Tetzaveh - Day #3

Tetzaveh תְּצַוֶּה - You Shall Command  

Torah Portion: Exodus: 27:20-30:10

Exodus 28:31–43

28:31 “You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. 32 It shall have a hole for the head in the middle of it. It shall have a binding of woven work around its hole, as it were, the hole of a coat of mail, that it not be torn. 33 On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, all around its hem; with bells of gold between and around them: 34 a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, around the hem of the robe. 35 It shall be on Aaron to minister: and its sound shall be heard when he goes in to the holy place before Hashem, and when he comes out, that he not die.

36 “You shall make a plate of pure gold, and engrave on it, like the engravings of a signet, ‘HOLY TO HASHEM.’ 37 You shall put it on a lace of blue, and it shall be on the sash. It shall be on the front of the sash. 38 It shall be on Aaron’s forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall make holy in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always on his forehead, that they may be accepted before Hashem. 39 You shall weave the tunic with fine linen. You shall make a turban of fine linen. You shall make a sash, the work of the embroiderer.

40 “You shall make tunics for Aaron’s sons. You shall make sashes for them. You shall make headbands for them, for glory and for beauty. 41 You shall put them on Aaron your brother, and on his sons with him, and shall anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to me in the priest’s office. 42 You shall make them linen pants to cover their naked flesh. They shall reach from the waist even to the thighs. 43 They shall be on Aaron and on his sons, when they go into the Tent of Meeting, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the holy place, that they don’t bear iniquity, and die. This shall be a statute forever to him and to his offspring after him.

Today’s Meditation:

In verse 36, we learn that Aaron is to wear a gold plate on his forehead with the words “Holy to Hashem.” This is most likely to remind him that all that is happening in the Tabernacle is for the holiness of Hashem. It’s not like he would forget, but sometimes even extraordinary things can become routine. It doesn’t seem like this could ever happen in the Holy Place where Hashem’s glory resides behind the veil, but maybe it could. Aaron was still living on our planet, a place full of sin and daily challenges. It would be a challenge to be in the presence of Hashem and commit 100% of your body, soul, and mind. How about today? Can we wear Hashem’s holiness on our foreheads? In essence, we do when we serve and love Him with our whole minds every day. Are we 100% about this 24/7? I doubt it. But we must try our best. Our best to leave behind the temptations of this world, and serve Hashem wholeheartedly in our minds (and actions) all the time. Think about wearing a plate with Hashem’s Name on your forehead today. Fulfill that responsibility with your actions.

Today’s Challenge:

Hashem cares about every tiny detail of our lives. This is reflected in today's reading, when Hashem commands Aaron to wear a robe with little bells on its hem. Therefore, the priests near him can hear him when he is in the Holy of Holies, as well as in the Holy Place. This makes you think about how sensitive and caring our Elohim is for us. I believe He is still that way today. He cares about the most minor details in our lives. And if this is so, shouldn’t we be honoring Him in all the small ways of our lives? Pay attention today and see if you are honoring Hashem in all the ways of your daily life. In your speech, thoughts, and actions.

Tetzaveh - Day #2

Tetzaveh תְּצַוֶּה - You Shall Command  

Torah Portion: Exodus:27:20-30:10

Exodus 28:13–30

28:13 You shall make settings of gold, 14 and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords of braided work. You shall put the braided chains on the settings.

15 “You shall make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, you shall make it. 16 It shall be square and folded double; a span shall be its length, and a span its width. 17 You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row; 18 and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald; 19 and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 20 and the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be enclosed in gold in their settings. 21 The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, they shall be for the twelve tribes. 22 You shall make on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold. 23 You shall make on the breastplate two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. 24 You shall put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate. 25 The other two ends of the two braided chains you shall put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in its forepart. 26 You shall make two rings of gold, and you shall put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its edge, which is toward the side of the ephod inward. 27 You shall make two rings of gold, and shall put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in its forepart, close by its coupling, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. 28 They shall bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate may not swing out from the ephod. 29 Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he goes in to the holy place, for a memorial before Hashem continually. 30 You shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be on Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before Hashem. Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart before Hashem continually.

Today’s Meditation:

This is so wonderful in verses 29-30 that Aaron is covering his heart with the names of the twelve tribes on his breastplate, so that their judgment is in front of Hashem continually. Hashem makes a way for His people to be with Him, even though they are not physically present. It always is about Hashem’s love for His people. And that is you and me, too. May we never doubt His love and protection. Things may get rough sometimes in this world, but our names are forever in front of Him: good times and bad. And someday we will have the privilege of serving and loving Him forever. We don’t know what that looks like, but we do know it will be good.

Today’s Challenge:

Do you carry the names of the people whom you love over your heart? By that, I mean, do you care enough about those around you to pray for them every day? It is the best way to start the day, along with your cup of coffee, to appeal to Hashem for those you love, to be safe and full of joy. But, most importantly, they will know Hashem and love and serve Him. This should be your daily prayer, before you start your day. Prayer does make a difference. Just as Aaron carried the names of his people over his heart, be sure to hold those you love over your heart. It will make a difference in this world.

Tetzaveh - Day #1

Tetzaveh תְּצַוֶּה - You Shall Command  

Torah Portion: Exodus: 27:20-30:10

Exodus 27:20–28:12

27:20 “You shall command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually. 21 In the Tent of Meeting, outside the veil which is before the covenant, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before Israel: it shall be a statute forever throughout their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

28 “Bring Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, near to you from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office: Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons. 2 You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. 3 You shall speak to all who are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s garments to sanctify him, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office. 4 These are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a fitted tunic, a turban, and a sash. They shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office. 5 They shall use the gold, and the blue, and the purple, and the scarlet, and the fine linen.

6 “They shall make the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skillful workman. 7 It shall have two shoulder straps joined to the two ends of it, that it may be joined together. 8 The skillfully woven band, which is on it, shall be like its work and of the same piece; of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. 9 You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel. 10 Six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain on the other stone, in the order of their birth. 11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, you shall engrave the two stones, according to the names of the children of Israel. You shall make them to be enclosed in settings of gold. 12 You shall put the two stones on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel. Aaron shall bear their names before Hashem on his two shoulders for a memorial.

Today’s Meditation:

This reading is a lot about symbolism. The priests were to wear the names of the twelve sons (tribes) on their shoulders. To me, it seems they were carrying the tribes' representation into the Tabernacle. They were representing them before Hashem and bringing them as witnesses before Elohim. Some people believe that the remnant of Hashem’s people who will be brought back to Israel in the end times will all belong to one of the tribes.

Priestly service is essential in the Tabernacle. The priests are the liaison between the people and Hashem. They have a particular holy role in the Tabernacle. Instructions in Torah must be followed, or it seems like you will be consumed (like Aaron’s sons). Perhaps this is also true for the rest of the Torah and ordinary people. We must follow the instructions Hashem has outlined in His Commandments, or we too could be “consumed”.

Today’s Challenge:

In this reading, the menorah burns continually in the Tent of Meeting (Tabernacle). I never thought about it before, but the Tabernacle has no windows. Without windows, there is no light. Except in the Holy of Holies, where the Shekinah glory would reside. What a beautiful light that would create. It seems like Hashem would want the Priests to see clearly, once inside the Holy Place. And it would bring warmth from the light. 

Speaking about lights for Hashem, we can examine our own lives. Are we a light for Hashem? Do we present His love and comfort to others? Are we illuminating His love and truth in our lives? Take a minute to ponder this. If you are not showing a light for Hashem, change and make sure to do so. If we are lights, others may find their way to Him.

Terumah - Day #7

Terumah תְּרוּמָה - Offering  

Torah Portion: Exodus: 25:1-27:19

Haftarah: 1 Samuel 15:1-34

Shabbat: Exodus 27:9–19

27:9 “You shall make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen one hundred cubits long for one side. 10 Its pillars shall be twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze. The hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver. 11 Likewise, for the length of the north side, there shall be hangings one hundred cubits long, and its pillars twenty, and their sockets twenty, of bronze; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver. 12 For the width of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits; their pillars ten, and their sockets ten. 13 The width of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits. 14 The hangings for the one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three. 15 For the other side shall be hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three. 16 For the gate of the court shall be a screen of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer; their pillars four, and their sockets four. 17 All the pillars of the court around shall be filleted with silver; their hooks of silver, and their sockets of bronze. 18 The length of the court shall be one hundred cubits, and the width fifty throughout, and the height five cubits, of fine twined linen, and their sockets of bronze. 19 All the instruments of the tabernacle in all its service, and all its pins, and all the pins of the court, shall be of bronze.

Today's Meditation:

This reading continues with the construction of the Temple. This is about the hangings that will cover the outside walls. Again, they are to be excellent and beautiful. Nothing is to be spared for Hashem and His presence. But it also had to be portable because they were moving. It truly was a portable sanctuary. Hashem, in all His wisdom and love, gave them this, as He also gave them His presence in a cloud by day and fire by night. What a faithful Elohim.

Today’s Challenge:

Just as the Tabernacle (house) of Hashem is to be beautiful and perfect for His residing presence, so should our hearts be the same. Ensure that you keep your heart clean and pure so that His love can reside within you. If you need to do some work in certain areas, take a moment to create a plan now. What sin do you need to get rid of? Who do you need to forgive? Do you need to repay someone? Do you need to spend more time in His Scripture and in prayer? Start today. Make a place for Him in your heart. 

This Week’s Haftarah: 1 Samuel 15:1-34

15 Samuel said to Saul, “Hashem sent me to anoint you to be king over his people, over Israel. Now therefore listen to the voice of Hashem’s words. 2 Hashem of Armies says, ‘I remember what Amalek did to Israel, how he set himself against him on the way when he came up out of Egypt. 3 Now go and strike Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and don’t spare them; but kill both man and woman, infant and nursing baby, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.’”

4 Saul summoned the people, and counted them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen and ten thousand men of Judah. 5 Saul came to the city of Amalek and set an ambush in the valley. 6 Saul said to the Kenites, “Go, depart, go down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them; for you showed kindness to all the children of Israel when they came up out of Egypt.” So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. 7 Saul struck the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, which is before Egypt. 8 He took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, of the cattle, of the fat calves, of the lambs, and all that was good, and were not willing to utterly destroy them; but everything that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

10 Then Hashem’s word came to Samuel, saying, 11 “It grieves me that I have set up Saul to be king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” Samuel was angry, and he cried to Hashem all night.

12 Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, and Samuel was told, saying, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself, turned, passed on, and went down to Gilgal.”

13 Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “You are blessed by Hashem! I have performed the commandment of Hashem.”

14 Samuel said, “Then what does this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the cattle which I hear mean?”

15 Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the cattle, to sacrifice to Hashem your Elohim. We have utterly destroyed the rest.”

16 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Stay, and I will tell you what Hashem said to me last night.”

He said to him, “Say on.”

17 Samuel said, “Though you were little in your own sight, weren’t you made the head of the tribes of Israel? Hashem anointed you king over Israel; 18 and Hashem sent you on a journey, and said, ‘Go, and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ 19 Why then didn’t you obey Hashem’s voice, but took the plunder, and did that which was evil in Hashem’s sight?”

20 Saul said to Samuel, “But I have obeyed Hashem’s voice, and have gone the way which Hashem sent me, and have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the plunder, sheep and cattle, the best of the devoted things, to sacrifice to Hashem your Elohim in Gilgal.”

22 Samuel said, “Has Hashem as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying Hashem’s voice? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because you have rejected Hashem’s word, He has also rejected you from being king.”

24 Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of Hashem and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, please pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship Hashem.”

26 Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you, for you have rejected Hashem’s word, and Hashem has rejected you from being king over Israel.” 27 As Samuel turned around to go away, Saul grabbed the skirt of his robe, and it tore. 28 Samuel said to him, “Hashem has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today, and has given it to a neighbor of yours who is better than you. 29 Also, the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent; for he is not a man, that he should repent.”

30 Then he said, “I have sinned; yet please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and come back with me, that I may worship Hashem your Elohim.”

31 So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped Hashem. 32 Then Samuel said, “Bring Agag the king of the Amalekites here to me!”

Agag came to him cheerfully. Agag said, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.”

33 Samuel said, “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women!” Then Samuel cut Agag in pieces before Hashem in Gilgal.

34 Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up to his house to Gibeah of Saul.

Today’s Haftarah Meditation:

“To obey is better than sacrifice” (verse 22). That does not mean that Hashem no longer wants sacrifice, as some doctrines will teach. You need to read this in context. Saul gives the excuse that the reason he did not follow Hashem’s command to destroy everything, including livestock completely, was that they had animals to sacrifice. But that is not what Hashem asked for. He asked them to destroy everything, and they disobeyed Him. That is why Samuel tells Saul that Hashem would rather have obedience than sacrifice because Saul disobeyed and wanted to use this as an excuse to sacrifice. 

Hashem’s Law is eternal. And someday, when the Temple is restored, and He sends His Mashiach to rule and reign, there will still be sacrifice. Read Isaiah and Ezekiel on this. It is clear. Man can not erase Hashem’s Commandments, and like Saul, cannot replace them.

Today’s Haftarah Challenge:

What Commandment are you hedging on in your life? Do you watch TV shows or go to the movies to watch things you know Hashem has not approved? Do you treat people in a way that disregards Hashem’s commands in that area? Do you dishonor your parents with excuses to do so? Reevaluate your life and make sure you are following and obeying Hashem’s Commandments. Do not be like Saul and make exceptions to His rules. It is wrong, and there will be consequences.

Terumah - Day #6

Terumah תְּרוּמָה - Offering  

Torah Portion: Exodus:25:1-27:19

Exodus 27:1–8

27 “You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long, and five cubits wide. The altar shall be square. Its height shall be three cubits. 2 You shall make its horns on its four corners. Its horns shall be of one piece with it. You shall overlay it with bronze. 3 You shall make its pots to take away its ashes; and its shovels, its basins, its meat hooks, and its fire pans. You shall make all its vessels of bronze. 4 You shall make a grating for it of a network of bronze. On the net, you shall make four bronze rings in its four corners. 5 You shall put it under the ledge around the altar beneath, that the net may reach halfway up the altar. 6 You shall make poles for the altar, poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with bronze. 7 Its poles shall be put into the rings, and the poles shall be on the two sides of the altar when carrying it. 8 You shall make it hollow with planks. They shall make it as it has been shown to you on the mountain.

Today’s Meditation:

The altar of sacrifice. This is an essential part of Temple service to Hashem. To come before Him in the Holy of Holies and to have His continual presence, there must be a sacrifice. We must give to receive. And the way that Hashem has chosen is sacrifice. 

We don’t have a Temple to offer our sacrifices, but we still serve Hashem and want to be in His presence. We can offer the sacrifice of prayer, giving, serving, and loving others. He has given us the gift to give to others. Ask Him today what He would want you to sacrifice for the gift of being in His presence.

Today’s Challenge:

One of the most significant sacrifices we can make to Hashem is our time. Whether we spend time helping someone out, volunteering, or, most importantly, praying, we can present this gift to Hashem. Today, please take a moment to reflect on who needs your help. Or what organization can you support? And if you are praying daily to Hashem, it’s time to give back to Hashem for all the wonderful things He has given you.