Tetzaveh - Day #1

Tetzaveh תְּצַוֶּה - You Shall Command  

Torah Portion: Exodus: 27:20-30:10

Exodus 27:20–28:12

27:20 “You shall command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually. 21 In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil which is before the covenant, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before Israel: it shall be a statute forever throughout their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

28 “Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office: Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons. 2 You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. 3 You shall speak to all who are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s garments to sanctify him, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office. 4 These are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a fitted tunic, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office. 5 They shall use the gold, and the blue, and the purple, and the scarlet, and the fine linen.

6 “They shall make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skillful workman. 7 It shall have two shoulder straps joined to the two ends of it, that it may be joined together. 8 The skillfully woven band, which is on it, shall be like its work and of the same piece; of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. 9 You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel. 10 Six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain on the other stone, in the order of their birth. 11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones, according to the names of the children of Israel. You shall make them to be enclosed in settings of gold. 12 You shall put the two stones on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel. Aaron shall bear their names before Hashem on his two shoulders for a memorial.

Today’s Meditation:

This reading is a lot about symbolism. The priests were to wear the names of the twelve sons (tribes) on their shoulders. To me, it seems they were carrying the tribes' representation into the Tabernacle. They were representing them before Hashem and bringing them as witnesses before Elohim. Some people believe that the remnant of Hashem’s people who will be brought back to Israel in the end times will all belong to one of the tribes.

Priestly service is essential in the Tabernacle. The priests are the liaison between the people and Hashem. They have a particular holy role in the Tabernacle. Instructions in Torah must be followed, or it seems like you will be consumed (like Aaron’s sons). Perhaps this is also true for the rest of the Torah and ordinary people. We must follow the instructions Hashem has outlined in His Commandments, or we too could be “consumed”.

Today’s Challenge:

In this reading, the menorah burns continually in the Tent of Meeting (Tabernacle). I never thought about it before, but the Tabernacle has no windows. Without windows, there is no light. Except in the Holy of Holies, where the Shekinah glory would reside. What a beautiful light that would create. It seems like Hashem would want the Priests to see clearly, once inside the Holy Place. And it would bring warmth from the light. 

Speaking about lights for Hashem, we can examine our own lives. Are we a light for Hashem? Do we present His love and comfort to others? Are we illuminating His love and truth in our lives? Take a minute to ponder this. If you are not showing a light for Hashem, change and make sure to do so. If we are lights, others may find their way to Him.

V'Zot HaBerachah - Reading #1

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

Torah Portion: 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 of what it would have been like on Mt. Sinai, that very special day. Clouds, fire, and a majestic, powerful voice. A time when 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 a revelation about all of this.

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? Perhaps we have a blood lineage to one of these tribes, which is why we have such an intense interest in the Torah and in following it. 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.

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!

Torah Portion: Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 32:1–6

My Thoughts:

The first part of this song shows Moses praising Hashem. In verse 3, we read, “For I will proclaim Hashem’s name. Ascribe greatness to our Elohim!” As he prepares to die and gives this prophetic song to the people, he must give all glory to Hashem. That is also the case 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.

Today's 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 (as we know to be true), then why do we have so many different denominations, churches, synagogues, and sects of Judaism, etc.? In other words, if we simply read what Hashem says in the Torah and believe it, we could all gather in groups and worship Him in a manner that is essentially the same. We could keep it so simple. However, for some reason, Hashem created us to be uniquely different, and along with this comes a variety of opinions and styles. My challenge to you today is to think about being neutral about your faith with others. Instead of arguing doctrine or the 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 perfectly, 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.

Vayelech - Reading #1

Vayelech וַיֵּלֶךְ - And He Went

Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 31:1–3

My Thoughts:

In verse 3, we read, “Hashem your Elohim Himself will go over before you. He will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them.” This has been His promise. Hashem will go ahead and clear the path. And He will help you to keep it clean. It makes me think about how life is today. For those of us who follow and love Hashem, and obey His voice, keep His commandments, He goes ahead of us. Right now, I am working on a considerable project. It is a pro-life ministry, and we are starting it from scratch. A colossal task, but Hashem has been going ahead of us and clearing the way. He has opened doors and directed our path. Honestly, we could not do this without Him. What do you have in your life that you need Hashem to go ahead of you? Ask for His help today.

Challenge:

Moses has been leading the way for over 40 years. And now, his predecessor Joshua is going to take over. Remember, Joshua has been the super faithful one. He came back from spying the land and gave a confident, faith-filled report. He basically said, “No problem! With Hashem’s help, we will enter the land!”. His friends had all sorts of doubts and fears (except Caleb). And we see shortly when Hashem sends him into the land, He tells him to be strong and courageous. That He will go with him (Joshua 1:9). My challenge for you today is to think about how you need Hashem in your life, maybe a special project/relationship/job you are working on. Ask Him to lead the way for you and to get rid of any interference. When you realize that you are not alone, but have the Mighty One with you, your attitude will surely change for the good.

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 31:1–3

31:1 Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel. 2 He said to them, “I am one hundred twenty years old today. I can no more go out and come in. Hashem has said to me, ‘You shall not go over this Jordan.’ 3 Hashem your Elohim Himself will go over before you. He will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them. Joshua will go over before you, as Hashem has spoken.

Nitzavim - Reading #1

Nitzavim נִצָּבִים - Standing (Witnessing)

Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20

Reading #1 - Deuteronomy 29:9–11

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, an excellent job, and a fantastic 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 Him and become familiar with Him when He is there. And when that happens, you will want to be with Him more. We are just getting ready 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 29:9-11

29:9 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,

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.

Balak - Reading #1

Balak בָּלָק - Balak

Numbers 22:2-25:9

Reading #1 - Numbers 22:2–12

My Thoughts:

Balaam is consulted to go and “curse” the Israelites. Balak seems to think this will help his cause. We may be appalled that he has been asked to do this, and it seems like he refuses to do so. But, then it made me think about our lives. We will be talking about someone and then we have this conviction that we may be gossiping. We try to repair what we have said. And even then stop to pray for that person. In all reality have we really “cursed” that person? If we were speaking negative words into the air, then it is like a curse. Like if we say, “That was awful that she/he did that. They ought to be hanged.” Or if we say something like, “She is dependent on the government just like generations before her. She will never amount to anything.” On and on. Gossip is destructive and can be just like a “curse”. So, think about it next time you find yourself talking about someone and the language you or the people around you are speaking. Are you speaking “life” into someone’s situation or are you speaking curses (death) -- just like Balaam was asked to do!

Challenge:

Who is Balaam? I challenge you today to do some research. At first glance, he seems to be some sort of believer because he says he will consult Adonai. And as we continue to read this week, he refuses to curse Israel. However, in future writings he is said to have enticed Israel to sin through sexual immorality. Do some research and see what you find. I think this story is important because it is a description of being “double-minded”. We act like we are one way, but then really in our hearts we are another. Look at your own life and see if there are any areas in which you are double minded. If so, clean it up, and become single minded -- only with one focus, on one Elohim.

Reading #1 - Numbers 22:2–12

22:2 Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. 3 Moab was very afraid of the people, because they were many. Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. 4 Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this multitude will lick up all that is around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.”

Balak the son of Zippor was king of Moab at that time. 5 He sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, “Behold, there is a people who came out of Egypt. Behold, they cover the surface of the earth, and they are staying opposite me. 6 Please come now therefore, and curse this people for me; for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall prevail, that we may strike them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.”

7 The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand. They came to Balaam, and spoke to him the words of Balak.

8 He said to them, “Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as Hashem shall speak to me.” The princes of Moab stayed with Balaam.

9 Elohim came to Balaam, and said, “Who are these men with you?”

10 Balaam said to Elohim, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has said to me, 11 ‘Behold, the people that has come out of Egypt covers the surface of the earth. Now, come curse them for me. Perhaps I shall be able to fight against them, and shall drive them out.’”

12 Elohim said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”

Chukat - Reading #1

Chukat חֻקַּת - Law

Numbers 19:1-22:1

Reading #1 -Numbers 19:1–17

My Thoughts:

The red heifer was sacrificed so that would have the ashes for those who touched a dead body and wanted to enter the Tabernacle. They were to cleanse for impurity. This is one of those requests from Hashem that we don’t really understand but we are to obey. In Israel today the Temple Institute has found a red heifer that meets Torah requirements, I believe. There are articles you can read to see if the ashes have been prepared. The point being, when the next Temple is built the red heifer ashes will have to be available to cleanse the priests before serving Hashem in the Temple. It is unknown how this will all come about, but have faith in Hashem that it will. Remember to daily pray for the Mashiach to return to the Temple in Jerusalem to rule and reign forever. Amen.

Challenge:

Touching a corpse makes you unclean. And Hashem does not permit people who are unclean to come into the Tabernacle -- into His presence. Doesn’t that make you ponder the holiness of Hashem? He represents LIFE and death can not come near Him. Without a Temple today we come before Hashem in prayer and worship -- and we too, must be clean. How is that possible? It seems like our only way is to repent and ask forgiveness of our sins. We must try to live the holy life and stay close to Hashem in our hearts. Do that today. Repent and ask Hashem to forgive you for all that you have done that disobeys Him and His Torah. Try to live in His light, and not in darkness. We must do our best without a Temple, without a red heifer, without His glory shining over the Tabernacle -- but continue seeking His glory that is within our hearts. Amen.

Reading #1 - Numbers 19:1-17

19:1 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2 “This is the statute of the law which Hashem has commanded. Tell the children of Israel to bring you a red heifer without spot, in which is no defect, and which was never yoked. 3 You shall give her to Eleazar the priest, and he shall bring her outside of the camp, and one shall kill her before his face. 4 Eleazar the priest shall take some of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle her blood toward the front of the Tent of Meeting seven times. 5 One shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her meat, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn. 6 The priest shall take cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the middle of the burning of the heifer. 7 Then the priest shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp, and the priest shall be unclean until the evening. 8 He who burns her shall wash his clothes in water, and bathe his flesh in water, and shall be unclean until the evening.

9 “A man who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up outside of the camp in a clean place; and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for use in water for cleansing impurity. It is a sin offering. 10 He who gathers the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening. It shall be to the children of Israel, and to the stranger who lives as a foreigner among them, for a statute forever.

11 “He who touches the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days. 12 He shall purify himself with water on the third day, and on the seventh day he shall be clean; but if he doesn’t purify himself the third day, then the seventh day he shall not be clean. 13 Whoever touches a dead person, the body of a man who has died, and doesn’t purify himself, defiles Hashem’s tabernacle; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel; because the water for impurity was not sprinkled on him, he shall be unclean. His uncleanness is yet on him.

14 “This is the law when a man dies in a tent: everyone who comes into the tent, and everyone who is in the tent, shall be unclean seven days. 15 Every open vessel, which has no covering bound on it, is unclean.

16 “Whoever in the open field touches one who is slain with a sword, or a dead body, or a bone of a man, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.

17 “For the unclean, they shall take of the ashes of the burning of the sin offering; and running water shall be poured on them in a vessel.

Pekudei - Reading #1

Pekudei  פְקוּדֵי - Accounts

Torah Reading: Exodus 38:21-40:38

Reading #1— Exodus 38:21–39:1

My Thoughts:

In today’s Torah Portion we read about how all the materials and money were accounted for. When money was being donated to this purpose, Hashem made sure it was all recorded and exact. Truly, we understand why. It was a lot of money! Because the Tabernacle was such a holy place, a place where Hashem was going to show His glory – everything must be as perfect as possible. Today in our synagogues and churches do we follow the same example? Hopefully, we are using honest accounting with the gifts that people have given. There are some organizations that have gotten in trouble in this area. Check with your place of worship and make sure their accounting system is forthright.

Challenge:

I did a quick research online to see what the cost of the Tabernacle construction would be and one article claimed it would be close to 1.8 million dollars! That is not a surprise. I would have thought with the price of gold today it would be more. But, this shows us how valuable and wonderful of a place this was. It was only the best for Hashem. So, think about this. Are you giving Hashem your best? Are you willing to take your income, gifts and talents and contribute to Him – however He is requiring? I’m talking about your personal life and how you live and give. Do we need to make changes in this area?

Reading #1— Exodus 38:21–39:1

21 These are the amounts of materials used for the tabernacle, even the Tabernacle of the Testimony, as they were counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest. 22 Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that Hashem commanded Moses. 23 With him was Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a skillful workman, and an embroiderer in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen.

24 All the gold that was used for the work in all the work of the sanctuary, even the gold of the offering, was twenty-nine talents and seven hundred thirty shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. 25 The silver of those who were counted of the congregation was one hundred talents and one thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary: 26 a bek a head, that is, half a shekel, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, for everyone who passed over to those who were counted, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty men. 27 The one hundred talents of silver were for casting the sockets of the sanctuary and the sockets of the veil: one hundred sockets for the one hundred talents, one talent per socket. 28 From the one thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, overlaid their capitals, and made fillets for them. 29 The bronze of the offering was seventy talents and two thousand four hundred shekels. 30 With this he made the sockets to the door of the Tent of Meeting, the bronze altar, the bronze grating for it, all the vessels of the altar, 31 the sockets around the court, the sockets of the gate of the court, all the pins of the tabernacle, and all the pins around the court.

39 Of the blue, purple, and scarlet, they made finely worked garments for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron, as Hashem commanded Moses.

Vayakhel - Reading #1

Vayakhel  וַיַּקְהֵל - And He Assembled
Torah Reading: Exodus 35:1-38:20
Reading #1 - Exodus 35:1–20

My Thoughts:

In verse 5 we read, “...however is of a willing heart, let him bring it as Hashem’s offering.” This was not a mandatory offering, it was a “free-will” offering. Hashem only wanted gifts from people who were willing. Had He made it mandatory, the Tabernacle may not have been such a special place. But, it was special. It was divine. And the people knew this. They were excited to give to Hashem. Wouldn’t you have been? As we should be today. However, Hashem leads you to give and where to give. Let’s get excited about it. Instead of thinking about how we “can’t afford” to give – let’s excitedly and willingly give to His work and purposes. It’s a promise you will be blessed immensely. 

Challenge:

In verse 10, Hashem commands the “wise-hearted” men to come and make the items of the Tabernacle. What do you think it means to be “wise-hearted”? I would believe that if we are to be “wise” we would know the heart of Hashem very well. In knowing Him we find wisdom. In His Word we find wisdom. Would you like to become “wise-hearted”? Then you have to soak in the wisdom of Adonai – through prayer, reading of His word and following His commands. Right?

Reading #1 - Exodus 35:1-20

Moses assembled all the congregation of the children of Israel, and said to them, “These are the words which Hashem has commanded, that you should do them. 2 ‘Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of solemn rest to Hashem: whoever does any work in it shall be put to death. 3 You shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations on the Sabbath day.’”

4 Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which Hashem commanded, saying, 5 ‘Take from among you an offering to Hashem. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as Hashem’s offering: gold, silver, bronze, 6 blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair, 7 rams’ skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood, 8 oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense, 9 onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate.

10 “‘Let every wise-hearted man among you come, and make all that Hashem has commanded: 11 the tabernacle, its outer covering, its roof, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets; 12 the ark, and its poles, the mercy seat, the veil of the screen; 13 the table with its poles and all its vessels, and the show bread; 14 the lamp stand also for the light, with its vessels, its lamps, and the oil for the light; 15 and the altar of incense with its poles, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door, at the door of the tabernacle; 16 the altar of burnt offering, with its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its vessels, the basin and its base; 17 the hangings of the court, its pillars, their sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court; 18 the pins of the tabernacle, the pins of the court, and their cords; 19 the finely worked garments for ministering in the holy place—the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons—to minister in the priest’s office.’”

20 All the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

Bo - Reading #1

Bo, בֹּא - Come!

Exodus:10:1-13:16

Reading #1 — Exodus 10:1–11

My Thoughts:

The plague of locusts. Somehow it reminds me of today, how we allow politics, bad politics -- to swarm our country. Those who are not of Hashem, who do not believe in Him, who take control of our laws, our media, our way of life. They are like a swarm of locusts that “devour” what is good and right that are left in the land. We must pray and be active to overcome evil with good. It starts with you and me. It starts right here at home. Make sure you have peace in your home and you are following Torah. It is your guideline to live in this world. If the locusts take over and devour the world -- they can never take Torah away from our hearts. Make sure the Word is sealed in your heart!

Challenge:

Read today’s news. Ask Hashem to show you who the “locusts” are that are trying to destroy freedoms in our world. Then ask Hashem to show you how you can pray and how you can become involved in fighting for your freedoms. Become proactive. Don’t let the “locusts” devour your land or you!

Reading #1 — Exodus 10:1–11

10 Hashem said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these my signs among them; 2 and that you may tell in the hearing of your son, and of your son’s son, what things I have done to Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that you may know that I am Hashem.”

3 Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and said to him, “This is what Hashem, the Elohim of the Hebrews, says: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me. 4 Or else, if you refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your country, 5 and they shall cover the surface of the earth, so that one won’t be able to see the earth. They shall eat the residue of that which has escaped, which remains to you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which grows for you out of the field. 6 Your houses shall be filled, and the houses of all your servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians, as neither your fathers nor your fathers’ fathers have seen, since the day that they were on the earth to this day.’” He turned, and went out from Pharaoh.

7 Pharaoh’s servants said to him, “How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve Hashem, their Elohim. Don’t you yet know that Egypt is destroyed?”

8 Moses and Aaron were brought again to Pharaoh, and he said to them, “Go, serve Hashem your Elohim; but who are those who will go?”

9 Moses said, “We will go with our young and with our old. We will go with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds; for we must hold a feast to Hashem.”

10 He said to them, “Hashem be with you if I let you go with your little ones! See, evil is clearly before your faces. 11 Not so! Go now you who are men, and serve Hashem; for that is what you desire!” Then they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.

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.”