Vayera (He Appeared) B’resheet/Genesis18:1-22:24

Torah Portion: Vayera(He Appeared) B’resheet/Genesis18:1-22:24

Haftorah Reading: II Kings 4:1-37

This week we read a very challenging portion, In my question for the week I used the word challenge to frame the meeting between G-d and Avraham. My purpose was to get us all to consider those times when we have an encounter with the Father concerning some issue we may be facing. I got some good responses to my question and appreciate them very much.

Noah B’resheet/Gen. 6:9-11:32

: Noah B’resheet/Genesis 6:9-11:32

Haftorah Readings: Isaiah 54:1-55:5

Today we look at the Parasha Noah. Each year when we come to this portion I must admit, for me it is not an easy passage of scripture to understand on several levels. There are many places where I am at a loss to explain exactly what is happening. Perhaps one of the more difficult sentences in scripture to grasp is B’resheet/Genesis 6:1, just a few verses before our portion begins. In this verse we read, “And the L-rd repented that He…had made man on the earth and it grieved Him at His heart.” This verse begs the question, why did G-d say He repented for the act of creating man to begin with?

Torah Portion: B’Shallach (And He sent) Exodus(Sh’mot) 13:17-17:16

Torah Portion:  B’Shallach (And He sent) Exodus(Sh’mot) 13:17-17:16

Haftorah Reading: Judges 4:4-5:31

Today we study the Torah portion covering the physical beginning of the Exodus along with the complaining of the people over having no water and no food. We also read of the final defeat of Pharaoh’s army followed by the beautiful “Song of the Sea” by Moshe and Miriam. 

Noah B’resheet (Genesis) 6-11

Torah Portion:  Noah B’resheet (Genesis) 6-11

Haftorah Reading: Isaiah 54:1-10

Tonight we discuss the Torah portion Noah, a man described by Torah as a just man, perfect in his generation. (Genesis  6:9) The word translated as just is Tzadik in Hebrew. It can also be translated as righteous and the word translated as perfect is Tamay, also  meaning pure. This gives us the picture of a man of principles, a good man, not swayed by the sin around him. He was able to maintain his connection with G-d even in the midst of a sinful world. This speaks to us about how we live in our world today. Are we swayed by what we see and hear each day or can we maintain our balance? Especially in our world today this is an important question we all face.

Vayishlach (He Sent) Gen 32-36

Torah Portion: Vayishlach (He Sent) B’Resheet (Gen.) 32:4-36:43

HafTorah: Hosea 11:7-12:12, Obadiah 1:1-21

In Genesis 32:12 we read Jacob’s prayer for deliverance from Esau. What is odd about this prayer? In Genesis 28:15 and in Genesis 31:3 we read where G-d promises him that He will return him, bless him and do good for him. Now the blessing in Genesis 28:15 occurs 20 years or so in the past so maybe it had grown dim in Jacob’s memory but here the last blessing where G-d reinforces His blessing is very recent. Jacob surely remembered it. So why was he afraid of Esau? If G-d promises us something what would cause us to doubt it or should doubt ever enter into our spirit? Can a divine promise be canceled?

Messiah in the Five Sacrifices – Vayikra (And He Called)

 

 

Torah Portion: Vayikra (And He Called) Leviticus 1:1-6:7

HafTorah: Isaiah 43:21-44:23

G-d’s presence had moved from the mountain to the Tent of Meeting and called to Moses from the Tent. This is the third time we see G-d calling to Moses. The first time at the bush, G-d says Moses, Moses. -Exodus 3:4. Here he called Jacob twice Genesis 46:2, and here he called Samuel twice 1 Samuel 3:10. In the New Testament Acts 9:4 we see Yeshua use this same pattern with Shaul. Usually when a name is repeated like this in scripture it is a sign of special affection.