Leyning FAQ

How do we break down the aliyot for Yitro?

Why is Verse 22 repeated in Deuteronomy Chapter 31?

The rabbis who determined the triennial cycle didn't want to break up critical parts of stories and lessons. There are basic rules of halakha that must be followed such as:

1. Each reading must have a minimum of 3 verses
2. Paragraphs with 4 or 5 verses must be read in their entirety
3. Excessive overlapping was avoided from year to year
4. Effort was made to avoid beginning or ending a reading on a negative note
5. Upon completion of the three year cycle, no sections are to be omitted.

When the flow of a narrative would be interrupted, adjustments were made. Of course, all of these rules created some problems - especially complicated in the combined sidrot.

In this parashah, we have the problem of those who created these divisions not wanting to break up the 3rd reading – verses 14-19. If you take a look at the translation of those lines, you can understand this – this is God telling Moses what will happen to the people after he dies. There is no good place to break the reading until you finish verse 19. But that leaves a problem – there are only verses 20-30 left to be read in this parashah – and there are 4 aliyot left and each has to be at least 3 verses long – the math doesn’t work. So they repeat verse 22 which says that on that day, Moses wrote down the song and taught it to the Israelites – a lovely verse to repeat.

How do I pronounce the different spellings for the Tetragrammaton?

Some answers are found in the Leningrad Codex of 1008-1010 A.D.

Where else can I look for information?

You may use this site to doublecheck your readings. If you find a difference between what is assigned and this page, check with Outi - there are some breakdowns on HebCal that are DIFFERENT from the TBA minhag. Hebcal Torah Readings

Hebcal Interactive Jewish Calendar

You can use this link to find out the readings for the various holidays. However, holidays like Pesach can be very confusing. When in doubt, check with Outi for the TBA minhag. Hebcal Holiday Torah Reading