Mishpatim(Rulings)Ex./Sh’mot 21:1-24:18
Torah Portion: Mishpatim(Rulings)Ex./Sh’mot 21:1-24:18 Haftorah Reading: Jeremiah 34:8-22 In our time together tonight we will be looking at the Torah portion that follows Yitro. In Yitro we read the 10 Words or Commandments. This week’s portion is often looked at as rather anti-climactic after the fire and smoke coming down on Mt. Sinai in last week’s portion. […]
Hayei Sarah (Sarah’s Life) B’resheet/Genesis 23:1-25:18
Torah Portion: Hayei Sarah (Sarah’s Life) B’resheet/Genesis 23:1-25:18
Haftorah Reading I Kings 1:1-31
The first three words of this Torah section are, “Life of Sarah.” Yet in this section we read of the death of both Sarah and Avraham. So, what does this say to us? Whether we like to think of it or not we are all on the path to death. But the more important question is how do we spend our days during the years of our life here on earth? In the life of both of these people what do we see? How did they live their lives? Both Avraham and Sarah overcame difficulties and were able to hang on to their faith in the Father.
Sh’mot (Names) Sh’mot (Exodus) 1-6
Torah Portion: Sh’mot (Names) Sh’mot (Exodus) 1-6
Haftorah Reading: Jeremiah 1:1-2:3
This week we start a new book of Torah named Sh’mot, after the first word of the book. This name Sh’mot in Hebrew, translates as Names in English. Let’s talk about this a bit and see if there is a lesson for us here. The book begins with the names of Jacob and his sons. Names we have heard before, names that we can remember from the person being a follower of G-d, persons having a relationship with G-d. We read of no other name until we come to the midwives who were known by their refusal of Pharaoh’s order to kill the newborn baby boys of the Hebrew women. Interestingly, one name we do not know is that of Pharaoh. Why is that do you think? Maybe it is because he mocked G-d and burdened the people in their bondage.
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.
Mattot (Tribes) & Masa’ei (Stages) B’Midbar (Numbers) 30-36
Torah Portion: Mattot (Tribes) & Masa’ei (Stages) B’Midbar (Numbers) 30-36
Haftorah Reading: Jeremiah 1:1-2:28
Today we finish our study of Numbers (B’Midbar) by reading a double portion of Torah. My question this week comes from the second portion but before I get to that I want to talk about several other points that I believe will give us a clear understanding of G-d’s love for us and our ability to express our love for Him.
Vayechi (And He Lived) B’Resheet (Gen) 47-50
Torah Portion: Vayechi (And He Lived) B’Resheet (Gen.) 47-50
HafTorah: I Kings 2:1-12
This Torah portion is the last of the book of Genesis. Interestingly, it is named “And He Lived” while included in this portion we read of the death of both Jacob and Joseph. This brings me to the first point I would like to talk about. Why would a Torah portion named, “He Lived” devote much of its time to the death of these two men? I think it has to do with the way scripture looks at time. For example the Greeks looked at time as cyclical, never reaching an ending point but always starting over again, there will always be another tomorrow. The Jews, and I believe we would be the same, look at time as covenantal. For example, here in Genesis in chapter 12 we read of G-d’s promise to Avraham that his descendants will be as the stars in the heavens. He would be given a Land for his people. Yet by the end of Deut./D’Varim the people have not crossed into the Land. The people did not despair, the promise was always before them.
Vayikra (He Called) Leviticus 1-5
Torah Portion: Vayikra (Leviticus) 1:1-5:26
Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 43:21-44:23
Tonight we begin the third book of the Torah. Interestingly this is the first thing religious children study beginning around three years old. Why do you think they begin here instead of Genesis? It is said that this book teaches them and us two things, how much G-d loves us and our lives matter and have meaning.
Vayechi (He lived) (B’resheet) 47-50
Torah Portion: Vayechi(He Lived) (B’resheet) Genesis 47-50
Haftorah Reading: I Kings 2:1-12
This is the last Torah portion of the book of B’resheet/Genesis. In it we read of the death of both Jacob and Joseph. Yet, interesting the portion is titled, “And He Lived”. Always in Torah when we come across something like this we can be assured that G-d ‘s making a spiritual point for us.
Mishpatim (Rulings) Ex 21-24
Torah Portion: Mishpatim (Rulings) Sh’mot (Exodus) 21-24
HafTorah: Jeremiah 34:8-22, 33:225-26
I would like us to look first at Exodus 23:7 today. But before that think about this Torah section. It follows the spiritual high of the revelation at Sinai, the awesomeness of G-d coming before His people. Then here we seem to get mired in details. Mostly between man and his neighbors, things concerning, how to relate to our fellowman. I think G-d here is showing us that He is found in the details. The high points are great but they are fleeting. We live in the world everyday. How do we go about it in a way that glorifies G-d? So, to give us a little help I want us to ponder this verse on falsehood. This is easy right?