Vayeshev - Reading #1

Vayeshev וַיֵּשֶׁב - And He Settled

Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Reading #1 - Genesis 37:1–11

My Thoughts: 

Here is an interesting Bible Study for you. Google Joseph’s coat of many colors. I did so and found that maybe this coat did NOT have many colors but actually could have been white wool. Also, that the Hebrew translation could mean that the coat was long and had long sleeves -- a symbol of someone of “royalty” or importance and one that did not do menial work. No wonder Joseph’s brothers were a little upset about all this! Joseph was definitely his father’s favorite and given special privilege? Anyways, look it up and see what you can find out. 

Challenge: 

Do you ever treat one of your children in a more special way then the others? Have you ever said, “You are my favorite child?” Families can mistakenly do that. Maybe with the oldest, or the youngest -- singling them out to be somehow “better” than the other kids. Search your heart and see if this is true. If it is, try to find some special time with your other children (whether young or adult) and make sure they understand that ALL your children are equal and you love them all the same. Maybe point out something very special that you love about this particular one (that you are talking to) and make them feel special. You may even address that if they have heard or thought they heard that you favored another sibling, that it was simply not true and a misunderstanding. This is super important. You want your children to know that they are all loved equally! That they are all special in your eyes. And prove it to them!

Reading #1 - Genesis 37:1–11

37 Jacob lived in the land of his father’s travels, in the land of Canaan. 2 This is the history of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. Joseph brought an evil report of them to their father. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a tunic of many colors. 4 His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn’t speak peaceably to him.

5 Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him all the more. 6 He said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: 7 for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves came around, and bowed down to my sheaf.”

8 His brothers asked him, “Will you indeed reign over us? Will you indeed have dominion over us?” They hated him all the more for his dreams and for his words. 9 He dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brothers, and said, “Behold, I have dreamed yet another dream: and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars bowed down to me.” 10 He told it to his father and to his brothers. His father rebuked him, and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves down to the earth before you?” 11 His brothers envied him, but his father kept this saying in mind.

Vayishlach - Reading #1

Vayishlach, וַיִּשְׁל - And He Sent

Genesis 32:4-36:43

Reading #1- Genesis 32:4–13

My Thoughts: 

Jacob prays to Hashem to help him when he meets his brother Esau. He reminds Hashem of His promise to bless him with generations in the Land. And frankly, he is scared. He remembers all he did to his brother, so he tries to gather some gifts to appease him. Have you ever upset someone and tried to apologize with gifts or something material. I really believe there should be both - asking for forgiveness and restitution. This is what Torah and Judaism teaches. If you borrow a coat, bring back two. It worked for Jacob. As we read on there seems to be a reconciliation between the two brothers. It always takes one person to start the process.

Challenge: 

Think of someone you have wronged (I have given this challenge to you before). Now get or buy something that you know that person would like and/or enjoy and apologize. A gift always shows someone that you care. And remember a sincere apology goes a long way. Hashem loves it when we reconcile with people. It repairs the world and makes it whole again.

Reading #1- Genesis 32:4–13

32:4 He commanded them, saying, “This is what you shall tell my lord, Esau: ‘This is what your servant, Jacob, says. I have lived as a foreigner with Laban, and stayed until now. 5 I have cattle, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.’” 6 The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau. He is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed. He divided the people who were with him, along with the flocks, the herds, and the camels, into two companies. 8 He said, “If Esau comes to the one company, and strikes it, then the company which is left will escape.” 9 Jacob said, “Elohim of my father Abraham, and Elohim of my father Isaac, Hashem, who said to me, ‘Return to your country, and to your relatives, and I will do you good,’ 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the loving kindnesses, and of all the truth, which you have shown to your servant; for with just my staff I crossed over this Jordan; and now I have become two companies. 11 Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and strike me and the mothers with the children. 12 You said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which can’t be counted because there are so many.’”

13 He stayed there that night, and took from that which he had with him a present for Esau, his brother:

Toldot - Reading #1

Toldot, תּוֹלְדֹת - Generations

Genesis 25:19-28:9

Reading #1- Genesis 25:19–26:5

My Thoughts: 

In the last few verses of today’s reading, we see Hashem promising to Isaac the land (Israel) and the people. And in the very last verse, He explains this because Abraham followed “Hashem’s commandments, statutes and laws!” You may wonder, like I did, how could this be? The Law has not yet been given on Mt. Sinai. 

But, maybe it has. The Law is eternal. It always was and always will be. So, it was given to man beginning at Adam. Maybe not in its entirety, but progressively. Remember, Abel sacrificed an animal. So, did others. There were also “clean” and “unclean” animals entering the ark. We see many “glimpses” of the Law up to this point.  

If the Law is eternal we better be following it to the best of our ability today. Yeshua taught it in every way in His short ministry on earth. If we are going to follow Him we are following the way He did things and what He believed.

Challenge: 

We are just beginning to learn about the Law, the Commandments of Hashem. Today I challenge you to think about whether you are required to follow the Commandments. And I am not just talking about the Ten Commandments, but ALL of them. Of course, there are some we can not follow today, like the ones regarding the Temple or priestly duties. Think and pray about this. As we continue on in reading the Torah this year we learn more about the Law. It would be good if in your heart if it is settled whether the Commandments are for you or not.

Reading #1 - Genesis 25:19–26:5

25:19 This is the history of the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son. Abraham became the father of Isaac. 20 Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Paddan Aram, the sister of Laban the Syrian, to be his wife. 21 Isaac entreated Hashem for his wife, because she was barren. Hashem was entreated by him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 The children struggled together within her. She said, “If it is like this, why do I live?” She went to inquire of Hashem. 23 Hashem said to her,

“Two nations are in your womb.

Two peoples will be separated from your body.

The one people will be stronger than the other people.

The elder will serve the younger.”

24 When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25 The first came out red all over, like a hairy garment. They named him Esau. 26 After that, his brother came out, and his hand had hold on Esau’s heel. He was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.

27 The boys grew. Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field. Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. 28 Now Isaac loved Esau, because he ate his venison. Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 Jacob boiled stew. Esau came in from the field, and he was famished. 30 Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with some of that red stew, for I am famished.” Therefore his name was called Edom.

31 Jacob said, “First, sell me your birthright.”

32 Esau said, “Behold, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?”

33 Jacob said, “Swear to me first.”

He swore to him. He sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew. He ate and drank, rose up, and went his way. So Esau despised his birthright.

26 There was a famine in the land, in addition to the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, to Gerar. 2 Hashem appeared to him, and said, “Don’t go down into Egypt. Live in the land I will tell you about. 3 Live in this land, and I will be with you, and will bless you. For I will give to you, and to your offspring, all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. 4 I will multiply your offspring as the stars of the sky, and will give all these lands to your offspring. In your offspring all the nations of the earth will be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my requirements, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”

Chayei Sarah - Reading #1

Chayei Sarah חַיֵּי שָׂרָה- Life of Sarah 

Genesis 18:1-22:24

READING #1 - Genesis 23:1–16

My Thoughts:

Doing what is right. When Sarah dies, Abraham is still a “foreigner” in the land of Israel. He seeks out a place to bury her and Ephron offers to give him a burial site for free. They have this curious dialogue about paying for it. Ephron wants to give to Abraham, but Abraham wants to pay for it. And eventually he does. He does the right and honorable thing. I imagine he also does not want to “owe” Ephron for any favors. This is wise.

Could this have happened because Ephron was not a part of Abraham’s people? That Ephron was actually a stranger to Abraham? The lesson to be learned may be that it is better to do what is right and not accept a free gift “without” strings from someone you do not know. In the end, it may prove to be advantageous and not come back to “bite” you.

Challenge:

There are times where it is good and right to accept “gifts” from others. And there are times when you should not. The challenge today is to prepare yourself for the next time a stranger offers you a “free” gift. Take some time to consider the true cost. And think about this story. You will find the right answer.

READING #1 - Genesis 23:1–16

23 Sarah lived one hundred twenty-seven years. This was the length of Sarah’s life. 2 Sarah died in Kiriath Arba (also called Hebron), in the land of Canaan. Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her. 3 Abraham rose up from before his dead and spoke to the children of Heth, saying, 4 “I am a stranger and a foreigner living with you. Give me a possession of a burying-place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.”

5 The children of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him, 6 “Hear us, my lord. You are a prince of Elohim among us. Bury your dead in the best of our tombs. None of us will withhold from you his tomb. Bury your dead.”

7 Abraham rose up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, to the children of Heth. 8 He talked with them, saying, “If you agree that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, 9 that he may sell me the cave of Machpelah, which he has, which is in the end of his field. For the full price let him sell it to me among you as a possession for a burial place.”

10 Now Ephron was sitting in the middle of the children of Heth. Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the children of Heth, even of all who went in at the gate of his city, saying, 11 “No, my lord, hear me. I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the presence of the children of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead.”

12 Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land. 13 He spoke to Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, “But if you will, please hear me. I will give the price of the field. Take it from me, and I will bury my dead there.”

14 Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him, 15 “My lord, listen to me. What is a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver between me and you? Therefore bury your dead.”

16 Abraham listened to Ephron. Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the current merchants’ standard.

Vayeira - Reading #1

Vayeira וַיֵּרָא - And He Appeared

Genesis 18:1-22:24

READING #1 - Genesis 18:1–14         

My Thoughts:

Sarah laughed at what Hashem had said about her getting pregnant. This was unbelievable to her. Her laugh was all about disbelief and doubt. Nevertheless, what Hashem said came true. As impossible as it seemed. 

Have you ever asked Hashem for the impossible? Maybe you never laughed at Hashem, but maybe you laughed at yourself for asking Him. Only to find out He answered your prayer! When that happens to me, it builds my faith to giant heights! What a faithful and wonderful Elohim we serve.

Challenge:

Today I challenge you to pray for the impossible prayer. Look at something in your life that only Hashem could change! Now take a moment to ask Him. Don’t laugh at the doubts you have, but look at how Hashem fulfilled Sarah’s request and BELIEVE. Do it now, do not delay.

READING #1 - Genesis 18:1–14    

18 Hashem appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood near him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth, 3 and said, “My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don’t go away from your servant. 4 Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 I will get a piece of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant.”

They said, “Very well, do as you have said.”

6 Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly prepare three seahs of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.” 7 Abraham ran to the herd, and fetched a tender and good calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to dress it. 8 He took butter, milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them. He stood by them under the tree, and they ate.

9 They asked him, “Where is Sarah, your wife?”

He said, “There, in the tent.”

10 He said, “I will certainly return to you at about this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.”

Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age. Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. 12 Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old will I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”

13 Hashem said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Will I really bear a child when I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for Hashem? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes around, and Sarah will have a son.”   

Lech-Lecha - Reading #1

Lech-Lecha לֶךְ-לְךָ Go Forth Yourself!

Torah Portion Genesis 12:1-17:27

Reading #1 - Genesis 12:1–13              

My Thoughts:

How strong and confident Abram must have been in hearing the voice of Hashem. Can you imagine uprooting your whole family and taking them to an “occupied” land. And then to be told that Hashem was going to make you a “great nation”. One would have to be absolutely sure you were hearing from Hashem. Abram must have been in a very close relationship with Hashem. I wonder if we could have the same type of relationship?

Challenge: 

Do you hear Hashem’s voice clearly in your life? A while ago, my husband and I were taught something called “listening prayer”. We would take a prayer request to Hashem by sitting together, getting quiet, asking Him a question and then LISTENING to what He told us. It was interesting because so many times we would each “hear” the same thing from Hashem. I challenge you today to do some “listening prayer”. All you have to do is get into a quiet space, ask your question or request of Hashem, and get quiet and listen to Him. Usually it’s the first thing that comes into your mind. It could be Scripture, a “yes”, “no” or “wait”, or it could actually be some unexpected action you are to take. Try it. You will be amazed. You will learn to listen to Hashem just like Abram did.

Reading #1 - Genesis 12:1–13

12 Now Hashem said to Abram, “Leave your country, and your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who treats you with contempt. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

4 So Abram went, as Hashem had told him. Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 Abram took Sarai his wife, Lot his brother’s son, all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they went to go into the land of Canaan. They entered into the land of Canaan. 6 Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time, Canaanites were in the land.

7 Hashem appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.”

He built an altar there to Hashem, who had appeared to him. 8 He left from there to go to the mountain on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to Hashem and called on Hashem’s name. 9 Abram traveled, still going on toward the South.

10 There was a famine in the land. Abram went down into Egypt to live as a foreigner there, for the famine was severe in the land. 11 When he had come near to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman to look at. 12 It will happen that when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ They will kill me, but they will save you alive. 13 Please say that you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that my soul may live because of you.”

Noach - Reading #1

Noach נֹחַ - Rest

Torah Portion Genesis 6:9-11:32

Reading #1 - Genesis 6:9-22                

My Thoughts:

What does it mean to “walk with G-d” (v. 9)? The word walk in Hebrew is “halakh”. It means to be in a relationship and fellowship. For Noah in a time when it appears there is a lot of corruption, it meant he was in a good relationship with Hashem. He wasn’t going with the mainstream, he was instead walking closely to Hashem.

I imagine that Noah paid a price to be walking with G-d. Maybe some people didn’t like him because of that, probably shunned him or even made fun of him. And think about what criticism he fought when he started to build a gigantic boat. The laughter and jeers were most likely unbearable. It didn’t matter. He still walked with G-d. Because of his righteousness - Hashem saved him and his family from destruction. He preserves the lineage for the Mashiach (Messiah). Praise Him for doing so!

Challenge: 

Today, think about how you can be walking a little closer to Hashem. Imagine you are taking Him everywhere you go. Would that make a difference?

Reading #1 - Genesis 6:9-22

6:9 This is the history of the generations of Noah: Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time. Noah walked with Elohim. 10 Noah became the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 The earth was corrupt before Elohim, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 Elohim saw the earth, and saw that it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

13 Elohim said to Noah, “I will bring an end to all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them and the earth. 14 Make a ship of gopher wood. You shall make rooms in the ship, and shall seal it inside and outside with pitch. 15 This is how you shall make it. The length of the ship shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16 You shall make a roof in the ship, and you shall finish it to a cubit upward. You shall set the door of the ship in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third levels. 17 I, even I, will bring the flood of waters on this earth, to destroy all flesh having the breath of life from under the sky. Everything that is in the earth will die. 18 But I will establish My covenant with you. You shall come into the ship, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. 19 Of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ship, to keep them alive with you. 

They shall be male and female. 20 Of the birds after their kind, of the livestock after their kind, of every creeping thing of the ground after its kind, two of every sort will come to you, to keep them alive. 21 Take with you some of all food that is eaten, and gather it to yourself; and it will be for food for you, and for them.” 22 Thus Noah did. He did all that Elohim commanded him.

Bereshit - Reading #1

Bereshit בְּרֵאשִׁית - In the Beginning

Torah Portion Genesis 1:1-6:8

Reading #1 - Genesis 1:1-2:3

My Thoughts: 

Hashem essentially created the whole universe and His planet earth in six days. The question over the centuries is: WHY? Some think because He wanted companionship. Others believe He wanted to be worshiped. I speculate He wanted both. He created us to reside in His presence and to worship Him with all our hearts, souls and strength. Only we messed it all up. We disobeyed and were removed from His presence. What a shame.

He created stars for us to enjoy in the evening. A beautiful sun to warm us during the day. Water to drink, and plants to eat. And the best part was to be walking with Him, the Almighty - together in a very beautiful place. Worshiping and loving Him every minute of the day. He created a place to love - to expand His love.

Now we have His planet but it is bruised and damaged. We are able to only catch glimpses of His presence through prayer, His Word and worship. But in the “end” we will once walk with Him again. And once again we will be surrounded by His perfect creation. We must get ready!

Challenge: 

When Hashem created the “light” - was the light Yeshua? (John Chapter 1) Think of Scripture that captures Yeshua as “light”. Also, you may want to think about your own life. Are you a “light” - a representative of Hashem’s love - to others? When people look at you, do they see the Spirit of Hashem lighting up your life? Make some changes today and try to be a “mirror” of who Hashem can be in one’s life. When people think you are “religious” or “spiritual” they will be watching you closely. If you mess up, admit it and try to make it right. That will teach them about Hashem’s grace and forgiveness instead of thinking that you are a “hypocrite”. 

Reading #1 - Genesis 1:1 - 2:3

1 In the beginning, Elohim created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep and Elohim’s Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters.

3 Elohim said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 Elohim saw the light, and saw that it was good. Elohim divided the light from the darkness. 5 Elohim called the light “day”, and the darkness he called “night”. There was evening and there was morning, the first day.

6 Elohim said, “Let there be an expanse in the middle of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” 7 Elohim made the expanse, and divided the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so. 8 Elohim called the expanse “sky”. There was evening and there was morning, a second day.

9 Elohim said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together to one place, and let the dry land appear;” and it was so. 10 Elohim called the dry land “earth”, and the gathering together of the waters he called “seas”. Elohim saw that it was good. 11 Elohim said, “Let the earth yield grass, herbs yielding seeds, and fruit trees bearing fruit after their kind, with their seeds in it, on the earth;” and it was so. 12 The earth yielded grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, with their seeds in it, after their kind; and Elohim saw that it was good. 13 There was evening and there was morning, a third day.

14 Elohim said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs to mark seasons, days, and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth;” and it was so. 16 Elohim made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He also made the stars. 17 Elohim set them in the expanse of the sky to give light to the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. Elohim saw that it was good. 19 There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.

20 Elohim said, “Let the waters abound with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of the sky.” 21 Elohim created the large sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed, after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind. Elohim saw that it was good. 22 Elohim blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 There was evening and there was morning, a fifth day.

24 Elohim said, “Let the earth produce living creatures after their kind, livestock, creeping things, and animals of the earth after their kind;” and it was so. 25 Elohim made the animals of the earth after their kind, and the livestock after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind. Elohim saw that it was good.

26 Elohim said, “Let’s make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 Elohim created man in His own image. In Elohim’s image He created him; male and female he created them. 28 Elohim blessed them. Elohim said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 Elohim said, “Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree, which bears fruit yielding seed. It will be your food. 30 To every animal of the earth, and to every bird of the sky, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food;” and it was so.

31 Elohim saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.

2 The heavens, the earth, and all their vast array were finished. 2 On the seventh day Elohim finished His work which He had done; and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. 3 Elohim blessed the seventh day, and made it holy, because He rested in it from all His work of creation which He had done.

V'Zot HaBerachah - Reading #1

V'Zot HaBerachah וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה - And this is the blessing

Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 33:1–7

My Thoughts:

Could the “holy ones” in 33:2 be angels? Verse 33:2 reads, “He shone from Mount Paran. He came from the ten thousands of holy ones.” Can you imagine this? Moses is telling the story of the receiving of the Law, and in quite a passionate way. It would make sense that Hashem would surround Himself with His angels -- anywhere He goes. We have no concept what it would have been like on Mt. Sinai, that very special day. Clouds, fire and a majestic powerful voice. A time where the Holy Word on how to live our lives and serve the only true Elohim goes forth. What a beautiful experience that would have been. Maybe we weren’t there but we can study and read about it every year through Torah. And when we do that we can relive His glory surrounding this event. Pray and ask Hashem for revelation about all of this. Amen.

Challenge:

This week’s portion contains a blessing for each tribe as they are about to enter the Holy Land. Some blessings are more intense than others. Each has a different message. It makes me think about what “tribe” I would ascribe to? Have you ever thought of that? Maybe we have a blood lineage to one of these tribes and that is why we have such an intense interest in Torah and following Torah. That’s my challenge to you, to read through these blessings and pray. Ask Hashem if there is a tribe that you are descended from. And if you are sure you do not have Jewish heritage, maybe pray and ask Hashem if you can join a tribe (spiritually). Just like Ruth the Moabite joined Naomi from the tribe of Judah. “Your people will be my people”, she said to her. I relate to Ruth. I want to join Israel and have Israel’s people be my people and their Elohim my Elohim. Amen.

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 33:1-7

33 This is the blessing with which Moses the man of Elohim blessed the children of Israel before his death. 

2 He said,

“Hashem came from Sinai,

    and rose from Seir to them.

He shone from Mount Paran.

    He came from the ten thousands of holy ones.

    At His right hand was a fiery law for them.

3 Yes, He loves the people.

    All His saints are in Your hand.

    They sat down at Your feet.

    Each receives your words.

4 Moses commanded us a law,

    an inheritance for the assembly of Jacob.

5 He was king in Jeshurun,

    when the heads of the people were gathered,

    all the tribes of Israel together.

6 “Let Reuben live, and not die;

    Nor let his men be few.”

7 This is for Judah. He said,

“Hear, Hashem, the voice of Judah.

    Bring him in to his people.

With his hands he contended for himself.

    You shall be a help against his adversaries.”

Ha'azinu - Reading #1

Ha'azinu הַאֲזִינוּ - Listen!

Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 32:1–6

My Thoughts:

The first part of this song Moses is showing His praise for Hashem. In verse 3 we read, “For I will proclaim Hashem’s name. Ascribe greatness to our Elohim!” As He is preparing to die and giving this prophetic song to the people, he must give all glory to Hashem. And that is the same for us. At the beginning of each day, at every special event -- we must give praise and honor to Hashem. We must tell others about His greatness. He is the reason for everything. Remember to do that and so will I.

Challenge:

Verse 32:4 is explaining the perfection of Elohim, “The Rock: His work is perfect, for all His ways are just. An Elohim of faithfulness who does no wrong, just and right is He.” If He is perfect and does no wrong (we know this to be true) then why do we have so many different denominations, churches, synagogues, sects of Judaism, etc.? In other words, if we just read what Hashem says in Torah and believe it, we could all just meet in groups and worship Him basically the same way. We could keep it so simple. But, for some reason Hashem created us to be uniquely different and along with this comes different opinions. My challenge to you today is to think about keeping neutral to others about your faith. Instead of arguing doctrine or Bible, look at what you have in common. Seek to find what you share, not what you don’t agree upon. Seek to serve the perfect Elohim in a perfect way -- without disagreement but with love and worship. We all love the same Elohim. Let's stop fighting about it and let’s join in harmony with our love for Him!

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 32:1-6

32 Give ear, you heavens, and I will speak.

    Let the earth hear the words of my mouth.

2 My doctrine will drop as the rain.

    My speech will condense as the dew,

    as the misty rain on the tender grass,

    as the showers on the herb.

3 For I will proclaim Hashem’s name.

    Ascribe greatness to our Elohim!

4 The Rock: His work is perfect,

    for all His ways are just.

    An Elohim of faithfulness who does no wrong,

    just and right is He.

5 They have dealt corruptly with Him.

    They are not His children, because of their defect.

    They are a perverse and crooked generation.

6 Is this the way you repay Hashem,

    foolish and unwise people?

Isn’t He your father who has bought you?

    He has made you and established you.

Nitzavim-Vayelech - Reading #1

Nitzavim-Vayelech

Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30

Reading #1: Deuteronomy 29:9-28

My Thoughts:

Verse 9 reads, “...keep the words of this Covenant and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.” What does it mean to keep? Can we “keep” the Temple and priestly laws? No. But we can “keep” the rest, to the best of our ability. We can avoid unclean foods. We can honor and remember the Feasts. We can protect the Sabbath. And we can follow the rest (including the big ten)! When we do this, and Hashem does know our hearts -- we have the blessing of prosperity. That does not necessarily mean money. It could be wonderful children, a wonderful job and a wonderful house/car. It could also mean the best friendships and relationships. Most of all it could mean that we could be prosperous in our relationship with Hashem. That we could really get to know Him and His Torah. We could serve Him and love Him. True prosperity is in the heart. And it is a blessing only from Him. Amen!

Challenge:

In verse 10 we read, “All of you stand today in the presence of Hashem your Elohim…”. Were they really visibly seeing Hashem at this time? I don’t think so. But, because Moses who was speaking for Hashem and the community of the people standing together -- I believe Hashem was in their presence -- by His Spirit. So my challenge today is this. If they could be in His presence, maybe we could be in His presence also. Take a minute to think about what this would look like. Maybe through your worship, your prayer, your obedience or just taking a moment to be silent and talk to Him. You will get to know and become familiar when He is there. And when that happens, you will want to be with Him more. We are just getting reading on this planet for a time when we will be with Him always in the Olam Haba. Practice this now. Get to know Him now. Ask Him to come and visit you, walk with you and show you His ways. Amen.

Reading #1: Deuteronomy 29:9-28

Therefore keep the words of this covenant and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do. 10 All of you stand today in the presence of Hashem your Elohim: your heads, your tribes, your elders, and your officers, even all the men of Israel, 11 your little ones, your wives, and the foreigners who are in the middle of your camps, from the one who cuts your wood to the one who draws your water, 12 that you may enter into the covenant of Hashem your Elohim, and into his oath, which Hashem your Elohim makes with you today, 13 that He may establish you today as His people, and that He may be your Elohim, as He spoke to you and as He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 14 Neither do I make this covenant and this oath with you only, 15 but with those who stand here with us today before Hashem our Elohim, and also with those who are not here with us today 16 (for you know how we lived in the land of Egypt, and how we came through the middle of the nations through which you passed; 17 and you have seen their abominations and their idols of wood, stone, silver, and gold, which were among them); 18 lest there should be among you man, woman, family, or tribe whose heart turns away today from Hashem your Elohim, to go to serve the gods of those nations; lest there should be among you a root that produces bitter poison; 19 and it happen, when he hears the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, “I shall have peace, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart,” to destroy the moist with the dry. 20 Hashem will not pardon him, but then Hashem’s anger and His jealousy will smoke against that man, and all the curse that is written in this book will fall on him, and Hashem will blot out his name from under the sky. 21 Hashem will set him apart for evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant written in this book of the law.

22 The generation to come—your children who will rise up after you, and the foreigner who will come from a far land—will say, when they see the plagues of that land, and the sicknesses with which Hashem has made it sick, 23 that all of its land is sulfur, salt, and burning, that it is not sown, doesn’t produce, nor does any grass grow in it, like the overthrow of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which Hashem overthrew in his anger, and in his wrath. 24 Even all the nations will say, “Why has Hashem done this to this land? What does the heat of this great anger mean?”

25 Then men will say, “Because they abandoned the covenant of Hashem, the Elohim of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of Egypt, 26 and went and served other gods and worshiped them, gods that they didn’t know and that He had not given to them. 27 Therefore Hashem’s anger burned against this land, to bring on it all the curses that are written in this book. 28 Hashem rooted them out of their land in anger, in wrath, and in great indignation, and thrust them into another land, as it is today.”

Ki Tavo - Reading #1

Ki Tavo כִּי-תָבוֹא - When You Enter In

Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 26:1–11

My Thoughts:

Testimony -- it is so important. When you have a story about how wonderful Hashem has been in your life, you need to tell others. Today we learn when they come into the land, the Israelite is to bring his first fruits to the Tabernacle. When he brings it in, he is to give the “testimony” to the priest. The story of redemption and being freed from slavery in Egypt. It is a beautiful and awesome testimony of the greatness of Elohim. As we read it today, let us remember how we were all once slaves and delivered into freedom through Hashem and His Torah. Amen!

Challenge:

After the testimony we are to praise Him. In verse 11 we read, “You shall rejoice in all the good which Hashem your Elohim has given to you, and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the foreigner who is among you.” Hashem wants to be happy and give Him praise for all He does and gives. Not only to us, but to those around us. My challenge for you today is to take some time to tell Hashem how much you love Him. Thank Him for your family, friends, dwelling place and all you have. Thank Him that you are so privileged to know Him and to know and follow His Torah. He gives us life. Without Him and all He is -- we have nothing. That is a lot to be grateful for! Amen.

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 26:1–11

26:1 It shall be, when you have come in to the land which Hashem your Elohim gives you for an inheritance, possess it, and dwell in it, 2 that you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you shall bring in from your land that Hashem your Elohim gives you. You shall put it in a basket, and shall go to the place which Hashem your Elohim shall choose to cause His name to dwell there. 3 You shall come to the priest who shall be in those days, and tell him, “I profess today to Hashem your Elohim that I have come to the land which Hashem swore to our fathers to give us.” 4 The priest shall take the basket out of your hand, and set it down before Hashem your Elohim altar. 5 You shall answer and say before Hashem your Elohim “My father was a Syrian ready to perish. He went down into Egypt, and lived there, few in number. There he became a great, mighty, and populous nation. 6 The Egyptians mistreated us, afflicted us, and imposed hard labor on us. 7 Then we cried to Hashem, the Elohim of our fathers. Hashem heard our voice, and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression. 8 Hashem brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm, with great terror, with signs, and with wonders; 9 and He has brought us into this place, and has given us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. 10 Now, behold, I have brought the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, Hashem, have given me.” You shall set it down before Hashem your Elohim and worship before Hashem your Elohim. 11 You shall rejoice in all the good which Hashem your Elohim has given to you, and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the foreigner who is among you.

Ki Teitzei - Reading #1

Ki Teitzei כִּי-תֵצֵא - When You Go Out

Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 21:10–21

My Thoughts:

Some interesting verses (commandments) today. What to do if you bring back a female enemy and want to take her as your wife. Or if you have two wives and one is hated, but she has the firstborn. It seems like Hashem has fairness even in these unusual situations. Not that we can understand all this, but we know we can trust in Hashem and His greatness. Some things in Torah we may not be able to comprehend, but still we can depend on Hashem’s Word. 

Challenge:

In the last part of today’s portion we read about what happens to a disobedient drunkard son. There is no mercy. He is taken out of the city and stoned! This may seem so harsh to us today, but Hashem once again, has His reasons. He wants to maintain peace and set an example. In verse 21 He explains why, “So you shall remove the evil from among you. All Israel shall hear, and fear.” First of all He does not want any evil in His presence and secondly the rest of the people will see the punishment and be afraid to ever do the same! My challenge to you today is to see if you are “setting an example” with your family and friends. If your child does something wrong is there strict punishment? Or do you just casually say, “Oh Johnny, please don’t do that.” I believe Hashem wants discipline for those who are rebellious. So that they can learn and so that they can set an example. In this case it was death. But, we can look at it today as the death of a habit or sin. Be consistent and fair in your discipline. And let your children know that you do it because you love them.

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 21:10–21

21:10 When you go out to battle against your enemies, and Hashem your Elohim delivers them into your hands and you carry them away captive, 11 and see among the captives a beautiful woman, and you are attracted to her, and desire to take her as your wife, 12 then you shall bring her home to your house. She shall shave her head and trim her nails. 13 She shall take off the clothing of her captivity, and shall remain in your house, and bewail her father and her mother a full month. After that you shall go in to her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife. 14 It shall be, if you have no delight in her, then you shall let her go where she desires; but you shall not sell her at all for money. You shall not deal with her as a slave, because you have humbled her.

15 If a man has two wives, the one beloved and the other hated, and they have borne him children, both the beloved and the hated, and if the firstborn son is hers who was hated, 16 then it shall be, in the day that he causes his sons to inherit that which he has, that he may not give the son of the beloved the rights of the firstborn before the son of the hated, who is the firstborn; 17 but he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the hated, by giving him a double portion of all that he has; for he is the beginning of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his.

18 If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and though they chasten him, will not listen to them, 19 then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city and to the gate of his place. 20 They shall tell the elders of his city, “This our son is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey our voice. He is a glutton and a drunkard.” 21 All the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall remove the evil from among you. All Israel shall hear, and fear.