Parashat Shmini
שְּׁמִינִי · Leviticus 9:1 to 11:47, portion 3 of 10 in the book of Leviticus.
Next reading
Saturday 3 April 2027
25 Adar II 5787
In Israel and abroad
The year after
Saturday 22 April 2028
26 Nisan 5788
In Israel and abroad
What happens in Shmini
On the eighth day Aaron and his sons begin to serve, and fire from God consumes the offering on the altar. Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu bring a fire they were not commanded to bring and die, and Aaron is silent. The priests are told not to serve after drinking wine. The portion closes with the laws of kashrut: which animals, fish and birds may be eaten and which may not.
וַיְהִי בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי קָרָא מֹשֶׁה לְאַהֲרֹן וּלְבָנָיו וּלְזִקְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל
“And it came to pass on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel;”
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Frequently asked questions
When is Parashat Shmini read in 2027?+
On Shabbat 3 April 2027 (25 Adar II 5787), in Israel and in the Diaspora alike. The year after, it is read on 22 April 2028.
What is Parashat Shmini about?+
On the eighth day Aaron and his sons begin to serve, and fire from God consumes the offering on the altar. Aaron's sons Nadab and Abihu bring a fire they were not commanded to bring and die, and Aaron is silent. The priests are told not to serve after drinking wine. The portion closes with the laws of kashrut: which animals, fish and birds may be eaten and which may not.