Acharei Mot (After the Death) Lev 16-18

Torah Portion:  Acharei Mot (After the Death) (Leviticus) Vayikra 16-18

Haftorah Reading: Ezekiel 22:1-19

Tonight we look at a Torah portion that covers two main connected points, morality and forgiveness. I want us to look at both of these in some depth. Let’s begin with forgiveness. A large part of this Torah portion has to do with the details of and preparation for the day of Yom Kippur. First, what do the words Yom Kippur mean? Yom is the Hebrew word for day and Kippur is the Hebrew word for covering. This was/is the time to come together as a people and confess their sins and ask G-d to forgive them. This process covered everyone from the greatest to the least. Everyone sought forgiveness on this day. It is mentioned in the New Testament in Acts 27:9 where we see Paul, on his way to Rome, mentioning The Fast which would have been Yom Kippur. So it would seem that the early Jewish believers continued to observe this and the other Biblical holy days.

Vayikra (He Called) Leviticus 1-5

Torah Portion:  Vayikra (Leviticus) 1:1-5:26

Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 43:21-44:23

Tonight we begin the third book of the Torah. Interestingly this is the first thing religious children study beginning around three years old. Why do you think they begin here instead of Genesis? It is said that this book teaches them and us two things, how much G-d loves us and our lives matter and have meaning.

Nasso (To Take or Do)B’midbar (Num) 4-7

Torah Portion: Nasso (To Take or Do) B’midbar (Numbers) 4:21-7:89

HafTorah: Judges 13:2-25

In this Torah section we read much about the duties of different groups of priests in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), then concluding with the entire chapter seven listing the offerings the tribes bring at the dedication of the Mishkan. However, in the middle of our reading we read a number of seemingly disconnected commandments covering a number of subjects including the laws concerning confession of sin, the Nazirite vow and the wayward wife.

Naso (count) Numbers 4-7

Torah Portion: Naso (Count) Numbers 4:21-7:89

HafTorah: Judges 13:2-5

This evening we look at the Torah Portion named Naso or count. In this Torah section we cover many topics but I want us to look closely at two, both of which are in chapter 5 of Numbers.

The first thing I would like us to seek the L-rd on is found in Numbers 5:6-7. It speaks of confession of our sins. In these verses we read that when we sin we are to confess our sins to G-d. In Hebrew this is called “vidui.” The important part is that the confession, according to Judaism and Christianity, is to be verbalized. We speak the words with our mouth to G-d. What’s the point of vocalizing our thoughts of remorse to G-d? The L-rd of the universe knows our every thought and our every feeling like an open book. Why must our confession be verbal?

Vayeishev Genesis 37:1-40:23

Torah Portion: Vayeishev (He Continued Living) B’Resheet (Gen.) 37:1-40:23

HafTorah: Amos 2:6-3:8

New Testament: Acts 7:9-16

Tonight we read about the life of Joseph from an early age until he gets out of prison. However I would like us to spend most of our time on Genesis 38, which is the story of Tamar and Judah. I think as we read this chapter it would at first glance seem to have little connection with the flow of the life of Joseph. However, we will see similarities as we go through it.

Naso (Take) Numbers 4:21-7:89

Torah Portion: Naso(Take) Numbers (B’Midbar) 4:21-7:89

HafTorah: Judges 13:2-25

New Testament: John 7:53-8:11; Acts 21:17-32

Tonight we read the Parasha Naso. This Torah section is always read either on the Sabbath before or immediately following Shavuot. As we have mentioned before, Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah. In the New Testament we read where Yeshua was and is the embodiment of Torah. In fact in John I He is called the Word.