Week of Pesach - Day #2

Torah Portion: Leviticus 22:26-23:44  

Haftarah: II Kings 23:1-9, 23:21-25  

Leviticus 22:26-23:44

22:26 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 27 “When a bull, a sheep, or a goat is born, it shall remain seven days with its mother. From the eighth day on, it shall be accepted for the offering of an offering made by fire to Hashem. 28 Whether it is a cow or ewe, you shall not kill it and its young both in one day.

29 “When you sacrifice a sacrifice of thanksgiving to Hashem, you shall sacrifice it so that you may be accepted. 30 It shall be eaten on the same day; you shall leave none of it until the morning. I am Hashem.

31 “Therefore, you shall keep My commandments, and do them. I am Hashem. 32 You shall not profane My holy name, but I will be made holy among the children of Israel. I am Hashem, who makes you holy, 33 who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your Elohim. I am Hashem.”

23:1 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘The set feasts of Hashem, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are My set feasts.

3 “‘Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation; you shall do no kind of work. It is a Sabbath to Hashem in all your dwellings.

4 “‘These are the set feasts of Hashem, even holy convocations, which you shall proclaim in their appointed season. 5 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening, is Hashem’s Pesach. 6 On the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread to Hashem. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. 7 On the first day, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no regular work. 8 But you shall offer an offering made by fire to Hashem seven days. On the seventh day is a holy convocation. You shall do no regular work.’”

9 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 10 “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘When you have come into the land which I give to you, and shall reap its harvest, then you shall bring the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest. 11 He shall wave the sheaf before Hashem, to be accepted for you. On the next day after the Sabbath, the priest shall wave it. 12 On the day when you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a male lamb without defect a year old for a burnt offering to Hashem. 13 The meal offering with it shall be two tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to Hashem for a pleasant aroma; and the drink offering with it shall be of wine, the fourth part of a hin. 14 You must not eat bread, or roasted grain, or fresh grain, until this same day, until you have brought the offering of your Elohim. This is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

15 “‘You shall count from the next day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. 16 The next day after the seventh Sabbath, you shall count fifty days; and you shall offer a new meal offering to Hashem. 17 You shall bring out of your habitations two loaves of bread for a wave offering made of two tenths of an ephah of fine flour. They shall be baked with yeast, for first fruits to Hashem. 18 You shall present with the bread seven lambs without defect, a year old, one young bull, and two rams. They shall be a burnt offering to Hashem, with their meal offering and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of a sweet aroma to Hashem. 19 You shall offer one male goat for a sin offering, and two male lambs a year old for a sacrifice of peace offerings. 20 The priest shall wave them with the bread of the first fruits for a wave offering before Hashem, with the two lambs. They shall be holy to Hashem for the priest. 21 You shall make a proclamation on the same day that there shall be a holy convocation to you. You shall do no regular work. This is a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.

22 “‘When you reap the harvest of your land, you must not wholly reap into the corners of your field, and you must not gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must leave them for the poor and for the foreigner. I am Hashem, your Elohim.’”

23 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, there shall be a solemn rest for you, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. 25 You shall do no regular work. You shall offer an offering made by fire to Hashem.’”

26 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 27 “However, on the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement. It shall be a holy convocation to you. You shall afflict yourselves, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to Hashem. 28 You shall do no kind of work in that same day, for it is a day of atonement, to make atonement for you before Hashem your Elohim. 29 For whoever it is who shall not deny himself in that same day shall be cut off from his people. 30 Whoever does any kind of work in that same day, I will destroy that person from among his people. 31 You shall do no kind of work: it is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. 32 It shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall deny yourselves. In the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall keep your Sabbath.”

33 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 34 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say, ‘On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of booths for seven days to Hashem. 35 On the first day shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no regular work. 36 Seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to Hashem. On the eighth day shall be a holy convocation to you. You shall offer an offering made by fire to Hashem. It is a solemn assembly; you shall do no regular work.

37 “‘These are the appointed feasts of Hashem which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire to Hashem, a burnt offering, a meal offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, each on its own day— 38 in addition to the Sabbaths of Hashem, and in addition to your gifts, and in addition to all your vows, and in addition to all your free will offerings, which you give to Hashem.

39 “‘So on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruits of the land, you shall keep the feast of Hashem seven days. On the first day shall be a solemn rest, and on the eighth day shall be a solemn rest. 40 You shall take on the first day the fruit of majestic trees, branches of palm trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before Hashem your Elohim seven days. 41 You shall keep it as a feast to Hashem seven days in the year. It is a statute forever throughout your generations. You shall keep it in the seventh month. 42 You shall dwell in temporary shelters for seven days. All who are native-born in Israel shall dwell in temporary shelters, 43 that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in temporary shelters when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am Hashem, your Elohim.’”

44 So Moses declared to the children of Israel the appointed feasts of Hashem.

II Kings 23:1-9, 23:21-25 

23:1-9 The king sent, and they gathered to him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. 2 The king went up to Hashem’s house, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, with the priests, the prophets, and all the people, both small and great; and he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which was found in Hashem’s house. 3 The king stood by the pillar, and made a covenant before Hashem, to walk after Hashem, and to keep His commandments, His testimonies, and His statutes, with all his heart, and all his soul, to confirm the words of this covenant that were written in this book; and all the people agreed to the covenant. 4 The king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the threshold, to bring out of Hashem’s temple all the vessels that were made for Baal, for the Asherah, and for all the army of the sky, and he burned them outside of Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron, and carried their ashes to Bethel. 5 He got rid of the idolatrous priests, whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places around Jerusalem; those also who burned incense to Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the army of the sky. 6 He brought out the Asherah from Hashem’s house, outside of Jerusalem, to the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and beat it to dust, and cast its dust on the graves of the common people. 7 He broke down the houses of the male shrine prostitutes that were in Hashem’s house, where the women wove hangings for the Asherah. 8 He brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defiled the high places where the priests had burned incense, from Geba to Beersheba; and he broke down the high places of the gates that were at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on a man’s left hand at the gate of the city. 9 Nevertheless the priests of the high places didn’t come up to Hashem’s altar in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their brothers.

2 Kings 23:21-25

23:21 The king commanded all the people, saying, “Keep the Pesach to Hashem your Elohim, as it is written in this book of the covenant.” 22 Surely there was not kept such a Pesach from the days of the judges who judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah; 23 but in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Pesach was kept to Hashem in Jerusalem. 24 Moreover, Josiah removed those who had familiar spirits, the wizards, and the teraphim, and the idols, and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, that he might confirm the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in Hashem’s house. 25 There was no king like him before him, who turned to Hashem with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; and there was none like him who arose after him.

 

Today’s Meditation:

Leviticus 23 is the chapter to read to learn about all the Feasts. It tells you when not to work, what sacrifices to offer, and when to rest. It is all about remembering, worshiping, and honoring Hashem. If you are not a Jew and you do not live in a Jewish community, it is a real challenge to effectively follow all the Feasts. But, this is how I feel. I believe Hashem knows our hearts. And if you do your very best to follow Him and His feasts, He will understand if you don’t really do them so correctly. Hashem looks at our hearts and our intentions. Just do the best you are able. Last year, we lit two candles, drank grape juice, ate a salad, and ate honey (from Israel) and matzo. That was our Seder meal. (This year, we are blessed to celebrate with some friends a full traditional seder meal.) We asked the children four questions and talked about the Moses story. We also watched “Bim-Bam” on TV about the Pesach Feast. My point is – we didn’t observe all the prayers and traditions, but we attempted to celebrate and remember. Let’s all just do the best we are able, with the right heart and motive.

V'Zot HaBerachah - Reading #2

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

Torah Portion: Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 33:8–12

My Thoughts:

For the blessing of Levi, Moses comments that they have observed and kept the Law, and they have taught it to their children. This is really what it is all about, isn’t it? After studying the Torah every day for a year, we find this central message and blessing given to the tribe of Levi. If these things are done, then life is whole and easier. There will be peace and the presence of Elohim. There will not be strife or division. We would be wise to heed these powerful words.

Challenge:

I love the blessing of Benjamin, verse 12, “The beloved of Hashem will dwell in safety by Him. He covers him all day long. He dwells between his shoulders.” I want to dwell next to Hashem, be covered by Him, and have Him between my shoulders. What a magnificent picture of someone who loves you. My challenge to you today is to take a moment to reflect on what this means. To make sure you are living your life in fullness and truth, and in obedience, so that you will be so near to Hashem. It truly is a picture of shalom peace, and that is only obtainable through Hashem.

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 33:8–12

8 About Levi he said,

“Your Thummim and your Urim are with your godly one,

    whom you proved at Massah,

    with whom you contended at the waters of Meribah.

9 He said of his father, and of his mother, ‘I have not seen him.’

    He didn’t acknowledge his brothers,

    nor did he know his own children;

for they have observed Your word,

    and keep Your covenant.

10 They shall teach Jacob your ordinances,

    and Israel your law.

They shall put incense before You,

    and whole burnt offering on Your altar.

11 Hashem, bless his skills.

    Accept the work of his hands.

Strike through the hips of those who rise up against him,

    of those who hate him, that they not rise again.”

12 About Benjamin he said,

“The beloved of Hashem will dwell in safety by him.

    He covers him all day long.

    He dwells between his shoulders.”

Ha'Azinu - Reading #2

Ha'Azinu הַאֲזִינוּ - Listen!

Torah Portion: Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 32:7–12

My Thoughts:

At the beginning of today’s reading, we see how Hashem has set apart His chosen people. In verse 8, we read,  “When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when He separated the children of men, He set the bounds of the peoples according to the number of the children of Israel.” Hashem chose a people, from the seed of Abraham, to represent Him and be a light to the world. By doing this, He also gave them a land to live in and laws to live by. There is a specific reason for this. Because the rest of the world needs to know Hashem! Picture a successful business where customers eagerly purchase its products. They market their product. I believe that Hashem was marketing Himself and His love for mankind by choosing a group of people who would represent Him and all that He does. He chose the Israelites, the Hebrews, to literally be His light to the nations. All for the purpose that people all over the world (His creation) would be drawn to Him. I want to join His people and His land, just like Ruth did. I like to pray this prayer, “Israel, wherever you go, I will go. Your people are my people. And your Elohim is my Elohim.”  

Today's Challenge:

Verse 10 says Hashem “...kept them as an apple of His eye”. We know that this phrase “apple of his eye” means you are critical and special to that person. And that is precisely what this song is saying. The Israelites, the Hebrew people, are very special to Hashem. My challenge to you today is to think about who is the “apple of your eye”? Who is special to you (besides Hashem)? Are you kind and generous to them? Do you have more than one “apple” relationship? If you don’t have an “apple,” pray and ask Hashem to give you one. Or maybe you do have one and don’t realize it — like your parents, a niece or nephew, or a neighbor? Find your “apple” today and praise Hashem for him/her.

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 32:7–12

32:7 Remember the days of old.

    Consider the years of many generations.

Ask your father, and he will show you.

    your elders, and they will tell you.

8 When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance,

    when He separated the children of men,

He set the bounds of the peoples

    according to the number of the children of Israel.

9 For Hashem’s portion is His people.

    Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.

10 He found him in a desert land,

    in the waste howling wilderness.

He surrounded him.

    He cared for him.

    He kept him as the apple of His eye.

11 As an eagle that stirs up her nest,

    that flutters over her young,

He spread abroad His wings,

    He took them,

    He bore them on his feathers.

12 Hashem alone led him.

    There was no foreign god with him.

Vayelech - Reading #2

Vayelech וַיֵּלֶךְ - And He Went

Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30

Shanah Tovah U'Metukah! A good and sweet new year!

Rosh Hashanah Monday Evening September 22 - Wednesday September 24

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 31:4–6

My Thoughts:

Verse 5, “Hashem will deliver them up before you…”. Not only does Hashem protect you and pave the way for you, He also will deliver your enemy to you. What does that look like? Maybe it means He will defeat them, or He will prepare for them to be defeated by you. Either way, He is in it. It is a sure thing. As long as we are following Him and His Torah. By the way, the defeat may not look like what you thought it would. It may be compromising or meeting someone halfway. That may be how you win the battle you are in. It is important to be open to alternative solutions, other than demolishing them. Remember, we are to love Hashem and love others. That includes our enemies.

Challenge:

It’s really, really important to remember when Hashem calls us to do something, either big or small, that we don’t forget He won’t fail or forsake us (verse 6). It may feel like He isn’t helping, but we can’t see the unseen. We can’t see what He is doing behind the scenes. Sometimes it may seem like we are working alone, but recalling this necessary Scripture reminds us that He never fails or forsakes us. The challenge today is to look at your life and think about what is going on that you are really requesting His help. Then pray, worship, and ask Him to be there to direct you and to assist you. You want His leading and His path, not yours. Be strong and courageous. Take G-dly risks and walk in obedience. Take some time to thank Hashem for delivering you from the enemy and for His protection. Amen.

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 31:4–6

31:4 Hashem will do to them as He did to Sihon and to Og, the kings of the Amorites, and to their land, when He destroyed them. 5 Hashem will deliver them up before you, and you shall do to them according to all the commandment which I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them; for Hashem your Elohim Himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.”

Nitzavim - Reading #2

Nitzavim נִצָּבִים - Standing (Witnessing)

Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 29:12–14

My Thoughts:

In verse 12, we read, “...that you may enter into the covenant of Hashem your Elohim.” We have talked about this before, but think about “covenant”. A covenant is a binding agreement made by both parties. Sometimes it would be “sealed” with blood, food, or gifts. That is the covenant Hashem was making with His people as they were about to enter into the Land of Israel. What a beautiful picture of His love and care. Remember, there were godless people already living in His land. They were to go in peacefully; if not received, they had to fight and take it over. This was a huge task ahead of them. To be in covenant with Hashem before embarking on a significant endeavor, you may want to ask Him to join you. To be in covenant. It will make things right and good. It will make things the BEST. Amen.

Challenge:

Verse 13 reads,  “that He may be your Elohim…”. It is essential to Hashem that we make Him our one and only Elohim. There is no other. It is time we set aside other “gods” in our lives and recognize Him as the ultimate and only Elohim. That’s my challenge to you today. It’s simple. Focus on Him, serve only Him, praise only Him. Make Him your Elohim. In all you do today, consciously make sure you are only loving and serving Hashem. Amen.

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 29:12–14

29:12 “...that you may enter into the covenant of Hashem your Elohim, and into his oath, which Hashem your Elohim makes with you today, 13 that He may establish you today as His people, and that He may be your Elohim, as He spoke to you and as He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 14 Neither do I make this covenant and this oath with you only…".

Mattot/Massei - Reading #2

MATTOT/MASSEI

Torah Reading: Numbers 30:2-36:13

Reading #2 - Numbers 31:13-54 

My Thoughts:

Today we learn about dividing the plunder (even though war is so difficult to comprehend). What is so fair and just is that Hashem provides for the Levites, who did not go out to war. He takes care of everything for all His people. That is important to remember today. He is providing for us and does provide for us every day. All we need is to trust in Him. 

Challenge:

It’s hard for us to understand war, as we have discussed before. This particular war is with the people who swayed the Israelites to sin with the prostitutes. This is the reason they go to war with the Midianites. We can only imagine how upset Hashem is with us when we sin in any area in our lives. He may not impose a “plague” on us, but He does allow us to suffer consequences. I can think of these times in my life and they are not fun. My challenge today is once again to review your life and “fix” your areas of sin. We want to be close to Hashem and not be separated by sin. 

*** None of us like war or understand it. But, it occurred to me that this must really be difficult on the Father, Adonai. He created and loves His creation how devastating it must be when when they die in war or disease (even if He has ordered to do this). We know He experiences loss and grief, He is all-knowing an all-feeling. He is everything. Don't think for a minute that Hashem does not have a reaction to all of this, He does. But, He also knows what is best for everyone. And He has instituted consequences for sin. I encourage you to think about all this the next time you want to "judge" G-d in your own mind for these wars that He calls into action. His reasons and purposes way surpass any understanding we might have. That is why we must learn to trust what He has done, what He is doing and what He will do.

Reading #2 - Numbers 31:13-54 

13 Moses and Eleazar the priest, with all the princes of the congregation, went out to meet them outside of the camp. 14 Moses was angry with the officers of the army, the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds, who came from the service of the war. 15 Moses said to them, “Have you saved all the women alive? 16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against Hashem in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of Hashem. 17 Now therefore kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man by lying with him. 18 But all the girls, who have not known man by lying with him, keep alive for yourselves.

19 “Encamp outside of the camp for seven days. Whoever has killed any person, and whoever has touched any slain, purify yourselves on the third day and on the seventh day, you and your captives. 20 You shall purify every garment, and all that is made of skin, and all work of goats’ hair, and all things made of wood.”

21 Eleazar the priest said to the men of war who went to the battle, “This is the statute of the law which Hashem has commanded Moses. 22 However the gold, and the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin, and the lead, 23 everything that may withstand the fire, you shall make to go through the fire, and it shall be clean; nevertheless it shall be purified with the water for impurity. All that doesn’t withstand the fire you shall make to go through the water. 24 You shall wash your clothes on the seventh day, and you shall be clean. Afterward you shall come into the camp.”

25 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 26 “Count the plunder that was taken, both of man and of animal, you, and Eleazar the priest, and the heads of the fathers’ households of the congregation; 27 and divide the plunder into two parts: between the men skilled in war, who went out to battle, and all the congregation. 28 Levy a tribute to Hashem of the men of war who went out to battle: one soul of five hundred; of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the flocks. 29 Take it from their half, and give it to Eleazar the priest, for Hashem’s wave offering. 30 Of the children of Israel’s half, you shall take one drawn out of every fifty, of the persons, of the cattle, of the donkeys, and of the flocks, of all the livestock, and give them to the Levites, who perform the duty of Hashem’s tabernacle.”

Balak - Reading #2

Balak בָּלָק - Balak

Numbers 22:2-25:9

Reading #2 - Numbers 22:13–20

My Thoughts:

Did Hashem change His mind? He told Balaam not to go. But, King Balak wants something different. So, he sends more princes and more gifts. Then Balaam tells them to wait overnight to see if Hashem is something else to say (verse 19). Haven’t you done the very same thing? Clearly Hashem is telling you not to do something but you come back to Him to reason, to ask Him to clarify His decision. We know that Hashem is full of mercy and grace, and just like a parent, maybe He wants to give us what we want -- beyond reason. And of course, a lesson will be learned when this happens. Just like Balaam. We will read on and see what happens. 

Challenge:

Balaam is “challenging” Hashem in a sense, when he decides to see if Hashem will have anything more to say. Clearly Hashem said not to go with these men. Not to curse Israel. But, Balaam “challenged” Him. The challenge today is for you to look at your life. What has Hashem clearly told you “no” on, and yet you wait for Him to change His mind? Listen to what He says and obey, even if you don’t like it! If not, you will suffer consequences. Amen.

Reading #2 - Numbers 22:13–20

22:13 Balaam rose up in the morning, and said to the princes of Balak, “Go to your land; for Hashem refuses to permit me to go with you.”

14 The princes of Moab rose up, and they went to Balak, and said, “Balaam refuses to come with us.”

15 Balak again sent princes, more, and more honorable than they. 16 They came to Balaam, and said to him, “Balak the son of Zippor says, ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me, 17 for I will promote you to very great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Please come therefore, and curse this people for me.’”

18 Balaam answered the servants of Balak, “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can’t go beyond the word of Hashem my Elohim, to do less or more. 19 Now therefore please stay here tonight as well, that I may know what else Hashem will speak to me.”

20 Elohim came to Balaam at night, and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak to you, that you shall do.”

Chukat - Reading #2

Chukat חֻקַּת - Law

Numbers 19:1-22:1

Reading #2 - Numbers 19:18–20:6

My Thoughts:

There is a shortage of water and the people go into a crisis. Instead of praying and believing they lose hope and want to turn around and go back to Egypt. This happens a few times with the people. But remember this. They had been slaves and it is not known if they really remembered Hashem, the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They were beginning to learn about Him and know Him in their journey out of Egypt and the wilderness. So, quickly they despair when a crisis comes. It’s easy for us to judge them, but what would we do if we were in this situation? Hopefully, not give up. 

Challenge:

What do Moses and Aaron do in this situation? They fall on their faces and pray. And that is my challenge to you today. When you get in a situation of despair, don’t give up, pray. And believe and trust that Hashem hears your prayers and will work things out. It may not end up looking the way you wanted, but if you have prayed and trusted -- it will end up the way Hashem wanted it. Our eternal life will not look like our earthly life. We must remember that. So, let’s spend our time getting ready for the Olam Haba! Amen!

Reading #2 - Numbers 19:18–20:6

19:18 A clean person shall take hyssop, dip it in the water, and sprinkle it on the tent, on all the vessels, on the persons who were there, and on him who touched the bone, or the slain, or the dead, or the grave. 19 The clean person shall sprinkle on the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day. On the seventh day, he shall purify him. He shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at evening. 20 But the man who shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of Hashem. The water for impurity has not been sprinkled on him. He is unclean. 21 It shall be a perpetual statute to them. He who sprinkles the water for impurity shall wash his clothes, and he who touches the water for impurity shall be unclean until evening.

22 “Whatever the unclean person touches shall be unclean; and the soul that touches it shall be unclean until evening.”

20 The children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month. The people stayed in Kadesh. Miriam died there, and was buried there. 2 There was no water for the congregation; and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3 The people quarreled with Moses, and spoke, saying, “We wish that we had died when our brothers died before Hashem! 4 Why have you brought Hashem’s assembly into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our animals? 5 Why have you made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in to this evil place? It is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.”

6 Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and fell on their faces. Hashem’s glory appeared to them.

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.

Bo - Reading #2

Bo, בֹּא - Come!

Exodus:10:1-13:16

Reading #2 - Exodus 10:12–23

My Thoughts:

Hashem can bring east and west winds into the land. He can do anything. As I think of winds, I think of cleansing. The east wind brought the locusts, but the west wind carried them away. What is the significance for today? Maybe we should pray for a “west wind” that could cleanse our land. That could remove the “locusts” or those who are destroying our land. That would be a good prayer. “Hashem, our country (the USA) has been contaminated with lies and untruths. Freedoms have been devoured. Please blow your west wind across our land to cleanse it and bring back freedom and Your truths. Amen”

Challenge:

Darkness covers all of Egypt except for the land of Goshen. If you are following G-d’s commands and serving only Him, you live in a “spiritual Goshen”. Take a piece of paper and write down the things that distinguish you from the rest of the world. Write down what it is for you to live in “Goshen” today. What makes you different? This may expose some idols in your life and things you need to change. Maybe you look too much like the rest of the world and need to start being “set apart”. Only following the Torah can do this for you. Take a hard look at this today.

Reading #2 - Exodus 10:12–23

12 Hashem said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up on the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail has left.” 13 Moses stretched out his rod over the land of Egypt, and Hashem brought an east wind on the land all that day, and all night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. 14 The locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the borders of Egypt. They were very grievous. Before them there were no such locusts as they, nor will there ever be again. 15 For they covered the surface of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened, and they ate every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left. There remained nothing green, either tree or herb of the field, through all the land of Egypt. 16 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste, and he said, “I have sinned against Hashem your Elohim, and against you. 17 Now therefore please forgive my sin again, and pray to Hashem your Elohim, that He may also take away from me this death.”

18 Moses went out from Pharaoh, and prayed to Hashem. 19 Hashem sent an exceedingly strong west wind, which took up the locusts, and drove them into the Red Sea. There remained not one locust in all the borders of Egypt. 20 But Hashem hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he didn’t let the children of Israel go.

21 Hashem said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.” 22 Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt for three days. 23 They didn’t see one another, and nobody rose from his place for three days; but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.