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.
Va’era (And I appeared) Sh’mot (Exodus) 6-9
Torah Portion Va’era (And I appeared) Sh’mot (Exodus) 6-9
Haftorah Reading Ezekiel 28:25-29:21
This week our portion begins with G-d appearing to Moshe and telling him that He had appeared to the Patriarchs as G-d Almighty, El Shaddai but not as G-d Almighty, or the infallible name of G-d. However, we read in previous scriptures that Abraham used this same name when addressing G-d (Genesis 15:2). So how are we to understand these verses? One way might be to look at this verse in light of the promises of G-d. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had known the promises of G-d, of bringing them into the Land and making them a great people. However, they had never seen this promise fulfilled in their life times. They held on to the promise, in faith, knowing that El Shaddai was trustworthy and would, at some time in the future, bring it to pass.
Ki Tisa (When you take) Ex. 30-34
Torah Portion: Ki Tisa (When You Take)(Sh’mot) Exodus 30-34
Haftorah Reading: I Kings 18:1-39
This Torah portion begins with the taking of the census of all the people of G-d and the paying of what became known as the Temple tax. However the pivotal events talked about in this section are the incidents of the golden calf and the giving of the two sets of tablets of the Law. The first set of laws was broken by Moshe when he returned from his time with G-d on top of Mt. Sinai.
Mikketz (At the End) Gen 41-44
Torah Portion: Mikketz (At The End) Genesis 41:-44:17
HafTorah: I Kings 3:15-4:1
This week we read about Joseph from his release from prison until his reunion with his brothers after many years apart. They do not recognize him. Why? What they saw was an Egyptian ruler second only to Pharaoh. What had changed with Joseph? What had not?
Boundaries Between Holy and Unholy – Veyetzei Gen 28 12/11
Torah Portion: Veyetzei Genesis 28:10-32:3
HafTorah: Hosea 12:13-14:10
John 1:19-51
Tonight I want us to look at the questions sent out earlier this week. Before we get to them I would like to look at Genesis 28:11 and especially at a couple of words of this passage in Hebrew. In English we read he came to a certain place. The word in Hebrew for “came to” is better read as encountered or touched. And the phrase in this verse, “certain place” can also be read as a reference to G-d who is “The place.” Given this we could read it as, “He encountered G-d.” This helps us understand the angels better as well. It gives us insight into the first of my two questions. I n John 1:51 we read of an encounter between Yeshua and Nathaniel and in Genesis 28:12 we read of the ladder set up with angels ascending and descending. What is the connection? What did Yeshua mean by His response to Nathaniel? Now to another word help. In Genesis 28:12 we read about the angels going up and down on it. Usually read as meaning “the ladder.” The word is translated as, “it” and is the Hebrew word that could be “he” or “him.” So, the angels could be seen as ascending and descending on him – “Jacob.” This could be how Yeshua saw it when He speaks to Nathaniel. Just as the angels ascended and descended on Jacob so they would Him. So now, the question becomes what did Yeshua mean about angels going up and coming down on Him? Where do we see angels connected with Yeshua? Luke 1:11 – foretelling His birth, Matthew 1:20 Joseph and Mary, Luke 2:13 – Shepherd’s, Matthew 2:13, 2:19 – Herod and Egypt, Mark 1:13 – the wilderness, Matthew 28:2 Resurrection, Acts 1:10 – ascent to heaven and Matthew 25:31 His future return.
Vayishlach (And He Sent)
Torah Portion: Vayishlach Genesis 32:4-36:43
HafTorah: Hosea 11:7-12:12
Over twenty years have come and gone since Jacob left Israel. His leaving and return are marked with encounters with angels. It is also marked by a Hebrew word that appears in both his going and coming. In Genesis 28:11 we read, “So he came to a certain place.” The word for “he came” is vayifga in Hebrew. In Hebrew today you hear the negative form of this word used frequently by children when they want to say, “don’t touch me.” So when Jacob left he encounters or touches a place. That place is where he has his dream.