Beha’alotcha (When You Set Up) B’midbar/Numbers 8:1-12:16
Torah Portion: Beha’alotcha(When You Set Up)B’midbar/Numbers 8:1-12:16
Haftorah Reading: Zechariah 2:14-4:7
Today we are studying a portion of scripture that has so much to say to us in our daily walk with the Father. I have several topics to cover, all of which I believe will speak to us. The first has to do with Moses. In this portion we read of the people’s complaints of having only manna to eat. They reminisced about the variety of food they had in Egypt. G-d told Moses He would supply the Israelites with enough meat for a month. In Numbers 11:22 Moshe shared with G-d his doubts that that was possible. G-d’s responded to Moses by asking if the L-rd’s power was limited? In Hebrew, Numbers 11:23 is expressed well, “Has the hand of the L-rd become shortened?” In effect He is reminding Moses how He delivered the people from Egypt, split the sea for them to cross on to dry land, brought them water from a rock and brought mana down each day.
Ki Tetze (When You Go Out) D’Varim (Deut.) 21:10-25:19
Torah Portion: Ki Tetze (When You Go Out) D’Varim (Deut.) 21:10-25:19
Haftorah Reading Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 54:1-10
Today we read a Torah portion that contains more commandments than any other portion we will read. One of my questions was, what do you see as the overall theme of this portion? This portion is always read during the month of Elul. During this month we are to be focused on where we are in our relationship with our fellowman. Do we have issues we need to clear up? This subject plays into the overall point of this portion. What did you see as the emphasis of this portion? It seems to me from beginning to end, this portion speaks about our relationships with other people, even down to the mother bird sitting on her next. It is about relationships and how we are to live in peace and harmony with our world, our neighbors and others. The overriding theme is about a life of kindness and mercy toward others and G-d’s creation.
Toldot (History) B’Resheet (Gen) 25-28
Torah Portion: Toldot (History) B’Resheet (Gen.) 25-28
HafTorah: Malachi 1:1-2:7
This week we read the only Torah portion devoted to the second of the three patriarchs. It offers us an inside look at the life of Isaac and his family. We read of his going through the Land, interacting with the Philistines and finally the birth of his twin sons Jacob and Esau. It is interesting to note that he is the only one of the three patriarchs to never leave the Land of Israel. In fact when he faces famine G-d instructs him specifically to not leave the Land. (Genesis 26:2)
Pinchas B’Midbar (Num) 25-30
Torah Portion: Pinchas B’Midbar (Numbers) 25:10-30:1
HafTorah: I Kings 18:46-19:21
Tonight we read the portion Pinchas, which brings light to the ending of last week’s Torah portion. This section of scripture ranges from the blessing given to Pinchas, to the census of the people, to the request of the daughters who’s father had died with no male heirs, to Moshe praying for the new leader of Israel and ending with the description of the holidays and offerings. Is there anything that ties this all together for us? Maybe it begins and ends with the priesthood and covenant of Shalom given to Pinchas.