Va'eira - Day #1

Va'eira  וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared  

Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35

Exodus 6:2–13

6:2 Elohim spoke to Moses and said to him, “I am Hashem. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as Elohim Almighty; but by My name Hashem I was not known to them. 4 I have also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their travels, in which they lived as aliens. 5 Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. 6 Therefore, tell the children of Israel, ‘I am Hashem, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments. 7 I will take you to Myself for a people. I will be your Elohim, and you shall know that I am Hashem your Elohim, who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it to you for a heritage: I am Hashem.’”

9 Moses spoke so to the children of Israel, but they didn’t listen to Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

10 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 11 “Go in, speak to Pharaoh king of Egypt, that he let the children of Israel go out of his land.”

12 Moses spoke before Hashem, saying, “Behold, the children of Israel haven’t listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, when I have uncircumcised lips?” 13 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, and gave them a command to the children of Israel, and to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.

Today’s Meditation:

Exodus is about the nation of Israel's birth. Hashem promises to take His people out of Egypt and bring them into freedom, into the promised Land. And He will do so with an outstretched arm. I’ve often thought of that description of an “outstretched arm,” and I believe it means He is holding out His arms to us. Much like when a grandparent holds out their arms for a little toddler, so that he/she can jump into them. It is such a beautiful picture of His unconditional love for us. And that is precisely what He did when He heard the cries of His people in Egypt. He stretched out His arms and said, “Come and follow Me. I will deliver you.”

Today’s Challenge:

Do you reach out to others with your arms? Think about the last time you did so. It’s something we need to do more often with those we love, and even with friends. Showing love, and even unconditional love, is what will heal our planet. And not only showing, but also saying, “I love you.” It melts hearts and restores relationships, just what Hashem wants.

Shemot - Day #7

Shemot, שְׁמוֹת - Names  

Torah Portion: Exodus 1:1-6:1

Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23

Shabbat: Exodus 5:1–6:1

5 Afterward, Moses and Aaron came and said to Pharaoh, “This is what Hashem, the Elohim of Israel, says, ‘Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.’”

2 Pharaoh said, “Who is Hashem, that I should listen to His voice to let Israel go? I don’t know Hashem, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.”

3 They said, “The Elohim of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to Hashem, our Elohim, lest He fall on us with pestilence, or with the sword.”

4 The king of Egypt said to them, “Why do you, Moses and Aaron, take the people from their work? Get back to your burdens!” 5 Pharaoh said, “Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens.” 6 The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their officers, saying, 7 “You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick, as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves. 8 You shall require from them the number of the bricks which they made before. You shall not diminish anything of it, for they are idle. Therefore, they cry, saying, ‘Let’s go and sacrifice to our G-d.’ 9 Let heavier work be laid on the men, that they may labor in it. Don’t let them pay any attention to lying words.”

10 The taskmasters of the people went out with their officers, and they spoke to the people, saying, “This is what Pharaoh says: ‘I will not give you straw. 11 Go yourselves, get straw where you can find it, for nothing of your work shall be diminished.’” 

12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw. 13 The taskmasters were urgent, saying, “Fulfill your work quota daily, as when there was straw!” 14 The officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and were asked, “Why haven’t you fulfilled your quota both yesterday and today, in making brick as before?”

15 Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, saying, “Why do you deal this way with your servants? 16 No straw is given to your servants, and they tell us, ‘Make brick!’ and behold, your servants are beaten; but the fault is in your own people.”

17 But Pharaoh said, “You are idle! You are idle! Therefore, you say, ‘Let’s go and sacrifice to Hashem.’ 18 Go therefore now, and work; for no straw shall be given to you; yet you shall deliver the same number of bricks!”

19 The officers of the children of Israel saw that they were in trouble when it was said, “You shall not diminish anything from your daily quota of bricks!”

20 They met Moses and Aaron, who stood along the way, as they came out from Pharaoh. 21 They said to them, “May Hashem look at you and judge, because you have made us a stench to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to kill us!”

22 Moses returned to Hashem, and said, “Hashem, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it that you have sent me? 23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has brought trouble on these people. You have not rescued Your people at all!”

6 Hashem said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh, for by a strong hand he shall let them go, and by a strong hand he shall drive them out of his land.”

Today’s Meditation:

There is sometimes trouble and storm before a deliverance. Things got way worse for the Hebrews before Hashem led them out to freedom. Why? Is it a matter of faith, of testing? At the time of this writing, our country (the USA) is going through some difficult times. To look at what is happening makes you feel like you are in an alternate universe. Yet many, many firm believers know that Hashem will deliver us from this trouble. Sometimes, He waits until the very last moment. And that’s when many believers fall away. I must admit, this is a powerful test of our faith. We are all trying hard to keep our eyes on Hashem, the author and finisher of our faith. To not look to the right or to the left, but only to Him. And we keep praying that His Truth will reign.

Today’s Challenge:

If you are going through what seems like an impossible time right now, or if you know someone who is, I encourage you to look to Hashem. I remember when one of my daughters was young and had a severe medical problem. We were waiting to get test results and a diagnosis. I was a mess, but my husband remained steady in his faith. He went out in the hospital hallway and started praising Hashem for everything. I sat numb next to him and tried to do the same. It was hard. The next day, we found out her tests were negative, and she did not have cancer. Then it was easy to praise Him. But, during the deepest part of the situation, it was very, very difficult. 

So, if you know someone who is going through a difficult time, start praising Hashem. Think of all the wonderful things He has done for you and give him praise and thanks. No matter how hard it is, thank Him for what He is doing even in your difficult situation. 

This Week’s Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23

27:6 In days to come, Jacob will take root. Israel will blossom and bud. They will fill the surface of the world with fruit. 7 Has he struck them as he struck those who struck them? Or are they killed like those who killed them were killed? 8 In measure, when you send them away, you contend with them. He has removed them with his rough blast in the day of the east wind. 9 Therefore by this the iniquity of Jacob will be forgiven, and this is all the fruit of taking away his sin: that he makes all the stones of the altar as chalk stones that are beaten in pieces, so that the Asherah poles and the incense altars shall rise no more. 10 For the fortified city is solitary, a habitation deserted and forsaken, like the wilderness. The calf will feed there, and there he will lie down, and consume its branches. 11 When its boughs are withered, they will be broken off. The women will come and set them on fire, for they are a people of no understanding. Therefore, he who made them will not have compassion on them, and he who formed them will show them no favor.

12 It will happen in that day that Hashem will thresh from the flowing stream of the Euphrates to the brook of Egypt; and you will be gathered one by one, children of Israel.

13 It will happen in that day that a great trumpet will be blown; and those who were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and those who were outcasts in the land of Egypt, shall come; and they will worship Hashem in the holy mountain at Jerusalem.

28 Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to the fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley of those who are overcome with wine! 2 Behold, Hashem has a mighty and strong one. Like a storm of hail, a destroying storm, and like a storm of mighty waters overflowing, He will cast them down to the earth with His hand. 3 The crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim will be trodden under foot. 4 The fading flower of His glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley, shall be like the first-ripe fig before the summer; which someone picks and eats as soon as he sees it. 5 In that day, Hashem of Armies will become a crown of glory and a diadem of beauty to the residue of His people, 6 and a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

7 They also reel with wine, and stagger with strong drink. The priest and the prophet reel with strong drink. They are swallowed up by wine. They stagger with strong drink. They err in vision. They stumble in judgment. 8 For all tables are completely full of filthy vomit and filthiness.

9 Whom will He teach knowledge? To whom will He explain the message? Those who are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts? 10 For it is precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little.

11 But He will speak to this nation with stammering lips and in another language, 12 to whom He said, “This is the resting place. Give rest to the weary,” and “This is the refreshing;” yet they would not hear. 13 Therefore Hashem’s word will be to them precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little; that they may go, fall backward, be broken, be snared, and be taken.

Isaiah 29:22-23

29:22 Therefore Hashem, who redeemed Abraham, says concerning the house of Jacob: “Jacob shall no longer be ashamed, neither shall his face grow pale. 23 But when he sees his children, the work of My hands, in the middle of him, they will sanctify My name. Yes, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the Elohim of Israel.

Today’s Haftarah Meditation:

What an encouraging reminder in verse 13. On that day, we will be gathered and returned to Jerusalem to worship on His holy mountain. There He will be, His glory emanating from the Holy Temple. Shouldn’t we be getting ready for that day? Shouldn’t our hearts be prepared? Repent, give restitution, pray, and ask Hashem to come back. Ask Him to come back to the new Temple prepared for His glory in Jerusalem. The Temple that either He or we prepare for His residence. This is real. Do a Bible study about Hashem’s returning glory. You will be blessed.

Today’s Haftarah Challenge:

Almost every day, I challenge you to examine yourselves for sin and an unrepentant heart. Today I will do the same. Take a moment of silence and go before Hashem. Ask Him for forgiveness for what you have done and strength to correct it. Ask Him for a way to make restitution. And then carry out what He tells you. Do not delay. He may come back at any time.

Shemot - Day #6

Shemot, שְׁמוֹת - Names  

Torah Portion: Exodus 1:1-6:1

Exodus 4:18–31

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

Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today’s Meditation:

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

Today’s Challenge:

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

Shemot - Day #5

Shemot, שְׁמוֹת - Names  

Torah Portion: Exodus 1:1-6:1

Exodus 3:16–4:17

3:16 Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and tell them, ‘Hashem, the Elohim of your fathers, the Elohim of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt. 17 I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, to a land flowing with milk and honey.”’ 18 They will listen to your voice. You shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt, and you shall tell him, ‘Hashem, the Elohim of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to Hashem, our Elohim.’ 19 I know that the king of Egypt won’t give you permission to go, no, not by a mighty hand. 20 I will reach out my hand and strike Egypt with all my wonders which I will do among them, and after that, he will let you go. 21 I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, and it will happen that when you go, you shall not go empty-handed. 22 But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, and of her who visits her house, jewels of silver, jewels of gold, and clothing. You shall put them on your sons, and on your daughters. You shall plunder the Egyptians.”

4 Moses answered, “But, behold, they will not believe me, nor listen to my voice; for they will say, ‘Hashem has not appeared to you.’”

2 Hashem said to him, “What is that in your hand?”

He said, “A rod.”

3 He said, “Throw it on the ground.”

He threw it on the ground, and it became a snake; and Moses ran away from it.

4 Hashem said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand, and take it by the tail.”

He stretched out his hand, and took hold of it, and it became a rod in his hand.

5 “This is so that they may believe that Hashem, the Elohiim of their fathers, the Elohim of Abraham, the Elohim of Isaac, and the Elohim of Jacob, has appeared to you.” 6 Hashem said furthermore to him, “Now put your hand inside your cloak.”

He put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, as white as snow.

7 He said, “Put your hand inside your cloak again.”

He put his hand inside his cloak again, and when he took it out of his cloak, behold, it had turned again as his other flesh.

8 “It will happen, if they will not believe you or listen to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign. 9 It will happen, if they will not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, that you shall take of the water of the river, and pour it on the dry land. The water which you take out of the river will become blood on the dry land.”

10 Moses said to Hashem, “O Hashem, I am not eloquent, neither before now, nor since you have spoken to your servant; for I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.”

11 Hashem said to him, “Who made man’s mouth? Or who makes one mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Isn’t it I, Hashem? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall speak.”

13 Moses said, “Oh, Lord, please send someone else.”14 Hashem’s anger burned against Moses, and he said, “What about Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Also, behold, he is coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 You shall speak to him, and put the words in his mouth. I will be with your mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what you shall do. 16 He will be your spokesman to the people. It will happen that he will be to you a mouth, and you will be to him as God. 17 You shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.”

Today’s Meditation:

Hashem is determined to use Moses. Even though he is scared and objects. What is so interesting is that Hashem works through his doubts with him. He promises to do miracles, signs, and wonders. He will make Moses' rod perform extraordinary acts to convince the people. And Hashem promises to put words into his mouth to speak. Moses is still afraid. Hashem gets a little upset with him, but then agrees to use his brother Aaron as a mouthpiece. It’s like Hashem is telling Moses, “Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.” 

Isn’t that what Hashem does with us? He tells us to do something, and we give a thousand excuses; yet He stays with us through it all. It is very wonderful. So, don’t be afraid to carry out Hashem’s task. He is there, and He will help you.

Today’s Challenge:

I have a brave challenge for you today. Look around you and see if Hashem is showing you something that someone needs. Take that need, pray about it, and ask Hashem to do a miracle. Don’t do anything (unless Hashem tells you to), pray about it. See what He does. Be sure to pray His will in the situation. You may be super surprised at His answer to your prayer.