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What is “Parashah”

In ancient times, the Torah was read in the synagogue from beginning to end on a three-year cycle.  Today, it is read over the course of one year.  “Parashah” is a Hebrew word meaning, “portion.”  The Torah readings are divided into fifty-four portions.  One portion is read each week.  “Parash’ot” is the plural form of “Parashah.”  It refers to all of the “portions” as a whole.  The name of each Parashah is derived from the first significant Hebrew word in the first sentence of the Parashah.