Torah Portion of the Week

Building Character through the Themes of the Weekly Torah Portion

Torah

Leviticus 21:1–24:23

Next Reading:

May 2, 2026

15 Iyar, 5786

Haftarah

Ezekiel 44:15–31

וַיֹּאמֶר ה׳ אֶל־מֹשֶׁה אֱמֹר אֶל־הַכֹּהֲנִים בְּנֵי אַהֲרֹן וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם לְנֶפֶשׁ לֹא־יִטַּמָּא בְּעַמָּיו׃

Va-yo-mer A-do-nai el–Mo-sheh e-mor el–ha-Ko-ha-nim b’nei A-ha-ron v’a-mar-ta a-le-hem l’ne-fesh lo–yi-ta-ma b’a-mav;

And the Lord said to Moses: Speak to the Priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them: There shall none defile himself for the dead among his people;

Leviticus 21:1

Emor means “say.” Just as there is significant power in Hebrew names given to boys and girls, there is also significant power in the names given to each Torah portion. Every Torah portion is named after the first distinctive word or phrase in that portion, and that name embodies its entire theme and message. The name of each portion does not simply distinguish it from the next portion; each name contains great significance and meaning.

This week’s portion is named “Emor,” meaning “say” or “speak,” spotlighting the power and importance of the words that we speak. Words contain enormous power—for by the words God spoke, the universe was created. Words are so powerful, that every word we speak has an effect on ourselves, others, and the universe.

The Ripple Effect of Your Words

Do you believe that what you say affects you, others, and the world around you—both positively and negatively? Words can either lift up, or tear down. What you say can be hurtful, harmful, and discouraging; or healing, encouraging, uplifting, and inspiring. Words shape our beliefs, attitudes, and feelings. Your choice of words can either create positive or negative energy. The words that you speak will impact your own happiness and the happiness of those around you.

Saying positive words about others is a positive force that elevates them and expands the positive traits they possess. Saying negative words about others is a destructive force that tears them down and produces an environment of hurt.

Speaking positively about others affects them positively, while speaking negatively about others affects them negatively. So invest your time in finding right words—for wrong words can be destructive. Promote health and healing by speaking right words.

Speech is a gift that has been given to us by our Creator. Are there some areas in your life where you need to begin to speak positively in order to encourage, lift up, and heal yourself and/or the people around you? Make an effort to educate, enthuse, energize, uplift, and elevate yourself and those around you by the words that you say.

Wise Words

King Solomon, the wisest of men, gave many wise words concerning our speech:

  • He who controls his mouth is literally protecting his own soul (Prov. 13:3).
  • A soft answer turneth away wrath; But a grievous word stirreth up anger (JPS 1917, Prov. 15:1).
  • The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright; But the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness (Prov. 15:2).
  • Those who are wise are cautious with their words, and even a fool is considered wise if he remains silent (Prov. 17:27–28).
  • Life and death are in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21).
A Glance of Hebrew | Emor STBM Messer

Pronunciation Guide for Transliterated Hebrew Words

a [a] as in arm
ai [ai] as in Thailand
e [e] as in red
ei [ei] as in eight
i [i] as in ski
o [o] as in score
oi [oi] as in oil
u [u] as in rule
ui [ui] as in gluing
ch/kh [ch] as in the Scottish loch
g [g] as in good (not as in giant)
tz [ts] as in hats
‘ short “eh” or “uh” sound

The Hebrew Scriptures in this text have been derived from the Westminster Leningrad Codex (WLC), and the English translation is based off of the JPS 1917 Tanakh.