Toldot - Day #2

Toldot, תּוֹלְדֹת - Generations  

Torah Portion: Genesis 25:19-28:9

Genesis 26:6–12

26:6 Isaac lived in Gerar. 7 The men of the place asked him about his wife. He said, “She is my sister,” for he was afraid to say, “My wife”, lest, he thought, “the men of the place might kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to look at.” 8 When he had been there a long time, Abimelech King of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was caressing Rebekah, his wife. 9 Abimelech called Isaac, and said, “Behold, surely she is your wife. Why did you say, ‘She is my sister?’”

Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die because of her.’”

10 Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us!”

11 Abimelech commanded all the people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife will surely be put to death.”

12 Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year one hundred times what he planted. Hashem blessed him.

Today’s Meditation: 

Today, we learn about generational sin. We see Isaac doing the same thing his father Abraham did, saying his wife is his sister to avoid being killed. He lied. But does Hashem count that against him? Interestingly enough, Scripture continues to say that Hashem blessed his crops one hundredfold. This is reported right after we see Isaac lying.

Are there certain times when it is okay to lie? To save your life or save someone else’s life? Maybe he repented to Hashem, and He forgave him? Some Scripture is very curious and mysterious. We don’t know the entire story of what happened, so we can only speculate. That’s why it is essential to always be in the will of Hashem, so that when we feel like we don't have to tell the truth, we will hopefully know His heart in the matter.

Today’s Challenge: 

Think of a time when you stretched the truth. Was it for a life-saving reason? Or were you just making things easier? Lying is a sin. If we lie, we repent and we make restitution. Learning to restore what has been done is more effective when it can be done in tangible ways. Think today of how you can do that. Repentance brings life.

Toldot - Day #1

Toldot, תּוֹלְדֹת - Generations  

Torah Portion: Genesis 25:19-28:9

Genesis 25:19–26:5

25:19 This is the history of the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son. Abraham became the father of Isaac. 20 Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Paddan Aram, the sister of Laban the Syrian, to be his wife. 21 Isaac entreated Hashem for his wife, because she was barren. Hashem was entreated by him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 The children struggled together within her. She said, “If it is like this, why do I live?” She went to inquire of Hashem. 23 Hashem said to her,

“Two nations are in your womb.

Two people will be separated from your body.

Some people will be stronger than others.

The elder will serve the younger.”

24 When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25 The first came out red all over, like a hairy garment. They named him Esau. 26 After that, his brother came out, and his hand had hold on Esau’s heel. He was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.

27 The boys grew. Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field. Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. 28 Now Isaac loved Esau, because he ate his venison. Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 Jacob boiled stew. Esau came in from the field, and he was famished. 30 Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with some of that red stew, for I am famished.” Therefore, his name was called Edom.

31 Jacob said, “First, sell me your birthright.”

32 Esau said, “Behold, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?”

33 Jacob said, “Swear to me first.”

He swore to him. He sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew. He ate and drank, rose up, and went his way. So Esau despised his birthright.

26 There was a famine in the land, in addition to the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. Isaac went to Abimelech, king of the Philistines, to Gerar. 2 Hashem appeared to him, and said, “Don’t go down into Egypt. Live in the land I will tell you about. 3 Live in this land, and I will be with you, and will bless you. For I will give to you, and to your offspring, all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. 4 I will multiply your offspring as the stars of the sky, and will give all these lands to your offspring. In your offspring all the nations of the earth will be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my requirements, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”

Today’s Meditations: 

In the last few verses of today’s reading, we see Hashem promising to Isaac the land (Israel) and the people. And in the very last verse, He explains this because Abraham followed “Hashem’s commandments, statutes and laws.” You may wonder, like I did, how this could be. The Law has not yet been given on Mt. Sinai. 

But maybe it has. The Law is eternal. It has always been and will always be. So, it was given to man beginning with Adam. Maybe not in its entirety, but progressively. Remember, Abel sacrificed an animal. So did others. There were also clean and unclean animals entering the ark. We see many glimpses of the Law up to this point.  If the Law is eternal, we need to be following it to the best of our ability. We need to be seeking Hashem with our whole heart, soul and strength.

Today’s Challenge: 

We are just beginning to learn about the Law, the Commandments of Hashem. Today, I challenge you to consider whether you are obligated to follow the Commandments. And I am not just talking about the Ten Commandments, but ALL of them. Of course, there are some we cannot follow today, like those regarding the Temple or priestly duties. Think and pray about this. As we continue to read the Torah this year, we gain a deeper understanding of the Law. It would be good if, in your heart, it is settled whether the Commandments are for you or not.

Chayei Sarah - Day #7

Chayei Sarah חַיֵּי שָׂרָה- Life of Sarah   

Torah Portion: Genesis 23:1-25:18

Haftarah: 1 Kings 1:1-31   

Shabbat: Genesis 25:12–18

25:12 Now this is the history of the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s servant, bore to Abraham. 13 These are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to the order of their birth: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, 14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa, 15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. 16 These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princes, according to their nations. 17 These are the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred thirty-seven years. He gave up his spirit and died, and was gathered to his people. 18 They lived from Havilah to Shur that is before Egypt, as you go toward Assyria. He lived opposite all his relatives.

Today’s Meditation:

Tradition has it that Ishmael is the father of Islam. I don’t know the total implications of this, but we have history to look at. There has been great contention between Muslims and Jews for centuries. Lives have been lost, and families/communities have experienced significant pain on both sides. That makes me think about today. The things that separate our families. Feuds can begin with issues such as marriage, differing political views, and, often, financial disputes. In my own family, my husband’s siblings fought over an inheritance. It is sad and so destructive to be at odds with your family. Maybe it is time for that to stop. It takes two to tango. Suppose we could only step down and concede for the sake of peace. Is that possible?

Today’s Challenge:

Think of someone in your family with whom you don’t get along, or maybe you have stopped talking to. I challenge you to reopen that door of your relationship with that person. Seek forgiveness, restitution, and healing. It won’t be easy, but I believe that every restoration of a friendship/relationship is like planting a seed toward healing our world. And don’t we want the world to be healed when the Mashiach comes?

This Week’s Haftarah: 1 Kings 1:1-31

1:1 Now King David was old and advanced in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he couldn’t keep warm. 2 Therefore, his servants said to him, “Let a young virgin be sought for my lord the king. Let her stand before the king, and cherish him; and let her lie in your bosom, that my lord the king may keep warm.” 3 So they sought for a beautiful young lady throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 The young lady was very beautiful; and she cherished the king, and served him; but the king didn’t know her intimately.

5 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king.” Then he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. 6 His father had not displeased him at any time in saying, “Why have you done so?” and he was also a very handsome man; and he was born after Absalom. 7 He conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priest; and they followed Adonijah and helped him. 8 But Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and the mighty men who belonged to David, were not with Adonijah. 9 Adonijah killed sheep, cattle, and fatlings by the stone of Zoheleth, which is beside En Rogel; and he called all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah, the king’s servants; 10 but he didn’t call Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and the mighty men, and Solomon his brother.

11 Then Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, “Haven’t you heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith reigns, and David our lord doesn’t know it? 12 Now therefore come, please let me give you counsel, that you may save your own life, and your son Solomon’s life. 13 Go in to king David, and tell him, ‘Didn’t you, my lord, king, swear to your servant, saying, “Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne?” Why then does Adonijah reign?’ 14 Behold, while you are still talking there with the king, I will also come in after you and confirm your words.”

15 Bathsheba went in to the king in his room. The king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite was serving the king. 16 Bathsheba bowed and showed respect to the king. The king said, “What would you like?”

17 She said to him, “My lord, you swore by Hashem your Elohim to your servant, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne.’ 18 Now, behold, Adonijah reigns; and you, my lord the king, don’t know it. 19 He has slain cattle and fatlings and sheep in abundance, and has called all the sons of the king, Abiathar the priest, and Joab the captain of the army; but he hasn’t called Solomon your servant. 20 You, my lord the king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, that you should tell them who will sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise it will happen, when my lord the king sleeps with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon will be considered criminals.”

22 Behold, while she was still talking with the king, Nathan the prophet came in. 23 They told the king, saying, “Behold, Nathan the prophet!”

When he had come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground. 24 Nathan said, “My lord, king, have you said, ‘Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne?’ 25 For he has gone down today, and has slain cattle, fatlings, and sheep in abundance, and has called all the king’s sons, the captains of the army, and Abiathar the priest. Behold, they are eating and drinking before him, and saying, ‘Long live king Adonijah!’ 26 But he hasn’t called me, even me, your servant, Zadok the priest, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomon. 27 Was this thing done by my lord the king, and you haven’t shown to your servants who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?”

28 Then King David answered, “Call Bathsheba in to me.” She came into the king’s presence and stood before the king. 29 The king swore, and said, “As Hashem lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all adversity, 30 most certainly as I swore to you by Hashem, the Elohim of Israel, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne in my place;’ I will most certainly do this today.”

31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and showed respect to the king, and said, “Let my lord king David live forever!”

Today’s Haftarah Meditation:

King David is picking his son to be the next king. There is some interference with this decision, but ultimately King David’s decision stands. Why do people constantly challenge the decisions of their authority?  In this story, Adonijah decides he would make a better king. However, he was not the chosen one to do so. 

Have you ever been in a situation where someone takes authority over an issue when they haven’t been given that charge? What should you do when that happens? I believe it would be essential to consult with the person in charge to determine the appropriate course of action. Do not take matters into our own hands; let those in leadership handle the situation. Just like King David did, it is the right way. 

Today’s Haftarah Challenge:

Think about how you feel about authority. Do you have a situation in your life where you are usurping authority on the basis that you think you have the right to do so? Check your heart and go to the leadership in this circumstance, telling them what is going on and what you think needs to be done. Or even admit to them that you have taken authority in a particular situation, and see if they agree or feel that it is right. There is always a line of authority that all of us must follow. We must respect those in leadership positions above us (i.e., bosses, employers, etc.). If you are justifying stepping out of line because it is the right thing to do, double-check it. It is the right and proper thing to do. Scripture teaches us so.

Chayei Sarah - Day #6

Chayei Sarah חַיֵּי שָׂרָה- Life of Sarah   

Torah Portion: Genesis 23:1-25:18

Genesis 25:1–11 

25 Abraham took another wife, and her name was Keturah. 2 She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3 Jokshan became the father of Sheba and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. 4 The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. 5 Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac, 6 but Abraham gave gifts to the sons of Abraham’s concubines. While he still lived, he sent them away from Isaac, his son, eastward, to the east country. 7 These are the days of the years of Abraham’s life, which he lived: one hundred seventy-five years. 8 Abraham gave up his spirit, and died at a good old age, an old man, and full of years, and was gathered to his people. 9 Isaac and Ishmael, his sons, buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is near Mamre, 10 the field which Abraham purchased from the children of Heth. Abraham was buried there with Sarah, his wife. 11 After the death of Abraham, Elohim blessed Isaac, his son. Isaac lived by Beer Lahai Roi.

Today’s Meditation:

In verse 5, we read that “Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac.” Some of us may see that as unfair because he had other children, too. Scripture continues to say that he gave gifts to his other kids, which could have been huge. He could have been giving land, animals, and so on. But as we look at Abraham, the father of Isaac, giving him all that he had, maybe it was more than physical gifts. He passed on the blessing that Hashem gave him; that was the true essence of everything. And later, we see Hashem confirming that blessing. Maybe the greatest blessing Abraham gave his son was teaching him how to love and serve Hashem. And that is exactly how we can provide our children and grandchildren with everything we have. 

Today’s Challenge:

My challenge to you today is to start giving your children or those close to you everything you have to offer. Perhaps not the physical, but sharing with them your love for Hashem and your worship of Him. I often think about my sons participating in the Special Olympics, and every year during the summer games, they have a big ceremony where the torch is passed. They take a lit torch and pass it from one person to another until the last one receives it, and then they run with it. Let us take on that challenge today to pass the torch of Hashem’s truth and love to those we love. Start passing the light today.

Chayei Sarah - Day #5

Chayei Sarah חַיֵּי שָׂרָה- Life of Sarah   

Torah Portion: Genesis 23:1-25:18

Genesis 24:53–67

24:53 The servant brought out jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious things to her brother and her mother. 54 They ate and drank, he and the men who were with him, and stayed all night. They rose up in the morning, and he said, “Send me away to my master.”

55 Her brother and her mother said, “Let the young lady stay with us a few days, at least ten. After that, she will go.”

56 He said to them, “Don’t hinder me, since Hashem has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.”

57 They said, “We will call the young lady, and ask her.” 58 They called Rebekah, and said to her, “Will you go with this man?”

She said, “I will go.”

59 They sent away Rebekah, their sister, with her nurse, Abraham’s servant, and his men. 60 They blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you be the mother of thousands of ten thousands, and let your offspring possess the gate of those who hate them.”

61 Rebekah arose with her ladies. They rode on the camels and followed the man. The servant took Rebekah and went his way. 62 Isaac came from the way of Beer Lahai Roi, for he lived in the land of the South. 63 Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening. He lifted up his eyes and looked. Behold, there were camels coming. 64 Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she got off the camel. 65 She said to the servant, “Who is the man who is walking in the field to meet us?”

The servant said, “It is my master.”

She took her veil and covered herself. 66 The servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. 67 Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife. He loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

Today’s Meditation:

In verse 67, we read, “He loved her.” How simple yet how profound. An arranged marriage, and yet he falls in love with her. It makes me think that we should trust those in authority around us. Often, we challenge decisions made by those over us, but perhaps we should start having more confidence in them. And with this marriage, it was obviously arranged by our Hashem. Maybe we should trust Him more to make those critical decisions in our lives. Let us agree to have Hashem arrange our day-to-day.

Today’s Challenge:

The family, after a night of celebration, asks the servant to stay a few days. But he is anxious to get back and replies, “Do not hinder me.” This is my challenge to you today. If you ask someone to delay a decision or a situation, and they tell you not to deter them. Listen to them. Trust that they have heard from Hashem and know what to do. Even if you want something different, in other words, do not try to change people’s minds, unless you are sure you are hearing from Hashem and He is asking you to interfere. I would recommend sitting silently and praying instead.