Beha'alotcha - Reading #3

Beha’alotcha בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ - In Your Uplifting

Numbers 8:1-12:16

Reading #3 - Numbers 9:1–14

My Thoughts:

Hashem is reminding His people to celebrate Pesach, the first Pesach in the wilderness (one year after they left Egypt). This is to be a Commandment for many generations, forever. To remind us about Hashem’s deliverance miracle from slavery and His faithfulness to His promises to bring His people to the Promised Land. It’s about them eating unleavened bread in their haste. Hashem knows we need to remember this story. It is the beginning of His people finally coming back to Israel and formally receiving the Torah -- the Book of Life. It is probably one of the most wonderful testimonials in the Bible. And we are to remember it every year. Whether we are Gentile or Jews -- we are invited to celebrate this memorial. As you commemorate this Feast every year you will be so blessed and will draw closer to Hashem.

Challenge:

Take a minute to remember the last Pesach you celebrated. What I remember this year was just the uniqueness and peace I felt during our “Seder”. We went through a “Haggadah” that my friend wrote and it was so special! As we went through each “stage” of the meal, we remembered something about the original Pesach. The slaughter of the lambs, the blood on the doorposts, the angel of death passing by, the escape and the crossing of the Red Sea. It brought back to mind the emotional experience the people must have felt -- fear, anxiety, worry, doubt, wonder and joy. But, most of all it reminded me of Hashem’s love and greatness. How much He loves us and does not want us to suffer. His is great and full of mercy and miracles. We need to remember this every year. Look back and remember. Then praise Him.

Reading #3 - Numbers 9:1–14

9:1 Hashem spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying, 2 “Let the children of Israel keep Pesach in its appointed season. 3 On the fourteenth day of this month, at evening, you shall keep it in its appointed season. You shall keep it according to all its statutes and according to all its ordinances.”

4 Moses told the children of Israel that they should keep Pesach. 5 They kept Pesach in the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, in the wilderness of Sinai. According to all that Hashem commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did. 6 There were certain men, who were unclean because of the dead body of a man, so that they could not keep Pesach on that day, and they came before Moses and Aaron on that day. 7 Those men said to him, “We are unclean because of the dead body of a man. Why are we kept back, that we may not offer the offering of Hashem in its appointed season among the children of Israel?”

8 Moses answered them, “Wait, that I may hear what Hashem will command concerning you.”

9 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 10 “Say to the children of Israel, ‘If any man of you or of your generations is unclean by reason of a dead body, or is on a journey far away, he shall still keep Pesach to Hashem. 11 In the second month, on the fourteenth day at evening they shall keep it; they shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 12 They shall leave none of it until the morning, nor break a bone of it. According to all the statute of Pesach they shall keep it. 13 But the man who is clean, and is not on a journey, and fails to keep the Passover, that soul shall be cut off from his people. Because he didn’t offer the offering of Hashem in its appointed season, that man shall bear his sin.

14 “‘If a foreigner lives among you, and desires to keep Pesach to Hashem, then he shall do so according to the statute of Pesach and according to its ordinance. You shall have one statute, both for the foreigner, and for him who is born in the land.’”

Nasso - Reading #3

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate!

Numbers 4:21-7:89

Reading #3 - Numbers 5:1–10

My Thoughts:

Hashem does not want His Tabernacle or the camp in which He dwells, to become defiled with people who have leprosy. So, if someone does have it, they have to go outside the camp (verse 3). We really have no concept about the holiness of Hashem. He is so holy you cannot get anyone or anything near Him that is contaminated. That makes me think about our own lives. When we disobey Hashem and His commandments we are in a sense “defiled”. In this state we cannot be in the presence of Hashem. For us that would be during prayer, praise or our daily walk with Him. If you want this special time to be filled with Hashem’s power and glory -- you must stay clean -- and that means to be holy. Repent today so that you can be clean before Hashem.

Challenge:

Again we learn in Torah about making “restitution” when we sin (verse 7). It gives some details about who to give the restitution to and how to add a fifth and a sacrifice. Torah is teaching me a lot about this. The other day I did something really stupid and immediately felt remorse. I repented but I felt horrible. It was then that I remembered Torah and the commandment to make restitution. So, to make a long story short I did something for someone that I really did not want to do, but I felt like it could be a part of making restitution. It would have been impossible to do something for the person I offended, so instead I feel Hashem directed me to someone who really needed some help. And if I were to help out that person it would be the same as making restitution to the person I harmed. So (a little reluctantly) I did just that. I helped the person that needed it. And I had to make an attitude adjustment. I had to remember it was “unto the L-rd” that I was doing this. That really helped. I did my task unto Hashem. And honestly, it made me feel so wonderful! Sin is wrong but doing something sacrificial will help you to find freedom sooner. Amen Shalom!

Reading #3 - Numbers 5:1–10

5:1 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the children of Israel that they put out of the camp every leper, everyone who has a discharge, and whoever is unclean by a corpse. 3 You shall put both male and female outside of the camp so that they don’t defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell.”

4 The children of Israel did so, and put them outside of the camp; as Hashem spoke to Moses, so the children of Israel did.

5 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 6 “Speak to the children of Israel: ‘When a man or woman commits any sin that men commit, so as to trespass against Hashem, and that soul is guilty, 7 then he shall confess his sin which he has done; and he shall make restitution for his guilt in full, add to it the fifth part of it, and give it to him in respect of whom he has been guilty. 8 But if the man has no kinsman to whom restitution may be made for the guilt, the restitution for guilt which is made to Hashem shall be the priest’s, in addition to the ram of the atonement, by which atonement shall be made for him. 9 Every heave offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they present to the priest, shall be his. 10 Every man’s holy things shall be his; whatever any man gives the priest, it shall be his.’”

Bamidbar - Reading #3

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Numbers 1:1-4:20

Reading #3 - Numbers 2:1–34

My Thoughts:

Today we learn about the tribes camping around the Tabernacle. Interesting to me is that Judah is placed on the east side of the Tabernacle. In Jerusalem the Temple would face east. And in prophecy, the Mashiach will come back from the east. There is something very special about the “east”. Also in prophecy the river from the throne will flow to the east (see Ezekiel and Revelations). I encourage you to do a special study about this.

Challenge:

Moses listened to Hashem and directed the tribes. In the last verse (34) we learn that the people of Israel obeyed Moses and camped right where he told them. Again we are being taught about leadership and authority. Hashem has taught throughout Scriptures about following and respecting authority. In the past few weeks I have challenged you to review your relationship with the authority in your life, and correct things if they are not right. Are you respecting him/her? Are you obedient (unless they are asking you to sin)? Today’s challenge is to do something NICE for the person in authority. It is so much responsibility to be in charge and make things run correctly. So, get a gift or do a special extra task for your boss or spouse, rabbi or pastor. Go out of your way to give it to them and tell them how much you appreciate them. It will be so special and you will be blessed in return.

Reading #3 - Numbers 2:1–34

2:1 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2 “The children of Israel shall encamp every man by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall encamp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it.”

3 Those who encamp on the east side toward the sunrise shall be of the standard of the camp of Judah, according to their divisions. The prince of the children of Judah shall be Nahshon the son of Amminadab. 4 His division, and those who were counted of them, were seventy-four thousand six hundred.

5 Those who encamp next to him shall be the tribe of Issachar. The prince of the children of Issachar shall be Nethanel the son of Zuar. 6 His division, and those who were counted of it, were fifty-four thousand four hundred.

7 The tribe of Zebulun: the prince of the children of Zebulun shall be Eliab the son of Helon. 8 His division, and those who were counted of it, were fifty-seven thousand four hundred.

9 All who were counted of the camp of Judah were one hundred eighty-six thousand four hundred, according to their divisions. They shall set out first.

10 “On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their divisions. The prince of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur. 11 His division, and those who were counted of it, were forty-six thousand five hundred.

12 “Those who encamp next to him shall be the tribe of Simeon. The prince of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 13 His division, and those who were counted of them, were fifty-nine thousand three hundred.

14 “The tribe of Gad: the prince of the children of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel. 15 His division, and those who were counted of them, were forty-five thousand six hundred fifty.

16 “All who were counted of the camp of Reuben were one hundred fifty-one thousand four hundred fifty, according to their armies. They shall set out second.

17 “Then the Tent of Meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the middle of the camps. As they encamp, so shall they set out, every man in his place, by their standards.

18 “On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their divisions. The prince of the children of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud. 19 His division, and those who were counted of them, were forty thousand five hundred.

20 “Next to him shall be the tribe of Manasseh. The prince of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 21 His division, and those who were counted of them, were thirty-two thousand two hundred.

22 “The tribe of Benjamin: the prince of the children of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni. 23 His army, and those who were counted of them, were thirty-five thousand four hundred.

24 “All who were counted of the camp of Ephraim were one hundred eight thousand one hundred, according to their divisions. They shall set out third.

25 “On the north side shall be the standard of the camp of Dan according to their divisions. The prince of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. 26 His division, and those who were counted of them, were sixty-two thousand seven hundred.

27 “Those who encamp next to him shall be the tribe of Asher. The prince of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ochran. 28 His division, and those who were counted of them, were forty-one thousand five hundred.

29 “The tribe of Naphtali: the prince of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan. 30 His division, and those who were counted of them, were fifty-three thousand four hundred.

31 “All who were counted of the camp of Dan were one hundred fifty-seven thousand six hundred. They shall set out last by their standards.”

32 These are those who were counted of the children of Israel by their fathers’ houses. All who were counted of the camps according to their armies were six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty. 33 But the Levites were not counted among the children of Israel, as Hashem commanded Moses.

34 Thus the children of Israel did. According to all that Hashem commanded Moses, so they encamped by their standards, and so they set out, everyone by their families, according to their fathers’ houses.

Behar/Bechukotai - Reading #3

BEHAR/BECHUKOTAI

Leviticus 25:1-27:34

Reading #3 -  Leviticus 25:29-38

My Thoughts:

Again in verses 35-38 Hashem tells us how to help out the poor. We are not to take interest on loaning money, nor give him food for profit. It seems like Hashem is always making sure ALL His people are taking care of. If we are blessed to have money we are to share it with those more unfortunate. He loves all of us, and does not want any of us to be in need. That must be what the command is to “love one another” means. It means not only to love someone but to take care of them. Let’s start that today.

Challenge:

Here is a challenge for you today. It will take a little bit of work but it will go along with what Torah has taught us today. Look in your cupboards. Do you have any extra food, or an abundance of food? Separate out what you extra and put it in bags. Take it down to your local food kitchen or to a neighbor in need. Share your food with those in need today. Do a mitzvah today for those in need. Or even better, take a minute to pray and ask Hashem who needs some monetary help today. He will bring someone to mind. Follow through and help out that person. Do it today, do not delay. You will be blessed. Guaranteed.

Reading #3 -  Leviticus 25:29-38

25:29 “‘If a man sells a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it has been sold. For a full year he shall have the right of redemption. 30 If it isn’t redeemed within the space of a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall be made sure in perpetuity to him who bought it, throughout his generations. It shall not be released in the Jubilee. 31 But the houses of the villages which have no wall around them shall be accounted for with the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall be released in the Jubilee.

32 “‘Nevertheless, in the cities of the Levites, the Levites may redeem the houses in the cities of their possession at any time. 33 The Levites may redeem the house that was sold, and the city of his possession, and it shall be released in the Jubilee; for the houses of the cities of the Levites are their possession among the children of Israel. 34 But the field of the pasture lands of their cities may not be sold, for it is their perpetual possession.

35 “‘If your brother has become poor, and his hand can’t support himself among you, then you shall uphold him. He shall live with you like an alien and a temporary resident. 36 Take no interest from him or profit; but fear your Elohim, that your brother may live among you. 37 You shall not lend him your money at interest, nor give him your food for profit. 38 I am Hashem your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your Elohim.

Emor - Reading #3

Emor Say — אֱמוֹר

Leviticus 21:1 – 24:23

Reading #3 -  Leviticus 22:17–33

My Thoughts:

We are learning about animal sacrifice. Just as Hashem wants people to be unblemished who are serving in the Temple, so also does He want the animals as perfect as possible. The requirements are listed. But, think of this. If you have to give up a really good animal, worth more money than a “damaged” animal – wouldn’t this mean more to you? Which is harder for you to do, give $10 to your congregation or $1,000? Hashem requires our best and we should be willing to give it to Him! In all areas of our life!

Challenge:

Verse 31 reads, “...keep My commandments and do them…”. So, is keeping different then doing? To me, “keeping” means you are willing to obey what Hashem tells you to do. And of course, “doing” is actually following them. Here is the question – are you simply keeping the commandments or are you doing them also? I try to “keep” the Sabbath, but am I really doing all that it requires? Am I truly resting and not working, or am I “slipping” some tasks into my Sabbath day that I shouldn’t be? Time to reevaluate and take a hard look. He wants to “keep” and “do”. That’s really important to think about. 

Leviticus 22:17 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 18 “Speak to Aaron, and to his sons, and to all the children of Israel, and say to them, ‘Whoever is of the house of Israel, or of the foreigners in Israel, who offers his offering, whether it is any of their vows or any of their free will offerings, which they offer to Hashem for a burnt offering: 19 that you may be accepted, you shall offer a male without defect, of the bulls, of the sheep, or of the goats. 20 But you shall not offer whatever has a defect, for it shall not be acceptable for you. 21 Whoever offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to Hashem to accomplish a vow, or for a free will offering of the herd or of the flock, it shall be perfect to be accepted. It shall have no defect. 22 You shall not offer what is blind, is injured, is maimed, has a wart, is festering, or has a running sore to Hashem, nor make an offering by fire of them on the altar to Hashem. 23 Either a bull or a lamb that has any deformity or lacking in his parts, that you may offer for a free will offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted. 24 You must not offer to Hashem that which has its testicles bruised, crushed, broken, or cut. You must not do this in your land. 25 You must not offer any of these as the bread of your Adonai from the hand of a foreigner, because their corruption is in them. There is a defect in them. They shall not be accepted for you.’”

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 Adonai. I am Hashem.”

Acharei Mot/Kedoshim - Reading #3

ACHAREI MOT/KEDOSHIM

Combined readings

Leviticus 16:1-20:27

Reading #3 - Leviticus 17:8-18:21 

My Thoughts:

Interesting that in Chapter 21 we read about not having sexual relations with other people (that is what uncovering the nakedness means). Then in 21:21 we are told “You shall not give any of your children as a sacrifice to Molech”. Why would Hashem give this commandment right after He is directing His people not to have sexual relations outside of marriage? Most likely because people are people -- sinned -- and committed adultery. And when they did so, the woman in the picture got pregnant. Instead of abortion, why not just put the baby in the arms of a hot burning Molech statue? Either way the baby would die. And we are strongly told NOT to do this. 

Challenge:

Right after Hashem gives the command not to sacrifice children He commands us not to “profane the Name of Elohim.” I’m thinking that profane here means disregarding His Name of Creation. He is the Creator of everything and when we destroy His creation -- we are profaning the Creator Himself. If you have ever had an abortion or were part of one in some way maybe today is a good day to go to the Father and ask for forgiveness. Or maybe you have been a part of destroying another kind of creation. Repent and make retribution. Or maybe you can restore what was taken. Let’s try to not profane His Name and make things right.

Reading #3 - Leviticus 17:8-18:21 

17:8 “You shall say to them, ‘Any man there is of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice, 9 and doesn’t bring it to the door of the Tent of Meeting to sacrifice it to Hashem, that man shall be cut off from his people.

10 “‘Any man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who eats any kind of blood, I will set my face against that soul who eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people. 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood. I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement by reason of the life. 12 Therefore I have said to the children of Israel, “No person among you may eat blood, nor may any stranger who lives as a foreigner among you eat blood.”

13 “‘Whatever man there is of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who takes in hunting any animal or bird that may be eaten, he shall pour out its blood, and cover it with dust. 14 For as to the life of all flesh, its blood is with its life. Therefore I said to the children of Israel, “You shall not eat the blood of any kind of flesh; for the life of all flesh is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off.”

15 “‘Every person that eats what dies of itself, or that which is torn by animals, whether he is native-born or a foreigner, shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening. Then he shall be clean. 16 But if he doesn’t wash them, or bathe his flesh, then he shall bear his iniquity.’”

18 Hashem said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, ‘I am Hashem your Elohim. 3 You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived. You shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. You shall not follow their statutes. 4 You shall do my ordinances. You shall keep my statutes and walk in them. I am Hashem your Elohim. 5 You shall therefore keep my statutes and my ordinances, which if a man does, he shall live in them. I am Hashem.

6 “‘None of you shall approach any close relatives, to uncover their nakedness: I am Hashem.

7 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father, nor the nakedness of your mother: she is your mother. You shall not uncover her nakedness.

8 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s wife. It is your father’s nakedness.

9 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, the daughter of your father, or the daughter of your mother, whether born at home or born abroad.

10 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your son’s daughter, or of your daughter’s daughter, even their nakedness; for theirs is your own nakedness.

11 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s wife’s daughter, conceived by your father, since she is your sister.

12 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s sister. She is your father’s near kinswoman.

13 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister, for she is your mother’s near kinswoman.

14 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s brother. You shall not approach his wife. She is your aunt.

15 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law. She is your son’s wife. You shall not uncover her nakedness.

16 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife. It is your brother’s nakedness.

17 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter. You shall not take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness. They are near kinswomen. It is wickedness.

18 “‘You shall not take a wife in addition to her sister, to be a rival, to uncover her nakedness, while her sister is still alive.

19 “‘You shall not approach a woman to uncover her nakedness, as long as she is impure by her uncleanness.

20 “‘You shall not lie carnally with your neighbor’s wife, and defile yourself with her.

21 “‘You shall not give any of your children as a sacrifice to Molech. You shall not profane the name of your Elohim. I am Hashem.

Tazria-Metzora - Reading #3

Tazria-Metzora

She will conceive/Leper — תַזְרִיעַ־מְּצֹרָע

Torah Portion: Leviticus 12:1 - 15:33

 

Reading #3 - Leviticus 13:40-54

My Thoughts:

Interesting. Today we read about leprosy or plague in a material item - such as clothing. The person is to isolate the clothing for seven days and then show it to the priest. If it still has the showing of the plague they are to burn it. This makes perfect sense. It is showing us that bacteria/germs can exist on other things. We learned a lot about this when Covid hit. We had to wash clothing, wash surfaces and be careful about what we touched. We could take our learning from the reading today and apply it to dangerous pandemics!

Challenge:

It’s difficult to read about leprosy in this Torah Portion. But, remember our Elohim cares about all aspects of our lives - then and now. He gave strict guidelines to prevent the spread of such a disease/infections. I challenge you to continue reading these portions of Scripture all week long. Think about how much Hashem loves us. Stay with it and don’t dismiss it all because it may not seem to apply to us today. Search your heart and seek revelation about how it does relate to our lives. Amen.

Leviticus 13:40-54

Leviticus 13:40 “If a man’s hair has fallen from his head, he is bald. He is clean. 41 If his hair has fallen off from the front part of his head, he is forehead bald. He is clean. 42 But if a reddish-white plague is in the bald head or the bald forehead, it is leprosy breaking out in his bald head or his bald forehead. 43 Then the priest shall examine him. Behold, if the swelling of the plague is reddish-white in his bald head, or in his bald forehead, like the appearance of leprosy in the skin of the body, 44 he is a leprous man. He is unclean. The priest shall surely pronounce him unclean. His plague is on his head.

45 “The leper in whom the plague is shall wear torn clothes, and the hair of his head shall hang loose. He shall cover his upper lip, and shall cry, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ 46 All the days in which the plague is in him he shall be unclean. He is unclean. He shall dwell alone. His dwelling shall be outside of the camp.

47 “The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it is a woolen garment, or a linen garment; 48 whether it is in warp or woof; of linen or of wool; whether in a leather, or in anything made of leather; 49 if the plague is greenish or reddish in the garment, or in the leather, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything made of leather; it is the plague of leprosy, and shall be shown to the priest. 50 The priest shall examine the plague, and isolate the plague seven days. 51 He shall examine the plague on the seventh day. If the plague has spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in the skin, whatever use the skin is used for, the plague is a destructive mildew. It is unclean. 52 He shall burn the garment, whether the warp or the woof, in wool or in linen, or anything of leather, in which the plague is, for it is a destructive mildew. It shall be burned in the fire.

53 “If the priest examines it, and behold, the plague hasn’t spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin; 54 then the priest shall command that they wash the thing that the plague is in, and he shall isolate it seven more days.

Shemini - Reading #3

Shemini שְּׁמִינִי - Eighth

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Reading #3 -  Leviticus 9:24–10:11

My Thoughts:

Today we read about “fire”. Fire comes from Hashem to burn an offering and fat on the altar. And fire comes from Hashem to devour two of Aaron’s sons. One fire is for obedience and the other for disobedience. Hashem does not take it lightly when His commandments are broken. Is there a reason in your life that Hashem might consider to “extinguish” you? Of course He would not (I assume). But, after reading today’s Torah Scripture it might be a good idea for all of us to do some “self examination” and see if there is sin in our lives. Where are we not following His commandments? Confess and repent and make it right.

Challenge:

In verse 9 we read that the priests were not to drink any wine before entering the Tabernacle or after. Hashem stresses the need to be clean before Him and to be able to distinguish between common and uncommon. Just think about your own life. When you come before Hashem to pray and worship, have you examined your life and repented for sin? Do you have a problem with alcohol and are drinking at times that are not necessary? Speaking to you as a recovered alcoholic, I encourage you to deal with any problems you have today. Do not delay and get some help. Most important, ask Hashem to deliver you. I promise He will, if you work at it too.

Reading #3 -  Leviticus 9:24–10:11

9:24 Fire came out from before Hashem, and consumed the burnt offering and the fat upon the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted, and fell on their faces.

10 Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer, and put fire in it, and laid incense on it, and offered strange fire before Hashem, which He had not commanded them. 2 Fire came out from before Hashem, and devoured them, and they died before Hashem.

3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what Hashem spoke of, saying,

‘I will show myself holy to those who come near me,

    and before all the people I will be glorified.’”

Aaron held his peace. 4 Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, “Draw near, carry your brothers from before the sanctuary out of the camp.” 5 So they came near, and carried them in their tunics out of the camp, as Moses had said.

6 Moses said to Aaron, and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons, “Don’t let the hair of your heads go loose, and don’t tear your clothes, so that you don’t die, and so that He will not be angry with all the congregation; but let your brothers, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which Hashem has kindled. 7 You shall not go out from the door of the Tent of Meeting, lest you die; for the anointing oil of Hashem is on you.” They did according to the word of Moses. 8 Then Hashem said to Aaron, 9 “You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink whenever you go into the Tent of Meeting, or you will die. This shall be a statute forever throughout your generations. 10 You are to make a distinction between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean. 11 You are to teach the children of Israel all the statutes which Hashem has spoken to them by Moses.”

Tzav - Reading #3

Tzav צַו - Command!

Leviticus 6:1-8:36

Reading #3 - Leviticus 7:11–38

My Thoughts:

In today’s reading we have certain instructions on consuming the offering meat after it has been offered and burned. In some cases the person making the offering has the meat to eat (verses 11-15) and in other verses the priests are entitled to it. What I find most valuable is that Hashem is not letting any of the offerings go to waste. Maybe you weren’t planning on giving up a valuable animal, until you realized you sinned. But, after you're commanded to do so, you are able to keep the cooked meat for two days. It seems pretty generous of Hashem to offer this back to you. Don’t you think?

Challenge:

There are five offerings listed in this recent reading in Leviticus. They can be a little hard to understand because most of us do not live in a Jewish community where these offerings are made (and because there currently is not a Temple in Jerusalem to offer them!). So, the best we can do is research and learn. Today I ask you to go to the “heart” of this all. We discussed yesterday about how the main aspect of giving the offerings was to draw closer to Hashem. We know this, that sins separates us from communing with Hashem. An offering of repentance and worship brings us back to Him. Just like in Temple times you could bring an animal or meal offering, now you can bring a worship, prayer or mitzvah offering to Hashem. Let’s remember that -- so we can stay close to Hashem every day!

Reading #3 - Leviticus 7:11–38

7:11 “‘This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which one shall offer to Hashem: 12 If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mixed with oil. 13 He shall offer his offering with the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving with cakes of leavened bread. 14 Of it he shall offer one out of each offering for a heave offering to Hashem. It shall be the priest’s who sprinkles the blood of the peace offerings. 15 The flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten on the day of his offering. He shall not leave any of it until the morning.

16 “‘But if the sacrifice of his offering is a vow, or a free will offering, it shall be eaten on the day that he offers his sacrifice. On the next day what remains of it shall be eaten, 17 but what remains of the meat of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burned with fire. 18 If any of the meat of the sacrifice of his peace offerings is eaten on the third day, it will not be accepted, and it shall not be credited to him who offers it. It will be an abomination, and the soul who eats any of it will bear his iniquity.

19 “‘The meat that touches any unclean thing shall not be eaten. It shall be burned with fire. As for the meat, everyone who is clean may eat it; 20 but the soul who eats of the meat of the sacrifice of peace offerings that belongs to Hashem, having his uncleanness on him, that soul shall be cut off from his people. 21 When anyone touches any unclean thing, the uncleanness of man, or an unclean animal, or any unclean abomination, and eats some of the meat of the sacrifice of peace offerings which belong to Hashem, that soul shall be cut off from his people.’”

22 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘You shall eat no fat, of bull, or sheep, or goat. 24 The fat of that which dies of itself, and the fat of that which is torn of animals, may be used for any other service, but you shall in no way eat of it. 25 For whoever eats the fat of the animal which men offer as an offering made by fire to Hashem, even the soul who eats it shall be cut off from his people. 26 You shall not eat any blood, whether it is of bird or of animal, in any of your dwellings. 27 Whoever it is who eats any blood, that soul shall be cut off from his people.’”

28 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 29 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘He who offers the sacrifice of his peace offerings to Hashem shall bring his offering to Hashem out of the sacrifice of his peace offerings. 30 With his own hands he shall bring the offerings of Hashem made by fire. He shall bring the fat with the breast, that the breast may be waved for a wave offering before Hashem. 31 The priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be Aaron’s and his sons’. 32 The right thigh you shall give to the priest for a heave offering out of the sacrifices of your peace offerings. 33 He among the sons of Aaron who offers the blood of the peace offerings, and the fat, shall have the right thigh for a portion. 34 For the waved breast and the heaved thigh I have taken from the children of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them to Aaron the priest and to his sons as their portion forever from the children of Israel.’”

35 This is the consecrated portion of Aaron, and the consecrated portion of his sons, out of the offerings of Hashem made by fire, in the day when he presented them to minister to Hashem in the priest’s office; 36 which Hashem commanded to be given them of the children of Israel, in the day that he anointed them. It is their portion forever throughout their generations. 37 This is the law of the burnt offering, the meal offering, the sin offering, the trespass offering, the consecration, and the sacrifice of peace offerings 38 which Hashem commanded Moses in Mount Sinai in the day that he commanded the children of Israel to offer their offerings to Hashem, in the wilderness of Sinai.

Vayikra - Reading #3

Vayikra  וַיִּקְרָא - And He Called

Leviticus 1:1-5:26

Reading #3 - Leviticus 2:7–16

My Thoughts:

In verse 13 Hashem is asking the meal offering to be seasoned with salt, because of the “salt covenant” with Him. In ancient days, covenants were sealed with salt. Making a covenant was a way of confirming a relationship. Salt gives flavor. Some sages say it represents fire and water. In this journey of the Israelites to the Land He has given them, there are many covenants being instituted. The covenant of following Torah is probably the largest. But in this small meal offering, we are reminded that we are in covenant with Hashem. And within that is great power and destiny.

Challenge:

Take some time today to think about what “covenants” or agreements you are in with Hashem. Are you following and obeying your covenant with Him regarding Torah? Are you in a marriage where you made a marital covenant before Hashem? Are you in covenant with Hashem regarding the Sabbath -- do you honor and preserve it? Review your covenants today and make a re-commitment to follow them. Worship and praise Hashem for your covenant relationship with Him. There is no other like it.

Reading #3 - Leviticus 2:7–16

7 If your offering is a meal offering of the pan, it shall be made of fine flour with oil. 8 You shall bring the meal offering that is made of these things to Hashem. It shall be presented to the priest, and he shall bring it to the altar. 9 The priest shall take from the meal offering its memorial, and shall burn it on the altar, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem. 10 That which is left of the meal offering shall be Aaron’s and his sons’. It is a most holy part of the offerings of Hashem made by fire.

11 “‘No meal offering which you shall offer to Hashem shall be made with yeast; for you shall burn no yeast, nor any honey, as an offering made by fire to Hashem. 12 As an offering of first fruits you shall offer them to Hashem, but they shall not rise up as a pleasant aroma on the altar. 13 Every offering of your meal offering you shall season with salt. You shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your Elohim to be lacking from your meal offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt.

14 “‘If you offer a meal offering of first fruits to Hashem, you shall offer for the meal offering of your first fruits fresh heads of grain parched with fire and crushed. 15 You shall put oil on it and lay frankincense on it. It is a meal offering. 16 The priest shall burn as its memorial part of its crushed grain and part of its oil, along with all its frankincense. It is an offering made by fire to Hashem.

Pekudei - Reading #3

Pekudei  פְקוּדֵי - Accounts

Torah Reading: Exodus 38:21-40:38

Reading #3 - Exodus 39:22–32

My Thoughts:

In verse 30 we read that there is a crown for the priest that says “Holy to Hashem”. Why would Hashem think this would be needed? If you do a little research you will see it was actually common, in other religions, for priests to wear tiaras or crowns. Maybe Hashem decided that He would do the same for the priests among His chosen people, only their crowns would have a message. Their crowns would have a constant reminder that they must be Holy before the L-rd! It would encourage this responsibility. Maybe we too, need some sort of reminder to be holy before Hashem in all we do! What would that look like?

Challenge:

After each task, it is written “...as Hashem commanded Moses”. And in verse 32, after the Tabernacle is finished, we read, “The children of Israel did according to all that Hashem commanded Moses; so they did.” In other words, Moses got directions from Hashem – and conveyed them directly to the people. When they heard what to do, they did not question him, they just did it! I would like to challenge you today. As you study and read through the Torah – are you doing “all that Hashem commanded Moses”? That is what this blog is all about. Let’s read daily exactly what Hashem commanded Moses. And after reading and studying – let’s think about it and pray and ask Hashem how to follow His commands. So that we can answer like the children of Israel and as we hear the commands “so they did” (so we do!).

Reading #3 - Exodus 39:22-32

22 He made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue. 23 The opening of the robe in the middle of it was like the opening of a coat of mail, with a binding around its opening, that it should not be torn. 24 They made on the skirts of the robe pomegranates of blue, purple, scarlet, and twined linen. 25 They made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates around the skirts of the robe, between the pomegranates; 26 a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, around the skirts of the robe, to minister in, as Hashem commanded Moses.

27 They made the tunics of fine linen of woven work for Aaron and for his sons, 28 the turban of fine linen, the linen headbands of fine linen, the linen trousers of fine twined linen, 29 the sash of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, the work of the embroiderer, as Hashem commanded Moses.

30 They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription, like the engravings of a signet: “HOLY TO HASHEM”. 31 They tied to it a lace of blue, to fasten it on the turban above, as Hashem commanded Moses.

32 Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting was finished. The children of Israel did according to all that Hashem commanded Moses; so they did.

Vayakhel - Reading #3

Vayakhel  וַיַּקְהֵל - And He Assembled

Torah Reading: Exodus 35:1-38:20

Reading #3 – Exodus 35:30–36:7

My Thoughts:

In verse 36:6 we read, “So the people were restrained from bringing”. Can you even imagine? Think about the church, synagogue or small group you attend and the leader telling you not to donate anymore to the ministry that you have been giving to. That they have more than enough. Wouldn’t that be so amazing? I actually witnessed this a few weeks ago. In a local community zoom meeting I was attending, the director of a local non-profit spoke to us. She was asked how we could help her ministry. She said, “Really right now we have enough. We have been over blessed with money and goods to help our clients.” I was astonished. I had never heard someone from a non-profit agency say that they had all they needed. Truly this ministry was super blessed by Hashem!

Challenge:

My challenge to you is to “check out” the group/ministry that you usually give to. Maybe you can ask for a fiscal report and see how they are doing. If it looks like their income has far exceeded their expenses, then maybe it is time to pray about giving elsewhere for a while. We want to be good stewards of all that Hashem has given us. We need to make sure we are giving to the organization/group that Hashem has called us to. Amen!

Exodus 35:30–36:7

30 Moses said to the children of Israel, “Behold, Hashem has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31 He has filled him with the Spirit of Elohim, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship; 32 and to make skillful works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, 33 in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all kinds of skillful workmanship. 34 He has put in his heart that he may teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. 35 He has filled them with wisdom of heart to work all kinds of workmanship, of the engraver, of the skillful workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of those who do any workmanship, and of those who make skillful works.

36 “Bezalel and Oholiab shall work with every wise-hearted man, in whom Hashem has put wisdom and understanding to know how to do all the work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that Hashem has commanded.”

2 Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whose heart Hashem had put wisdom, even everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to the work to do it. 3 They received from Moses all the offering which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, with which to make it. They kept bringing free will offerings to him every morning. 4 All the wise men, who performed all the work of the sanctuary, each came from his work which he did. 5 They spoke to Moses, saying, “The people have brought much more than enough for the service of the work which Hashem commanded to make.”

6 Moses gave a commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, “Let neither man nor woman make anything else for the offering for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing. 7 For the stuff they had was sufficient to do all the work, and too much.