Matot-Massei - Day #2

Matot-Massei  

Torah Portion: Numbers 30:2-36:13

Numbers 31:13-54 

31:13 Moses and Eleazar the priest, with all the princes of the congregation, went out to meet them outside of the camp. 14 Moses was angry with the officers of the army, the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds, who came from the service of the war. 15 Moses said to them, “Have you saved all the women alive? 16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against Hashem in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of Hashem. 17 Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man by lying with him. 18 But all the girls, who have not known man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.

19 “Encamp outside of the camp for seven days. Whoever has killed any person, and whoever has touched any slain, purify yourselves on the third day and on the seventh day, you and your captives. 20 You shall purify every garment, and all that is made of skin, and all work of goats’ hair, and all things made of wood.”

21 Eleazar the priest said to the men of war who went to the battle, “This is the statute of the law which Hashem has commanded Moses. 22 However, the gold, the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin, and the lead, 23 everything that may withstand the fire, you shall make to go through the fire, and it shall be clean; nevertheless, it shall be purified with the water for impurity. All that doesn’t withstand the fire you shall make to go through the water. 24 You shall wash your clothes on the seventh day, and you shall be clean. Afterward, you shall come into the camp.”

25 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 26 “Count the plunder that was taken, both of man and of animal, you, and Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the congregation; 27 and divide the plunder into two parts: between the men skilled in war, who went out to battle, and all the congregation. 28 Levy a tribute to Hashem of the men of war who went out to battle: one soul of five hundred; of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the flocks. 29 Take it from their half, and give it to Eleazar the priest, for Hashem’s wave offering. 30 Of the children of Israel’s half, you shall take one drawn out of every fifty, of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the flocks, of all the livestock, and give them to the Levites, who perform the duty of Hashem’s tabernacle.”

31 Moses and Eleazar the priest did as Hashem commanded Moses.

32 Now the plunder, over and above the booty which the men of war took, was six hundred seventy-five thousand sheep, 33 seventy-two thousand head of cattle, 34 sixty-one thousand donkeys, 35 and thirty-two thousand persons in all, of the women who had not known man by lying with him. 36 The half, which was the portion of those who went out to war, was in number three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep; 37 and Hashem’s tribute of the sheep was six hundred seventy-five. 38 The cattle were thirty-six thousand, of which Hashem’s tribute was seventy-two. 39 The donkeys were thirty thousand five hundred, of which Hashem’s tribute was sixty-one. 40 The persons were sixteen thousand, of whom Hashem’s tribute was thirty-two persons. 41 Moses gave the tribute, which was Hashem’s wave offering, to Eleazar the priest, as Hashem commanded Moses. 42 Of the children of Israel’s half, which Moses divided off from the men who fought 43 (now the congregation’s half was three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, 44 thirty-six thousand head of cattle, 45 thirty thousand five hundred donkeys, 46 and sixteen thousand persons), 47 even of the children of Israel’s half, Moses took one drawn out of every fifty, both of man and of animal, and gave them to the Levites, who performed the duty of Hashem’s tabernacle, as Hashem commanded Moses.

48 The officers who were over the thousands of the army, the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds, came near to Moses. 49 They said to Moses, “Your servants have taken the sum of the men of war who are under our command, and there lacks not one man of us. 50 We have brought Hashem’s offering, what every man found: gold ornaments, armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and necklaces, to make atonement for our souls before Hashem.”

51 Moses and Eleazar the priest took their gold, even all worked jewels. 52 All the gold of the wave offering that they offered up to Hashem, of the captains of thousands, and of the captains of hundreds, was sixteen thousand seven hundred fifty shekels. 53 The men of war had taken booty, every man for himself. 54 Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the Tent of Meeting for a memorial for the children of Israel before Hashem.

Today’s Meditation:

Today, we learn how to divide the plunder. What is so wonderful is that Hashem provides for the Levites, who did not go out to war. He takes care of everything for all His people. That is important to remember today. He provides for us every day. All we need is to trust in Him. 

Today’s Challenge:

It’s hard for us to understand war, as we have discussed before. This particular war is with the people who swayed the Israelites to sin with the prostitutes. This is the reason they go to war with the Midianites. We can only imagine how upset Hashem is with us when we sin in any area of our lives. He may not impose a plague on us, but He does allow us to suffer consequences. I can think of these times in my life, and they are not fun. My challenge today is to maybe review your life once again and fix your areas of sin. We want to be close to Hashem, not separated by sin. 

Pinchas - Day #2

Pinchas פִּינְחָס - Phinehas  

Numbers 25:10-30:1

Numbers 26:5–51

26:5 Reuben, the firstborn of Israel; the sons of Reuben: of Hanoch, the family of the Hanochites; of Pallu, the family of the Palluites; 6 of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Carmi, the family of the Carmites. 7 These are the families of the Reubenites; and those who were counted of them were forty-three thousand seven hundred thirty. 8 The son of Pallu: Eliab. 9 The sons of Eliab: Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. These are Dathan and Abiram, who were called by the congregation, who rebelled against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah when they rebelled against Hashem; 10 and the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah when that company died; at the time the fire devoured two hundred fifty men, and they became a sign. 11 Notwithstanding, the sons of Korah didn’t die. 12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites; 13 of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites; of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. 14 These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty-two thousand two hundred. 15 The sons of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites; of Haggi, the family of the Haggites; of Shuni, the family of the Shunites; 16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the family of the Erites; 17 of Arod, the family of the Arodites; of Areli, the family of the Arelites. 18 These are the families of the sons of Gad according to those who were counted of them, forty thousand and five hundred. 19 The sons of Judah: Er and Onan. Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. 20 The sons of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Perezites; of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites. 21 The sons of Perez were: of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites. 22 These are the families of Judah according to those who were counted of them, seventy-six thousand five hundred. 23 The sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites; of Puvah, the family of the Punites; 24 of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites; of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites. 25 These are the families of Issachar according to those who were counted of them, sixty-four thousand three hundred. 26 The sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Seredites; of Elon, the family of the Elonites; of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites. 27 These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those who were counted of them, sixty thousand five hundred. 28 The sons of Joseph after their families: Manasseh and Ephraim. 29 The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir became the father of Gilead; of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites. 30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the family of the Iezerites; of Helek, the family of the Helekites; 31 and Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and Shechem, the family of the Shechemites; 32 and Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites; and Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. 33 Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 34 These are the families of Manasseh. Those who were counted of them were fifty-two thousand seven hundred. 35 These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Becherites; of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites. 36 These are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites. 37 These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those who were counted of them, thirty-two thousand five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph, listed by their families. 38 The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; 39 of Shephupham, the family of the Shuphamites; of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites. 40 The sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: the family of the Ardites; and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites. 41 These are the sons of Benjamin after their families, and those who were counted of them were forty-five thousand six hundred. 42 These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families. 43 All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those who were counted of them, were sixty-four thousand four hundred. 44 The sons of Asher after their families: of Imnah, the family of the Imnites; of Ishvi, the family of the Ishvites; of Beriah, the family of the Berites. 45 Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites. 46 The name of the daughter of Asher was Serah. 47 These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those who were counted of them, fifty-three thousand four hundred. 48 The sons of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites; of Guni, the family of the Gunites; 49 of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. 50 These are the families of Naphtali according to their families; and those who were counted of them were forty-five thousand four hundred. 51 These are those who were counted of the children of Israel, six hundred one thousand seven hundred thirty.

Today’s Meditation:

Hashem is asking Moses to take a census of the men over 20 who would be willing and ready to go to war. It must be that Hashem anticipates that war is imminent. It would be like our government in the US calling up men for the draft. It’s about preparing and getting ready. That is a strong characteristic of our Elohim. He prepares and gets ready. It is a lesson for all of us. Maybe we are not going into any obvious battle, but even getting up in the morning to meet the world each day, we must prepare for what lies ahead. This includes prayer and worship of Hashem, and asking Him to be in the middle of it all.

Today’s Challenge:

This was no small group of men. The total count of those over 20 (and probably under 55) was over 600,000. And add in children, the elderly, and women. Some researchers say this huge number is impossible. Even using the latrine for this number of people would seem impossible. But we serve a powerful Elohim. One that does not lie. And if He wants Moses to record this number, then it is certainly true. That’s why the whole story is such a great miracle. That so many people were freed and then journeyed together through the desert. No wonder Hashem gave such a powerful Torah of commandments. To keep order and for protection. My challenge for you today is to think about the Torah in relation to your life. How does it bring order and protection to you and your family? Then take time to praise Adonai for giving it to us and preserving it. It truly does bring us eternal life.

Chukat-Balak - Day #2

Chukat-Balak Statute/Balak — חֻקַּת־בָּלָק  

Torah Portion: Numbers 19:1-25:9

Numbers 20:7-21

20:7 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 8 “Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you, and Aaron your brother, and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it pour out its water. You shall bring water to them out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.”

9 Moses took the rod from before Hashem, as He commanded him. 10 Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Shall we bring water out of this rock for you?” 11 Moses lifted up his hand, and struck the rock with his rod twice, and water came out abundantly. The congregation and their livestock drank.

12 Hashem said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you didn’t believe in Me, to sanctify Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”

13 These are the waters of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with Hashem, and He was sanctified in them.

14 Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying:

“Your brother Israel says: You know all the travail that has happened to us; 15 how our fathers went down into Egypt, and we lived in Egypt a long time. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers. 16 When we cried to Hashem, he heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Behold, we are in Kadesh, a city on the edge of your border.

17 “Please let us pass through your land. We will not pass through field or through vineyard, neither will we drink from the water of the wells. We will go along the king’s highway. We will not turn away to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed your border.”

18 Edom said to him, “You shall not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against you.”

19 The children of Israel said to him, “We will go up by the highway; and if we drink your water, I and my livestock, then I will give its price. Only let me, without doing anything else, pass through on my feet.”

20 He said, “You shall not pass through.” Edom came out against him with many people, and with a strong hand. 21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border, so Israel turned away from him.

Today’s Meditation:

Edom is the descendant of Esau. And as we know, Esau was not happy about Jacob taking his inheritance and birthright. The two groups were at odds ever since. And today, we read how the Edomites will not allow Israel to pass through. Some sages believe they sold the Israelites food. Regardless, it is so sad that nations that should really be brothers do not get along. It is a lesson for us. Do we get along with our brothers and sisters? It would be good to reconcile, or there might be generations after you that carry a grudge. This could cause significant pain and harm. Try to be reconciled to the people Hashem has given to you.

Today’s Challenge:

I guess the message today is that if you ask someone something and they refuse, turn away and leave. Hashem will provide a different path for you. As mentioned above, it is best to reconcile and make things right from the beginning. But if this doesn’t happen and you approach your brother or sister, who does not wish to help you, go somewhere else for help. Remember to first go to Hashem. Think of the peace that could reside on our earth if people only got along.

Korach - Day #2

Korach קֹרַח - Korach  

Torah Portion: Numbers 16:1-18:32

Numbers 16:14–19

16:14 Moreover, you haven’t brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you put out the eyes of these men? We won’t come up.”

15 Moses was very angry and said to Hashem, “Don’t respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, neither have I hurt one of them.”

16 Moses said to Korah, “You and all your company go before Hashem, you, and they, and Aaron, tomorrow. 17 Each man take his censer and put incense on it, and each man bring before Hashem his censer, two hundred fifty censers; you also, and Aaron, each with his censer.”

18 They each took his censer, and put fire in it, and laid incense on it, and stood at the door of the Tent of Meeting with Moses and Aaron. 19 Korah assembled all the congregation opposite them to the door of the Tent of Meeting.

Hashem’s glory appeared to all the congregation.

Today’s Meditation:

Korah seems blind to what Hashem is trying to accomplish here. He is rebelling against Moses and trying to take control of everything. Instead of seeking Hashem’s face, he is acting in the flesh. As you know, the outcome is death. But, it is so like what we do today. We don’t seek Hashem's guidance in our decisions; we go our own way. And sometimes that can bring death to our situation. This is a good lesson to learn. Respect Hashem and His authority, and don’t try to go forward with your own ideas and rebellion.

Today’s Challenge:

This is quite the story: rebellion and lack of respect by a group of leaders. You can feel the turmoil and tension in this retelling of the Korah story. But, in the midst of it all, “Hashem’s glory appeared to all the congregation” (verse 19). Isn’t that so like Hashem? He shows up to set things in order, whether we like it or not. Who would not want His glory to appear? He appears, and things are set straight. And that should be our fear of Him. We should carry a healthy fear of loving Him so much that we would never want His punishment or for Him to leave us. I challenge you today to turn things over to Him. If you are struggling with something, stop trying to solve it in your own flesh. Give it to Hashem and watch Him work for you. He will. Just don’t stand in His way, like Korah.

Shelach - Day #2

Shelach שְׁלַח-לְךָ - Send For Yourself  

Torah Portion: Numbers 13:1-15:41

Numbers 13:21–14:7

13:21 So they went up, and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, to the entrance of Hamath. 22 They went up by the South, and came to Hebron; and Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were there. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 They came to the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from there a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bore it on a staff between two. They also brought some of the pomegranates and figs. 24 That place was called the valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster which the children of Israel cut down from there. 25 They returned from spying out the land at the end of forty days. 26 They went and came to Moses, to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, to the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word to them and to all the congregation. They showed them the fruit of the land. 27 They told him and said, “We came to the land where you sent us. Surely it flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. Moreover, we saw the children of Anak there. 29 Amalek dwells in the land of the South. The Hittite, the Jebusite, and the Amorite dwell in the hill country. The Canaanite dwells by the sea, and along the side of the Jordan.”

30 Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, “Let’s go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it!”

31 But the men who went up with him said, “We aren’t able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we.” 32 They brought up an evil report of the land which they had spied out to the children of Israel, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that eats up its inhabitants; and all the people who we saw in it are men of great stature. 33 There we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, who came from the Nephilim. We were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”

14:1 All the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. 2 All the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “We wish that we had died in the land of Egypt, or that we had died in this wilderness!         3 Why does Hashem bring us to this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will be captured or killed! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return into Egypt?” 4 They said to one another, “Let’s choose a leader, and let’s return into Egypt.”

5 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.

6 Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of those who spied out the land, tore their clothes. 7 They spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, “The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land.

Today’s Meditation:

Caleb is a man of faith. When everyone else was negative, Caleb remembered Hashem's faithfulness. When every man (except Joshua) was scared and running, Caleb stood firm and wanted to carry out the charge to go forth. Have you ever gone against the flow? Have you ever stood up for something and found yourself alone in your beliefs? Or if you express your beliefs, others around you may be so angry or disagree that you may even lose a friendship? I spent many years working in a pro-life organization, defending the lives of preborn babies. I have encountered many people over the years who disagreed with my stance on life. And it has not been fun. People feel strongly convicted about specific issues and take stands. I recommend we defend the truth. Whatever that looks like to you. Just like Joshua and Caleb. Hashem will show you.

Today’s Challenge:

The last verse in this reading shows the dedication of Moses and Aaron. When people began grumbling strongly about advancing into the promised Land, Moses, I’m sure, became worried. Not worried about what they were doing, but concerned about what Hashem was going to do to them. This was so serious. After all, the purpose of the whole deliverance from Egypt was so that they could then move on and go to the Promised Land. And now they were ready to turn around and go back, just because of the bad report of a few men. 

Moses and Aaron fell on their faces and interceded for the people, so that Hashem would not extinguish them. It makes me think of my life. We are currently selling our home. It is very stressful, and I am trying so hard to put my faith in Hashem that He has everything under control. I am trying not to worry and have doubts, and it is so hard. I want to be a strong woman of faith. I am trying (and repenting). I want to be like Joshua and Caleb, full of faith and confidence. I challenge you to do the same. If you are going through a stressful time, try really hard to put your faith and trust in Hashem. He cares about you, even in the littlest things. Pray hard, like Moses and Aaron, that Hashem will have mercy on you. 

Beha'alotcha - Day #2

Beha’alotcha בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ - In Your Uplifting  

Torah Portion: Numbers 8:1-12:16

Numbers 8:15–26

8:15 “After that, the Levites shall go in to do the service of the Tent of Meeting. You shall cleanse them, and offer them as a wave offering. 16 For they are wholly given to Me from among the children of Israel; instead of all who open the womb, even the firstborn of all the children of Israel, I have taken them to Me. 17 For all the firstborn among the children of Israel are mine, both man and animal. On the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified them for myself. 18 I have taken the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel. 19 I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the Tent of Meeting, and to make atonement for the children of Israel, so that there will be no plague among the children of Israel when the children of Israel come near to the sanctuary.”

20 Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel did so to the Levites. According to all that Hashem commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so the children of Israel did to them. 21 The Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them for a wave offering before Hashem, and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them. 22 After that, the Levites went in to do their service in the Tent of Meeting before Aaron and before his sons: as Hashem had commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so they did to them.

23 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “This is what is assigned to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall go in to wait on the service in the work of the Tent of Meeting; 25 and from the age of fifty years they shall retire from doing the work, and shall serve no more, 26 but shall assist their brothers in the Tent of Meeting, to perform the duty, and shall perform no service. This is how you shall have the Levites do their duties.”

Today’s Meditation:

This is so interesting in verse 19, Hashem explains that the priests (Levites) will make atonement for the people of Israel so that they are not afflicted with a plague as they approach the sanctuary area. In other words, Hashem is protecting His people from severe repercussions for attempting to approach the Temple without being prepared. The Levites, through Hashem’s instruction, will pave the way for them to come near. The Levites will make sacrifices that atone for the sins and the uncleanness of the people. Hashem has made a way for everyone to approach Him. We need to think about that for today.

Today’s Challenge:

If the Levites were giving offerings for the atonement of the people so they could come close to the sanctuary (come close to Hashem), how do we approach Hashem today? There is no Temple where His glory can reside, but, as throughout Torah and Scripture we read, Hashem communicates with His people. He either sent messengers, angels, dreams, or spoke in a still small voice. The point is, He has always reached out to His people. I don’t think we have been trained to hear from Hashem, or see what He is doing. 

Today is the day to start your training. Do something called “listening prayer”. Get to a quiet place. Pray and ask for forgiveness. Clear your mind. Ask Hashem to remove anything evil from your thoughts and then ask Him for what is on your heart. Take a short moment to listen to what He says. He may speak to you in a word picture, a Scripture verse, or just one word. Write it down. And then see how it applies to your life. Most importantly, do what He says. I have done this for years, and it is a very special way to communicate with Hashem.

Nasso - Day #2

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate!  

Torah Portion: Numbers 4:21-7:89

Numbers 4:38–49

4:38 Those who were counted of the sons of Gershon, by their families, and by their fathers’ houses, 39 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old—everyone who entered into the service for work in the Tent of Meeting, 40 even those who were counted of them, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, were two thousand six hundred thirty. 41 These are those who were counted of the families of the sons of Gershon, all who served in the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron counted according to the commandment of Hashem.

42 Those who were counted of the families of the sons of Merari, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, 43 from thirty years old and upward, even to fifty years old—everyone who entered into the service for work in the Tent of Meeting, 44 even those who were counted of them by their families, were three thousand two hundred. 45 These are those who were counted of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron counted according to the commandment of Hashem by Moses.

46 All those who were counted of the Levites whom Moses and Aaron and the princes of Israel counted, by their families and by their fathers’ houses, 47 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered in to do the work of service and the work of bearing burdens in the Tent of Meeting, 48 even those who were counted of them, were eight thousand five hundred eighty. 49 According to the commandment of Hashem, they were counted by Moses, everyone according to his service and according to his burden. Thus, they were counted by him, as Hashem commanded Moses.

Today’s Meditation:

Thousands of people between the ages of 30 and 50 are available to help take care of the Tabernacle and its surroundings. It just dawned on me that there were so many, many men available. Obviously, they must have been on some sort of rotation. And even then, the work must have been done quickly, given the many available hands. Can you imagine why Hashem would appoint so many thousands of men for this task? To ensure there were plenty of people available during times of war, sickness, change, and other circumstances. It makes me think that being prepared (the Boy Scout motto) was Hashem’s motto first. So, shouldn’t we always be prepared?

Today’s Challenge:

Hashem commanded Moses, and he counted. I’m sure he did not ask Hashem why He was doing things the way He was. Again, it is about authority. And this is the highest authority in the universe. Hashem asks Moses to do something, and he does it. And we will learn later, when Moses begins to question, that the penalty is severe (hitting the rock instead of speaking to it). 

Do we question our authority? Do we do what they ask without offering our own suggestions? Sharing ideas is important, but there is a time and place for it. My challenge to you today is to review how you are responding to those in authority in your life. Are you quickly obeying? You may need a minor adjustment in this area. Today is the day to make that adjustment, especially if it concerns your attitude.

Shavuot Week - Day #2

Shavout Week - Day #2

Main Reading: Ruth 2:1-14

2:1 Naomi had a relative of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz. 2 Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Let me now go to the field, and glean among the ears of grain after him in whose sight I find favor.”

She said to her, “Go, my daughter.” 3 She went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers; and she happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.

4 Behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, “May Hashem be with you.”

They answered him, “May Hashem bless you.”

5 Then Boaz said to his servant who was set over the reapers, “Whose young lady is this?”

6 The servant who was set over the reapers answered, “It is the Moabite lady who came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab. 7 She said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ So she came, and has continued even from the morning until now, except that she rested a little in the house.”

8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen, my daughter. Don’t go to glean in another field, and don’t go from here, but stay here close to my maidens. 9 Let your eyes be on the field that they reap, and go after them. Haven’t I commanded the young men not to touch you? When you are thirsty, go to the vessels, and drink from that which the young men have drawn.”

10 Then she fell on her face and bowed herself to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take knowledge of me, since I am a foreigner?”

11 Boaz answered her, “I have been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father, your mother, and the land of your birth, and have come to a people that you didn’t know before. 12 May Hashem repay your work, and a full reward be given to you from Hashem, the Elohim of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.”

13 Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord, because you have comforted me, and because you have spoken kindly to your servant, though I am not as one of your servants.”

14 At meal time, Boaz said to her, “Come here, and eat some bread, and dip your morsel in the vinegar.”

Today’s Meditation:

In verse 3, we read that Ruth “gleaned” the field after the reapers. She was able to do this because, in Judaism, particularly in the Torah, we have three commandments to leave the edges of the field for the poor (a practice called Peah). The main commandment for this is from Leviticus 23:22: "When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I am Adonai your Elohim”.

The story of Ruth is proof of how much Hashem cares for everyone, including the poor. Boaz seems to be knowledgeable and very obedient to this commandment. Because of his relationship to Naomi, he decides to undertake protection and provision for Ruth. He serves as a model to us of faith and integrity. A good one to replicate.