Va'eira - Day #7

Va'eira  וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared  

Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35

Haftarah: Ezekiel 28:25-29:21

Shabbat: Exodus 9:17–35

9:17 because you still exalt yourself against My people, that you won’t let them go. 18 Behold, tomorrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as has not been in Egypt since the day it was founded, even until now. 19 Now therefore command that all of your livestock and all that you have in the field be brought into shelter. The hail will come down on every man and animal that is found in the field, and isn’t brought home, and they will die.”

20 Those who feared Hashem’s word among the servants of Pharaoh made their servants and their livestock flee into the houses. 21 Whoever didn’t respect Hashem’s word left his servants and his livestock in the field.

22 Hashem said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, on man, and on animal, and on every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt.”

23 Moses stretched out his rod toward the heavens, and Hashem sent thunder and hail; and lightning flashed down to the earth. Hashem rained hail on the land of Egypt. 24 So there was very severe hail, and lightning mixed with the hail, such as had not been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. 25 The hail struck throughout all the land of Egypt, all that was in the field, both man and animal; and the hail struck every herb of the field, and broke every tree of the field. 26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, there was no hail.

27 Pharaoh sent and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “I have sinned this time. Hashem is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. 28 Pray to Hashem; for there has been enough of mighty thunderings and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.”

29 Moses said to him, “As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands to Hashem. The thunders shall cease, and there will not be any more hail; that you may know that the earth is Hashem’s. 30 But as for you and your servants, I know that you don’t yet fear Hashem Elohim.”

31 The flax and the barley were struck, for the barley had ripened and the flax was blooming. 32 But the wheat and the spelt were not struck, for they had not grown up. 33 Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread out his hands to Hashem; and the thunder and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured on the earth. 34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants. 35 The heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he didn’t let the children of Israel go, just as Hashem had spoken through Moses.

Today’s Meditation:

In verse 9:20, we learn that those who “feared” Hashem’s Word, believed Him, and put their animals inside. Those who did not fear or believe left their animals in the field. The result was as it always is. Those who feared and were obedient were blessed; their animals were saved. Those who were not lost their livelihoods. Another strong lesson to be learned. We must fear Hashem and follow His Word. That includes all we can do in the Torah, even if no one around you understands.

Today’s Challenge:

One thing is for sure: the Pharaoh changes his heart quite a bit. When things are bad, he wants Moses to call upon Hashem. When things are good and fixed, he doesn’t even believe in the  G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He forfeits his brief faith. Are you like that? Do you call upon Hashem in the hard times, but when things are fine, you even doubt He is real? It is best to practice praising Him, especially in the good times. Remember Him daily and share His love with others.

This Week’s Haftarah: Ezekiel 28:25-29:21

28:25 “‘Hashem says: “When I have gathered the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and am sanctified in them in the sight of the nations, then they will dwell in their own land which I gave to my servant Jacob. 26 They will dwell in it securely. Yes, they will build houses, plant vineyards, and will dwell securely, when I have executed judgments on all those who scorn them all around. Then they will know that I am Hashem their Elohim.”

29 In the tenth year, in the tenth month, on the twelfth day of the month, Hashem’s word came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him and against all Egypt. 3 Speak and say, ‘Hashem says:

“Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt,

    the great monster that lies in the middle of his rivers,

that has said, ‘My river is my own,

    and I have made it for myself.’

4 I will put hooks in your jaws,

    and I will make the fish of your rivers stick to your scales.

I will bring you up out of the middle of your rivers,

    with all the fish of your rivers which stick to your scales.

5 I’ll cast you out into the wilderness,

    you and all the fish of your rivers.

You’ll fall on the open field.

    You won’t be brought together or gathered.

I have given you for food to the animals of the earth

    and to the birds of the sky.

6 “All the inhabitants of Egypt will know that I am Hashem, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel. 7 When they took hold of you by your hand, you broke, and tore all their shoulders. When they leaned on you, you broke and paralyzed all of their thighs.”

8 “Therefore Hashem says: “Behold, I will bring a sword on you, and will cut off man and animal from you. 9 The land of Egypt will be a desolation and a waste. Then they will know that I am Hashem.

“Because he has said, ‘The river is mine, and I have made it;’ 10 therefore, behold, I am against you, and against your rivers. I will make the land of Egypt an utter waste and desolation, from the tower of Seveneh even to the border of Ethiopia. 11 No foot of man will pass through it, nor will any animal foot pass through it. It won’t be inhabited for forty years. 12 I will make the land of Egypt a desolation in the middle of the countries that are desolate. Her cities among the cities that are laid waste will be a desolation forty years. I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.”

13 “For Hashem says: “At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the peoples where they were scattered. 14 I will reverse the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their birth. They will be a lowly kingdom, there. 15 It will be the lowest of the kingdoms. It won’t lift itself up above the nations anymore. I will diminish them, so that they will no longer rule over the nations. 16 It will no longer be the confidence of the house of Israel, bringing iniquity to memory, when they turn to look after them. Then they will know that I am Hashem.”

17 It came to pass in the twenty-seventh year, in the first month, in the first day of the month, Hashem’s word came to me, saying, 18 “Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyre. Every head was made bald, and every shoulder was worn; yet he had no wages, nor did his army, from Tyre, for the service that he had served against it. 19 Therefore, Hashem says: ‘Behold, I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. He will carry off her multitude, take her plunder, and take her prey. That will be the wages for his army. 20 I have given him the land of Egypt as his payment for which he served, because they worked for me,’ says Hashem.

21 “In that day I will cause a horn to sprout for the house of Israel, and I will open your mouth among them. Then they will know that I am Hashem.”

Today’s Haftarah Meditation:

It is clear that at some point, Hashem brings down Egypt. And we know from history this is true, and may be true again in the future. Their cruelty to G-d’s people brings eventual destruction. It reminds me of the times in Scripture where Hashem says, “If you bless Israel, you will be blessed. If you curse Israel, you will be cursed.” We need to support Israel in every way—through prayer, financial support, and positive speech. It is Hashem’s Land and His people. And someday we hope to return with His people to the Land to love and serve Him forever.

Today’s Haftarah Challenge:

How can we become a part of Israel? How can we be a part of the gathering back to the Land? Simple. Follow and obey His Commandments, support and love His people (and those around us), and join Israel spiritually. Ask Hashem to be a part of His Chosen. Believe, repent, forgive, and love Hashem with your whole heart, soul, and being. Study and follow His Word.

Shemot - Day #7

Shemot, שְׁמוֹת - Names  

Torah Portion: Exodus 1:1-6:1

Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23

Shabbat: Exodus 5:1–6:1

5 Afterward, Moses and Aaron came and said to Pharaoh, “This is what Hashem, the Elohim of Israel, says, ‘Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.’”

2 Pharaoh said, “Who is Hashem, that I should listen to His voice to let Israel go? I don’t know Hashem, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.”

3 They said, “The Elohim of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to Hashem, our Elohim, lest He fall on us with pestilence, or with the sword.”

4 The king of Egypt said to them, “Why do you, Moses and Aaron, take the people from their work? Get back to your burdens!” 5 Pharaoh said, “Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens.” 6 The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their officers, saying, 7 “You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick, as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves. 8 You shall require from them the number of the bricks which they made before. You shall not diminish anything of it, for they are idle. Therefore, they cry, saying, ‘Let’s go and sacrifice to our G-d.’ 9 Let heavier work be laid on the men, that they may labor in it. Don’t let them pay any attention to lying words.”

10 The taskmasters of the people went out with their officers, and they spoke to the people, saying, “This is what Pharaoh says: ‘I will not give you straw. 11 Go yourselves, get straw where you can find it, for nothing of your work shall be diminished.’” 

12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw. 13 The taskmasters were urgent, saying, “Fulfill your work quota daily, as when there was straw!” 14 The officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and were asked, “Why haven’t you fulfilled your quota both yesterday and today, in making brick as before?”

15 Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, saying, “Why do you deal this way with your servants? 16 No straw is given to your servants, and they tell us, ‘Make brick!’ and behold, your servants are beaten; but the fault is in your own people.”

17 But Pharaoh said, “You are idle! You are idle! Therefore, you say, ‘Let’s go and sacrifice to Hashem.’ 18 Go therefore now, and work; for no straw shall be given to you; yet you shall deliver the same number of bricks!”

19 The officers of the children of Israel saw that they were in trouble when it was said, “You shall not diminish anything from your daily quota of bricks!”

20 They met Moses and Aaron, who stood along the way, as they came out from Pharaoh. 21 They said to them, “May Hashem look at you and judge, because you have made us a stench to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to kill us!”

22 Moses returned to Hashem, and said, “Hashem, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it that you have sent me? 23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has brought trouble on these people. You have not rescued Your people at all!”

6 Hashem said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh, for by a strong hand he shall let them go, and by a strong hand he shall drive them out of his land.”

Today’s Meditation:

There is sometimes trouble and storm before a deliverance. Things got way worse for the Hebrews before Hashem led them out to freedom. Why? Is it a matter of faith, of testing? At the time of this writing, our country (the USA) is going through some difficult times. To look at what is happening makes you feel like you are in an alternate universe. Yet many, many firm believers know that Hashem will deliver us from this trouble. Sometimes, He waits until the very last moment. And that’s when many believers fall away. I must admit, this is a powerful test of our faith. We are all trying hard to keep our eyes on Hashem, the author and finisher of our faith. To not look to the right or to the left, but only to Him. And we keep praying that His Truth will reign.

Today’s Challenge:

If you are going through what seems like an impossible time right now, or if you know someone who is, I encourage you to look to Hashem. I remember when one of my daughters was young and had a severe medical problem. We were waiting to get test results and a diagnosis. I was a mess, but my husband remained steady in his faith. He went out in the hospital hallway and started praising Hashem for everything. I sat numb next to him and tried to do the same. It was hard. The next day, we found out her tests were negative, and she did not have cancer. Then it was easy to praise Him. But, during the deepest part of the situation, it was very, very difficult. 

So, if you know someone who is going through a difficult time, start praising Hashem. Think of all the wonderful things He has done for you and give him praise and thanks. No matter how hard it is, thank Him for what He is doing even in your difficult situation. 

This Week’s Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23

27:6 In days to come, Jacob will take root. Israel will blossom and bud. They will fill the surface of the world with fruit. 7 Has he struck them as he struck those who struck them? Or are they killed like those who killed them were killed? 8 In measure, when you send them away, you contend with them. He has removed them with his rough blast in the day of the east wind. 9 Therefore by this the iniquity of Jacob will be forgiven, and this is all the fruit of taking away his sin: that he makes all the stones of the altar as chalk stones that are beaten in pieces, so that the Asherah poles and the incense altars shall rise no more. 10 For the fortified city is solitary, a habitation deserted and forsaken, like the wilderness. The calf will feed there, and there he will lie down, and consume its branches. 11 When its boughs are withered, they will be broken off. The women will come and set them on fire, for they are a people of no understanding. Therefore, he who made them will not have compassion on them, and he who formed them will show them no favor.

12 It will happen in that day that Hashem will thresh from the flowing stream of the Euphrates to the brook of Egypt; and you will be gathered one by one, children of Israel.

13 It will happen in that day that a great trumpet will be blown; and those who were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and those who were outcasts in the land of Egypt, shall come; and they will worship Hashem in the holy mountain at Jerusalem.

28 Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to the fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley of those who are overcome with wine! 2 Behold, Hashem has a mighty and strong one. Like a storm of hail, a destroying storm, and like a storm of mighty waters overflowing, He will cast them down to the earth with His hand. 3 The crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim will be trodden under foot. 4 The fading flower of His glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley, shall be like the first-ripe fig before the summer; which someone picks and eats as soon as he sees it. 5 In that day, Hashem of Armies will become a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty to the residue of His people, 6 and a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

7 They also reel with wine, and stagger with strong drink. The priest and the prophet reel with strong drink. They are swallowed up by wine. They stagger with strong drink. They err in vision. They stumble in judgment. 8 For all tables are completely full of filthy vomit and filthiness.

9 Whom will He teach knowledge? To whom will He explain the message? Those who are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts? 10 For it is precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little.

11 But He will speak to this nation with stammering lips and in another language, 12 to whom He said, “This is the resting place. Give rest to the weary,” and “This is the refreshing;” yet they would not hear. 13 Therefore Hashem’s word will be to them precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little; that they may go, fall backward, be broken, be snared, and be taken.

Isaiah 29:22-23

29:22 Therefore Hashem, who redeemed Abraham, says concerning the house of Jacob: “Jacob shall no longer be ashamed, neither shall his face grow pale. 23 But when he sees his children, the work of My hands, in the middle of him, they will sanctify My name. Yes, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the Elohim of Israel.

Today’s Haftarah Meditation:

What an encouraging reminder in verse 13. On that day, we will be gathered and returned to Jerusalem to worship on His holy mountain. There He will be, His glory emanating from the Holy Temple. Shouldn’t we be getting ready for that day? Shouldn’t our hearts be prepared? Repent, give restitution, pray, and ask Hashem to come back. Ask Him to come back to the new Temple prepared for His glory in Jerusalem. The Temple that either He or we prepare for His residence. This is real. Do a Bible study about Hashem’s returning glory. You will be blessed.

Today’s Haftarah Challenge:

Almost every day, I challenge you to examine yourselves for sin and an unrepentant heart. Today I will do the same. Take a moment of silence and go before Hashem. Ask Him for forgiveness for what you have done and strength to correct it. Ask Him for a way to make restitution. And then carry out what He tells you. Do not delay. He may come back at any time.

Vayechi - Day #7

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived  

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Haftarah: 1 Kings 2:1-12

Shabbat: Genesis 50:21–26

50:21 Now therefore don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your little ones.” He comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

22 Joseph lived in Egypt, he and his father’s house. Joseph lived one hundred ten years. 23 Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. The children also of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were born on Joseph’s knees. 24 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am dying, but God will surely visit you, and bring you up out of this land to the land which he swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” 25 Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, “Elohim will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” 26 So Joseph died, being one hundred ten years old, and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

Today’s Meditation:

In verse 21, Joseph comforts his sons and assures them that he will provide for them. That is how parents have done it for generations. Part of your financial planning should be for your children and grandchildren. Some of us, even in retirement, live paycheck to paycheck. So, what can we do? One option would be to pay off your mortgage and leave your home to your children in your will. If you are young, work hard to buy a house and pay it off in time for your children. Do whatever you can do. It would also be essential to set up a trust for your children’s education. My kids inherited a trust from their grandfather, and it was a super blessing to them and to us as their parents.

Today’s Challenge:

Create a financial plan to care for existing/future children and grandchildren. Do it today or put it on your planner. Do not delay. Set it up as soon as possible, and it will ease your mind. Look at it as a lifelong gift.

This Week’s Haftarah: 1 Kings 2:1-12

2 Now the days of David came near that he should die; and he commanded Solomon his son, saying, 2 “I am going the way of all the earth. You be strong therefore, and show yourself a man; 3 and keep the instruction of Hashem your Elohim, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to that which is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do, and wherever you turn yourself. 4 Then Hashem may establish His word which He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your children are careful of their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail you,’ he said, ‘a man on the throne of Israel.’

5 “Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, even what he did to the two captains of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war on his sash that was around his waist, and in his sandals that were on his feet. 6 Do therefore according to your wisdom, and don’t let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace. 7 But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table; for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your brother.

8 “Behold, there is with you Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite, of Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim; but he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by Hashem, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ 9 Now therefore don’t hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man; and you will know what you ought to do to him, and you shall bring his gray head down to Sheol with blood.”

10 David slept with his fathers, and was buried in David’s city. 11 The days that David reigned over Israel were forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and he reigned thirty-three years in Jerusalem. 12 Solomon sat on David, his father’s throne; and his kingdom was firmly established.

Today’s Haftarah Meditation:

Not only is financial planning for our children essential, but more importantly, it is teaching them Hashem’s Torah and His ways. We read that Hashem told David that if he did this, then he and his children would prosper in all that he/they did. Isn’t that what we really want for our children, spiritual prosperity? My daily prayer is that my children and grandchildren will serve Hashem. The only way that will happen is through prayer and teaching them Torah. Be intentional in this so that they may prosper.

Today’s Haftarah Challenge:

Create a plan for teaching your children/grandchildren Torah. Participate in daily readings, such as this one. Additionally, the internet is rich with Torah videos, suitable for both adults and children. Create your plan and execute it. Establish a routine that includes regular readings and study. They say it takes three weeks to make a habit. It’s super important to do this. It will make the difference between a good life and a not-so-good life.

Book of B’reisheet (Genesis)Completed

After completing the reading of a book of the Torah, it is tradition to say, "Chazak, chazak, venitchazek!" which means "Be strong, be strong, and may we be strengthened!" This is a customary expression of encouragement to continue studying the Torah and to return to it in the future. And that is just what we hope you will do. 

Now, I would like to invite you to the next book of the Torah, Shemot (Exodus). I encourage you to study it just like you did this devotional. Spend a few minutes every day reading the portion and thinking about the daily meditation and challenge. I assure you that your life will be changed. You will grow closer to Hashem and deepen your faith.

Blessings and shalom, shalom.

Nancy Kujawa

Michigan, USA