Shemini (Eighth) Leviticus Vayikra 9-11
Torah Portion: Shemini (Eighth) (Leviticus) Vayikra 9-11
Haftorah Reading: II Samuel 6:1-7:17
Tonight we read the Torah portion that is dedicated to the consecration of the Mishkan or Tabernacle. In the last weeks we have read seven Torah portions covering the details of the building and dedicating of the Mishkan and now in this portion we read about the first public use of the “House of G-d.” We read where the fire fell and the people shouted out when the glory of G-d appeared.
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
Tonight we read the Torah portion that contains some perplexing and difficult verses that talks about the curses that will befall the Jewish people in the future. I want us to speak of these later. It also talks of the “Bikurim Blessings,” which in English is the first fruit offering. I want to start with this subject and then end with a discussion of the curses listed in our portion.
Re’eh (See) D’Varim (Deut.) 11-16
Torah Portion: Re’eh (See) D’Varim (Deuteronomy) 11-16
HafTorah: Isaiah 54:11-55:5
The opening word of this Torah portion is Re’eh or See or Behold. The first word Moshe utters in his speech to the people is See, signifying that was is to follow is important. Pay attention! It is imperative that they not only see or listen but grasp the importance of what he is about to say. The inhabitants of the land are about to be displaced, defeated by Israel. Why? Because they are sinful, idol worshippers and they must be removed from the Land. It is like G-d is saying see what is about to happen to these nations because they have been living under the curse. They are an example for the people of Israel and for us of how not to live.
Vayikra Leviticus 1-5
Torah Portion: Vayikra Leviticus 1:1-5:26
HafTorah: Isaiah 43:21-44:23
Here we begin the third book of Torah known in English as Leviticus or pertaining to the priests. It is a hand book for the priests who served G-d and the people, in the Mishkan and later in the Temple. So why take the time to study a book concerned with instructions about a system that no longer exists? I pray that as a nation of priests (I Peter 2:9) we will be able to grasp what these verses say to us as believers today.
Tetzaveh (You Shall Command) Ex. 27
Torah Portion: Tetzaveh (You Shall Command) Shemot (Exodus) 27:20-30:10
HafTorah: Ezekiel 43:10-27
New Testament: Philippians 4:10-20
This Torah portion covers the clothing of Aaron and his sons as well as offerings to be offered for their consecration as priests. First, let’s look at Exodus 28:3 where we read G-d’s instructions on who to pick to make the priestly items. In my English translation it reads, “gifted artisans.” However, in Hebrew the words are, “wise of heart.” So the question comes to mind, what does wisdom have to do with the heart? I think the Torah is saying that if our wisdom does not affect our hearts it is meaningless. I think Romans 12:2 might help us as believers to come to an answer for this. Our minds, the repository of our wisdom, must play itself out in our heart and in our actions. We may know the scripture by heart and be able to debate a plethora of religious topics but if all that wisdom makes no impact on our lives and actions then we are like a donkey carrying around sacks of knowledge but it is still a donkey. Our minds have been renewed. That renewal must be evident in our lives as we go about our daily walk with the L-rd. I Cor. 13, the chapter on love, lays this out very well. Our renewed minds must make a difference.