs. 18:20-39] |
23 Adar 17th March 2012 | Parashat Vayakhel–Pekudei Shabbat Parah פרשת ויקהל-פקודי, שבת פרה | Ex. 35:1–40:38 | maf. Num. 19:1-22 | Ezek. 36:16-38
[Ezek. 36:16-36] |
1 Nisan 24th March 2012 | Parashat Vayikra Shabbat HaChodesh Rosh Chodesh Nisan פרשת ויקרא, שבת החודש | Lev. 1:1–5:26
Num. 28:9-15 | maf. Ex. 12:1-20 | Ezek. 45:16–46:18
[Ezek. 45:18–46:15] |
8 Adar 31st March 2012 | Parashat Tzav Shabbat HaGadol פרשת צו, שבת הגדול | Lev. 6:1–8:36 | | Mal. 3:4–24 |
13 Nisan 6th April 2012 | Ta’anit Bechorot [Fast of the Firstborn] תענית בכורות ,תענית בכורים Fast Day [for the Firstborn] | Ex. 32:11–34:10 | | |
14 Nisan 6th April 2012 | Erev Pesach ערב פסח | | | |
15 Nisan 7th April 2012 | Pesach I פסח א׳ | Ex. 12:21-51 | maf. Num. 28:16-25 | Josh. 3:5-7; 5:2–6:1, 27
[Josh. 5:2–6:1, 27] |
16 Nisan 8th April 2012 | Pesach II פסח ב׳ | Lev. 22:26–23, 44 | maf. Num. 28:16-25 | 2 Kgs. 23:1-9, 21-25 |
17 Nisan 9th April 2012 | Pesach III [Chol HaMoed I] פסח ג׳, חל המועד א׳ | Ex. 13:1-16 | maf. Num. 28:19-25 | |
18 Nisan 10th April 2012 | Pesach IV [Chol HaMoed II] פסח ד׳, חל המועד ב׳ | Ex. 22:24–23:19 | maf. Num. 28:19-25 | |
19 Nisan 11th April 2012 | Pesach V [Chol HaMoed III] פסח ה׳, חל המועד ג׳ | Ex. 34:1-26 | maf. Num. 28:19-25 | |
20 Nisan 12th April 2012 | Pesach VI [Chol HaMoed IV] פסח ו׳, חל המועד ד׳ | Num. 9:1-14 | maf. Num. 28:19-25 | |
21 Nisan 13th April 2012 | Pesach VII פסח ז׳ | Ex. 13:17–15:26 | maf. Num. 28:19-25 | 2 Sam. 22:1-51 |
22 Nisan 14th April 2012 | Pesach VIII Shabbat פסח ח׳, שבת | Deut. 14:22–16:17 | maf. Num. 28:19-25 | Isa. 10:32–12:6 |
27 Nisan 19th April 2012 | Yom HaShoah [Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day] יום השואה, יום הזיכרון לשואה ולגבורה | | | |
29 Nisan 21st April 2012 | Parashat Shemini פרשת שמיני, שבת מחר חודש
[Sabbath before Rosh Chodesh] | Lev. 9:1–11:47 | | 1 Sam. 20:18-42 |
30 Nisan 22nd April 2012 | Rosh Chodesh Iyar ראש חודש אייר | Num. 28:1-15 | | |
1 Iyar 23rd April 2012 | Rosh Chodesh Iyar ראש חודש אייר | Num. 28:1-15 | | |
3 Iyar 25th April 2012 | Yom HaZikaron [Israeli Remembrance Day] יום הזיכרון, יום הזיכרון לחללי מערכות ישראל ולנפגעי פעולות האיבה
[Israeli Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism Remembrance Day] | | | |
4 Iyar 26th April 2012 | Yom Ha’Atzmaut [Israel Independence Day] יום העצמאות | Deut. 7:12–8:18 | | Isa. 10:32–12:6 |
6 Iyar 28th April 2012 | Parashat Tazria-Metzorah פרשת תזריע-מצרע | Lev. 12:1–15:33 | | 2 Kgs. 7:3-20 |
13 Iyar 5th May 2012 | Parashat Aharei Mot-Kedoshim פרשת אחרי מות-קדשים | Lev. 16:1–20:27 | | Amos 9:7-15
[Ezek. 20:2-20] |
14 Iyar 6th May 2012 | Pesach Sheini פסח שני
Pesach Sheini is a special celebration of Passover which is celebrated exactly one month after Passover. Its historical purpose was to allow those who for special reason where not able to bring the Passover sacrifice on the correct date to have a second opportunity to do so. The celebration is mentioned in the Torah (Num. 9:1-14). | | | |
18 Iyar 10th May 2012 | Lag Ba’Omer [33rd Day in the Omer] ל״ג בעומר
Lag B'Omer or Lag L'Omer is a holiday marking the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer and falls on the 18th day of Iyar. | | | |
20 Iyar 12th May 2012 | Parashat Emor פרשת אמור | Lev. 21:1–24:23 | | Ezek. 44:15-31 |
5 Sivan 14th May 2012 | erev Shavuot ערב שבועות | | | |
27 Iyar 19th May 2012 | Parashat Behar-Behukotai פרשת בהר-בחקתי | Lev. 25:1–27:34 | | Jer. 16:19–17:14 |
28 Iyar 20th May 2012 | Yom Yerushalayim [Jerusalem Day] יום ירושלים | | | |
1 Sivan 22nd May 2012 | Rosh Chodesh Sivan ראש חודש סיון | Num. 28:1-15 | | |
5 Sivan 26th May 2012 | Parashat Bamidbar erev Shavuot פרשת במדבר | Num. 1:1–4:20 | | Hos. 2:1-22 |
6 Sivan 27th May 2012 | Shavuot I שבועות | Ex. 19:1–20:23 | maf. Num. 28:26-31 | Ezek. 1:1-28; 3:12 |
7 Sivan 28th May 2012 | Shavuot II שבועות | Deut. 15:19–16:17 | maf. Num. 28:26-31 | Hab. 3:1-19
[Hab. 2:20–3:19] |
12 Sivan 2nd June 2012 | Parashat Naso פרשת נשא | Num. 4:21–7:89 | | Judg. 13:2-25 |
19 Sivan 9th June 2012 | Parashat Beha'alotkha פרשת בהעלתך | Num. 8:1–12:16 | | Zech. 2:14–4:7 |
26 Sivan 16th June 2012 | Parashat Shelach Lekha פרשת שלח־לך | Num. 13:1–15:41 | | Josh. 2:1-24 |
30 Sivan 20th June 2012 | Rosh Chodesh Tammuz ראש חודש תמוז | Num. 28:1-28 | | |
1 Tammuz 5772 21st June 2012 | Rosh Chodesh Tammuz ראש חודש תמוז | Num. 28:1-28 | | |
3 Tammuz 23rd June 2012 | Parashat Korach פרשת קורח | Num. 16:1–18:32 | | 1 Sam. 11:14–12:22 |
10 Tammuz 30th June 2012 | Parashat Chukat פרשת חקת | Num. 19:1–22:1 | | Judg. 11:1-33 |
17 Tammuz 7th July 2012 | Parashat Balak פרשת בלק | Num. 22:2–25:9 | | Micah 5:6–6:8 |
18 Tammuz 8th July 2012 | Tzom Tammuz [17th Tammuz - Shiv'ah Asar b'Tammuz] צום תמוז, שבעה עשר בתמוז
[Minor Fast Day] | Ex. 32:11-14; 34:1-10 [am & pm] | | Isa. 55:6–56:8 [pm]
[No Haftarah for Sephardim] |
24 Tammuz 14th July 2012 | Parashat Pinchas 1st Haftarah Admonition פרשת פינחס | Num. 25:10–30:1 | | 1st Haftarah of Admonition
Jer. 1:1–2:3 |
1 Av 20th July 2012 | Rosh Chodesh Av ראש חודש אב | Num. 28:1-15 | | |
2 Av 21st July 2012 | Parashat Matot-Masei 2nd Haftarah Admonition פרשת מטות-מסעי | Num. 30:2–36:13 | | 2nd Haftarah of Admonition
Jer. 2:4-28; 3:4
[Jer. 2:4-28; 4:1-2] |
9 Av 28th July 2012 | Parashat Devarim [Sabbath of Vision] Shabbat Chazon 3rd Haftarah Admonition פרשת דברים, שבת חזון | Deut. 1:1–3:22 | | 3rd Haftarah of Admonition
Isa. 1:1-27 |
9 Av 28th July 2012 | erev Tisha B'Av תשעה באב | The Book of Lamentations
[The Book of Job may be read also.] | | |
10 Av 29th July 2012 | Tisha B'Av [The Ninth of Av] ט׳ באב, תשעה באב
[Fast Day] | Deut. 4:25-40 [am]
Ex. 32:11-14; 34:1-10 [pm] | | Jer. 8:13–9:23 [am]
Isa. 55:6-56:8 [pm]
[Hos. 14:2-10; Micah 7:18-20] |
15 Av 3rd August 2012 | Tu B’Av [The Fifteenth of Av] ט"ו באב
[Minor Jewish Holiday] | | | |
16 Av 4th August 2012 | Parashat Va’etchanan Shabbat Nachamu 1st Haftarah Consolation פרשת ואתחנן, שבת נחמו | Deut. 3:23–7:11 | | 1st Haftarah of Consolation
Isa. 40:1-26 |
23 Av 11th August 2012 | Parashat Ekev 2nd Haftarah Consolation פרשת עקב | Deut. 7:12–11:25 | | 2nd Haftarah of Consolation
Isa. 49:14–51:3 |
30 Av 18th August 2012 | Parashat Re'eh 3rd Haftarah Consolation Rosh Chodesh Elul פרשת ראה, ראש חודש | Deut. 11:26–16:17 | maf. Num. 28:9-15 | 3rd Haftarah of Consolation
Isa. 54:11–55:5
[In some congregations,
Isa. 66:1-24] |
1 Elul 19th August 2012 | Rosh Chodesh Elul ראש חודש אלול
In the Sephardic tradition, recital of Selichot in preparation for the High Holidays begins on the second day of the Hebrew month of Elul.
In the Ashkenazic tradition, Selichot begin on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah. | Num. 28:1-15 | | |
7 Elul 25th August 2012 | Parashat Shofetim 4th Haftarah Consolation פרשת שופטים | Deut. 16:18–21:9 | | 4th Haftarah of Consolation
Isa. 51:12–52:12 |
14 Elul 1st September 2012 | Parashat Ki Tetze 5th Haftarah Consolation פרשת כי-תצא | Deut. 21:10–25:19 | | 5th Haftarah of Consolation
Isa. 54:1-10 |
21 Elul 8th September 2012 | Parashat Ki Tavo 6th Haftarah Consolation פרשת כי-תבוא | Deut. 26:1–29:8 | | 6th Haftarah of Consolation
Isa. 60:1-22 |
28 Elul 15th September 2012 | Parashat Nitzavim 7th Haftarah Consolation Leil Selichot [Ashkenazim] פרשת נצבים
Selichot prayers begin on the Saturday night before Rosh HaShanah for Ashkenazim. If, however, the first day of Rosh HaShanah falls on Monday or Tuesday, Selichot are said beginning the Saturday night prior. | Deut. 29:9–30:20 | | 7th Haftarah of Consolation
Isa. 61:10–63:9 |
29 Elul 16th September 2012 | Erev Rosh HaShanah ערב ראש השנה | | | |
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A brief explanation of the Jewish cycle of readings
The Parashat Hashavuah—The Portion of the Week
The Jewish yearly cycle of Torah readings is divided into weekly portions. Each portion—in Hebrew, a parashah—is part of a sequential reading of the Torah [aka. The Five Books of Moses, The Chumash, or the Pentateuch] so that the whole of the Torah is read within a yearly cycle.
[Some Jewish communities follow a Triennial Torah reading cycle.1]
In the table above the Parashat Hashavuah is listed with its accompanying Haftarah reading. The name of the parashah [portion] is taken from the first words of the parashah. There are 54 weekly portions—one for each year of the Jewish leap year. In non-leap years [50 weeks] portions are paired and read together.
The table above, beginning with Rosh Hashanah—the first day of the Jewish year—and completes the entire reading cycle within one year. Communities who read the Parashat Hashavuah over three years will read a section from each parashah each week. At time the Haftarah reading varies according to diffierent traditions. When this occurs the Sephardic reading is added in brackets.
The Haftarah
The haftarah is a reading from the Prophets and adds a reflection to the parashah. While each parashah normally has its own accompanying haftarah reading, the haftarah reading also varies, during the year, according to special festivals or events. The word haftarah comes from the Hebrew root pey.tet.resh, meaning “concluding”, “parting” or “ending.”
The practice of adding a haftarah reading to the Torah portion is ancient and has obscure origins. The Talmud mentions the haftarah being read in the presence of Rabbi Eliezer ben Hyrcanus (c. 70 CE) and evidence from the New Testament indicates that the haftarah readings were a common practice. Acts 13:15 states, "After the reading from the Law and the Prophets the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them saying..."
Haftarah readings given in brackets in the above table indicate readings used in the Sephardic tradition where these differ from the readings of the Ashkenazim.
The Maftir
The word maftir, which belongs to the same Hebrew root as haftarah [pey.tet.resh] means “concluder” and refers to the last person called [i.e., the last Aliyah (aliyah, “to go up”)] to the Torah of the succession of readers at a Sabbath morning or holiday service. This person normally reads the haftarah. The maftir reading normally repeats the last words of the parashat hashavuah. This is according to an ancient custom which sort to honor the greater importance of the Torah over the Prophetic reading (Talmud, Megillah 23a). On special Sabbaths and holidays a special reading is added [provided in the table above] which is related to the celebration or event.
A Point of interest: The division of parashot [sometimes spelled and pronounced, Parshiot or Parshiyot: the plural of parashah] found in the modern-day Torah scrolls of all Jewish communities (Ashkenazic, Sephardic, and Yemenite) is based upon the systematic list provided by Maimonides in Mishneh Torah, Laws of Tefillin, Mezuzah and Torah Scrolls, Ch. 8. Maimonides based his division of the portions of the Torah on the Aleppo Codex.
1. The Triennial Torah Reading Cycle. In some traditions the cycle of Torah readings is completed over three years—this pattern is modelled on an ancient Rabbinic tradition in Israel [which may in fact be even older] in which each portion was divided into three parts, each part being read in sequence over the course of three years thus completing the reading of the five books of the Torah over three years. This practice has been revived in some Jewish congregations today.
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