Haazinu - Reading #6

Haazinu 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 into the Land, Hashem is always faithful to bring them back. His love is so strong for His people 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 still will have enemies or people after 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. Think about it. Amen.

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 anyways. He is always there, that is His promise. Amen.

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.”

Ki Teitzei - Reading #6

Ki Teitzei כִּי-תֵצֵא - When You Go Out

Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19

Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 24:5–13

My Thoughts: 

Verse 6 is a curious commandment,  “No man shall take the mill or the upper millstone as a pledge, for he takes a life in pledge.” After doing some research it seems like what Hashem is saying is don’t take the “livelihood” of another as a pledge (to pay for a debt, etc). To do so, would take his ability to take care of himself and family -- away. And leave him with nothing to sustain his family. Hashem doesn’t want us to do this. That’s how much He loves each of us. It is a protection that someone would not lose everything and become destitute. Again one more example of how Hashem protects the poor. And how we are to be involved with that process.

Challenge:

We learn today another lesson of protecting husband and wife, and their relationship, by Hashem. If you are newly married you are not required to serve in the army for at least a year. This is so beautiful. Think of how important that first year is in a marriage. How hard it would be to be apart from your new spouse, right after you got married. This is a clear indicator of how Hashem wants marriages to be good and solid. Your challenge today is to look at your own marriage, or the marriage of a friend or family person. Have they had time together to solidify their marriage (or have you)? Have they (you) had a special time of at least one year to “ground” their marriage? If not, take the time to do so now. Or help the couple that has not had that special time, to do the same. Support marriages in your family and amongst your community of friends. 

Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 24:5–13

24:5 When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out in the army, neither shall he be assigned any business. He shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer his wife whom he has taken.

6 No man shall take the mill or the upper millstone as a pledge, for he takes a life in pledge.

7 If a man is found stealing any of his brothers of the children of Israel, and he deals with him as a slave, or sells him, then that thief shall die. So you shall remove the evil from among you.

8 Be careful in the plague of leprosy, that you observe diligently and do according to all that the Levitical priests teach you. As I commanded them, so you shall observe to do. 9 Remember what Hashem your Elohim did to Miriam, by the way as you came out of Egypt.

10 When you lend your neighbor any kind of loan, you shall not go into his house to get his pledge. 11 You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you lend shall bring the pledge outside to you. 12 If he is a poor man, you shall not sleep with his pledge. 13 You shall surely restore to him the pledge when the sun goes down, that he may sleep in his garment and bless you. It shall be righteousness to you before Hashem your Elohim.

Matot-Massei - Reading #6

Matot-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.”

Chukat-Balak - Reading #6

Chukat-Balak Statute/Balak — חֻקַּת־בָּלָק

Torah: Numbers 19:1 - 25:9

Reading #6 - Numbers 22:39-23:26

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 #6 - Numbers 22:39-23:26

39 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?”

13 Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place, where you may see them. You shall see just part of them, and shall not see them all. Curse them from there for me.”

14 He took him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered up a bull and a ram on every altar. 15 He said to Balak, “Stand here by your burnt offering, while I meet Hashem over there.”

16 Hashem met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, “Return to Balak, and say this.”

17 He came to him, and behold, he was standing by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. Balak said to him, “What has Hashem spoken?”

18 He took up his parable, and said,

“Rise up, Balak, and hear!

    Listen to me, you son of Zippor.

19 Elohim is not a man, that He should lie,

    nor a son of man, that He should repent.

Has He said, and He won’t do it?

    Or has He spoken, and He won’t make it good?

20 Behold, I have received a command to bless.

    He has blessed, and I can’t reverse it.

21 He has not seen iniquity in Jacob.

    Neither has he seen perverseness in Israel.

Hashem his Elohim is with him.

    The shout of a king is among them.

22 Elohim brings them out of Egypt.

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

23 Surely there is no enchantment with Jacob;

    Neither is there any divination with Israel.

Now it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel,

    ‘What has Elohim done!’

24 Behold, a people rises up as a lioness.

    As a lion he lifts himself up.

He shall not lie down until he eats of the prey,

    and drinks the blood of the slain.”

25 Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.”

26 But Balaam answered Balak, “Didn’t I tell you, saying, ‘All that Hashem speaks, that I must do?’”

Emor - Reading #6

Emor Say — אֱמוֹר

Leviticus 21:1 – 24:23

Reading #6 -  Leviticus 23:33–44

My Thoughts: 

This is one of my favorite feasts to celebrate. It is such a joyous occasion. You decorate a “booth” -- eat and/or sleep in it for seven days. It is to remind us how the Israelites slept in such a type of temporary dwellings for 40 years. Each year I try to get creative in building a “sukkah”. We have friends over and celebrate. It is a really special time. This year maybe you can contemplate having a special booth to honor this very special time of the year.

Challenge:

We just spent this week learning about all the feasts. The wonderful thing is that they are cyclical. And each year they can be better. If you do not live in a Jewish or Messianic community it can be hard to celebrate these feasts correctly. So, I just do the best I am able. There is a lot of information of course on the internet and you can learn from it. My challenge for you is that if you are not already taking the feasts seriously – to start doing so now. The next feast is the feast of first fruits - Shavuot. Study about it, and figure out a way to remember it. I promise you and your family will be super blessed. The feasts help us to draw closer to Hashem by remembering His miracles and deliverances. Study and learn. Amen.

23:33 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 34 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say, ‘On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of booths for seven days to Hashem. 35 On the first day shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no regular work. 36 Seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to Hashem. On the eighth day shall be a holy convocation to you. You shall offer an offering made by fire to Hashem. It is a solemn assembly; you shall do no regular work.

37 “‘These are the appointed feasts of Hashem which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire to Hashem, a burnt offering, a meal offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, each on its own day— 38 in addition to the Sabbaths of Hashem, and in addition to your gifts, and in addition to all your vows, and in addition to all your free will offerings, which you give to Hashem.

39 “‘So on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruits of the land, you shall keep the feast of Hashem seven days. On the first day shall be a solemn rest, and on the eighth day shall be a solemn rest. 40 You shall take on the first day the fruit of majestic trees, branches of palm trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before Hashem your Adonai seven days. 41 You shall keep it as a feast to Hashem seven days in the year. It is a statute forever throughout your generations. You shall keep it in the seventh month. 42 You shall dwell in temporary shelters for seven days. All who are native-born in Israel shall dwell in temporary shelters, 43 that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in temporary shelters when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am Hashem your Adonai.’”

44 So Moses declared to the children of Israel the appointed feasts of Hashem.

Vayakhel-Pekudei - Reading #6

VAYAK'HEL/PEKUDEI

Exodus 35:1-40:38

Reading #6 - Exodus 39:22-43 

My Thoughts:

In verse 30 we read that they make a crown for the priest and on the crown are the words “Holy to Hashem”. This is not to be taken lightly. Think if you were wearing a crown and going into the Tabernacle of Hashem that said you were holy to Hashem! What a privilege, but what a responsibility too! The priests had special garments to wear and they had to wash and be anointed for service. They had to get totally prepared to serve Hashem -- exactly the way He had instructed. They had to become “holy” in order to come before and serve Hashem. Something to think about for us today. When we meet Hashem for prayer and/or worship, do we prepare to become “holy”? We could repent for our sin, cleanse our hearts, even wear nice clothing. We could make it all very special. When we meet with Hashem it could be very special and wonderful.

Challenge:

At the end of today’s reading we see that the people “finished” all the work they had to do, as Moses instructed them -- and they were blessed. My challenge to you today is think about a service you have been doing for Hashem, and if you have “finished” what He asked you to do? Make sure if you are doing a special project for someone else that you actually complete it. Often we start things and do not finish them. I really believe that just as He blessed the Israelites for their completion of the Tabernacle, so will He bless us for the completion of the tasks He asks us to do! Try it today!

Reading #6 - Exodus 39:22-43 

39:22 He made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue. 23 The opening of the robe in the middle of it was like the opening of a coat of mail, with a binding around its opening, that it should not be torn. 24 They made on the skirts of the robe pomegranates of blue, purple, scarlet, and twined linen. 25 They made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates around the skirts of the robe, between the pomegranates; 26 a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, around the skirts of the robe, to minister in, as Hashem commanded Moses.

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

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

32 Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting was finished. The children of Israel did according to all that Hashem commanded Moses; so they did. 33 They brought the tabernacle to Moses: the tent, with all its furniture, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, 34 the covering of rams’ skins dyed red, the covering of sea cow hides, the veil of the screen, 35 the ark of the covenant with its poles, the mercy seat, 36 the table, all its vessels, the show bread, 37 the pure lamp stand, its lamps, even the lamps to be set in order, all its vessels, the oil for the light, 38 the golden altar, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door of the Tent, 39 the bronze altar, its grating of bronze, its poles, all of its vessels, the basin and its base, 40 the hangings of the court, its pillars, its sockets, the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, its pins, and all the instruments of the service of the tabernacle, for the Tent of Meeting, 41 the finely worked garments for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest’s office. 42 According to all that Hashem commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did all the work. 43 Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it as Hashem had commanded. They had done so; and Moses blessed them.

Vayelech - Reading #6

Vayelech וַיֵּלֶךְ - And He Went

Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30

Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 31:20–24

My Thoughts:

Oh no! 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. Start praising Him and worshiping Him every day. 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 the 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 many Christian friends, “Well, 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 all are 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 to know them and follow them. Please help us to 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. Daily. In order to do this you must study it. That is why doing daily Torah readings are so very, very important. They keep you close to Torah, close to Hashem. The really cool thing is 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 Torah real and alive. Which it is. 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.

Ki Teitzei - Reading #6

Ki Teitzei כִּי-תֵצֵא - When You Go Out

Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19

Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 24:5–13

My Thoughts: 

Verse 6 is a curious commandment,  “No man shall take the mill or the upper millstone as a pledge, for he takes a life in pledge.” After doing some research it seems like what Hashem is saying is don’t take the “livelihood” of another as a pledge (to pay for a debt, etc). To do so, would take his ability to take care of himself and family -- away. And leave him with nothing to sustain his family. Hashem doesn’t want us to do this. That’s how much He loves each of us. It is a protection that someone would not lose everything and become destitute. Again one more example of how Hashem protects the poor. And how we are to be involved with that process.

Challenge:

We learn today another lesson of protecting husband and wife, and their relationship, by Hashem. If you are newly married you are not required to serve in the army for at least a year. This is so beautiful. Think of how important that first year is in a marriage. How hard it would be to be apart from your new spouse, right after you got married. This is a clear indicator of how Hashem wants marriages to be good and solid. Your challenge today is to look at your own marriage, or the marriage of a friend or family person. Have they had time together to solidify their marriage (or have you)? Have they (you) had a special time of at least one year to “ground” their marriage? If not, take the time to do so now. Or help the couple that has not had that special time, to do the same. Support marriages in your family and amongst your community of friends. 

Reading #6 - Deuteronomy 24:5–13

24:5 When a man takes a new wife, he shall not go out in the army, neither shall he be assigned any business. He shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer his wife whom he has taken.

6 No man shall take the mill or the upper millstone as a pledge, for he takes a life in pledge.

7 If a man is found stealing any of his brothers of the children of Israel, and he deals with him as a slave, or sells him, then that thief shall die. So you shall remove the evil from among you.

8 Be careful in the plague of leprosy, that you observe diligently and do according to all that the Levitical priests teach you. As I commanded them, so you shall observe to do. 9 Remember what Hashem your Elohim did to Miriam, by the way as you came out of Egypt.

10 When you lend your neighbor any kind of loan, you shall not go into his house to get his pledge. 11 You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you lend shall bring the pledge outside to you. 12 If he is a poor man, you shall not sleep with his pledge. 13 You shall surely restore to him the pledge when the sun goes down, that he may sleep in his garment and bless you. It shall be righteousness to you before Hashem your Elohim.

Emor - Reading #6

Emor Say — אֱמוֹר

Leviticus 21:1 – 24:23

Reading #6 -  Leviticus 23:33–44

My Thoughts: 

This is one of my favorite feasts to celebrate. It is such a joyous occasion. You decorate a “booth” -- eat and/or sleep in it for seven days. It is to remind us how the Israelites slept in such a type of temporary dwellings for 40 years. Each year I try to get creative in building a “sukkah”. We have friends over and celebrate. It is a really special time. This year maybe you can contemplate having a special booth to honor this very extraordinary time of the year.

Challenge:

We just spent this week learning about all the feasts. The wonderful thing is that they are cyclical. And each year they can be better. If you do not live in a Jewish or Messianic community it can be hard to celebrate these feasts correctly. So, I just do the best I am able. There is a lot of information of course on the internet and you can learn from it. My challenge for you is that if you are not already taking the feasts seriously – to start doing so now. The next feast is the feast of first fruits - Shavuot. Study about it, and figure out a way to remember it. I promise you and your family will be super blessed. The feasts help us to draw closer to Hashem by remembering His miracles and deliverance. Study and learn. Amen.

Reading #6 -  Leviticus 23:33–44

23:33 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 34 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say, ‘On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of booths for seven days to Hashem. 35 On the first day shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no regular work. 36 Seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to Hashem. On the eighth day shall be a holy convocation to you. You shall offer an offering made by fire to Hashem. It is a solemn assembly; you shall do no regular work.

37 “‘These are the appointed feasts of Hashem which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire to Hashem, a burnt offering, a meal offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, each on its own day— 38 in addition to the Sabbaths of Hashem, and in addition to your gifts, and in addition to all your vows, and in addition to all your free will offerings, which you give to Hashem.

39 “‘So on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruits of the land, you shall keep the feast of Hashem seven days. On the first day shall be a solemn rest, and on the eighth day shall be a solemn rest. 40 You shall take on the first day the fruit of majestic trees, branches of palm trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before Hashem your Adonai seven days. 41 You shall keep it as a feast to Hashem seven days in the year. It is a statute forever throughout your generations. You shall keep it in the seventh month. 42 You shall dwell in temporary shelters for seven days. All who are native-born in Israel shall dwell in temporary shelters, 43 that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in temporary shelters when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am Hashem your Adonai.’”

44 So Moses declared to the children of Israel the appointed feasts of Hashem.

Kedoshim - Reading #6

Kedoshim - Holy  קְדשִׁים

Torah Portion: Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27

My Thoughts:

Once again, Hashem is giving us some commands about avoiding sexual sin and exactly what sexual sin is. Some of the offenses have the death penalty as punishment. I think about how far we have strayed from these commandments. I was talking to a friend who was telling me how she stayed up and watched a movie last night. One that had some pretty brazen sex scenes. I asked her why she didn’t turn it off. And she just replied, “I knew it was wrong, but I tried to overlook the scenes because I wanted to know how it was going to turn out.” I could tell she did not feel very content or good about her decision. This is what all of us do. We “dabble” with sexual sin with movies, books, websites, conversation – and then we give what we think is a great “excuse” for our behavior. Well, according to today’s Torah portion reading, there is no excuse that Hashem tolerates. I would like to believe that repentance and teshuvah plays into all of this. I really hope so. And I hope we learn to obey Hashem and His commandments and take them more seriously. Amen.

Challenge:

I find verse 27 to be quite curious, “‘You shall therefore keep all My statutes and all My ordinances, and do them, that the land where I am bringing you to dwell may not vomit you out.” What does Hashem mean that the land will vomit out the sinner? Some commentators believe that the land will actually (and has) rebel against a nation who sins. This may happen through natural catastrophe and/or lack of productivity in the land. And if you think about it this makes sense. If you are abusing Hashem’s laws, and not following Him - then we are likely not to be taking very good care of others things in our life – including the land. If we don’t respect Hashem our creator, then maybe we are not respecting His creation either. I look at the side of the road sometimes and all the trash and wonder why people are so careless. My challenge to you today is to think about taking better care of our land. Whatever community you live in. Pick up garbage when you walk by it and tend to your personal gardens or community gardens with care. And most importantly – follow Hashem and His commands more diligently. Maybe the result of this would be a more prosperous land and community! Instead of being “vomited” from not taking care of it!

Reading #6 - Leviticus 20:8–22

8 You shall keep My statutes, and do them. I am Hashem who sanctifies you.

9 “‘For everyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. He has cursed his father or his mother. His blood shall be upon himself.

10 “‘The man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, even he who commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

11 “‘The man who lies with his father’s wife has uncovered his father’s nakedness. Both of them shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon themselves.

12 “‘If a man lies with his daughter-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death. They have committed a perversion. Their blood shall be upon themselves.

13 “‘If a man lies with a male, as with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon themselves.

14 “‘If a man takes a wife and her mother, it is wickedness. They shall be burned with fire, both he and they, that there may be no wickedness among you.

15 “‘If a man lies with an animal, he shall surely be put to death; and you shall kill the animal.

16 “‘If a woman approaches any animal and lies with it, you shall kill the woman and the animal. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.

17 “‘If a man takes his sister—his father’s daughter, or his mother’s daughter—and sees her nakedness, and she sees his nakedness, it is a shameful thing. They shall be cut off in the sight of the children of their people. He has uncovered his sister’s nakedness. He shall bear his iniquity.

18 “‘If a man lies with a woman having her monthly period, and uncovers her nakedness, he has made her fountain naked, and she has uncovered the fountain of her blood. Both of them shall be cut off from among their people.

19 “‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister, nor of your father’s sister, for he has made his close relative naked. They shall bear their iniquity. 20 If a man lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered his uncle’s nakedness. They shall bear their sin. They shall die childless.

21 “‘If a man takes his brother’s wife, it is an impurity. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They shall be childless.

22 “‘You shall therefore keep all My statutes and all My ordinances, and do them, that the land where I am bringing you to dwell may not vomit you out.

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.