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.

Shoftim - Reading #1

Shoftim שֹׁפְטִים - Judges

Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 16:18–17:13

My Thoughts:

Today is all about the Israeli judicial court system. They were to go to the priests and the judge, listen to them and do what they say. There must be at least two witnesses with an offense. It’s all about fairness. We may think it super harsh to enforce a death penalty, but remember they are entering a land filled with paganism. Hashem wants to protect them against this. And to set an example. It is His decision that He wanted to do things this way. In this particular time, life and death were handled quite differently than today. His desire has and will always be that people follow after Him and NOT after false gods. And that is what we desire to do also. Amen.

Challenge: 

We are told in verse 19 “you shall not pervert justice”. Taking bribes or favors to help a guilty person to be freed is not allowed. As it is not allowed in our United States judicial system.  However, that does not mean that it is not happening. Look at our lobbyists that so influence our lawmakers. Money and promises during election years determine support for potential candidates. Our justice system is “perverted” every day. In our system if the accused (defendant) in a case has money and influence, it is likely he/she will win the case. The less advantaged person who does not have money will have a totally different type of trial and likely get sentenced whether guilty or not guilty. Yes in the USA our judicial system has its “roots” in the Judeo-Christian teachings, but what really happens when someone goes to court can be a different story. My challenge to you today is to do your part to help defend those who are defenseless. Hashem will show you who they are and how you can help them. And if you can be someone who can be a part of encouraging justice in our court system, then I pray Hashem will help you to do so. Let’s each do what Hashem enables us to do to be sure people are treated fairly and our constitutional rights are protected. Amen.

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 16:18–17:13

16:18 You shall make judges and officers in all your gates, which Hashem your Elohim gives you, according to your tribes; and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment. 19 You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality. You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. 20 You shall follow that which is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land which Hashem your Elohim gives you. 21 You shall not plant for yourselves an Asherah of any kind of tree beside Hashem your Elohim’s altar, which you shall make for yourselves. 22 Neither shall you set yourself up a sacred stone which Hashem your Elohim hates.

17:1 You shall not sacrifice to Hashem your Elohim an ox or a sheep in which is a defect or anything evil; for that is an abomination to Hashem your Elohim

2 If there is found among you, within any of your gates which Hashem your Elohim gives you, a man or woman who does that which is evil in Hashem your Elohim’s sight in transgressing His covenant, 3 and has gone and served other gods and worshiped them, or the sun, or the moon, or any of the stars of the sky, which I have not commanded, 4 and you are told, and you have heard of it, then you shall inquire diligently. Behold, if it is true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is done in Israel, 5 then you shall bring out that man or that woman who has done this evil thing to your gates, even that same man or woman; and you shall stone them to death with stones. 6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, he who is to die shall be put to death. At the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death. 7 The hands of the witnesses shall be first on him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So you shall remove the evil from among you.

8 If there arises a matter too hard for you in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within your gates, then you shall arise, and go up to the place which Hashem your Elohim chooses. 9 You shall come to the priests who are Levites and to the judge who shall be in those days. You shall inquire, and they shall give you the verdict. 10 You shall do according to the decisions of the verdict which they shall give you from that place which Hashem chooses. You shall observe to do according to all that they shall teach you. 11 According to the decisions of the law which they shall teach you, and according to the judgment which they shall tell you, you shall do. You shall not turn away from the sentence which they announce to you, to the right hand, nor to the left. 12 The man who does presumptuously in not listening to the priest who stands to minister there before Hashem your Elohim, or to the judge, even that man shall die. You shall put away the evil from Israel. 13 All the people shall hear and fear, and do no more presumptuously.

Re'eh - Reading #1

Re'eh רְאֵה - See!
Deuteronomy 11:26-16:1

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 11:26–12:10

My Thoughts:

In verse 12:5 we learn that there is a place where Hashem will dwell, where He will put “His name”, But to the place which Hashem your Elohim shall choose out of all your tribes, to put His name there, you shall seek His habitation, and you shall come there.” That special place is at first the Tabernacle and then later the Temples (first and second). Right now of course, we do not have a Temple. But, we will. It is promised in Scripture. And there He will place His name and there will see Him and go to. It will be in Jerusalem and it will be when the Mashiach comes. We will be commanded to go there at least for the 3 required Feasts. But, I am sure we will all want to live in Israel during the Messianic Age! Study more and learn about this by reading Ezekiel

Challenge:

In verse we are challenged to “listen” to the commandments of Elohim and we will get a blessing. The way we “listen” can either be by hearing Him speak through Scripture or through prayer. Sometimes we can hear Him speak to us through other people too. But, your “spiritual antennas” must be in place to hear Him. That is why it is so important to study Torah every day! And that is what I challenge you today and every day -- to read the “Torah portion” and pray. Pray that you will “hear” His voice through your reading and prayer. That you will get direction in your life and learn how to live and worship Him. And as you study and pray you will learn how to love and serve others. By doing all this -- the blessing comes! And you will surely recognize it! Thank you Adonai for all you do and give to us. We love You!

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 11:26-12:10

11:26 Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: 27 the blessing, if you listen to the commandments of Hashem your Elohim, which I command you today; 28 and the curse, if you do not listen to the commandments of Hashem your Elohim, but turn away out of the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known. 29 It shall happen, when Hashem your Elohim brings you into the land that you go to possess, that you shall set the blessing on Mount Gerizim, and the curse on Mount Ebal. 30 Aren’t they beyond the Jordan, behind the way of the going down of the sun, in the land of the Canaanites who dwell in the Arabah near Gilgal, beside the oaks of Moreh? 31 For you are to pass over the Jordan to go in to possess the land which Hashem your Elohim gives you, and you shall possess it and dwell in it. 32 You shall observe to do all the statutes and the ordinances which I set before you today.

12 These are the statutes and the ordinances which you shall observe to do in the land which Hashem, the Elohim of your fathers, has given you to possess all the days that you live on the earth. 2 You shall surely destroy all the places in which the nations that you shall dispossess served their gods: on the high mountains, and on the hills, and under every green tree. 3 You shall break down their altars, dash their pillars in pieces, and burn their Asherah poles with fire. You shall cut down the engraved images of their gods. You shall destroy their name out of that place. 4 You shall not do so to Hashem your Elohim. 5 But to the place which Hashem your Elohim shall choose out of all your tribes, to put His name there, you shall seek His habitation, and you shall come there. 6 You shall bring your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the wave offering of your hand, your vows, your free will offerings, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock there. 7 There you shall eat before Hashem your Elohim, and you shall rejoice in all that you put your hand to, you and your households, in which Hashem your Elohim has blessed you. 8 You shall not do all the things that we do here today, every man whatever is right in his own eyes; 9 for you haven’t yet come to the rest and to the inheritance which Hashem your Elohim gives you. 10 But when you go over the Jordan and dwell in the land which Hashem your Elohim  causes you to inherit, and he gives you rest from all your enemies around you, so that you dwell in safety,

Ekev - Reading #1

Ekev עֵקֶב - As a Result

Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 7:12–8:10

My Thoughts:

Ever wonder why Hashem gave the Hebrew people manna all those years in the desert? Here is your answer in 8:3 “He humbled you, allowed you to be hungry, and fed you with manna, which you didn’t know, neither did your fathers know, that He might teach you that man does not live by bread only, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of Hashem’s mouth.” Wow. He taught them to not worry about the bread they were eating but to depend on His WORD instead. And as we know He actively spoke to them through Moses! Hashem spoke into existence many miracles and the people saw this. Even the manna was a huge miracle! We must learn that the Torah is Hashem’s spoken Word and His commandments are to be heeded. All glory and honor go to Him! Our one true Elohim!

Challenge:

Hashem is teaching the people that if they are obedient many good things will happen to them. Including in verse 14 that they will be “blessed above all peoples” and “there won’t be male or female barren among you”. A few years back a friend of mine had gotten married and they were having a difficult time conceiving a child. I began to pray this prayer over their lives and soon she got pregnant. It was a miracle! The doctors had told her she could not have children. And she did! Hashem’s promises are REAL. If you are trying to get pregnant or know someone who is, my challenge to you is to start praying this Scripture over their lives. But, first pray they will follow and obey Torah. Then pray that Hashem will bless the fruit of their womb. Praise Him!

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 7:12–8:10

7:12 It shall happen, because you listen to these ordinances and keep and do them, that Hashem your Elohim will keep with you the covenant and the loving kindness which He swore to your fathers. 13 He will love you, bless you, and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your body an the fruit of your ground, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your livestock and the young of your flock, in the land which He swore to your fathers to give you. 14 You will be blessed above all peoples. There won’t be male or female barren among you, or among your livestock. 15 Hashem will take away from you all sickness; and He will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which you know, on you, but will lay them on all those who hate you. 16 You shall consume all the peoples whom Hashem your Elohim shall deliver to you. Your eye shall not pity them. You shall not serve their gods; for that would be a snare to you. 17 If you shall say in your heart, “These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?” 18 you shall not be afraid of them. You shall remember well what Hashem your Elohim did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt: 19 the great trials which your eyes saw, the signs, the wonders, the mighty hand, and the outstretched arm, by which Hashem your Elohim brought you out. So shall Hashem your Elohim do to all the peoples of whom you are afraid. 20 Moreover Hashem your Elohim will send the hornet among them, until those who are left, and hide themselves, perish from before you. 21 You shall not be scared of them; for Hashem your Elohim is among you, a great and awesome Elohim. 22 Hashem your Elohim will cast out those nations before you little by little. You may not consume them at once, lest the animals of the field increase on you. 23 But Hashem your Elohim will deliver them up before you, and will confuse them with a great confusion, until they are destroyed. 24 He will deliver their kings into your hand, and you shall make their name perish from under the sky. No one will be able to stand before you until you have destroyed them. 25 You shall burn the engraved images of their gods with fire. You shall not covet the silver or the gold that is on them, nor take it for yourself, lest you be snared in it; for it is an abomination to Hashem your Elohim 26 You shall not bring an abomination into your house and become a devoted thing like it. You shall utterly detest it. You shall utterly abhor it; for it is a devoted thing.

8:1 You shall observe to do all the commandments which I command you today, that you may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which Hashem swore to your fathers. 2 You shall remember all the way which Hashem your Elohim has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that He might humble you, to test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 He humbled you, allowed you to be hungry, and fed you with manna, which you didn’t know, neither did your fathers know, that He might teach you that man does not live by bread only, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of Hashem’s mouth. 4 Your clothing didn’t grow old on you, neither did your foot swell, these forty years. 5 You shall consider in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so Hashem your Elohim disciplines you. 6 You shall keep the commandments of Hashem your Elohim, to walk in His ways, and to fear Him. 7 For Hashem your Elohim brings you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of springs, and underground water flowing into valleys and hills; 8 a land of wheat, barley, vines, fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of olive trees and honey; 9 a land in which you shall eat bread without scarcity, you shall not lack anything in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you may dig copper. 10 You shall eat and be full, and you shall bless Hashem your Elohim for the good land which He has given you.

Va'etchanan - Reading #1

Va'etchanan וָאֶתְחַנַּן - Pleaded

Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11

Reading #1: Deuteronomy 3:23–4:4

My Thoughts:

Moses recounts his trying to talk Hashem into changing His mind about going into the Holy Land of Israel. In fact he says he “begged” him. But, Hashem says to not talk about it anymore. And that he should commission Joshua to lead the people. It was sort of one last try. Have you ever done that with Hashem? Have you been punished for a sin or felt the consequences and begged Him to stop them? I am thinking that once you have sinned, His “hand” is released for that issue. When we are obedient, His “hand” stays on us -- to protect us, gift us, bless us. Which do you prefer?

Challenge:

Chapter 4 verses 1 and 2 are so powerful,” Now, Israel, listen to the statutes and to the ordinances which I teach you, to do them; that you may live, and go in and possess the land which Hashem, the Elohim of your fathers, gives you. 2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of Hashem your Elohim which I command you.” It is so clear we can not change the Law. We can’t add to it or subtract or call it “null and void”. I heard a protestant pastor teach yesterday that the Law was obsolete. We did not have to follow it anymore. That we could go home and eat bacon sandwiches. But, this verse is really powerful and tells us NOT to make ANY changes. My challenge to you today is to review whether you are “adding” or “taking away” from Torah. And if you find out that you are doing this -- stop it today. Go back to fully following the Commands in Torah, to the best of your ability. That’s what I am going to do. Amen.

Reading #1: Deuteronomy 3:23–4:4

3:23 I begged Hashem at that time, saying, 24 “L-rd Hashem, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness, and Your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or in earth that can do works like Yours, and mighty acts like Yours? 25 Please let me go over and see the good land that is beyond the Jordan, that fine mountain, and Lebanon.”

26 But Hashem was angry with me because of you, and didn’t listen to me. Hashem said to me, “That is enough! Speak no more to me of this matter. 27 Go up to the top of Pisgah, and lift up your eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and see with your eyes; for you shall not go over this Jordan. 28 But commission Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you shall see.” 29 So we stayed in the valley near Beth Peor.

4:1 Now, Israel, listen to the statutes and to the ordinances which I teach you, to do them; that you may live, and go in and possess the land which Hashem, the Elohim of your fathers, gives you. 2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of Hashem your Elohim which I command you. 3 Your eyes have seen what Hashem did because of Baal Peor; for Hashem your Elohim has destroyed all the men who followed Baal Peor from among you. 4 But you who were faithful to Hashem your Elohim are all alive today.

Devarim - Reading #1

Devarim דְּבָרִים - Words

Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22

Reading #1: Deuteronomy 1:1–10

My Thoughts:

Here is Moses at the end of a 40 year incredible, miraculous journey to the promised Land. He is talking to a new generation of people. They are the second generation that were delivered from Egypt. He reiterates the Law and it’s commandments and looks forward to this generation making “covenant” with Hashem. He made a promise to Abraham to give his descendants a promised Land - Israel. Now, hundreds of years later they are about to see that promise fulfilled. What faith the people of Elohim must have had waiting so long for this incredible promise to happen. Do we even have a tiny bit of that kind of faith?

Challenge:

Can you think of something going on in your life either now or in the past that required a lot of faith? How did you do during the waiting time? Was it difficult or did you rest in peace knowing Hashem would fulfill His promise to you? Or did you get impatient and try to make things happen yourself? This past year I have had to “wait” on Hashem to move in many different ways. I knew in my heart He would carry things out to completion, but I had to learn patience. Yes, I got impatient and even at times wondered if I really heard His voice. But, I can testify He has “showed” His hand to me several times this year -- even in miraculous ways. He has been faithful, even when I was not. If you are waiting for something -- try to be patient. Try to just thank Hashem for all He is doing and ask Him to help you to wait. He will and it will be so worth it. Amen.

Reading #1:  Deuteronomy 1:1-10

1:1 These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah opposite Suf, between Paran, Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab. 2 It is eleven days’ journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea. 3 In the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, Moses spoke to the children of Israel according to all that Hashem had given him in commandment to them, 4 after he had struck Sihon the king of the Amorites who lived in Heshbon, and Og the king of Bashan who lived in Ashtaroth, at Edrei. 5 Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, Moses began to declare this law, saying, 6 “Hashem our Elohim spoke to us in Horeb, saying, ‘You have lived long enough at this mountain. 7 Turn, and take your journey, and go to the hill country of the Amorites and to all the places near there: in the Arabah, in the hill country, in the lowland, in the South, by the seashore, in the land of the Canaanites, and in Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates. 8 Behold, I have set the land before you. Go in and possess the land which Hashem swore to your fathers—to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob—to give to them and to their offspring after them.’”

9 I spoke to you at that time, saying, “I am not able to bear you myself alone. 10 Hashem your Elohim has multiplied you, and behold, you are today as the stars of the sky for multitude.

Mattot/Massei - Reading #1

MATTOT/MASSEI

Torah Reading: Numbers 30:2-36:13

Reading #1 - Numbers 30:2-31:12 

My Thoughts:

Today we learn about vows to Hashem and the husbands/fathers role in all of this. Vows are very sacred to Hashem. We are not to say them without first considering their importance. Hashem with all His grace and mercy has made some considerations for women making “rash” vows without thinking. A husband can actually release his wife from a vow -- as can a father for a daughter. This shows the fairness and equity of Hashem. But, it also shows the seriousness of what words come out of our mouths. Let us be super careful about what we promise to others and what we vow to Hashem. Follow through and make good what you say. Your word “stands” before Hashem. 

Challenge:

A great war is fought between the Midianites and Israelites. These are difficult passages to read. But we must remember this. The Midianites had enticed Israel to sin. Yes, Hashem’s people “fell” into the sin and could have resisted. But they did not not. Hashem inflicted punishment on His people with a plague. Now, there must be punishment on the people that did this to Israel. Sin does not go forward without consequence. We might think we are getting away with something when we sin -- but this is never the case. What we do affects our lives, other people’s lives and our relationship with Hashem. Remember this the next time you are tempted to do something wrong or and to disobey Hashem. Repent quickly and make things right -- make restitution. There will be consequences but most likely not as severe as if you did not repent. Sin separates us from Hashem. We do not want this and neither does He. Let’s be careful about what we do and say. Amen.

Reading #1 - Numbers 30:2-31:12 

30:2 When a man vows a vow to Hashem, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.

3 “Also, when a woman vows a vow to Hashem and binds herself by a pledge, being in her father’s house, in her youth, 4 and her father hears her vow and her pledge with which she has bound her soul, and her father says nothing to her, then all her vows shall stand, and every pledge with which she has bound her soul shall stand. 5 But if her father forbids her in the day that he hears, none of her vows or of her pledges with which she has bound her soul, shall stand. Hashem will forgive her, because her father has forbidden her.

6 “If she has a husband, while her vows are on her, or the rash utterance of her lips with which she has bound her soul, 7 and her husband hears it, and says nothing to her in the day that he hears it; then her vows shall stand, and her pledges with which she has bound her soul shall stand. 8 But if her husband forbids her in the day that he hears it, then he makes void her vow which is on her and the rash utterance of her lips, with which she has bound her soul. Hashem will forgive her.

9 “But the vow of a widow, or of her who is divorced, everything with which she has bound her soul shall stand against her.

10 “If she vowed in her husband’s house or bound her soul by a bond with an oath, 11 and her husband heard it, and held his peace at her and didn’t disallow her, then all her vows shall stand, and every pledge with which she bound her soul shall stand. 12 But if her husband made them null and void in the day that he heard them, then whatever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand. Her husband has made them void. Hashem will forgive her. 13 Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void. 14 But if her husband says nothing to her from day to day, then he establishes all her vows or all her pledges which are on her. He has established them, because he said nothing to her in the day that he heard them. 15 But if he makes them null and void after he has heard them, then he shall bear her iniquity.”

16 These are the statutes which Hashem commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between a father and his daughter, being in her youth, in her father’s house.

31 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Avenge the children of Israel on the Midianites. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people.”

3 Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Arm men from among you for war, that they may go against Midian, to execute Hashem’s vengeance on Midian. 4 You shall send one thousand out of every tribe, throughout all the tribes of Israel, to the war.” 5 So there were delivered, out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand from every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war. 6 Moses sent them, one thousand of every tribe, to the war with Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for the alarm in his hand. 7 They fought against Midian, as Hashem commanded Moses. They killed every male. 8 They killed the kings of Midian with the rest of their slain: Evi, Rekem, Zur, Hur, and Reba, the five kings of Midian. They also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword. 9 The children of Israel took the women of Midian captive with their little ones; and all their livestock, all their flocks, and all their goods, they took as plunder. 10 All their cities in the places in which they lived, and all their encampments, they burned with fire. 11 They took all the captives, and all the plunder, both of man and of animal. 12 They brought the captives with the prey and the plunder, to Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and to the congregation of the children of Israel, to the camp at the plains of Moab, which are by the Jordan at Jericho.