B’Har (On Mount) Lev.25:1-26:2 and B’chukkotai (By My Regulations) Leviticus 26:3-27:34
Torah Portion: B’Har (On Mount) Lev.25:1-26:2 and B’chukkotai (By My Regulations) Leviticus 26:3-27:34
Haftorah Reading: Jeremiah 32:6-27 and 16:19-17:14
Messianic Scripture Luke 4:16-21 and I Cor. 7:21-24
Today we finish studying the book of Leviticus for this cycle of Torah. In chapter 26:3-6 we read of G-d’s promise to Israel, “If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield it’s increase. I will give you peace in the land.”
T’rumah (Contribution) Exodus (Sh’mot) 25:1-27:19
Torah Portion: T’rumah (Contribution) Exodus (Sh’mot) 25:1-27:19
Haftorah Reading: I Kings 5:26-6:13
Tonight, we begin a series of four Torah portions that discuss the building of the Mishkan or Tabernacle and all of the items included in that construction. When Israel came into the Land their Tabernacle was set up in Shiloh and remained there for 369 years until Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem.
Our portion begins with G-d speaking to Moshe, instructing him to take a contribution from the people to provide all the materials needed in the construction project. Later in Sh’mot/Exodus 35:21-29 we read where both men and women were included in this contribution. This makes the point that this was shared by everyone, all the people of Israel, not just a few. Everyone had a part in the building of the Mishkan.
D’Varim (Deut.) 1:1-3:22 2018
Torah Portion D’Varim (Deut.) 1:1-3:22
Haftorah Reading: Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 1:1-27
Today we study the first portion of the last book of the Torah. This book is mainly made up of the last words of Moshe to his people before he ascends the mountain and dies there. Also, tonight, at 7:30, the day of Tisha B’Av begins. On this day Jewish people remember the destruction of both the First and the Second Temple. It also harkens back to the day of the bad report of the spies and the people refusing to enter the Land. It is note worthy to know that many other tragedies occurred on this day. The Spanish Inquisition and the Night of Broken Glass, which signaled the beginning of the Holocaust, are two such events. On this day the book of Lamentations is read to remember the penalty of not taking action in going up to settle the Land.
Devarim (Words) Deut. 1-3
Torah Portion: Devarim (Words) Deut. 1:1-3:11
HafTorah: Isaiah 1:1-27
First a few words about this fifth book of the Torah. It is the last book of the Torah. It is introduced with, “These are the words of Moses.” So in this book Moses speaks in the first person. In all the other books the pattern was, “G-d said.” Here it is, “I spoke.” Moses recounts the last 40 years in the desert. Remember all of those people were either not born yet or very young at the time of leaving Egypt. So Moses recounts some of the things that transpired in the wilderness. There were some things he does not mention which we may talk about in a few minutes. It took Moses over a month to deliver this farewell speech to the people. (remember he can see his own death here and senses the importance of what he is saying.)
T’rumah (Tithe) Ex 25-27
Torah Portion: T’rumah (Contribution) Sh’mot (Exodus) 25-27
HafTorah: I Kings 5:26-6:13
New Testament: Hebrews 8:1-6
This week we read of the details of the Miskan (tabernacle). The materials are donated from the people as a free will offering. The offering had to be given with a willing heart. It was not a tithe but an offering. Why did G-d command the building of a Mishkan? In Exodus 25:8 we read so that He could dwell in them. In I Cor. 3:16 we read where we are the Temple of G-d, the Temple being patterned after the Miskan.