Tetzaveh - Day #2

Tetzaveh תְּצַוֶּה - You Shall Command  

Torah Portion: Exodus:27:20-30:10

Exodus 28:13–30

28:13 You shall make settings of gold, 14 and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords of braided work. You shall put the braided chains on the settings.

15 “You shall make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, you shall make it. 16 It shall be square and folded double; a span shall be its length, and a span its width. 17 You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row; 18 and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald; 19 and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 20 and the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be enclosed in gold in their settings. 21 The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes. 22 You shall make on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold. 23 You shall make on the breastplate two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. 24 You shall put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate. 25 The other two ends of the two braided chains you shall put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in its forepart. 26 You shall make two rings of gold, and you shall put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its edge, which is toward the side of the ephod inward. 27 You shall make two rings of gold, and shall put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in its forepart, close by its coupling, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. 28 They shall bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate may not swing out from the ephod. 29 Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he goes in to the holy place, for a memorial before Hashem continually. 30 You shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be on Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before Hashem. Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart before Hashem continually.

Today’s Meditation:

This is so wonderful in verses 29-30 that Aaron is covering his heart with the names of the twelve tribes on his breastplate, so that their judgment is in front of Hashem continually. Hashem makes a way for His people to be with Him, even though they are not physically present. It always is about Hashem’s love for His people. And that is you and me, too. May we never doubt His love and protection. Things may get rough sometimes in this world, but our names are forever in front of Him: good times and bad. And someday we will have the privilege of serving and loving Him forever. We don’t know what that looks like, but we do know it will be good.

Today’s Challenge:

Do you carry the names of the people whom you love over your heart? By that, I mean, do you care enough about those around you to pray for them every day? It is the best way to start the day, along with your cup of coffee, to appeal to Hashem for those you love, to be safe and full of joy. But, most importantly, they will know Hashem and love and serve Him. This should be your daily prayer, before you start your day. Prayer does make a difference. Just as Aaron carried the names of his people over his heart, be sure to hold those you love over your heart. It will make a difference in this world.

Terumah - Day #2

Terumah תְּרוּמָה - Offering  

Torah Portion: Exodus:25:1-27:19

Exodus 25:17–30 

25:17 You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold. Two and a half cubits shall be its length, and a cubit and a half its width. 18 You shall make two cherubim of hammered gold. You shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat. 19 Make one cherub at the one end, and one cherub at the other end. You shall make the cherubim on its two ends of one piece with the mercy seat. 20 The cherubim shall spread out their wings upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward one another. The faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat. 21 You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the covenant that I will give you. 22 There I will meet with you, and I will tell you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the covenant, all that I command you for the children of Israel.

23 “You shall make a table of acacia wood. Its length shall be two cubits, and its width a cubit, and its height one and a half cubits. 24 You shall overlay it with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it. 25 You shall make a rim of a hand width around it. You shall make a golden molding on its rim around it. 26 You shall make four rings of gold for it, and put the rings in the four corners that are on its four feet. 27 The rings shall be close to the rim, for places for the poles to carry the table. 28 You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them. 29 You shall make its dishes, its spoons, its ladles, and its bowls with which to pour out offerings. You shall make them of pure gold. 30 You shall set bread of the presence on the table before me always.

Today’s Meditation:

Hashem is beginning to give specific instructions for His dwelling place, the holy Tabernacle. His very first instruction is for the place where “I will meet with you” (verse 22). The ark of the covenant. He designs a place where He can dwell in His Covenant with the people. The Covenant is the Law. Try to understand this: His Law is so important that He wants us to create a special dwelling for it, and a place above it for Him to dwell. Under the wings of angels will reside His Covenant with and for the people. That should make us think. Sink this Truth into your heart. Of all the places Hashem would dwell, He chooses to be “over” His Law. It is very, very symbolic. His authority and purpose are over the Law today. We need to understand and respect this. 

Today’s Challenge:

Are you following the Torah, Hashem’s Law? Are you just beginning to understand it and trying your best to obey it? That’s where I am. Coming to the Law as a stranger or foreigner is not easy. Although we may not have the opportunity to attend a synagogue, many online groups offer excellent Torah studies. You might check out the Chabad website: www.chabad.org. It contains a wealth of information on Judaism and the Torah.

Mishpatim - Day #2

Mishpatim מִּשְׁפָּטִים - Laws 

Torah Portion: Exodus: 21:1-24:18 

Exodus 21:20–22:3

21:20 “If a man strikes his servant or his maid with a rod, and he dies under his hand, the man shall surely be punished. 21 Notwithstanding, if his servant gets up after a day or two, he shall not be punished, for the servant is his property.

22 “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. 2 If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for him. 3 If the sun has risen on him, he is guilty of bloodshed. He shall make restitution. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft.

Today’s Meditation:

Today’s reading teaches us about justice. If someone does you harm, there must be compensation. The punishment should match the crime. And apparently, if you can’t find a way to initiate equal justice, then here is the remedy—a life for a life. In our time, it’s called capital punishment. We are responsible to live under the law in our land, as were the Israelites. The instructions and Laws are clearly given. For every crime, there is a consequence.

Today’s Challenge:

How do you feel about equal justice? Do you think everyone who does something intentionally wrong should be punished? Is it a fault among our family and friends that we are not penalized for wrongdoings? For instance, if your young child hits you, do you say, “Oh, don’t hit daddy. That’s not nice.” Or do you spank him for hitting you? This section of Scripture really makes you think about equity in punishment. The end goal is to become a better person. To learn how to treat others. Make changes where necessary, but do so equitably.

Yitro - Day #2

Yitro יִתְרוֹ - Jethro  

Torah Portion: Exodus: 18:1-20:22

Exodus 18:13–23

18:13 On the next day, Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from the morning to the evening. 14 When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did to the people, he said, “What is this thing that you do for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning to evening?”

15 Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of Elohim. 16 When they have a matter, they come to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of Elohim, and his laws.” 17 Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you do is not good. 18 You will surely wear away, both you and this people that is with you; for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to perform it yourself alone. 19 Listen now to my voice. I will give you counsel, and Elohim be with you. You represent the people before Elohim and bring the causes to Elohim. 20 You shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and shall show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do. 21 Moreover, you shall provide out of all the people able men who fear Elohim: men of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 22 Let them judge the people at all times. It shall be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge themselves. So shall it be easier for you, and they shall share the load with you. 23 If you will do this thing, and Elohim commands you so, then you will be able to endure, and all these people also will go to their place in peace.”

Today’s Meditation:

Moses receives wise advice from his father-in-law. We call it “delegation”. However, this is a difficult concept for many of us. Why have someone else do something when we can do it better? Additionally, if we do it ourselves, we have control over it.  I learned about delegation when I was the Executive Director of a non-profit for many years. I was getting really burned out doing everything on my own. Finally, I resolved that it would be better to delegate some responsibilities to others, even if they made mistakes, than to take on everything myself. And it worked. Yes, people made mistakes, but guess what? They also made excellent suggestions and improvements that I would have never noticed without their help. Delegation works.

Today’s Challenge:

Are you bearing too much responsibility? If you are at home or at work and need help with whatever you are doing, please ask for it today. Be brave and know that things will certainly not be done the same way you do them, but they will get done. And I promise there will be some improvements as well. Take a chance and delegate. 

Beshalach - Day #2

Beshalach בְּשַׁלַּח - When He Sent Out  

Torah Portion: Exodus:13:17-17:16

Exodus 14:9–14

14:9 The Egyptians pursued them. All the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen, and his army overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baal Zephon.

10 When Pharaoh came near, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them; and they were very afraid. The children of Israel cried out to Hashem. 11 They said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you treated us this way, to bring us out of Egypt? 12 Isn’t this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, ‘Leave us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians?’ For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.”

13 Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of Hashem, which He will work for you today; for you will never again see the Egyptians whom you have seen today. 14 Hashem will fight for you, and you shall be still.”

Today’s Meditation:

What a scene. The Egyptians are approaching the Hebrews, and suddenly doubt seizes them. Did they make a mistake following Moses away from their homes? Will the Egyptians catch up with them and destroy them? They were scared. 

Moses says to them, “Stand still,” and that Hashem will fight for them. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you doubted that Hashem was there to help you? I have. I have always had a firm faith in Hashem, but there have been times of crisis when I cried out to Hashem, and I wasn’t really sure He heard me. After all was said and done, I can see that He was there. And that He worked everything out for good. But, in the middle of it all, sometimes we do get scared. That’s when we have to hold on to our faith and stand still.

Today’s Challenge:

If you are in the middle of a crisis, then this Scripture today is Hashem speaking to you. He is telling you clearly to hold on, stand still, and know that He will fight for you. It may not look like He hears you or that He is doing anything, but I promise you He is. You will see. Pray and be strong.

Bo - Day #2

Bo, בֹּא - Come!  

Torah Portion: Exodus: 10:1-13:16

Exodus 10:12–23

10:12 Hashem said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up on the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail has left.” 13 Moses stretched out his rod over the land of Egypt, and Hashem brought an east wind on the land all that day, and all night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. 14 The locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the borders of Egypt. They were very grievous. Before them, there were no such locusts as they, nor will there ever be again. 15 For they covered the surface of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened, and they ate every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left. There remained nothing green, either tree or herb of the field, through all the land of Egypt. 16 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste, and he said, “I have sinned against Hashem your Elohim, and against you. 17 Now therefore please forgive my sin again, and pray to Hashem your Elohim, that He may also take away from me this death.”

18 Moses went out from Pharaoh and prayed to Hashem. 19 Hashem sent an exceedingly strong west wind, which took up the locusts, and drove them into the Red Sea. There remained not one locust in all the borders of Egypt. 20, But Hashem hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he didn’t let the children of Israel go.

21 Hashem said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.” 22 Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt for three days. 23 They didn’t see one another, and nobody rose from his place for three days; but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

Today’s Meditation:

Hashem can bring east and west winds into the land. He can do anything. As I think of winds, I think of cleansing. The east wind brought the locusts, but the west wind carried them away. What is the significance for today? Maybe we should pray for a “west wind” that could cleanse our land. That could remove the locusts, those destroying our land. That would be a good prayer. “Hashem, our country has been contaminated with lies and untruths. Freedoms have been devoured. Please blow your west wind across our land to cleanse it and bring back freedom and Your truths. Amen”

Today’s Challenge:

Darkness covers all of Egypt except for the land of Goshen. If you are following Hashem’s commands and serving only Him, you live in a spiritual Goshen. Take a piece of paper and write down the things that distinguish you from the rest of the world. Write down what it is for you to live in Goshen today. What makes you different? This may reveal some idols in your life and areas where you need to make changes. Maybe you look too much like the rest of the world and need to start being set apart. Only by following the Torah can this be done for you.

Va'eira - Day #2

Va'eira  וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared  

Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35

Exodus 6:14–28

6:14 These are the heads of their fathers’ houses. The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi; these are the families of Reuben. 15 The sons of Simeon: Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman; these are the families of Simeon. 16 These are the names of the sons of Levi according to their generations: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari; and the years of the life of Levi were one hundred thirty-seven years. 17 The sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimei, according to their families. 18 The sons of Kohath: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel; and the years of the life of Kohath were one hundred thirty-three years. 19 The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their generations. 20 Amram took Jochebed his father’s sister to himself as wife; and she bore him Aaron and Moses. The years of the life of Amram were one hundred thirty-seven years. 21 The sons of Izhar: Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri. 22 The sons of Uzziel: Mishael, Elzaphan, and Sithri. 23 Aaron took Elisheba, the daughter of Amminadab, the sister of Nahshon, as his wife; and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 24 The sons of Korah: Assir, Elkanah, and Abiasaph; these are the families of the Korahites. 25 Eleazar Aaron’s son took one of the daughters of Putiel as his wife; and she bore him Phinehas. These are the heads of the fathers’ houses of the Levites according to their families. 26 These are that Aaron and Moses to whom Hashem said, “Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.” 27 These are those who spoke to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt. These are that Moses and Aaron.

28 On the day when Hashem spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt…

Today’s Meditation:

This concerns Moses's ancestral line, from the tribe of Levi. What is interesting is the future role of the Levites in the Temple. As we learn, it is a very, very important role. The Levites are responsible for presenting all the services to Hashem in the Temple. They are the ones that get to be in such close physical/spiritual proximity to Hashem. And it begins with Moses. Hashem speaks to Moses, challenges Moses, directs him, and leads him. Why did Hashem pick this special line of ancestry to perform these special duties and to carry out major plans? Was it obedience, dedication, and/or faith? Seems like it would be. What do you think? Why the tribe of Levi?

Today’s Challenge:

As you look at your ancestry, do you see a particular task/role/ministry that Hashem has called you to? Do you have ancestors who were bankers, bakers, construction workers, social workers, professionals, or in other fields? It’s something to think about. What type of gift has Hashem picked out for you and your relatives? In my family, I look back and see creativity (seamstress), hard work (factory), and sales. Interestingly enough, my career has been in social work. Whatever your family’s gifts are, it is essential to look at them and praise Hashem for them. Then, make sure to cultivate your gifts and share them with your children and grandchildren.

Shemot - Day #2

Shemot, שְׁמוֹת - Names  

Torah Portion: Exodus 1:1-6:1

Exodus 1:18–2:10

1:18 The king of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, “Why have you done this thing and saved the boys alive?”

19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women aren’t like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.”

20 Elohim dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied, and grew very mighty. 21 Because the midwives feared Elohim, He gave them families. 22 Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, “You shall cast every son who is born into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive.”

2 A man of the house of Levi went and took a daughter of Levi as his wife. 2 The woman conceived and bore a son. When she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months. 3 When she could no longer hide him, she took a papyrus basket for him, and coated it with tar and with pitch. She put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river’s bank. 4 His sister stood far off, to see what would be done to him. 5 Pharaoh’s daughter came down to bathe at the river. Her maidens walked along by the riverside. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her servant to get it. 6 She opened it and saw the child, and behold, the baby cried. She had compassion on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.”

7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Should I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?”

8 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.”

The young woman went and called the child’s mother. 9 Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away, and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.”

The woman took the child and nursed it. 10 The child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses and said, “Because I drew him out of the water.”

Today’s Meditation:

The plans of Hashem always come to pass. In today’s reading, we see two miracles. First of all, that the midwives are rescuing babies from murder, and secondly, that the Pharaoh's daughter finds Moses in the river and rescues him. And actually, a third miracle occurs when baby Moses is given back to his birth mother to be nursed and cared for. Hashem had an excellent plan to raise a deliverer for His people, and the enemy obviously did not like this. However, Hashem’s plan prevailed. Moses is saved and returned to his mother's loving arms. Nothing can stop Hashem's plans.

Today’s Challenge:

If you saw something wrong, would you intervene to stop it? Would you lie to save a life? Would you dare to carry out a dangerous plan (such as placing baby Moses in the river)? Would you trust in Hashem that if you did any of this, He would bless and protect you? My challenge to you today is to be on the lookout for what Hashem is challenging you to do. It will take you out of your comfort zone, but you must pray that He will give you the strength. Be brave and bold. Hashem will go with you wherever you go.