Beha'alotcha - Day #2

Beha’alotcha בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ - In Your Uplifting  

Torah Portion: Numbers 8:1-12:16

Numbers 8:15–26

8:15 “After that, the Levites shall go in to do the service of the Tent of Meeting. You shall cleanse them, and offer them as a wave offering. 16 For they are wholly given to Me from among the children of Israel; instead of all who open the womb, even the firstborn of all the children of Israel, I have taken them to Me. 17 For all the firstborn among the children of Israel are mine, both man and animal. On the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified them for myself. 18 I have taken the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel. 19 I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the Tent of Meeting, and to make atonement for the children of Israel, so that there will be no plague among the children of Israel when the children of Israel come near to the sanctuary.”

20 Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel did so to the Levites. According to all that Hashem commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so the children of Israel did to them. 21 The Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them for a wave offering before Hashem, and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them. 22 After that, the Levites went in to do their service in the Tent of Meeting before Aaron and before his sons: as Hashem had commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so they did to them.

23 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “This is what is assigned to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall go in to wait on the service in the work of the Tent of Meeting; 25 and from the age of fifty years they shall retire from doing the work, and shall serve no more, 26 but shall assist their brothers in the Tent of Meeting, to perform the duty, and shall perform no service. This is how you shall have the Levites do their duties.”

Today’s Meditation:

This is so interesting in verse 19, Hashem explains that the priests (Levites) will make atonement for the people of Israel so that they are not afflicted with a plague as they approach the sanctuary area. In other words, Hashem is protecting His people from severe repercussions for attempting to approach the Temple without being prepared. The Levites, through Hashem’s instruction, will pave the way for them to come near. The Levites will make sacrifices that atone for the sins and the uncleanness of the people. Hashem has made a way for everyone to approach Him. We need to think about that for today.

Today’s Challenge:

If the Levites were giving offerings for the atonement of the people so they could come close to the sanctuary (come close to Hashem), how do we approach Hashem today? There is no Temple where His glory can reside, but, as throughout Torah and Scripture we read, Hashem communicates with His people. He either sent messengers, angels, dreams, or spoke in a still small voice. The point is, He has always reached out to His people. I don’t think we have been trained to hear from Hashem, or see what He is doing. 

Today is the day to start your training. Do something called “listening prayer”. Get to a quiet place. Pray and ask for forgiveness. Clear your mind. Ask Hashem to remove anything evil from your thoughts and then ask Him for what is on your heart. Take a short moment to listen to what He says. He may speak to you in a word picture, a Scripture verse, or just one word. Write it down. And then see how it applies to your life. Most importantly, do what He says. I have done this for years, and it is a very special way to communicate with Hashem.

Beha'alotcha - Day #1

Beha’alotcha בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ - In Your Uplifting  

Torah Portion: Numbers 8:1-12:16

Numbers 8:1–14

8:1 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to Aaron, and tell him, ‘When you light the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lamp stand.’”

3 Aaron did so. He lit its lamps to light the area in front of the lamp stand, as Hashem commanded Moses. 4 This was the workmanship of the lamp stand, beaten work of gold. From its base to its flowers, it was beaten work. He made the lampstand according to the pattern which Hashem had shown Moses.

5 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 6 “Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them. 7 You shall do this to them to cleanse them: sprinkle the water of cleansing on them, let them shave their whole bodies with a razor, let them wash their clothes, and cleanse themselves. 8 Then let them take a young bull and its meal offering, fine flour mixed with oil; and another young bull you shall take for a sin offering. 9 You shall present the Levites before the Tent of Meeting. You shall assemble the whole congregation of the children of Israel. 10 You shall present the Levites before Hashem. The children of Israel shall lay their hands on the Levites, 11 and Aaron shall offer the Levites before Hashem for a wave offering on behalf of the children of Israel, that it may be theirs to do the service of Hashem.

12 “The Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and you shall offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering to Hashem, to make atonement for the Levites. 13 You shall set the Levites before Aaron and before his sons, and offer them as a wave offering to Hashem. 14 Thus, you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be Mine.

Today’s Meditation:

Today, we are reading about the Levites' dedication to Temple service. What an incredible privilege this would be for them. Hashem made sure to get the rest of the people involved in the “laying on of hands”. The position of caring for the Temple was probably the highest position that you could serve Hashem. However, with all of Hashem’s mercy and grace, He still saw all His people as equal. Maybe people's service was different, but all hearts were viewed the same way. Just as He views our hearts, however, we must be set apart from the rest of the world so that we can be His special people also.

Today’s Challenge:

In verse 14, we read that “the Levites are Mine”. Of course, we are all His. But this special group of people was dedicated to a very special service unto Hashem. I would like us all to think about what special service we could do for Hashem today. We don’t have a Temple, and we are not Levites (maybe some of us are and don’t know it), so what can we do for Him today? Open up your eyes and look around. Perhaps a lady at the grocery store needs some help. Or someone is stopped at the side of the road trying to change a flat. Or your son or daughter needs help with homework. Look and see how you can serve Hashem today. And do it.

Nasso - Day #7

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate!  

Torah Reading: Numbers 4:21-7:89

Haftarah: Judges 13:2-5

Shabbat: Numbers 7:72–89

7:72 On the eleventh day, Pagiel, the son of Ochran, prince of the children of Asher, 73 gave his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

74 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

75 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 76 one male goat for a sin offering;

77 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Pagiel, the son of Ochran.

78 On the twelfth day, Ahira, the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, 79 gave his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

80 one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense;

81 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 82 one male goat for a sin offering;

83 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Ahira, the son of Enan.

84 This was the dedication offering of the altar, on the day when it was anointed, by the princes of Israel: twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, twelve golden ladles; 85 each silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels, and each bowl seventy; all the silver of the vessels two thousand four hundred shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; 86 the twelve golden ladles, full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; all the gold of the ladles weighed one hundred twenty shekels; 87 all the cattle for the burnt offering twelve bulls, the rams twelve, the male lambs a year old twelve, and their meal offering; and twelve male goats for a sin offering; 88 and all the cattle for the sacrifice of peace offerings: twenty-four bulls, sixty rams, sixty male goats, and sixty male lambs a year old. This was the dedication offering of the altar, after it was anointed.

89 When Moses went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with Hashem, he heard His voice speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; and He spoke to him.

Today’s Meditation:

In verse 89, we read that Moses heard His voice above the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies. How magnificent this must have been. Hashem is pleased with His special gifts from His special people. The offerings and sacrifices of obedience have been met. All is well. If even just for a short time. Isn’t that the way it is with us, too? All can be super good and right, for a short time. But that’s when we have to show our love and trust even during the hard times. It’s during those times that we grow really close to Hashem because we have to depend on Him. If you are going through a good time, give your praises to Hashem. If you are going through a challenging time, try to thank Him for staying by your side and for assuring you that it will all work out.

Today’s Challenge:

Who could enter the Holy of Holies during this time? Just Moses and the High Priest Aaron. And I believe Aaron could only enter on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Time with Hashem is special. Time to be appreciated and to look forward to. My challenge to you today is to think about how you spend your time with Hashem. Is it special? Do you plan it? Do you try to spend time with Him every day? I tend to talk to Him throughout the day. I like to think He is with me through everything I do. In the morning, I do my Bible Torah study, and I always feel like He is giving me revelation and direction through His Holy Scripture. I pray for His land and His people (Israel) every day. Make sure you are making time to be with the Father. He is the whole reason for our existence. I pray we never forget that.

This Week’s Haftarah: Judges 13:2-5

13:2 There was a certain man of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and his wife was barren and childless. 3 Hashem’s angel appeared to the woman, and said to her, “See now, you are barren and childless; but you shall conceive and bear a son. 4 Now therefore please beware and drink no wine nor strong drink, and don’t eat any unclean thing; 5 for, behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son. No razor shall come on his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to Elohim from the womb. He shall begin to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.”

Today’s Haftarah Meditation:

In this week’s Torah Portion, Hashem describes the Nazarite vow to us. And here in Judges, we read about Samson and how, even before he is conceived, an angel tells his mother that Samson will be a Nazarite. And he will be set apart to defend Israel. Sometimes Hashem does call us to tasks and sets us apart. I think the next time He does this with me, I will try to follow the Nazarite instructions. It makes sense. A clear mind from alcohol, especially over time, really helps you to have a more explicit focus. This might be something we all think about.

Today’s Haftarah Challenge:

I don’t know if any of you have ever had an angel from Hashem come to you. I know there have been times in my life when it seemed as if an angel came and helped me through a particular situation. Our family has a story about when our two adopted sons first came to us from Korea. Before we met them on the plane, we had arrived at Chicago O’Hare Airport. We had gotten lost at the airport, and their arrival was getting close. Out of nowhere, a woman in a suit appeared and asked us if we needed help. She walked with us for a while, then clearly showed us where to go. We thanked her and started walking away. We turned around, and she had disappeared. The challenge today is to think of times when unusual things happened. Did it involve an angel? Maybe a special messenger from Hashem has visited us. And that is a wonder and an honor.

Nasso - Day #6

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate! 

Torah Portion: Numbers 4:21-7:89 

Numbers 7:42–71

7:42 On the sixth day, Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, 43 gave his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

44 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

45 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 46 one male goat for a sin offering;

47 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph, the son of Deuel.

48 On the seventh day, Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, 49 gave his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

50 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

51 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 52 one male goat for a sin offering;

53 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Elishama, the son of Ammihud.

54 On the eighth day, Gamaliel, the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh, 55 gave his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

56 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

57 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 58 one male goat for a sin offering;

59 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Gamaliel, the son of Pedahzur.

60 On the ninth day, Abidan, the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, 61 gave his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

62 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

63 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 64 one male goat for a sin offering;

65 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Abidan, the son of Gideoni.

66 On the tenth day, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, 67 gave his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

68 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

69 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 70 one male goat for a sin offering;

71 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Ahiezer, the son of Ammishaddai.

Today’s Meditation:

The tribe leaders all gave the same sacrifices to Hashem. Equality in worship of the Father. That’s an interesting concept. But, they didn’t give it all on the same day. They each had their own day. It reminds me of how it is now in a way. We each bring something to Hashem on our own special day. It could be on Shabbat or another day of the week. But, we can still do something or give something on a day set apart. The question is what are we giving/doing? Give this some thought and be like the tribe leaders, giving Hashem beautiful gifts.

Today’s Challenge:

I feel like today’s reading is a lot about equality. No tribe leader was trying to outdo the other. They probably saw the first leader make their sacrifice and offerings, and decided it would be good to do the same. Maybe they realize that Hashem sees us all as equals,” so why outgive each other? It is an excellent example of being fair. My challenge to you today is to think about your kids, grandkids, coworkers, or friends, and ask yourself: Do you treat them equally when it comes to gift-giving? Or do you have your favorite one that you treat differently? Maybe rethink your giving and try to make things equal. I have a feeling that this is important. Probably, because no one gets hurt this way. Please take a look at it and make any necessary changes.

Nasso - Day #5

Nasso נָשֹׂא - Elevate!  

Torah Portion: Numbers 4:21-7:89

Numbers 7:1–41

7:1 On the day that Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, and had anointed it and sanctified it with all its furniture, and the altar with all its vessels, and had anointed and sanctified them; 2 the princes of Israel, the heads of their fathers’ houses, offered. These were the princes of the tribes. These are they who were over those who were counted; 3 and they brought their offering before Hashem, six covered wagons and twelve oxen; a wagon for every two of the princes, and for each one an ox. They presented them before the tabernacle. 4 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 5 “Accept these from them, that they may be used in doing the service of the Tent of Meeting; and you shall give them to the Levites, to every man according to his service.”

6 Moses took the wagons and the oxen and gave them to the Levites. 7 He gave two wagons and four oxen to the sons of Gershon, according to their service. 8 He gave four wagons and eight oxen to the sons of Merari, according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. 9 But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the sanctuary belonged to them; they carried it on their shoulders.

10 The princes gave offerings for the dedication of the altar on the day it was anointed. The princes gave their offerings before the altar.

11 Hashem said to Moses, “They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedication of the altar.”

12 He who offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah, 13 and his offering was:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

14 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

15 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 16 one male goat for a sin offering;

17 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Nahshon, the son of Amminadab.

18 On the second day, Nethanel, the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, gave his offering. 19 He offered for his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

20 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

21 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 22 one male goat for a sin offering;

23 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Nethanel, the son of Zuar.

24 On the third day, Eliab, the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, 25 gave his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was a hundred and thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

26 One golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

27 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 28 one male goat for a sin offering;

29 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Eliab, the son of Helon.

30 On the fourth day, Elizur, the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, 31 gave his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

32 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

33 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 34 one male goat for a sin offering;

35 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs, a year old. This was the offering of Elizur, the son of Shedeur.

36 On the fifth day, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, 37 gave his offering:

One silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels,

one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

38 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

39 one young bull, one ram, one male lamb, a year old, for a burnt offering; 40 one male goat for a sin offering;

41 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two head of cattle, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old: this was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.

Today’s Meditation:

The Tabernacle is finished and anointed. The princes from each tribe come to bring their offerings, most of which go to the priests. It’s really about sharing what you have for the glory of Hashem. They took what they had and found a gift for Hashem, His tabernacle, and His priests. It may seem to us like it was an obligation, but really, they must have seen it as an honor. Remember, they were coming out of Egypt, idolatry, and slavery. They were meeting the one true Elohim for the first time. Some did not even know who He was. Now they were witnessing His power, glory, and majesty. They were probably eager to give gifts to support this.

Today’s Challenge:

How eager are you about giving gifts to Hashem and His people? Do you support Israel, the people, and the land? Maybe take some time to pray about how you can support Hashem’s people and the land. In doing so, you are honoring Hashem. Just make sure you do it with eagerness and joy. Check your motive. Maybe think about how the princes gave their gifts from their tribes. And how they were meeting Hashem, some for the very first time. They were learning how to worship, pray, and give. It must have changed their lives. Maybe if we do some joyful giving, it will change ours.