D’Varim (Deut.) 1:1-3:22

Torah Portion: D’Varim(Deut.) 1:1-3:22

Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 1:1-27

Today we begin the final book of Torah, Deuteronomy. The Hebrew name for this book is D’Varim. D’Varim means words and also things. As we go through this final book keep this double meaning in mind. 

Also tonight as the Shabbat ends the solemn day of Tishah B’av begins.  This day commemorates the destruction of both the First Temple and Second Temple. Both were destroyed on the same day. The first temple was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The Second Temple, the one used by Yeshua and His disciples, was destroyed in 70 CE by the Romans.

Tetzaveh (You shall command) Exodus (Sh’mot) 27:20-30:10

Torah PortionTetzaveh (You shall command) Exodus (Sh’mot) 27:20-30:10

Haftorah Reading: Ezekiel 43:10-27

Tonight, there are several things I want us to look at that I think are important for us today. The first thing is the coming holiday of Purim. Purim begins on Monday evening, March 9th, at sundown. The Torah portion we read tonight can be connected to this holiday and in fact is always read before Purim.