Friday, March 22, 2024

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.


Thursday, March 21, 2024

Vayikra - Reading #5

Vayikra  וַיִּקְרָא - And He Called

Leviticus 1:1-5:26


Reading #5 - Leviticus 4:1–26


My Thoughts:


When the priest makes these offerings for the unintentional sin of the people, they are forgiven. What is interesting is that Scripture does not say this is for intentional sin. What about that? We learn in later instructions and commandments that people who intentionally sin are either stoned (after being judged and providing witnesses) or they are cast outside the camp. Almost like there is no forgiveness for intentionally sinning. But, we know when we look at all the Torah, that He does forgive those who sin on purpose. He is a forgiving and just Elohim. And we are grateful that He is. 


Challenge:


Sin causes consequences. It hurts us, others and Hashem. Only a sacrifice and repentance can bring forgiveness. And because He loves us, He allows this. Today is a good day to check your heart in the areas where you know sin resides. Confess and repent. Bring a “sacrifice” before Hashem. It can be worship, prayer, praise and giving back to those we have sinned against. Look for reconciliation with Him and with others. Don’t wait. Sin is without cost. The sooner you take care of it, the sooner you will find freedom. Examine your heart today and change.


Reading #5 - Leviticus 4:1–26


4 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘If anyone sins unintentionally, in any of the things which Hashem has commanded not to be done, and does any one of them, 3 if the anointed priest sins so as to bring guilt on the people, then let him offer for his sin which he has sinned a young bull without defect to Hashem for a sin offering. 4 He shall bring the bull to the door of the Tent of Meeting before Hashem; and he shall lay his hand on the head of the bull, and kill the bull before Hashem. 5 The anointed priest shall take some of the blood of the bull, and bring it to the Tent of Meeting. 6 The priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle some of the blood seven times before Hashem, before the veil of the sanctuary. 7 The priest shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of sweet incense before Hashem, which is in the Tent of Meeting; and he shall pour out the rest of the blood of the bull at the base of the altar of burnt offering, which is at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 8 He shall take all the fat of the bull of the sin offering from it: the fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards, 9 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall remove, 10 as it is removed from the bull of the sacrifice of peace offerings. The priest shall burn them on the altar of burnt offering. 11 He shall carry the bull’s skin, all its meat, with its head, and with its legs, its innards, and its dung 12 —all the rest of the bull—outside of the camp to a clean place where the ashes are poured out, and burn it on wood with fire. It shall be burned where the ashes are poured out.


13 “‘If the whole congregation of Israel sins, and the thing is hidden from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done any of the things which Hashem has commanded not to be done, and are guilty; 14 when the sin in which they have sinned is known, then the assembly shall offer a young bull for a sin offering, and bring it before the Tent of Meeting. 15 The elders of the congregation shall lay their hands on the head of the bull before Hashem; and the bull shall be killed before Hashem. 16 The anointed priest shall bring some of the blood of the bull to the Tent of Meeting. 17 The priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle it seven times before Hashem, before the veil. 18 He shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar which is before Hashem, that is in the Tent of Meeting; and the rest of the blood he shall pour out at the base of the altar of burnt offering, which is at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 19 All its fat he shall take from it, and burn it on the altar. 20 He shall do this with the bull; as he did with the bull of the sin offering, so he shall do with this; and the priest shall make atonement for them, and they shall be forgiven. 21 He shall carry the bull outside the camp, and burn it as he burned the first bull. It is the sin offering for the assembly.


22 “‘When a ruler sins, and unwittingly does any one of all the things which Hashem his Elohim has commanded not to be done, and is guilty, 23 if his sin in which he has sinned is made known to him, he shall bring as his offering a goat, a male without defect. 24 He shall lay his hand on the head of the goat, and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before Hashem. It is a sin offering. 25 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. He shall pour out the rest of its blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering. 26 All its fat he shall burn on the altar, like the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priest shall make atonement for him concerning his sin, and he will be forgiven.



Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Vayikra - Reading #4

Vayikra  וַיִּקְרָא - And He Called

Leviticus 1:1-5:26


Reading #4 - Leviticus 3:1–17


My Thoughts:


Right away in this paragraph we learn that Hashem wants sacrifices that are the best -- without defect. And He still does. He wants our praise, prayer and repentance to be pure, honest and forthright. He doesn’t want distraction or second hand praise. He doesn’t want us to come before Him with sin on our heart. Examine your heart today and repent. Make things right with others and make things right with Hashem. 


Challenge:


Sometimes I have been in church or at a conference praising Hashem, but not with a pure heart. I may be distracted looking around, or caring what others think of how I am praising. I challenge you today, whether you are at home or in a group, a synagogue or a church -- that you devote your praise fully to Him. Go to Him with a repentant heart, washed with forgiveness. Picture yourself only with Him, praising Him with your whole heart. That’s what He is looking for. He wants all of us, not a part of us. Praise with sincerity and cleanliness. Remember He is the Elohim of the Universe. Praise Him!


Reading #4 - Leviticus 3:1–17


3 “‘If his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings, if he offers it from the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without defect before Hashem. 2 He shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the Tent of Meeting. Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall sprinkle the blood around on the altar. 3 He shall offer of the sacrifice of peace offerings, an offering made by fire to Hashem. The fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards, 4 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away. 5 Aaron’s sons shall burn it on the altar on the burnt offering, which is on the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem.


6 “‘If his offering for a sacrifice of peace offerings to Hashem is from the flock, either male or female, he shall offer it without defect. 7 If he offers a lamb for his offering, then he shall offer it before Hashem; 8 and he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it before the Tent of Meeting. Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar. 9 He shall offer from the sacrifice of peace offerings an offering made by fire to Hashem; its fat, the entire tail fat, he shall take away close to the backbone; and the fat that covers the entrails, and all the fat that is on the entrails, 10 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away. 11 The priest shall burn it on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire to Hashem.


12 “‘If his offering is a goat, then he shall offer it before Hashem. 13 He shall lay his hand on its head, and kill it before the Tent of Meeting; and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar. 14 He shall offer from it as his offering, an offering made by fire to Hashem; the fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards, 15 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, he shall take away. 16 The priest shall burn them on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire, for a pleasant aroma; all the fat is Hashem’s.


17 “‘It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwellings, that you shall eat neither fat nor blood.’”

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Vayikra - Reading #3

Vayikra  וַיִּקְרָא - And He Called

Leviticus 1:1-5:26


Reading #3 - Leviticus 2:7–16


My Thoughts:


In verse 13 Hashem is asking the meal offering to be seasoned with salt, because of the “salt covenant” with Him. In ancient days, covenants were sealed with salt. Making a covenant was a way of confirming a relationship. Salt gives flavor. Some sages say it represents fire and water. In this journey of the Israelites to the Land He has given them, there are many covenants being instituted. The covenant of following Torah is probably the largest. But in this small meal offering, we are reminded that we are in covenant with Hashem. And within that is great power and destiny.


Challenge:


Take some time today to think about what “covenants” or agreements you are in with Hashem. Are you following and obeying your covenant with Him regarding Torah? Are you in a marriage where you made a marital covenant before Hashem? Are you in covenant with Hashem regarding the Sabbath -- do you honor and preserve it? Review your covenants today and make a re-commitment to follow them. Worship and praise Hashem for your covenant relationship with Him. There is no other like it.


Reading #3 - Leviticus 2:7–16


7 If your offering is a meal offering of the pan, it shall be made of fine flour with oil. 8 You shall bring the meal offering that is made of these things to Hashem. It shall be presented to the priest, and he shall bring it to the altar. 9 The priest shall take from the meal offering its memorial, and shall burn it on the altar, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem. 10 That which is left of the meal offering shall be Aaron’s and his sons’. It is a most holy part of the offerings of Hashem made by fire.


11 “‘No meal offering which you shall offer to Hashem shall be made with yeast; for you shall burn no yeast, nor any honey, as an offering made by fire to Hashem. 12 As an offering of first fruits you shall offer them to Hashem, but they shall not rise up as a pleasant aroma on the altar. 13 Every offering of your meal offering you shall season with salt. You shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your Elohim to be lacking from your meal offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt.


14 “‘If you offer a meal offering of first fruits to Hashem, you shall offer for the meal offering of your first fruits fresh heads of grain parched with fire and crushed. 15 You shall put oil on it and lay frankincense on it. It is a meal offering. 16 The priest shall burn as its memorial part of its crushed grain and part of its oil, along with all its frankincense. It is an offering made by fire to Hashem.


Monday, March 18, 2024

Vayikra - Reading #2

Vayikra  וַיִּקְרָא - And He Called

Leviticus 1:1-5:26


Reading #2 - Leviticus 1:14–2:6


My Thoughts:


In verse 3 we read that whatever is left over from the offering can be eaten by Aaron. When I was in Israel the first time, we went on a little tour in Cana. A man dressed up as a shepherd took us on a walk. The one thing I remember that he said was “G-d doesn’t waste anything”. I don’t remember what context he said this in – maybe he was talking about plants on the path. The point was that Hashem uses everything and doesn’t waste. So it is with the offerings. Either they are consumed by fire, or they are offered to the priests for food. And maybe later as greater offerings were given, back to the people for food? I really don’t imagine any was thrown out or wasted. This is an important message in our lives -- not to waste food. Let’s be more careful.


Challenge:


I read today how the grain offering was given as a sign of worship and appreciation for Hashem’s provision. It was given after an animal sacrifice and was voluntary. Our worship of Hashem should be like this. It should be voluntary and for appreciation of His provision. If Hashem has blessed you recently (really He blesses every day, sometimes several times!), then consider giving Him an offering of worship. This can be by song, reciting a prayer or words of thanksgiving. Amen.


See Psalm 145. What a wonderful Scripture to praise Him with.


Reading #2 - Leviticus 1:14–2:6


1:14 “‘If his offering to Hashem is a burnt offering of birds, then he shall offer his offering from turtledoves or of young pigeons. 15 The priest shall bring it to the altar, and wring off its head, and burn it on the altar; and its blood shall be drained out on the side of the altar; 16 and he shall take away its crop and its feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, in the place of the ashes. 17 He shall tear it by its wings, but shall not divide it apart. The priest shall burn it on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem..


2 “‘When anyone offers an offering of a meal offering to Hashem, his offering shall be of fine flour. He shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense on it. 2 He shall bring it to Aaron’s sons, the priests. He shall take his handful of its fine flour, and of its oil, with all its frankincense, and the priest shall burn its memorial on the altar, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem. 3 That which is left of the meal offering shall be Aaron’s and his sons’. It is a most holy part of the offerings of Hashem made by fire.


4 “‘When you offer an offering of a meal offering baked in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil. 5 If your offering is a meal offering made on a griddle, it shall be of unleavened fine flour, mixed with oil. 6 You shall cut it in pieces, and pour oil on it. It is a meal offering.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Vayikra - Reading #1

Vayikra  וַיִּקְרָא - And He Called

Leviticus 1:1-5:26

Reading #1 - Leviticus 1:1–13


My Thoughts:


We read in verse 13 that the offerings are a “pleasant aroma” to Hashem. I’ve always kind of wondered about this. If Hashem creates animals, why would their killing and “roasting” be pleasant to Him. But, as I have studied more, I believe what Hashem finds “pleasant” is that His people are being obedient. He does provide for them to eat of the meat afterwards (however, sometimes the entire offering is consumed by fire). Just as a parent is happy when his/her child obeys -- so must be Hashem. That is what is pleasant to Him is our obeying His Commandments. Are we doing that every day?


Challenge:


We read in verse 11 that the offering is prepared “before Hashem”. It’s almost like they do this in front of Him for His approval. That makes total sense. Like a King sitting before His servants witnessing their acts of servitude and obedience. My challenge today is do you go “before” Hashem in prayer and worship? Sometimes we get in the habit of just praying without a lot of thought. We should not take communication with Hashem lightly. Let’s go before Him with reverence and consideration of who He is. Let’s start doing this today!


Reading #1 - Leviticus 1:1–13


Leviticus 1:1 Hashem called to Moses, and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘When anyone of you offers an offering to Hashem, you shall offer your offering of the livestock, from the herd and from the flock.


3 “‘If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without defect. He shall offer it at the door of the Tent of Meeting, that he may be accepted before Hashem. 4 He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. 5 He shall kill the bull before Hashem. Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall present the blood and sprinkle the blood around on the altar that is at the door of the Tent of Meeting. 6 He shall skin the burnt offering and cut it into pieces. 7 The sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar, and lay wood in order on the fire; 8 and Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall lay the pieces, the head, and the fat in order on the wood that is on the fire which is on the altar; 9 but he shall wash its innards and its legs with water. The priest shall burn all of it on the altar, for a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem.


10 “‘If his offering is from the flock, from the sheep or from the goats, for a burnt offering, he shall offer a male without defect. 11 He shall kill it on the north side of the altar before Hashem. Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar. 12 He shall cut it into its pieces, with its head and its fat. The priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is on the altar, 13 but the innards and the legs he shall wash with water. The priest shall offer the whole, and burn it on the altar. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem.


Vayikra - Week #1

Vayikra  וַיִּקְרָא - And He Called

Leviticus 1:1-5:26

Isaiah 43:21-44:23

Matthew 5:23-30


1.1 First reading — Leviticus 1:1–13

1.2 Second reading — Leviticus 1:14–2:6

1.3 Third reading — Leviticus 2:7–16

1.4 Fourth reading — Leviticus 3:1–17

1.5 Fifth reading — Leviticus 4:1–26

1.6 Sixth reading — Leviticus 4:27–5:10

1.7 Seventh reading — Leviticus 5:11–26