Mishpatim - Reading #1

Mishpatim מִּשְׁפָּטִים - Laws

Exodus: 21:1-24:18

Reading #1 -  Exodus 21:1–19

My Thoughts:

Israel is becoming a nation. They have escaped slavery and are being led into the Land of milk and honey. There they will have to have a “constitution” -- the Law -- to keep things in order. And now we see how the Ten Commandments will be applied, in more detail. I find it interesting that Hashem would begin with the treatment of slaves and others. But, that makes sense doesn’t it? That Hashem wants us to love Him and to love others. So, now we are learning what will happen if we mistreat others. We serve an Elohim of order.

Challenge:

In verse 17 we read that we are not to “curse” our mother and father. This must be a serious curse, because the punishment is death. Could it be that Hashem wants us to treat our parents as we treat Him? He created us and our parents created us. If we are not going to honor our parents, then it is obvious we are not honoring Him. It is a big lesson in life. We must respect our parents, because they came from the Father. If you are not doing so, in many ways, then start doing so today. It may affect your (spiritual) life.

Reading #1 -  Exodus 21:1–19

21 “Now these are the ordinances which you shall set before them:

2 “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years, and in the seventh he shall go out free without paying anything. 3 If he comes in by himself, he shall go out by himself. If he is married, then his wife shall go out with him. 4 If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself. 5 But if the servant shall plainly say, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children. I will not go out free;’ 6 then his master shall bring him to Elohim, and shall bring him to the door or to the doorpost, and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall serve him forever.

7 “If a man sells his daughter to be a female servant, she shall not go out as the male servants do. 8 If she doesn’t please her master, who has married her to himself, then he shall let her be redeemed. He shall have no right to sell her to a foreign people, since he has dealt deceitfully with her. 9 If he marries her to his son, he shall deal with her as a daughter. 10 If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her marital rights. 11 If he doesn’t do these three things for her, she may go free without paying any money.

12 “One who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death, 13 but not if it is unintentional, but Elohim allows it to happen; then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee. 14 If a man schemes and comes presumptuously on his neighbor to kill him, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.

15 “Anyone who attacks his father or his mother shall be surely put to death.

16 “Anyone who kidnaps someone and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death.

17 “Anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.

18 “If men quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone, or with his fist, and he doesn’t die, but is confined to bed; 19 if he rises again and walks around with his staff, then he who struck him shall be cleared; only he shall pay for the loss of his time, and shall provide for his healing until he is thoroughly healed.

Yitro - Reading #1

Yitro יִתְרוֹ - Jethro

Exodus: 18:1-20:22

Reading #1 - Exodus 18:1–12

My Thoughts:

Moses honored his father-in-law Jethro. It is really unclear what relationship Moses had to his wife and sons, but Jethro brings them to him. Do they stay? Scripture is not clear. But, what I want to mention is the importance of Moses' relationship to Jethro. He honors him. No matter how he feels about him. There is a commandment for us to honor our parents and I believe that includes in-laws. Be sure you are honoring your in-laws. That includes treating them kindly, helping them with things, and not talking about them behind their backs. Even if they have passed, you are to speak kindly. It’s very important.

Challenge:

Do you have in-laws? What kind of relationship do you have with them? Does your relationship need improvement? If you don’t have in-laws, maybe Hashem has placed some “older” people in your life. Are you respecting them? Helping them? Today is the day to make things right, sometimes we don’t have a tomorrow. Correct any relationship with an older person and make it good. It’s a commandment and with it comes a blessing.

Reading #1 - Exodus 18:1–12

18 Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that Elohim had done for Moses and for Israel his people, how Hashem had brought Israel out of Egypt. 2 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, received Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her away, 3 and her two sons. The name of one son was Gershom, for Moses said, “I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land”. 4 The name of the other was Eliezer, for he said, “My father’s G-d was my help and delivered me from Pharaoh’s sword.” 5 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with Moses’ sons and his wife to Moses into the wilderness where he was encamped, at the Mountain of Elohim. 6 He said to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, have come to you with your wife, and her two sons with her.”

7 Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and bowed and kissed him. They asked each other of their welfare, and they came into the tent. 8 Moses told his father-in-law all that Hashem had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardships that had come on them on the way, and how Hashem delivered them. 9 Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which Hashem had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians. 10 Jethro said, “Blessed be Hashem, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh; who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that Hashem is greater than all gods because of the way that they treated people arrogantly.” 12 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for Elohim. Aaron came with all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before Elohim.

Beshalach - Reading #1

Beshalach בְּשַׁלַּח - When He Sent Out

Exodus:13:17-17:16

Reading #1 - Exodus 13:17–14:8

My Thoughts:

In verse 14:2 we see a little change in plans. They actually change directions. Some sages say that they went south instead of southeast. Hashem’s goal was to get them safely to the Red Sea where He could perform His most outstanding miracle of it all. It makes me think that sometimes in our lives we see where Hashem is “tweaking” His plans for us. That happened to me last year. Hashem changed my places of work, and when it first happened I didn’t understand. Now that I have been working in my new position I can see exactly what He was doing. It was all meant for good. The important thing is that you are in His will daily. Seek His face, read His word, pray, repent and follow Him. Ultimately, His plans will become yours.

Challenge:

Today I challenge you to be flexible. If things are happening the way you think they should -- give Hashem a chance to show you why. As mentioned before, stay close to Him. Trust that whatever is happening, as long as you are obedient and prayerful, will soon make sense to you. Whatever change you are going through, ask Hashem to turn it all to good! And then praise Him for making it that way.

Reading #1 - Exodus 13:17–14:8

13:17 When Pharaoh had let the people go, Elohim didn’t lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for Elohim said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and they return to Egypt”; 18 but Elohim led the people around by the way of the wilderness by the Red Sea; and the children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt. 19 Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had made the children of Israel swear, saying, “Elohim will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones away from here with you.” 20 They took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness. 21 Elohim went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night: 22 the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, didn’t depart from before the people.

14 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon. You shall encamp opposite it by the sea. 3 Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are entangled in the land. The wilderness has shut them in.’ 4 I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will follow after them; and I will get honor over Pharaoh, and over all his armies; and the Egyptians shall know that I am Hashem.” They did so.

5 The king of Egypt was told that the people had fled; and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was changed toward the people, and they said, “What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” 6 He prepared his chariot, and took his army with him; 7 and he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, with captains over all of them. 8 Hashem hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; for the children of Israel went out with a high hand.

Bo - Reading #1

Bo, בֹּא - Come!

Exodus:10:1-13:16

Reading #1 — Exodus 10:1–11

My Thoughts:

The plague of locusts. Somehow it reminds me of today, how we allow politics, bad politics -- to swarm our country. Those who are not of Hashem, who do not believe in Him, who take control of our laws, our media, our way of life. They are like a swarm of locusts that “devour” what is good and right that are left in the land. We must pray and be active to overcome evil with good. It starts with you and me. It starts right here at home. Make sure you have peace in your home and you are following Torah. It is your guideline to live in this world. If the locusts take over and devour the world -- they can never take Torah away from our hearts. Make sure the Word is sealed in your heart!

Challenge:

Read today’s news. Ask Hashem to show you who the “locusts” are that are trying to destroy freedoms in our world. Then ask Hashem to show you how you can pray and how you can become involved in fighting for your freedoms. Become proactive. Don’t let the “locusts” devour your land or you!

Reading #1 — Exodus 10:1–11

10 Hashem said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these my signs among them; 2 and that you may tell in the hearing of your son, and of your son’s son, what things I have done to Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that you may know that I am Hashem.”

3 Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and said to him, “This is what Hashem, the Elohim of the Hebrews, says: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me. 4 Or else, if you refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your country, 5 and they shall cover the surface of the earth, so that one won’t be able to see the earth. They shall eat the residue of that which has escaped, which remains to you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which grows for you out of the field. 6 Your houses shall be filled, and the houses of all your servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians, as neither your fathers nor your fathers’ fathers have seen, since the day that they were on the earth to this day.’” He turned, and went out from Pharaoh.

7 Pharaoh’s servants said to him, “How long will this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve Hashem, their Elohim. Don’t you yet know that Egypt is destroyed?”

8 Moses and Aaron were brought again to Pharaoh, and he said to them, “Go, serve Hashem your Elohim; but who are those who will go?”

9 Moses said, “We will go with our young and with our old. We will go with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds; for we must hold a feast to Hashem.”

10 He said to them, “Hashem be with you if I let you go with your little ones! See, evil is clearly before your faces. 11 Not so! Go now you who are men, and serve Hashem; for that is what you desire!” Then they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.

Va'eira - Reading #1

Va'eira  וָאֵרָא - And I Appeared

Torah Portion: Exodus 6:2-9:35

Reading #1 - Exodus 6:2–13

My Thoughts:

Exodus is about the nation of Israel being birthed. 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 exactly 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.”

Challenge:

Do you stretch your arms out to others? 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 saying “I love you”. It melts hearts and restores relationships. Just what Hashem wants.

Reading #1 - 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.

Vayechi - Reading #1

Vayechi, וַיְחִי - And He Lived

Torah Portion: Genesis 47:28-50:26

Reading #1 - Genesis 47:28–48:9

My Thoughts:

Hashem’s blessings from father to sons. How beautiful that he was alive and coherent enough to bless his sons and grandsons before dying. Most men do not have that opportunity. They die instantly or slowly losing the ability to talk or reason. Jacob had the wonderful chance of being there mentally, emotionally and physically to bless his family. I am sure Hashem planned it that way. Maybe that is something we should seriously think about. Passing on a blessing to our sons, even before we get sick or die suddenly. It would be thoughtful planning to do it ahead of time. Consider doing this please.

Challenge:

When was the last time you told your son and/or daughter that you loved them? Whether they are two years old or forty years old, I challenge you to do that today (or as soon as possible). You never know when you or they will be gone from this life. Don’t be embarrassed and don’t delay doing this. I promise you will not regret doing so. And continue telling them every day or every time you see them. We all need to know that we are loved and hopefully and prayerfully they will tell you they love you back!

Reading #1 - Genesis 47:28–48:9

47:28 Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacob, the years of his life, were one hundred forty-seven years. 29 The time came near that Israel must die, and he called his son Joseph, and said to him, “If now I have found favor in your sight, please put your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me. Please don’t bury me in Egypt, 30 but when I sleep with my fathers, you shall carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying place.”

Joseph said, “I will do as you have said.”

31 Israel said, “Swear to me,” and he swore to him. Then Israel bowed himself on the bed’s head.

48 After these things, someone said to Joseph, “Behold, your father is sick.” He took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. 2 Someone told Jacob, and said, “Behold, your son Joseph comes to you,” and Israel strengthened himself, and sat on the bed. 3 Jacob said to Joseph, “Elohim Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me, 4 and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful, and multiply you, and I will make of you a company of peoples, and will give this land to your offspring after you for an everlasting possession.’ 5 Now your two sons, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you into Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh, even as Reuben and Simeon, will be mine. 6 Your offspring, whom you become the father of after them, will be yours. They will be called after the name of their brothers in their inheritance. 7 As for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (also called Bethlehem).”

8 Israel saw Joseph’s sons, and said, “Who are these?”

9 Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, who Elohim has given me here.”

He said, “Please bring them to me, and I will bless them.”

Vayigash - Reading #1

Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ - And He Drew Near

Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

Reading #1 - Genesis 44:18–30

My Thoughts: 

The last verse of this reading -- verse 30 reads;  “...Since his life is bound up in the boy’s life.” What exactly does that mean that Jacob’s life is “bound up” in Benjamin’s life? My thought is that Jacob totally lives his life through his son. That all he does and plans in his life revolves around Benjamin. Is that good or bad? It shows partially that he is a good parent, looking out for his son. But, as we all know, a “helicopter parent” -- one who “hovers” over his/her child -- is not a good thing. It can stunt growth and encourage dependency. Also as we see in future readings, this type of favoritism never fares well with the other siblings. The lesson to be learned here may be to be sure we treat all of our children fairly and equally.

Challenge: 

Today take a look at all your relationships. Your family, partner and friends. Do you show any favoritism toward any of them? What does that look like? Do you think it may be a good time to equalize that relationship to others around you? Take a hard look and make sure you are treating those whom you love equally. If you aren't, try and gradually change this. Those who love you will appreciate this.

Reading #1 - Genesis 44:18–30

18 Then Judah came near to him, and said, “Oh, my lord, please let your servant speak a word in my lord’s ears, and don’t let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even as Pharaoh. 19 My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father, or a brother?’ 20 We said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one; and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother; and his father loves him.’ 21 You said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me, that I may set my eyes on him.’ 22 We said to my lord, ‘The boy can’t leave his father, for if he should leave his father, his father would die.’ 23 You said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you will see my face no more.’ 24 When we came up to your servant my father, we told him the words of my lord. 25 Our father said, ‘Go again and buy us a little food.’ 26 We said, ‘We can’t go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down: for we may not see the man’s face, unless our youngest brother is with us.’ 27 Your servant, my father, said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons. 28 One went out from me, and I said, “Surely he is torn in pieces;” and I haven’t seen him since. 29 If you take this one also from me, and harm happens to him, you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.’  30 Now therefore when I come to your servant my father, and the boy is not with us; since his life is bound up in the boy’s life;

Miketz - Reading #1

Miketz מִקֵּץ - At the End Of

Genesis 41:1-44:17

Reading #1 - Genesis 41:1–14

My Thoughts:

Does Hashem speak to us through dreams? I think he does. He was speaking something really important to Pharaoh and although he didn’t understand it, he sought help to get some interpretation. Little did he know that Hashem was going to use this dream to save literally thousands of lives (from starvation). Joseph was there and gave him the prophecy. Sometimes, it is all about paying attention. Paying attention to dreams and also what Hashem is doing in our lives. And it’s also about seeking help when we need it. Who knows, it could save a life!

Challenge: 

Think about something in your life that you could use some help with. Then reach out to an appropriate person and ask them for help. And in the reverse, if someone else needs help -- be there for them. Sometimes we are just afraid to ask, and we are also timid to help others. But as we learn in today’s reading -- our asking for help from someone could be profound. Even if it is just to interpret a dream.

READING #1 - Genesis 41:1–14

41 At the end of two full years, Pharaoh dreamed, and behold, he stood by the river. 2 Behold, seven cattle came up out of the river. They were sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass. 3 Behold, seven other cattle came up after them out of the river, ugly and thin, and stood by the other cattle on the brink of the river. 4 The ugly and thin cattle ate up the seven sleek and fat cattle. So Pharaoh awoke. 5 He slept and dreamed a second time; and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, healthy and good. 6 Behold, seven heads of grain, thin and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them. 7 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy and full ears. Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream. 8 In the morning, his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all of Egypt’s magicians and wise men. Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them to Pharaoh.

9 Then the chief cup bearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I remember my faults today. 10 Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, with the chief baker. 11 We dreamed a dream in one night, he and I. Each man dreamed according to the interpretation of his dream. 12 There was with us there a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard, and we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams. He interpreted to each man according to his dream. 13 As he interpreted to us, so it was. He restored me to my office, and he hanged him.”

14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. He shaved himself, changed his clothing, and came in to Pharaoh.

Vayeshev - Reading #1

Vayeshev וַיֵּשֶׁב - And He Settled

Genesis 37:1 - 40:23

Reading #1 - Genesis 37:1–11

My Thoughts: 

Here is an interesting Bible Study for you. Google Joseph’s coat of many colors. I did so and found that maybe this coat did NOT have many colors but actually could have been white wool. Also, that the Hebrew translation could mean that the coat was long and had long sleeves -- a symbol of someone of “royalty” or importance and one that did not do menial work. No wonder Joseph’s brothers were a little upset about all this! Joseph was definitely his father’s favorite and given special privilege? Anyways, look it up and see what you can find out. 

Challenge: 

Do you ever treat one of your children in a more special way then the others? Have you ever said, “You are my favorite child?” Families can mistakenly do that. Maybe with the oldest, or the youngest -- singling them out to be somehow “better” than the other kids. Search your heart and see if this is true. If it is, try to find some special time with your other children (whether young or adult) and make sure they understand that ALL your children are equal and you love them all the same. Maybe point out something very special that you love about this particular one (that you are talking to) and make them feel special. You may even address that if they have heard or thought they heard that you favored another sibling, that it was simply not true and a misunderstanding. This is super important. You want your children to know that they are all loved equally! That they are all special in your eyes. And prove it to them!

Reading #1 - Genesis 37:1–11

37 Jacob lived in the land of his father’s travels, in the land of Canaan. 2 This is the history of the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. He was a boy with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives. Joseph brought an evil report of them to their father. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a tunic of many colors. 4 His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn’t speak peaceably to him.

5 Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him all the more. 6 He said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: 7 for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves came around, and bowed down to my sheaf.”

8 His brothers asked him, “Will you indeed reign over us? Will you indeed have dominion over us?” They hated him all the more for his dreams and for his words. 9 He dreamed yet another dream, and told it to his brothers, and said, “Behold, I have dreamed yet another dream: and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars bowed down to me.” 10 He told it to his father and to his brothers. His father rebuked him, and said to him, “What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow ourselves down to the earth before you?” 11 His brothers envied him, but his father kept this saying in mind.

Vayishlach - Reading #1

Vayishlach, וַיִּשְׁל - And He Sent

Genesis 32:4-36:43

Reading #1- Genesis 32:4–13

My Thoughts: 

Jacob prays to Hashem to help him when he meets his brother Esau. He reminds Hashem of His promise to bless him with generations in the Land. And frankly, he is scared. He remembers all he did to his brother, so he tries to gather some gifts to appease him. Have you ever upset someone and tried to apologize with gifts or something material. I really believe there should be both - asking for forgiveness and restitution. This is what Torah and Judaism teaches. If you borrow a coat, bring back two. It worked for Jacob. As we read on there seems to be a reconciliation between the two brothers. It always takes one person to start the process.

Challenge: 

Think of someone you have wronged (I have given this challenge to you before). Now get or buy something that you know that person would like and/or enjoy and apologize. A gift always shows someone that you care. And remember a sincere apology goes a long way. Hashem loves it when we reconcile with people. It repairs the world and makes it whole again.

Reading #1- Genesis 32:4–13

32:4 He commanded them, saying, “This is what you shall tell my lord, Esau: ‘This is what your servant, Jacob, says. I have lived as a foreigner with Laban, and stayed until now. 5 I have cattle, donkeys, flocks, male servants, and female servants. I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find favor in your sight.’” 6 The messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau. He is coming to meet you, and four hundred men are with him.” 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and was distressed. He divided the people who were with him, along with the flocks, the herds, and the camels, into two companies. 8 He said, “If Esau comes to the one company, and strikes it, then the company which is left will escape.” 9 Jacob said, “Elohim of my father Abraham, and Elohim of my father Isaac, Hashem, who said to me, ‘Return to your country, and to your relatives, and I will do you good,’ 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the loving kindnesses, and of all the truth, which you have shown to your servant; for with just my staff I crossed over this Jordan; and now I have become two companies. 11 Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and strike me and the mothers with the children. 12 You said, ‘I will surely do you good, and make your offspring as the sand of the sea, which can’t be counted because there are so many.’”

13 He stayed there that night, and took from that which he had with him a present for Esau, his brother..."

Toldot - Reading #1

Toldot, תּוֹלְדֹת - Generations

Genesis 25:19-28:9

Reading #1- Genesis 25:19–26:5

My Thoughts: 

In the last few verses of today’s reading, we see Hashem promising to Isaac the land (Israel) and the people. And in the very last verse, He explains this because Abraham followed “Hashem’s commandments, statutes and laws!” You may wonder, like I did, how could this be? The Law has not yet been given on Mt. Sinai. 

But, maybe it has. The Law is eternal. It always was and always will be. So, it was given to man beginning at Adam. Maybe not in its entirety, but progressively. Remember, Abel sacrificed an animal. So, did others. There were also “clean” and “unclean” animals entering the ark. We see many “glimpses” of the Law up to this point.  

If the Law is eternal we better be following it to the best of our ability today. Yeshua taught it in every way in His short ministry on earth. If we are going to follow Him we are following the way He did things and what He believed.

Challenge: 

We are just beginning to learn about the Law, the Commandments of Hashem. Today I challenge you to think about whether you are required to follow the Commandments. And I am not just talking about the Ten Commandments, but ALL of them. Of course, there are some we can not follow today, like the ones regarding the Temple or priestly duties. Think and pray about this. As we continue on in reading the Torah this year we learn more about the Law. It would be good if in your heart if it is settled whether the Commandments are for you or not.

Reading #1 - Genesis 25:19–26:5

25:19 This is the history of the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son. Abraham became the father of Isaac. 20 Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Paddan Aram, the sister of Laban the Syrian, to be his wife. 21 Isaac entreated Hashem for his wife, because she was barren. Hashem was entreated by him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 The children struggled together within her. She said, “If it is like this, why do I live?” She went to inquire of Hashem. 23 Hashem said to her,

“Two nations are in your womb.

Two peoples will be separated from your body.

The one people will be stronger than the other people.

The elder will serve the younger.”

24 When her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25 The first came out red all over, like a hairy garment. They named him Esau. 26 After that, his brother came out, and his hand had hold on Esau’s heel. He was named Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.

27 The boys grew. Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field. Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents. 28 Now Isaac loved Esau, because he ate his venison. Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 Jacob boiled stew. Esau came in from the field, and he was famished. 30 Esau said to Jacob, “Please feed me with some of that red stew, for I am famished.” Therefore his name was called Edom.

31 Jacob said, “First, sell me your birthright.”

32 Esau said, “Behold, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?”

33 Jacob said, “Swear to me first.”

He swore to him. He sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew. He ate and drank, rose up, and went his way. So Esau despised his birthright.

26 There was a famine in the land, in addition to the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, to Gerar. 2 Hashem appeared to him, and said, “Don’t go down into Egypt. Live in the land I will tell you about. 3 Live in this land, and I will be with you, and will bless you. For I will give to you, and to your offspring, all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. 4 I will multiply your offspring as the stars of the sky, and will give all these lands to your offspring. In your offspring all the nations of the earth will be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my requirements, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”

Chayei Sarah - Reading #1

Chayei Sarah חַיֵּי שָׂרָה- Life of Sarah 

Genesis 18:1-22:24

READING #1 - Genesis 23:1–16

My Thoughts:

Doing what is right. When Sarah dies, Abraham is still a “foreigner” in the land of Israel. He seeks out a place to bury her and Ephron offers to give him a burial site for free. They have this curious dialogue about paying for it. Ephron wants to give to Abraham, but Abraham wants to pay for it. And eventually he does. He does the right and honorable thing. I imagine he also does not want to “owe” Ephron for any favors. This is wise.

Could this have happened because Ephron was not a part of Abraham’s people? That Ephron was actually a stranger to Abraham? The lesson to be learned may be that it is better to do what is right and not accept a free gift “without” strings from someone you do not know. In the end, it may prove to be advantageous and not come back to “bite” you.

Challenge:

There are times where it is good and right to accept “gifts” from others. And there are times when you should not. The challenge today is to prepare yourself for the next time a stranger offers you a “free” gift. Take some time to consider the true cost. And think about this story. You will find the right answer.

READING #1 - Genesis 23:1–16

23 Sarah lived one hundred twenty-seven years. This was the length of Sarah’s life. 2 Sarah died in Kiriath Arba (also called Hebron), in the land of Canaan. Abraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her. 3 Abraham rose up from before his dead and spoke to the children of Heth, saying, 4 “I am a stranger and a foreigner living with you. Give me a possession of a burying-place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.”

5 The children of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him, 6 “Hear us, my lord. You are a prince of Elohim among us. Bury your dead in the best of our tombs. None of us will withhold from you his tomb. Bury your dead.”

7 Abraham rose up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, to the children of Heth. 8 He talked with them, saying, “If you agree that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, 9 that he may sell me the cave of Machpelah, which he has, which is in the end of his field. For the full price let him sell it to me among you as a possession for a burial place.”

10 Now Ephron was sitting in the middle of the children of Heth. Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the children of Heth, even of all who went in at the gate of his city, saying, 11 “No, my lord, hear me. I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the presence of the children of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead.”

12 Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land. 13 He spoke to Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, “But if you will, please hear me. I will give the price of the field. Take it from me, and I will bury my dead there.”

14 Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him, 15 “My lord, listen to me. What is a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver between me and you? Therefore bury your dead.”

16 Abraham listened to Ephron. Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the current merchants’ standard.

Vayeira - Reading #1

Vayeira וַיֵּרָא - And He Appeared

Genesis 18:1-22:24

READING #1 - Genesis 18:1–14         

My Thoughts:

Sarah laughed at what Hashem had said about her getting pregnant. This was unbelievable to her. Her laugh was all about disbelief and doubt. Nevertheless, what Hashem said came true. As impossible as it seemed. 

Have you ever asked Hashem for the impossible? Maybe you never laughed at Hashem, but maybe you laughed at yourself for asking Him. Only to find out He answered your prayer! When that happens to me, it builds my faith to giant heights! What a faithful and wonderful Elohim we serve.

Challenge:

Today I challenge you to pray for the impossible prayer. Look at something in your life that only Hashem could change! Now take a moment to ask Him. Don’t laugh at the doubts you have, but look at how Hashem fulfilled Sarah’s request and BELIEVE. Do it now, do not delay.

READING #1 - Genesis 18:1–14    

18 Hashem appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood near him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth, 3 and said, “My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don’t go away from your servant. 4 Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 I will get a piece of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant.”

They said, “Very well, do as you have said.”

6 Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly prepare three seahs of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.” 7 Abraham ran to the herd, and fetched a tender and good calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to dress it. 8 He took butter, milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them. He stood by them under the tree, and they ate.

9 They asked him, “Where is Sarah, your wife?”

He said, “There, in the tent.”

10 He said, “I will certainly return to you at about this time next year; and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.”

Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age. Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. 12 Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old will I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”

13 Hashem said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Will I really bear a child when I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for Hashem? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes around, and Sarah will have a son.”   

Lech-Lecha - Reading #1

Lech-Lecha לֶךְ-לְךָ Go Forth Yourself!

Torah Portion Genesis 12:1-17:27

Reading #1 - Genesis 12:1–13              

My Thoughts:

How strong and confident Abram must have been in hearing the voice of Hashem. Can you imagine uprooting your whole family and taking them to an “occupied” land. And then to be told that Hashem was going to make you a “great nation”. One would have to be absolutely sure you were hearing from Hashem. Abram must have been in a very close relationship with Hashem. I wonder if we could have the same type of relationship?

Challenge: 

Do you hear Hashem’s voice clearly in your life? A while ago, my husband and I were taught something called “listening prayer”. We would take a prayer request to Hashem by sitting together, getting quiet, asking Him a question and then LISTENING to what He told us. It was interesting because so many times we would each “hear” the same thing from Hashem. I challenge you today to do some “listening prayer”. All you have to do is get into a quiet space, ask your question or request of Hashem, and get quiet and listen to Him. Usually it’s the first thing that comes into your mind. It could be Scripture, a “yes”, “no” or “wait”, or it could actually be some unexpected action you are to take. Try it. You will be amazed. You will learn to listen to Hashem just like Abram did.

Reading #1 - Genesis 12:1–13

12 Now Hashem said to Abram, “Leave your country, and your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who treats you with contempt. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

4 So Abram went, as Hashem had told him. Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 Abram took Sarai his wife, Lot his brother’s son, all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they went to go into the land of Canaan. They entered into the land of Canaan. 6 Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time, Canaanites were in the land.

7 Hashem appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your offspring.”

He built an altar there to Hashem, who had appeared to him. 8 He left from there to go to the mountain on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to Hashem and called on Hashem’s name. 9 Abram traveled, still going on toward the South.

10 There was a famine in the land. Abram went down into Egypt to live as a foreigner there, for the famine was severe in the land. 11 When he had come near to enter Egypt, he said to Sarai his wife, “See now, I know that you are a beautiful woman to look at. 12 It will happen that when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ They will kill me, but they will save you alive. 13 Please say that you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that my soul may live because of you.”

Noach - Reading #1

Noach נֹחַ - Rest

Torah Portion Genesis 6:9-11:32

Reading #1 - Genesis 6:9-22                

My Thoughts:

What does it mean to “walk with G-d” (v. 9)? The word walk in Hebrew is “halakh”. It means to be in a relationship and fellowship. For Noah in a time when it appears there is a lot of corruption, it meant he was in a good relationship with Hashem. He wasn’t going with the mainstream, he was instead walking closely to Hashem.

I imagine that Noah paid a price to be walking with G-d. Maybe some people didn’t like him because of that, probably shunned him or even made fun of him. And think about what criticism he fought when he started to build a gigantic boat. The laughter and jeers were most likely unbearable. It didn’t matter. He still walked with G-d. Because of his righteousness - Hashem saved him and his family from destruction. He preserves the lineage for the Mashiach (Messiah). Praise Him for doing so!

Challenge: 

Today, think about how you can be walking a little closer to Hashem. Imagine you are taking Him everywhere you go. Would that make a difference?

Reading #1 - Genesis 6:9-22

6:9 This is the history of the generations of Noah: Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time. Noah walked with Elohim. 10 Noah became the father of three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 The earth was corrupt before Elohim, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 Elohim saw the earth, and saw that it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

13 Elohim said to Noah, “I will bring an end to all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them and the earth. 14 Make a ship of gopher wood. You shall make rooms in the ship, and shall seal it inside and outside with pitch. 15 This is how you shall make it. The length of the ship shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16 You shall make a roof in the ship, and you shall finish it to a cubit upward. You shall set the door of the ship in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third levels. 17 I, even I, will bring the flood of waters on this earth, to destroy all flesh having the breath of life from under the sky. Everything that is in the earth will die. 18 But I will establish My covenant with you. You shall come into the ship, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. 19 Of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ship, to keep them alive with you. 

They shall be male and female. 20 Of the birds after their kind, of the livestock after their kind, of every creeping thing of the ground after its kind, two of every sort will come to you, to keep them alive. 21 Take with you some of all food that is eaten, and gather it to yourself; and it will be for food for you, and for them.” 22 Thus Noah did. He did all that Elohim commanded him.