Va’etchanan (I Pleaded) D’Varim (Deut.) 3:23-7:11

Torah Portion: Va’etchanan (I Pleaded)D’Varim(Deut.) 3:23-7:11

Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 40:1-26

Today we read an epic Torah portion. We read again the Shema and the Ten Commandments. We also read a brief passage with high implications for the way we are to live a moral life in our day.

To begin with, I want us to look at Deut. 5:30. This verse tells us, “In all the way that the L-rd you G-d has commanded you, you shall walk.” I want to use this verse as a jumping off place for our study tonight. What does this verse say to us about our daily walk?

Bo (Come) Exodus/Sh’mot 10:1-13:16

 Bo(Come)Exodus/Sh’mot 10:1-13:16

Today we study what may be the most important Torah portion of the year. In the very first verse we read where G-d told Moshe to, “Come” to Pharaoh. Here Moshe was to relate to Pharaoh G-d’s final three plagues, locust, darkness and death of the first born. Sh’mot 10:1 reads, “And the L-rd said to Moshe, Come to Pharaoh.”  In all other times G-d told Moshe to go to Pharaoh. Why was the word “come” used here? I believe this gives all of us an important clues to the character of the Father. G-d was telling Moshe that no matter what we face G-d will be with us. He will already be there before us. Our faith should be strengthened by the use of this small word in this verse. 

Yitro (Jethro) Sh’mot/Ex. 18:1-20:23

Torah PortionYitro (Jethro) Sh’mot/Exodus 18:1-20:23

Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-6

Today we look at the Torah portion of Yitro/Jethro. This portion was named after the father in law of Moshe. It contains many things that could occupy pages of discussion. However, I will only deal with a few of them today.

I want to begin with my question about Shavuot or the holiday of weeks. This holiday happens on the fiftieth day counting from the first day of Passover. I know we have covered this more than once but I believe it is worthwhile to go over it again, lest we forget from where our faith came.

Ki Tetze (When You Go Out) D’Varim (Deut.) 21:10-25:19

: Ki Tetze (When You Go Out) D’Varim (Deut.) 21:10-25:19

Haftorah Readings: Isaiah (Yesh’yahu) 54:1-10

Our Torah portion this week contains more commandments than other portions. It seems like Moshe, knowing his time was limited, was trying to do all he could to prepare these people before they crossed over the Jordan and entered their inheritance. These commandments cover a wide range of subjects starting with how to deal with a captive woman and how to handle a rebellious son. 

Ekev (Because) D’Varim (Deut.) 7:12-11:25

: Ekev (Because) D’Varim (Deut.) 7:12-11:25

Haftorah Readings: Isaiah (Yesh’yahu) 49:14-51:3

Today we cover the Parasha Ekev. It is one of the longest passages that we study during the year. However, it is extremely important because it gives us a wonderful look at a something that should encourage us all every day, even in these challenging times.

Acharei Mot (After the death) Leviticus 16:1-18:30 Kedoshim (Holy People) Leviticus 19:1-20:27

Torah PortionAcharei Mot (After the death) Leviticus 16:1-18:30 Kedoshim (Holy People) Leviticus 19:1-20:27

Haftorah Reading: Ezekiel 22:1-19

This week we again read two portions of Torah. The first, coming after the death of Aaron’s two sons, and the next addressed to the holy ones, which at the time, was the Jewish people who had just come out of Egypt. Both of these sections are filled with many commandments of how G-d’s people are to live their daily life after being taken out of slavery and beginning their journey to the Promised Land.

B’chukkotai (By My Statutes) Leviticus/Vayikra 26:3-27:34

Torah Portion: B’chukkotai (By My Statutes) Leviticus/Vayikra 26:3-27:34

Haftorah Reading Jeremiah 16:19-34

Tonigh,t we will finish the book of Vayikra or Leviticus by looking at chapters 26 and 27. Chapter 26 covers G-d’s blessings and curses that will come upon Israel for either their faithfulness or their disobedience. I would ask you to look at these chapters in light of Romans 11:11-27. In Romans we see Shaul speaking to the believers in Rome, many of which were not Jewish. Shaul apparently was battling an idea that is still popular today, replacement theology.

Pinchas (B’Midbar) Num. 25:10-30:1

Torah Portion Pinchas (B’Midbar) Numbers 25:10-30:1

Haftorah Reading: I Kings 18:46-19:21

Tonight we read a Torah portion that covers a wide range of topics. We read of a new group of leaders who will take the people to the Promised Land.  Joshua is to take the position of Moshe when Moshe dies. Pinkas is granted an everlasting priesthood of peace that in some ways carries on the heritage of his grandfather Aaron. Finally we read of the five daughters of Zelophehad who came to Moshe with a request concerning their right to an inheritance after their father’s death. He died with no sons to inherit his land.

Acharei Mot (After the death) & Kedoshim (Holy) (Leviticus) Vayikra 16-20

Torah Portion:  Acharei Mot (After the death) & Kedoshim (Holy) (Leviticus) Vayikra 16-20

Haftorah Reading: Ezekiel 22:1-19 & 20:2-20

Tonight we read two Torah Sections again. These sections cover the laws governing Yom Kippur, the commandments dealing with inter-personal relationships, sexual sins and other issues that have to do with leading a holy life in our world today. Often we read these words and have difficulty seeing a connection to our life today in our modern enlightened society. I pray by the end of tonight we will be able to grasp what these two portions say to us personally.

Ki Tisa (When You Take) Exodus Sh’mot 30-34

Our portion begins with G-d’s instructions to Moshe about counting the people of Israel. It also contains the infamous, “golden calf” section when the people demand of Aaron to make for them a god. We read of the setting aside of Shabbat before the constuction of the Mishkan.