Sh’mot (Names) Ex./Sh’mot 1:1-6:1

: Sh’mot (Names) Exodus/Sh’mot 1:1-6:1

Haftorah Readings: Jeremiah 1:1-2:3

Today we begin a new book of Torah, Exodus or Sh’mot. We will read the names of the people who came to Egypt from Israel. They came with no idea of what would transpire over the coming years. However, as we will see G-d was there and had a plan.

Hayei Sarah (Sarah’s Life) B’resheet Gen. 23:1-25:18

: Hayei Sarah (Sarah’s Life) B’resheet/Genesis 23:1-25:18

Haftorah Readings: I Kings 1:1-31

Tonight we study the Torah portion that covers the death of Sarah and Avraham. However, the opening words give us a clue of the deeper message we will uncover today.

I would like to begin with Genesis 24:1, “Avraham was old, well advanced in years, and G-d had blessed Avraham with everything.” Even the death of Sarah is written in such a way in Hebrew, to make clear that she also had lived a full life dying at the age of 127.

Vayikra (He Called )Lev. 1

Torah Portion: Vayikra(He called)

Vayikra (Leviticus) 1:1-5:26

HafTorah: Isaiah 43:21-44:23

New Testament: Romans 8:1-13; Hebrews 10:1-14; 13:10-16

Tonight we begin the third book of the Torah. It is the first book that Jewish children study in religious school. It is basically a call to enter the Presence of G-d, and so it should be. I think it appropriate that we start this study on the first day of Aviv. This month begins the cycle of G-d’s appointed times. Aviv is representative of our own beginning as G-d’s called ones in redemption.