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.
