Vayakhel (To Assemble) & Pekudei (Take Account)
Weekly Torah Section: Vayakhel (To assemble) Exodus 35:1-38:20 and Pekudei (To Take Account) Exodus 38:21-40:38, Haftorah: I Kings 7:40-8:21
As you can see we cover two Torah sections and two Haftorah sections this week. Rather than try to cover both I would like to talk about one from each. I want to start with the Haftorah from Pekudei. In I Kings 7:51-8:21 we read about the dedication of the Temple by King Solomon. There are many connections between this scripture and the Torah readings. One of the most striking is the cloud of G-d’s glory that filled both the first temple and the tabernacle. I want us to look at this in some depth. Before that, there are a couple of things we need to go over. Solomon, as confirmed in Acts 7:46-47, completed the temple of G-d in seven years and brought all the treasurers of his father David, into the temple.
Ki Tisa (When You Take)
Weekly Torah Section: Ki Tisa (When You Take) Exodus 30:11-34:35, Haftorah: I Kings 18:1-39
We begin with the Haftorah reading in I Kings 18. To orient ourselves these events happened in the 9th century BCE during the reign of King Ahab. Ahab married a princess of Tyre named Jezebel. She introduced the worship of her god, Baal to Israel. Baal was supposed to be the god of rain and storms. She also sought to kill all the prophets of the L-rd. Many of the people in Israel followed both Baal and the true G-d of Israel. Deut. 11:16-17 says that if the people turn to other gods, G-d will shut the heavens and there will be no rain and crops will fail. So here G-d sends Elijah with this message, a direct challenge to this so called god of rain.
Tetzaveh (You Shall Command) Purim
Weekly Torah Section: Tetzaveh Exodus 27:20-30:10, Haftorah: Ezekiel 43:10-27
The story of Purim is told through the scroll of Esther. First, as most of you know, there was much discussion when the cannon was being formed as to whether to include the book of Esther or not. Do you know why? The name of G-d is never mentioned in the book. It is implied but not specifically mentioned.
What I want to talk about concerning the book of Esther is connected with our present world and how good and evil are perceived. We live in a world that okays the killing of the unborn, suicide bombers are looked at and praised as heroes and martyrs. Israel’s fence is condemned but the one built on our border with Mexico is a good idea. Situational ethics holds sway in our world. The line between good and evil has become blurred or erased all together. I think the story of Purim has something to teach us on this.
Veyeshev (Dwelt)
Weekly Torah Section: Vayeshev Genesis 37:1-40:23, Haftorah: Amos 2:6-3:8
Amos lived in the mid 8th century BCE in a small village near Bethlehem named Teoka. There is a modern Jewish settlement by the same name on the site of this ancient village. He delivered his message at Beit El. What importance does Beit El have and who have we read about that also used this place as a platform? Beit El was the place of Jacob’s dream. It was also used by many prophets including Obadiah.
Terumah (Donate)
Weekly Torah Section: Terumah (Donation) Exodus 25:1-27:19, Haftorah: I Kings 5:12-6:13
Let us start with the Torah Portion which covers the materials used in the construction of the Mishkan (tabernacle). The title of this portion is Terumah. In this word is carried both the thought of an offering but more than that, an offering that is lifted up before G-d. It is totally set apart for Him.
Bo (Come)
Weekly Torah Section: Bo (Come) Exodus 10:1-13:16, Jeremiah 46:13-28
Let’s start tonight by looking at Jeremiah and then spend some time on the Torah section. First, the Bible tells us that Jeremiah was commissioned as a prophet in the 13th year of King Josiah. This would be in the early half of the 600’s and apparently Jeremiah was young at the time (Jeremiah 1:6) He continued as a prophet for the next 40 years. This King Josiah is the same king we read about last week who died at the battle with the Egyptians at Megiddo. Jeremiah lived through the conquest of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar but unlike Ezekiel, was allowed to remain in Israel. Our section tonight deals with his words about Judah’s continued reliance on Egypt for protection. In fact, my first question deals with one of these verses: Jeremiah 46:17. King Jehoakim trusted in Egypt to deliver him from Babylon. How did that work out for him? It says in this verse that Egypt had no power but rather was just a big noise. Who is our Deliverer? G-d Almighty. All else is clashing cymbals – just noise compared to G-d. He ends in this section with words of comfort to Judah and Israel. They will return to G-d’s promise and rest in peace. We do not have to worry and tremble before the things of this world. G-d is our defender and shield.