Va'eira - Day #3

Va'eira  וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared  

Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35

Exodus 6:29–7:7

6:29 Hashem said to Moses, “I am Hashem. Tell Pharaoh king of Egypt all that I tell you.”

30 Moses said before Hashem, “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh listen to me?”

7 Hashem said to Moses, “Behold, I have made you as God to Pharaoh; and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet. 2 You shall speak all that I command you; and Aaron your brother shall speak to Pharaoh, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. 3 I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. 4 But Pharaoh will not listen to you, so I will lay my hand on Egypt, and bring out my armies, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. 5 The Egyptians shall know that I am Hashem when I stretch out my hand on Egypt, and bring the children of Israel out from among them.”

6 Moses and Aaron did so. As Hashem commanded them, so they did. 7 Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron eighty-three years old, when they spoke to Pharaoh.

Today’s Meditation:

Hashem tells Moses to go ahead with His plan, even though the Pharaoh won’t listen. Can you imagine what went through Moses' mind? He already doesn't feel adequate for the mission, and now Hashem is telling him that the Pharaoh won’t listen to him. But most importantly, we have to realize that Hashem says He will be with him through it all. Ultimately, it is Hashem who will deliver the people, not Moses. Moses is just His instrument. So, when Hashem calls you to do the impossible, remember this. He will be with you and help you every step of the way.

Today’s Challenge:

We read in 7:2, “Speak what I command you.” Here’s my challenge for today. Listen and look for how Hashem is directing you, particularly in your interactions with others. Pray and listen for His voice. You will know it; it will give you peace. Then, as you listen, speak out what you believe He is saying. Take a risk. You will be so amazed. Sometimes I will do this and say, “I think the L-rd is telling me to tell you something.” I don’t think it would be wise to say “Thus sayeth the L-rd.” The important part is to start listening to His voice and then tell others what you think He is saying. Then you might give Hashem the glory for the results.

Shemot - Day #3

Shemot, שְׁמוֹת - Names  

Torah Portion: Exodus 1:1-6:1

Exodus 2:11–25

2:11 In those days, when Moses had grown up, he went out to his brothers and saw their burdens. He saw an Egyptian striking a Hebrew, one of his brothers. 12 He looked this way and that way, and when he saw that there was no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.

13 He went out the second day, and behold, two men of the Hebrews were fighting with each other. He said to him who did the wrong, “Why do you strike your fellow?”

14 He said, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you plan to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian?”

Moses was afraid and said, “Surely this thing is known.” 15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and lived in the land of Midian, and he sat down by a well.

16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. 17 The shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. 18 When they came to Reuel, their father, he said, “How is it that you have returned so early today?”

19 They said, “An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and moreover he drew water for us, and watered the flock.”

20 He said to his daughters, “Where is he? Why is it that you have left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.”

21 Moses was content to dwell with the man. He gave Moses Zipporah, his daughter. 22 She bore a son, and he named him Gershom, for he said, “I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land.”

23 In the course of those many days, the king of Egypt died, and the children of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up to Elohim because of the bondage. 24 Elohim heard their groaning, and Elohim remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 Elohim saw the children of Israel, and Elohim was concerned about them.

Today’s Meditation:

Hashem hears our cries. This Scripture today proves it. In verse 24, it says, “Elohim heard their groaning, and Elohim remembered His covenant…”. Sometimes, I know we feel like giving up because we don’t think Hashem will help us when we are in trouble or fighting a battle. But He does. It is just all in His timing, not ours. We must remember this powerful story of His people. They were oppressed and were downtrodden; they cried out to Hashem, and He heard them. And most importantly, He did something about it. He raised a deliverer in Moses and brought them out of their hardship to the Land of Milk and Honey. Of course, that is another story.

Today’s Challenge:

Are you or someone you know going through a really tough time? Cry out to Hashem (pray and seek His face) and ask Him to help you/them. Write your prayer down on paper, and then when He answers you in His very special way, write down how He blessed you. Keep a journal with other requests and answers. It will become a lifelong blessing and testimony of Elohim and His love for you.

Vayechi - Day #3

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived  

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Genesis 48:17–22

48:17 When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him. He held up his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. 18 Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.”

19 His father refused and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also will become a people, and he also will be great. However, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his offspring will become a multitude of nations.” 20 He blessed them that day, saying, “Israel will bless in you, saying, ‘Elohim make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh’” He set Ephraim before Manasseh. 21 Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I am dying, but Elohim will be with you, and bring you again to the land of your fathers. 22 Moreover, I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.”

Today’s Meditation:

How does Ephraim’s offspring become greater than his brother’s (verse 19)? Ephraim became a powerful tribe in northern Israel, but in 721 BC, this tribe, along with nine other northern tribes, lost a war against Syria and was subsequently taken captive. Eventually, this tribe was dispersed and became one of the “lost ten tribes”. 

Here is a curious thought. What if the tribe of Ephraim, through dispersion and intermarriage, although assimilated, has become the largest tribe of peoples? What if, throughout the world, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States, millions of people with Jewish heritage are tied to the tribe of Ephraim and don't even know it? Some people think this is true. Perhaps Hashem is calling many to prepare for their return to Israel, for the end of days.

Today’s Challenge:

If you are a gentile or Jew who follows and studies Torah, I challenge you to examine your ancestry (if you haven’t already). If you have older relatives who are alive, ask them about their family history. Visit websites like ancestry.com and explore your family's roots. You may be pleasantly surprised. Whether you are a gentile or a Jew, you may have some exciting things to learn about your ancestors.

Vayigash - Day #3

Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ - And He Drew Near  

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Genesis 45:8–18

8 So now it wasn’t you who sent me here, but Elohim, and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of all his house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt. 9 Hurry, and go up to my father, and tell him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says, “Elohim has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me. Don’t wait. 10 You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you will be near to me, you, your children, your children’s children, your flocks, your herds, and all that you have. 11 There I will provide for you; for there are yet five years of famine; lest you come to poverty, you, and your household, and all that you have.”’ 12 Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaks to you. 13 You shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. You shall hurry and bring my father down here.” 14 He fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. 15 He kissed all his brothers and wept on them. After that, his brothers talked with him.

16 The report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” It pleased Pharaoh well and his servants. 17 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Tell your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your animals, and go, travel to the land of Canaan. 18 Take your father and your households, and come to me, and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land.’

Today’s Meditation: 

I’m thinking about how Joseph’s brothers are rewarded, simply for being his brothers. What is interesting is that they thought about killing Joseph and then allowed him to be sold into slavery. I am sure their consciences bothered them throughout the years, but now they are truly blessed by Joseph, even after all they have done. 

Would you do that? Have you been in a situation where someone “wronged” you, and instead of taking revenge, you treated them with kindness and generosity? What a better and healed world we would live in if we did this.

Today’s Challenge: 

Think back on anyone you may have wronged. Perhaps they are not acting as forgiving and generous as Joseph did, so what can you do to repair the damage you have caused? Pray about it. Hashem may reveal something special you can do for them. If He does, do not delay in carrying out the task. The sooner the better. By doing so, you will feel a sense of freedom.

Miketz - Day #3

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of  

Torah Portion: Genesis 41:1-44:17

Genesis 41:39-52

41:39 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Because Elohim has shown you all of this, there is no one so discreet and wise as you. 40 You shall be over my house. All my people will be ruled according to your word. Only in the throne I will be greater than you.” 41 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Behold, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” 42 Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand, and put it on Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck. 43 He made him ride in the second chariot, which he had. They cried before him, “Bow the knee!” He set him over all the land of Egypt. 44 Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh. Without you, no man shall lift up his hand or his foot in all the land of Egypt.” 45 Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphenath-Paneah. He gave him Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest of On as a wife. Joseph went out over the land of Egypt.

46 Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. 47 In the seven plenteous years, the earth produced abundantly. 48 He gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities. He stored food in each city from the fields around that city. 49 Joseph laid up grain as the sand of the sea, very much, until he stopped counting, for it was without number. 50 To Joseph were born two sons before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, priest of On, bore to him. 51 Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, “For”, he said, “Elohim has made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.” 52 The name of the second, he called Ephraim; “For Elohim has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.”

Today’s Meditation:

Names have meaning and can set your destiny. Look in verses 51 and 52; “Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, for he said, ‘Elohim has made me forget all my toil, and all my father’s house.” The name of the second, he called Ephraim; “For Elohim has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” Clearly, his sons' names have relevant and purposeful meanings, as is played out in the future.

Names are important. What we name our children will carry with them and become a part of their identity for their whole life. Sometimes people will name their children after someone they know. This must be given careful consideration. You may ask yourself if that person is kind, reputable, generous, G-dly, and fair. Do not name your child after someone just because it was a fun thing to do at the time. 

Do some research. See what your own name means. See what your children’s names mean. Try to fit in the definitions with what Hashem has planned for you and for them. Throughout Scripture, we see the meaning of names. Ponder on what special name you want to give your next child.

Today’s Challenge: 

Joseph’s last statement in this reading is that Hashem has made him fruitful during his affliction. How can we relate to that in today’s world? When we feel afflicted in any of these areas - health, finances, emotions, or spiritually, can Hashem make us fruitful? That doesn’t necessarily mean you will be as wealthy as Joseph and have influence. Maybe it means that you can still be productive in displaying the love of Hashem during difficult times in your life. I challenge you today to be fruitful by showing love and kindness to those around you, especially if you are going through a tough time. If you can do this (and you can), you will notice a significant improvement in the quality of your life.

Vayeshev - Day #3

Vayeshev וַיֵּשֶׁב - And He Settled  

Torah Portion: Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Genesis 37:23–36

37:23 When Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him; 24 and they took him, and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty. There was no water in it.

25 They sat down to eat bread, and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. 26 Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come, and let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites, and not let our hand be on him; for he is our brother, our flesh.” His brothers listened to him. 28 Midianites who were merchants passed by, and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. The merchants brought Joseph into Egypt.

29 Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph wasn’t in the pit; and he tore his clothes. 30 He returned to his brothers, and said, “The child is no more; and I, where will I go?” 31 They took Joseph’s tunic, and killed a male goat, and dipped the tunic in the blood. 32 They took the tunic of many colors, and they brought it to their father, and said, “We have found this. Examine it, now, and see if it is your son’s tunic or not.”

33 He recognized it and said, “It is my son’s tunic. An evil animal has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn in pieces.” 34 Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days. 35 All his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. He said, “For I will go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.” His father wept for him. 36 The Midianites sold him into Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard.

Today’s Meditation: 

Doesn’t Hashem always provide a way of escape? Here is Joseph, thrown into a waterless pit, left to die. And along comes a caravan of men to rescue him. The brothers see this and seem to be alright with it. In fact, they devise a plan to prove to their father that he is dead (blood on his tunic). The Torah is full of people, just like you and me, who are not perfect by any measure and who make distinctly bad choices. The point is, Joseph is rescued and sold. He lives. Maybe not the life he had, but he has been given another chance. Hashem is like that. I can think of many times in my life when He saved me from a challenging situation. Sometimes miraculously. If you need rescuing right now, look up to Him and ask Him to save you.

Today’s Challenge: 

Today, look around you and see if you know of anyone who has fallen into a pit—someone who may be suffering from loneliness, depression, or hopelessness. See if you can find a way to lift them out of their darkness. Pray for them and ask Hashem how you could be of help. You may be surprised. Your first step may be to visit them, talk, and listen. Hashem will show you what is next. They will be blessed, and so will you.

Vayishlach - Day #3

Vayishlach, וַיִּשְׁל - And He Sent  

Torah Portion: Genesis 32:4-36:43

Genesis 32:31–33:5

32:31 The sun rose on him as he passed over Peniel, and he limped because of his thigh. 32 Therefore, the children of Israel don’t eat the sinew of the hip, which is on the hollow of the thigh, to this day, because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew of the hip.

33 Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau was coming, and with him four hundred men. He divided the children between Leah, Rachel, and the two servants. 2 He put the servants and their children in front, Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph at the rear. 3 He himself passed over in front of them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

4 Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept. 5 He lifted up his eyes, and saw the women and the children; and said, “Who are these with you?”

He said, “The children whom Elohim has graciously given your servant.”

Today’s Meditation: 

Jacob’s fears were for naught. Hashem answered his prayers, and he was greeted with love from Esau. Verse 4 says, “Esau ran to meet him, embraced him, fell on his neck, kissed him, and they wept.” Doesn’t this sound like the most wonderful reconciliation? Jacob must have felt an incredible sense of relief and peace. That is just what making amends with someone you love does. Each of us has people in our lives that we have offended or that have hurt us. Some situations appear serious, while others are minor. Either way, it is time to reconcile and receive the same peace that Jacob experienced that special day. The shalom peace that can only come from Hashem and our obedience to make things right. Whether you have been hurt or have hurt someone else, it’s time to take care of it.

Today’s Challenge: 

Traditions are important. Jews today do not eat this part of an animal because of the story of Jacob wrestling G-d. As we continue to learn, we discover that there are many more Biblical traditions. Tradition may not be a commandment you have to follow, but it is essential to recognize because of its memory and previous impact on souls. Soon, we will be approaching Hanukkah. This is not a required feast but a time in history when men witnessed a great miracle of Hashem (the victory in reclaiming the Temple and the lights of the Menorah). We recognize it and celebrate it because it reminds us of Hashem’s miraculous love for His people. Think about the traditions in your family this time of year. Instead of taking advantage of them, take time to ponder their importance. Make them memorable again and pass them on to your children. It’s essential to do so.