Tetzaveh - Day #3

Tetzaveh תְּצַוֶּה - You Shall Command  

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

Exodus 28:31–43

28:31 “You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. 32 It shall have a hole for the head in the middle of it. It shall have a binding of woven work around its hole, as it were, the hole of a coat of mail, that it not be torn. 33 On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, all around its hem; with bells of gold between and around them: 34 a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe. 35 It shall be on Aaron to minister: and its sound shall be heard when he goes in to the holy place before Hashem, and when he comes out, that he not die.

36 “You shall make a plate of pure gold, and engrave on it, like the engravings of a signet, ‘HOLY TO HASHEM.’ 37 You shall put it on a lace of blue, and it shall be on the sash. It shall be on the front of the sash. 38 It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall make holy in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always on his forehead, that they may be accepted before Hashem. 39 You shall weave the tunic with fine linen. You shall make a turban of fine linen. You shall make a sash, the work of the embroiderer.

40 “You shall make tunics for Aaron’s sons. You shall make sashes for them. You shall make headbands for them, for glory and for beauty. 41 You shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to me in the priest’s office. 42 You shall make them linen pants to cover their naked flesh. They shall reach from the waist even to the thighs. 43 They shall be on Aaron and on his sons, when they go into the Tent of Meeting, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the holy place, that they don’t bear iniquity, and die. This shall be a statute forever to him and to his offspring after him.

Today’s Meditation:

In verse 36, we learn that Aaron is to wear a gold plate on his forehead with the words “Holy to Hashem.” This is most likely to remind him that all that is happening in the Tabernacle is for the holiness of Hashem. It’s not like he would forget, but sometimes even extraordinary things can become routine. It doesn’t seem like this could ever happen in the Holy Place where Hashem’s glory resides behind the veil, but maybe it could. Aaron was still living on our planet, a place full of sin and daily challenges. It would be a challenge to be in the presence of Hashem and commit 100% of your body, soul, and mind. How about today? Can we wear Hashem’s holiness on our foreheads? In essence, we do when we serve and love Him with our whole minds every day. Are we 100% about this 24/7? I doubt it. But we must try our best. Our best to leave behind the temptations of this world, and serve Hashem wholeheartedly in our minds (and actions) all the time. Think about wearing a plate with Hashem’s Name on your forehead today. Fulfill that responsibility with your actions.

Today’s Challenge:

Hashem cares about every tiny detail of our lives. This is reflected in today's reading, when Hashem commands Aaron to wear a robe with little bells on its hem. Therefore, the priests near him can hear him when he is in the Holy of Holies, as well as in the Holy Place. This makes you think about how sensitive and caring our Elohim is for us. I believe He is still that way today. He cares about the most minor details in our lives. And if this is so, shouldn’t we be honoring Him in all the small ways of our lives? Pay attention today and see if you are honoring Hashem in all the ways of your daily life. In your speech, thoughts, and actions.

Terumah - Day #3

Terumah תְּרוּמָה - Offering  

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

Exodus 25:31–26:14

25:31 “You shall make a lamp stand of pure gold. The lamp stand shall be made of hammered work. Its base, its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers shall be of one piece with it. 32 There shall be six branches going out of its sides: three branches of the lamp stand out of its one side, and three branches of the lamp stand out of its other side; 33 three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower; and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower, so for the six branches going out of the lamp stand; 34 and in the lamp stand four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers; 35 and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, for the six branches going out of the lamp stand. 36 Their buds and their branches shall be of one piece with it, all of it one beaten work of pure gold. 37 You shall make its lamps seven, and they shall light its lamps to give light to the space in front of it. 38 Its snuffers and its snuff dishes shall be of pure gold. 39 It shall be made of a talent of pure gold, with all these accessories. 40 See that you make them after their pattern, which has been shown to you on the mountain.

26 “Moreover, you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim. You shall make them with the work of a skillful workman. 2 The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure. 3 Five curtains shall be coupled together to one another, and the other five curtains shall be coupled to one another. 4 You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the edge in the coupling, and you shall do likewise on the edge of the curtain that is outermost in the second coupling. 5 You shall make fifty loops in the one curtain, and you shall make fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that is in the second coupling. The loops shall be opposite one another. 6 You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains to one another with the clasps. The tabernacle shall be a unit.

7 “You shall make curtains of goats’ hair for a covering over the tabernacle. You shall make eleven curtains. 8 The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: the eleven curtains shall have one measure. 9 You shall couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shall double over the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tent. 10 You shall make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outermost in the coupling, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain which is outermost in the second coupling. 11 You shall make fifty clasps of bronze, and put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. 12 The overhanging part that remains of the curtains of the tent—the half curtain that remains—shall hang over the back of the tabernacle. 13 The cubit on the one side and the cubit on the other side, of that which remains in the length of the curtains of the tent, shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it. 14 You shall make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above.

Today’s Meditation:

Interesting in verse 26:17, “You shall make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red”. We see that Hashem is asking for rams to be sacrificed so that a covering will be made. We know the importance of the ram in the story of Abraham and Isaac. The ram is the substitute offering for Isaac’s life. How appropriate that the tent will now be covered in ram’s skins. Every detail of the Tabernacle has meaning. Maybe the skins were dyed red to remind us of the power of blood sacrifices—repentance and forgiveness. Our Elohim so carefully plans it.

Today’s Challenge:

This reading is about detailed instructions for the house of Elohim. He provides instructions for a lampstand. This lamp stand will bring light into the “Holy Place”. There are no windows; the lamp will give its light. Without it, the priests would be in the dark. Of course, the same is true in our lives. Without the light of Hashem, we walk in the dark. The Torah brings light and life into our lives. My challenge for you today is to look at your daily life. Are you reading Torah and Scriptures daily and bringing Hashem’s light into your life and others? If not, please start today. We all need to stop walking in the dark.

Mishpatim - Day #3

Mishpatim מִּשְׁפָּטִים - Laws  

Torah Portion: Exodus: 21:1-24:18

Exodus 22:4–26

22:4 If the stolen property is found in his hand alive, whether it is ox, donkey, or sheep, he shall pay double.

5 “If a man causes a field or vineyard to be eaten by letting his animal loose, and it grazes in another man’s field, he shall make restitution from the best of his own field, and from the best of his own vineyard.

6 “If fire breaks out, and catches in thorns so that the shocks of grain, or the standing grain, or the field are consumed; he who kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.

7 “If a man delivers to his neighbor money or stuff to keep, and it is stolen out of the man’s house, if the thief is found, he shall pay double. 8 If the thief isn’t found, then the master of the house shall come near to Elohim, to find out whether or not he has put his hand on his neighbor’s goods. 9 For every matter of trespass, whether it is for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any kind of lost thing, about which one says, ‘This is mine,’ the cause of both parties shall come before Elohim. He whom Elohim condemns shall pay double to his neighbor.

10 “If a man delivers to his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep, and it dies or is injured, or driven away, no man seeing it; 11 the oath of Hashem shall be between them both, he has not put his hand on his neighbor’s goods; and its owner shall accept it, and he shall not make restitution. 12 But if it is stolen from him, the one who stole shall make restitution to its owner. 13 If it is torn in pieces, let him bring it for evidence. He shall not make good that which was torn.

14 “If a man borrows anything of his neighbor’s, and it is injured, or dies, its owner not being with it, he shall surely make restitution. 15 If its owner is with it, he shall not make it good. If it is a leased thing, it came for its lease.

16 “If a man entices a virgin who isn’t pledged to be married, and lies with her, he shall surely pay a dowry for her to be his wife. 17 If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.

18 “You shall not allow a sorceress to live.

19 “Whoever has sex with an animal shall surely be put to death.

20 “He who sacrifices to any god, except to Hashem only, shall be utterly destroyed.

21 “You shall not wrong an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.

22 “You shall not take advantage of any widow or fatherless child. 23 If you take advantage of them at all, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry; 24 and my wrath will grow hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

25 “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be to him as a creditor. You shall not charge him interest. 26 If you take your neighbor’s garment as collateral, you shall restore it to him before the sun goes down."

Today’s Meditation:

We are learning more about Hashem's fairness. What I particularly appreciate is that if we borrow or use someone else's property and it becomes damaged or broken, we are required to make restitution. Many people who do this will claim to be sorry, but they often fail to replace or repair the item. It is so fair to provide restitution. It makes things right and just. If your conscience is jarred about something you did similar to this, then I encourage you to make restitution today. This is part of making the world better, because you are improving your relationships.

Today’s Challenge:

Verse 21 guides how to treat strangers. Remember, we were once strangers, as we all are, whether in a new neighborhood, a new job, or a new relationship. We had to adjust to new surroundings and new people. So, we are to look out for the stranger who comes into our lives. It reminds me of going to a community event. If I have been there before and I notice a new person, I try to go out of my way to make them comfortable. You should do the same. It is a Commandment. And you will be blessed—especially the next time you are the new person in a group.

Yitro - Day #3

Yitro יִתְרוֹ - Jethro  

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

Exodus 18:24–27

18:24 So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law, and did all that he had said. 25 Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 26 They judged the people at all times. They brought the hard cases to Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves. 27 Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went his way into his own land.

Today’s Meditation:

Yesterday, we discussed the importance of respecting our elders and in-laws. But, there is more than respect. There is actually listening to what they say and doing it. In verse 24, we read, “So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law, and did all that he had said.” Sometimes it can be disconcerting to follow an older person's advice, especially if you don’t agree with it. But Hashem gives wisdom to those who are more advanced in years. If you have asked an in-law or older friend for advice and they have given you some direction, be sure to take it. See what happens. Moses did, and it helped him tremendously.

Today’s Challenge:

So, really, what this all comes down to is trust. Do you trust those in authority over you? You may think they don’t deserve trust, and maybe they don’t. Or perhaps they have done something hurtful that makes you not want to trust them. My challenge today is to take some “baby steps”. Ask this person what they think about something, and if it seems like reasonable advice, then take it. If things work out, you may be able to begin to trust this person again. Give them a chance to prove that people make mistakes, but they can also be of great help to you.

Beshalach - Day #3

Beshalach בְּשַׁלַּח - When He Sent Out  

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

Exodus 14:15–25

14:15 Hashem said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward. 16 Lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. Then the children of Israel shall go into the middle of the sea on dry ground. 17 Behold, I myself will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will go in after them. I will get myself honor over Pharaoh, and over all his armies, over his chariots, and over his horsemen. 18 The Egyptians shall know that I am Hashem when I have gotten myself honor over Pharaoh, over his chariots, and over his horsemen.” 19 The angel of Elohim, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them, and stood behind them. 20 It came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel. There was the cloud and the darkness, yet it gave light by night. One didn’t come near the other all night.

21 Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Hashem caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 The children of Israel went into the middle of the sea on the dry ground; and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the middle of the sea: all of Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 In the morning watch, Hashem looked out on the Egyptian army through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and confused the Egyptian army. 25 He took off their chariot wheels, and they drove them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, “Let’s flee from the face of Israel, for Hashem fights for them against the Egyptians!”

Today’s Meditation:

Imagine seeing a pillar of cloud. It protected them from the hot sun and obscured them from the Egyptians. It makes me wonder whether there are times in life when Hashem presents Himself between the enemy and us, hiding us from evil. I’m sure He does, and that is a very comforting thought. It is vital to pray for His protection every day over our lives and those we love. We should pray that He continues to present a cloud of covering between the enemy and us.

Today’s Challenge:

What do you need protection for in your life? Your finances, your health, your spouse, your children, your home? It is super important to ask Him for that protection. Ask daily. He is our Protector and our Shield. And I am grateful for that. Today, I challenge you to go before Hashem and ask Him for specific protection. Then praise Him for His faithfulness.

Bo - Day #3

Bo, בֹּא - Come!  

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

Exodus 10:24–11:3

10:24 Pharaoh called to Moses, and said, “Go, serve Hashem. Only let your flocks and your herds stay behind. Let your little ones also go with you.”

25 Moses said, “You must also give into our hand sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to Hashem our Elohim. 26 Our livestock also shall go with us. Not a hoof shall be left behind, for of it we must take to serve Hashem our Elohim; and we don’t know with what we must serve Hashem, until we come there.”

27 But Hashem hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he wouldn’t let them go. 28 Pharaoh said to him, “Get away from me! Be careful to see my face no more; for in the day you see my face you shall die!”

29 Moses said, “You have spoken well. I will see your face again no more.”

11 Hashem said to Moses, “I will bring yet one more plague on Pharaoh, and on Egypt; afterwards he will let you go. When he lets you go, he will surely thrust you out altogether. 2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man ask of his neighbor, and every woman of her neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.” 3 Hashem gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight of the people.

Today’s Meditation:

With this reading, I think about the times Pharaoh goes back on his word. He says he will let them go, but then constantly changes his mind. You may say this is because Hashem hardened his heart. And I am sure this is a large part of it all. But, regardless, he is not a man of his word. Today, many people are not trustworthy. We say a lot of things, but we don’t stand behind what we say. In fact, we often don’t even do what we promise. How many times have you said, “I will be praying for you”? Only you walk away and never do? Or you say, “I will call you soon.” But you never do. Make sure when you tell someone you are going to do something, you do it. You are representing Hashem and His faithfulness. Be careful.

Today’s Challenge:

In the last verse, we see that Moses was great in the sight of the people. What made him great? The miracles, his bravery, his strength, perseverance, what? Maybe all those things. I challenge you today to reflect on what makes you great in others' eyes. What kind of traits do you have that others respect and admire? If you can’t think of many things, then maybe it is time to change. Become a light to the nations. It is our purpose.