Pichas Numbers (B’Midbar) 25-30
Torah portion: Pinchas, Numbers 25:10-30:1
Haftorah Reading I Kings 18:46-19:21
In this Torah portion we read the conclusion of the activities of the Israelites following their interaction with the Midianite women. In Numbers 25: 16-18 we read an interesting explanation of how G-d looked at the sins of immorality and idol worship. In these verses we read that these sins were viewed by G-d as being equally responsible for the plague G-d sent on the Israelites that took the lives of 24,000 people. As we have studied the Torah we have seen on many occasions that idol worship was the father of all sins. Nothing was looked at as being on the level of idol worship. I would like to share an explanation with you that might give us some answers to how here immorality and idol worship were looked at as being both responsible for Israel’s punishment. To do this I will draw from an article that I read this week by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin who serves as the chief Rabbi of the town of Efrat in Israel. In our society today we hear over and over that as long as we do not harm another person pretty much anything we do in okay if it brings us pleasure. The verses above give us an important insight that refutes that idea.
Balak B’Midbar(Numbers) 22-2
Torah Portion: Balak B’Midbar(Numbers) 22-25
Haftorah Reading: Micah 5:6-6:8
Today we read a Torah Portion that covers a single event in the account leading up to Israel approaching the border of the Land. There are two main characters in this drama. We read of one of the characters, Balak, who was the King of Moab. If you remember, Moab was the son of one of Lot’s daughters. He was born after the two daughters of Lot became pregnant when they slept with their father after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In the book of Ruth we also learn that she was a Moabite. So Balak was a distant cousin of the Jewish people who now stood at his borders seeking passage on to the Land. Balak was overcome with fear and sought the help of a well-known seer, Bilaam, to help him repel the Jews by invoking a curse. We can hear the fear in his words in Numbers 22:4,6. He knew his only help lay in the occult.
Chukat (Statutes) B’Midbar(Numbers) 19-22
Torah Portion: Chukat B’Midbar(Numbers) 19-22
Haftorah Reading: Judges 11:1-33
Tonight we read one of the more difficult Torah portions to understand. It includes the death of Miriam and Aaron. It contains the verses giving Moshe notice that he will not be allowed to enter the Land, his dream and goal for over 40 years of his life. Even the name Chukat, hints at the difficulty in understanding what we are about to read. We will try to bring some clarity to this portion over the next few minutes together.
Korach B’Midbar(Numbers) 16-18
Torah Portion: Korach B’Midbar(Numbers) 16-18
Haftorah Reading: I Samuel 11:14-12:22
Today we read the Torah portion Korach. It contains the story of the most serious rebellion in scripture against Moshe. What do you think was the motivation of Korach to challenge Moshe? Why do you think he almost succeeded?
Over the next few minutes I pray we can find G-d’s answers to these and other questions you might have from this Torah portion. I also pray we can discover G-d’s application of this story to our own spiritual life. First, let’s look at what might have moved Korach to take such action. I believe he was mainly motivated by jealousy. He sounded like he was confronting Moshe because, as he said, Moshe had taken too much for himself. He said, “All the congregation is holy.” Korach thought he should have been chosen for High Priest rather than Aaron, the brother of Moshe. He says any one of the congregation, who are all holy, could have filled the role. However, I believe his reasons had little to do with anyone but himself.
Torah Portion: Korach B’Midbar(Numbers) 16-18
Torah Portion: Korach B’Midbar(Numbers) 16-18
Haftorah Reading: I Samuel 11:14-12:22
Today we read the Torah portion Korach. It contains the story of the most serious rebellion in scripture against Moshe. What do you think was the motivation of Korach to challenge Moshe? Why do you think he almost succeeded?
Over the next few minutes I pray we can find G-d’s answers to these and other questions you might have from this Torah portion. I also pray we can discover G-d’s application of this story to our own spiritual life. First, let’s look at what might have moved Korach to take such action. I believe he was mainly motivated by jealousy. He sounded like he was confronting Moshe because, as he said, Moshe had taken too much for himself. He said, “All the congregation is holy.” Korach thought he should have been chosen for High Priest rather than Aaron, the brother of Moshe. He says any one of the congregation, who are all holy, could have filled the role. However, I believe his reasons had little to do with anyone but himself.
Shelach L’Kha (Send on your behalf) B’Midbar(Numbers) 13-15
Torah Portion: Shelach L’Kha (Send on your behalf) B’Midbar(Numbers) 13-15
Haftorah Reading: Joshua 2:1-24
This Torah portion opens with the drama of sending the 12 spies into the Land and their return with answers to the questions of Moshe, which he charged them with before they set out. These twelve men were not just anyone but leaders of their tribes.
Beha’alotcha “Arrange” B’Midbar(Numbers) 8-12
Torah Portion: Beha’alotcha “Arrange” B’Midbar(Numbers) 8-12
Haftorah Reading: Zechariah 2:14-4:7
This week we read the Torah portion Beha’alotcha and in it we see many topics that can have a profound spiritual impact on our lives, beginning with the instructions of Aaron to kindle the Lamp stand that stood before the Holy of Holies.
Torah Portion: B’Midbar(In the Desert) B’Midbar or Numbers 1-4
Torah Portion: B’Midbar(In the Desert) Numbers 1-4
Haftorah Reading: Hosea 1:10-2:20
Tonight we begin the fourth book of the Torah. This book will take us up to the entry into the Land 40 years later. Here in our portion we see G-d getting the people ready to begin their desert journey. Before I get to my question of the week I would like to lay out a few spiritual principles that I think will speak to us.
B’Har(On Mount) B’chukkotai (By My Regulations) (Lev.) Vayikra 25-27
Torah Portion: B’Har(On Mount) B’chukkotai (By My Regulations) (Lev.) Vayikra 25-27
Haftorah Reading: Jeremiah 32:6-27 and Jeremiah 16:19-17:14
This week we finish the book of Vayikra or Leviticus. The last two portions of this book contain many commandments that have in some ways a common thread. Beginning with the Shemita/Sabbatical year and continuing through the blessings and curses we see the issue of faith being at the forefront. Whether it is not planting crops for the year of Shemita or holding on during the horrible happening of the curses, one thing is evident, faith is what will get us through, not dogma, not institutions or any other thing but faith in the Father. That is our only hope. My question this week had to do with our definition of faith. I got some good answers to which I would like to add my own thoughts.
Emor (Speak) Leviticus(Vayikra) 21-24
Torah Portion: Emor(Speak) (Leviticus) Vayikra 21-24
Haftorah Reading: Ezekiel 44:15-31
Tonight we cover the Torah Portion Emor or Speak. This Torah portion is mainly about the yearly schedule of Mo’adim or festivals. I would like to begin with a discussion of the word Emor. Usually we are cautioned about speaking too much and in general that is a good rule for us to follow. However, sometimes words are called for. A wise person knows the power of speech, how words have the power to hurt and damage people. But speech also can be used to build up. Positive words can encourage and build up a person. This kind of speech is important and when used properly can bring healing and encouragement. In this Torah portion, the word Emor is a command for Moshe to encourage his people. May we all do the same.