Tag: harm

Ki Tetze (When you go out) D’Varim (Deut.) 21-25

Ki Tetze(When you go out) D’Varim (Deut.) 21:10-25:19
Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 54:1-10
Messianic Scripture  Matthew 5:31-32; Mark 10:2-12, 12:18-27; Luke 20:27-38
 
This Sabbath we read a Torah portion that contains more commandments than any other portion read during the year. When reading this portion it is tempting to skim over the verses without taking the time to really grasp what they are saying to us.
 
However, when we take the time to contemplate the verses we can see an overall subject. This subject, how we treat our fellow man, seems to be the dominant message of these commandments. There is a wide range of subjects ranging from a woman taken in battle down to how to deal with interest on a loan.

Vayigash (He Approached) B’resheet Gen 44-47

Torah Portion:  Vayigash (He Approached) (B’resheet) Genesis 44-47

Haftorah Reading: Ezekiel 37:15-28

This week we read of the meeting between Joseph and his brothers where he reveals  himself to them after years of being separated. We read in Genesis 44:18 where Yehuda whispered in his ear and pleaded for his brother, even offering to take his place. Unlike years before when Yehuda came up with the idea of not killing Joseph but selling him into slavery.  However, here we see Yehudah when faced again with such a choice, has a different reaction. He chose to basically give himself for his brother.  This action by Yehudah had an immediate effect on Joseph.

Mishpatim (Rulings) Exodus 21-24

Torah Portion:  Mishpatim (Rulings) Exodus 21-24

HafTorah: Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26

This week we read a Torah portion that covers the way Israel was to deal with many relationship issues that arose in their daily life. Since some of these no longer concern us we are tempted to skim over them and see them as unrelated to our present life.  For this reason I would like us to look at several judgments and see what Torah is saying to us on a deeper spiritual level. What are we to learn from these judgments that will affect how we live our lives as believers?