Tazria (She Conceives) and Metzora( Leper) Leviticus (Vayikra) 12-15
Torah Portion Tazria (She Conceives) and Metzora( Leper) Leviticus (Vayikra) 12-15
Haftorah Reading II Kings 4:42-5:19 and II Kings 7:3-20
This week we read two portions of scripture that have mainly to do with the disease of leprosy. In our world today medical science has eradicated this disease so the question is why bother with a subject that is no longer relevant in our world? The Torah is less concerned about the actual disease than the spiritual lessons behind it.
Shemini (Eighth ) Lev (Vayikra) 9-11
Torah Portion Shemini (Eighth ) Leviticus (Vayikra) 9-11
Haftorah Reading II Samuel 6:1-7:17
Today we read a very exciting Torah portion or at least it should be exciting. The first services are to be held in the newly completed Mishkan. Aaron and his sons are offering the offerings before G-d Almighty and the fire of G-d devours the offering. The people gave a shout and fell down before the L-rd and so ended chapter 9.
Tetzaveh (Command ) Sh’mot (Exodus) 27-30
Torah Portion Tetzaveh (Command ) Sh’mot (Exodus) 27-30
Haftorah Reading Ezekiel 43:10-27
This week we read a great deal about the clothes worn by the priests as they went about their functions in the Mishkan and later in the Temple. This Torah portion is always read on the Sabbath before Purim. Next week, will be Purim so we might ask what if anything do the two have to do with each other? I think one answer might be the clothes that are mentioned in the Torah portion and in the story of Purim. As I mentioned earlier, here in our portion we read of the clothes worn by the priest while in the book of Esther we read quite a bit about clothing as well. Clothing is important in many ways. It can identify someone with a certain role such as a police officer, a nun, or other jobs that require a certain uniform. Clothes can also be used to disguise a person, such as a mask or uniform used to gain entrance to a place where the person would not ordinarily be admitted.
T’rumah (Contribution ) Exodus Sh’mot 25-27
Torah Portion T’rumah (Contribution ) Sh’mot (Exodus) 25-27
Haftorah Reading I Kings 5:26-6:13
This week we read the first Torah section concerning the Mishkan or Tabernacle. Interestingly we read of this process for the next 13 chapters. In comparison, the creation story was covered in one chapter and the story of the actual exodus from Egypt only took up eleven chapters.
Mishpatim Judgments H’mot-Exodus 21-24
Torah Portion Mishpatim (Judgments ) Sh’mot (Exodus) 21-24
Haftorah Reading Jeremiah 34:8-22, 33:25-26
If you could summarize this Torah portion what would you say is the over-riding theme of these verses? As we start I want to say a word about the very first word of our section of scripture. In Hebrew it is actually two words, Va’eleh, which means, “And these.” These words, “and these” link what we just finished reading in last week’s portion to what we are about to read following these words. They should be understood in the same way as what proceeded. Last week we read the Ten Commandments that many would say, is the peak of G-d’s message to the people at the mountain. Therefore the words of our section tonight are to be read and understood in the same light. From our understanding of the Messianic scriptures we also see the same idea stressed over and over. James 1:27 says it plainly, ”Pure and undefiled religion before G-d and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble.” It stresses what should be the conduct of us all. The true test of a civilization is how it treats its elderly, poor and orphaned.
Yitro (Jethro) Sh’mot (Exodus) 18-20
Torah Portion Yitro (Jethro) Sh’mot (Exodus) 18-20
Haftorah Reading Isaiah 6:1-13
Tonight we read one of the most moving sections in all of Torah. In this portion we read of the covenant between G-d and the people of Israel. This covenantal relationship set out here should also give each of us a good picture of who G-d is and what He requires of us in our lives as His people.
This covenant was entirely at His initiation. All He asked was that His people agree to its terms. I expect we all have had this experience with the Father. We come to understand how much He cares for us and how He has carried us up on eagles wing, called us to Himself and gave us a frame work to live by each day.
B’Shallach (He Sent) Sh’mot (Exodus) 13-17
Torah Portion B’Shallach (He Sent) Sh’mot (Exodus) 13-17
Haftorah Reading Judges 4:4-5:31
This week’s Torah portion begins with Pharaoh sending out the people of Israel and their beginning of the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. During this trek we also see their journey from slavery to freedom. In this portion we begin to see that both of these journeys will be a process, not an immediate transition.
Bo (Come) Sh’mot (Exodus) 10-13
Torah Portion Bo (Come) Sh’mot (Exodus) 10-13
Haftorah Reading Jeremiah 46:13-28
Tonight we read of the end of the plagues and also the instructions for Pesach (Passover) with special emphasis on the process of getting a male lamb without blemish, killing it, putting the blood on the door post of each home and eating it.
Va’era (And I appeared) Sh’mot (Exodus) 6-9
Torah Portion Va’era (And I appeared) Sh’mot (Exodus) 6-9
Haftorah Reading Ezekiel 28:25-29:21
This week our portion begins with G-d appearing to Moshe and telling him that He had appeared to the Patriarchs as G-d Almighty, El Shaddai but not as G-d Almighty, or the infallible name of G-d. However, we read in previous scriptures that Abraham used this same name when addressing G-d (Genesis 15:2). So how are we to understand these verses? One way might be to look at this verse in light of the promises of G-d. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had known the promises of G-d, of bringing them into the Land and making them a great people. However, they had never seen this promise fulfilled in their life times. They held on to the promise, in faith, knowing that El Shaddai was trustworthy and would, at some time in the future, bring it to pass.
Sh’mot (Names) Sh’mot (Exodus) 1-6
Torah Portion: Sh’mot (Names) Sh’mot (Exodus) 1-6
Haftorah Reading: Jeremiah 1:1-2:3
This week we start a new book of Torah named Sh’mot, after the first word of the book. This name Sh’mot in Hebrew, translates as Names in English. Let’s talk about this a bit and see if there is a lesson for us here. The book begins with the names of Jacob and his sons. Names we have heard before, names that we can remember from the person being a follower of G-d, persons having a relationship with G-d. We read of no other name until we come to the midwives who were known by their refusal of Pharaoh’s order to kill the newborn baby boys of the Hebrew women. Interestingly, one name we do not know is that of Pharaoh. Why is that do you think? Maybe it is because he mocked G-d and burdened the people in their bondage.