Emor - Reading #1

Emor Say — אֱמוֹר

Reading #1
Leviticus 21:1 – 24:23
My Thoughts:

Today we read about the priests obligations regarding marrying and being around dead people. Hashem sets very high standards for holiness and purity. In order for the priest to perform service before Adonai – he must be as holy as possible. We don’t have the issue of being around dead people very much. We pay funeral homes to take care of preparing bodies. But, this is just not so in the times of the Bible. Hashem makes it clear that this is not the work of a priest, in fact, he is to stay away from the dead body so that he is not defiled. Same with the marriage requirements. He is to marry a virgin, a pure woman. I really think we have no idea what holiness is. One day we will. When we are in the Olam Haba, in the presence of the Holy One, we will begin to understand His holiness and prostrate ourselves before Him.

Challenge:

In verse 12 we read about the “crown” upon the priest, “...for the crown of the anointing oil of his Elohim is upon him.” This is why a priest had to follow all the rules about remaining holy while in the Temple area. He was sanctified with the oil of the Temple, which permitted him to do service before Hashem. To come in contact with anything of the “world” would take away this anointing. How does this relate to us today? We obviously don’t have a Temple, but we do try to step into the “presence” of Hashem through prayer and worship and sometimes just our daily living. Today’s challenge is to look at yourself and see how close you come to being “holy”. Are  you following Torah, repenting and doing teshuvah? Let’s try each day (and throughout the day and evening) to constantly review our thoughts and actions. Make sure that they are pure. So, that when we come “before” Hashem we are holy as He is holy.

Reading #1 - Leviticus 21:1–15

Leviticus 21:1 Hashem said to Moses, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them, ‘A priest shall not defile himself for the dead among his people, 2 except for his relatives that are near to him: for his mother, for his father, for his son, for his daughter, for his brother, 3 and for his virgin sister who is near to him, who has had no husband; for her he may defile himself. 4 He shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself.

5 “‘They shall not shave their heads or shave off the corners of their beards or make any cuttings in their flesh. 6 They shall be holy to their Elohim, and not profane the name of their Elohim, for they offer the offerings of Hashem made by fire, the bread of their Elohim. Therefore they shall be holy.

7 “‘They shall not marry a woman who is a prostitute, or profane. A priest shall not marry a woman divorced from her husband; for he is holy to his Elohim. 8 Therefore you shall sanctify him, for he offers the bread of your God. He shall be holy to you, for I Hashem, who sanctify you, am holy.

9 “‘The daughter of any priest, if she profanes herself by playing the prostitute, she profanes her father. She shall be burned with fire.

10 “‘He who is the high priest among his brothers, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and who is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of his head hang loose, or tear his clothes. 11 He must not go in to any dead body, or defile himself for his father or for his mother. 12 He shall not go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of his Elohim; for the crown of the anointing oil of his Elohim is upon him. I am Hashem.

13 “‘He shall take a wife in her virginity. 14 He shall not marry a widow, or one divorced, or a woman who has been defiled, or a prostitute. He shall take a virgin of his own people as a wife. 15 He shall not profane his offspring among his people, for I am Hashem who sanctifies him.’”

Acharei Mot/Kedoshim - Reading #1

ACHAREI MOT/KEDOSHIM

Combined readings

Leviticus 16:1-20:27

Reading #1 - Leviticus 16:1-24

My Thoughts:

Aaron is making atonement for himself, his family and his people. That’s a lot of atonement and sacrifices. As I was reading this I was thinking about the responsibility Aaron must have felt so sad after his sons were lost and then he had to do special sacrifices and make atonement for the Tabernacle and all. In verse 17 Hashem says you can not enter the Holy Place until this atonement is made. So, Hashem wants everybody and everything surrounding Him either clean and made atonement for. Why? Because He is PERFECT. He must not want any contamination, sin, uncleanliness or unrighteousness in the area of His presence. What does this say about today? Has anything changed? No. He requests us to be clean. Let’s work on this. We want to be as close to Him as we can, even without a Temple.

Challenge:

Here is a thought. Is Aaron grieving the loss of his sons - of course. But, it looks like he must make atonement for this incident. He must “clean house” for Hashem. Can you think of something that has happened to you or your family that you need to make some restitution for? Something that went wrong. And now you have to make it right? Or maybe you haven’t made it right yet? Repent to the Father and make it right. Prepare your home once again so that you can be in Hashem’s special “presence” during prayer, worship, mitzvah, Scripture study and all that you do during the day. You will want to do this now.

Reading #1 - Leviticus 16:1-24

16 Hashem spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they came near before Hashem, and died; 2 and Hashem said to Moses, “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Most Holy Place within the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark; lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat.

3 “Aaron shall come into the sanctuary with a young bull for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. 4 He shall put on the holy linen tunic. He shall have the linen trousers on his body, and shall put on the linen sash, and he shall be clothed with the linen turban. They are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water, and put them on. 5 He shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel two male goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.

6 “Aaron shall offer the bull of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself and for his house. 7 He shall take the two goats, and set them before Hashem at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 8 Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats: one lot for Hashem, and the other lot for the scapegoat. 9 Aaron shall present the goat on which the lot fell for Hashem, and offer him for a sin offering. 10 But the goat on which the lot fell for the scapegoat shall be presented alive before Hashem, to make atonement for him, to send him away as the scapegoat into the wilderness.

11 “Aaron shall present the bull of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make atonement for himself and for his house, and shall kill the bull of the sin offering which is for himself. 12 He shall take a censer full of coals of fire from off the altar before Hashem, and two handfuls of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil. 13 He shall put the incense on the fire before Hashem, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is on the covenant, so that he will not die. 14 He shall take some of the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat on the east; and before the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times.

15 “Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering that is for the people, and bring his blood within the veil, and do with his blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. 16 He shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, even all their sins; and so he shall do for the Tent of Meeting that dwells with them in the middle of their uncleanness. 17 No one shall be in the Tent of Meeting when he enters to make atonement in the Holy Place, until he comes out, and has made atonement for himself and for his household, and for all the assembly of Israel.

18 “He shall go out to the altar that is before Hashem and make atonement for it, and shall take some of the bull’s blood, and some of the goat’s blood, and put it around on the horns of the altar. 19 He shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and make it holy from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.

20 “When he has finished atoning for the Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, he shall present the live goat. 21 Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, even all their sins; and he shall put them on the head of the goat, and shall send him away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who is ready. 22 The goat shall carry all their iniquities on himself to a solitary land, and he shall release the goat in the wilderness.

23 “Aaron shall come into the Tent of Meeting, and shall take off the linen garments which he put on when he went into the Holy Place, and shall leave them there. 24 Then he shall bathe himself in water in a holy place, put on his garments, and come out and offer his burnt offering and the burnt offering of the people, and make atonement for himself and for the people.

Shemini - Reading #1

Shemini שְּׁמִינִי - Eighth

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Reading #1 - Leviticus 9:1–16

My Thoughts:

Prepare the offerings for “today Hashem appears to you (verse 4).” How amazing that would be! You are bringing a perfect offering, you are preparing to present it, and you know that soon Hashem will appear in His glory! What excitement and energy that must have brought to the people. And hopefully fear. Fear of the presence of the Holy One! Good fear, fear of Hashem. We should be getting excited too! We should be praying every day for Hashem to come back to the Temple in Jerusalem. We should be praying for the Temple to be built! We should be getting ready for the glory of Hashem to come to Israel, may it be soon. Remember to do this. It may help to bring Him back sooner. Please Hashem.

Challenge:

I challenge you today to make an “offering” to Hashem. It can be prayer, sacrifice, worship, repentance or a good deed (mitzvah). Think about what you can give today and do it. And be excited and anticipatory to give it to Him. Think of all the gifts He gives you every day. Today is the day to give Him one!

Reading #1 - Leviticus 9:1–16

9 On the eighth day, Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel; 2 and he said to Aaron, “Take a calf from the herd for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without defect, and offer them before Hashem. 3 You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Take a male goat for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both a year old, without defect, for a burnt offering; 4 and a bull and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before Hashem; and a meal offering mixed with oil: for today Hashem appears to you.’”

5 They brought what Moses commanded before the Tent of Meeting. All the congregation came near and stood before Hashem. 6 Moses said, “This is the thing which Hashem commanded that you should do; and Hashem’s glory shall appear to you.” 7 Moses said to Aaron, “Draw near to the altar, and offer your sin offering, and your burnt offering, and make atonement for yourself, and for the people; and offer the offering of the people, and make atonement for them, as Hashem commanded.”

8 So Aaron came near to the altar, and killed the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself. 9 The sons of Aaron presented the blood to him; and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put it on the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the base of the altar; 10 but the fat, and the kidneys, and the cover from the liver of the sin offering, he burned upon the altar, as Hashem commanded Moses. 11 The meat and the skin he burned with fire outside the camp. 12 He killed the burnt offering; and Aaron’s sons delivered the blood to him, and he sprinkled it around on the altar. 13 They delivered the burnt offering to him, piece by piece, and the head. He burned them upon the altar. 14 He washed the innards and the legs, and burned them on the burnt offering on the altar. 15 He presented the people’s offering, and took the goat of the sin offering which was for the people, and killed it, and offered it for sin, like the first. 16 He presented the burnt offering, and offered it according to the ordinance.

Tzav - Reading #1

Tzav צַו - Command!

Leviticus 6:1-8:36

Reading #1 - Leviticus 6:1–11

My Thoughts:

When we are dishonest with others we are to restore what was taken and add a fifth. It's all about restoration and making things right (verses 4-5). This is what repairs the world we live in -- restoration. Examine your life and see if you owe anyone anything, or if you have “oppressed” anyone. Then take care of it and restore what was taken, plus extra. Imagine if we all did this what a changed world we would live in!

Challenge:

Along with making things right with those you have offended, you are to bring an offering to Hashem. That offering in today’s time could be praise, worship, repentance and a gift to support Israel. Again, take a look at your life and see what Hashem shows you. Take care of it soon, no matter how hard or difficult it may seem. Let’s change the world together. 

Reading #1 - Leviticus 6:1–11

6:1 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “If anyone sins, and commits a trespass against Hashem, and deals falsely with his neighbor in a matter of deposit, or of bargain, or of robbery, or has oppressed his neighbor, 3 or has found that which was lost, and lied about it, and swearing to a lie—in any of these things that a man sins in his actions— 4 then it shall be, if he has sinned, and is guilty, he shall restore that which he took by robbery, or the thing which he has gotten by oppression, or the deposit which was committed to him, or the lost thing which he found, 5 or any thing about which he has sworn falsely: he shall restore it in full, and shall add a fifth part more to it. He shall return it to him to whom it belongs in the day of his being found guilty. 6 He shall bring his trespass offering to Hashem: a ram without defect from the flock, according to your estimation, for a trespass offering, to the priest. 7 The priest shall make atonement for him before Hashem, and he will be forgiven concerning whatever he does to become guilty.”

8 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 9 “Command Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the law of the burnt offering: the burnt offering shall be on the hearth on the altar all night until the morning; and the fire of the altar shall be kept burning on it. 10 The priest shall put on his linen garment, and he shall put on his linen trousers upon his body; and he shall remove the ashes from where the fire has consumed the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar. 11 He shall take off his garments, and put on other garments, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a clean place.

Vayikra - Reading #1

Vayikra  וַיִּקְרָא - And He Called

Leviticus 1:1-5:26

Reading #1 - Leviticus 1:1–13

My Thoughts:

We read in verse 13 that the offerings are a “pleasant aroma” to Hashem. I’ve always kind of wondered about this. If Hashem creates animals, why would their killing and “roasting” be pleasant to Him. But, as I have studied more, I believe what Hashem finds “pleasant” is that His people are being obedient. He does provide for them to eat of the meat afterwards (however, sometimes the entire offering is consumed by fire). Just as a parent is happy when his/her child obeys -- so must be Hashem. That is what is pleasant to Him is our obeying His Commandments. Are we doing that every day?

Challenge:

We read in verse 11 that the offering is prepared “before Hashem”. It’s almost like they do this in front of Him for His approval. That makes total sense. Like a King sitting before His servants witnessing their acts of servitude and obedience. My challenge today is do you go “before” Hashem in prayer and worship? Sometimes we get in the habit of just praying without a lot of thought. We should not take communication with Hashem lightly. Let’s go before Him with reverence and consideration of who He is. Let’s start doing this today!

Reading #1 - Leviticus 1:1–13

Leviticus 1:1 Hashem called to Moses, and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘When anyone of you offers an offering to Hashem, you shall offer your offering of the livestock, from the herd and from the flock.

3 “‘If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without defect. He shall offer it at the door of the Tent of Meeting, that he may be accepted before Hashem. 4 He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. 5 He shall kill the bull before Hashem. Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall present the blood and sprinkle the blood around on the altar that is at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 6 He shall skin the burnt offering and cut it into pieces. 7 The sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar, and lay wood in order on the fire; 8 and Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall lay the pieces, the head, and the fat in order on the wood that is on the fire which is on the altar; 9 but he shall wash its innards and its legs with water. The priest shall burn all of it on the altar, for a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem.

10 “‘If his offering is from the flock, from the sheep or from the goats, for a burnt offering, he shall offer a male without defect. 11 He shall kill it on the north side of the altar before Hashem. Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar. 12 He shall cut it into its pieces, with its head and its fat. The priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is on the altar, 13 but the innards and the legs he shall wash with water. The priest shall offer the whole, and burn it on the altar. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem.

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.

Ki Tisa - Reading #1

Ki Tisa  כִּי תִשָּׂא - When You Elevate

Exodus 30:11-34:35

Reading #1 - Exodus 30:11–31:17

My Thoughts:

Interesting in today’s reading that “atonement for souls” (verse 30:16) is a money offering. We always think of the shedding of blood for making an atonement. But, here we see there is a different type of offering -- half a shekel. Maybe it was important for Hashem to see their commitment because money is such a huge part of our lives. If we have to give away our money, then we are giving something important to us. Money is imperative to living - food, housing, clothing, etc. To give some of it away to Hashem, shows trust and dedication.

In this instance, the whole Tabernacle and priesthood are being established. So, it makes sense that money is needed to sustain the building and materials (although as we read many materials were donated). We also learn that money is used for the redemption of the firstborn. Money is just a part of our lives now as was back then. In Biblical times your livelihood also included livestock and land. Our sacrifice and privilege -- now and then -- is just to give. Just as Hashem directs us.

Challenge:

In verse 31:16 we read that the Shabbat is to be a perpetual covenant. Never to end. It is a sign between Hashem and His people. What about that do we not understand? Why have believers in Hashem chosen to say this is no longer in effect? Who are we or anyone able to change a covenant with Hashem, or change His Law? In fact, we are told in Torah to never add or subtract from the Law. Observing and guarding the Shabbat is a requirement. It is mentioned many, many times. And clearly we see in verse 31:17 that this adherence to the Shabbat Commandment, comes with the gift of refreshment.  Don’t you feel refreshed after spending time with Hashem in prayer and worship?

My challenge today to you is this. Observe and honor the Shabbat starting this week. Take from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday to rest, read Scripture, study Torah, be with family and pray. It will totally refresh you for the week to come.

Reading #1 - Exodus 30:11–31:17

30:11 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 12 “When you take a census of the children of Israel, according to those who are counted among them, then each man shall give a ransom for his soul to Hashem when you count them, that there be no plague among them when you count them. 13 They shall give this, everyone who passes over to those who are counted, half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel is twenty gerahs); half a shekel for an offering to Hashem. 14 Everyone who passes over to those who are counted, from twenty years old and upward, shall give the offering to Hashem. 15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when they give the offering of Hashem, to make atonement for your souls. 16 You shall take the atonement money from the children of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the Tent of Meeting; that it may be a memorial for the children of Israel before Hashem, to make atonement for your souls.”

17 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 18 “You shall also make a basin of bronze, and its base of bronze, in which to wash. You shall put it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it. 19 Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet in it. 20 When they go into the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water, that they not die; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to Hashem. 21 So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they not die. This shall be a statute forever to them, even to him and to his descendants throughout their generations.”

22 Moreover Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Also take fine spices: of liquid myrrh, five hundred shekels; and of fragrant cinnamon half as much, even two hundred and fifty; and of fragrant cane, two hundred and fifty; 24 and of cassia five hundred, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; and a hin of olive oil. 25 You shall make it into a holy anointing oil, a perfume compounded after the art of the perfumer: it shall be a holy anointing oil. 26 You shall use it to anoint the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the covenant, 27 the table and all its articles, the lamp stand and its accessories, the altar of incense, 28 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin with its base. 29 You shall sanctify them, that they may be most holy. Whatever touches them shall be holy. 30 You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and sanctify them, that they may minister to me in the priest’s office. 31 You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘This shall be a holy anointing oil to me throughout your generations. 32 It shall not be poured on man’s flesh, and do not make any like it, according to its composition. It is holy. It shall be holy to you. 33 Whoever compounds any like it, or whoever puts any of it on a stranger, he shall be cut off from his people.’”

34 Hashem said to Moses, “Take to yourself sweet spices, gum resin, onycha, and galbanum: sweet spices with pure frankincense. There shall be an equal weight of each. 35 You shall make incense of it, a perfume after the art of the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy. 36 You shall beat some of it very small, and put some of it before the covenant in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be to you most holy. 37 You shall not make this incense, according to its composition, for yourselves: it shall be to you holy for Hashem. 38 Whoever shall make any like that, to smell of it, he shall be cut off from his people.”

31 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Behold, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 I have filled him with the Spirit of Elohim, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship, 4 to devise skillful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in bronze, 5 and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all kinds of workmanship. 6 Behold, I myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7 the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the covenant, the mercy seat that is on it, all the furniture of the Tent, 8 the table and its vessels, the pure lamp stand with all its vessels, the altar of incense, 9 the altar of burnt offering with all its vessels, the basin and its base, 10 the finely worked garments—the holy garments for Aaron the priest, the garments of his sons to minister in the priest’s office— 11 the anointing oil, and the incense of sweet spices for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded you they shall do.”

12 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 13 “Speak also to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Most certainly you shall keep my Sabbaths; for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am Hashem who sanctifies you. 14 You shall keep the Sabbath therefore, for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Hashem. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall surely be put to death. 16 Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days Hashem made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.’”

Tetzaveh - Reading #1

Tetzaveh תְּצַוֶּה - You Shall Command

Exodus:27:20-30:10

Reading #1 - Exodus 27:20–28:12

My Thoughts:

This reading is a lot about symbolism. The priests were to be wearing the names of the twelve sons (tribes) on their shoulders. To me that seems to be like they were “carrying” the representation of the tribes into the Tabernacle. Like they were “representing” them before Hashem. Bringing a witness of them to Elohim. Some people believe that the remnant of Hashem’s people that will be brought back to Israel in the end times, will all belong to one of the tribes.

Priestly service is very important 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). Maybe this is the same for the rest of Torah and common people. We must follow the instructions Hashem has set forth in His Commandments or we too, could be “consumed”.

Challenge:

In this reading we have the menorah burning continually in the Tent of Meeting (Tabernacle). I never thought about it before but the Tabernacle does not seem to have any 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 I was thinking, it would bring a “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 care to others in a “comfortable” way? Are we illuminating His love and truth in our lives? Take a minute to ponder this. If you are not exhibiting a “light” for Hashem, you may want to change and make sure you do. If we are “lights” others may find their way to Him.

Reading #1 - 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.

Terumah - Reading #1

Terumah תְּרוּמָה - Offering

Exodus:25:1-27:19

Reading #1: Exodus 25:1–16

My Thoughts:

Hashem is asking Moses to go to the people and ask for donations to build His holy Tabernacle. And they are to give only if “their heart is willing (verse 2)”. He wants them to build the Tabernacle so that He can “dwell among them (verse 8)”.  How amazing and what an honor that must have been! For the almighty to make a proclamation that He wishes to dwell with them! You would think they would run to give their donations! And remembering they came out of slavery, isn’t it so interesting that the Egyptians just gave them a lot of wonderful valuable articles to take with them? So, Hashem even provided for them to give. 

It is all a true lesson. We are to give to Hashem what we have so that His presence is in our lives. It may be prayer, worship, supporting His ministries -- but, we do it all to enjoy His love. His people were able to enjoy His physical appearance, and were to build him a “home”. It was all so good and beautiful!

Challenge:

Are you running to give donations for Hashem’s dwelling place today? You may think -- “Well nobody is building a Temple today -- it’s impossible!” No it is not. There is a group in Jerusalem called the “Temple Institute”. They have been getting ready for the building of the Temple for years. They need your prayer and financial support. Go to: TEMPLE INSTITUTE JERUSALEM . Read about what they are doing to build the 3rd Temple and the return of the Mashiach! Thank you!

Reading #1: Exodus 25:1–16

25 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, that they take an offering for Me. From everyone whose heart makes him willing you shall take My offering. 3 This is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, bronze, 4 blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair, 5 rams’ skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood, 6 oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense, 7 onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate. 8 Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. 9 According to all that I show you, the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all of its furniture, even so you shall make it.

10 “They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Its length shall be two and a half cubits, its width a cubit and a half, and a cubit and a half its height. 11 You shall overlay it with pure gold. You shall overlay it inside and outside, and you shall make a gold molding around it. 12 You shall cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in its four feet. Two rings shall be on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it. 13 You shall make poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. 14 You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark. 15 The poles shall be in the rings of the ark. They shall not be taken from it. 16 You shall put the covenant which I shall give you into the ark.

Mishpatim - Reading #1

Mishpatim מִּשְׁפָּטִים - Laws

Exodus: 21:1-24:18

Reading #1 -  Exodus 21:1–19

My Thoughts:

Israel is becoming a nation. They have escaped slavery and are being led into the Land of milk and honey. There they will have to have a “constitution” -- the Law -- to keep things in order. And now we see how the Ten Commandments will be applied, in more detail. I find it interesting that Hashem would begin with the treatment of slaves and others. But, that makes sense doesn’t it? That Hashem wants us to love Him and to love others. So, now we are learning what will happen if we mistreat others. We serve an Elohim of order.

Challenge:

In verse 17 we read that we are not to “curse” our mother and father. This must be a serious curse, because the punishment is death. Could it be that Hashem wants us to treat our parents as we treat Him? He created us and our parents created us. If we are not going to honor our parents, then it is obvious we are not honoring Him. It is a big lesson in life. We must respect our parents, because they came from the Father. If you are not doing so, in many ways, then start doing so today. It may affect your (spiritual) life.

Reading #1 -  Exodus 21:1–19

21 “Now these are the ordinances which you shall set before them:

2 “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years, and in the seventh he shall go out free without paying anything. 3 If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself. If he is married, then his wife shall go out with him. 4 If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself. 5 But if the servant shall plainly say, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children. I will not go out free;’ 6 then his master shall bring him to Elohim, and shall bring him to the door or to the doorpost, and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall serve him forever.

7 “If a man sells his daughter to be a female servant, she shall not go out as the male servants do. 8 If she doesn’t please her master, who has married her to himself, then he shall let her be redeemed. He shall have no right to sell her to a foreign people, since he has dealt deceitfully with her. 9 If he marries her to his son, he shall deal with her as a daughter. 10 If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her marital rights. 11 If he doesn’t do these three things for her, she may go free without paying any money.

12 “One who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death, 13 but not if it is unintentional, but Elohim allows it to happen; then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee. 14 If a man schemes and comes presumptuously on his neighbor to kill him, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.

15 “Anyone who attacks his father or his mother shall be surely put to death.

16 “Anyone who kidnaps someone and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

17 “Anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.

18 “If men quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone, or with his fist, and he doesn’t die, but is confined to bed; 19 if he rises again and walks around with his staff, then he who struck him shall be cleared; only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall provide for his healing until he is thoroughly healed.

Yitro - Reading #1

Yitro יִתְרוֹ - Jethro

Exodus: 18:1-20:22

Reading #1 - Exodus 18:1–12

My Thoughts:

Moses honored his father-in-law Jethro. It is really unclear what relationship Moses had to his wife and sons, but Jethro brings them to him. Do they stay? Scripture is not clear. But, what I want to mention is the importance of Moses' relationship to Jethro. He honors him. No matter how he feels about him. There is a commandment for us to honor our parents and I believe that includes in-laws. Be sure you are honoring your in-laws. That includes treating them kindly, helping them with things, and not talking about them behind their backs. Even if they have passed, you are to speak kindly. It’s very important.

Challenge:

Do you have in-laws? What kind of relationship do you have with them? Does your relationship need improvement? If you don’t have in-laws, maybe Hashem has placed some “older” people in your life. Are you respecting them? Helping them? Today is the day to make things right, sometimes we don’t have a tomorrow. Correct any relationship with an older person and make it good. It’s a commandment and with it comes a blessing.

Reading #1 - Exodus 18:1–12

18 Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that Elohim had done for Moses and for Israel his people, how Hashem had brought Israel out of Egypt. 2 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, received Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her away, 3 and her two sons. The name of one son was Gershom, for Moses said, “I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land”. 4 The name of the other was Eliezer, for he said, “My father’s G-d was my help and delivered me from Pharaoh’s sword.” 5 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with Moses’ sons and his wife to Moses into the wilderness where he was encamped, at the Mountain of Elohim. 6 He said to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, have come to you with your wife, and her two sons with her.”

7 Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and bowed and kissed him. They asked each other of their welfare, and they came into the tent. 8 Moses told his father-in-law all that Hashem had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardships that had come on them on the way, and how Hashem delivered them. 9 Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which Hashem had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians. 10 Jethro said, “Blessed be Hashem, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh; who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that Hashem is greater than all gods because of the way that they treated people arrogantly.” 12 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for Elohim. Aaron came with all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before Elohim.

Beshalach - Reading #1

Beshalach בְּשַׁלַּח - When He Sent Out

Exodus:13:17-17:16

Reading #1 - Exodus 13:17–14:8

My Thoughts:

In verse 14:2 we see a little change in plans. They actually change directions. Some sages say that they went south instead of southeast. Hashem’s goal was to get them safely to the Red Sea where He could perform His most outstanding miracle of it all. It makes me think that sometimes in our lives we see where Hashem is “tweaking” His plans for us. That happened to me last year. Hashem changed my places of work, and when it first happened I didn’t understand. Now that I have been working in my new position I can see exactly what He was doing. It was all meant for good. The important thing is that you are in His will daily. Seek His face, read His word, pray, repent and follow Him. Ultimately, His plans will become yours.

Challenge:

Today I challenge you to be flexible. If things are happening the way you think they should -- give Hashem a chance to show you why. As mentioned before, stay close to Him. Trust that whatever is happening, as long as you are obedient and prayerful, will soon make sense to you. Whatever change you are going through, ask Hashem to turn it all to good! And then praise Him for making it that way.

Reading #1 - Exodus 13:17–14:8

13:17 When Pharaoh had let the people go, Elohim didn’t lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for Elohim said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and they return to Egypt”; 18 but Elohim led the people around by the way of the wilderness by the Red Sea; and the children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the children of Israel swear, saying, “Elohim will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones away from here with you.” 20 They took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. 21 Elohim went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night: 22 the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, didn’t depart from before the people.

14 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon. You shall encamp opposite it by the sea. 3 Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are entangled in the land. The wilderness has shut them in.’ 4 I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will follow after them; and I will get honor over Pharaoh, and over all his armies; and the Egyptians shall know that I am Hashem.” They did so.

5 The king of Egypt was told that the people had fled; and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” 6 He prepared his chariot, and took his army with him; 7 and he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, with captains over all of them. 8 Hashem hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; for the children of Israel went out with a high hand.

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.