Shemini (Eighth) Lev (Vayikra) 9-11
Torah Portion: Shemini (Eighth) (Leviticus) Vayikra 9-11
Haftorah Reading: II Sam 6:1-7:17
The name of this Torah portion is Shemini or Eighth. This Torah portion contains many worthy spiritual lessons for us and we will talk about a few of them. However, one fact is not clear from just reading the text. In Lev. 10:16 we read of Moshe, “Moshe searched carefully for the goat of the sin offering and behold it had been burned up.” The interesting fact is the words translated, “searched carefully.” In Hebrew the two Hebrew words are “dorash, darosh” meaning searching he searched. This same Hebrew word is applied to the study of Torah and by extension all of scripture as found in Deut. 6:7, which is part of the Shema where we see that all of us as believers are called to teach G-d’s Word to our sons and daughters every chance we have. We should teach them with purpose. In John 5:39 we read of Yeshua rebuking the teachers of Torah for not, “searching” “dorash” because the scriptures teach about Him. Now the interesting fact is that this word “dorash” is the exact middle word of the Torah, if you are counting the words. Right at the center of the Torah we find the word search or study. Teaching us that we are to always be about the study of G-d’s Word. We must never stop studying and seeking out what we can learn from the Word of G-d.
Tzav (Command) Vayikra (Lev) 6-8
Torah Portion: Tzav (Leviticus) Vayikra 6:1-8:36
Haftorah Reading: Jeremiah 7:21-44:23
Tonight we will look at the sacrifices again. Why do you think G-d has us go back over these for the second time? What is different in this portion from the one last week? This week we look at the sacrifices from the perspective of the priest who is taking the offering from the person and going through the process of presenting it on the altar. Last week we read about the person bringing the offering.
Tetzaveh (You are to order)Exodus 27-30
Torah Portion: Tetzaveh (You Are To Order)(Sh’mot) Exodus 27:20-30:10
Haftorah Reading: Ezekiel 43:10-27
In this Torah Portion we read about the clothing of the priest and their duties as priest. In fact, one entire chapter is set aside to describe the clothes of the High Priest that he was to wear for honor and glory. However, the portion begins with the last two verses of chapter 27 that speaks of the eternal light that was to burn continually before the veil in the Mishkan. The portion ends with a description of the altar of incense. Why do you think this division was used when the portion last week was devoted to the furnishing of the Mishkan? Why separate these two things out? It could be that scripture is saying here that the priests and their duties were to reflect these two vessels. Light symbolizing wisdom, and the Sprit of G-d and ending with the altar of incense, which might symbolize the priests prayers being lifted to G-d. This seems like a spiritual message to us as we continue to look at the clothing of the priests and the offerings. It should also speak to us as believers today as we go about each day to always be aware of who we are and what our life is to be.
Mikketz (At the End)(B’resheet) Gen 41-44
Torah Portion: Mikketz (At The End) (B’resheet) Genesis 41-44
Haftorah Reading: I Kings 3:15-4:1
Tonight we read the Torah portion Mikketz and we celebrate the seventh night of Chanukkah. I would like to explore the connection between the two by using a Hebrew word, “bitachon,” which means trust. But first a few words about the holiday. Chanukkah does not appear in the Hebrew scriptures. The events that serve as the foundation of the holiday take place in the 160’s BCE. The Greek king Antiochus ruled over Israel at the time. He suffered defeat in a war against Egypt and as a result dealt severely with Israel on his way back home.
Korach B’Midbar (Numbers) 16-18
Torah Portion: Korach Numbers (B’Midbar) 16:1-18:32
HafTorah: I Samuel 11:14-12:22
New Testament: Jude; II Tim 2:8-21
This week the Torah section covers the rebellion of Korach, Datan and Aviram as well as the 250 leaders of Israel and finally the congregation of Israel. This progression shows us how rebellion spreads. First it was only three, then 250 and then 14,700 that perished. This paints a great picture for us and should be a word for us about rebellion against G-d.
Sh’mini (Eighth) Vayikra (Lev) 9
Torah Portion: Sh’mini (Eighth) Vayikra (Leviticus) 9:1-11:47
HafTorah: II Samuel 6:1-7:17
New Testament: Mark 7:1-23, Acts 5:1-11; 10:1-35; II Corinthians 6:14-7:1;
Galatians 2:11-16; I Peter 1:14-16
Tonight marks the end of Passover. Passover is actually two holidays that over time have become a single unit. The first day being Passover and the remaining seven days being the Feast of Unleavened Bread. These eight days make up the holiday we now celebrate. So G-d’s spiritual calendar begins with an 8 day time and ends with Succoth in the fall which is also an eight day holiday. Tell me, what is the significance of eight in the spiritual realm? Why is this important in G-d’s calendar?
Tzav (Give an Order) Vayikra (Lev) 6
Torah Portion: Tzav(Give an Order)
Vayikra (Leviticus) 6:1-8:36
HafTorah: Jeremiah 7:21-8:3; 9:22-23
New Testament: Mark 12:28-34; Romans 12:1-2; I Cor. 10:14-23
Tonight we look at the second Torah section from Leviticus. It begins with the word Tzav or command. Here Moses relates G-d’s commands for the various sacrifices starting with the Tamid offering. This word Tamid means always or continuously. This burnt offering was given every morning and evening, every day. What did we learn last week about a burnt offering? It was completely consumed on the altar. Nothing was kept for use by the person or the priest. It was completely given to G-d. So what was the purpose of doing this every day, morning and evening as a national offering? It was an earthly way of showing that Israel, as a nation, was to be completely given over to G-d’s will and use every day all day.