Parashah Summaries
Welcome to our collection of parasha summaries specially written for and tailored to teens who are preparing for their b’nai mitzvahs! These summaries serve as an invaluable resource to help you explore the wisdom and lessons hidden within each of the portions.
As you embark on this journey into adulthood, we understand the importance of connecting with the Torah’s teachings in a meaningful and relatable way.
That’s why we’ve crafted these summaries to not only provide insights into the weekly parashah, but also to offer Teen Takeaways – practical lessons and reflections that resonate with the unique challenges and experiences of today’s young minds.
Parashah Bereshit
The one that tells how the world was created and introduces Adam and Eve, along with their sons, Cain and Abel, and the Tower of Babel.
View this Parashah summary ›Parashah Vayera
The one that tells a complicated series of stories that revolve around Abraham and Sarah; the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah; Abraham’s nephew, Lot; and Lot’s wife being turned into a pillar of salt. Also, the birth of Isaac and Abraham’s test at the altar.
Parashah Chayei Sara
The one that revolves around the death of Sarah, the purchase of the Cave of Machpelah for her burial, the mission of Abraham’s servant Eliezer to find a wife for Isaac, and the marriage of Isaac to Rebekah.
Parashah Toldot
The one where Isaac and Rebekah have twin sons, Esau and Jacob, and where favoritism and deceit have terrible consequences.
Parashah Vayetzei
The one that tells the story of Jacob and his wives and children.
Parashah Vayishlach
The one about Jacob and the mysterious wrestling match, and Jacob’s reconciliation with his brother Esau.
Parashah Vayeshev
The one with the story of Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, and his dream coat and brothers.
Parashah Miketz
The one where Joseph leaves prison to become Pharaoh’s second-in-command. He plans for the famine and meets up with his brothers.
Parashah Vayigash
The one where Joseph reconciles with his brothers and sends for their father, Jacob, who heads to Egypt to be with the family.
Parashah Vayechi
The one where Jacob blesses his sons before he dies, and later Joseph dies, setting the stage for future of the Israelite tribes.
Parashah Tetzaveh
The one with detailed instructions about clothing to be worn by the high priest Aaron and his sons during their service in the sanctuary.
Parashah Vayikra
The one that presents the rituals for the Tabernacle (Mishkan in Hebrew).
Parashah Tzav
The one that gives instructions to Aaron and his sons as they step up to their roles as religious leaders.
Parashah Shmini
The one that shows what happens at the Tabernacle (Mishkan in Hebrew) with Aaron’s son’s disobedience.
View this Parashah summary ›Parashah Tazria
The one that talks about matters related to human birth, skin diseases, and the importance of cleanliness in the ancient Israelite community.
Parashah Metzora
The one that continues the discussion of tzara’at, an affliction often associated with spiritual impurity.
Parashah Achrei Mot
The one that talks about the responsibilities of the high priest on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) and the “scapegoat.”
Parashah Kedoshim
The one that gives advice and guidance on how to lead a life with righteousness, including “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Parashah Emor
The one that serves as a guide of instructions for the religious holidays.
Parashah Behar
The one where the Torah shows laws and principles about the land and its management, with the Sabbatical year (Shmita) and the Jubilee year (Yovel).
Parashah Bechukotai
The one all about blessings and curses, and who gets them, depending on how well the Israelites stick to their promises and follow the rules.
Parashah Bamidbar
The one where the Israelites organize the tribes as they journey through the wilderness following their liberation from slavery in Egypt.
Parashah Nasso
The one where the Levite tribe is organized to handle the construction of the Tabernacle and the leaders of the tribes bring offerings.
Parashah Beha’alotcha
The one where Moses faces challenges leading people though the desert — and prays for help and receives it.
Parashah Sh’lach
The one where Moses sends scouts to the promised land and conflicting reports come back. As punishment for doubting the plan, the Israelites must wander in the desert for 40 years. The tzitzit are introduced.
Parashah Korach
The one where a man named Korach, along with a group of rebels, challenged the leadership of Moses and Aaron and lost.
Parashah Chukat
The one where Moses and his brother Aaron get in trouble trying to fix a water shortage and are told they will not be allowed in the Promised Land. Joshua is named as Moses’ successor.
Parashah Balak
The one where King Balak of Moab hires Balaam, a renowned non-Israelite, to curse the Israelites, but he can only bless them.
Parashah Pinchas
The one where Pinchas, the grandson of Aaron, acts against the people who’ve been led astray; rights of daughters to inherit land when there is no male heir is established; and Moses transfers some authority to Joshua.
Parashah Matot
The one where the Israelites face challenges as they are finally about to enter the Promised Land
Parashah Masei
The one that recounts the story of the Israelites’ journey with their leader, Moses, who guided them with unwavering determination and divine inspiration.
Parashah Devarim
The one where Moses recounts the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
Parashah Vaetchanan
The one where Moses pleads with God for the opportunity to enter the Promised Land, Moses preps the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, and the Shema is introduced.
Parashah Eikev
The one that continues Moses’ farewell address to the Israelites.
Parashah Re’eh
The one where Moses talks about the blessings that come with good behavior and the curses that come with bad behavior.
Parashah Shoftim
The one where rules are outlined to make sure a just and harmonious society will be built for the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.
Parashah Ki Teitzei
The one that outlines laws for fairness in the community, including honesty in business dealings and giving a fair divorce (a “get”) to a wife.
Parashah Ki Tavo
The one that tells a detailed account of the blessings and curses that will happen to the Israelites if they follow or disobey the commandments.
Parashah Nitzavim
The one that focuses on the Israelites’ covenant, the law that is meant to govern and shape the people of Israel in the Promised Land, with a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and the consequences of one’s actions.
Parashah Vayeilech
The one where Moses prepares the Israelites for the transition of leadership from himself to Joshua.
Parashah Ha’azinu
The one with the Song of Moses, where Moses uses this poetic song to convey vital messages and lessons to the Israelites.
Parashah Vezot Haberakhah
The one that is the final portion of the Torah, marking the end of Moses’ leadership and the Israelites’ journey.
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