Va'eira - Day #1

Va'eira  וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared  

Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35

Exodus 6:2–13

6:2 Elohim spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am Hashem. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as Elohim Almighty; but by My name Hashem I was not known to them. 4 I have also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their travels, in which they lived as aliens. 5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. 6 Therefore, tell the children of Israel, ‘I am Hashem, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments. 7 I will take you to Myself for a people. I will be your Elohim, and you shall know that I am Hashem your Elohim, who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it to you for a heritage: I am Hashem.’”

9 Moses spoke so to the children of Israel, but they didn’t listen to Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

10 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 11 “Go in, speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land.”

12 Moses spoke before Hashem, saying, “Behold, the children of Israel haven’t listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, when I have uncircumcised lips?” 13 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, and gave them a command to the children of Israel, and to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.

Today’s Meditation:

Exodus is about the nation of Israel's birth. Hashem promises to take His people out of Egypt and bring them into freedom, into the promised Land. And He will do so with an outstretched arm. I’ve often thought of that description of an “outstretched arm,” and I believe it means He is holding out His arms to us. Much like when a grandparent holds out their arms for a little toddler, so that he/she can jump into them. It is such a beautiful picture of His unconditional love for us. And that is precisely what He did when He heard the cries of His people in Egypt. He stretched out His arms and said, “Come and follow Me. I will deliver you.”

Today’s Challenge:

Do you reach out to others with your arms? Think about the last time you did so. It’s something we need to do more often with those we love, and even with friends. Showing love, and even unconditional love, is what will heal our planet. And not only showing, but also saying, “I love you.” It melts hearts and restores relationships, just what Hashem wants.

Shemot - Day #1

Shemot, שְׁמוֹת - Names  

Torah Portion: Exodus 1:1-6:1

Exodus 1:1–17

1 Now these are the names of the sons of Israel, who came into Egypt (every man and his household came with Jacob): 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5 All the souls who came out of Jacob’s body were seventy souls, and Joseph was in Egypt already. 6 Joseph died, as did all his brothers, and all that generation. 7 The children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.

8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who didn’t know Joseph. 9 He said to his people, “Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we. 10 Come, let’s deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it happen that when any war breaks out, they also join themselves to our enemies and fight against us, and escape out of the land.” 11 Therefore, they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. They built storage cities for Pharaoh: Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out. They started to dread the children of Israel. 13 The Egyptians ruthlessly made the children of Israel serve, 14 and they made their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and in brick, and in all kinds of service in the field, all their service, in which they ruthlessly made them serve.

15 The king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah, 16 and he said, “When you perform the duty of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them on the birth stool, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared Elohim, and didn’t do what the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the baby boys alive.

Today’s Meditation:

The story of the midwives is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. They decide not to tell the truth and save babies from being murdered.  It is a beautiful story of dedication. In verse 17, we read, “But the midwives feared Elohim, and didn’t do what the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the baby boys alive.” They feared and respected Hashem so much that they didn’t do what the King asked of them. This is the most pro-life story in all of Scripture. Perhaps there are times in our lives when it is wiser to fear Hashem and do what we must, even if it means disobeying someone in authority. As we will read tomorrow, their households were blessed for actually being disobedient to the King’s orders. We can assume from this teaching that Hashem would do the same for us in a similar situation.

Today’s Challenge:

Think of a situation in your life where you righteously defended someone, and as a result, you could not tell the truth or had to disobey your authority. Or you may be in a situation right now where Hashem is calling you to do something brave. Pray and ask Him for strength to defend what is right. Unfortunately, there may be times when you fail to dispel the truth or disobey authority, which could result in jail time, job loss, or a fine. This is where you must be sure to have heard from G-d on how to handle a difficult situation. Be in prayer and listen with an open ear. You may have to pay the cost of defending what is right, but in the end, you will have done what is good and will be blessed for doing so.

Vayechi - Day #1

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived  

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Genesis 47:28–48:9

47:28 Jacob lived in the land of Egypt for seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were one hundred forty-seven years. 29 The time came near that Israel must die, and he called his son Joseph, and said to him, “If now I have found favor in your sight, please put your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me. Please don’t bury me in Egypt, 30 but when I sleep with my fathers, you shall carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying place.”

Joseph said, “I will do as you have said.”

31 Israel said, “Swear to me,” and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself on the bed’s head.

48 After these things, someone said to Joseph, “Behold, your father is sick.” He took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. 2 Someone told Jacob, and said, “Behold, your son Joseph comes to you,” and Israel strengthened himself, and sat on the bed. 3 Jacob said to Joseph, “Elohim Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me, 4 and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful, and multiply you, and I will make of you a company of peoples, and will give this land to your offspring after you for an everlasting possession.’ 5 Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you into Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh, even as Reuben and Simeon, will be mine. 6 Your offspring, whom you become the father of after them, will be yours. They will be called after the name of their brothers in their inheritance. 7 As for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (also called Bethlehem).”

8 Israel saw Joseph’s sons, and said, “Who are these?”

9 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom Elohim has given me here.”

He said, “Please bring them to me, and I will bless them.”

Today’s Meditation:

Hashem spreads blessings from father to sons. How beautiful that Jacob was alive and coherent enough to bless his sons and grandsons before he passed away. Most men do not have that opportunity. They die instantly or slowly, losing the ability to talk or reason. Jacob had the chance to be there — mentally, emotionally, and physically — to bless his family. I am sure Hashem planned it that way. That could be something we should seriously think about. Passing on a blessing to our sons, even before we get sick or die suddenly. It seems thoughtful to plan on doing this.

Today’s Challenge:

When was the last time you told your son and/or daughter that you loved them? Whether they are two years old or forty years old, I challenge you to do that today (or as soon as possible). You never know when you or they will be gone from this life. Don’t be embarrassed, and don’t delay taking this step. I promise you will not regret doing so. And continue telling them every day, or whenever you see them. We all need to know that we are loved, and hopefully and prayerfully, they will tell you they love you back.

Vayigash - Day #1

Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ - And He Drew Near  

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Genesis 44:18–30

18 Then Judah came near to him, and said, “Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s ears, and don’t let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even as Pharaoh. 19 My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father, or a brother?’ 20 We said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother; and his father loves him.’ 21 You said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me, that I may set my eyes on him.’ 22 We said to my lord, ‘The boy can’t leave his father, for if he should leave his father, his father would die.’ 23 You said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will see my face no more.’ 24 When we came up to your servant, my father, we told him the words of my lord. 25 Our father said, ‘Go again and buy us a little food.’ 26 We said, ‘We can’t go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down: for we may not see the man’s face, unless our youngest brother is with us.’ 27 Your servant, my father, said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons. 28 One went out from me, and I said, “Surely he is torn in pieces;” and I haven’t seen him since. 29 If you take this one also from me, and harm happens to him, you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.’  30 Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father, and the boy is not with us, since his life is bound up in the boy’s life…”

Today’s Meditation: 

The last verse of this reading, verse 30, reads:  “Since his life is bound up in the boy’s life.” What exactly does it mean that Jacob’s life is bound up in Benjamin’s life? My thought is that Jacob totally lives his life through his son. That's all he does, and all his plans in life revolve around Benjamin. Is that good or bad? It shows that he is, to some extent, a good parent, looking out for his son. But, as we all know, a “helicopter parent”, one who hovers over his/her child, is not a good thing. It can stunt growth and encourage dependency. Also, as we see in future readings, this type of favoritism never fares well with the other siblings. The lesson here may be to ensure we treat all our children fairly and equally.

Today’s Challenge: 

Today, take a look at all your relationships. Your family, partner, and friends. Do you show any favoritism toward any of them? What does that look like? Is it a good time to equalize that relationship with others around you? Take a hard look and ensure you are treating those you love equally. If you aren't, try to change this gradually. Those who love you will appreciate this.

Miketz - Day #1

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of  

Torah Portion: Genesis 41:1-44:17

Genesis 41:1–14

41 At the end of two full years, Pharaoh dreamed, and behold, he stood by the river. 2 Behold, seven cattle came up out of the river. They were sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass. 3 Behold, seven other cattle came up after them out of the river, ugly and thin, and stood by the other cattle on the brink of the river. 4 The ugly and thin cattle ate up the seven sleek and fat cattle. So Pharaoh awoke. 5 He slept and dreamed a second time; and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, healthy and good. 6 Behold, seven heads of grain, thin and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them. 7 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy and full ears. Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream. 8 In the morning, his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all of Egypt’s magicians and wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them to Pharaoh.

9 Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I remember my faults today. 10 Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, with the chief baker. 11 We dreamed a dream in one night, he and I. Each man dreamed according to the interpretation of his dream. 12 There was with us there a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard, and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams. He interpreted to each man according to his dream. 13 As he interpreted to us, so it was. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him.”

14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. He shaved himself, changed his clothing, and came in to Pharaoh.

Today’s Meditation:

Does Hashem speak to us through dreams? I think he does. In today’s Torah Portion, we learn that He was saying something significant to Pharaoh. Although he didn’t understand it, he sought help to get some interpretation. Little did he know that Hashem was going to use this dream to save thousands of lives (from starvation) literally. Joseph was there and gave him the prophecy. Sometimes, it is all about paying attention. Paying attention to dreams and also what Hashem is doing in our lives. And it’s also about seeking help when we need it. Who knows, it could save a life.

Today's Challenge: 

Think about something in your life that you could use some help with. Then, reach out to an appropriate person and ask for their help. And in the reverse, if someone else needs help, be there for them. Sometimes we are just afraid to ask, and we are also too timid to help others. However, as we learn in today’s reading, asking for help from someone can be profound, even if it is only to interpret a dream.

Vayeshev - Day #1

Vayeshev וַיֵּשֶׁב - And He Settled  

Torah Portion: Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Genesis 37:1–11

37 Jacob lived in the land of his father’s travels, in the land of Canaan. 2 This is the history of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. Joseph brought an evil report of them to their father. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a tunic of many colors. 4 His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him and couldn’t speak peaceably to him.

5 Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him all the more. 6 He said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: 7 for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves came around, and bowed down to my sheaf.”

8 His brothers asked him, “Will you indeed reign over us? Will you indeed have dominion over us?” They hated him all the more for his dreams and for his words. 9 He dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brothers, and said, “Behold, I have dreamed yet another dream: and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars bowed down to me.” 10 He told it to his father and to his brothers. His father rebuked him and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves down to the earth before you?” 11 His brothers envied him, but his father kept this saying in mind.

Today’s Meditation: 

Here is an interesting Bible Study for you—Google Joseph’s coat of many colors. I did so and found that maybe this coat had few colors, and it could actually have been made of white wool. Also, the Hebrew translation could mean that the coat was long and had long sleeves, a symbol of someone of royal or important status, and of someone who did not do menial work. No wonder Joseph’s brothers were a little upset about all this. Joseph was definitely his father’s favorite and was given special privileges. Maybe try and look it up and see what you can find out. 

Today’s Challenge: 

Do you ever treat one of your children in a more special way than the others? Have you ever said, “You are my favorite child?” Families can mistakenly do that. Maybe with the oldest or the youngest, singling them out as somehow better than the other kids. Search your heart and see if this is true. If it is, try to find some special time with your other children (whether young or adult) and make sure they understand that all your children are equal and you love them all the same. Perhaps point out something very special that you love about this particular one (the one you're talking to) and make them feel special. You may even address that if they have heard or thought they heard that you favored another sibling, that it was simply not true and a misunderstanding. This is super important. You want your children to know that they are all loved equally. That they are all special in your eyes. 

Vayishlach - Day #1

Vayishlach, וַיִּשְׁל - And He Sent  

Torah Portion: Genesis 32:4-36:43

Genesis 32:4–13

32:4 He commanded them, saying, “This is what you shall tell my lord, Esau: ‘This is what your servant, Jacob, says. I have lived as a foreigner with Laban and stayed until now. 5 I have cattle, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.” 6 The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau. He is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed. He divided the people who were with him, along with the flocks, the herds, and the camels, into two companies. 8 He said, “If Esau comes to the one company, and strikes it, then the company which is left will escape.” 9 Jacob said, “Elohim of my father Abraham, and Elohim of my father Isaac, Hashem, who said to me, ‘Return to your country, and to your relatives, and I will do you good,’ 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the loving kindnesses, and of all the truth, which you have shown to your servant; for with just my staff I crossed over this Jordan; and now I have become two companies. 11 Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and strike me and the mothers with the children. 12 You said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which can’t be counted because there are so many.’”

13 He stayed there that night, and took from that which he had with him a present for Esau, his brother…"

Today's Meditation: 

Jacob prays to Hashem for help when he meets his brother, Esau. He reminds Hashem of His promise to bless him with generations in the Land. And frankly, he is scared. He recalls all the harm he inflicted on his brother and tries to gather gifts to appease him. Have you ever upset someone and tried to apologize with gifts or other material things? Both asking for forgiveness and restitution are necessary. This is what Torah and Judaism teach. If you borrow a coat, bring back two. It worked for Jacob. As we read on, a reconciliation between the two brothers seems to be underway. It always takes one person to start the process.

Today’s Challenge: 

Think of someone you have wronged. Now get or buy something that you know that person would like and/or enjoy, and apologize. A gift always shows someone that you care. And remember, a sincere apology goes a long way. Hashem loves it when we reconcile with people. It repairs the world and makes it whole again.