In a tradition first instituted by Moses more than 3,300 years ago, a different "portion" or parshah of the Torah is publicly read each week. The readings follow an annual cycle, which complete the entire chumash (a.k.a. the "Five Books of Moses") each year.

The weekly Parshah is read in the synagogue on Shabbat morning between the Shacharit and Musaf services. Ideally, however, the Shabbat reading is the culmination of the in-depth study, throughout the week, of the Parshah with the commentaries penned and taught by a hundred generations of sages and mystics, from Moses through today. In this way, we "live with the times"--attuning our daily lives with the guidance and inspiration contained within the divine wisdom of Torah.