Vayakhel - Reading #2

Vayakhel  וַיַּקְהֵל - And He Assembled

Torah Reading: Exodus 35:1-38:20

Reading #2 - Exodus 35:21–29

My Thoughts:

This particular Torah reading is full of unity and community. In verse 21 we read, “...everyone whose heart stirred him up, and everyone whom his spirit made willing…”. Those people who really cared, who were really “stirred” by Hashem to give and to work – came forward. There wasn’t any discussion about whether it was right to give what you had, it was just done. People came forward joyfully and worked and gave together for a purpose. You can imagine what that would look like today? If there was a special project and people came together joyfully and with the right heart to work? There are projects that do this. Look at Habitat for Humanity where people get together and build and restore homes for the disadvantaged. Look at food banks, libraries, clothing banks – there are lots of projects to get involved in. Pray about it and choose one. Be like the people in today’s reading – be willing!

Challenge:

In verse 25 we read about the women, “All the women who were wise-hearted spun with their hands, and brought that which they had spun”. Not just any woman helped out, only those who were “wise-hearted”. We talked about this yesterday – what it means to be “wise-hearted”. But, let’s take it a step further. When Hashem asks us to give or make something for someone, be sure to complete the task. BRING IT to a person/group. Do not procrastinate. Oftentimes we will get excited about a project, but if it takes longer than expected we give up. Be like the women in today’s portion - finish it and bring it forward. Don’t delay, it’s too important!

Reading #2 - Exodus 35:21–29

21 They came, everyone whose heart stirred him up, and everyone whom his spirit made willing, and brought Hashem’s offering for the work of the Tent of Meeting, and for all of its service, and for the holy garments. 22 They came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, earrings, signet rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man who offered an offering of gold to Hashem. 23 Everyone with whom was found blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair, rams’ skins dyed red, and sea cow hides, brought them. 24 Everyone who offered an offering of silver and bronze brought Hashem’s offering; and everyone with whom was found acacia wood for any work of the service, brought it. 25 All the women who were wise-hearted spun with their hands, and brought that which they had spun: the blue, the purple, the scarlet, and the fine linen. 26 All the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun the goats’ hair. 27 The rulers brought the onyx stones and the stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate; 28 with the spice and the oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense. 29 The children of Israel brought a free will offering to Hashem; every man and woman whose heart made them willing to bring for all the work, which Hashem had commanded to be made by Moses.

Vayakhel - Reading #1

Vayakhel  וַיַּקְהֵל - And He Assembled
Torah Reading: Exodus 35:1-38:20
Reading #1 - Exodus 35:1–20

My Thoughts:

In verse 5 we read, “...however is of a willing heart, let him bring it as Hashem’s offering.” This was not a mandatory offering, it was a “free-will” offering. Hashem only wanted gifts from people who were willing. Had He made it mandatory, the Tabernacle may not have been such a special place. But, it was special. It was divine. And the people knew this. They were excited to give to Hashem. Wouldn’t you have been? As we should be today. However, Hashem leads you to give and where to give. Let’s get excited about it. Instead of thinking about how we “can’t afford” to give – let’s excitedly and willingly give to His work and purposes. It’s a promise you will be blessed immensely. 

Challenge:

In verse 10, Hashem commands the “wise-hearted” men to come and make the items of the Tabernacle. What do you think it means to be “wise-hearted”? I would believe that if we are to be “wise” we would know the heart of Hashem very well. In knowing Him we find wisdom. In His Word we find wisdom. Would you like to become “wise-hearted”? Then you have to soak in the wisdom of Adonai – through prayer, reading of His word and following His commands. Right?

Reading #1 - Exodus 35:1-20

Moses assembled all the congregation of the children of Israel, and said to them, “These are the words which Hashem has commanded, that you should do them. 2 ‘Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of solemn rest to Hashem: whoever does any work in it shall be put to death. 3 You shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations on the Sabbath day.’”

4 Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which Hashem commanded, saying, 5 ‘Take from among you an offering to Hashem. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as Hashem’s offering: gold, silver, bronze, 6 blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair, 7 rams’ skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood, 8 oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense, 9 onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate.

10 “‘Let every wise-hearted man among you come, and make all that Hashem has commanded: 11 the tabernacle, its outer covering, its roof, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets; 12 the ark, and its poles, the mercy seat, the veil of the screen; 13 the table with its poles and all its vessels, and the show bread; 14 the lamp stand also for the light, with its vessels, its lamps, and the oil for the light; 15 and the altar of incense with its poles, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door, at the door of the tabernacle; 16 the altar of burnt offering, with its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its vessels, the basin and its base; 17 the hangings of the court, its pillars, their sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court; 18 the pins of the tabernacle, the pins of the court, and their cords; 19 the finely worked garments for ministering in the holy place—the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons—to minister in the priest’s office.’”

20 All the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

Vayakhel - Week #10

Vayakhel  וַיַּקְהֵל - And He Assembled

Torah Reading: Exodus 35:1-38:20

Haftarah: 2 Kings 11:17-12:17

Apostolic Reading: Matthew 12:1-13

First reading – Exodus 35:1–20

Second reading – Exodus 35:21–29

Third reading – Exodus 35:30–36:7

Fourth reading – Exodus 36:8–19

Fifth reading – Exodus 36:20–37:16

Sixth reading – Exodus 37:17–29

Seventh reading – Exodus 38:1–20

Ki Tisa - Reading #7

Ki Tisa  כִּי תִשָּׂא - When You Elevate

Exodus 30:11-34:35

Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16-38

Apostolic Writings: Mark 9:1-10

Reading #7 - Exodus 34:27–35

My Thoughts:

Another huge miracle in today’s reading. Moses does not eat or drink for forty days when he meets Hashem on the mountain a second time. We know this is not physically possible. But, with G-d all things are possible. He enters the presence of Hashem for forty days. It must have seemed much shorter for him. The glory of Hashem sustained him physically, emotionally and spiritually. How utterly amazing and wonderful! And when he descends the mountain and meets his people -- his face is shining -- glowing, from being in the presence of Hashem. This is all so hard to imagine. But, think if we just would spend some “time” with Hashem, in prayer and worship. A part of our “self” would glow also. I think that is why when you meet certain people you literally “see” Hashem’s peace all over them. Let’s strive for that today!

Challenge:

Hashem has given Moses a second chance at receiving the Ten Commandments -- the Law. The first set was written by the finger of Elohim, now this new set is written by Moses. The whole experience is glorious, yet not the same. It makes me think that when Hashem gives us a second chance it may not have been what He had originally intended for us. He adjusts it a little. But, it is still good.

If you need a second chance at something in life (I know I do, I am thinking of it right now). Do not expect it to be what G-d had intended originally, but He will still make it good. I do believe there is a contingency that we are following Him, obeying Him, repenting and worshiping. Go ahead today and ask Hashem for a second chance (or third or fourth). Praise Him and repent that you did not accept His original gift. 

Reading #7 - Exodus 34:27–35

27 Hashem said to Moses, “Write these words; for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.”

28 He was there with Hashem forty days and forty nights; he neither ate bread, nor drank water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant in Moses’ hand, when he came down from the mountain, Moses didn’t know that the skin of his face shone by reason of his speaking with Him. 30 When Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone; and they were afraid to come near him. 31 Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned to him; and Moses spoke to them. 32 Afterward all the children of Israel came near, and he gave them all the commandments that Hashem had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. 33 When Moses was done speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. 34 But when Moses went in before Hashem to speak with Him, he took the veil off, until he came out; and he came out, and spoke to the children of Israel that which he was commanded. 35 The children of Israel saw Moses’ face, that the skin of Moses’ face shone; so Moses put the veil on his face again, until he went in to speak with Him.

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

Hashem makes it pretty clear what will happen when He returns to rule and reign in Jerusalem, in the Temple, forever. He states in verse 27, “I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes. You will keep My ordinances and do them.” His Spirit will inhabit us when we are obedient to His Law. Clear and simple. His Law is NEVER taken away, in fact when He returns it is fully followed. Why? Because it is LIFE. Let us remember that. We have so diminished His Torah over time. Even those of us as strangers and not Jews who hope to attach to Israel -- we do not even fully understand His Law. But, we can try and do our best. Each day we must study His Torah. That is what this blog is all about.

Challenge:

In verse 20 Hashem explains that they have “profaned” His holy Name. I believe today we profane His holy Name when we do not follow Torah. When we carelessly study Torah, and go back into the world to live a “pagan” life. Yes, we live in a world where a majority of people do not honor or respect Hashem. But, that is why we are supposed to reflect His “light”.  Let’s try today to change our lives and respect His holy Name and His holy Words. Let us stop being careless about following His commands, and by doing so we will begin to respect His Name. I’m with you all on this today!

Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16-38

36:16 Moreover Hashem’s word came to me, saying, 17 “Son of man, when the house of Israel lived in their own land, they defiled it by their ways and by their deeds. Their way before Me was as the uncleanness of a woman in her impurity. 18 Therefore I poured out my wrath on them for the blood which they had poured out on the land, and because they had defiled it with their idols. 19 I scattered them among the nations, and they were dispersed through the countries. I judged them according to their way and according to their deeds. 20 When they came to the nations where they went, they profaned My holy name; in that men said of them, ‘These are Hashem’s people, and have left his land.’ 21 But I had respect for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations where they went.

22 “Therefore tell the house of Israel, ‘Hashem says: “I don’t do this for your sake, house of Israel, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went. 23 I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am Hashem,” says Hashem, “when I am proven holy in you before their eyes.

24 “‘“For I will take you from among the nations and gather you out of all the countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your filthiness, and from all your idols. 26 I will also give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. 27 I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes. You will keep My ordinances and do them. 28 You will dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers. You will be my people, and I will be your Elohim. 29 I will save you from all your uncleanness. I will call for the grain, and will multiply it, and lay no famine on you. 30 I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field, that you may receive no more the reproach of famine among the nations.

31 “‘“Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good; and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations. 32 I don’t do this for your sake,” says Hashem. “Let it be known to you: be ashamed and confounded for your ways, house of Israel.”

33 “‘Hashem says: “In the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited and the waste places will be built. 34 The land that was desolate will be tilled instead of being a desolation in the sight of all who passed by. 35 They will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The waste, desolate, and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.’ 36 Then the nations that are left around you will know that I, Hashem, have built the ruined places, and planted that which was desolate. I, Hashem, have spoken it, and I will do it.”

37 “‘Hashem says: “For this, moreover, I will be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them: I will increase them with men like a flock. 38 As the flock for sacrifice, as the flock of Jerusalem in her appointed feasts, so the waste cities will be filled with flocks of men. Then they will know that I am Hashem.’”

Apostolic Writings

My Thoughts:

In verse 3 Yeshua goes to the mountain and His clothes begin to “glow” from the presence of Hashem -- like snow. Just like Moses when he goes to the mountain. Our lives should “glow” too, from being in the presence of Hashem on a daily basis. Yeshua is an example of how we are to live and follow Torah. He is Torah (John 1).

Challenge:

In verse 7, Hashem speaks from a cloud and says “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him.” I believe He is saying we are to listen to what He is teaching and He is fully teaching Torah. He is the “Heart of Hashem”. So, if Hashem were here on the earth -- this is what His “heart” would look like. It’s like we get a chance, through Yeshua, to learn more about Hashem and His heart for us. It is simply beautiful. 

Take time to reread the Gospels and look at them from the perspective that you are “reading” G-d’s heart. Everything Yeshua teaches in the Gospels is Torah, the “heart” of Torah. We learn more about G-d from studying Yeshua. Let’s do that today. 

Apostolic Writings: Mark 9:1-10

9 He said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see God’s Kingdom come with power.”

2 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and he was changed into another form in front of them. 3 His clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 Elijah and Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus.

5 Peter answered Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let’s make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 For he didn’t know what to say, for they were very afraid.

7 A cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him.”

8 Suddenly looking around, they saw no one with them any more, except Yeshua only.

9 As they were coming down from the mountain, He commanded them that they should tell no one what things they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept this saying to themselves, questioning what the “rising from the dead” meant.

Ki Tisa - Reading #6

Ki Tisa  כִּי תִשָּׂא - When You Elevate

Exodus 30:11-34:35

Reading #6 - Exodus 34:10–26

My Thoughts:

It is very clear from today’s reading that Hashem does not want His people hanging out with others that are clearly not believers. He knows they will influence them in very bad ways. So, therefore, He promises to wipe them out before their eyes. And tells them in verse 14 “Hashem, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous G-d”.

Do you ever picture Hashem being that way -- jealous? It’s kind of hard for me to picture that, but Scripture says He is. But, think about people you love, like a partner. Aren’t you a little jealous when they are with someone else? It must be in our nature. Anyways, the solution of course is to place our hearts and minds -- centered on Hashem, at all times. To not allow ourselves to be “influenced” in negative ways by others who are in the “world”. Stay close to His Word, pray and repent daily. Stay away from those who do not worship your Elohim, or you just may become influenced by them.

Challenge:

In 34:10 Hashem promises to do “marvels”. It may be His marvels were destroying the enemy, which of course would be huge. But, I think He is also referring to the everyday miracles He will be performing in their midst every day. And I believe those miracles have never stopped. I look at my life, and He is always working miracles and wonders in my life. I challenge you to take some time today and think about what miracles (marvels) Hashem has done in your life lately. Then acknowledge Him with praise and prayer. We are truly grateful for all He does for us and those we love!

Reading #6 - Exodus 34:10–26

34:10 He said, “Behold, I make a covenant: before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been worked in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among whom you are shall see the work of Hashem; for it is an awesome thing that I do with you. 11 Observe that which I command you today. Behold, I will drive out before you the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. 12 Be careful, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it be for a snare among you; 13 but you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and you shall cut down their Asherah poles; 14 for you shall worship no other god; for Hashem, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous G-d.

15 “Don’t make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, lest they play the prostitute after their gods, and sacrifice to their gods, and one call you and you eat of his sacrifice; 16 and you take of their daughters to your sons, and their daughters play the prostitute after their gods, and make your sons play the prostitute after their gods.

17 “You shall make no cast idols for yourselves.

18 “You shall keep the feast of unleavened bread. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month Abib; for in the month Abib you came out of Egypt.

19 “All that opens the womb is mine; and all your livestock that is male, the firstborn of cow and sheep. 20 You shall redeem the firstborn of a donkey with a lamb. If you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons. No one shall appear before me empty.

21 “Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest: in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.

22 “You shall observe the feast of weeks with the first fruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of harvest at the year’s end. 23 Three times in the year all your males shall appear before Hashem, the Elohim of Israel. 24 For I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders; neither shall any man desire your land when you go up to appear before Hashem, your Elohim, three times in the year.

25 “You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread. The sacrifice of the feast of the Passover shall not be left to the morning.

26 “You shall bring the first of the first fruits of your ground to the house of Hashem your Elohim.

“You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.”

Ki Tisa - Reading #5

Ki Tisa  כִּי תִשָּׂא - When You Elevate
Exodus 30:11-34:35

Reading #5 - Exodus 34:1–9

My Thoughts:

We serve an Elohim of “second chances”. Moses, in anger, broke the first set of holy tablets. But, Hashem in His kindness and mercy gives him the chance to make a second set of tablets. Hashem invites Moses back up the mountain and He descends in a cloud. Moses bows and worships Him. Isn’t it so kind that He is fair with Moses and His people. He is giving them the Ten Commandments the “base” of all Laws. Think if He decided not to return the Commandments. Who knows what would have happened. Would there have been chaos? Would they have arrived in the Promised Land? It certainly would have been different. We know the Torah gives life. Hashem was giving “life” to Moses with the second set. Amen.

Challenge:

Who are the guilty in verse 7? Hashem has already said He will forgive iniquity. I think the “guilty” are those who do NOT repent, nor do they want to. They just remain in sin and guilt. They choose themselves over Hashem. And even more sad, is their sin is visited on to generations to come. My challenge today is to look over your life. Is there a sin in your life that you will not repent of, or let go? Be honest. If there is -- ask for repentance and turn your life around (teshuvah). We know sin separates us from Hashem. Repentance brings us closer!

Reading #5 - Exodus 34:1–9

34 Hashem said to Moses, “Chisel two stone tablets like the first. I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready by the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to me on the top of the mountain. 3 No one shall come up with you or be seen anywhere on the mountain. Do not let the flocks or herds graze in front of that mountain.”

4 He chiseled two tablets of stone like the first; then Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up to Mount Sinai, as Hashem had commanded him, and took in his hand two stone tablets. 5 Hashem descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed Hashem’s name. 6 Hashem passed by before him, and proclaimed, “Hashem! Hashem, a merciful and gracious Elohim, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth, 7 keeping loving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and disobedience and sin; and who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the children’s children, on the third and on the fourth generation.”

8 Moses hurried and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshiped. 9 He said, “If now I have found favor in your sight, Hashem, please let Hashem go among us, even though this is a stiff-necked people; pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance.”

Ki Tisa - Reading #4

Ki Tisa  כִּי תִשָּׂא - When You Elevate
Exodus 30:11-34:35

Reading #4 - Exodus 33:17–23

My Thoughts:

Hashem is so thoughtful. He knows Moses can not see Him face to face, so He hides in him in the cleft of a rock. Moses desire is to see His glory. And Hashem agrees to this. Can you even imagine if you were Moses, hiding in a cleft, and there goes the glory of Hashem -- right past him! Would you cry, bow down, pass out, praise Him, sing and just be so happy? Just to see His glory would be enough to keep you alive forever!

Challenge:

In verse 19 we hear Hashem says He has mercy and is gracious to whom He wants. I see His mercy and grace in my life every day! Do you? Today’s challenge is for you to look specifically for His mercy and grace throughout your day. Maybe He will give you mercy with a coworker. Or grace in a special situation where you really need it. Just be aware today. And when He blesses you with mercy and/or grace be sure to praise and worship Him! Today is going to be a good day!

Reading #4 - Exodus 33:17–23

33:17 Hashem said to Moses, “I will do this thing also that you have spoken; for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name.”

18 Moses said, “Please show me Your glory.”

19 He said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim Hashem’s name before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.” 20 He said, “You cannot see My face, for man may not see Me and live.” 21 Hashem also said, “Behold, there is a place by me, and you shall stand on the rock. 22 It will happen, while my glory passes by, that I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand until I have passed by; 23 then I will take away My hand, and you will see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”