Acharei Mot - Reading #6

Acharei Mot - After the death אַחֲרֵי מוֹת 

Torah Portion: Leviticus 16:1-18:30

Reading #6 - Leviticus 18:6–21

My Thoughts:

“Uncovering their nakedness” in the Bible usually refers to some sort of sexual sin. Hashem is not very specific what this would be, except anything that is outside acceptance of sexual activity in the marriage relationship. Remember they were coming in to a land where there were pagans – people not following Hashem. And many of the pagans sexual activities were not approved by Hashem. In fact, He wants you to strongly avoid them. In our world today that would include things like sex outside of marriage, sexual molestation of others, pornography and even watching a movie with sexual sin. Remember Hashem is trying to protect us and show us the better way. He wants us holy as He is holy. Make sure you are obeying Him in this area today.

Challenge:

In verse 18:21 Hashem commands His people not to sacrifice their children to other gods, “‘You shall not give any of your children as a sacrifice to Molech.” If you study this practice in those times (and other times) it was especially horrific. When I visited Israel, our tour guide took us to some of the “high places” where babies were put in the burning hot metal arms of a statue and tortured to death. All as a “gift” to some god. This may seem appalling to us today, but look at what we do with abortion. A very popular abortion procedure is called “dilatation and curettage” where a suction tube is inserted into the woman and the developing baby inside of her is ripped to pieces – and then suctioned out. I have posted some abortion procedure videos online. My prayer is that women and men will look at these procedures and decide to allow their babies to live. Take a look and see what you can do to stop this atrocity. Go to: Abortion Video. This is our modern day sacrifice to false gods. Hashem please forgive us. (If you have had an abortion or particpated in someone getting one, you can go to Hashem and ask forgiveness. Praise Him that forgives us for all we do.)

Reading #6 - Leviticus 18:6-21

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.

Metzora - Reading #6

Metzora מְּצֹרָע - Infected One
Leviticus 14:1-15:33

Reading #6 - Leviticus 15:16–28

My Thoughts:

Another reading on cleanliness after sexual activity. They sound like such strict rules, but they are for a reason. All of Hashem’s laws regarding cleanliness are ultimately for entering the Tabernacle area for sacrifices and all. He is looking for excellence and holiness. So, He gives us instructions. Let’s follow them to the best we are able. That’s about all I can say today with this delicate subject.

Challenge:

It is interesting that a woman’s most fertile time is in the middle of the month. Torah Law says she is to be “unclean” for 7 days after her period, which brings her to the “middle” of the month. Since Hashem’s desire is for us to be fruitful and multiply, it makes perfect sense that after this waiting period she then becomes clean and also fertile. A good time to conceive. My challenge to you today is to think about having children. Are you restricting getting pregnant in your relationship with your spouse? Or are you following Hashem’s instructions, waiting until the middle of the month and being “fruitful”. Nowhere does He tell us to have child after child, so there is something called “natural family planning” when you remain abstinent during a woman’s fertile time of the month. Just some things to think about. If you are beyond having children or single, this is information you can share with family and friends -- so that they can get on Hashem’s “page” for a family!

Reading #6 - Leviticus 15:16–28

15:16 “‘If any man has an emission of semen, then he shall bathe all his flesh in water, and be unclean until the evening. 17 Every garment and every skin which the semen is on shall be washed with water, and be unclean until the evening. 18 If a man lies with a woman and there is an emission of semen, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the evening.

19 “‘If a woman has a discharge, and her discharge in her flesh is blood, she shall be in her impurity seven days. Whoever touches her shall be unclean until the evening.

20 “‘Everything that she lies on in her impurity shall be unclean. Everything also that she sits on shall be unclean. 21 Whoever touches her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening. 22 Whoever touches anything that she sits on shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening. 23 If it is on the bed, or on anything she sits on, when he touches it, he shall be unclean until the evening.

24 “‘If any man lies with her, and her monthly flow is on him, he shall be unclean seven days; and every bed he lies on shall be unclean.

25 “‘If a woman has a discharge of her blood many days not in the time of her period, or if she has a discharge beyond the time of her period, all the days of the discharge of her uncleanness shall be as in the days of her period. She is unclean. 26 Every bed she lies on all the days of her discharge shall be to her as the bed of her period. Everything she sits on shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her period. 27 Whoever touches these things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

28 “‘But if she is cleansed of her discharge, then she shall count to herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean.

Shemini - Reading #6

Shemini שְּׁמִינִי - Eighth

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Reading #6 - Leviticus 11:1–32

My Thoughts:

Now we begin learning about clean and unclean animals. We first hear mention of clean and the unclean on Noah’s ark. Now Hashem is telling us specifically what we can eat and what we can’t eat. Here it is clear in verse 7 that we are not to eat pig meat. What don’t we understand about this? If Hashem Himself is telling Moses to tell the people NOT to eat these animals, then we must NOT. Not only for obedience, but probably for health reasons too. Some of these animals eat bad things, which go into their system, which in return would go into ours. Hashem is protecting us. Why do we try to change His laws? Why do we say we don’t have to follow them anymore? Throughout the centuries man has had opinions about Scripture. I dare say this is probably the most serious misinterpretation of Scripture man has made. Search your heart. It is clear what we are supposed to eat and not eat. Then follow the Commandments. In them you will have life!

Challenge:

My husband ate raw bacon when he was a kid. He was sick for about a year and almost died. There are real and specific reasons why Hashem gives us Commandments. If He tells us not to eat certain foods, there is a reason. And even if there wasn’t shouldn’t we obey every Word He says? If you are eating unclean foods, and you have read the list today -- I encourage you to stop. He gives us so many different kinds of wonderful foods. Eat them. Obey Hashem and live. And start today.

Reading #6 - Leviticus 11:1–32

11:1 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying to them, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘These are the living things which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth. 3 Whatever parts the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and chews the cud among the animals, that you may eat.

4 “‘Nevertheless these you shall not eat of those that chew the cud, or of those who part the hoof: the camel, because it chews the cud but doesn’t have a parted hoof, is unclean to you. 5 The hyrax, because it chews the cud but doesn’t have a parted hoof, is unclean to you. 6 The hare, because it chews the cud but doesn’t have a parted hoof, is unclean to you. 7 The pig, because it has a split hoof, and is cloven-footed, but doesn’t chew the cud, is unclean to you. 8 You shall not eat their meat. You shall not touch their carcasses. They are unclean to you.

9 “‘You may eat of all these that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, that you may eat. 10 All that don’t have fins and scales in the seas and rivers, all that move in the waters, and all the living creatures that are in the waters, they are an abomination to you, 11 and you shall detest them. You shall not eat of their meat, and you shall detest their carcasses. 12 Whatever has no fins nor scales in the waters is an abomination to you.

13 “‘You shall detest these among the birds; they shall not be eaten because they are an abomination: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, 14 the red kite, any kind of black kite, 15 any kind of raven, 16 the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, 17 the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, 18 the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, 19 the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat.

20 “‘All flying insects that walk on all fours are an abomination to you. 21 Yet you may eat these: of all winged creeping things that go on all fours, which have long, jointed legs for hopping on the earth. 22 Even of these you may eat: any kind of locust, any kind of katydid, any kind of cricket, and any kind of grasshopper. 23 But all winged creeping things which have four feet are an abomination to you.

24 “‘By these you will become unclean: whoever touches their carcass shall be unclean until the evening. 25 Whoever carries any part of their carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening.

26 “‘Every animal which has a split hoof that isn’t completely divided, or doesn’t chew the cud, is unclean to you. Everyone who touches them shall be unclean. 27 Whatever goes on its paws, among all animals that go on all fours, they are unclean to you. Whoever touches their carcass shall be unclean until the evening. 28 He who carries their carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening. They are unclean to you.

29 “‘These are they which are unclean to you among the creeping things that creep on the earth: the weasel, the rat, any kind of great lizard, 30 the gecko, and the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. 31 These are they which are unclean to you among all that creep. Whoever touches them when they are dead shall be unclean until the evening. 32 Anything they fall on when they are dead shall be unclean; whether it is any vessel of wood, or clothing, or skin, or sack, whatever vessel it is, with which any work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the evening. Then it will be clean.

Tzav - Reading #6

Tzav צַו - Command!

Leviticus 6:1-8:36

Reading #6 -  Leviticus 8:22–29

My Thoughts:

Moses consecrates Aaron and his sons. He places blood on their right ear, thumb of right hand and toe of 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 where you walk. That would make sense. We have to be so careful in all that 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!

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 not have 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” before Hashem. In all you do and say, make sure it is pleasing to Hashem. Pray that He will “convict” you to know when you are doing something wrong. And listen to Him. Life will be better. And remember eternal life is in the Commandments.

Reading #6 -   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.

Vayikra - Reading #6

Vayikra  וַיִּקְרָא - And He Called

Leviticus 1:1-5:26

Reading #6 - Leviticus 4:27–5:10

My Thoughts:

Hashem makes a way for atonement for sin. A person who sins has to bring an animal for sacrifice, or animals are sacrificed for the nation. Animals were valuable to people, like money is to us today. Think if every time you sinned you had to pay some money, a lot of money. Would that deter you? Sin has consequences and we aren’t necessarily used to that. But, there is a natural consequence. There are people that are affected, and history can be changed by mistakes. Something to think about.

Challenge:

In thinking about sin and atonement, I challenge you today to spend a little time thinking about how the mistakes you have made affect others. If you are in a recurring sin, make a change. You may be in the middle of suffering from an addiction -- but realize how that affects those around you. I believe that with Hashem’s help we can stop sin in our lives. And we can make a special atonement. Make a gift or service for someone else. And be sure to ask for Hashem’s forgiveness. We may not have a Temple right now, but someday we will. We will be impacted by the physical consequence and cost of sinning. So, let’s practice being obedient now. Let’s get ready for His return.

Reading #6 - Leviticus 4:27–5:10

4:27 “‘If anyone of the common people sins unwittingly, in doing any of the things which Hashem has commanded not to be done, and is guilty, 28 if his sin which he has sinned is made known to him, then he shall bring for his offering a goat, a female without defect, for his sin which he has sinned. 29 He shall lay his hand on the head of the sin offering, and kill the sin offering in the place of burnt offering. 30 The priest shall take some of its blood with his finger, and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering; and the rest of its blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar. 31 All its fat he shall take away, like the fat is taken away from the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall burn it on the altar for a pleasant aroma to Hashem; and the priest shall make atonement for him, and he will be forgiven.

32 “‘If he brings a lamb as his offering for a sin offering, he shall bring a female without defect. 33 He shall lay his hand on the head of the sin offering, and kill it for a sin offering in the place where they kill the burnt offering. 34 The priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering; and all the rest of its blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar. 35 He shall remove all its fat, like the fat of the lamb is removed from the sacrifice of peace offerings. The priest shall burn them on the altar, on the offerings of Hashem made by fire. The priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin that he has sinned, and he will be forgiven.

5 “‘If anyone sins, in that he hears a public adjuration to testify, he being a witness, whether he has seen or known, if he doesn’t report it, then he shall bear his iniquity.

2 “‘Or if anyone touches any unclean thing, whether it is the carcass of an unclean animal, or the carcass of unclean livestock, or the carcass of unclean creeping things, and it is hidden from him, and he is unclean, then he shall be guilty.

3 “‘Or if he touches the uncleanness of man, whatever his uncleanness is with which he is unclean, and it is hidden from him; when he knows of it, then he shall be guilty.

4 “‘Or if anyone swears rashly with his lips to do evil or to do good—whatever it is that a man might utter rashly with an oath, and it is hidden from him—when he knows of it, then he will be guilty of one of these. 5 It shall be, when he is guilty of one of these, he shall confess that in which he has sinned; 6 and he shall bring his trespass offering to Hashem for his sin which he has sinned: a female from the flock, a lamb or a goat, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin.

7 “‘If he can’t afford a lamb, then he shall bring his trespass offering for that in which he has sinned, two turtle doves, or two young pigeons, to Hashem; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering. 8 He shall bring them to the priest, who shall first offer the one which is for the sin offering. He shall wring off its head from its neck, but shall not sever it completely. 9 He shall sprinkle some of the blood of the sin offering on the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be drained out at the base of the altar. It is a sin offering. 10 He shall offer the second for a burnt offering, according to the ordinance; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin which he has sinned, and he shall be forgiven.

Pekudei - Reading #6

Pekudei  פְקוּדֵי - Accounts

Torah Reading: Exodus 38:21-40:38

Reading #6 - Exodus 40:17–27

My Thoughts:

How exciting this must have been. After several months of preparation and construction, Moses is finally putting all together – just as Hashem commanded him. You see, he was preparing the most holy place for Hashem to dwell. He was making a “house” for Hashem, right here on the earth. Yes, they were witnessing His glory in the cloud during the day and fire at night. But, this was a place where Hashem was to be honored and worshiped. Where the people would be giving back to Him through sacrifices. Up to this point, it seemed like Hashem was giving of Himself to the people through signs, wonders and miracles. But now, the people had a chance to give back. To show Him how they loved Him and how grateful they were for their deliverance from Egypt. Look at your life today. How do you give back to Hashem?

Challenge:

As we see, the Tabernacle is a very special place of meeting Hashem. I have asked this before, but do you have a special place for Hashem? In Judaism, on Shabbat, a special place is always prepared. A table is set, candles are lit, bread is prepared and placed on the table, songs are sung, prayers are said and there are Torah readings and discussion. It is a very special way to honor and worship Hashem in today’s world. If you are not already honoring Shabbat in this way, I encourage you to start doing so. This is a challenge for myself, because we do not live in a Jewish community. But, I think it is time to start making Shabbat special, like the Tabernacle was made so special. A great place for a great Elohim. A place to meet on a regular basis. Amen!

Reading #6 - Exodus 40:17-27

17 In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was raised up. 18 Moses raised up the tabernacle, and laid its sockets, and set up its boards, and put in its bars, and raised up its pillars. 19 He spread the covering over the tent, and put the roof of the tabernacle above on it, as Hashem commanded Moses. 20 He took and put the covenant into the ark, and set the poles on the ark, and put the mercy seat above on the ark. 21 He brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the covenant, as Hashem commanded Moses. 22 He put the table in the Tent of Meeting, on the north side of the tabernacle, outside of the veil. 23 He set the bread in order on it before Hashem, as Hashem commanded Moses. 24 He put the lamp stand in the Tent of Meeting, opposite the table, on the south side of the tabernacle. 25 He lit the lamps before Hashem, as Hashem commanded Moses. 26 He put the golden altar in the Tent of Meeting before the veil; 27 and he burned incense of sweet spices on it, as Hashem commanded Moses.

Vayakhel - Reading #6

Vayakhel  וַיַּקְהֵל - And He Assembled

Torah Reading: Exodus 35:1-38:20

Reading #6 - Exodus 37:17–29

My Thoughts:

This Torah portion goes into detail how the lamp stand is to be made. Why does Hashem need a lamp stand when He is pure light? Remember the Tabernacle has no windows. So there is no natural light coming in from the outside. And even if His glory will shine inside the Holy of Holies, there will be minimal light in the Most Holy Place. Hence, the lamp stand. It is made specially of gold and with intricate flowers. Everything inside the Tabernacle has meaning and was created a certain way for a reason. Even the number of lights needed is important and makes for an interesting study. Maybe try doing some investigation about this today.

Challenge:

The incense table is important in the Tabernacle. Some have assumed that it is necessary to provide “smoke” so as to “cover” Hashem’s presence in the Holy of Holies. Others say Hashem loves the sweet fragrance of the incense. Remember the recipe to create the incense can not be used for personal needs – only to be present in the Tabernacle. In Scripture it is written that our prayers ascend to Hashem like incense (Psalm 141:2). This is especially important to remember during a time on earth where there isn’t a holy Temple. Maybe we can make this an intentional gift to Hashem to send up prayers daily – like an incense. A sweet aroma to Hashem!

Reading #6 - Exodus 37:17–29

17 He made the lamp stand of pure gold. He made the lamp stand of beaten work. Its base, its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers were of one piece with it. 18 There were six branches going out of its sides: three branches of the lamp stand out of its one side, and three branches of the lamp stand out of its other side: 19 three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower, and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower; so for the six branches going out of the lamp stand. 20 In the lamp stand were four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers; 21 and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, for the six branches going out of it. 22 Their buds and their branches were of one piece with it. The whole thing was one beaten work of pure gold. 23 He made its seven lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuff dishes, of pure gold. 24 He made it of a talent of pure gold, with all its vessels.

25 He made the altar of incense of acacia wood. It was square: its length was a cubit, and its width a cubit. Its height was two cubits. Its horns were of one piece with it. 26 He overlaid it with pure gold: its top, its sides around it, and its horns. He made a gold molding around it. 27 He made two golden rings for it under its molding crown, on its two ribs, on its two sides, for places for poles with which to carry it. 28 He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold. 29 He made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, after the art of the perfumer.

Ki Tisa - Reading #6

Ki Tisa  כִּי תִשָּׂא - When You Elevate

Exodus 30:11-34:35

Reading #6 - Exodus 34:10–26

My Thoughts:

It is very clear from today’s reading that Hashem does not want His people hanging out with others that are clearly not believers. He knows they will influence them in very bad ways. So, therefore, He promises to wipe them out before their eyes. And tells them in verse 14 “Hashem, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous G-d”.

Do you ever picture Hashem being that way -- jealous? It’s kind of hard for me to picture that, but Scripture says He is. But, think about people you love, like a partner. Aren’t you a little jealous when they are with someone else? It must be in our nature. Anyways, the solution of course is to place our hearts and minds -- centered on Hashem, at all times. To not allow ourselves to be “influenced” in negative ways by others who are in the “world”. Stay close to His Word, pray and repent daily. Stay away from those who do not worship your Elohim, or you just may become influenced by them.

Challenge:

In 34:10 Hashem promises to do “marvels”. It may be His marvels were destroying the enemy, which of course would be huge. But, I think He is also referring to the everyday miracles He will be performing in their midst every day. And I believe those miracles have never stopped. I look at my life, and He is always working miracles and wonders in my life. I challenge you to take some time today and think about what miracles (marvels) Hashem has done in your life lately. Then acknowledge Him with praise and prayer. We are truly grateful for all He does for us and those we love!

Reading #6 - Exodus 34:10–26

34:10 He said, “Behold, I make a covenant: before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been worked in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among whom you are shall see the work of Hashem; for it is an awesome thing that I do with you. 11 Observe that which I command you today. Behold, I will drive out before you the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. 12 Be careful, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it be for a snare among you; 13 but you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and you shall cut down their Asherah poles; 14 for you shall worship no other god; for Hashem, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous G-d.

15 “Don’t make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, lest they play the prostitute after their gods, and sacrifice to their gods, and one call you and you eat of his sacrifice; 16 and you take of their daughters to your sons, and their daughters play the prostitute after their gods, and make your sons play the prostitute after their gods.

17 “You shall make no cast idols for yourselves.

18 “You shall keep the feast of unleavened bread. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month Abib; for in the month Abib you came out of Egypt.

19 “All that opens the womb is mine; and all your livestock that is male, the firstborn of cow and sheep. 20 You shall redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb. If you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before me empty.

21 “Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest: in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.

22 “You shall observe the feast of weeks with the first fruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of harvest at the year’s end. 23 Three times in the year all your males shall appear before Hashem, the Elohim of Israel. 24 For I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders; neither shall any man desire your land when you go up to appear before Hashem, your Elohim, three times in the year.

25 “You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread. The sacrifice of the feast of the Passover shall not be left to the morning.

26 “You shall bring the first of the first fruits of your ground to the house of Hashem your Elohim.

“You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.”

Tetzaveh - Reading #6

Tetzaveh תְּצַוֶּה - You Shall Command

Exodus:27:20-30:10

Reading #6 - Exodus 29:38–46

My Thoughts:

The glory of Hashem sanctifies the Tabernacle, how wonderful is that? Can we even imagine what Hashem’s glory would be like? Would it light up the area? Would it bring you to your knees, would you lay prostrate, would you be totally consumed by His love? Maybe it’s good to think once in a while what it would be like to be “exposed” to the glory of Hashem. It is something we could yearn for and pray about. For the Temple to be rebuilt and for His presence, His glory to return. Let’s get ready for this. Let’s be living our lives in such a way that when His glory returns, we are ready to present our lives to Him. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will praise Him!

Challenge:

In verse 46 Hashem tells His people WHY He brought them out of Egypt, “that I might dwell among them. I am Hashem their Elohim.” He wants to dwell with us! But He needs a house to dwell in. Just like we do. And that house is the Temple in Jerusalem. I have mentioned this before. Please pray for the Temple to be built so we have a place for the glory of Hashem. We should do this daily. How exciting it will be when He comes! Get ready!

Reading #6 - Exodus 29:38–46

29:38 “Now this is that which you shall offer on the altar: two lambs a year old day by day continually. 39 The one lamb you shall offer in the morning; and the other lamb you shall offer at evening; 40 and with the one lamb a tenth part of an ephah of fine flour mixed with the fourth part of a hin of beaten oil, and the fourth part of a hin of wine for a drink offering. 41 The other lamb you shall offer at evening, and shall do to it according to the meal offering of the morning and according to its drink offering, for a pleasant aroma, an offering made by fire to Hashem. 42 It shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the Tent of Meeting before Hashem, where I will meet with you, to speak there to you. 43 There I will meet with the children of Israel; and the place shall be sanctified by My glory. 44 I will sanctify the Tent of Meeting and the altar. I will also sanctify Aaron and his sons to minister to me in the priest’s office. 45 I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their Elohim. 46 They shall know that I am Hashem their Elohim, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them: I am Hashem their Elohim.

Beshalach - Reading #6

Beshalach בְּשַׁלַּח - When He Sent Out

Exodus:13:17-17:16

Reading #6 - Exodus 16:11–36

My Thoughts:

Everyone has unbelief. Even when Hashem is performing great miracles before your eyes. I guess. The Hebrew people did. He sent bread from heaven, literally. Parted a great sea. And He tells them not to gather on the Shabbat. But they try anyway. They go out and there is none to gather (verse 27). Does that shock you? That they would not believe their Elohim, who is displaying His glory from heaven! But, aren’t we the same? He will tell us something not to do very clearly, but we attempt to do it anyway? A good lesson to be learned this week. Listen to what Hashem is telling you and heed His word. Follow His Commandments fully and completely. He will provide.

Challenge:

In verse 30 Hashem is teaching people to begin resting on the Shabbat. Maybe in Egypt they were neglecting to do that. Or maybe they were ordered as slaves to work every single day. Here is Hashem, full of mercy and grace, gently leading them to the restoration of the Commandment of Shabbat. So, here is my question for you. Do you honor the Shabbat -- the seventh day of the week? If not or if you are not being fully obedient about observing the Shabbat -- then I challenge you to change. This is for me too! When Hashem says REST He means it. I think that anything we try to “gather” on the Shabbat will rot. So, why do it? Wait and gather the next day so that your harvest is abundant and fresh.

Reading #6 - Exodus 16:11–36

16:11 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 12 “I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, ‘At evening you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am Hashem your Elohim.’”

13 In the evening, quail came up and covered the camp; and in the morning the dew lay around the camp. 14 When the dew that lay had gone, behold, on the surface of the wilderness was a small round thing, small as the frost on the ground. 15 When the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they didn’t know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread which Hashem has given you to eat. 16 This is the thing which Hashem has commanded: ‘Gather of it everyone according to his eating; an omer a head, according to the number of your persons, you shall take it, every man for those who are in his tent.’” 17 The children of Israel did so, and some gathered more, some less. 18 When they measured it with an omer, he who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack. They each gathered according to his eating. 19 Moses said to them, “Let no one leave of it until the morning.” 20 Notwithstanding they didn’t listen to Moses, but some of them left of it until the morning, so it bred worms and became foul; and Moses was angry with them. 21 They gathered it morning by morning, everyone according to his eating. When the sun grew hot, it melted. 22 On the sixth day, they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one; and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses. 23 He said to them, “This is that which Hashem has spoken, ‘Tomorrow is a solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to Hashem. Bake that which you want to bake, and boil that which you want to boil; and all that remains over lay up for yourselves to be kept until the morning.’” 24 They laid it up until the morning, as Moses ordered, and it didn’t become foul, and there were no worms in it. 25 Moses said, “Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to Hashem. Today you shall not find it in the field. 26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day is the Sabbath. In it there shall be none.” 27 On the seventh day, some of the people went out to gather, and they found none. 28 Hashem said to Moses, “How long do you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws? 29 Behold, because Hashem has given you the Sabbath, therefore he gives you on the sixth day the bread of two days. Everyone stay in his place. Let no one go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

31 The house of Israel called its name “Manna”, and it was like coriander seed, white; and its taste was like wafers with honey. 32 Moses said, “This is the thing which Hashem has commanded, ‘Let an omer-full of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’” 33 Moses said to Aaron, “Take a pot, and put an omer-full of manna in it, and lay it up before Hashem, to be kept throughout your generations.” 34 As Hashem commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept. 35 The children of Israel ate the manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land. They ate the manna until they came to the borders of the land of Canaan. 36 Now an omer is one tenth of an ephah.

Bo - Reading #6

Bo, בֹּא - Come!

Exodus:10:1-13:16

Reading #6 - Exodus 12:29–51 

My Thoughts:

In verse 49 we read; “One law shall be to him who is born at home, and to the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you.” Here is the first time that Hashem is actually saying that there is one law for both foreigner and native born. To me that means that if you decide to follow Torah and it’s Commandments then you may become a part of Israel. You serve the same Hashem and to follow Him you follow the same Law. One Law for all - as long as you are willing to serve Him together. (Just like Ruth?)

But, I have an honest question - can we "join" Israel? Is it really possible? Does Hashem see us "as one"? Verse 48 says, "He (the foreigner) shall be as one who is born in the land." And this happens with the "stranger" only if you are circumcised. Which is, of course, you are then following the Law. I desire to be as one who is born in the land. So, I must follow Torah to the best of my ability. Amen.

Challenge:

The Hebrew people left with beautiful jewels, gold and silver. All given to them from the Egyptians. What an interesting turn of events! One day they are slaves and the next day through the favor of Hashem they are rich! Think of a time in your life when maybe you had a dramatic financial turning. Or when you received some unexpected money. If you haven’t already thanked Hashem, do it today. All good things come from Hashem.

Reading #6 - Exodus 12:29–51 

12:29 At midnight, Hashem struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of livestock. 30 Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not one dead. 31 He called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, “Rise up, get out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel; and go, serve Hashem, as you have said! 32 Take both your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also!”

33 The Egyptians were urgent with the people, to send them out of the land in haste, for they said, “We are all dead men.” 34 The people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading troughs being bound up in their clothes on their shoulders. 35 The children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they asked of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing. 36 Hashem gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. They plundered the Egyptians.

37 The children of Israel traveled from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot who were men, in addition to children. 38 A mixed multitude went up also with them, with flocks, herds, and even very much livestock. 39 They baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought out of Egypt; for it wasn’t leavened, because they were thrust out of Egypt, and couldn’t wait, and they had not prepared any food for themselves. 40 Now the time that the children of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred thirty years. 41 At the end of four hundred thirty years, to the day, all of Hashem’s armies went out from the land of Egypt. 42 It is a night to be much observed to Hashem for bringing them out from the land of Egypt. This is that night of Hashem, to be much observed by all the children of Israel throughout their generations.

43 Hashem said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the ordinance of the Passover. No foreigner shall eat of it, 44 but every man’s servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then shall he eat of it. 45 A foreigner and a hired servant shall not eat of it. 46 It must be eaten in one house. You shall not carry any of the meat outside of the house. Do not break any of its bones. 47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. 48 When a stranger lives as a foreigner with you, and would like to keep the Passover to Hashem, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it. He shall be as one who is born in the land; but no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. 49 One law shall be to him who is born at home, and to the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you.” 50 All the children of Israel did so. As Hashem commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did. 51 That same day, Hashem brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

Va'eira - Reading #6

Va'eira  וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared

Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35

Reading #6 - Exodus 8:19–9:16

My Thoughts:

Flies, killing of livestock and boils destroy the Egyptians -- and Pharaoh still does not relent. But, now we see Hashem “separating” His people from the disasters. He literally “sets them apart”. This is a reflection of the future of His people. The Jewish Nation will be set apart from the rest of mankind forever. However, they will be commanded to be a “light” to the other nations, so that others may come to Hashem to know Him and serve Him. We all want to be grafted into this set apart nation. So that when the Mashiach returns we will be in Jerusalem and in the Land serving Him forever! Amen!

Challenge:

What can you change in your life to be living a “set apart” life? The most obvious is following Hashem’s Commands -- His Law. Even simple things like honoring the Saturday Shabbat, not eating “unclean” foods and celebrating the annual Feasts. People may ask you why you are doing this, if you are not Jewish. You can simply tell them that you love and serve the same Elohim as the Jews and you serve the Jewish Mashiach - Yeshua. Yeshua followed the Law and so do you!

Reading #6 - Exodus 8:19–9:16

19 Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is G-d’s finger;” but Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he didn’t listen to them, as Hashem had spoken.

20 Hashem said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; behold, he comes out to the water; and tell him, ‘This is what Hashem says, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 21 Else, if you will not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you, and on your servants, and on your people, and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground they are on. 22 I will set apart in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, to the end you may know that I am Hashem on the earth. 23 I will put a division between my people and your people. This sign shall happen by tomorrow.”’” 24 Hashem did so; and there came grievous swarms of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants’ houses. In all the land of Egypt the land was corrupted by reason of the swarms of flies.

25 Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, “Go, sacrifice to your G-d in the land!”

26 Moses said, “It isn’t appropriate to do so; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to Hashem our Elohim. Behold, if we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, won’t they stone us? 27 We will go three days’ journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to Hashem our Elohim, as he shall command us.”

28 Pharaoh said, “I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to Hashem our Elohim in the wilderness, only you shall not go very far away. Pray for me.”

29 Moses said, “Behold, I am going out from you. I will pray to Hashem that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, tomorrow; only don’t let Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to Hashem.” 30 Moses went out from Pharaoh, and prayed to Hashem. 31 Hashem did according to the word of Moses, and he removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people. There remained not one. 32 Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he didn’t let the people go.

9 Then Hashem said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh, and tell him, ‘This is what Hashem, the Elohim of the Hebrews, says: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 2 For if you refuse to let them go, and hold them still, 3 behold, Hashem’s hand is on your livestock which are in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks with a very grievous pestilence. 4 Hashem will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt; and nothing shall die of all that belongs to the children of Israel.”’” 5 Hashem appointed a set time, saying, “Tomorrow Hashem shall do this thing in the land.” 6 Hashem did that thing on the next day; and all the livestock of Egypt died, but of the livestock of the children of Israel, not one died. 7 Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not so much as one of the livestock of the Israelites dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was stubborn, and he didn’t let the people go.

8 Hashem said to Moses and to Aaron, “Take handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh. 9 It shall become small dust over all the land of Egypt, and shall be boils and blisters breaking out on man and on animal, throughout all the land of Egypt.”

10 They took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward the sky; and it became boils and blisters breaking out on man and on animal. 11 The magicians couldn’t stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boils were on the magicians and on all the Egyptians. 12 Hashem hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he didn’t listen to them, as Hashem had spoken to Moses.

13 Hashem said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and tell him, ‘This is what Hashem, the Elohim of the Hebrews, says: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 14 For this time I will send all my plagues against your heart, against your officials, and against your people; that you may know that there is no one like Me in all the earth. 15 For now I would have stretched out My hand, and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth; 16 but indeed for this cause I have made you stand: to show you My power, and that My name may be declared throughout all the earth,

Shemot - Reading #6

Shemot, שְׁמוֹת - Names

Torah Portion: Exodus 1:1-6:1

Reading #6 - Exodus 4:18–31

My Thoughts:

The most interesting part of this reading is when in verse 24, it is written Hashem wants to kill Moses. This is hard to understand when in the verse above Hashem is saying He instructs Moses about the Pharaoh and the killing of his firstborn. Some of the sages teach -- what Hashem is really saying in verse 24 -- is that He is going to kill Moses' firstborn son! They speculate that it is because Moses had delayed circumcising his son. This actually makes a lot of sense. First Hashem is talking about destroying the Pharaoh's son and then Moses's son. Is He showing the importance of obedience in both situations? Most certainly He is. It seems to be all about following and obeying the one true Elohim. As soon as his wife circumcises his child, he becomes safe again. This is truly an interesting story about obedience and loyalty.

Challenge:

Do you have a situation about disobedience to Hashem in your life? If you are thinking about something right away, chances are you are being convicted. Take care of your sin today. Make it right and make restitution. Before you have to suffer consequences.

Reading #6 - Exodus 4:18–31

4:18 Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brothers who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.”

Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

19 Hashem said to Moses in Midian, “Go, return into Egypt; for all the men who sought your life are dead.”

20 Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them on a donkey, and he returned to the land of Egypt. Moses took Elohim’s rod in his hand. 21 Hashem said to Moses, “When you go back into Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your hand, but I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go. 22 You shall tell Pharaoh, ‘Hashem says, Israel is my son, my firstborn, 23 and I have said to you, “Let my son go, that he may serve me;” and you have refused to let him go. Behold, I will kill your firstborn son.’”

24 On the way at a lodging place, Hashem met Moses and wanted to kill him. 25 Then Zipporah took a flint, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet; and she said, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me.”

26 So He let him alone. Then she said, “You are a bridegroom of blood,” because of the circumcision.

27 Hashem said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.”

He went, and met him on Elohim’s mountain, and kissed him. 28 Moses told Aaron all Hashem’s words with which He had sent him, and all the signs with which He had instructed him. 29 Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel. 30 Aaron spoke all the words which Hashem had spoken to Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people. 31 The people believed, and when they heard that Hashem had visited the children of Israel, and that He had seen their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.