The third book of the Torah, known in Hebrew as Vayikra (after the first word of the text, which means “and He called”), is also called Torat Kohanim, the Teaching of Priests, because so many of its laws revolve around the service and lifestyle of the Levite priests, descendants of Aaron. 

This is the source of its English (Greek) name, Leviticus.

The levitical order is biblical order in which sacrifices, and the laws of offerings , and tithings were elaborated to the children of Israel.

The laws which pertains to holiness, the holy sabbaths or seasons (holy feasts) when certain offerings were given, and the laws of uncleanness were also included in the book of leviticus. 

Though sometimes viewed as a collection of arcane laws of animal sacrifices and ritual purity, Leviticus is very much valued in Judaism. 

In fact, traditionally, the first Torah verses that children learn are from Leviticus. 


We read in the Midrash, “[When] we start the children with the book of Vayikra, G-d says, ‘Let the pure ones come and involve themselves in the pure [laws], and I will consider it as if they brought a sacrifice before me.’”