T’rumah(Offering) Exodus(Sh’mot) 25:1-27:19
Torah Portion: T’rumah(Offering) Exodus(Sh’mot) 25:1-27:19
Haftorah Reading: I Kings 5:26-6:13
This week we read the Torah section covering the accumulation of items to be used in the building of the Mishkan or Tabernacle. I would like to start with the Hebrew meaning of two words we will see in this Torah portion. I believe this will give us a more complete understanding of what is being said to us.
Mishpatim (Judgments) Exodus(Sh’mot) 21:1-24:18
Torah Portion: Mishpatim (Judgments) Exodus(Sh’mot) 21:1-24:18
Haftorah Reading: Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26
This is one of those Torah portions that sometimes gets pushed to the back of our minds. These judgments seem to be mostly outside of our more enlightened way of viewing our faith. Do we really need to consider these judgments as having any place in our modern world view?
Jethro(Yitro) Exodus(Sh’mot) 18:1-20:23
Torah Portion: Jethro(Yitro) Exodus(Sh’mot) 18:1-20:23
Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-6
This week we have studied a Torah portion named for the father-in-law of Moshe. Jethro heard of all the great things G-d had done for Israel and came to visit Moshe to see for himself. He also brought along Moshe’s wife and two sons.
Torah Portion: B’Shallach (And He sent) Exodus(Sh’mot) 13:17-17:16
Torah Portion: B’Shallach (And He sent) Exodus(Sh’mot) 13:17-17:16
Haftorah Reading: Judges 4:4-5:31
Today we study the Torah portion covering the physical beginning of the Exodus along with the complaining of the people over having no water and no food. We also read of the final defeat of Pharaoh’s army followed by the beautiful “Song of the Sea” by Moshe and Miriam.
Bo(Come) Exodus(Sh’mot) 10:1-13:16
Torah Portion: Bo(Come) Exodus(Sh’mot) 10:1-13:16
Haftorah Reading: Jeremiah 46:13-28
Tonight, we come to the climax of G-d’s hand freeing the people from their four hundred years in Egypt. I want to mention the opening word of this portion which is “Bo.” Translated into English it is Go. However, this is a Hebrew word that has as its most prominent meaning “Come.” When looked at in this light we can just hear G-d saying to Moshe, “Come into Pharaoh.” G-d was assuring Moshe that He, G-d, was already there before him. He was not to fear Pharaoh or what he might threaten to do, for G-d was with Moshe. I pray we each can hold on to this truth in our own life. No matter what lies before us G-d is already there waiting for us to rest in Him.
Va’era(And I Appeared) Exodus(Sh’mot) 6-9
Torah Portion: Va’era(And I Appeared) Exodus(Sh’mot) 6-9
Haftorah Reading: Ezekiel 28:25-29:21
Tonight, we cover Moshe’s initial meeting with Pharaoh and seven out of ten of the plagues. I would like us to cover some spiritual truths that could be important to us. Let’s begin by talking about the names of G-d that we find in our Torah reading and the relevance of the Sacred Name of G-d expressed in Exodus/Sh’mot 7:5.
Sh’mot(Names) Exodus(Sh’mot) 1:1-6:1
Torah Portion: Sh’mot(Names) Exodus(Sh’mot) 1:1-6:1
Haftorah Reading: Jeremiah 1:1-2:3
Tonight, we study the opening Torah portion of Sh’mot/Exodus. In this first section we cover a large part of Israel’s history. We read how they started out as welcomed guests in Egypt but over time they slowly became slaves with no control over their lives. We also read of the birth of Moshe and follow his life up to the point he met Pharaoh and asked him to “Let my people go.” That request did not work out well but G-d assured Moshe He would bring the people out.
Vayechi (And He Lived) B’resheet (Genesis) 47-50
Torah Portion: Vayechi (And He Lived) B’resheet (Genesis) 47-50
Haftorah Reading: I Kings 2:1-12
Our Torah portion begins with the words “And he lived,” found in B’resheet/Genesis 47:28. However, as we read further, we see in a few verses later that Ya’acov died in this portion. His son, Joseph, died also. What can we make of these first few words, “And he lived?” I think scripture is making a point important to us all. Ya’acov’s body died but he lived on through the lives of his descendants, as do we. This opens up a few issues I want us to give some thought to. How do each of us live on after our physical passing? If we look at verse 48:15 we read what Ya’acov attributed his life to as he faced death. In this verse we read where he made the statement that he and his forefathers spent their life walking with G-d. I believe each of us should look at our life and consider how we have spent our days. In this same verse he went on to say G-d had been his Shepherd for his life.
Vayigash(And He Approached) B’resheet (Genesis) 44-47
Torah Portion: Vayigash (And He Approached) B’resheet (Genesis) 44-47
Haftorah Reading: Ezekiel 37:15-28
Our Torah portion today covers one of the most touching scenes in Torah, the reunion of Yoseph/Joseph and his brothers after being separated for 22 years. Tonight I want us to look at two of the main characters of this drama and see what we might learn from them that could impact our lives.
Mikketz(At the End) B’resheet (Genesis) 41-44
Torah Portion: Mikketz(At the End) B’resheet (Genesis) 41-44
Haftorah Reading: I Kings 3:15-4:1
In this Torah portion we read of Joseph’s release from prison, his rise to power in Egypt and the reunion between him and his brothers. I would like to begin with my question this week that covered the reunion of Joseph and his brothers.