Mishpatim (Judgements) Sh’mot/Ex. 21:1-24:18

Torah PortionMishpatim (Judgements) Sh’mot/Ex. 21:1-24:18

Haftorah Reading: Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26

Today we read and study together the Torah portion Judgements.  This is usually not one of the most gripping portions we read during the year. In this portion we read more than fifty laws covering a wide range of subjects. I would like for you to consider how we as believers in Yeshua consider the issue of laws found throughout the scripture. Have you ever heard, “Why study all these laws, we as believers are under grace now. Laws are the opposite of grace. Since we are believers in Yeshua there is no reason for us to be concerned with all these laws we read in the Torah.”

Emor (Speak) Leviticus/Vayikra 21:1-24:23

Torah Portion Emor (Speak) Leviticus/Vayikra 21:1-24:23

Haftorah Reading Ezekiel 44:15-31

Tonight, we study the Torah portion Emor. This portion covers a listing of all the holidays of the calendar as well as the Sabbath. My question to you this week was about the inclusion of the Sabbath in our reading. However, I want to mainly  speak about another issue that is covered in our portion as well. In fact, it is the first main topic that Moshe speaks of in these verses.

Ki Tavo (When You Come) D’varim (Deut) 26-29

Torah Portion:  Ki Tavo (When You Come) D’varim (Deut) 26-29

Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 60:1-22

 “When You Come In” is our Torah portion this week. It speaks of when Israel came into their inheritance and how they were to live their lives. It also covers the blessings and curses that would come as a result of how they lived each day. I would like to look at this Torah section in how it relates to us as G-d’s children who have come into our inheritance and what impact that should have on our lives daily.

Vayikra (He Called) Lev 1-5

Torah Portion:  Vayikra (And He Called) Leviticus 1:1-5:26

HafTorah: Isaiah 43:21-44:23

Tonight we begin the third book of Torah. In English we call it Leviticus, a word coming from Greek and Latin and meaning, “Pertaining to the Levites.” By contrast, in Hebrew it is named Vayikra or “And He called.” Interestingly, this is the first book studied in religious elementary schools. In fact, even in Yeshua’s day, this would have been His first book of study.

Va’etchanan (I Pleaded) Deut. Devarim 3-7

Torah Portion: Va’etchanan (I Pleaded) Devarim (Deuteronomy) 3:23-7:11

HafTorah: Isaiah 40:1-26

Since we did not meet last week, I would like to say a few words about the last book of Torah. Deuteronomy comes from the Greek word meaning repetition of the Law. Remember, all the people to whom Moses was speaking had been children or were born during the 40 years in the desert. Here they hear the story again. They hear the commandments for themselves. Moses knows his death is close at hand so he sets about to give his last sermon to these who will be the ones to inherit the land He wants them to be well prepared to take their inheritance. They had grown up as free men and women, not as their parents, slaves to Pharaoh.

Mishpatim (Ordinances) Ex 21-24

Torah Portion: Mishpatim (Rulings) Exodus 21-24

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

After the lofty highs of last week’s Parasha of Yitro, this week we are given the details of how G-d expects us to operate in our day to day life. Here we see the connection of Heaven and earth spiritually in how to put into our lives those things that will bring G-d into this world daily.

B’resheet (In the Beginning) Genesis 1-6

Torah Portion: B’resheet (In the Beginning) Genesis 1:1-6:8

HafTorah: Isaiah 42:5-43

So here we are at the beginning. So much to look at and study; we have creation, the first couple, first children, first sin. Our task is to see how it all applies to us today. What are those spiritual principles that will help us to live our life as the Creator intended? We see the hand of G-d as He moved through His creation, a creation unlike any since, something from nothing.

Shoftim (Judges) Deut 16-18

Torah Portion: Shoftim (Judges) Devarim Deut. 16:18-21:9

HafTorah: Isaiah 51:12-53:12

This particular Torah portion always comes during the month of Elul. In this section of scripture we read about cities of refuge where someone who had accidently caused the death of another could escape the avenger of blood. Elul is seen in the same light. It is seen as a month of repentance, a sanctuary in time for a person to have a dedicated length of time to examine his/her life in a concentrated way. A time where they can turn from their sins and missed opportunities and dedicate themselves to a renewed and closer walk with the Father. Of course we have the avenue of repentance and renewal available at any time. However this month brings our lives front and center for an extended period. So, I pray we each can and will take this time to lay everything open before the Throne and renew our relationship between us and our Father and between us and anyone we might have issues with in our lives. Take advantage of this city of refuge and allow G-d to speak with you.

Devarim (Words) Deut 1

Torah Portion: Devarim (words) Devarim (Deut.) 1:1-3:22

HafTorah: Isaiah 1:1-27

NT John 15:1-11; Hebrews 3:7-4:11

Tonight we read the first Torah portion of the book of Devarim (Deut.). This entire book is somewhat a sermon from Moses to the people. In it we see him sharing and retelling the history of the last 40 years as well as a recounting of the Law from which we get the Greek word that became the common name for the book. We might wonder, why did he spend all this time going back over the Law. Rashi, a great Jewish writer and teacher says, “They (the words of Torah) should be new in your eyes everyday. So we go over the Torah each year and each year find things that speak to us that we never saw before.

Mishpatim (Rulings) Shemot (Exodus) 21

Torah Portion: Mishpatim (Rulings) Shemot (Exodus) 21:1-24:18

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

New Testament: Matt. 5:38-42, 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23; Acts 23:1-11; Hebrews 9:15-22; 10:28-29

This week we look at the continuation of G-d law. This Torah section begins with two Hebrew words, “ve’elli” which means in English, “and these” indicating that the words following are to be seen as part of the revelation from Sinai. The first verses up until Shemot 21:27 mainly deals with slavery and how to treat slaves. This seems difficult to us today. Why didn’t G-d just say do not have slaves? That would have been it and then go on.