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.

Vayechi - Day #2

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived  

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Genesis 48:10–16

48:10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he couldn’t see well. Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed them, and embraced them. 11 Israel said to Joseph, “I didn’t think I would see your face, and behold, Elohim has let me see your offspring also.” 12 Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. 13 Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near to him. 14 Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. 

15 He blessed Joseph, and said, “The Elohim before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the Elohim who has fed me all my life long to this day, 16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads, and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac. Let them grow into a multitude upon the earth.”

Today’s Meditation:

Last wishes. Jacob wanted to bless his son and grandsons before he passed. And Hashem honored that. In verse 11, we read that Jacob didn’t think he would ever see Joseph again, but he did. And it was truly a miracle. It’s vital that we let Hashem know what we want when we approach the end of our lives. And that we are sensitive to the wishes of those whom we love who may be close to death. Do you have any “last wishes” or prayers that you are hoping Hashem will answer before you leave the planet? Ask Him and believe He will answer your prayers,  even if it is unexpectedly.

          

Today’s Challenge:

Do you have a grandparent/parent, or friend who is close to dying? My challenge today is to ask them if they have any last wishes. And then to help these wishes come to fruition before they pass. Even if you have to pray for supernatural help or go out of your way to help, it will all be a blessing, and you will be blessed in return. Let’s ensure we help those around us achieve what they desire before it's too late.