Balak-B’midbar/Numbers 22:2-25:9
Torah Portion: Balak B’midbar/Numbers 22:2-25:9
Today we study one of the most important Torah portions of the year. I am sure we are all familiar with this story from years past. I want us to take a fresh look at it from a perspective that is somewhat different. I pray I can adequately get my point across in this study.
The verses I would like to begin with are found in Numbers 23:8-9. I would like us to look at verse nine especially, “As I see them from the mountain tops, gaze upon them from the heights, Behold it is a people that dwells alone, not numbered among the nations.” I would like us to look at what this phrase meant when it was spoken and also what it means to us today.
Ki Tavo (When you come) D’Varim (Deut.) 26-29
Torah Portion: Ki Tavo(When you come) D’Varim (Deut.) 26:1-29:8
Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 60:1-22
Messianic Scripture Matthew 13:1-23; Luke 21:1-4; Acts 28:17-31
Today we read a Torah portion that takes place on the east bank of the Jordan river. It contains some of Moshe’s remark’s to the people that are meant to sustain them after they cross over the Jordan. I believe all of us can take comfort in these words as we walk through our days.
I would like to begin with the words of Deut. 26:5-8, 5 “And you shall declare before the L-rd your G-d, ‘A wandering Aramean was my father. And he went down into Egypt and sojourned there, few in number, and there he became a nation, great, mighty, and populous.6 And the Egyptians treated us harshly and humiliated us and laid on us hard labor. 7 Then we cried to the L-rd, the G-d of our fathers, and the L-rd heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. 8 And the L-rd brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great deeds of terror, with signs and wonders.”
Shoftim (Judges) D’Varim (Deut.) 16:18-21:9
: Shoftim (Judges) D’Varim (Deut.) 16:18-21:9
Haftorah Readings: Isaiah (Yesh’yahu) 51:12-53:12
This Torah portion is always read on the first Shabbat of the Hebrew month of Elul. This year, this month of Elul began last evening. Today is the first day of a forty day period of repentance and soul searching leading up to Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the High Holy Days. These days of repentance should give all of us the push to look back over our life and deal with those sins that have been forgotten or just swept under the rug. It is a time to be completely honest with ourselves and with G-d. It is a time to set our spiritual house in order. I would urge you to spend time during these days to ask the Heavenly Father to shed His light on anything that needs to be dealt with.
Tol’dot (Generations) Beresheet Gen 25-28
Torah Portion: Tol’dot (Generations) (B’resheet) Genesis 25-28
Haftorah Reading: Malachi 1:1-2:7
This week we read a portion of Torah that covers much of the life of Isaac. Contained also is the drama played out in the family which concerns the two sons of Isaac and Rebekah. I want us to take time looking at this drama but first a few words about the second Patriarch of Israel, Isaac.