Pinchas - Reading #4

Pinchas פִּינְחָס - Phinehas

Numbers 25:10-30:1

Reading #4 -  Numbers 27:6–23

My Thoughts:

I had a discussion recently with an acquaintance about how we really do have the Spirit of Hashem in us. But, not in a way that I was thinking before or taught previously. He was saying to me that the Spirit of Hashem is “breathed” into us at our birth. Which is what Scripture says. In Genesis 2:7 Hashem breathes “Life” into us. That is His Spirit. In verse 16 in today’s reading we read, “Let Hashem, the Elohim of the spirits of all flesh…”. We are made up of Spirit, His Spirit. That is how we breathe daily and live. When we die and go to Olam Haba, His Spirit is removed from us, where I assume we are made spiritual beings of our own spirit, until the Resurrection of our physical bodies. It is incredible to think that we are alive today because of the Spirit of Hashem residing in us and giving us life. It makes you view things very differently. Ponder on this today. Amen.

Challenge:

In verse 18 we read about Hashem picking Joshua as Israel’s next leader, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit.” As Moses knows he is going to leave the earth shortly, he is concerned who will lead the people. It makes sense that Hashem is going to pick someone who has been taught and mentored by Moses. Remember we have read about Joshua’s dedication and service to Hashem, so much as he did not want to leave the door of the Tabernacle (Exodus 33:11). If you are leaving a position/job, do you contemplate if the person that is replacing you is close to Hashem? Even if you are in a secular job, isn’t it important to know that the person that will have your position is qualified and dedicated. Sometimes when we leave employment we don’t care who follows, but I challenge you today to make sure that it does matter. And if you aren’t changing job, maybe this applies to another area of your life. Give it some thought and prayer.

Reading #4 -  Numbers 27:6–23

27:6 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 7 “The daughters of Zelophehad speak right. You shall surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers. You shall cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them. 8 You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘If a man dies, and has no son, then you shall cause his inheritance to pass to his daughter. 9 If he has no daughter, then you shall give his inheritance to his brothers. 10 If he has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. 11 If his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his kinsman who is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it. This shall be a statute and ordinance for the children of Israel, as Hashem commanded Moses.’”

12 Hashem said to Moses, “Go up into this mountain of Abarim, and see the land which I have given to the children of Israel. 13 When you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother was gathered; 14 because in the strife of the congregation, you rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Zin, to honor me as holy at the waters before their eyes.” (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.)

15 Moses spoke to Hashem, saying, 16 “Let Hashem, the Elohim of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, 17 who may go out before them, and who may come in before them, and who may lead them out, and who may bring them in, that the congregation of Hashem may not be as sheep which have no shepherd.”

18 Hashem said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. 19 Set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and commission him in their sight. 20 You shall give authority to him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may obey. 21 He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before Hashem. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.”

22 Moses did as Hashem commanded him. He took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation. 23 He laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as Hashem spoke by Moses.

Balak - Reading #4

Balak בָּלָק - Balak

Numbers 22:2-25:9

Reading #4 - Numbers 22:39–23:12

My Thoughts:

This is quite the story and somewhat hard to understand. Except it seems like Balaam does really want to follow Hashem, and not curse the Israelites. It is curious in verse 4 that “Balaam met Elohim”. It almost sounds casual. Like anyone at that time, could “meet with” Hashem. And then Hashem speaks to Balaam. And says He will put “His words” in his mouth. Maybe in a time of less distraction it was easier to “meet” with Hashem. Maybe our world is so busy, so full of other things that if we just got in a peaceful, quiet place -- we too, could “meet” with Hashem. And hear what He has to say. Let’s try it.

Challenge:

Let’s talk briefly about blessing people. In this reading Balaam is blessing people through words. But, there are obvious other ways to bless people. That is my challenge to you today. Think about and pray about, how Hashem wants you to bless others. It could be through listening to someone and their concerns. Or maybe someone needs some authentic financial help. Maybe someone needs prayer and/or an encouraging word. Look around you and see how you can bless someone today. Let’s help make the world a better place today.

Reading #4 - Numbers 22:39–23:12

2239 Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath Huzoth. 40 Balak sacrificed cattle and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princes who were with him. 41 In the morning, Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the high places of Baal; and he saw from there part of the people.

23 Balaam said to Balak, “Build here seven altars for me, and prepare here seven bulls and seven rams for me.”

2 Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bull and a ram. 3 Balaam said to Balak, “Stand by your burnt offering, and I will go. Perhaps Hashem will come to meet me. Whatever He shows me I will tell you.”

He went to a bare height. 4 Elohim met Balaam, and he said to Him, “I have prepared the seven altars, and I have offered up a bull and a ram on every altar.”

5 Hashem put a word in Balaam’s mouth, and said, “Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.”

6 He returned to him, and behold, he was standing by his burnt offering, he, and all the princes of Moab. 7 He took up his parable, and said,

“From Aram has Balak brought me,

    the king of Moab from the mountains of the East.

Come, curse Jacob for me.

    Come, defy Israel.

8 How shall I curse whom Elohim has not cursed?

    How shall I defy whom Hashem has not defied?

9 For from the top of the rocks I see him.

    From the hills I see him.

Behold, it is a people that dwells alone,

    and shall not be listed among the nations.

10 Who can count the dust of Jacob,

    or count the fourth part of Israel?

Let me die the death of the righteous!

    Let my last end be like his!”

11 Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them altogether.”

12 He answered and said, “Must I not take heed to speak that which Hashem puts in my mouth?”

Chukat - Reading #4

Chukat חֻקַּת - Law

Numbers 19:1-22:1

Reading #4 - Numbers 20:14–21

My Thoughts:

Edom is the descendant of Esau. And as we know Esau was not happy about Jacob taking his inheritance and birthright. The two groups were at odds ever since. And today we read how the Edomites will not allow Israel to pass through. Some sages do believe that they sold the Israelites some food. Regardless, it is so sad that nations that should really be “brothers” do not get along. It is a lesson to be learned for us. Do we get along with our “brothers and sisters”? It would be good to reconcile or there might be generations after you that carry the “grudge”. This could cause a lot of hurt and pain. Reconcile today!

Challenge:

I guess the message today is that if you ask someone something and they refuse, turn away and leave. Hashem will provide a different path for you. Of course, as mentioned above, it is best to reconcile and make things right from the beginning. But, if this doesn’t happen and you approach your “brother/sister” and they do not wish to help you -- go somewhere else for help. Remember to first go to Hashem. Think of the peace that could reside in our earth if people only got along. Amen.

Reading #4 - Numbers 20:14–21

20:14 Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying:

“Your brother Israel says: You know all the travail that has happened to us; 15 how our fathers went down into Egypt, and we lived in Egypt a long time. The Egyptians mistreated us and our fathers. 16 When we cried to Hashem, He heard our voice, sent an angel, and brought us out of Egypt. Behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the edge of your border.

17 “Please let us pass through your land. We will not pass through field or through vineyard, neither will we drink from the water of the wells. We will go along the king’s highway. We will not turn away to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed your border.”

18 Edom said to him, “You shall not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against you.”

19 The children of Israel said to him, “We will go up by the highway; and if we drink your water, I and my livestock, then I will give its price. Only let me, without doing anything else, pass through on my feet.”

20 He said, “You shall not pass through.” Edom came out against him with many people, and with a strong hand. 21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border, so Israel turned away from him.

Korach - Reading #4

Korach קֹרַח - Korach

Numbers 16:1-18:32

Reading #4 - Numbers 17:9–15 (verses 24-28 in the Jewish Bible)

My Thoughts:

Suddenly the people of Hashem understand the seriousness of His holiness and obedience. The rod shows that He has chosen Aaron as High Priest. And it is kept as a reminder by His covenant. A reminder that Hashem does the choosing of leaders and that He is the Elohim of miracles! Next time you are asking Him for something important, remember this story. He can do anything. But, you need to stay in His obedience.

Challenge:

Hashem does not like complainers. In verse 10 He reminds Moses that the cost of His people complaining may even be death. Complaining against Hashem means you do not trust Him, you are not grateful for all He has done, and it is simply rebellion. Maybe we need to remember this the next time we complain. Let’s try to put ALL of our love and trust in Him for everything we go through. And believe me, I am talking to myself about all this! I need to believe what I am writing for a situation in my life right now. And I am trying. We do not want to disappoint Hashem with unbelief that He is present in all our situations. My challenge for you today is to remember that He is the Elohim of miracles. Wouldn’t you rather live a miraculous life? I would!

Reading #4 - Numbers 17:9–15

9 Moses brought out all the rods from before Hashem to all the children of Israel. They looked, and each man took his rod.

10 Hashem said to Moses, “Put back the rod of Aaron before the covenant, to be kept for a token against the children of rebellion; that you may make an end of their complaining against me, that they not die.” 11 Moses did so. As Hashem commanded him, so he did.

12 The children of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, “Behold, we perish! We are undone! We are all undone! 13 Everyone who keeps approaching Hashem’s tabernacle, dies! Will we all perish?”

Shelach - Reading #4

Shelach שְׁלַח-לְךָ - Send For Yourself

Numbers 13:1-15:41

Reading #4 - Numbers 14:26–15:7 

My Thoughts:

In verse 14:42 we read “Hashem isn’t among you”. And they still persisted to conquer the Land. They meet up with the enemy and are defeated. Even the ark of testimony does not go with them. They probably panicked about their sin of doubt and wanted to make things right in their own flesh. Have you ever done that? Where you do something really wrong, and instead of repenting and asking Hashem to help you repair things -- you try on your own to repair them -- and it ends up a disaster! You want Hashem “to be among you” in your life. Especially for big decisions. And if you do sin in a horrible way or even a little way, don’t try to make it up to Hashem in your own way. Ask Him first what you should do! He will show you for sure!

Challenge:

In this Torah study we learn that complaining actually caused ten men their lives! And caused many more to be penalized about going into the Land. So, this tells us that Hashem does not like complaining. And at the time of writing this I can honestly tell you, that’s what I have been doing in my head all day long today. We are in the middle of trying to sell our house and things are going very differently than we thought they would. I am asking Hashem what we are doing wrong, and trying to listen to Him to tell us. But, in the meanwhile, I am super complaining that our house is not sold (like everyone else's has). Then I repent and tell Hashem I am sorry for not having faith that is needed to pull us through. Still, I am sure He is not happy about my complaining. All I can say is “I am so sorry Hashem, please forgive me for complaining. Please show us what to do, very clearly, to sell our house. Help us to be patient and to have faith that You are in the middle of this.” Amen. I hope you can learn from my mistakes today. This is my challenge to you.

Reading #4 - Numbers 14:26–15:7

14:26 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 27 “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation that complain against me? I have heard the complaints of the children of Israel, which they complain against me. 28 Tell them, ‘As I live, says Hashem, surely as you have spoken in my ears, so I will do to you. 29 Your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness; and all who were counted of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, who have complained against me, 30 surely you shall not come into the land concerning which I swore that I would make you dwell therein, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. 31 But I will bring in your little ones that you said should be captured or killed, and they shall know the land which you have rejected. 32 But as for you, your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness. 33 Your children shall be wanderers in the wilderness forty years, and shall bear your prostitution, until your dead bodies are consumed in the wilderness. 34 After the number of the days in which you spied out the land, even forty days, for every day a year, you will bear your iniquities, even forty years, and you will know my alienation.’ 35 I, Hashem, have spoken. I will surely do this to all this evil congregation who are gathered together against me. In this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.”

36 The men whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned and made all the congregation to murmur against him by bringing up an evil report against the land, 37 even those men who brought up an evil report of the land, died by the plague before Hashem. 38 But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive of those men who went to spy out the land.

39 Moses told these words to all the children of Israel, and the people mourned greatly. 40 They rose up early in the morning and went up to the top of the mountain, saying, “Behold, we are here, and will go up to the place which Hashem has promised; for we have sinned.”

41 Moses said, “Why now do you disobey the commandment of Hashem, since it shall not prosper? 42 Don’t go up, for Hashem isn’t among you; that way you won’t be struck down before your enemies. 43 For there the Amalekite and the Canaanite are before you, and you will fall by the sword because you turned back from following Hashem; therefore Hashem will not be with you.”

44 But they presumed to go up to the top of the mountain. Nevertheless, the ark of Hashem’s covenant and Moses didn’t depart out of the camp. 45 Then the Amalekites came down, and the Canaanites who lived in that mountain, and struck them and beat them down even to Hormah.

15 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘When you have come into the land of your habitations, which I give to you, 3 and will make an offering by fire to Hashem—a burnt offering, or a sacrifice, to accomplish a vow, or as a free will offering, or in your set feasts, to make a pleasant aroma to Hashem, of the herd, or of the flock— 4 then he who offers his offering shall offer to Hashem a meal offering of one tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with one fourth of a hin of oil. 5 You shall prepare wine for the drink offering, one fourth of a hin, with the burnt offering or for the sacrifice, for each lamb.

6 “‘For a ram, you shall prepare for a meal offering two tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with the third part of a hin of oil; 7 and for the drink offering you shall offer the third part of a hin of wine, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem.

Beha'alotcha - Reading #4

Beha’alotcha בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ - In Your Uplifting

Numbers 8:1-12:16

Reading #4 -Numbers 9:15–10:10

My Thoughts:

What a clear message for the directions of His people. When the cloud moves the people move. They only have to watch for it. When the cloud remained the people stayed. Wouldn’t that be so wonderful for the decisions you are making in your life? Can you imagine that you are thinking of buying a new house in a new city. You look at the Tabernacle to see if the cloud is lifting up. It is! So, you move to your new city! Maybe we could get to know Hashem so well that we could “spiritually” see His “cloud” moving. In other words, we would know through prayer, worship and listening where and what He was showing us! Let’s try this!

Challenge:

In chapter 10 we learn about the alerts of the trumpets. When the priests would blow them you would know whether you were journeying or going to war. It was a sense of trusting authority and being in community for major direction on issues. Maybe you don’t have a community where authority can give you direction or warning. Maybe it is time to pray and ask Hashem to place in you one. One that honors and worships the one true Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. One that follows Torah. One that has trusted leadership. Pray and ask Hashem to lead you to this community. It will help you to be rooted and grounded. And knowing that sometimes leadership can and will make mistakes, but praying for them at all times.

Reading #4 -Numbers 9:15–10:10

9:15 On the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, even the Tent of the Testimony. At evening it was over the tabernacle, as it were the appearance of fire, until morning. 16 So it was continually. The cloud covered it, and the appearance of fire by night. 17 Whenever the cloud was taken up from over the Tent, then after that the children of Israel traveled; and in the place where the cloud remained, there the children of Israel encamped. 18 At the commandment of Hashem, the children of Israel traveled, and at the commandment of Hashem they encamped. As long as the cloud remained on the tabernacle they remained encamped. 19 When the cloud stayed on the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept Hashem’s command, and didn’t travel. 20 Sometimes the cloud was a few days on the tabernacle; then according to the commandment of Hashem they remained encamped, and according to the commandment of Hashem they traveled. 21 Sometimes the cloud was from evening until morning; and when the cloud was taken up in the morning, they traveled; or by day and by night, when the cloud was taken up, they traveled. 22 Whether it was two days, or a month, or a year that the cloud stayed on the tabernacle, remaining on it, the children of Israel remained encamped, and didn’t travel; but when it was taken up, they traveled. 23 At the commandment of Hashem they encamped, and at the commandment of Hashem they traveled. They kept Hashem’s command, at the commandment of Hashem by Moses.

10 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Make two trumpets of silver. You shall make them of beaten work. You shall use them for the calling of the congregation, and for the journeying of the camps. 3 When they blow them, all the congregation shall gather themselves to you at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 4 If they blow just one, then the princes, the heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves to you. 5 When you blow an alarm, the camps that lie on the east side shall go forward. 6 When you blow an alarm the second time, the camps that lie on the south side shall go forward. They shall blow an alarm for their journeys. 7 But when the assembly is to be gathered together, you shall blow, but you shall not sound an alarm.

8 “The sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow the trumpets. This shall be to you for a statute forever throughout your generations. 9 When you go to war in your land against the adversary who oppresses you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets. Then you will be remembered before Hashem your Elohim, and you will be saved from your enemies.

10 “Also in the day of your gladness, and in your set feasts, and in the beginnings of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be to you for a memorial before your Elohim. I am Hashem your Elohim.”

Nasso - Reading #4

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate!

Numbers 4:21-7:89

Reading #4 - Numbers 5:11–6:27

My Thoughts:

Hashem wants unity, trust and honesty in a marriage. And if this is challenged, He provides a way to solve any issues regarding faithfulness. It sounds rather harsh, but the offense in itself is harsh. Doubt in a marriage can be very troublesome. It is better to get things out in the open and resolved. If you are married, make sure you have everything you worry about communicated to your spouse. Talk about things and bring them forward. Have an honest and truthful relationship with your partner. This honors Hashem.

Challenge:

In chapter 6 we learn about the Nazarite vow which is for men and women. Apparently, it is a time to separate yourself from the things of the world and get closer to Hashem, even to become “holy”. Again, Hashem goes into great detail about this. Holiness is very important to Hashem. So, my challenge for you today is to look at your life and think about how you could “separate” yourself unto Hashem. You could even pray about taking a Nazarite vow and follow these instructions. You may want to do a study on it to make sure you are following it appropriately. Think of the blessings that would follow as you grow closer to Hashem!

Reading #4 - Numbers 5:11–6:27

5:11 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 12 “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them: ‘If any man’s wife goes astray and is unfaithful to him, 13 and a man lies with her carnally, and it is hidden from the eyes of her husband and this is kept concealed, and she is defiled, there is no witness against her, and she isn’t taken in the act; 14 and the spirit of jealousy comes on him, and he is jealous of his wife and she is defiled; or if the spirit of jealousy comes on him, and he is jealous of his wife and she isn’t defiled; 15 then the man shall bring his wife to the priest, and shall bring her offering for her: one tenth of an ephah of barley meal. He shall pour no oil on it, nor put frankincense on it, for it is a meal offering of jealousy, a meal offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to memory. 16 The priest shall bring her near, and set her before Hashem. 17 The priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and the priest shall take some of the dust that is on the floor of the tabernacle and put it into the water. 18 The priest shall set the woman before Hashem, and let the hair of the woman’s head go loose, and put the meal offering of memorial in her hands, which is the meal offering of jealousy. The priest shall have in his hand the water of bitterness that brings a curse. 19 The priest shall cause her to take an oath and shall tell the woman, “If no man has lain with you, and if you haven’t gone aside to uncleanness, being under your husband’s authority, be free from this water of bitterness that brings a curse. 20 But if you have gone astray, being under your husband’s authority, and if you are defiled, and some man has lain with you besides your husband—” 21 then the priest shall cause the woman to swear with the oath of cursing, and the priest shall tell the woman, “May Hashem make you a curse and an oath among your people, when Hashem allows your thigh to fall away, and your body to swell; 22 and this water that brings a curse will go into your bowels, and make your body swell, and your thigh fall away.” The woman shall say, “Amen, Amen.”

23 “‘The priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall wipe them into the water of bitterness. 24 He shall make the woman drink the water of bitterness that causes the curse; and the water that causes the curse shall enter into her and become bitter. 25 The priest shall take the meal offering of jealousy out of the woman’s hand, and shall wave the meal offering before Hashem, and bring it to the altar. 26 The priest shall take a handful of the meal offering, as its memorial portion, and burn it on the altar, and afterward shall make the woman drink the water. 27 When he has made her drink the water, then it shall happen, if she is defiled and has committed a trespass against her husband, that the water that causes the curse will enter into her and become bitter, and her body will swell, and her thigh will fall away; and the woman will be a curse among her people. 28 If the woman isn’t defiled, but is clean; then she shall be free, and shall conceive offspring.

29 “‘This is the law of jealousy, when a wife, being under her husband, goes astray, and is defiled, 30 or when the spirit of jealousy comes on a man, and he is jealous of his wife; then he shall set the woman before Hashem, and the priest shall execute on her all this law. 31 The man shall be free from iniquity, and that woman shall bear her iniquity.’”

6 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them: ‘When either man or woman shall make a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to Hashem, 3 he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink. He shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of fermented drink, neither shall he drink any juice of grapes, nor eat fresh grapes or dried. 4 All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is made of the grapevine, from the seeds even to the skins.

5 “‘All the days of his vow of separation no razor shall come on his head, until the days are fulfilled in which he separates himself to Hashem. He shall be holy. He shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow long.

6 “‘All the days that he separates himself to Hashem he shall not go near a dead body. 7 He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die, because his separation to Adonai is on his head. 8 All the days of his separation he is holy to Hashem.

9 “‘If any man dies very suddenly beside him, and he defiles the head of his separation, then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing. On the seventh day he shall shave it. 10 On the eighth day he shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest, to the door of the Tent of Meeting. 11 The priest shall offer one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, and make atonement for him, because he sinned by reason of the dead, and shall make his head holy that same day. 12 He shall separate to Hashem the days of his separation, and shall bring a male lamb a year old for a trespass offering; but the former days shall be void, because his separation was defiled.

13 “‘This is the law of the Nazirite: when the days of his separation are fulfilled, he shall be brought to the door of the Tent of Meeting, 14 and he shall offer his offering to Hashem: one male lamb a year old without defect for a burnt offering, one ewe lamb a year old without defect for a sin offering, one ram without defect for peace offerings, 15 a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil with their meal offering and their drink offerings. 16 The priest shall present them before Hashem, and shall offer his sin offering and his burnt offering. 17 He shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings to Hashem, with the basket of unleavened bread. The priest shall offer also its meal offering and its drink offering. 18 The Nazirite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the Tent of Meeting, take the hair of the head of his separation, and put it on the fire which is under the sacrifice of peace offerings. 19 The priest shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them on the hands of the Nazirite after he has shaved the head of his separation; 20 and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before Hashem. They are holy for the priest, together with the breast that is waved and the thigh that is offered. After that the Nazirite may drink wine.

21 “‘This is the law of the Nazirite who vows and of his offering to Hashem for his separation, in addition to that which he is able to afford. According to his vow which he vows, so he must do after the law of his separation.’”

22 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is how you shall bless the children of Israel.’ You shall tell them,

24 ‘Hashem bless you, and keep you.

25     Hashem make His face to shine on you,

    and be gracious to you.

26 Hashem lift up His face toward you,

    and give you peace.’

27 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel; and I will bless them.”

Bamidbar - Reading #4

Bamidbar בְּמִדְבַּר - In the Wilderness

Numbers 1:1-4:20

Reading #4 - Numbers 3:1–13

My Thoughts:

In verse 13 we learn that the firstborn of Israel, both man and animal are holy to Hashem, because of the loss of the firstborn of Egypt. Sometimes we reflect on Egypt and think that they were evil people. But in all reality, Hashem loved them the same as He loved His people. The loss of the firstborn must have been very sad for Hashem. Now in memory of them He has the firstborn of His people dedicated - to Him! With this dedication of the firstborn all of mankind can remember the sadness and loss of the Egyptian firstborn. Forever. Let us never think that when a “bad” person dies that it is a good thing. A person is “bad” because of many reasons, sometimes the way he was raised. Hashem loves everyone and in today’s reading we witness this.

Challenge:

The Levites are Hashem’s. They are “set apart” and dedicated. How special that is. He has chosen them to take care of His House. To lead, prepare and move. Hashem really does give all of us special ministries. If you look at your own life you can probably see where He has given you a special “assignment”. When you figure this out it is important you do your ministry with love and care, without grumbling. Sometimes the things He gives us to do are not easy. We just do our best and honor Him. That is my challenge for you today. Do your best with what He has called you to do. If you have been messing up, just start over today. Every day is a new day and a new chance to make things right.

Reading #4 - Numbers 3:1–13

3:1 Now this is the history of the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that Hashem spoke with Moses in Mount Sinai. 2 These are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

3 These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests who were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest’s office. 4 Nadab and Abihu died before Hashem when they offered strange fire before Hashem in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the presence of Aaron, their father.

5 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 6 “Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister to him. 7 They shall keep his requirements, and the requirements of the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, to do the service of the tabernacle. 8 They shall keep all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting, and the obligations of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle. 9 You shall give the Levites to Aaron and to his sons. They are wholly given to him on the behalf of the children of Israel. 10 You shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall keep their priesthood, but the stranger who comes near shall be put to death.”

11 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 12 “Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine, 13 for all the firstborn are mine. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I made holy to me all the firstborn in Israel, both man and animal. They shall be mine. I am Hashem.”

Bechukotai - Reading #4

Bechukotai - In my statutes בְּחֻקֹּתַי

Torah Portion: Leviticus 26:3 - 27:34

Reading #4 - Leviticus 27:1–15

My Thoughts:

Verse 14 is about dedicating your home to Hashem. “‘When a man dedicates his house to be holy to Hashem, then the priest shall evaluate it, whether it is good or bad.” The point is the person wants his home - all of it - to be holy. Do we want our homes to be holy? Do we dedicate our homes to Hashem? It might be something to think about. Wouldn’t you just love it if your home was so holy that when people entered they immediately felt the presence of Hashem and His peace. That people could be healed and set free. Maybe take your spouse or friend and make a plan to have a special time to pray and devote your house to Hashem. It’s really His anyway.

Challenge:

We learn today when we bring any animals, houses and even people before Hashem – we go to the priest. The priest has the authority (in Temple times) to accept or reject the gifts/offerings. The priests were selected by Hashem and in an orderly way. People must have had a huge trust in the authority of the priests. It makes me wonder what we have that is comparable today? We have rabbis and pastors but do we really respect their authority? Should we? I think if we are certain the rabbi/pastor is authentically spiritual and that they are trying their best to serve Hashem (and have proven through experience their understanding of Scripture) – we would respect and honor their decisions and influence. Pray today about your pastor or rabbi. Ask Hashem to show what level of respect and honor you should give them. Listen and obey. 

Reading #4 - Leviticus 27:1–15

27:1 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, ‘When a man consecrates a person to Hashem in a vow, according to your valuation, 3 your valuation of a male from twenty years old to sixty years old shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. 4 If she is a female, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels. 5 If the person is from five years old to twenty years old, then your valuation shall be for a male twenty shekels, and for a female ten shekels. 6 If the person is from a month old to five years old, then your valuation shall be for a male five shekels of silver, and for a female your valuation shall be three shekels of silver. 7 If the person is from sixty years old and upward; if he is a male, then your valuation shall be fifteen shekels, and for a female ten shekels. 8 But if he is poorer than your valuation, then he shall be set before the priest, and the priest shall assign a value to him. The priest shall assign a value according to his ability to pay.

9 “‘If it is an animal of which men offer an offering to Hashem, all that any man gives of such to Hashem becomes holy. 10 He shall not alter it, nor exchange it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good. If he shall at all exchange animal for animal, then both it and that for which it is exchanged shall be holy. 11 If it is any unclean animal, of which they do not offer as an offering to Hashem, then he shall set the animal before the priest; 12 and the priest shall evaluate it, whether it is good or bad. As the priest evaluates it, so it shall be. 13 But if he will indeed redeem it, then he shall add the fifth part of it to its valuation.

14 “‘When a man dedicates his house to be holy to Hashem, then the priest shall evaluate it, whether it is good or bad. As the priest evaluates it, so it shall stand. 15 If he who dedicates it will redeem his house, then he shall add the fifth part of the money of your valuation to it, and it shall be his.

Behar - Reading #4

Behar - On the mountain  בְּהַר

Torah Portion: Leviticus 25:1-26:2

Reading #4 - Leviticus 25:25–28

My Thoughts:

The whole concept of the year of Jubilee is so fascinating. I don’t know of any other government, systems or cultures where such a thing is practiced. Of course today this is not done. We were exiled for over 2,000 years and now just getting back to the land. The type of “religious” Torah government system is not set up yet. But, isn’t it amazing to think about what will happen when it is? Hashem will “own” the land, others will be redeemed in debts and sales – in ways that we are yet to understand. We do know this. With Hashem He has reasons for every commandment. And we know His reasons are good and fair.

Challenge:

More fairness. Equity. That’s how Hashem wants us to treat each other. And as a family we have the responsibility to help out other members who are poor. The cool part is Hashem will show you how to do that. If there is someone in your family who has some financial difficulty, then pray and ask Hashem what you can do to help. You will be surprised at what He suggests. It will be things you may not have ever thought of. He has a “method” for us to follow, even for today. Pay attention and do what He says. Amen.

Reading #4 - Leviticus 25:25-28

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

Emor - Reading #4

Emor Say — אֱמוֹר

Leviticus 21:1 – 24:23

Reading #4 - Leviticus 23:1–22

My Thoughts:

Today we are looking at some of the annual feasts. Starting off with mentioning the weekly Sabbath. Interesting that the Sabbath is mentioned at the first feast. That’s how important it is to Hashem. And there is a reason. Not only to remember and encourage our relationship with Hashem – but so that our bodies and minds can actually rest. Who do you know that actually takes off one day a week to rest? To not mow the lawn or grocery shop or do laundry? A day where you meet with family and friends, pray and study Torah? This day of rest makes it possible for us to be fruitful the rest of the week. This is how Hashem has planned it. All we have to do is obey.

Challenge:

In verse 22 Hashem tells us to leave the “gleanings” of the field for the poor. It is important to Hashem that those who are less fortunate are cared for. And so must we continue this today. We may not all be farmers that can do this, but we all have resources that we can share with those around us who need help. Are you doing that? If you don’t know anyone who needs help then take a moment to ask Hashem to show you who does. When He shows you then act on it and help them. You will be blessed and so will they. Amen.

Reading #4 - Leviticus 23:1–22

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kedoshim - Reading #4

Kedoshim - Holy  קְדשִׁים
Torah Portion: Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27

Reading #4 - Leviticus 19:33–37

My Thoughts:

Verse 33 we learn that Hashem is believing that a stranger that lives as a foreigner is to be the same as a fellow Jew. This is the most amazing thing about Hashem – He loves us all. He loves His chosen people, the Jews, and He loves those who are not Jews. He wants them all to join together and be as one. He loves community and unity. Can we please remember this? He has a special place in His heart for all of us, whether Jew or non-Jew. And someday we will see this for real. In the Olam Haba (world to come) we will all be bowing our knees to the King of Kings. Serving and worshiping the one true Elohim. Amen!

Challenge:

In verse 35 we learn about balances and weights and keeping honest. If your butcher asked you how much the steak you were buying weighed (and trusted you) and you told him a lesser weight to get a deal – then you would be in violation of this commandment. But, at the heart of this commandment is being “fair” in all things. Are you “cheating” anyone, on anything? Examine your heart about this. It could be in your words or in your deeds. It could be materially or non-materially. Make sure you are being truthful and honest. Giving people what they deserve. A simple example of this would be when you tip a waiter/waitress. Give her/him what they are worth. Do not come up short and walk away. This is the challenge.

Leviticus 19:33 “‘If a stranger lives as a foreigner with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. 34 The stranger who lives as a foreigner with you shall be to you as the native-born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you lived as foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am Hashem your Adonai..

35 “‘You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in measures of length, of weight, or of quantity. 36 You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin. I am Hashem your Adonai, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.

37 “‘You shall observe all my statutes and all my ordinances, and do them. I am Hashem.’”

Acarei Mot - Reading #4

Acharei Mot - After the death אַחֲרֵי מוֹת 

Torah Portion: Leviticus 16:1-18:30

Reading #4 - Leviticus 17:1–7

My Thoughts:

Moses and Hashem are preparing the people to be a nation. Hashem is giving instructions on how to live in the Holy Land of Israel as a community, a large community. He is getting them ready to be among other peoples who do not worship the same G-d. As we know, it is easy to be influenced by others. And Hashem wants to protect us against that. He says over and over that they will be tempted to worship false idols (as they were also tempted in Egypt) – but ultimately they must seek and serve only Hashem. He provides a way to sacrifice a part of what they own to keep them close to Hashem. If we are “close” to Him we are less likely to go astray. Thank you Hashem for your Commandments. Please help us to follow You and Your instructions today.

Challenge:

In Judaism we study that the Commandments are numbered at 613. That can seem so overwhelming. But, it is not. It is a total joy to know how and when to serve Hashem. We do not have a Temple, so we should be praying every day for the Temple and Mashiach to return. In the meanwhile, we do the best we can do. We can daily offer up the sacrifice of prayer and worship. We honor the commandments that are possible. We try hard to love Hashem with our whole heart, soul and strength. Amen.

Leviticus 17:1 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to Aaron, and to his sons, and to all the children of Israel, and say to them, ‘This is the thing which Hashem has commanded: 3 Whatever man there is of the house of Israel who kills a bull, or lamb, or goat in the camp, or who kills it outside the camp, 4 and hasn’t brought it to the door of the Tent of Meeting to offer it as an offering to Hashem before Hashem’s tabernacle: blood shall be imputed to that man. He has shed blood. That man shall be cut off from among his people. 5 This is to the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they sacrifice in the open field, that they may bring them to Hashem, to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to the priest, and sacrifice them for sacrifices of peace offerings to Hashem. 6 The priest shall sprinkle the blood on Hashem’s altar at the door of the Tent of Meeting, and burn the fat for a pleasant aroma to Hashem. 7 They shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to the goat idols, after which they play the prostitute. This shall be a statute forever to them throughout their generations.’

Metzora - Reading #4

Metzora מְּצֹרָע - Infected One

Leviticus 14:1-15:33

Reading #4 - Leviticus 14:33–53

My Thoughts:

Hashem not only cares about us physically but He also cares that the place we live is clean. It is important that there is not mildew or mold in our homes. It might be wise to go through our homes once or twice a year and do a deep cleaning. Especially in our bathrooms. I know that bleach is a good way to get rid of any mold or mildew. Keep up on it, and keep your house clean! Hashem has us do these things for special reasons. To keep us healthy and clean.

Challenge:

A few years ago we had a roof that leaked into our kitchen. It took awhile for us to fix the roof, but finally we did. But then we had a mold issue in the walls in the kitchen. I was surprised at what clean up and repair looked like. We called our insurance company and workers came in with masks and put plastic up to protect other rooms. Drywall had to be cut out, just like the stones were removed in our reading today. It was quite an ordeal. We really should have taken care of it sooner. So, here is my challenge. If you have some walls or ceilings that need repair, take care of it today! Call your insurance company or do the work yourself. Just take care of it now! Or it will spread and might make you unhealthy!

Reading #4 - Leviticus 14:33–53

14:33 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 34 “When you have come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put a spreading mildew in a house in the land of your possession, 35 then he who owns the house shall come and tell the priest, saying, ‘There seems to me to be some sort of plague in the house.’ 36 The priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest goes in to examine the plague, that all that is in the house not be made unclean. Afterward the priest shall go in to inspect the house. 37 He shall examine the plague; and behold, if the plague is in the walls of the house with hollow streaks, greenish or reddish, and it appears to be deeper than the wall, 38 then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days. 39 The priest shall come again on the seventh day, and look. If the plague has spread in the walls of the house, 40 then the priest shall command that they take out the stones in which is the plague, and cast them into an unclean place outside of the city. 41 He shall cause the inside of the house to be scraped all over. They shall pour out the mortar that they scraped off outside of the city into an unclean place. 42 They shall take other stones, and put them in the place of those stones; and he shall take other mortar, and shall plaster the house.

43 “If the plague comes again, and breaks out in the house after he has taken out the stones, and after he has scraped the house, and after it was plastered, 44 then the priest shall come in and look; and behold, if the plague has spread in the house, it is a destructive mildew in the house. It is unclean. 45 He shall break down the house, its stones, and its timber, and all the house’s mortar. He shall carry them out of the city into an unclean place.

46 “Moreover he who goes into the house while it is shut up shall be unclean until the evening. 47 He who lies down in the house shall wash his clothes; and he who eats in the house shall wash his clothes.

48 “If the priest shall come in, and examine it, and behold, the plague hasn’t spread in the house, after the house was plastered, then the priest shall pronounce the house clean, because the plague is healed. 49 To cleanse the house he shall take two birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop. 50 He shall kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water. 51 He shall take the cedar wood, the hyssop, the scarlet, and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird, and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times. 52 He shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, with the living bird, with the cedar wood, with the hyssop, and with the scarlet; 53 but he shall let the living bird go out of the city into the open field. So shall he make atonement for the house; and it shall be clean.”