Succot

Hi,

This Tuesday (and Wednesday outside Israel) we read a special reading for Succot. The reading is the same for both of the first two days of Succot - it is Leviticus 22:26-23:44, also known as "Shor O Chesev."

The Torah reading begins by stating that one may not slaughter cattle before they are eight days old. This is generally understood to be a concern that the animal may not be viable; an animal which is dying is not Kosher, even if it undergoes sh'chitah (kosher slaughter).

The Torah also mentions the rule that one may not slaughter an animal and any of its young on the same day. (The Sefer haChinuch, seven centuries ago, explained this as an eco-mitzvah to preserve species.) This has special relevance for holidays, when people tend to use more meat for private meals as well as for Temple offerings.

The Torah then lists the holidays and their practices - Shabbat, Pesach, Shavuot, Rosh haShanah, Yom Kippur and Succot.

Have a great Yom Tov,
Mordechai