Ekev (Because) D’Varim (Deut.) 7:12-11:25
Torah Portion: Ekev (Because)D’Varim(Deut.) 7:12-11:25
Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 49:14-51:3
Today I want us to look at Deut. 11:7. This verse reads, “Because your eyes are the ones seeing all the great works of the L-rd that He has done.” In the first nine verses of chapter 11 Moshe was speaking directly to the current generation of the children of Israel. They were the ones about to cross over the Jordan to enter the land of Israel. Earlier he had stressed to the people how important it was that they follow G-d’s word, His commandments as they crossed the Jordan.
Beha’alotcha (When You Set Up) Numbers (B’Midbar) 8-12
Torah Portion Beha’alotcha (When You Set Up) Numbers (B’Midbar) 8-12
Haftorah Reading: Zechariah 2:14-4:7
There are a lot of things to talk about in this week’s study. I would like us to zero in on a couple of issues I think will be especially helpful to us in our day-to-day life.
First let us look at Numbers 11:4-6. In these verses we read of the complaints of the people about their situation If you remember this is not the first time we see them complaining about something. After only three days and after the miracle of the splitting of the Reed Sea, Exodus 15:24, we see them asking for water at Meriba. G-d does not scold them but directs Moshe on what to do to turn the water from bitter to sweet. Then, after only a short time they complain about having no food. (Exodus 16:1-3) Again, G-d provides manna. Finally, at Rephidim, in Exodus 17:1-7 they complain about no water. Here again G-d provided without rebuking the people.
So, what makes this time so different? Why does G-d respond differently? Maybe the first three times the complaints were about the very necessities of life, food and water. While here in our portion the complaints seemed to be about a lack of variety in the menu. Here they are not actually hungry or thirsty. Here, they are complaining, spreading discontent just because they did not like the provisions of G-d.
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.
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.