Beha'alotcha - Day #6

Beha’alotcha בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ - In Your Uplifting  

Torah Portion: Numbers 8:1-12:16

Numbers 10:35–11:29

10:35 When the ark went forward, Moses said, “Rise up, Hashem, and let your enemies be scattered! Let those who hate you flee before you!” 36 When it rested, he said, “Return, Hashem, to the ten thousands of the thousands of Israel.”

11:1 The people were complaining in the ears of Hashem. When Hashem heard it, his anger burned; and Hashem’s fire burned among them, and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. 2 The people cried to Moses; and Moses prayed to Hashem, and the fire abated. 3 The name of that place was called Taberah, because Hashem’s fire burned among them.

4 The mixed multitude that was among them lusted exceedingly; and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, “Who will give us meat to eat? 5 We remember the fish, which we ate in Egypt for nothing; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic; 6 but now we have lost our appetite. There is nothing at all except this manna to look at.” 7 The manna was like coriander seed, and it looked like bdellium. 8 The people went around, gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in mortars, and boiled it in pots, and made cakes of it. Its taste was like the taste of fresh oil. 9 When the dew fell on the camp in the night, the manna fell on it.

10 Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, every man at the door of his tent; and Hashem’s anger burned greatly; and Moses was displeased. 11 Moses said to Hashem, “Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why haven’t I found favor in Your sight, that You lay the burden of all these people on me? 12 Have I conceived all these people? Have I brought them out, that You should tell me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing infant, to the land which You swore to their fathers?’ 13 Where could I get meat to give all these people? For they weep before me, saying, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ 14 I am not able to bear all these people alone, because it is too heavy for me. 15 If You treat me this way, please kill me right now, if I have found favor in Your sight; and don’t let me see my wretchedness.”

16 Hashem said to Moses, “Gather to me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them; and bring them to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. 17 I will come down and talk with you there. I will take of the Spirit which is on you, and will put it on them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you don’t bear it yourself alone.

18 “Say to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves in preparation for tomorrow, and you will eat meat; for you have wept in the ears of Hashem, saying, “Who will give us meat to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt.” Therefore, Hashem will give you meat, and you will eat. 19 You will not eat just one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, 20 but a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils, and it is loathsome to you; because you have rejected Hashem who is among you, and have wept before Him, saying, “Why did we come out of Egypt?”’”

21 Moses said, “The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand men on foot; and you have said, ‘I will give them meat, that they may eat a whole month.’ 22 Shall flocks and herds be slaughtered for them, to be sufficient for them? Shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to be sufficient for them?”

23 Hashem said to Moses, “Has Hashem’s hand grown short? Now you will see whether My word will happen to you or not.”

24 Moses went out and told the people Hashem’s words; and he gathered seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them around the Tent. 25 Hashem came down in the cloud, and spoke to him, and took of the Spirit that was on him, and put it on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did so no more. 26 But two men remained in the camp. The name of one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad; and the Spirit rested on them. They were of those who were written, but had not gone out to the Tent; and they prophesied in the camp. 27 A young man ran, and told Moses, and said, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp!”

28 Joshua, the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his chosen men, answered, “My lord Moses, forbid them!”

29 Moses said to him, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all Hashem’s people were prophets, that Hashem would put his Spirit on them!”

Today’s Meditation:

The first part of today’s reading is about complaining. The chosen people, led through the wilderness on a journey to the promised land, begin to yearn for more. Isn’t that why we complain too? We are in the midst of something, but we want more: more people, more material things, more of Hashem. I have been so convicted lately about complaining. I feel like when I do, it immediately separates me from Hashem. It’s like grumbling is a considerable offense to Him. And no wonder. He has given us so very, very much. And we want more. And if we don’t get it, we complain. Oh, how it must hurt His heart. I’m working on it. When I catch myself doing this, I try to repent immediately. And I try to correct my behavior. Maybe every time we think about complaining, we should give praise to Hashem instead. That would be life-changing.

Today’s Challenge:

There is an excellent story at the end of this reading. Hashem places the spirit that rests on Moses on the seventy elders. Then someone notices a few extra people who seem to have the spirit on them already and are prophesying. But Moses doesn’t see this as a problem; in fact, he wishes everyone were moving in the spirit. 

Could this be the same as the Spirit of Hashem that is resting on people today? If we are close to Him, study His Word, obey Torah, repent, and give to others, maybe His Spirit would rest on us. Let’s think and pray about that today. Ask Hashem to place His Spirit on you today. See what that does in your life. 

Nasso - Day #6

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate! 

Torah Portion: Numbers 4:21-7:89 

Numbers 7:42–71

7:42 On the sixth day, Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, 43 gave his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

44 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

45 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 46 one male goat for a sin offering;

47 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph, the son of Deuel.

48 On the seventh day, Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, 49 gave his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

50 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

51 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 52 one male goat for a sin offering;

53 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Elishama, the son of Ammihud.

54 On the eighth day, Gamaliel, the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh, 55 gave his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

56 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

57 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 58 one male goat for a sin offering;

59 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Gamaliel, the son of Pedahzur.

60 On the ninth day, Abidan, the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, 61 gave his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

62 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

63 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 64 one male goat for a sin offering;

65 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Abidan, the son of Gideoni.

66 On the tenth day, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, 67 gave his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

68 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

69 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 70 one male goat for a sin offering;

71 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Ahiezer, the son of Ammishaddai.

Today’s Meditation:

The tribe leaders all gave the same sacrifices to Hashem. Equality in worship of the Father. That’s an interesting concept. But, they didn’t give it all on the same day. They each had their own day. It reminds me of how it is now in a way. We each bring something to Hashem on our own special day. It could be on Shabbat or another day of the week. But, we can still do something or give something on a day set apart. The question is what are we giving/doing? Give this some thought and be like the tribe leaders, giving Hashem beautiful gifts.

Today’s Challenge:

I feel like today’s reading is a lot about equality. No tribe leader was trying to outdo the other. They probably saw the first leader make their sacrifice and offerings, and decided it would be good to do the same. Maybe they realize that Hashem sees us all as equals,” so why outgive each other? It is an excellent example of being fair. My challenge to you today is to think about your kids, grandkids, coworkers, or friends, and ask yourself: Do you treat them equally when it comes to gift-giving? Or do you have your favorite one that you treat differently? Maybe rethink your giving and try to make things equal. I have a feeling that this is important. Probably, because no one gets hurt this way. Please take a look at it and make any necessary changes.

Shavout Week - Day #6 (Officially Day #1)

Shavout Week - Day #6   (Officially Day #1)

Main Reading: Exodus Chapters 19:1-20:23                                                                Maftir: Numbers 28:26-31                                                                                             

Haftarah: Ezekiel 1:1-28, 3:12

Exodus: 19:1-20:23

19:1 In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that same day, they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 When they had departed from Rephidim, and had come to the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Israel encamped before the mountain. 3 Moses went up to Hashem, and Hashem called to him out of the mountain, saying, “This is what you shall tell the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is Mine; 6 and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”

7 Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which Hashem commanded him. 8 All the people answered together, and said, “All that Hashem has spoken we will do.”

Moses reported the words of the people to Hashem. 9 Hashem said to Moses, “Behold, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever.” Moses told the words of the people to Hashem. 10 Hashem said to Moses, “Go to the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments, 11 and be ready for the third day; for on the third day Hashem will come down in the sight of all the people on Mount Sinai. 12 You shall set bounds to the people all around, saying, ‘Be careful that you don’t go up onto the mountain, or touch its border. Whoever touches the mountain shall be surely put to death. 13 No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether it is animal or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come up to the mountain.”

14 Moses went down from the mountain to the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes. 15 He said to the people, “Be ready by the third day. Don’t have sexual relations with a woman.”

16 On the third day, when it was morning, there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet; and all the people who were in the camp trembled. 17 Moses led the people out of the camp to meet Hashem, and they stood at the lower part of the mountain. 18 All of Mount Sinai smoked, because Hashem descended on it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. 19 When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and Hashem answered him by a voice. 20 Hashem came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. Hashem called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

21 Hashem said to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to Hashem to gaze, and many of them perish. 22 Let the priests also, who come near to Hashem, sanctify themselves, lest Hashem break out on them.”

23 Moses said to Hashem, “The people can’t come up to Mount Sinai, for you warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds around the mountain, and sanctify it.’”

24 Hashem said to him, “Go down! You shall bring Aaron up with you, but don’t let the priests and the people break through to come up to Hashem, lest He break out against them.”

25 So Moses went down to the people and told them.

20:1 Hashem spoke all these words, saying, 2 “I am Hashem your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3 “You shall have no other gods before Me. 4 You shall not make for yourselves an idol, nor any image of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5 you shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them, for I, Hashem your Elohim, am a jealous Elohim, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate Me, 6 and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love Me and keep My commandments.

7 “You shall not misuse the name of Hashem your Elohim, for Hashem will not hold him guiltless who misuses His name.

8 “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 You shall labor six days, and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Hashem your Elohim. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; 11 for in six days Hashem made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Hashem blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.

12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Hashem your Elohim gives you.

13 “You shall not murder.

14 “You shall not commit adultery.

15 “You shall not steal.

16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

18 All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled and stayed at a distance. 19 They said to Moses, “Speak with us yourself, and we will listen; but don’t let Hashem speak with us, lest we die.”

20 Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for Hashem has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, that you won’t sin.” 21 The people stayed at a distance, and Moses came near to the thick darkness where Hashem was.

22 Hashem said to Moses, “This is what you shall tell the children of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. 23 You shall most certainly not make gods of silver or gods of gold for yourselves to be alongside Me.

Maftir: Numbers 28:26-31

28:26 “‘Also in the day of the first fruits, when you offer a new meal offering to Hashem in your feast of weeks, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no regular work; 27 but you shall offer a burnt offering for a pleasant aroma to Hashem: two young bulls, one ram, seven male lambs a year old; 28 and their meal offering, fine flour mixed with oil, three tenths for each bull, two tenths for the one ram, 29 one tenth for every lamb of the seven lambs; 30 and one male goat, to make atonement for you. 31 Besides the continual burnt offering and its meal offering, you shall offer them and their drink offerings. See that they are without defect.

Haftarah: Ezekiel 1:1-28, 3:12

1:1 Now in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river Chebar, the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of Hashem.

2 In the fifth of the month, which was the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity, 3 Hashem’s word came to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and Hashem’s hand was there on him.

4 I looked, and behold, a stormy wind came out of the north: a great cloud, with flashing lightning, and a brightness around it, and out of the middle of it as it were glowing metal, out of the middle of the fire. 5 Out of its center came the likeness of four living creatures. This was their appearance: They had the likeness of a man. 6 Everyone had four faces, and each one of them had four wings. 7 Their feet were straight feet. The sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf’s foot; and they sparkled like burnished bronze. 8 They had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides. The four of them had their faces and their wings like this: 9 Their wings were joined to one another. They didn’t turn when they went. Each one went straight forward.

10 As for the likeness of their faces, they had the face of a man. The four of them had the face of a lion on the right side. The four of them had the face of an ox on the left side. The four of them also had the face of an eagle. 11 Such were their faces. Their wings were spread out above. Two wings of each one touched another, and two covered their bodies. 12 Each one went straight forward. Where the spirit was to go, they went. They didn’t turn when they went. 13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches. The fire went up and down among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and lightning went out of the fire. 14 The living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.

15 Now as I saw the living creatures, behold, there was one wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, for each of the four faces of it. 16 The appearance of the wheels and their work was like a beryl. The four of them had one likeness. Their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel within a wheel. 17 When they went, they went in their four directions. They didn’t turn when they went. 18 As for their rims, they were high and dreadful; and the four of them had their rims full of eyes all around.

19 When the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them. When the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. 20 Wherever the spirit was to go, they went. The spirit was to go there. The wheels were lifted up beside them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels. 21 When those went, these went. When those stood, these stood. When those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up beside them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

22 Over the head of the living creature, there was the likeness of an expanse, like an awesome crystal to look at, stretched out over their heads above. 23 Under the expanse, their wings were straight, one toward the other. Each one had two which covered on this side, and each one had two which covered their bodies on that side. 24 When they went, I heard the noise of their wings like the noise of great waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a noise of tumult like the noise of an army. When they stood, they let down their wings.

25 There was a voice above the expanse that was over their heads. When they stood, they let down their wings. 26 Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone. On the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a man on it above. 27 I saw as it were glowing metal, as the appearance of fire within it all around, from the appearance of his waist and upward; and from the appearance of his waist and downward I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him. 28 As the appearance of the rainbow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.

Ezekiel 3:12

3:12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the voice of a great rushing, saying, “Blessed be Hashem’s glory from His place.”

Today’s Meditation:

Shavuot is about offering your firstfruits. You may not be a farmer, but as a follower of Hashem, you are able to give the firstfruits of many things He has given you. Think about returning to Him a portion of your finances by supporting a worthy cause. Or giving back a portion of your blessings through prayer and worship. The best way to give back to Hashem is to give to others. Help people in need around you with acts of kindness and service.

It is important to remember and celebrate Hashem’s holy feasts, and this is one of them. Try to attend a convocation of believers. Remember to try to serve Hashem and serve others.

Bamidbar - Day #6

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness  

Torah Portion: Numbers 1:1-4:20

Numbers 3:40–51

3:40 Hashem said to Moses, “Count all the firstborn males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names. 41 You shall take the Levites for me—I am Hashem—instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the livestock of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the livestock of the children of Israel.”

42 Moses counted, as Hashem commanded him, all the firstborn among the children of Israel. 43 All the firstborn males, according to the number of names from a month old and upward, of those who were counted of them, were twenty-two thousand two hundred seventy-three.

44 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 45 “Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites instead of their livestock; and the Levites shall be mine. I am Hashem. 46 For the redemption of the two hundred seventy-three of the firstborn of the children of Israel who exceed the number of the Levites, 47 you shall take five shekels apiece for each one; according to the shekel of the sanctuary you shall take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs; 48 and you shall give the money, with which their remainder is redeemed, to Aaron and to his sons.”

49 Moses took the redemption money from those who exceeded the number of those who were redeemed by the Levites; 50 from the firstborn of the children of Israel he took the money, one thousand three hundred sixty-five shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; 51 and Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and to his sons, according to Hashem’s word, as Hashem commanded Moses.

Today’s Meditation:

Hashem is extraordinarily detail-oriented. Today, he is commanding a redemption for the firstborn that exceeds the number of Levites. Why? I can only imagine because He wants everything to be fair and equal. And He is taking care of the Levites, His very special people. He wants equality down to the littlest detail. It makes me think that He cares about even the small details of our lives, too. I just told a friend that I didn’t want to bother Hashem with the small needs of my life, and she said I should ask Him to show me that He cares, even about the little things. Like a parent wants to please, even with the small things their children ask for. That makes sense.

Today’s Challenge:

When you are praying today and asking Hashem to do the big things (protect Israel, your family, stop sickness and hunger, etc), you might take a moment to ask Him for something small that you need or want. Try to do it with praise, and of course, with any repentance you may need to make. He does care about everything in our lives. I can give witness to that. After He honors your prayer, be sure to give Him all the glory and honor. I see Hashem moving in every part of my life, and I pray you do too.