Tzav - Day #6

Tzav צַו - Command!  

Torah Portion: Leviticus 6:1-8:36

Leviticus 8:22–29

8:22 He presented the other ram, the ram of consecration. Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram. 23 He killed it; and Moses took some of its blood, and put it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the great toe of his right foot. 24 He brought Aaron’s sons, and Moses put some of the blood on the tip of their right ear, and on the thumb of their right hand, and on the great toe of their right foot; and Moses sprinkled the blood around on the altar. 25 He took the fat, the fat tail, all the fat that was on the innards, the cover of the liver, the two kidneys and their fat, and the right thigh; 26 and out of the basket of unleavened bread that was before Hashem, he took one unleavened cake, one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and placed them on the fat and on the right thigh. 27 He put all these in Aaron’s hands and in his sons’ hands, and waved them for a wave offering before Hashem. 28 Moses took them from their hands, and burned them on the altar on the burnt offering. They were a consecration offering for a pleasant aroma. It was an offering made by fire to Hashem. 29 Moses took the breast and waved it for a wave offering before Hashem. It was Moses’ portion of the ram of consecration, as Hashem commanded Moses.

Today’s Meditation:

Moses consecrates Aaron and his sons. He places blood on their right ear, thumb of the right hand, and toe of the right foot (verses 23-24). What does that all signify? Some sages and scholars believe the ears represent what you listen to, the hand represents what you do, and the toe represents where you walk. That would make sense. We must be cautious in everything we do. Sometimes I think, “If Hashem were here, would He approve of this?” That’s a good measuring line. Imagine His presence and check yourself if you are doing the right thing.

Today’s Challenge:

Moses is consecrating (making holy) Aaron and his sons to do the work of the sacrifices, offerings, etc., in the Tabernacle. We learn from studying Torah that Hashem is into cleanliness and order. The animals must be without defects, and the priests must be clean and wear clean clothing. Our Elohim is Holy and Just. We must not bring anything dirty before Him as it is today. I challenge you to make sure you are not “dirty” in Hashem's eyes. In all that you do and say, ensure it is pleasing to Hashem. Pray that He will convict you of doing something wrong. And listen to Him. Life will be better. And remember, eternal life is in the Commandments.

Toldot - Day #6

Toldot, תּוֹלְדֹת - Generations  

Torah Portion: Genesis 25:19-28:9

Genesis 27:28–28:4

27:28 Elohim gives you of the dew of the sky,

    of the fatness of the earth,

    and plenty of grain and new wine.

29 Let people serve you,

    and nations bow down to you.

Be lord over your brothers.

    Let your mother’s sons bow down to you.

Cursed be everyone who curses you.

    Blessed be everyone who blesses you.”

30 As soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had just gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, Esau his brother came in from his hunting. 31 He also made savory food and brought it to his father. He said to his father, “Let my father arise, and eat of his son’s venison, that your soul may bless me.”

32 Isaac, his father, said to him, “Who are you?”

He said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.”

33 Isaac trembled violently, and said, “Who, then, is he who has taken venison, and brought it to me, and I have eaten of all before you came, and have blessed him? Yes, he will be blessed.”

34 When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me, even me also, my father.”

35 He said, “Your brother came with deceit, and has taken away your blessing.”

36 He said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright. See, now he has taken away my blessing.” He said, “Haven’t you reserved a blessing for me?”

37 Isaac answered Esau, “Behold, I have made him your lord, and all his brothers I have given to him for servants. I have sustained him with grain and new wine. What then will I do for you, my son?”

38 Esau said to his father, “Do you have just one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, my father.” Esau lifted up his voice and wept.

39 Isaac, his father answered him,

“Behold, your dwelling will be of the fatness of the earth,

and of the dew of the sky from above.

40 You will live by your sword, and you will serve your brother.

It will happen when you will break loose,

that you will shake his yoke from off your neck.”

41 Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him. Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand. Then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

42 The words of Esau, her elder son, were told to Rebekah. She sent and called Jacob, her younger son, and said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself about you by planning to kill you. 43 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice. Arise, flee to Laban, my brother, in Haran. 44 Stay with him a few days, until your brother’s fury turns away— 45 until your brother’s anger turns away from you, and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send and get you from there. Why should I be bereaved of you both in one day?”

46 Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth. If Jacob takes a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these, of the daughters of the land, what good will my life do me?”

28 Isaac called Jacob, blessed him, and commanded him, “You shall not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. 2 Arise, go to Paddan Aram, to the house of Bethuel your mother’s father. Take a wife from there, from the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. 3 May Elohim Almighty bless you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, that you may be a company of peoples, 4 and give you the blessing of Abraham, to you and to your offspring with you, that you may inherit the land where you travel, which Hashem gave to Abraham.”

Today’s Meditation: 

Today's reading is about trickery and deceit. Esau is so disappointed that his brother tricked him and got the blessing. And can you blame him? But in his anger, he says he will kill him. Jacob runs away. This reminds me somewhat of what happens when we sin and how sin can snowball into more serious consequences. However, when Jacob flees to Laban, he does meet Rachel, the love of his life. The point is that Jacob deceives his father and then flees for his life. Has that ever happened to you? You played a trick or lied to someone, and the whole thing got worse? If that has happened, try to rectify the situation as quickly as possible. 

Today’s Challenge: 

Did you ever want something so bad that you were willing to lie to get it? We are supposed to be lights to the rest of the world. This story serves as a reminder to be righteous and to rely on Hashem for the outcome of our needs. Present your request before Him and wait. What if Jacob had not tricked his father? How would this story have ended? Would he still somehow have received the blessing? Things to ponder about. The challenge today is to consider how you can be a source of light to your friends and family. And then be it.

V'Zot - HaBerachah - Reading #6

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

Torah Portion: Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12

Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 33:27–29

My Thoughts:

Here are Moses' closing remarks. What an incredible and challenging journey he has undertaken. Now he stands with His people, ready to enter the Land, but he will not be able to cross over. He knows he is about to die. But Moses is clear on one thing: Elohim is his dwelling place. There is nowhere else he will be when he enters the “Olam Haba” life in the world to come. He will be in paradise, a level of heaven, I believe, until the final resurrection of life into the new world on earth. This will be where the Mashiach rules from the Temple in Jerusalem, and the glory of Hashem fills the earth. It is all a beautiful life in His everlasting arms. Moses is about ready to say goodbye, but in reality, he is saying hello to eternal life.

Challenge:

Verse 29 says it all: "You are happy, Israel. Who is like you, a people saved by Hashem, the shield of your help, the sword of your excellency? Your enemies will submit themselves to you. You will tread on their high places.” There will be great happiness in Israel's near future. They will be saved, protected by His shield and sword, and the enemies will bow down to them. However, as we know from Torah writings, this will not last too long. Israel and its people will succumb to the influences of temptation. They will be exiled and defeated. There will be mountaintops and valleys, just like in our lives. And that is my final challenge to you in our daily readings this year. Be very self-aware of who Hashem is in your life. Incorporate Him into every moment that you breathe. Stand with Him and for Him in all situations. Avoid the temptations of sin, and repent immediately if you fall into them. Stay in daily readings as the new Torah cycle begins. Be immersed in Torah. Look for signs of Hashem during your day. See what He is doing all around you and join Him. Be blessed.

I have enjoyed journeying with you all this year.

Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 33:27–29

33:27 The eternal Elohim is your dwelling place.

    Underneath are the everlasting arms.

He thrust out the enemy from before you,

    and said, ‘Destroy!’

28 Israel dwells in safety,

    the fountain of Jacob alone,

In a land of grain and new wine.

    Yes, His heavens drop down dew.

29 You are happy, Israel!

    Who is like you, a people saved by Hashem,

    the shield of your help,

    the sword of your excellency?

Your enemies will submit themselves to you.

    You will tread on their high places.”

Ha'Azinu - Reading #6

Ha'Azinu הַאֲזִינוּ - Listen!

Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52

Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 32:40–43

My Thoughts:

Even though the people of Israel will fall after they arrive in the Land, Hashem is always faithful to bring them back. His love for His people is so strong that He will protect them through it all. We see this in verse 43, “He avenges the blood of His children and takes vengeance on His adversaries. He repays those who hate Him and cleanses His people's land…”. Even if people stray from Hashem, they will still have enemies or people pursuing them. Hashem says He will take vengeance on these enemies and will “cleanse” the land. Somehow, He will get rid of those who tempt and torment His people. That is unconditional love. Imagine if you turned on your best friend. But then he/she saw that you were in trouble with another person. I’m sure he/she would defend you, even if you had hurt them. That is true friendship/love. To help someone when they have turned their back on you.

Today's Challenge:

Torah is clear that we are to rejoice with Hashem in all we do. The beginning of verse 43 says, “Rejoice with Him, O heavens; bow down to Him, all gods…”. Not only are we to bow to the King of the Universe, but He wants us to rejoice with Him. What does that look like? It could simply be giving praise and honor throughout your day. Every time you see His Hand and work, or feel His presence, or witness a miracle, you thank Him with all your heart. That is my challenge to you today. Look for Hashem and praise Him when you find Him. If you can’t seem to find Him, praise Him anyway. He is always there, that is His promise.

Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 32:40–43

32:40 For I lift up my hand to heaven

    and swear, as I live forever,

41 if I sharpen my flashing sword

    and my hand takes hold on judgment,

I will take vengeance on my adversaries

    and will repay those who hate me.

42 I will make my arrows drunk with blood,

    and my sword shall devour flesh—

with the blood of the slain and the captives,

    from the long-haired heads of the enemy.’

43 “Rejoice with Him, O heavens;

    bow down to Him, all gods,

for He avenges the blood of His children

    and takes vengeance on His adversaries.

He repays those who hate Him

    and cleanses His people's land.”

Vayelech - Reading #6

Vayelech וַיֵּלֶךְ - And He Went

Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30

Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 31:20–24

My Thoughts:

Hashem says when they have eaten of the Land filled with milk and honey, and they have grown FAT and turned to other gods, they will break His covenant (verse 20). What is this about growing fat? I hate to admit it, but when our bodies get physically fat, we are beginning to worship another god, food. And that is a huge problem. I believe America is the most overweight country in the world. And we may be the most godless country in the world. We must only serve the one true Elohim. If you have a weight issue, please think about this today. Go to Hashem, repent, and ask for His help to lose weight. Begin praising and worshiping Him daily. Immerse yourself in the Torah. I encourage you to get back on track. You can do it!

Challenge:

Remember Hashem will be with us (verse 23). He went with Joshua, and He will go with us into the lands that He calls us to. But we must be covenant people. We must join and participate in His covenant with Israel. We must support our Jewish people and their land. There is an incredible project called “Lev Haolam”. Go to their website and consider supporting them: Lev Haolam. That is my special challenge to you today.

Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 31:20–24

31:20 For when I have brought them into the land which I swore to their fathers, flowing with milk and honey, and they have eaten and filled themselves, and grown fat, then they will turn to other gods, and serve them, and despise me, and break my covenant. 21 It will happen, when many evils and troubles have come on them, that this song will testify before them as a witness; for it will not be forgotten out of the mouths of their descendants; for I know their ways and what they are doing today, before I have brought them into the land which I promised them.”

22 So Moses wrote this song the same day, and taught it to the children of Israel.

23 He commissioned Joshua the son of Nun, and said, “Be strong and courageous; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them. I will be with you.”

24 When Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,

Nitzavim - Reading #6

Nitzavim נִצָּבִים - Standing (Witnessing)

Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20

Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 30:11–14

My Thoughts:

These are the most wonderful verses today. Verse 11 clearly explains that the Torah is not too hard or far away for you to grasp. I have heard from some friends, “We don’t have to be under the Law anymore. And all those Commandments.” Like they are something burdensome or even bad. Hashem forbid. He has made them easy to understand and easy to follow. The Feasts, the dietary, and Shabbat. They are all for your good and to develop a closer relationship with Him. So why wouldn’t we follow them? They are life, and they are a total blessing to our lives. Thank you, Hashem, for giving us Torah and your Commandments. Please help us understand them and follow their instructions. Please help us draw closer to You. Amen.

Challenge:

Verse 14 says, “...the Word is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.” My challenge to you today is to search your heart and make sure the Torah resides there. Make sure you speak it and live it every day. To do this, you must study it. That is why doing daily Torah readings is so very, very important. They keep you close to Torah, close to Hashem. The really cool thing is that when you read the Torah, you will actually see it working in your life that day or week. I have had that happen so very often. That makes the Torah real and alive. Study, pray, worship, and give glory to Hashem. Love Him and love others. That’s what it is all about. Amen!

Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 30:11–14

30:11 For this commandment which I command you today is not too hard for you or too distant. 12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, “Who will go up for us to heaven, bring it to us, and proclaim it to us, that we may do it?” 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, “Who will go over the sea for us, bring it to us, and proclaim it to us, that we may do it?” 14 But the word is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it.

Mattot/Massei - Reading #6

MATTOT/MASSEI

Torah Reading: Numbers 30:2-36:13

Reading #6 - Numbers 34:16-35:8

My Thoughts:

Today we read about how Hashem organized dividing the Land for the Israelites. This is all in preparation for when they get there and acquire the Land. He chooses princes out of every tribe and Joshua and Eleazar. They are all qualified leaders whom He must trust. The lesson to learn here is first of all that Hashem makes plans, prepares and executes the plans. That is a model for us. There is Scripture that without plans or vision people fail (Proverbs 29:18). Follow Hashem’s practice of planning. It will improve your life greatly.

Challenge:

Today I challenge you to go to Hashem and ask Him for His vision/plan for your life. Are you right where He wants you? Or has He been “nudging” you to do something else. Pray and ask Him. He will answer. Just put your spiritual “antennas” up and listen. See what comes into your life, or what people are saying to you. Look for what makes your heart “jump” and what gives you peace. Do a little soul searching and see if you are in the place He wants you and serving His purpose. Amen.

Reading #6 - Numbers 34:16-35:8

16 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 17 “These are the names of the men who shall divide the land to you for inheritance: Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun. 18 You shall take one prince of every tribe, to divide the land for inheritance. 19 These are the names of the men: Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 20 Of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud. 21 Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chislon. 22 Of the tribe of the children of Dan a prince, Bukki the son of Jogli. 23 Of the children of Joseph: of the tribe of the children of Manasseh a prince, Hanniel the son of Ephod. 24 Of the tribe of the children of Ephraim a prince, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan. 25 Of the tribe of the children of Zebulun a prince, Elizaphan the son of Parnach. 26 Of the tribe of the children of Issachar a prince, Paltiel the son of Azzan. 27 Of the tribe of the children of Asher a prince, Ahihud the son of Shelomi. 28 Of the tribe of the children of Naphtali a prince, Pedahel the son of Ammihud.” 29 These are they whom Hashem commanded to divide the inheritance to the children of Israel in the land of Canaan.

35 Hashem spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying, 2 “Command the children of Israel to give to the Levites cities to dwell in out of their inheritance. You shall give pasture lands for the cities around them to the Levites. 3 They shall have the cities to dwell in. Their pasture lands shall be for their livestock, and for their possessions, and for all their animals.

4 “The pasture lands of the cities, which you shall give to the Levites, shall be from the wall of the city and outward one thousand cubits around it. 5 You shall measure outside of the city for the east side two thousand cubits, and for the south side two thousand cubits, and for the west side two thousand cubits, and for the north side two thousand cubits, the city being in the middle. This shall be the pasture lands of their cities.

6 “The cities which you shall give to the Levites, they shall be the six cities of refuge, which you shall give for the man slayer to flee to. Besides them you shall give forty-two cities. 7 All the cities which you shall give to the Levites shall be forty-eight cities together with their pasture lands. 8 Concerning the cities which you shall give of the possession of the children of Israel, from the many you shall take many, and from the few you shall take few. Everyone according to his inheritance which he inherits shall give some of his cities to the Levites.”

Balak - Reading #6

Balak בָּלָק - Balak

Numbers 22:2-25:9

Reading #6 -  Numbers 23:27–24:13 

My Thoughts:

Verse 9, “Everyone who blesses you is blessed. Everyone who curses you is cursed.” Balaam is announcing Hashem’s words to Balaak. And it still stands true today. The nations that curse Israel are cursed themselves, and those who bless are blessed. I remember hearing about a book that talked about the United States and the times it has “cursed” Israel, or not supported them. And there would be a natural disaster within days of some important decision not to support Israel. Israel and it’s people are special and must be blessed and protected. The cool thing is you will be blessed if you bless them. Think about financially supporting Israel today. There are many organizations that help older people, poor people and pregnant women. Organizations that support start up businesses or businesses that have been boycotted. Go online and check it today.

Challenge:

Verse 24:2 we read, “Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes; and the Spirit of Elohim came on him.” Can you imagine? He looks out and sees Israel and all of its tribes -- and something holy happens. The spirit of Elohim comes upon him. It is interesting that Hashem would allow this to happen to a person who is using divination. I wonder if when people are looking at Hashem’s people/land if something holy does come upon us. When I have gone to Israel this seems to happen. A special feeling comes over you, like nothing you have ever experienced. Is this the Spirit of Elohim? My challenge is to see if Hashem is blessing you in some way today. And to look at your life and see if there are any times when you have felt His Spirit coming upon you. Be grateful and praise Him for these times. Amen. 

Reading #6 - Numbers 23:27–24:13

23:27 Balak said to Balaam, “Come now, I will take you to another place; perhaps it will please G-d that you may curse them for me from there.”

28 Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, that looks down on the desert. 29 Balaam said to Balak, “Build seven altars for me here, and prepare seven bulls and seven rams for me here.”

30 Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered up a bull and a ram on every altar.

24:1 When Balaam saw that it pleased Hashem’s Israel, he didn’t go, as at the other times, to use divination, but he set his face toward the wilderness. 2 Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes; and the Spirit of Elohim came on him. 3 He took up his parable, and said,

“Balaam the son of Beor says,

    the man whose eyes are open says;

4 he says, who hears the words of Elohim,

    who sees the vision of the Almighty,

    falling down, and having his eyes open:

5 How goodly are your tents, Jacob,

    and your dwellings, Israel!

6 As valleys they are spread out,

    as gardens by the riverside,

    as aloes which Hashem has planted,

    as cedar trees beside the waters.

7 Water shall flow from his buckets.

    His seed shall be in many waters.

His king shall be higher than Agag.

    His kingdom shall be exalted.

8 Elohim brings him out of Egypt.

    He has as it were the strength of the wild ox.

He shall consume the nations his adversaries,

    shall break their bones in pieces,

    and pierce them with his arrows.

9 He couched, he lay down as a lion,

    as a lioness;

    who shall rouse him up?

Everyone who blesses you is blessed.

    Everyone who curses you is cursed.”

10 Balak’s anger burned against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times. 11 Therefore, flee to your place, now! I thought to promote you to great honor; but, behold, Hashem has kept you back from honor.”

12 Balaam said to Balak, “Didn’t I also tell your messengers whom you sent to me, saying, 13 ‘If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can’t go beyond Hashem’s word, to do either good or bad from my own mind. I will say what Hashem says’?

Chukat - Reading #6

Chukat חֻקַּת - Law

Numbers 19:1-22:1

Reading #6 - Numbers 21:10–20

My Thoughts:

Now we are singing. The Torah so accurately depicts mankind. One minute we are complaining (and being destroyed for it!) and the next minute we are singing. Think about your life. When all is well don’t you sing and praise Hashem? When things get tough -- do you start to complain? Let’s try to do more singing -- even during the hard times!

Challenge:

In verse 14 we read about the “Book of the Wars of Hashem”. Does a book like this really exist? Apparently yes, it did. But, it is lost. If you do some research on it you will see this book probably not only was a recording of the battles the Israelites endured during the wilderness journey, but also some songs regarding their victories! Here’s my challenge to you today. If you were to write your “book of battles” would you include some songs of victory and winning? Or would it be a list of complaints that you suffered from. Remember, all the glory goes to Hashem. And whether you win or lose -- it is ultimately His battle. Think about the “battles” you have suffered, and look at their outcome. If there was a really sad outcome, look at how maybe other people’s lives were touched through it all. Or how you might have grown through it. Then sing the victory song. Sing that you survived and sing that Hashem never left your side. Amen!

Reading #6 - Numbers 21:10–20

21:10 The children of Israel traveled, and encamped in Oboth. 11 They traveled from Oboth, and encamped at Lyeabarim, in the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrise. 12 From there they traveled, and encamped in the valley of Zered. 13 From there they traveled, and encamped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness that comes out of the border of the Amorites; for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. 14 Therefore it is said in The Book of the Wars of Hashem, “Vaheb in Suphah, the valleys of the Arnon, 15 the slope of the valleys that incline toward the dwelling of Ar, leans on the border of Moab.”

16 From there they traveled to Beer; that is the well of which Hashem said to Moses, “Gather the people together, and I will give them water.”

17 Then Israel sang this song:

“Spring up, well! Sing to it,

18     the well, which the princes dug,

    which the nobles of the people dug,

    with the scepter, and with their poles.”

From the wilderness they traveled to Mattanah; 19 and from Mattanah to Nahaliel; and from Nahaliel to Bamoth; 20 and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the field of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looks down on the desert.