Re’eh (See) D’Varim (Deut.) 11-16
Torah Portion: Re’eh (See) D’Varim (Deuteronomy) 11-16
HafTorah: Isaiah 54:11-55:5
The opening word of this Torah portion is Re’eh or See or Behold. The first word Moshe utters in his speech to the people is See, signifying that was is to follow is important. Pay attention! It is imperative that they not only see or listen but grasp the importance of what he is about to say. The inhabitants of the land are about to be displaced, defeated by Israel. Why? Because they are sinful, idol worshippers and they must be removed from the Land. It is like G-d is saying see what is about to happen to these nations because they have been living under the curse. They are an example for the people of Israel and for us of how not to live.
Shelach L’Kha (Send on your behalf) B’midbar (Num) 13-15
Torah Portion: Shelach L’Kha (Send on your behalf) B’midbar (Numbers) 13:1-15:41
HafTorah: Joshua 2:1-24
Tonight we look at the Torah portion Shelach or send. We read of the mission of the twelve men chosen to go and report back on their findings. You might notice that at the beginning they are called men not spies. That was a role they took on themselves. They saw their mission in a different light than Moses when he gave them their charge. They got ahead of G-d’s instructions. This is something each of us must guard against. When we run ahead of the Father we may become lost and get caught up in what we think He said rather than what He actually revealed to us. It is interesting that the word eretz (land of Israel) has at its root the Hebrew word Ratz or run. So we are to run after Him but not ahead of Him. Here we see obstacles in the way of the conquest. I would imagine we have all encountered obstacles in our lives when our wills are tested. These experiences give us the opportunity to demonstrate our profound desire to go with the “Lover of our soul.” Our battle is to be able to keep a proper perspective on these challenges, not to lose our way and not to be discouraged.