Vayigash (He Approached) B’resheet/Genesis 44:18-47:27

Vayigash (And He Approached) B’resheet/Genesis 44:18-47:27

 

I want us to look at two dominate personalities in this Torah portion.  I sent you a question earlier concerning these two men and I hope you have had the opportunity to consider my question?

Mishpatim Judgments H’mot-Exodus 21-24

Torah Portion Mishpatim (Judgments ) Sh’mot (Exodus) 21-24

Haftorah Reading Jeremiah 34:8-22, 33:25-26

If you could summarize this Torah portion what would you say is the over-riding theme of these verses? As we start I want to say a word about the very first word of our section of scripture. In Hebrew it is actually two words, Va’eleh, which means, “And these.” These words, “and these” link what we just finished reading in last week’s portion to what we are about to read following these words. They should be understood in the same way as what proceeded. Last week we read the Ten Commandments that many would say, is the peak of G-d’s message to the people at the mountain. Therefore the words of our section tonight are to be read and understood in the same light. From our understanding of the Messianic scriptures we also see the same idea stressed over and over. James 1:27 says it plainly, ”Pure and undefiled religion before G-d and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble.”  It stresses what should be the conduct of us all. The true test of a civilization is how it treats its elderly, poor and orphaned.

Mishpatim (Rulings) Ex 21-24

Torah Portion: Mishpatim (Rulings) Sh’mot (Exodus) 21-24

HafTorah: Jeremiah 34:8-22, 33:225-26

I would like us to look first at Exodus 23:7 today. But before that think about this Torah section. It follows the spiritual high of the revelation at Sinai, the awesomeness of G-d coming before His people. Then here we seem to get mired in details. Mostly between man and his neighbors, things concerning, how to relate to our fellowman. I think G-d here is showing us that He is found in the details. The high points are great but they are fleeting. We live in the world everyday. How do we go about it in a way that glorifies G-d? So, to give us a little help I want us to ponder this verse on falsehood. This is easy right?

Mishpatim (Rulings) Shemot (Exodus) 21

Torah Portion: Mishpatim (Rulings) Shemot (Exodus) 21:1-24:18

HafTorah: Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26

New Testament: Matt. 5:38-42, 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23; Acts 23:1-11; Hebrews 9:15-22; 10:28-29

This week we look at the continuation of G-d law. This Torah section begins with two Hebrew words, “ve’elli” which means in English, “and these” indicating that the words following are to be seen as part of the revelation from Sinai. The first verses up until Shemot 21:27 mainly deals with slavery and how to treat slaves. This seems difficult to us today. Why didn’t G-d just say do not have slaves? That would have been it and then go on.

How to Rise Above the Past – Vayeshev Genesis 37

Torah Portion: Vayeshev Genesis 37:1-40:23

HafTorah: Amos 2:6-3:8

Matthew 1:1-6, 16-25

A principle of Torah is that it is concise and not given to superfluous wording. So whenever we see that principle suspended we can be sure a deeper principle is at work. Such is found in Genesis 40. This chapter could have been told in a few verses rather than the 23 that we read here.