Ki Teitzei - Reading #2

Ki Teitzei כִּי-תֵצֵא - When You Go Out
Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 21:22–22:7

My Thoughts:

So, here is a sensitive subject. Sexual identification is a huge issue in today’s world. A few years ago our Miss USA was a transgender female. What does Hashem think about all of this? In verse 5 we read, “A woman shall not wear men’s clothing, neither shall a man put on women’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Hashem your Elohim.” Some commands are very clear and this is one of them. There is no debate or discussion. Hashem says not to cross dress. It is an abomination to Him. If we want to please Hashem, then we obey Him. And this is in all areas of our life. Some sins are outward like this one. And some sins are hidden. But, let us be clear. Nothing, absolutely nothing, is hidden from Hashem. He sees it all. The best part is if we ask for forgiveness, He forgives. Remember that. Amen.

Challenge:

Sometimes when I pray I worry that what I am asking Hashem for is too small. Then I read today’s verse 22:6, “If you come across a bird’s nest on the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the hen sitting on the young, or on the eggs, you shall not take the hen with the young.” This is compassion, even for the least. Not to take eggs or young when the mother bird is in sight. You spare her. Not only is this kind, but it also makes sense for future eggs. If you kill both the mother and eat her eggs, there will be no more eggs in the future! This is compassion and sensibility. Your challenge today is to go through the day and see if there are some times where you can exhibit compassion, even for the smallest thing. Or if you can practice some sensibility instead of selfishness. What a better world we have when we exercise these things! Amen.

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 21:22–22:7

22 If a man has committed a sin worthy of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall surely bury him the same day; for he who is hanged is accursed of Elohim. Don’t defile your land which Hashem your Elohim gives you for an inheritance.

22 You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep go astray and hide yourself from them. You shall surely bring them again to your brother. 2 If your brother isn’t near to you, or if you don’t know him, then you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall be with you until your brother comes looking for it, and you shall restore it to him. 3 So you shall do with his donkey. So you shall do with his garment. So you shall do with every lost thing of your brother’s, which he has lost and you have found. You may not hide yourself. 4 You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fallen down by the way, and hide yourself from them. You shall surely help him to lift them up again.

5 A woman shall not wear men’s clothing, neither shall a man put on women’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Hashem your Elohim.

6 If you come across a bird’s nest on the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the hen sitting on the young, or on the eggs, you shall not take the hen with the young. 7 You shall surely let the hen go, but the young you may take for yourself, that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days.

Shoftim - Reading #2

Shoftim שֹׁפְטִים - Judges

Deuteronomy 16:18-21:

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 17:14–20

My Thoughts:

Hashem knew Israel would want a human king over their land. So, Hashem gives them the instructions for doing so. Particularly that the king would not be able to send them back to Egypt. That’s a promise. And that is the same Hashem we serve today. He has delivered us from a past of hurt and sin (our Egypt) and He does not want anyone taking us back there. There is only one requirement from Him that we acknowledge and that is to fear Him and follow His Torah. This message is repeated all throughout Torah. That is how important it is. 

Challenge: 

The king is required to read the Torah all the days of his life. He is even challenged to copy it! Here is a different kind of challenge for you today. As we approach a new Torah cycle in a few weeks, buy yourself a little notebook. Then every day, record something out of the Torah portion daily reading. Pick out something that really strikes you as important. Copy the Torah. Maybe not the whole thing, but let’s start with a verse or two every day. It seems like this would really bless us beyond belief! Get ready and get prepared to do this in the new Torah reading year. It will happen right after Sukkot. Let us choose to bless Hashem with writing down His Torah, and in return we will be blessed. Amen!

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 17:14–20

17:14 When you have come to the land which Hashem your Elohim gives you, and possess it and dwell in it, and say, “I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me,” 15 you shall surely set him whom Hashem your Elohim chooses as king over yourselves. You shall set as king over you one from among your brothers. You may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. 16 Only he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he may multiply horses; because Hashem has said to you, “You shall not go back that way again.” 17 He shall not multiply wives to himself, that his heart not turn away. He shall not greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.

18 It shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write himself a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the Levitical priests. 19 It shall be with him, and he shall read from it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear Hashem his Elohim to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them; 20 that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he not turn away from the commandment to the right hand, or to the left, to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children, in the middle of Israel.

Re'eh - Reading #2

Re'eh רְאֵה - See!

Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 12:11–28

My Thoughts:

Verse 28 concerns our children, “Observe and hear all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do that which is good and right in Hashem your Elohim’s eyes.” What a wonderful promise. If we follow His Torah, He will take good care of us and our children! But we have to do what is good and right. I want my kids and grand kids to be blessed. Don’t you? So, not only do we learn from following Torah what is right and good, but we get this super blessing for following it. That is such a great thing. What a faithful Hashem we serve! He is FULL of blessings for us! Todah Hashem (Thank you L-rd)! Amen!

Challenge:

In verse 18 we read, “You shall rejoice before Hashem your Elohim in all that you put your hand to.” Isn’t that so cool? So, everything we do we should be praising Hashem while we are doing it. We are in the process of moving out of our home into an apartment, a temporary location until our new house is ready. I have seen His Hand all over the selling of our home and buying a new one, and even this apartment! I keep thanking Him. I will say “Todah Hashem” -- thank you L-rd. I feel like He is in it all. Little and big miracles have occurred and I give Him all the glory! Your challenge today is to do the same. Look for how Hashem is moving in your day, in all that you do -- and thank Him. And rejoice!!!

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 12:11–28

12:11 then it shall happen that to the place which Hashem your Elohim shall choose, to cause His name to dwell there, there you shall bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the wave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which you vow to Hashem. 12 You shall rejoice before Hashem your Elohim—you, and your sons, your daughters, your male servants, your female servants, and the Levite who is within your gates, because he has no portion nor inheritance with you. 13 Be careful that you don’t offer your burnt offerings in every place that you see; 14 but in the place which Hashem chooses in one of your tribes, there you shall offer your burnt offerings, and there you shall do all that I command you.

15 Yet you may kill and eat meat within all your gates, after all the desire of your soul, according to Hashem your Elohim’s blessing which He has given you. The unclean and the clean may eat of it, as of the gazelle and the deer. 16 Only you shall not eat the blood. You shall pour it out on the earth like water. 17 You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain, or of your new wine, or of your oil, or the firstborn of your herd or of your flock, nor any of your vows which you vow, nor your free will offerings, nor the wave offering of your hand; 18 but you shall eat them before Hashem your Elohim in the place which Hashem your Elohim shall choose: you, your son, your daughter, your male servant, your female servant, and the Levite who is within your gates. You shall rejoice before Hashem your Elohim in all that you put your hand to. 19 Be careful that you don’t forsake the Levite as long as you live in your land.

20 When Hashem your Elohim enlarges your border, as he has promised you, and you say, “I want to eat meat,” because your soul desires to eat meat, you may eat meat, after all the desire of your soul. 21 If the place which Hashem your Elohim shall choose to put His name is too far from you, then you shall kill of your herd and of your flock, which Hashem has given you, as I have commanded you; and you may eat within your gates, after all the desire of your soul. 22 Even as the gazelle and as the deer is eaten, so you shall eat of it. The unclean and the clean may eat of it alike. 23 Only be sure that you don’t eat the blood; for the blood is the life. You shall not eat the life with the meat. 24 You shall not eat it. You shall pour it out on the earth like water. 25 You shall not eat it, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, when you do that which is right in Hashem’s eyes. 26 Only your holy things which you have, and your vows, you shall take and go to the place which Hashem shall choose. 27 You shall offer your burnt offerings, the meat and the blood, on Hashem your Elohim’s altar. The blood of your sacrifices shall be poured out on Hashem your Elohim’s altar, and you shall eat the meat. 28 Observe and hear all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do that which is good and right in Hashem your Elohim’s eyes.

Ekev - Reading #2

Ekev עֵקֶב - As a Result
Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 8:11–9:3

My Thoughts:

He goes before us. What need have we to worry about? Only there is a “but” in there. But, you have to keep His commandments, ordinances and statutes. This theme is continuous throughout the book of Deuteronomy. It’s simple -- obey and be blessed, disobey and suffer punishment. Look what 9:3 says, “Know therefore today that Hashem your Elohim is He who goes over before you as a devouring fire.” Not only will He protect you, but He will “devour” anything in His way. There is no greater protection in all the universe, but this. Do you want Hashem to go before you in all you do? I do. The answer. Pray and obey.

Challenge:

Wow this portion starts out with a pretty heavy duty “warning”. In verse 11 we read, ”Beware lest you forget Hashem your Elohim…”. And it goes on to say that when things are going really well -- you have all the food, housing, jobs -- everything you need, then you might forget Hashem. Is that possible. You know it is. I think of the times when things are going really well and I might not spend so much time in prayer as I do when they are not. These are the times we are to praise Him and worship Him and spend time praying for others who are in need. That’s your challenge today. If you are in a good spot and have most everything you have, take some time to praise Hashem. Tell Him how much you love Him and adore Him. And thank Him for all He has provided for you. Thank you Hashem!

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 8:11–9:3

8:11 Beware lest you forget Hashem your Elohim, in not keeping His commandments, His ordinances, and His statutes, which I command you today; 12 lest, when you have eaten and are full, and have built fine houses and lived in them; 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; 14 then your heart might be lifted up, and you forget Hashem your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; 15 who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, with venomous snakes and scorpions, and thirsty ground where there was no water; who poured water for you out of the rock of flint; 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers didn’t know, that He might humble you, and that He might prove you, to do you good at your latter end; 17 and lest you say in your heart, “My power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth.” 18 But you shall remember Hashem your Elohim, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is today.

19 It shall be, if you shall forget Hashem your Elohim, and walk after other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you today that you shall surely perish. 20 As the nations that Hashem makes to perish before you, so you shall perish, because you wouldn’t listen to Hashem your Elohim’s voice.

9:1 Hear, Israel! You are to pass over the Jordan today, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fortified up to the sky, 2 a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know, and of whom you have heard say, “Who can stand before the sons of Anak?” 3 Know therefore today that Hashem your Elohim is He who goes over before you as a devouring fire. He will destroy them and He will bring them down before you. So you shall drive them out and make them perish quickly, as Hashem has spoken to you.

Va'etchanan - Reading #2

Va'etchanan וָאֶתְחַנַּן - Pleaded
Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 4:5–40

My Thoughts:

Verse 8 is compelling, “What great nation is there that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law which I set before you today?” And it is so true. What group of people on this planet have such righteous laws as Israel? We should acknowledge and thank Hashem that we are able to connect and unite with Israel and the Torah. It makes us a people who are set apart and worship the one true Elohim. There is only one true Elohim. The Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And He has created unique and wonderful statutes and ordinances. We praise Adonai for this.

Challenge:

Who or what are we looking for? Verse 39 says it all, “Know therefore today, and take it to heart, that Hashem himself is Elohim in heaven above and on the earth beneath. There is no one else.” He is the One. And He is G-d of heaven and earth. Think of that. He is the one and only G-d of the planet earth. He created and owns the earth. And if we really believe that we need to be taking better care of what He has entrusted us with. That is my challenge to you today. Make sure your house is “in order”. And see if there is anything you can do for your community. Both your religious community and the physical community you live in. If you see a piece of paper or garbage on the ground -- pick it up! Let’s start with what Hashem has given us and take care of it. This will affect the rest of the world for sure!

Reading #2 : Deuteronomy 4:5–40

4:5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and ordinances, even as Hashem our Elohim commanded me, that you should do so in the middle of the land where you go in to possess it. 6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who shall hear all these statutes and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” 7 For what great nation is there that has a god so near to them as Hashem our Elohim is whenever we call on him? 8 What great nation is there that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law which I set before you today?

9 Only be careful, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes saw, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your children and your children’s children— 10 the day that you stood before Hashem your Elohim in Horeb, when Hashem said to me, “Assemble the people to me, and I will make them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.” 11 You came near and stood under the mountain. The mountain burned with fire to the heart of the sky, with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness. 12 Hashem spoke to you out of the middle of the fire: you heard the voice of words, but you saw no form; you only heard a voice. 13 He declared to you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even the ten commandments. He wrote them on two stone tablets. 14 Hashem commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and ordinances, that you might do them in the land where you go over to possess it. 15 Be very careful, for you saw no kind of form on the day that Hashem spoke to you in Horeb out of the middle of the fire, 16 lest you corrupt yourselves, and make yourself a carved image in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, 17 the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky, 18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water under the earth; 19 and lest you lift up your eyes to the sky, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, even all the army of the sky, you are drawn away and worship them, and serve them, which Hashem your Elohiim has allotted to all the peoples under the whole sky. 20 But Hashem has taken you, and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be to him a people of inheritance, as it is today. 21 Furthermore Hashem was angry with me for your sakes, and swore that I should not go over the Jordan, and that I should not go in to that good land which Hashem your Elohim gives you for an inheritance; 22 but I must die in this land. I must not go over the Jordan, but you shall go over and possess that good land. 23 Be careful, lest you forget the covenant of Hashem your Elohim, which he made with you, and make yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which Hashem your Elohim has forbidden you. 24 For Hashem your Elohim is a devouring fire, a jealous G-d. 25 When you father children and children’s children, and you have been long in the land, and then corrupt yourselves, and make a carved image in the form of anything, and do that which is evil in Hashem your Elohim’s sight to provoke him to anger, 26 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that you will soon utterly perish from off the land which you go over the Jordan to possess it. You will not prolong your days on it, but will utterly be destroyed. 27 Hashem will scatter you among the peoples, and you will be left few in number among the nations where Hashem will lead you away. 28 There you will serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. 29 But from there you shall seek Hashem your Elohim, and you will find Him when you search after Him with all your heart and with all your soul. 30 When you are in oppression, and all these things have come on you, in the latter days you shall return to Hashem your Elohim and listen to His voice. 31 For Hashem your Elohim is a merciful Elohim. He will not fail you nor destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your fathers which He swore to them. 32 For ask now of the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that Elohim created man on the earth, and from the one end of the sky to the other, whether there has been anything as great as this thing is, or has been heard like it? 33 Did a people ever hear the voice of Elohim speaking out of the middle of the fire, as you have heard, and live? 34 Or has Elohim tried to go and take a nation for himself from among another nation, by trials, by signs, by wonders, by war, by a mighty hand, by an outstretched arm, and by great terrors, according to all that Hashem your Elohim did for you in Egypt before your eyes? 35 It was shown to you so that you might know that Hashem is Elohim . There is no one else besides Him. 36 Out of heaven He made you to hear His voice, that He might instruct you. On earth He made you to see His great fire; and you heard His words out of the middle of the fire. 37 Because He loved your fathers, therefore He chose their offspring after them, and brought you out with His presence, with His great power, out of Egypt; 38 to drive out nations from before you greater and mightier than you, to bring you in, to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is today. 39 Know therefore today, and take it to heart, that Hashem Himself is Elohim in heaven above and on the earth beneath. There is no one else. 40 You shall keep His statutes and His commandments which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which Hashem your Elohim gives you for all time.

Devarim - Reading #2

Devarim דְּבָרִים - Words

Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 1:11–21

My Thoughts:

Moses delegated. He didn’t try to be some sort of dictator, instead I believe, He worked with a team. He picked leaders, who in turn picked leaders under them. They each worked with a portion of people so that it would never be overwhelming. The workload was shared. This was good for Moses, the leaders and the people. And it is how we should do things now. If you are in leadership I recommend that you start delegating. To not do so, could burn you out. And not only that but working as a team with others will expand your ministry/business and grow it. Other people can bring new ideas and fresh insight. This is how Moses did it, and it would be good for you to do it this way too! Amen.

Challenge:

In verse 21 we read, “Behold, Hashem our Elohim has set the land before you. Go up, take possession, as Hashem our Elohim of your fathers has spoken to you. Don’t be afraid, neither be dismayed.” When Hashem calls you to do something or go somewhere, you must believe He will equip you properly and will “accompany” you. If you place your trust in Him you do not have to fear or worry.  So, if you feel like Hashem is directing your path in a certain direction, have faith and go. Don’t be afraid or dismayed -- He is right there with you. If you allow this to happen, you will be so amazed and happy. It is so much better to include and follow Hashem in all you do. Renew this commitment to do so -- today! Amen.

Reading #2 - Deuteronomy 1:11–21

11 Hashem, the Elohim of your fathers, make you a thousand times as many as you are and bless you, as He has promised you! 12 How can I myself alone bear your problems, your burdens, and your strife? 13 Take wise men of understanding who are respected among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.”

14 You answered me, and said, “The thing which you have spoken is good to do.” 15 So I took the heads of your tribes, wise and respected men, and made them heads over you, captains of thousands, captains of hundreds, captains of fifties, captains of tens, and officers, according to your tribes. 16 I commanded your judges at that time, saying, “Hear cases between your brothers and judge righteously between a man and his brother, and the foreigner who is living with him. 17 You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike. You shall not be afraid of the face of man, for the judgment is Adonai’s. The case that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.” 18 I commanded you at that time all the things which you should do. 19 We traveled from Horeb and went through all that great and terrible wilderness which you saw, by the way to the hill country of the Amorites, as Hashem our Elohim commanded us; and we came to Kadesh Barnea. 20 I said to you, “You have come to the hill country of the Amorites, which Hashem our Elohim gives to us. 21 Behold, Hashem our Elohim has set the land before you. Go up, take possession, as Hashem our Elohim of your fathers has spoken to you. Don’t be afraid, neither be dismayed.”

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.”

Pinchas - Reading #2

Pinchas פִּינְחָס - Phinehas

Numbers 25:10-30:1

Reading #2 - Numbers 26:5–51

My Thoughts:

Hashem is asking Moses to take a census of the men over 20 that would be willing and ready to go to war. It must be that Hashem is anticipating that war is evident in the near future. It would be like our government in the US calling up men for the draft. It’s about preparing and getting ready. That is a strong characteristic of our Elohim. He prepares and gets ready. It is a lesson for all of us to learn. Maybe we are not going into any obvious “battle” but even getting up in the morning to meet the world each day -- we must prepare and get ready for what is to come. This includes prayer and worship of Hashem, and asking Him to be in the middle of it all. Amen.

Challenge:

This was no small group of men. Total count of those over 20 (and probably under 55) are over 600,000. So add in children, elderly and women. Some researchers say this huge number is impossible. Even using the latrine for this amount of people would seem impossible. But, we serve a powerful Elohim. One that does not lie. And if He wants Moses to record this number then it is certainly true. That’s why the whole story is such a great miracle. That so many people were sent to freedom and then journeyed together through the desert. No wonder Hashem gave such a powerful Torah of commandments! To keep order and for protection. My challenge for you today is to think about the Torah regarding your life. How does it bring order and protection to you and your family? Then take time to praise Adonai for giving it to us and preserving it! It truly does bring us eternal life!

Reading #2 -  Numbers 26:5–51

26:5 Reuben, the firstborn of Israel; the sons of Reuben: of Hanoch, the family of the Hanochites; of Pallu, the family of the Palluites; 6 of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Carmi, the family of the Carmites. 7 These are the families of the Reubenites; and those who were counted of them were forty-three thousand seven hundred thirty. 8 The son of Pallu: Eliab. 9 The sons of Eliab: Nemuel, Dathan, and Abiram. These are that Dathan and Abiram who were called by the congregation, who rebelled against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah when they rebelled against Hashem; 10 and the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah when that company died; at the time the fire devoured two hundred fifty men, and they became a sign. 11 Notwithstanding, the sons of Korah didn’t die. 12 The sons of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites; 13 of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites; of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. 14 These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty-two thousand two hundred. 15 The sons of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites; of Haggi, the family of the Haggites; of Shuni, the family of the Shunites; 16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the family of the Erites; 17 of Arod, the family of the Arodites; of Areli, the family of the Arelites. 18 These are the families of the sons of Gad according to those who were counted of them, forty thousand and five hundred. 19 The sons of Judah: Er and Onan. Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. 20 The sons of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Perezites; of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites. 21 The sons of Perez were: of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites. 22 These are the families of Judah according to those who were counted of them, seventy-six thousand five hundred. 23 The sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites; of Puvah, the family of the Punites; 24 of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites; of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites. 25 These are the families of Issachar according to those who were counted of them, sixty-four thousand three hundred. 26 The sons of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Seredites; of Elon, the family of the Elonites; of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites. 27 These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those who were counted of them, sixty thousand five hundred. 28 The sons of Joseph after their families: Manasseh and Ephraim. 29 The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir became the father of Gilead; of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites. 30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the family of the Iezerites; of Helek, the family of the Helekites; 31 and Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and Shechem, the family of the Shechemites; 32 and Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites; and Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. 33 Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters: and the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 34 These are the families of Manasseh. Those who were counted of them were fifty-two thousand seven hundred. 35 These are the sons of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Becherites; of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites. 36 These are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites. 37 These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those who were counted of them, thirty-two thousand five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph after their families. 38 The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; 39 of Shephupham, the family of the Shuphamites; of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites. 40 The sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: the family of the Ardites; and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites. 41 These are the sons of Benjamin after their families; and those who were counted of them were forty-five thousand six hundred. 42 These are the sons of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families. 43 All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those who were counted of them, were sixty-four thousand four hundred. 44 The sons of Asher after their families: of Imnah, the family of the Imnites; of Ishvi, the family of the Ishvites; of Beriah, the family of the Berites. 45 Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites. 46 The name of the daughter of Asher was Serah. 47 These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those who were counted of them, fifty-three thousand four hundred. 48 The sons of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites; of Guni, the family of the Gunites; 49 of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. 50 These are the families of Naphtali according to their families; and those who were counted of them were forty-five thousand four hundred. 51 These are those who were counted of the children of Israel, six hundred one thousand seven hundred thirty.

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 “challenge” 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.

Korach - Reading #2

Korach קֹרַח - Korach

Numbers 16:1-18:32

Reading #2 - Numbers 16:14–19

My Thoughts:

Korah seems to be blinded to what Hashem is trying to accomplish here. He is rebelling against Moses and trying to take control of everything. Instead of seeking Hashem’s face -- he is acting in the “flesh”. As you know the outcome is death. But, it is so like what we do today. We don’t seek Hashem on decisions, and we go our own way. And sometimes that can bring “death” to our situation. A good lesson to learn here. Respect Hashem and His authority, and don’t try to go forward in your own ideas and rebellion!

Challenge:

This is quite the story. Rebellion and lack of respect by a group of leaders. You can just feel the turmoil and tension in this retelling of the whole situation of Korah. But, in the midst of it all “Hashem’s glory appeared to all the congregation” (verse 19). Isn’t that so like our Hashem? He shows up to set things in order, whether we like it or not. Who would not want His glory to appear? He appears and things are set straight. And that should be our “fear” of Him. We should carry a healthy fear of loving Him so much that we would never want His punishment or for Him to leave us. I challenge you today to turn things over to Him. If you are struggling with something, stop trying to solve it in your own flesh. Give it to Hashem and watch Him work for you. He will. Just don’t stand in His way -- like Korah.

Reading #2 - Numbers 16:14–19

16:14 Moreover you haven’t brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you put out the eyes of these men? We won’t come up.”

15 Moses was very angry, and said to Hashem, “Don’t respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, neither have I hurt one of them.”

16 Moses said to Korah, “You and all your company go before Hashem, you, and they, and Aaron, tomorrow. 17 Each man take his censer and put incense on it, and each man bring before Hashem his censer, two hundred fifty censers; you also, and Aaron, each with his censer.”

18 They each took his censer, and put fire in it, and laid incense on it, and stood at the door of the Tent of Meeting with Moses and Aaron. 19 Korah assembled all the congregation opposite them to the door of the Tent of Meeting.

Hashem’s glory appeared to all the congregation.

Shelach - Reading #2

Shelach שְׁלַח-לְךָ - Send For Yourself

Numbers 13:1-15:41

Reading #2 - Numbers 13:21–14:7

My Thoughts:

Caleb is a man of faith. When everyone else was being negative, Caleb remembered the faithfulness of Hashem. When every man (except Joshua) was scared and running, Caleb stood strong and wanted to carry out the charge to go forth. Have you ever gone “against the flow”? Have you ever had to stand up for something and found that you are pretty much alone in your beliefs? Or if you express your beliefs, others around you may be so angry or disagree that you may even lose a friendship? I spent many years working in a pro-life organization, defending the lives of preborn babies. I have encountered many people over the years who disagreed with my stance on “life”. And it has not been fun. People are strong on their feelings about certain issues and take stands. I would recommend we defend the Truth. Whatever that looks like to you. Just like Joshua and Caleb. Hashem will show you.

Challenge:

Last verse in this reading shows the dedication of Moses and Aaron. When people began grumbling strongly about advancing into the promised Land, Moses I’m sure, became worried. Not worried about what they were doing, but worried about what Hashem was going to do to them. This was so serious. After all, the purpose of the whole deliverance from Egypt was so that they could then move on and go to the Promised Land. And now they were ready to turn around and go back -- just because of the “bad report” of a few men. Moses and Aaron fall on their faces and interceded for the people, so that Hashem would not “extinguish” them. It makes me think of my life. We are going through a situation now -- selling our home. It is very stressful and I am trying so hard to put my faith in Hashem, that He has it all in control. I am trying not to worry and have doubts, and it is so hard. I want to be a strong woman of faith. And I am trying (and repenting). I want to be like Joshua and Caleb -- full of faith and confidence! And I challenge you to do the same. If you are going through a stressful time, try really hard to put your faith and trust in Hashem. He cares about you, even in the littlest things. Pray hard, like Moses and Aaron that Hashem will have mercy on you. 

Reading #2 - Numbers 13:21–14:7

13:21 So they went up, and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, to the entrance of Hamath. 22 They went up by the South, and came to Hebron; and Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were there. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 They came to the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from there a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bore it on a staff between two. They also brought some of the pomegranates and figs. 24 That place was called the valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster which the children of Israel cut down from there. 25 They returned from spying out the land at the end of forty days. 26 They went and came to Moses, to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, to the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word to them and to all the congregation. They showed them the fruit of the land. 27 They told him, and said, “We came to the land where you sent us. Surely it flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. Moreover, we saw the children of Anak there. 29 Amalek dwells in the land of the South. The Hittite, the Jebusite, and the Amorite dwell in the hill country. The Canaanite dwells by the sea, and along the side of the Jordan.”

30 Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, “Let’s go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it!”

31 But the men who went up with him said, “We aren’t able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.” 32 They brought up an evil report of the land which they had spied out to the children of Israel, saying, “The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that eats up its inhabitants; and all the people who we saw in it are men of great stature. 33 There we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim. We were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”

14:1 All the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. 2 All the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “We wish that we had died in the land of Egypt, or that we had died in this wilderness! 3 Why does Hashem bring us to this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will be captured or killed! Wouldn’t it be better for us to return into Egypt?” 4 They said to one another, “Let’s choose a leader, and let’s return into Egypt.”

5 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.

6 Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of those who spied out the land, tore their clothes. 7 They spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, “The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land.

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.