Thursday, May 9, 2024

Kedoshim - Reading #5

Kedoshim - Holy  קְדשִׁים

Torah Portion: Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27


Reading #5 -  Leviticus 20:1–7


My Thoughts:


Again we are learning about Hashem’s extreme disregard for child sacrifice. The penalties for this are death itself to the person committing the crime. So, what has changed if we look at today? We “sacrifice” pre-born babies (children) to the gods of convenience, selfishness, fear, abuse, economics, etc. through abortion. Our country (the United States) and other countries (even Israel) have been torn apart regarding this controversial issue of life. But, why is it controversial? Why do people defend the right to “choice” – the legal right to abort (kill) your developing baby? I’m afraid the root of all this is very deep. And the consequences go far and wide. If you have had an abortion or helped someone to get one, now is the time to go earnestly before Hashem to ask for forgiveness. From my understanding, He will forgive you. And then make a strong effort to support women around you who do get pregnant unexpectedly – help them not to make the same mistake. It’s time for all of us to change and get on Hashem’s path of life. Amen.


Challenge:


Again we learn about not following or seeking mediums and wizards. Here is the question I have about this. If we watch shows about magic, mediums, the darker side of the world – is that disobedience? We may not be performing the task, but we are watching someone else do so. And when you watch a movie/TV show – aren’t you participating in this somehow? If you buy products, games, and apparel that are produced by companies that promote magic (mediums, wizards, etc.) – isn’t that the same as participating in the act itself? We all need to take a hard look at what we do with magic. We need to repent, turn away and change. Today.


20:1 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Moreover, you shall tell the children of Israel, ‘Anyone of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners in Israel, who gives any of his offspring to Molech shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone that person with stones. 3 I also will set my face against that person, and will cut him off from among his people, because he has given of his offspring to Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane My holy name. 4 If the people of the land all hide their eyes from that person when he gives of his offspring to Molech, and don’t put him to death, 5 then I will set my face against that man and against his family, and will cut him off, and all who play the prostitute after him to play the prostitute with Molech, from among their people.


6 “‘The person that turns to those who are mediums and wizards, to play the prostitute after them, I will even set my face against that person, and will cut him off from among his people.


7 “‘Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am Hashem your Adonai.


Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Kedoshim - Reading #4

Kedoshim - Holy  קְדשִׁים
Torah Portion: Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27

Reading #4 - Leviticus 19:33–37


My Thoughts:


Verse 33 we learn that Hashem is believing that a stranger that lives as a foreigner is to be the same as a fellow Jew. This is the most amazing thing about Hashem – He loves us all. He loves His chosen people, the Jews, and He loves those who are not Jews. He wants them all to join together and be as one. He loves community and unity. Can we please remember this? He has a special place in His heart for all of us, whether Jew or non-Jew. And someday we will see this for real. In the Olam Haba (world to come) we will all be bowing our knees to the King of Kings. Serving and worshiping the one true Elohim. Amen!


Challenge:


In verse 35 we learn about balances and weights and keeping honest. If your butcher asked you how much the steak you were buying weighed (and trusted you) and you told him a lesser weight to get a deal – then you would be in violation of this commandment. But, at the heart of this commandment is being “fair” in all things. Are you “cheating” anyone, on anything? Examine your heart about this. It could be in your words or in your deeds. It could be materially or non-materially. Make sure you are being truthful and honest. Giving people what they deserve. A simple example of this would be when you tip a waiter/waitress. Give her/him what they are worth. Do not come up short and walk away. This is the challenge.


Leviticus 19:33 “‘If a stranger lives as a foreigner with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. 34 The stranger who lives as a foreigner with you shall be to you as the native-born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you lived as foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am Hashem your Adonai..


35 “‘You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in measures of length, of weight, or of quantity. 36 You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin. I am Hashem your Adonai, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.


37 “‘You shall observe all my statutes and all my ordinances, and do them. I am Hashem.’”




Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Kedoshim - Reading #3

Kedoshim - Holy  קְדשִׁים
Torah Portion: Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27

Reading #3 - Leviticus 19:23–32


My Thoughts:


Today’s reading is quite interesting. We have commands not to practice sorcery, nor consult wizards or mediums (verses 26 and 31). I remember my sister a few years ago was consulting a medium. She said she wasn’t really that interested but her daughter was bringing her there and encouraging her to go. I explained to her that G-d has a commandment about mediums and to go to one was a sin. She acted really surprised and to my amazement said, “Well, I guess if it’s a sin I won’t go anymore.” And to my knowledge she never has. Standing up for Hashem’s commands is really important. Sometimes people just don’t know. It can be “life-saving”!


Challenge:


One year, not too long ago, my husband planted a cherry tree in our backyard. I told him about this commandment and he wasn’t sure it “applied” to us. But, interesting enough, this cherry tree took about five years to blossom and produce fruit. I thought that was pretty interesting. It’s like nature obeys Hashem before we do! He is the creator and all of creation knows Him! So, here’s my challenge today. If you are planting a fruit tree – plan to wait five years before eating its fruit! Be patient and obey. Amen.


Leviticus 19:23 “‘When you come into the land, and have planted all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count their fruit as forbidden.  For three years it shall be forbidden to you. It shall not be eaten. 24 But in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, for giving praise to Hashem. 25 In the fifth year you shall eat its fruit, that it may yield its increase to you. I am Hashem your Adonai.


26 “‘You shall not eat any meat with the blood still in it. You shall not use enchantments, nor practice sorcery.


27 “‘You shall not cut the hair on the sides of your head or clip off the edge of your beard.


28 “‘You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Hashem.


29 “‘Don’t profane your daughter, to make her a prostitute; lest the land fall to prostitution, and the land become full of wickedness.


30 “‘You shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence My sanctuary; I am Hashem.


31 “‘Don’t turn to those who are mediums, nor to the wizards. Don’t seek them out, to be defiled by them. I am Hashem your Adonai.


32 “‘You shall rise up before the gray head and honor the face of the elderly; and you shall fear your Elohim. I am Hashem.


Monday, May 6, 2024

Kedoshim - Reading #2

Kedoshim - Holy  קְדשִׁים
Torah Portion: Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27

Reading #2 — Leviticus 19:15–22


My Thoughts:


Looking at today’s commands, verse 16 stands out to me “You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people.” This is speaking about gossip. You may think you do not gossip about people. But, even bringing up someone and what they did can be gossiping. Be very careful about what you say to people about other people. You may think you are just figuring out some problem, if so bring that problem to Hashem. Yes, you should have a prayer partner or spouse that you share things with. But, other than that we must watch what we say to others. It can easily become slander. Right?


Challenge:


Verse 17 and the second most important commandment - “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The first being to love Hashem with all your heart, soul and strength (the Shema). Just think what a changed and wonderful world we would have if everyone followed these two commands! And to love your neighbor means even if they are unpleasant, or have hurt you. Forgive them, pray for them and love them. We are to love our enemies and pray for them. Guaranteed this will make the world such a better place. Start doing this today. Pray and ask Hashem who your neighbor is and how you are to treat them. Do special things. Love them, unconditionally. Amen.


19:15 “‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor show favoritism to the great; but you shall judge your neighbor in righteousness.


16 “‘You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people.


“‘You shall not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am Hashem.


17 “‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.


18 “‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Hashem.


19 “‘You shall keep my statutes.


“‘You shall not cross-breed different kinds of animals.


“‘You shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed;


“‘Don’t wear a garment made of two kinds of material.


20 “‘If a man lies carnally with a woman who is a slave girl, pledged to be married to another man, and not ransomed or given her freedom; they shall be punished. They shall not be put to death, because she was not free. 21 He shall bring his trespass offering to Hashem, to the door of the Tent of Meeting, even a ram for a trespass offering. 22 The priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before Hashem for his sin which he has committed; and the sin which he has committed shall be forgiven him.


Sunday, May 5, 2024

Kedoshim - Reading #1

Kedoshim - Holy  קְדשִׁים
Torah Portion: Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27

Reading #1 — Leviticus 19:1–14


My Thoughts:


Hashem starts this section with “Be holy, for I am holy.” Then He explains how to be holy. If we follow His commands – we will grow to be holy. You may be thinking that it is impossible to be holy. But, it’s not. It’s just what He wants from us because He wants us to be the best that we can be. And if you are loving Him with everything you have, and you are loving others – well then, you are on your way to holiness!


Challenge:


These commandments are pretty simple. There is nothing hard or difficult to understand about them. Respect your parents, honor the Sabbath, don’t lie, steal, take care of your neighbor, etc. You may be thinking that you do all these things. But, I challenge you today to really take a hard look at your life and see if indeed you are doing these things. Are you really keeping the Sabbath, or do you excuse some small things on that special day believing that Hashem will forgive you. Or do you really respect your parents or are you complaining that you have to do so much for them? Are you taking care of the poor or are you spending your money on frivolous items instead? Review your life and change what needs to be changed. And I will do the same. Amen.


Reading #1 — Leviticus 19:1–14


Leviticus 19:1 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘You shall be holy; for I, Hashem your Elohim, am holy.


3 “‘Each one of you shall respect his mother and his father. You shall keep my Sabbaths. I am Hashem your Elohim.


4 “‘Don’t turn to idols, nor make molten gods for yourselves. I am Hashem your Elohim.


5 “‘When you offer a sacrifice of peace offerings to Hashem, you shall offer it so that you may be accepted. 6 It shall be eaten the same day you offer it, and on the next day. If anything remains until the third day, it shall be burned with fire. 7 If it is eaten at all on the third day, it is an abomination. It will not be accepted; 8 but everyone who eats it shall bear his iniquity, because he has profaned the holy thing of Hashem, and that soul shall be cut off from his people.


9 “‘When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field, neither shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. 10 You shall not glean your vineyard, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the foreigner. I am Hashem your Elohim.


11 “‘You shall not steal.


“‘You shall not lie.


“‘You shall not deceive one another.


12 “‘You shall not swear by My name falsely, and profane the name of your Elohim. I am Hashem.


13 “‘You shall not oppress your neighbor, nor rob him.


“‘The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning.


14 “‘You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind; but you shall fear your Elohim. I am Hashem.


Kedoshim - Week #12

Kedoshim - Holy  קְדשִׁים

Torah Portion: Leviticus 19:1 - 20:27

Haftarah: Amos 9:7-15

Apostolic Scripture: Mark 12:28-34



1.1 First reading — Leviticus 19:1–14

1.2 Second reading — Leviticus 19:15–22

1.3 Third reading — Leviticus 19:23–32

1.4 Fourth reading — Leviticus 19:33–37

1.5 Fifth reading — Leviticus 20:1–7

1.6 Sixth reading — Leviticus 20:8–22

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Acharei - Reading #7

Acharei Mot - After the death אַחֲרֵי מוֹת 


Torah Portion: Leviticus 16:1-18:30

Haftarah: Ezekiel 22:1-19

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 15:10-20; Mark 12:28-34


My Thoughts:


Hashem is teaching here that sexual sin brings defilement to the land. In other words, sin is so detrimental it affects the land you live in. And as the new Israelites were getting ready to inhabit the promised land (that was promised to their fathers) with that came a set of laws. How to live in the land in a peaceful, loving and G-dly way. A way that would honor Hashem and would not take away from Him. I think we forget how when we sin it affects literally everything and everyone around us. Hashem wanted His people to come into a special place, serve Him, love Him and live together in G-dliness. If you study Torah you will see His commandments to be so fair, so gracious and full of compassion. Just like Him.


Challenge:


In verse 30 we read, “Therefore you shall keep My requirements, that you do not practice any of these abominable customs which were practiced before you…”. Again, Hashem is preparing His people to go into a land where sin abounds. But, He doesn’t want them to be influenced or affected by the sins of the people who inhabited the land before them. Just like now. I believe Hashem does not want us to be “influenced” by others in the world around us and fall “prey” to the same sins as the world permeates. Instead He gives us His eternal word, His Torah, to follow to keep us on His path. Review your life today and see where you are faltering in following Hashem. Then make the necessary corrections. His way is the only true way. And we know this in our hearts.


Reading #7 - Leviticus 18:22–30


18:22 “‘You shall not lie with a man as with a woman. That is detestable.


23 “‘You shall not lie with any animal to defile yourself with it. No woman may give herself to an animal, to lie down with it: it is a perversion.


24 “‘Don’t defile yourselves in any of these things; for in all these the nations which I am casting out before you were defiled. 25 The land was defiled. Therefore I punished its iniquity, and the land vomited out her inhabitants. 26 You therefore shall keep My statutes and My ordinances, and shall not do any of these abominations; neither the native-born, nor the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you 27 (for the men of the land that were before you had done all these abominations, and the land became defiled), 28 that the land not vomit you out also, when you defile it, as it vomited out the nation that was before you.


29 “‘For whoever shall do any of these abominations, even the souls that do them shall be cut off from among their people. 30 Therefore you shall keep My requirements, that you do not practice any of these abominable customs which were practiced before you, and that you do not defile yourselves with them. I am Hashem your Elohim.’”


Haftarah


My Thoughts:


What are the consequences for disregarding the Law? Verse 15 clearly displays the wrath of Hashem, I will scatter you among the nations, and disperse you through the countries. I will consume your filthiness out of you.” As we have learned throughout Scripture, when Hashem’s people are in disobedience – He scatters them. He allows them to be conquered and dispersed among the nations. This happened two thousand years ago when Rome came and destroyed Jerusalem and the Jewish people fled to the mountains. And it has taken all this time of repentance and prayers to return.That’s the awesome thing about Hashem. He is a G-d of second chances. We are witnessing the returning of the Jews to their homeland for the past 75 years or so. It is amazing and it is miraculous. But, it requires obedience to be sustained. I pray that Hashem’s people will honor and obey Him and stay in the land. Amen.


Challenge:


Hashem requires love and obedience. In return, He blesses us abundantly. That seems pretty fair to me, does it to you? It shouldn’t be so hard to follow Hashem. To be set apart, is a privilege not a burden. Look at your own heart today and see who you are following. I say, choose Adonai.


Haftarah: Ezekiel 22:1-19


22 Moreover Hashem’s word came to me, saying, 2 “You, son of man, will you judge? Will you judge the bloody city? Then cause her to know all her abominations. 3 You shall say, ‘Adonai Hashem says: “A city that sheds blood within herself, that her time may come, and that makes idols against herself to defile her! 4 You have become guilty in your blood that you have shed, and are defiled in your idols which you have made! You have caused your days to draw near, and have come even to your years. Therefore I have made you a reproach to the nations, and a mocking to all the countries. 5 Those who are near, and those who are far from you, will mock you, you infamous one, full of tumult.


6 “‘“Behold, the princes of Israel, everyone according to his power, have been in you to shed blood. 7 In you have they treated father and mother with contempt. Among you they have oppressed the foreigner. In you they have wronged the fatherless and the widow. 8 You have despised My holy things, and have profaned My Sabbaths. 9 Slanderous men have been in you to shed blood. In you they have eaten on the mountains. They have committed lewdness among you. 10 In you have they uncovered their fathers’ nakedness. In you have they humbled her who was unclean in her impurity. 11 One has committed abomination with his neighbor’s wife; and another has lewdly defiled his daughter-in-law. Another in you has humbled his sister, his father’s daughter. 12 In you have they taken bribes to shed blood. You have taken interest and increase, and you have greedily gained of your neighbors by oppression, and have forgotten Me,” says Adonai Hashem.


13 “‘“Behold, therefore I have struck my hand at your dishonest gain which you have made, and at your blood which has been within you. 14 Can your heart endure, or can your hands be strong, in the days that I will deal with you? I, Hashem, have spoken it, and will do it. 15 I will scatter you among the nations, and disperse you through the countries. I will consume your filthiness out of you. 16 You will be profaned in yourself, in the sight of the nations. Then you will know that I am Hashem.”’”


17 Hashem’s word came to me, saying, 18 “Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to me. All of them are bronze, tin, iron, and lead in the middle of the furnace. They are the dross of silver. 19 Therefore the Adonai Hashme says: ‘Because you have all become dross, therefore, behold, I will gather you into the middle of Jerusalem.


Apostolic Scripture:


My Thoughts:


In the Mark scripture, Yeshua is summarizing the Torah. First and greatest commandment is to love Hashem with everything you have. The second is to love one another. I really believe Yeshua came to teach the “heart” of Torah, that HE IS the heart of Torah! He doesn’t teach that we are to just “do” the commandments but we are to follow the heart, the essence of them. Isn’t that so beautiful?


Challenge:


So, in Matthew here Yeshua is saying that what is really important is what you speak. Yes, it is important to follow the dietary laws, of course. To disobey them is sin. But, again, He goes to the heart of Torah and says what affects the world around you is what you say. Today I was standing in front of an abortion clinic holding a sign that said, “Pray to End Abortion.” That’s it, no graphic pictures or condemnation. Just pray. And people would go by and yell out obscenities and mean words to us. Along with finger gestures. It was so hurtful and felt so sad. That people could be so angry about someone standing in front of a place that literally rips apart babies in the womb – only ironically not angry at the doctors or nurses – but at me. The person praying in front of the clinic for the women and men in this difficult situation. Words are powerful and we need to be so careful about what we speak, myself included. Hashem forgive me for the times I have spoken out and hurt people. And Adonai bless those who were angry today – that they may find the eternal love of the Master.


Matthew 15:10-20


10 He summoned the multitude, and said to them, “Hear, and understand. 11 That which enters into the mouth doesn’t defile the man; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man.”


12 Then the disciples came, and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”


13 But he answered, “Every plant which my heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted. 14 Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.”


15 Peter answered him, “Explain the parable to us.”


16 So Yeshua said, “Do you also still not understand? 17 Don’t you understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly and then out of the body? 18 But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies. 20 These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn’t defile the man.”



Mark 12:28-34


28 One of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together, and knowing that He had answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the greatest of all?”


29 Yeshua answered, “The greatest is, ‘Hear, Israel, Hashem our Adonai, Hashem is one: 30 you shall love Adonai Hashem with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 The second is like this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”


32 The scribe said to him, “Truly, teacher, you have said well that he is one, and there is none other but he, 33 and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself, is more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”


34 When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from God’s Kingdom.”


No one dared ask him any question after that.