Vayechi - Reading #6

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Reading #6 - Genesis 49:27–50:20

My Thoughts:

We have a very well known verse today in 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but Elohim meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.” I love this verse, it gives us so much hope. Many times in my life and in others I have seen where Hashem did something really wonderful in a very sad or challenging situation. Usually, it involves people that are not directly involved. In other words, we can be such a “light” to others during a difficult situation.

Yesterday my good friend’s husband died of brain cancer. She called me a few hours after he died and she sounded unbelievably peaceful. She really believes her husband is in the presence of Yeshua now - in heaven or paradise. It was such a witness to hear her voice and her calmness in such a sad situation! I know that Hashem will use her as a huge example of His love to others during the upcoming week -- funeral and all. That is Hashem turning something that could be bad into something that could be really good.

Challenge:

Think of something difficult that you are going through right now, or that someone you are close to is handling. Now pray and ask Hashem how it could all turn for good -- or better yet, see how He already is using the situation for something good. Write it down. Tell others about the goodness of G-d. And praise Him. By doing this you will “enhance” the goodness that comes out of your challenging situation.

Reading #6 - Genesis 49:27–50:20

49:27 “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf. In the morning he will devour the prey. At evening he will divide the plunder.”

28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them, and blessed them. He blessed everyone according to his own blessing. 29 He instructed them, and said to them, “I am to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite as a burial place. 31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah, his wife. There they buried Isaac and Rebekah, his wife, and there I buried Leah: 32 the field and the cave that is therein, which was purchased from the children of Heth.” 33 When Jacob finished charging his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, breathed his last breath, and was gathered to his people. 50 1 Joseph fell on his father’s face, wept on him, and kissed him. 2 Joseph commanded his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father; and the physicians embalmed Israel. 3 Forty days were used for him, for that is how many the days it takes to embalm. The Egyptians wept for Israel for seventy days.

4 When the days of weeping for him were past, Joseph spoke to Pharaoh’s staff, saying, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the ears of Pharaoh, saying, 5 ‘My father made me swear, saying, “Behold, I am dying. Bury me in my grave which I have dug for myself in the land of Canaan.” Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father, and I will come again.’”

6 Pharaoh said, “Go up, and bury your father, just like he made you swear.”

7 Joseph went up to bury his father; and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, all the elders of the land of Egypt, 8 all the house of Joseph, his brothers, and his father’s house. Only their little ones, their flocks, and their herds, they left in the land of Goshen. 9 Both chariots and horsemen went up with him. It was a very great company. 10 They came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and there they lamented with a very great and severe lamentation. He mourned for his father seven days. 11 When the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning in the floor of Atad, they said, “This is a grievous mourning by the Egyptians.” Therefore its name was called Abel Mizraim, which is beyond the Jordan. 12 His sons did to him just as he commanded them, 13 for his sons carried him into the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abraham bought with the field, as a possession for a burial site, from Ephron the Hittite, near Mamre. 14 Joseph returned into Egypt—he, and his brothers, and all that went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father.

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “It may be that Joseph will hate us, and will fully pay us back for all the evil which we did to him.” 16 They sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before he died, saying, 17 ‘You shall tell Joseph, “Now please forgive the disobedience of your brothers, and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ Now, please forgive the disobedience of the servants of Elohim of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also went and fell down before his face; and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for am I in the place of Elohim? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but Elohim meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.

Vayigash - Reading #6

Vayigash - And He Drew Near

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Reading #6 - Genesis 46:28–47:10

My Thoughts: 

Jacob and his sons receive the “best of the land” (47:6). When people receive favor from others, they should get the best. But, how many times do we NOT do that? Do we give them maybe something we didn’t want or second best, or the burnt cookie so we can have the one that is not burnt? I know I do it. It seems like the more I study Torah, the less I do it. Torah is all about loving Hashem and loving others more than yourself. So, we should give the best to those we are serving. Try it, you will be more blessed than if you had it yourself!

Challenge: 

Today’s challenge. Think of someone in your family, maybe your spouse or kids that you recently cheated them out of the best. And give back the next time. Pray that Hashem will convict you and really give you the desire to share the best with those around you. When that happens you will truly be spreading the “Light of Hashem” around your family and community. It may encourage others to ask you, “What is it about you that treats people this good way?”

Reading #6 - Genesis 46:28–47:10

46:28 Jacob sent Judah before him to Joseph, to show the way before him to Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen. 29 Joseph prepared his chariot, and went up to meet Israel, his father, in Goshen. He presented himself to him, and fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. 30 Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, that you are still alive.”

31 Joseph said to his brothers, and to his father’s house, “I will go up, and speak with Pharaoh, and will tell him, ‘My brothers, and my father’s house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 These men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.’ 33 It will happen, when Pharaoh summons you, and will say, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 that you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we, and our fathers:’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

47 Then Joseph went in and told Pharaoh, and said, “My father and my brothers, with their flocks, their herds, and all that they own, have come out of the land of Canaan; and behold, they are in the land of Goshen.” 2 From among his brothers he took five men, and presented them to Pharaoh. 3 Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?”

They said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we, and our fathers.” 4 They also said to Pharaoh, “We have come to live as foreigners in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks. For the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.”

5 Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. 6 The land of Egypt is before you. Make your father and your brothers dwell in the best of the land. Let them dwell in the land of Goshen. If you know any able men among them, then put them in charge of my livestock.”

7 Joseph brought in Jacob, his father, and set him before Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. 8 Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How old are you?”

9 Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The years of my pilgrimage are one hundred thirty years. The days of the years of my life have been few and evil. They have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.” 10 Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from the presence of Pharaoh.

Miketz - Reading #6

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of

Genesis 41:1-44:17

Reading #6 - Genesis 43:16–29

My Thoughts:

Isn’t it amazing that a supposedly Egyptian ruler (Joseph) says to Benjamin in v.29 “G-d be gracious to you.” Is he speaking of the Hashem of Abraham, or is he just speaking to “their'' G-d?  In other words, do his brothers just think he is recognizing their G-d, and of course not really believing in Him? Probably. But, in all reality Joseph really did believe in the one true Elohim. I have friends who recognize the Hashem I serve, but they do not believe in Him. Not yet. It is my prayer that I will be His light to them, and that they will be attracted to His light. And that ultimately they will choose to believe in the one true Elohim. 

Challenge: 

I challenge you today to be such a “light” to those around you that do not yet believe in Hashem. To reflect His love, His truth and that He is Life. That you would so strongly reflect Him, that they would say to you, “G-d be gracious to you.” Even though they do not yet believe in Him. Pray about how you can be that “light”.

READING #6 - Genesis 43:16–29

43:16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and butcher an animal, and prepare; for the men will dine with me at noon.”

17 The man did as Joseph commanded, and the man brought the men to Joseph’s house. 18 The men were afraid, because they were brought to Joseph’s house; and they said, “Because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time, we’re brought in; that he may seek occasion against us, attack us, and seize us as slaves, along with our donkeys.” 19 They came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they spoke to him at the door of the house, 20 and said, “Oh, my lord, we indeed came down the first time to buy food. 21 When we came to the lodging place, we opened our sacks, and behold, each man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. We have brought it back in our hand. 22 We have brought down other money in our hand to buy food. We don’t know who put our money in our sacks.”

23 He said, “Peace be to you. Don’t be afraid. Your God, and the G-d of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks. I received your money.” He brought Simeon out to them. 24 The man brought the men into Joseph’s house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet. He gave their donkeys fodder. 25 They prepared the present for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there.

26 When Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves down to the earth before him. 27 He asked them of their welfare, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he yet alive?”

28 They said, “Your servant, our father, is well. He is still alive.” They bowed down humbly. 29 He lifted up his eyes, and saw Benjamin, his brother, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me?” He said, “G-d be gracious to you, my son.”

Vayeshev - Reading #6

Vayeshev וַיֵּשֶׁב - And He Settled

Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Reading #6 - Genesis 39:7–23

My Thoughts: 

There it is again in verse 23 “...because Hashem was with him; and that which he did, Hashem made it prosper.” We read about how Hashem is with Joseph and how He prospers him. Even when he is sent to prison! It really doesn’t matter where you are, Hashem will meet you there and be faithful. Sometimes in the hardest of times, it is only because of Hashem that we are able to endure. But, it requires us to be obedient and faithful, to be close to Him. He is always there for us, we just need to seek Him.

Challenge: 

If you are not happy at work, in your relationship, or suffering from poor health -- today I challenge you to make the very best of your situation. That is what Joseph did! He was cast off from his brothers, sold into slavery, taken to be a servant, betrayed by a woman and thrown in prison. Yet, he rises above it all and does his best to reflect the love and grace of the almighty Hashem. Others see the light of Hashem in him and respect him. This ends up in promotion and prosperity -- and many blessings. Try to reflect Hashem’s love today to others around you, even if you are in the hardest of times! The joy of Hashem is your strength!

Reading #6 - Genesis 39:7–23

39:7 After these things, his master’s wife set her eyes on Joseph; and she said, “Lie with me.”

8 But he refused, and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, my master doesn’t know what is with me in the house, and he has put all that he has into my hand. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am, and he has not kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against Elohim?”

10 As she spoke to Joseph day by day, he didn’t listen to her, to lie by her, or to be with her. 11 About this time, he went into the house to do his work, and there were none of the men of the house inside. 12 She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!”

He left his garment in her hand, and ran outside. 13 When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and had run outside, 14 she called to the men of her house, and spoke to them, saying, “Behold, he has brought a Hebrew in to us to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice. 15 When he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.” 16 She laid up his garment by her, until his master came home. 17 She spoke to him according to these words, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought to us, came in to me to mock me, 18 and as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.”

19 When his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, “This is what your servant did to me,” his wrath was kindled. 20 Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound, and he was there in custody. 21 But Hashem was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 The keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever they did there, he was responsible for it. 23 The keeper of the prison didn’t look after anything that was under his hand, because Hashem was with him; and that which he did, Hashem made it prosper.

Vayishlach - Reading #6

Vayishlach, וַיִּשְׁל - And He Sent

Genesis 32:4-36:43

Reading #6 - Genesis 35:12–36:19

My Thoughts: 

Hashem is giving Jacob the Land. You would think that with the age of the writings of the Bible that this would prove that the Land of Israel belongs to the Jews. But for centuries, even thousands of years this Land has been the most highly contested on the planet. Everyday I try to pray that the Land will be given back to the People of Hashem (all of it) and that there would be shalom peace and safety in the Land. It’s a good prayer, would you pray it also? Remember, the Mashiach (whom I believe to be Yeshua) will be returning to the Land, to the Temple in Jerusalem. It all belongs to Hashem and He gave it to the Jewish people. His people. And to all of us who join hands with them we will be able to live there too!

Challenge: 

Here’s my challenge today. We read in today’s reading that Rachel dies in childbirth. As we go through life we will have many family and friends who get pregnant. Make a commitment to pray for them on a regular basis. Even though childbirth is safer in our generation than ever before, there are still huge risks involved. Hashem hears our prayers and often answers them - so lift up anyone you know who is pregnant today for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery.

Reading #6 - Genesis 35:12–36:19

35:12 The land which I gave to Abraham and Isaac, I will give it to you, and to your offspring after you I will give the land.”

13 Elohim went up from him in the place where he spoke with him. 14 Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he spoke with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it, and poured oil on it. 15 Jacob called the name of the place where Elohim spoke with him “Bethel”.

16 They traveled from Bethel. There was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and Rachel travailed. She had hard labor. 17 When she was in hard labor, the midwife said to her, “Don’t be afraid, for now you will have another son.”

18 As her soul was departing (for she died), she named him Benoni, but his father named him Benjamin. 19 Rachel died, and was buried on the way to Ephrath (also called Bethlehem). 20 Jacob set up a pillar on her grave. The same is the Pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. 21 Israel traveled, and spread his tent beyond the tower of Eder. 22 While Israel lived in that land, Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, and Israel heard of it.

Now the sons of Jacob were twelve. 23 The sons of Leah: Reuben (Jacob’s firstborn), Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. 24 The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. 25 The sons of Bilhah (Rachel’s servant): Dan and Naphtali. 26 The sons of Zilpah (Leah’s servant): Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram. 27 Jacob came to Isaac his father, to Mamre, to Kiriath Arba (which is Hebron), where Abraham and Isaac lived as foreigners.

28 The days of Isaac were one hundred eighty years. 29 Isaac gave up the spirit and died, and was gathered to his people, old and full of days. Esau and Jacob, his sons, buried him.

36 Now this is the history of the generations of Esau (that is, Edom). 2 Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon, the Hittite; and Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, the Hivite; 3 and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebaioth. 4 Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz. Basemath bore Reuel. 5 Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau, who were born to him in the land of Canaan. 6 Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters, and all the members of his household, with his livestock, all his animals, and all his possessions, which he had gathered in the land of Canaan, and went into a land away from his brother Jacob. 7 For their substance was too great for them to dwell together, and the land of their travels couldn’t bear them because of their livestock. 8 Esau lived in the hill country of Seir. Esau is Edom.

9 This is the history of the generations of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir: 10 these are the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz, the son of Adah, the wife of Esau; and Reuel, the son of Basemath, the wife of Esau. 11 The sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz. 12 Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau’s son; and she bore to Eliphaz Amalek. These are the descendants of Adah, Esau’s wife. 13 These are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the descendants of Basemath, Esau’s wife. 14 These were the sons of Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, Esau’s wife: she bore to Esau Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

15 These are the chiefs of the sons of Esau: the sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz, 16 chief Korah, chief Gatam, chief Amalek. These are the chiefs who came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom. These are the sons of Adah. 17 These are the sons of Reuel, Esau’s son: chief Nahath, chief Zerah, chief Shammah, chief Mizzah. These are the chiefs who came of Reuel in the land of Edom. These are the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife. 18 These are the sons of Oholibamah, Esau’s wife: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, chief Korah. These are the chiefs who came of Oholibamah the daughter of Anah, Esau’s wife. 19 These are the sons of Esau (that is, Edom), and these are their chiefs.

Vayetze - Reading #6

Vayetze וַיֵּצֵא - And He Went Out

Genesis 28:10-32:3

Reading #6 - Genesis 31:17–42

My Thoughts: 

There are different thoughts as to why Rachel would “steal” some of her father’s gods (statues). I’ve heard it said that she wanted to take some of her “inheritance” or that she was still worshiping the gods, and all sorts of things. Whatever reason -- she steals them, hides them and later I believe they are destroyed. We all do wrongful actions and regret them later. But, the wisdom here is that we must turn them all over to Hashem. 

Laban chases Jacob and his family down. He confronts Jacob and they search for the “gods” but they are not found. Jacob repairs his relationship with his father-in-law and creates a covenant. All is well. If you are “running” from a problem and it catches up with you (like Laban caught up with Jacob) it would be good to make reconciliation at that point. We serve an Elohim of mercy and grace and it is obvious that He loves restoration of relationships.

Challenge: 

Take a few minutes to think about the “foreign gods” in your life. Your immediate reaction may be -- “I don’t have any!” But what about TV and the internet? How many minutes a day do you watch TV or are you on the internet? Some homes have three to four TVs and have them turned on all day. When I walk my dog at night you see the pictures on TVs lighting up everyone’s homes. It is dominant in our daily life. We sit in front of it, we eat in front of it, we block out relationships while we watch it and we serve it. Isn’t that the same as a foreign god? Just something to think about. (And I admit I am the same and have a lot to think and pray about regarding TV and internet systems). 

Reading #6 - Genesis 31:17–42

31:17-42 Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives on the camels, 18 and he took away all his livestock, and all his possessions which he had gathered, including the livestock which he had gained in Paddan Aram, to go to Isaac his father, to the land of Canaan. 19 Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep; and Rachel stole the teraphim that were her father’s.

20 Jacob deceived Laban the Syrian, in that he didn’t tell him that he was running away. 21 So he fled with all that he had. He rose up, passed over the River, and set his face toward the mountain of Gilead.

22 Laban was told on the third day that Jacob had fled. 23 He took his relatives with him, and pursued him seven days’ journey. He overtook him in the mountain of Gilead. 24 Elohim came to Laban the Syrian in a dream of the night, and said to him, “Be careful that you don’t speak to Jacob either good or bad.”

25 Laban caught up with Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountain, and Laban with his relatives encamped in the mountain of Gilead. 26 Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done, that you have deceived me, and carried away my daughters like captives of the sword? 27 Why did you flee secretly, and deceive me, and didn’t tell me, that I might have sent you away with mirth and with songs, with tambourine and with harp; 28 and didn’t allow me to kiss my sons and my daughters? Now have you done foolishly. 29 It is in the power of my hand to hurt you, but the Elohim of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful that you don’t speak to Jacob either good or bad.’ 30 Now, you want to be gone, because you greatly longed for your father’s house, but why have you stolen my gods?”

31 Jacob answered Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Lest you should take your daughters from me by force.’ 32 Anyone you find your gods with shall not live. Before our relatives, discern what is yours with me, and take it.” For Jacob didn’t know that Rachel had stolen them.

33 Laban went into Jacob’s tent, into Leah’s tent, and into the tent of the two female servants; but he didn’t find them. He went out of Leah’s tent, and entered into Rachel’s tent. 34 Now Rachel had taken the teraphim, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. Laban felt around all the tent, but didn’t find them. 35 She said to her father, “Don’t let my lord be angry that I can’t rise up before you; for I’m having my period.” He searched, but didn’t find the teraphim.

36 Jacob was angry, and argued with Laban. Jacob answered Laban, “What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued me? 37 Now that you have felt around in all my stuff, what have you found of all your household stuff? Set it here before my relatives and your relatives, that they may judge between us two.

38 “These twenty years I have been with you. Your ewes and your female goats have not cast their young, and I haven’t eaten the rams of your flocks. 39 That which was torn of animals, I didn’t bring to you. I bore its loss. Of my hand you required it, whether stolen by day or stolen by night. 40 This was my situation: in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep fled from my eyes. 41 These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. 42 Unless the Elohim of my father, the Elohim of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty. Elohim has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.”

Toldot - Reading #6

Toldot, תּוֹלְדֹת - Generations

Genesis 25:19-28:9

Reading #6 - Genesis 27:28–28:4

My Thoughts: 

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 kind of reminds me of what happens when we sin and how sin can “snowball” into more serious results. 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 has to run away for fear of 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 and rectify it all quickly. 

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 is a reminder to be righteous and to depend on Hashem for the outcome of a need. 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 think about how you can be a “light” to your friends and family. And then do it.

Reading #6 - Genesis 27:28–28:4

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

    of the fatness of the earth,

    and plenty of grain and new wine.

29 Let peoples 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.”

Chayei Sarah - Reading #6

Chayei Sarah חַיֵּי שָׂרָה- Life of Sarah 

Genesis 18:1-22:24

Reading #6 - Genesis 25:1–11 

My Thoughts:

In verse 5 we read that “Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac.” Some of us may look at that as unfair, because he had other children too. Scripture continues to say that he gave “gifts” to his other kids -- which could have been huge. He could have been giving land, animals, etc. But as we look at Abraham the father of Isaac giving him all that he had, maybe it was more than physical gifts. He passed on the “blessing” that Hashem gave him, that was the true “everything”. And later we see Hashem confirming that blessing. Maybe the greatest blessing Abraham gave his son was teaching him how to love and serve Hashem. And that is exactly how we can give our children and grandchildren “everything we have”. 

Challenge:

My challenge to you today is to start giving your children or those close to you “everything you have”.  Maybe not the physical, but passing on to them what you know about your love for Hashem and how you worship him. I think about how my sons are in Special Olympics and every year during summer games they have a big ceremony of “passing the torch”. They take a lit torch and pass it from one person to another until the last one receives it and then they run with it! Let us have that challenge today to pass the “torch of Hashem’s truth and love” to those whom we love. Start passing the light today.

READING #6 - Genesis 25:1–11

25 Abraham took another wife, and her name was Keturah. 2 She bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. 3 Jokshan became the father of Sheba, and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim. 4 The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. 5 Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac, 6 but Abraham gave gifts to the sons of Abraham’s concubines. While he still lived, he sent them away from Isaac his son, eastward, to the east country. 7 These are the days of the years of Abraham’s life which he lived: one hundred seventy-five years. 8 Abraham gave up his spirit, and died at a good old age, an old man, and full of years, and was gathered to his people. 9 Isaac and Ishmael, his sons, buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is near Mamre, 10 the field which Abraham purchased from the children of Heth. Abraham was buried there with Sarah, his wife. 11 After the death of Abraham, Elohim blessed Isaac, his son. Isaac lived by Beer Lahai Roi.

Vayeira - Reading #6

Vayeira וַיֵּרָא - And He Appeared

Genesis 18:1-22:24

READING #6 - Genesis 21:22–34    

My Thoughts:

Interesting that Abraham lived as a “foreigner” in the land of the Philistines (v.34) -- for many days. That land is actually the land that Hashem gave him and his future generations forever. But, the land had not been “claimed” yet. Abraham’s promise of the land was in “progress”. I wonder how that felt to him. The fact that he makes a covenant with Abimelech shows that he is doing things in a Godly way. And that He is taking one day at a time. I can think of times where I felt like a “foreigner” in a situation. Like I didn’t belong or was a part of the group/community. I usually hang back, assess the situation and wait for Hashem to show me what to do. It always works because I am putting Hashem in charge, instead of myself. It’s not fun to feel like an outsider, but if you wait and see what Hashem has for you -- you will become comfortable -- eventually.

Challenge:

The next time you are in a group or with people and you notice someone is new and looks to be uncomfortable I challenge you to help them. Go up to them, introduce yourself, ask them some questions about their lives -- do whatever you can to make them feel safe and included. If you do this for someone else, it is guaranteed that someone will do it for you, when it is your turn to be new.

Reading #6 - Genesis 21:22–34

22 At that time, Abimelech and Phicol the captain of his army spoke to Abraham, saying, “Elohim is with you in all that you do. 23 Now, therefore, swear to me here by Elohim that you will not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son. But according to the kindness that I have done to you, you shall do to me, and to the land in which you have lived as a foreigner.”

24 Abraham said, “I will swear.” 25 Abraham complained to Abimelech because of a water well, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away. 26 Abimelech said, “I don’t know who has done this thing. You didn’t tell me, and I didn’t hear of it until today.”

27 Abraham took sheep and cattle, and gave them to Abimelech. Those two made a covenant. 28 Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. 29 Abimelech said to Abraham, “What do these seven ewe lambs, which you have set by themselves, mean?”

30 He said, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that it may be a witness to me, that I have dug this well.” 31 Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because they both swore an oath there. 32 So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Abimelech rose up with Phicol, the captain of his army, and they returned into the land of the Philistines. 33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of Hashem, the Everlasting Elohim. 34 Abraham lived as a foreigner in the land of the Philistines many days.

Lech-Lecha - Reading #6

Lech-Lecha לֶךְ-לְךָ Go Forth Yourself!

Torah Portion Genesis 12:1-17:27

Reading #6 -  Genesis 15:7–17:6        

My Thoughts:

A lot is happening in this reading, but what is probably the most important is the covenant Hashem makes with Abram. A covenant that has withstood (and not withstood) the centuries -- the giving of the Land -- Israel to the Hebrews. This is a blood covenant and an unconditional covenant. Between Hashem and Abram. Interesting that it is at this time that Hashem changes Abram’s name to Abraham. 

Some see significance that the name change also is at a time where the inheritance changes. That the great nations of the Hebrews will come through the line of Isaac, not Ishmael. Apparently G-d wants the ancestry and the promise of the land to flow through Sarah and Abraham, not Abram and Hagar (Genesis 17:21). We once again learn about waiting on the promises of Hashem. Not to jump ahead at our own solutions (like getting Hagar pregnant to have children) -- but be patient so that Hashem can fulfill His promises (pregnancy through Sarah).

Challenge: 

Is there something you are asking Hashem for in your life right now? Are you growing impatient for His answer? I challenge you to pray and wait. Through my experience being patient always pays off. My ways are not His ways. It always seems like when I try to manipulate something in my life, it doesn’t fare well. But, when I wait on Him -- there is usually a huge blessing of answer to prayer!

Reading #6 -  Genesis 15:7–17:6  

15:7 He said to Abram, “I am Hashem who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give you this land to inherit it.”

8 He said, “Hashem Elohim, how will I know that I will inherit it?”

9 He said to him, “Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 He brought him all these, and divided them in the middle, and laid each half opposite the other; but he didn’t divide the birds. 11 The birds of prey came down on the carcasses, and Abram drove them away.

12 When the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. Now terror and great darkness fell on him. 13 He said to Abram, “Know for sure that your offspring will live as foreigners in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them. They will afflict them four hundred years. 14 I will also judge that nation, whom they will serve. Afterward they will come out with great wealth; 15 but you will go to your fathers in peace. You will be buried at a good old age. 16 In the fourth generation they will come here again, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full.” 17 It came to pass that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold, a smoking furnace and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. 18 In that day Hashem made a covenant with Abram, saying, “I have given this land to your offspring, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates: 19 the land of the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites, 20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim, 21 the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites.”

16 Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, bore him no children. She had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. 2 Sarai said to Abram, “See now, Hashem has restrained me from bearing. Please go in to my servant. It may be that I will obtain children by her.” Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3 Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, after Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to Abram her husband to be his wife. 4 He went in to Hagar, and she conceived. When she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. 5 Sarai said to Abram, “This wrong is your fault. I gave my servant into your bosom, and when she saw that she had conceived, she despised me. May Hashem judge between me and you.”

6 But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your hand. Do to her whatever is good in your eyes.” Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her face.

7 Hashem’s angel found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain on the way to Shur. 8 He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where did you come from? Where are you going?”

She said, “I am fleeing from the face of my mistress Sarai.”

9 Hashem’s angel said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands.” 10 Hashem’s angel said to her, “I will greatly multiply your offspring, that they will not be counted for multitude.” 11 Hashem’s angel said to her, “Behold, you are with child, and will bear a son. You shall call his name Ishmael, because Hashem has heard your affliction. 12 He will be like a wild donkey among men. His hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him. He will live opposed to all of his brothers.”

13 She called the name of Hashem who spoke to her, “You are a Elohim who sees,” for she said, “Have I even stayed alive after seeing him?” 14 Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi. Behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.

15 Hagar bore a son for Abram. Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. 16 Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.

17 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Hashem appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Elohim Almighty. Walk before me and be blameless. 2 I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.”

3 Abram fell on his face. Elohim talked with him, saying, 4 “As for me, behold, my covenant is with you. You will be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 Your name will no more be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you. Kings will come out of you.

Noach - Reading #6

Noach נֹחַ - Rest

Torah Portion Genesis 6:9-11:32

Reading #6 -  Genesis 9:18–10:32         

My Thoughts: 

The start of a new world. Hashem literally erases the face of the earth except for this small family. Eight adults survive a catastrophic event. And eight are left to repopulate the world. Because Noah was righteous, one would assume his sons were also. And maybe they were. But, what about their three wives? 

I had this thought that maybe the wives were NOT descendants of Adam, but were descendants of the “sons of man” or the generations of peoples first created in Genesis Chapter 1. I realize that there isn’t a lot of support that this could be true -- that a generation of people before Adam and Eve were created. But to me it makes sense that Hashem could have created man and woman, but they were disobedient. So, He created special people -- Adam and Eve and the Garden. 

Whatever happened, could it be that the wives of the sons of Noah were not righteous? If they were not, that might explain how the earth became corrupt again so quickly. Maybe Hashem thought they would change in the presence and teaching of Noah. It is just so sad that we are given a new start and we fail. Once again. Praise Hashem He is forgiving and full of grace.

Challenge:

Has Hashem ever given you a new start in life? Maybe a new job, or a new city to start over in? Only when you get the “new start” you find yourself just falling into your old self, your old not so good habits? I challenge you to think that every day can be a “new start”. When you wake up in the morning, greet Hashem. Tell Him you are thankful for today, that you love Him and that you will try your best today to FOLLOW HIM. Soon you can make this a habit!

Reading #6 - Genesis 9:18–10:32

9:18 The sons of Noah who went out from the ship were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham is the father of Canaan. 19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated.

20 Noah began to be a farmer, and planted a vineyard. 21 He drank of the wine and got drunk. He was uncovered within his tent. 22 Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside. 23 Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, went in backwards, and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were backwards, and they didn’t see their father’s nakedness. 24 Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his youngest son had done to him. 25 He said,

“Canaan is cursed. He will be a servant of servants to his brothers.”

26 He said, “Blessed be Hashem, the Elohim of Shem. Let Canaan be his servant. 27 May Elohim enlarge Japheth. Let him dwell in the tents of Shem. Let Canaan be his servant.”

28 Noah lived three hundred fifty years after the flood. 29 All the days of Noah were nine hundred fifty years, and then he died.

10 Now this is the history of the generations of the sons of Noah and of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them after the flood.

2 The sons of Japheth were: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras. 3 The sons of Gomer were: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah. 4 The sons of Javan were: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. 5 Of these were the islands of the nations divided in their lands, everyone after his language, after their families, in their nations.

6 The sons of Ham were: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. 7 The sons of Cush were: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The sons of Raamah were: Sheba and Dedan. 8 Cush became the father of Nimrod. He began to be a mighty one in the earth. 9 He was a mighty hunter before Hashem. Therefore it is said, “like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before Hashem”. 10 The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. 11 Out of that land he went into Assyria, and built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah, 12 and Resen between Nineveh and the great city Calah. 13 Mizraim became the father of Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim, 14 Pathrusim, Casluhim (which the Philistines descended from), and Caphtorim.

15 Canaan became the father of Sidon (his firstborn), Heth, 16 the Jebusites, the Amorites, the Girgashites, 17 the Hivites, the Arkites, the Sinites, 18 the Arvadites, the Zemarites, and the Hamathites. Afterward the families of the Canaanites were spread abroad. 19 The border of the Canaanites was from Sidon—as you go toward Gerar—to Gaza—as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim—to Lasha. 20 These are the sons of Ham, after their families, according to their languages, in their lands and their nations.

21 Children were also born to Shem (the elder brother of Japheth), the father of all the children of Eber. 22 The sons of Shem were: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram. 23 The sons of Aram were: Uz, Hul, Gether, and Mash. 24 Arpachshad became the father of Shelah. Shelah became the father of Eber. 25 To Eber were born two sons. The name of the one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided. His brother’s name was Joktan. 26 Joktan became the father of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah, 27 Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah, 28 Obal, Abimael, Sheba, 29 Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. 30 Their dwelling extended from Mesha, as you go toward Sephar, the mountain of the east. 31 These are the sons of Shem, by their families, according to their languages, lands, and nations.

32 These are the families of the sons of Noah, by their generations, according to their nations. The nations divided from these in the earth after the flood.