Beha'alotcha - Reading #2

Beha’alotcha בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ - In Your Uplifting

Numbers 8:1-12:16

Reading #2 -  Numbers 8:15–26

My Thoughts:

This is so interesting in verse 19 Hashem explains that the priests (Levites) will make atonement for the people of Israel so that they are not hit with a plague as they approach the sanctuary area. In other words, Hashem is protecting His people from severe repercussions for attempting to get near the Temple when they are not prepared to do so. The Levites, through Hashem’s instruction, will “pave the way” for them to come near. The Levites will make sacrifices that atone for the sins and the uncleanness of the people. Hashem has made a way for everyone to approach Him. We need to think about that for today.

Challenge:

If the Levites were giving offerings for the atonement of the people so they could come close to the sanctuary (come close to Hashem) -- how do we approach Hashem today? There is not a Temple where His glory can reside, but as throughout Torah and Scripture we read about Hashem communicated with His people. He either sent messengers, angels, dreams or spoke in a still small voice. The point is -- He did reach out to His people and always has. I don’t think we have been “trained” to hear from Hashem, or “see” what He is doing. Today is the day to start your training. Do something called “listening prayer”. Get in a quiet place. Pray and ask for repentance. Clear your mind. Ask Hashem to remove the “enemy” from the prayer and then ask Hashem about what is on your heart. Take a short moment to listen to what He says. He may speak to you in a word picture, a Scripture verse, or just one word. Write it down. And then see how it applies to your life. Most important DO what He says. I have done this for years and it is a very special way to communicate with Hashem. And it brings me close to His heart. It is amazing. Try it.

Reading #2 -  Numbers 8:15–26

8:15 “After that, the Levites shall go in to do the service of the Tent of Meeting. You shall cleanse them, and offer them as a wave offering. 16 For they are wholly given to Me from among the children of Israel; instead of all who open the womb, even the firstborn of all the children of Israel, I have taken them to me. 17 For all the firstborn among the children of Israel are mine, both man and animal. On the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified them for myself. 18 I have taken the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel. 19 I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the Tent of Meeting, and to make atonement for the children of Israel, so that there will be no plague among the children of Israel when the children of Israel come near to the sanctuary.”

20 Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel did so to the Levites. According to all that Hashem commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so the children of Israel did to them. 21 The Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them for a wave offering before Hashem and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them. 22 After that, the Levites went in to do their service in the Tent of Meeting before Aaron and before his sons: as Hashem had commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so they did to them.

23 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “This is what is assigned to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall go in to wait on the service in the work of the Tent of Meeting; 25 and from the age of fifty years they shall retire from doing the work, and shall serve no more, 26 but shall assist their brothers in the Tent of Meeting, to perform the duty, and shall perform no service. This is how you shall have the Levites do their duties.”

Nasso - Reading #2

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate!

Numbers 4:21-7:89

Reading #2 - Numbers 4:38–49

My Thoughts:

Thousands of people from the age of 30 to fifty to help take care of the Tabernacle and its surroundings. It just dawned on me that there were so many, many men available. Obviously they must have been on some sort of “rotation”. And even then the work must have been done quickly with so many available hands. Can you imagine why Hashem would appoint so many thousands of men for this task? Maybe to make sure there were plenty of available people in times of war, sickness, change and other things. It makes me think that being prepared (the boy scout motto) was first Hashem’s motto. So, shouldn’t we always be prepared?

Challenge:

Hashem commanded Moses and he counted. I’m sure he did not ask Hashem why He was doing things the way He was. Again it is about authority. And this is the HIGHEST authority in the universe! Hashem asks Moses to do something and he does. And we will learn later on when Moses does question or not, as Hashem asks, that the penalty is severe (hitting the rock instead of speaking to the rock!). Do we question our authority? Do we do what they ask us to do without giving our own suggestions? Sharing ideas is important but there is a time and place to do that. My challenge to you today is to review how you are responding to those in authority in your life. Are you quickly obeying? You may need a little “adjustment” in this area. Today is the day to make that adjustment, especially if it concerns your attitude! Shalom!

Reading #2 - Numbers 4:38–49

4:38 Those who were counted of the sons of Gershon, by their families, and by their fathers’ houses, 39 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old—everyone who entered into the service for work in the Tent of Meeting, 40 even those who were counted of them, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, were two thousand six hundred thirty. 41 These are those who were counted of the families of the sons of Gershon, all who served in the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron counted according to the commandment of Hashem.

42 Those who were counted of the families of the sons of Merari, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, 43 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old—everyone who entered into the service for work in the Tent of Meeting, 44 even those who were counted of them by their families, were three thousand two hundred. 45 These are those who were counted of the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron counted according to the commandment of Hashem by Moses.

46 All those who were counted of the Levites whom Moses and Aaron and the princes of Israel counted, by their families and by their fathers’ houses, 47 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered in to do the work of service and the work of bearing burdens in the Tent of Meeting, 48 even those who were counted of them, were eight thousand five hundred eighty. 49 According to the commandment of Hashem they were counted by Moses, everyone according to his service and according to his burden. Thus they were counted by him, as Hashem commanded Moses.

Bamidbar - Reading #2

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Numbers 1:1-4:20

Reading #2 - Numbers 1:20–54

My Thoughts:

Today we are reading about all the tribes and their “princes” being counted for possible war. And we learn that the Levites are not counted but set aside to take care of the Tabernacle. They are the only ones that can pack up, carry and set up the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Hashem has set them apart to do this work. It makes me think about our spiritual leaders today. Our rabbis and our pastors whose job it is to take care of their family of believers. And even the buildings they meet in. Hashem has “called” them into this service, just like He did with the Levites so many years before. We should be respecting them and helping to provide for them. Do you have a rabbi or pastor in your life?

Challenge:

Why all the organizing of the tribes? Why does Hashem divide them by tribes? Could it be people who serve in the family of ancestors that they are a part of -- that they will be super devoted. Makes sense they would be defending their families. Hashem always knows the very best way to motivate and protect His people. And this is the way He chose. Sometimes we have authority over us that will direct us in certain ways. If they are not a part of our family (for example our boss) -- are we dedicated to obey them? Do a check on yourself and your authority. Make sure you are following them and obeying what they ask (unless it is illegal or immoral). Remember they are in charge, and have been appointed to be authority. Respect them.

Reading #2 - Numbers 1:20–54

1:20 The children of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 21 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Reuben, were forty-six thousand five hundred.

22 Of the children of Simeon, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, those who were counted of it, according to the number of the names, one by one, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 23 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty-nine thousand three hundred.

24 Of the children of Gad, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 25 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Gad, were forty-five thousand six hundred fifty.

26 Of the children of Judah, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 27 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Judah, were seventy-four thousand six hundred.

28 Of the children of Issachar, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 29 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Issachar, were fifty-four thousand four hundred.

30 Of the children of Zebulun, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 31 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty-seven thousand four hundred.

32 Of the children of Joseph: of the children of Ephraim, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 33 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Ephraim, were forty thousand five hundred.

34 Of the children of Manasseh, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 35 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Manasseh, were thirty-two thousand two hundred.

36 Of the children of Benjamin, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 37 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Benjamin, were thirty-five thousand four hundred.

38 Of the children of Dan, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 39 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Dan, were sixty-two thousand seven hundred.

40 Of the children of Asher, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 41 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Asher, were forty-one thousand five hundred.

42 Of the children of Naphtali, their generations, by their families, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war: 43 those who were counted of them, of the tribe of Naphtali, were fifty-three thousand four hundred.

44 These are those who were counted, whom Moses and Aaron counted, and the twelve men who were princes of Israel, each one for his fathers’ house. 45 So all those who were counted of the children of Israel by their fathers’ houses, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war in Israel— 46 all those who were counted were six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty. 47 But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not counted among them. 48 For Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 49 “Only the tribe of Levi you shall not count, neither shall you take a census of them among the children of Israel; 50 but appoint the Levites over the Tabernacle of the Testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They shall carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings; and they shall take care of it, and shall encamp around it. 51 When the tabernacle is to move, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall set it up. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death. 52 The children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp, and every man by his own standard, according to their divisions. 53 But the Levites shall encamp around the Tabernacle of the Testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel. The Levites shall be responsible for the Tabernacle of the Testimony.”

54 Thus the children of Israel did. According to all that Hashem commanded Moses, so they did.

Behar/Bechukotai - Reading #2

BEHAR/BECHUKOTAI

Leviticus 25:1-27:34

Reading #2 - Leviticus 25:19-28

My Thoughts:

What a wonderful, fair and just Elohim we serve. He tells His people not to plant in the seventh year, and He knows they are thinking “What shall we eat in the seventh year?”. So, He provides abundantly. His provision is so generous that He provides enough fruit for three years! Until they can replant the 8th year and sow the 9th year. You cannot be more fair and just then that! It shows us that He will not ask us anything unless it is fair and righteous. He does not want us to starve or fail. What He really wants is that we will love Him with our whole heart, soul and strength. And to follow His Commandments. If we do -- we have life and liberty! Forever!

Challenge:

I heard it discussed that the Year of Jubilee and the return of the Land to original owners, really teaches us that nothing is really ours. That the Land actually belongs to Hashem in the end. People are really just “leasing” it from Him in a sense. It makes you think. Is anything really ours? When we die, we die alone, naked and without any possessions. So, did we really ever “own” anything? We must appreciate our lives every day, be grateful for what we have, work hard, serve Adonai, love and worship Him and follow His Commands. My challenge for you today is to think about this and then do it. 

Reading #2 - Leviticus 25:19-28

25:19 The land shall yield its fruit, and you shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety. 20 If you said, “What shall we eat the seventh year? Behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase;” 21 then I will command my blessing on you in the sixth year, and it shall bear fruit for the three years. 22 You shall sow the eighth year, and eat of the fruits from the old store until the ninth year. Until its fruits come in, you shall eat the old store.

23 “‘The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; for you are strangers and live as foreigners with me. 24 In all the land of your possession you shall grant a redemption for the land.

25 “‘If your brother becomes poor, and sells some of his possessions, then his kinsman who is next to him shall come, and redeem that which his brother has sold. 26 If a man has no one to redeem it, and he becomes prosperous and finds sufficient means to redeem it, 27 then let him reckon the years since its sale, and restore the surplus to the man to whom he sold it; and he shall return to his property. 28 But if he isn’t able to get it back for himself, then what he has sold shall remain in the hand of him who has bought it until the Year of Jubilee. In the Jubilee it shall be released, and he shall return to his property.

Emor - Reading #2

Emor Say — אֱמוֹר

Leviticus 21:1 – 24:23

My Thoughts:

Today we read about more priestly rules. Hashem does not want animals with defects to be sacrificed, but interestingly enough He doesn’t want humans with defects either! Even a person with a flat nose (verse 18). Hashem is wanting the best, the purest, even the most physically perfect. I don’t think He does this to hurt anyone’s feelings. I believe He requires it to show that we must be holy and perfect before stepping into service for Him. It is an example. Of course He loves people of all shapes, sizes and unique qualities. It’s just when we go into His presence He asks us to be the best we can be. And that is for today. Only our “defects” are sin and an unrepentant heart. He does not want us to go before Him in prayer or worship with sin in our heart. We must repent and teshuvah - come clean. Then we can enter His presence. This all teaches us what is right and what He needs. Amen.

Challenge:

In verse 9 we see once again the penalty for disobedience – death, “‘They shall therefore follow My commandment, lest they bear sin for it and die in it, if they profane it. I am Hashem who sanctifies them.” We are not to take Hashem’s commandments lightly. They are required and they are life to us. Not to follow them brings death (in many ways). If you believe these commandments were erased in any way, I challenge you to study this. Torah says they are eternal. They always were and they always will be. You can not “subtract or add” to them. Of course, some of them we are unable to follow. If we are not priests, and there is not a Temple, or if we are not in the Land – but here is the heart of Torah. Do what you can and do it the best you can. He asks us this for a reason - because He loves us and wants to be with us. Torah is life. 

Reading #2 - Leviticus 21:16–22:16

Leviticus 21:16 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 17 “Say to Aaron, ‘None of your offspring throughout their generations who has a defect may approach to offer the bread of his Elohim. 18 For whatever man he is that has a defect, he shall not draw near: a blind man, or a lame, or he who has a flat nose, or any deformity, 19 or a man who has an injured foot, or an injured hand, 20 or hunchbacked, or a dwarf, or one who has a defect in his eye, or an itching disease, or scabs, or who has damaged testicles. 21 No man of the offspring of Aaron the priest who has a defect shall come near to offer the offerings of Hashem made by fire. Since he has a defect, he shall not come near to offer the bread of his Elohim. 22 He shall eat the bread of his Elohim, both of the most holy, and of the holy. 23 He shall not come near to the veil, nor come near to the altar, because he has a defect; that he may not profane my sanctuaries, for I am Hashem who sanctifies them.’”

24 So Moses spoke to Aaron, and to his sons, and to all the children of Israel.

22 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Tell Aaron and his sons to separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, which they make holy to Me, and that they not profane My holy name. I am Hashem.

3 “Tell them, ‘If anyone of all your offspring throughout your generations approaches the holy things which the children of Israel make holy to Hashem, having his uncleanness on him, that soul shall be cut off from before me. I am Hashem.

4 “‘Whoever of the offspring of Aaron is a leper or has a discharge shall not eat of the holy things until he is clean. Whoever touches anything that is unclean by the dead, or a man who has a seminal emission, 5 or whoever touches any creeping thing whereby he may be made unclean, or a man from whom he may become unclean, whatever uncleanness he has— 6 the person that touches any such shall be unclean until the evening, and shall not eat of the holy things unless he bathes his body in water. 7 When the sun is down, he shall be clean; and afterward he shall eat of the holy things, because it is his bread. 8 He shall not eat that which dies of itself or is torn by animals, defiling himself by it. I am Hashem.

9 “‘They shall therefore follow My commandment, lest they bear sin for it and die in it, if they profane it. I am Hashem who sanctifies them.

10 “‘No stranger shall eat of the holy thing: a foreigner living with the priests, or a hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing. 11 But if a priest buys a slave, purchased by his money, he shall eat of it; and those who are born in his house shall eat of his bread. 12 If a priest’s daughter is married to an outsider, she shall not eat of the heave offering of the holy things. 13 But if a priest’s daughter is a widow, or divorced, and has no child, and has returned to her father’s house as in her youth, she may eat of her father’s bread; but no stranger shall eat any of it.

14 “‘If a man eats something holy unwittingly, then he shall add the fifth part of its value to it, and shall give the holy thing to the priest. 15 The priests shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer to Hashem, 16 and so cause them to bear the iniquity that brings guilt when they eat their holy things; for I am Hashem who sanctifies them.’”

Acharei Mot/Kedoshim - Reading #2

ACHAREI MOT/KEDOSHIM

Combined readings

Leviticus 16:1-20:27

Reading #2 - Leviticus 16:25-17:7

My Thoughts:

 

In verse 34 we read that this atonement will be made once a year to cleanse Israel from their sins. It is necessary to clean the “nation” and not only the “person”. Think about this today. Is the nation you live in considered “clean”? There is no Temple to do sacrifices in to atone for the nation, but is there ever a type of “national repentance” that you can remember? Probably not unless you are contacted to a special prayer group. So, what you can do is remember and honor this particular Moadim -- Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). Take the day off from work, fast all day and try to get in the presence of Hashem. Do it for your nation, do it for Hashem!

Challenge:

In verse 29 we read that even the stranger for lives as a foreigner and the native-born are to be included in this Feast. When Hashem speaks of the nation of Israel and it’s atonement, He includes strangers! Apparently He wants EVERYONE to be cleansed and forgiven. My challenge is for you to think about this today. Look at your “unbelieving” neighbors and friends. Do you exclude them or include them? If we serve an Elohim that cares about the stranger and outsiders, we would be best to include those around us in our lives. Pray for them and help them however possible in the little things and the big things. Let your light from Hashem shine through all you do so that your friends and strangers around you may be drawn in to HIM. Be a “conduit” and a representative for how Hashem does work in the world! Start today!

Reading #2 - Leviticus 16:25-17:7

16:25 The fat of the sin offering he shall burn on the altar.

26 “He who lets the goat go as the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp. 27 The bull for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the Holy Place, shall be carried outside the camp; and they shall burn their skins, their flesh, and their dung with fire. 28 He who burns them shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.

29 “It shall be a statute to you forever: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and shall do no kind of work, whether native-born or a stranger who lives as a foreigner among you; 30 for on this day shall atonement be made for you, to cleanse you. You shall be clean from all your sins before Hashem. 31 It is a Sabbath of solemn rest to you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever. 32 The priest, who is anointed and who is consecrated to be priest in his father’s place, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen garments, even the holy garments. 33 Then he shall make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary; and he shall make atonement for the Tent of Meeting and for the altar; and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly.

34 “This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel once in the year because of all their sins.”

It was done as Hashem commanded Moses.

17 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to Aaron, and to his sons, and to all the children of Israel, and say to them, ‘This is the thing which Hashem has commanded: 3 Whatever man there is of the house of Israel who kills a bull, or lamb, or goat in the camp, or who kills it outside the camp, 4 and hasn’t brought it to the door of the Tent of Meeting to offer it as an offering to Hashem before Hashem’s tabernacle: blood shall be imputed to that man. He has shed blood. That man shall be cut off from among his people. 5 This is to the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they sacrifice in the open field, that they may bring them to Hashem, to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to the priest, and sacrifice them for sacrifices of peace offerings to Hashem. 6 The priest shall sprinkle the blood on Hashem’s altar at the door of the Tent of Meeting, and burn the fat for a pleasant aroma to Hashem. 7 They shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to the goat idols, after which they play the prostitute. This shall be a statute forever to them throughout their generations.’

Tazria-Metzora - Reading #2

Tazria-Metzora

She will conceive/Leper — תַזְרִיעַ־מְּצֹרָע

Torah Portion: Leviticus 12:1 - 15:33

Reading #2 - Leviticus 13:24-39 

My Thoughts:

This week’s Torah portions are mainly centered around leprosy and diseases. How to manage and take care of them. And how to involve the priests at the Temple. They did not have “doctors” in those days and Hashem had to explain to them how to take care of themselves - and importantly, how to keep others from getting infected from their disease/infectious condition. If you look at the history books, there are many times when there were plagues that would kill thousands of people. Yet, the Jewish communities would have a relatively low death rate. Of course this made others “suspicious" of them. When really, they were just following Hashem’s Laws regarding disease/infections. That is why it is so important to be obedient and study His Laws. And follow them. They give life and save lives!

Challenge:

We do not have a “priest” to go to when we get sick. But we do have Hashem to go to and His Torah. If we study and follow Torah to the best of our abilities we will be healthier and happier people. My challenge to you today is to daily read the Torah. Pray and ask Hashem how it applies to your life. Follow Him and follow His Commandments. In them you will find joy!

Leviticus 13:24-39 

Leviticus 13:24 “Or when the body has a burn from fire on its skin, and the raw flesh of the burn becomes a bright spot, reddish-white, or white, 25 then the priest shall examine it; and behold, if the hair in the bright spot has turned white, and its appearance is deeper than the skin, it is leprosy. It has broken out in the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is the plague of leprosy. 26 But if the priest examines it, and behold, there is no white hair in the bright spot, and it isn’t deeper than the skin, but has faded, then the priest shall isolate him seven days. 27 The priest shall examine him on the seventh day. If it has spread in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is the plague of leprosy. 28 If the bright spot stays in its place, and hasn’t spread in the skin, but is faded, it is the swelling from the burn, and the priest shall pronounce him clean, for it is the scar from the burn.

29 “When a man or woman has a plague on the head or on the beard, 30 then the priest shall examine the plague; and behold, if its appearance is deeper than the skin, and the hair in it is yellow and thin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is an itch. It is leprosy of the head or of the beard. 31 If the priest examines the plague of itching, and behold, its appearance isn’t deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall isolate the person infected with itching seven days. 32 On the seventh day the priest shall examine the plague; and behold, if the itch hasn’t spread, and there is no yellow hair in it, and the appearance of the itch isn’t deeper than the skin, 33 then he shall be shaved, but he shall not shave the itch. Then the priest shall isolate the one who has the itch seven more days. 34 On the seventh day, the priest shall examine the itch; and behold, if the itch hasn’t spread in the skin, and its appearance isn’t deeper than the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him clean. He shall wash his clothes and be clean. 35 But if the itch spreads in the skin after his cleansing, 36 then the priest shall examine him; and behold, if the itch has spread in the skin, the priest shall not look for the yellow hair; he is unclean. 37 But if in his eyes the itch is arrested and black hair has grown in it, then the itch is healed. He is clean. The priest shall pronounce him clean.

38 “When a man or a woman has bright spots in the skin of the body, even white bright spots, 39 then the priest shall examine them. Behold, if the bright spots on the skin of their body are a dull white, it is a harmless rash. It has broken out in the skin. He is clean.

Shemini - Reading #2

Shemini שְּׁמִינִי - Eighth

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Reading #2 - Leviticus 9:17–23

My Thoughts:

Last verse (23) Moses and Aaron come out of the Tabernacle, they “bless” the people and Hashem’s glory appears to everyone. How amazing that would be. To be there to witness a special “house” for Hashem and then for His glory to appear. Were they blinded? Did they go prostrate before Him? Whatever happened I can only imagine total unexplained peace and joy. You would not have words to speak, only to dwell in the current moment of time. In the presence of His glory. Imagine that.

Challenge:

As we read Moses and Aaron “blessed’ the people. I want you to think today about YOUR blessings. In other words -- how have YOU been blessed? Sometimes we get caught up in problems, troubles or even daily challenges of life. We start complaining or worrying. We totally forget about all Hashem has given us, all that we have. The fact that we can study and learn about Torah. The Torah that gives eternal life. We can read about serving and loving Hashem and others. What a total blessing that is! Today is a good day to start remembering all that you have. Think about all the wonderful people Hashem has put in your life. Then start to praise Him. No matter how tough of a time you are going through -- thank Him for He has done and continues to do. We may not have Moses to bless us, but we have the Spirit of Elohim upon us! And that is a huge blessing! Amen!

Reading #2 - Leviticus 9:17–23

17 He presented the meal offering, and filled his hand from there, and burned it upon the altar, in addition to the burnt offering of the morning. 18 He also killed the bull and the ram, the sacrifice of peace offerings, which was for the people. Aaron’s sons delivered to him the blood, which he sprinkled around on the altar; 19 and the fat of the bull and of the ram, the fat tail, and that which covers the innards, and the kidneys, and the cover of the liver; 20 and they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burned the fat on the altar. 21 Aaron waved the breasts and the right thigh for a wave offering before Hashem, as Moses commanded. 22 Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people, and blessed them; and he came down from offering the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings.

23 Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting, and came out, and blessed the people; and Hashem’s glory appeared to all the people.

Tzav - Reading #2

Tzav צַו - Command!

Leviticus 6:1-8:36

Reading #2 -  Leviticus 6:12–7:10

My Thoughts:

Hashem is laying out His instructions for the different types of offerings. In the website -- “The Jewish Virtual Library”  -- you can read the most amazing article on sacrifices. They are suggesting 3 reasons why people gave offerings. First, because people need to give to Hashem. They are bringing the offering to the one Holy Elohim. Secondly, it is a sacrifice for them to give and a kind of retribution for their sin. Like we have discussed before, when you have to give up something important because you did something wrong, you will learn a great lesson. And lastly, because the offering brings one closer to Hashem. In fact, that is the whole reason for the offering  -- to draw close. To read the entire article go to: Sacrifices and Offerings - Karbanot

Challenge:

“Karbanot” (offering) means to draw near. Today’s challenge is to think about how YOU are drawing near to Hashem. What brings you closer to Him? Is it when you do a “mitzvah” or a good deed? Is it when you worship, pray or talk to Hashem in your special time? For me, I know when I worship or listen to songs that extol Hashem that it seems to move my spirit to be close to Him. Or sometimes when I see an answered prayer or small miracle, it makes me super aware that He is close. The whole point is, find something that draws you closer to Him. When Hashem is involved in our daily lives, we have better lives. We need to be shining “lights” of His love to share with others. We can only do that by “karbanot”.

Reading #2 -  Leviticus 6:12–7:10

2 The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it, it shall not go out; and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning. He shall lay the burnt offering in order upon it, and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. 13 Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out.

14 “‘This is the law of the meal offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before Hashem, before the altar. 15 He shall take from there his handful of the fine flour of the meal offering, and of its oil, and all the frankincense which is on the meal offering, and shall burn it on the altar for a pleasant aroma, as its memorial portion, to Hashem. 16 That which is left of it Aaron and his sons shall eat. It shall be eaten without yeast in a holy place. They shall eat it in the court of the Tent of Meeting. 17 It shall not be baked with yeast. I have given it as their portion of my offerings made by fire. It is most holy, as are the sin offering and the trespass offering. 18 Every male among the children of Aaron shall eat of it, as their portion forever throughout your generations, from the offerings of Hashem made by fire. Whoever touches them shall be holy.’”

19 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 20 “This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer to Hashem in the day when he is anointed: one tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a meal offering perpetually, half of it in the morning, and half of it in the evening. 21 It shall be made with oil in a griddle. When it is soaked, you shall bring it in. You shall offer the meal offering in baked pieces for a pleasant aroma to Hashem. 22 The anointed priest that will be in his place from among his sons shall offer it. By a statute forever, it shall be wholly burned to Hashem. 23 Every meal offering of a priest shall be wholly burned. It shall not be eaten.”

24 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 25 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is the law of the sin offering: in the place where the burnt offering is killed, the sin offering shall be killed before Hashem. It is most holy. 26 The priest who offers it for sin shall eat it. It shall be eaten in a holy place, in the court of the Tent of Meeting. 27 Whatever shall touch its flesh shall be holy. When there is any of its blood sprinkled on a garment, you shall wash that on which it was sprinkled in a holy place. 28 But the earthen vessel in which it is boiled shall be broken; and if it is boiled in a bronze vessel, it shall be scoured, and rinsed in water. 29 Every male among the priests shall eat of it. It is most holy. 30 No sin offering, of which any of the blood is brought into the Tent of Meeting to make atonement in the Holy Place, shall be eaten. It shall be burned with fire.

7 “‘This is the law of the trespass offering: It is most holy. 2 In the place where they kill the burnt offering, he shall kill the trespass offering; and its blood he shall sprinkle around on the altar. 3 He shall offer all of its fat: the fat tail, and the fat that covers the innards, 4 and he shall take away the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys; 5 and the priest shall burn them on the altar for an offering made by fire to Hashem: it is a trespass offering. 6 Every male among the priests may eat of it. It shall be eaten in a holy place. It is most holy.

7 “‘As is the sin offering, so is the trespass offering; there is one law for them. The priest who makes atonement with them shall have it. 8 The priest who offers any man’s burnt offering shall have for himself the skin of the burnt offering which he has offered. 9 Every meal offering that is baked in the oven, and all that is prepared in the pan and on the griddle, shall be the priest’s who offers it. 10 Every meal offering, mixed with oil or dry, belongs to all the sons of Aaron, one as well as another.

Vayikra - Reading #2

Vayikra  וַיִּקְרָא - And He Called

Leviticus 1:1-5:26

Reading #2 - Leviticus 1:14–2:6

My Thoughts:

In verse 3 we read that whatever is left over from the offering can be eaten by Aaron. When I was in Israel the first time, we went on a little tour in Cana. A man dressed up as a shepherd took us on a walk. The one thing I remember that he said was “G-d doesn’t waste anything”. I don’t remember what context he said this in – maybe he was talking about plants on the path. The point was that Hashem uses everything and doesn’t waste. So it is with the offerings. Either they are consumed by fire, or they are offered to the priests for food. And maybe later as greater offerings were given, back to the people for food? I really don’t imagine any was thrown out or wasted. This is an important message in our lives -- not to waste food. Let’s be more careful.

Challenge:

I read today how the grain offering was given as a sign of worship and appreciation for Hashem’s provision. It was given after an animal sacrifice and was voluntary. Our worship of Hashem should be like this. It should be voluntary and for appreciation of His provision. If Hashem has blessed you recently (really He blesses every day, sometimes several times!), then consider giving Him an offering of worship. This can be by song, reciting a prayer or words of thanksgiving. Amen.

See Psalm 145. What a wonderful Scripture to praise Him with.

Reading #2 - Leviticus 1:14–2:6

1:14 “‘If his offering to Hashem is a burnt offering of birds, then he shall offer his offering from turtledoves or of young pigeons. 15 The priest shall bring it to the altar, and wring off its head, and burn it on the altar; and its blood shall be drained out on the side of the altar; 16 and he shall take away its crop and its feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, in the place of the ashes. 17 He shall tear it by its wings, but shall not divide it apart. The priest shall burn it on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem..

2 “‘When anyone offers an offering of a meal offering to Hashem, his offering shall be of fine flour. He shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense on it. 2 He shall bring it to Aaron’s sons, the priests. He shall take his handful of its fine flour, and of its oil, with all its frankincense, and the priest shall burn its memorial on the altar, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem. 3 That which is left of the meal offering shall be Aaron’s and his sons’. It is a most holy part of the offerings of Hashem made by fire.

4 “‘When you offer an offering of a meal offering baked in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil. 5 If your offering is a meal offering made on a griddle, it shall be of unleavened fine flour, mixed with oil. 6 You shall cut it in pieces, and pour oil on it. It is a meal offering.

Pekudei - Reading #2

Pekudei  פְקוּדֵי - Accounts
Torah Reading: Exodus 38:21-40:38
Reading #2 - Exodus 39:2–21

My Thoughts:

Forming a picture of what the Tabernacle and priestly garments would look like is often difficult. Many people have done research on this and I came upon a really great video today. Check it out: Priestly Garments. The most interesting item in the garment selection is the ephod. A sort of breast plate worn over the high priest's chest -- with the names of the twelve tribes engraved each on a special stone. And in addition a stone on each shoulder with the names of the tribes. Why was this important? The obvious answer is that Hashem carries us all on His shoulders and places our names over His heart. Just as the priests would carry the tribes, I believe so does Hashem. Think about it today. It is a wonderful feeling to know you are cared about so much by the Holy One of Israel!

Challenge:

Once again, every detail is given to the priests and the Tabernacle. Our Elohim is perfect and cares about everything, even the smallest things. If He is so detailed about creating things, so shouldn't we be? Sometimes I get in a hurry and overlook the small details of a project. But, after reading today's portion it makes me think we should be more careful. Maybe you are working on something today. Slow down and take time to carefully consider the smallest tasks. Whether you are creating or performing -- pay attention to it all. Make all you do as perfect as possible. Give it your best. Amen.

Reading #2 - Exodus 39:2-21

2 He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. 3 They beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in with the blue, the purple, the scarlet, and the fine linen, the work of the skillful workman. 4 They made shoulder straps for it, joined together. It was joined together at the two ends. 5 The skillfully woven band that was on it, with which to fasten it on, was of the same piece, like its work: of gold, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, as Hashem commanded Moses. 6 They worked the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, engraved with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel. 7 He put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel, as Hashem commanded Moses. 8 He made the breastplate, the work of a skillful workman, like the work of the ephod: of gold, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. 9 It was square. They made the breastplate double. Its length was a span, and its width a span, being double. 10 They set in it four rows of stones. A row of ruby, topaz, and beryl was the first row; 11 and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald; 12 and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 13 and the fourth row, a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in gold settings. 14 The stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, for the twelve tribes. 15 They made on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold. 16 They made two settings of gold, and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. 17 They put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate. 18 The other two ends of the two braided chains they put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, in its front. 19 They made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its edge, which was toward the side of the ephod inward. 20 They made two more rings of gold, and put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in its front, close by its coupling, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. 21 They bound the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not come loose from the ephod, as Hashem commanded Moses.

Vayakhel - Reading #2

Vayakhel  וַיַּקְהֵל - And He Assembled

Torah Reading: Exodus 35:1-38:20

Reading #2 - Exodus 35:21–29

My Thoughts:

This particular Torah reading is full of unity and community. In verse 21 we read, “...everyone whose heart stirred him up, and everyone whom his spirit made willing…”. Those people who really cared, who were really “stirred” by Hashem to give and to work – came forward. There wasn’t any discussion about whether it was right to give what you had, it was just done. People came forward joyfully and worked and gave together for a purpose. You can imagine what that would look like today? If there was a special project and people came together joyfully and with the right heart to work? There are projects that do this. Look at Habitat for Humanity where people get together and build and restore homes for the disadvantaged. Look at food banks, libraries, clothing banks – there are lots of projects to get involved in. Pray about it and choose one. Be like the people in today’s reading – be willing!

Challenge:

In verse 25 we read about the women, “All the women who were wise-hearted spun with their hands, and brought that which they had spun”. Not just any woman helped out, only those who were “wise-hearted”. We talked about this yesterday – what it means to be “wise-hearted”. But, let’s take it a step further. When Hashem asks us to give or make something for someone, be sure to complete the task. BRING IT to a person/group. Do not procrastinate. Oftentimes we will get excited about a project, but if it takes longer than expected we give up. Be like the women in today’s portion - finish it and bring it forward. Don’t delay, it’s too important!

Reading #2 - Exodus 35:21–29

21 They came, everyone whose heart stirred him up, and everyone whom his spirit made willing, and brought Hashem’s offering for the work of the Tent of Meeting, and for all of its service, and for the holy garments. 22 They came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, earrings, signet rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man who offered an offering of gold to Hashem. 23 Everyone with whom was found blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair, rams’ skins dyed red, and sea cow hides, brought them. 24 Everyone who offered an offering of silver and bronze brought Hashem’s offering; and everyone with whom was found acacia wood for any work of the service, brought it. 25 All the women who were wise-hearted spun with their hands, and brought that which they had spun: the blue, the purple, the scarlet, and the fine linen. 26 All the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun the goats’ hair. 27 The rulers brought the onyx stones and the stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate; 28 with the spice and the oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense. 29 The children of Israel brought a free will offering to Hashem; every man and woman whose heart made them willing to bring for all the work, which Hashem had commanded to be made by Moses.

Ki Tisa - Reading #2

Ki Tisa  כִּי תִשָּׂא - When You Elevate
Exodus 30:11-34:35

Reading #2 - Exodus 31:18–33:11

My Thoughts:

We read about the “Tent of Meeting” today in Exodus 33. What an incredible place that would have been. The people would watch Moses go into the Tent and then the Pillar of the Cloud descend. This is where Moses would actually meet with Hashem! We don’t exactly know the details of this, but we do know He received instructions from Hashem here. And that Joshua, the faithful servant, did not want to leave the door. 

The Tent of Meeting was there before the Tabernacle was built. It was Hashem’s meeting place with Moses. Do you have a special place where you meet with Hashem? I have a living room, with a piano and some pictures of the future Temple and Jerusalem. Every day I meet with Hashem there and ask Him three things. I ask Him to return the Land to His people; to return His people’s (and those all over the world) hearts to Him; and lastly I ask Him to help us build the Temple so He can return to it and rule and reign forever. My “Meeting Place” with Hashem is simple. But, it feels like He is always there. Our special place. Find yours with Him!

Challenge:

In Chapter 32 we read about the famous “golden calf” story. I always seem to feel like the Israelites were just impatient fools. They couldn’t wait for Moses to come down from the hill. Even after all the miracles they had just witnessed their faith was wavering. But, today I see how wrong I am. The Israelites were not only on a journey to the promised Land, but they were also on a huge SPIRITUAL journey. They had just come out of paganism and slavery. They were just beginning to know Hashem. They got scared and got confused. There is no excuse for building a golden calf and partying around it like it was a “god” -- but it does help to understand why it may have happened.

After all, don’t we build “golden calves” in our lives? Don’t we get impatient for Hashem to answer a prayer and instead figure our own way to make it happen? Don’t we substitute something else for Hashem’s power and presence? I do it a lot, and I am humbly sorry that I do. I want to serve the only one true G-d -- Hashem. I don’t want to substitute anything else for Him. And I pray He helps me to not do so. I pray the same for those of you who are impatient about waiting on Elohim. I pray you have courage and strength to wait on Him, and not make any “human” decisions. Wait for the best! I am trying to do the same. Amen!

Reading #2 - Exodus 31:18–33:11

31:18 When he finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, he gave Moses the two tablets of the covenant, stone tablets, written with Elohim’s finger.

32 When the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we don’t know what has become of him.”

2 Aaron said to them, “Take off the golden rings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them to me.”

3 All the people took off the golden rings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. 4 He received what they handed him, fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made it a molded calf. Then they said, “These are your gods, Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.”

5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation, and said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to Hashem.”

6 They rose up early on the next day, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

7 Hashem spoke to Moses, “Go, get down; for your people, who you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves! 8 They have turned away quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molded calf, and have worshiped it, and have sacrificed to it, and said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.’”

9 Hashem said to Moses, “I have seen these people, and behold, they are a stiff-necked people. 10 Now therefore leave me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them, and that I may consume them; and I will make of you a great nation.”

11 Moses begged Hashem his Elohim, and said, “Hashem, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, that you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians talk, saying, ‘He brought them out for evil, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the surface of the earth?’ Turn from your fierce wrath, and turn away from this evil against your people. 13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, ‘I will multiply your offspring[a] as the stars of the sky, and all this land that I have spoken of I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever.’”

14 So Hashem turned away from the evil which He said He would do to His people.

15 Moses turned, and went down from the mountain, with the two tablets of the covenant in his hand; tablets that were written on both their sides. They were written on one side and on the other. 16 The tablets were the work of Elohim, and the writing was the writing of Elohim, engraved on the tablets.

17 When Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said to Moses, “There is the noise of war in the camp.”

18 He said, “It isn’t the voice of those who shout for victory. It is not the voice of those who cry for being overcome; but the noise of those who sing that I hear.” 19 As soon as he came near to the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing. Then Moses’ anger grew hot, and he threw the tablets out of his hands, and broke them beneath the mountain. 20 He took the calf which they had made, and burned it with fire, ground it to powder, and scattered it on the water, and made the children of Israel drink it.

21 Moses said to Aaron, “What did these people do to you, that you have brought a great sin on them?”

22 Aaron said, “Don’t let the anger of my lord grow hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil. 23 For they said to me, ‘Make us gods, which shall go before us. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we don’t know what has become of him.’ 24 I said to them, ‘Whoever has any gold, let them take it off.’ So they gave it to me; and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf.”

25 When Moses saw that the people were out of control, (for Aaron had let them lose control, causing derision among their enemies), 26 then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, “Whoever is on Hashem's side, come to me!”

All the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him. 27 He said to them, “Hashem, the Elohim of Israel, says, ‘Every man put his sword on his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate throughout the camp, and every man kill his brother, and every man his companion, and every man his neighbor.’” 28 The sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. About three thousand men fell of the people that day. 29 Moses said, “Consecrate yourselves today to Hashem, for every man was against his son and against his brother, that He may give you a blessing today.”

30 On the next day, Moses said to the people, “You have sinned a great sin. Now I will go up to Hashem. Perhaps I shall make atonement for your sin.”

31 Moses returned to Hashem, and said, “Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made themselves gods of gold. 32 Yet now, if you will, forgive their sin—and if not, please blot me out of your book which you have written.”

33 Hashem said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot him out of my book. 34 Now go, lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. Behold, my angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, in the day when I punish, I will punish them for their sin.” 35 Hashem struck the people, because of what they did with the calf, which Aaron made.

33 Hashem spoke to Moses, “Depart, go up from here, you and the people that you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your offspring.’ 2 I will send an angel before you; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. 3 Go to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, for you are a stiff-necked people, lest I consume you on the way.”

4 When the people heard this evil news, they mourned; and no one put on his jewelry.

5 Hashem had said to Moses, “Tell the children of Israel, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go up among you for one moment, I would consume you. Therefore now take off your jewelry from you, that I may know what to do to you.’”

6 The children of Israel stripped themselves of their jewelry from Mount Horeb onward.

7 Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far away from the camp, and he called it “The Tent of Meeting.” Everyone who sought Hashem went out to the Tent of Meeting, which was outside the camp. 8 When Moses went out to the Tent, all the people rose up, and stood, everyone at their tent door, and watched Moses, until he had gone into the Tent. 9 When Moses entered into the Tent, the pillar of cloud descended, stood at the door of the Tent, and Hashem spoke with Moses. 10 All the people saw the pillar of cloud stand at the door of the Tent, and all the people rose up and worshiped, everyone at their tent door. 11 Hashem spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. He turned again into the camp, but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, didn’t depart from the Tent.