The Torah selection for this Shabbat is the combined reading of Aharei Mot - Kedoshim. The Torah selections of the Book are Leviticus are combined as 5762 is not a Jewish leap year.

Aharei Mot begins with a description of the ritual of Yom Kippur. Aaron the High Priest offers a young bull as a sin offering and a ram as a burnt offering. He dresses in his sacred garments for the occasion. Two sacrificial goats are offered on the Day of Atonement. Aaron offers one in the sanctuary. The other escapes into the wilderness. The term "scapegoat" has its origins in the goat of the wilderness. The blood of the bull is sprinkled upon the ark cover. Aaron is to conduct the ritual of atonement in solitude. The blood of the goat and ram is sprinkled upon the altar. Aaron removes his sacred garments upon leaving the sanctuary. The tenth day of the seventh month has become enshrined as Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, through the centuries. Yom Kippur is known as "shabbat shabbaton", the holiest of Sabbaths.

Chapter seventeen teaches the prohibition of secular slaughter in ancient Israel. The slaughter of animals was to occur in a sacred context. The eating of blood is absolutely prohibited. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls."

Chapter eighteen shares prohibited relationships. Marriages among biologically related kin are prohibited. The violation of these laws is said to defile the land. They are part of the concept of holiness as distinction and separation, which is the major theme of Leviticus.

Kedoshim presents the theme of holiness. "You shall be holy for I the L-rd your G-d am holy." In many ways, the Holiness Code of Leviticus 19 parallels the Ten Commandments. The reverence due parents is listed. The veneration of the Sabbath is presented. The prohibition of idolatry is stated.

The laws of agriculture stipulated inculcate a sense of moral responsibility to the poor. The corners of the field are not to be reaped. The gleanings are to be left for the needy.

The prohibition upon theft and blaspheming is presented. Basic civility in conduct is taught. Justice is a religious imperative. Ironically, the most ethical teaching of Judaism is found in the book of ritual, the Book of Leviticus, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

The prohibition upon mixtures is listed. This is the origin of the law of shaatnez, the law prohibiting mixing linen and wool in a garment.

The fruit of the tree is prohibited during the first three years. The produce of the fourth year is consecrated to G-d. The source of the peyot, the side curls on the face, derives from a prohibition against imitating pagan rites. Tattoos are also prohibited in Judaism for a similar reason.

Respect for the elderly is a cardinal principle. Love of the stranger is shared "for you were strangers in the land of Egypt".

Cursing one's parents is forbidden. Adultery is a capital crime. Sexuality is considered to be holy. The reward for holiness is the inheritance of the Land of Israel.

"You shall be holy for I the L-rd am holy." This statement summarizes the essence of the Book of Leviticus.