Korach - Reading #3

Korach קֹרַח - Korach

Numbers 16:1-18:32

Reading #3 - Numbers 16:20–17:8 (Chapter 17:1-21 in the Jewish Bible)

My Thoughts:

Do we ever learn? First Korath and his household are swallowed up into the ground, and then the 250 leaders with censors are consumed. You would think that people would get on their knees and beg forgiveness to Hashem. And maybe some did. But others began to complain -- the very next day! Oh no! What were they thinking? Hashem is not happy with this and begins a plague, a huge plague. Moses intercedes and Hashem, Aaron runs between the living and the dead and the plague is halted. Here is the lesson. If we disobey Hashem, don’t try to make excuses or think that it is okay. It is not. Beg for forgiveness, repent and be holy. Or another punishment may follow! Hashem loves us either way, but will not let us go unpunished or He will find a way so we learn.

Challenge:

At the end of today’s reading we learn about the story of proving to the Israelites who is their leader. Hashem tells Moses to assemble the leaders with their rods. He gathers them and sets them before the testimony. This is to settle who is truly Hashem’s leader -- once and for all -- so that the complaining ceases! Everyone brings their rods and the next day ONLY Aaron’s buds with almonds. The leader is confirmed! How wonderful of Hashem is to give this wonderful display to prove His point. It is a really interesting visual. Can you think of a time when Hashem showed the reason why He told you something? Maybe He didn’t turn a stick into flowers, but maybe He did give you a “visual” sign? Take some time to think of this and remember His miracles.

Reading #3 - Numbers 16:20–17:8

16:20 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 21 “Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment!”

22 They fell on their faces, and said, “Elohim, the Elohim of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will you be angry with all the congregation?”

23 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “Speak to the congregation, saying, ‘Get away from around the tent of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram!’”

25 Moses rose up and went to Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed him. 26 He spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart, please, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins!”

27 So they went away from the tent of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side. Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood at the door of their tents with their wives, their sons, and their little ones.

28 Moses said, “Hereby you shall know that Hashem has sent me to do all these works; for they are not from my own mind. 29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they experience what all men experience, then Hashem hasn’t sent me. 30 But if Hashem makes a new thing, and the ground opens its mouth, and swallows them up with all that belong to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you shall understand that these men have despised Hashem.”

31 As he finished speaking all these words, the ground that was under them split apart. 32 The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up with their households, all of Korah’s men, and all their goods. 33 So they, and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol. The earth closed on them, and they perished from among the assembly. 34 All Israel that were around them fled at their cry; for they said, “Lest the earth swallow us up!” 35 Fire came out from Hashem, and devoured the two hundred fifty men who offered the incense.

36 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 37 “Speak to Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter the fire away from the camp; for they are holy, 38 even the censers of those who sinned against their own lives. Let them be beaten into plates for a covering of the altar, for they offered them before Hashem. Therefore they are holy. They shall be a sign to the children of Israel.”

39 Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers which those who were burned had offered; and they beat them out for a covering of the altar, 40 to be a memorial to the children of Israel, to the end that no stranger who isn’t of the offspring of Aaron, would come near to burn incense before Hashem, that he not be as Korah and as his company; as Hashem spoke to him by Moses.

41 But on the next day all the congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and against Aaron, saying, “You have killed Hashem’s people!”

42 When the congregation was assembled against Moses and against Aaron, they looked toward the Tent of Meeting. Behold, the cloud covered it, and Hashem’s glory appeared. 43 Moses and Aaron came to the front of the Tent of Meeting. 44 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 45 “Get away from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment!” They fell on their faces.

46 Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer, put fire from the altar in it, lay incense on it, carry it quickly to the congregation, and make atonement for them; for wrath has gone out from Hashem! The plague has begun.”

47 Aaron did as Moses said, and ran into the middle of the assembly. The plague had already begun among the people. He put on the incense, and made atonement for the people. 48 He stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed. 49 Now those who died by the plague were fourteen thousand seven hundred, in addition to those who died about the matter of Korah. 50 Aaron returned to Moses to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and the plague was stopped.

17:1 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and take rods from them, one for each fathers’ house, of all their princes according to their fathers’ houses, twelve rods. Write each man’s name on his rod. 3 You shall write Aaron’s name on Levi’s rod. There shall be one rod for each head of their fathers’ houses. 4 You shall lay them up in the Tent of Meeting before the covenant, where I meet with you. 5 It shall happen that the rod of the man whom I shall choose shall bud. I will make the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against you, cease from me.”

6 Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and all their princes gave him rods, for each prince one, according to their fathers’ houses, a total of twelve rods. Aaron’s rod was among their rods. 7 Moses laid up the rods before Hashem in the Tent of the Testimony.

8 On the next day, Moses went into the Tent of the Testimony; and behold, Aaron’s rod for the house of Levi had sprouted, budded, produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds.

Korach - Reading #2

Korach קֹרַח - Korach

Numbers 16:1-18:32

Reading #2 - Numbers 16:14–19

My Thoughts:

Korah seems to be blinded to what Hashem is trying to accomplish here. He is rebelling against Moses and trying to take control of everything. Instead of seeking Hashem’s face -- he is acting in the “flesh”. As you know the outcome is death. But, it is so like what we do today. We don’t seek Hashem on decisions, and we go our own way. And sometimes that can bring “death” to our situation. A good lesson to learn here. Respect Hashem and His authority, and don’t try to go forward in your own ideas and rebellion!

Challenge:

This is quite the story. Rebellion and lack of respect by a group of leaders. You can just feel the turmoil and tension in this retelling of the whole situation of Korah. But, in the midst of it all “Hashem’s glory appeared to all the congregation” (verse 19). Isn’t that so like our Hashem? He shows up to set things in order, whether we like it or not. Who would not want His glory to appear? He appears and things are set straight. And that should be our “fear” of Him. We should carry a healthy fear of loving Him so much that we would never want His punishment or for Him to leave us. I challenge you today to turn things over to Him. If you are struggling with something, stop trying to solve it in your own flesh. Give it to Hashem and watch Him work for you. He will. Just don’t stand in His way -- like Korah.

Reading #2 - Numbers 16:14–19

16:14 Moreover you haven’t brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you put out the eyes of these men? We won’t come up.”

15 Moses was very angry, and said to Hashem, “Don’t respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, neither have I hurt one of them.”

16 Moses said to Korah, “You and all your company go before Hashem, you, and they, and Aaron, tomorrow. 17 Each man take his censer and put incense on it, and each man bring before Hashem his censer, two hundred fifty censers; you also, and Aaron, each with his censer.”

18 They each took his censer, and put fire in it, and laid incense on it, and stood at the door of the Tent of Meeting with Moses and Aaron. 19 Korah assembled all the congregation opposite them to the door of the Tent of Meeting.

Hashem’s glory appeared to all the congregation.

Korach - Reading #1

Korach קֹרַח - Korach

Numbers 16:1-18:32

Reading #1 - Numbers 16:1–13

My Thoughts:

Korah contends that everyone is holy and near to Hashem -- why was Moses so special? I suppose man has had the problem of recognizing authority for centuries and centuries. I think we all want to be in charge at some point in our lives. But, here is what is important. Hashem places those in authority over us. He rules the earth, and He chooses who will help Him to carry out His orders. In this special moment in Hashem’s history, He chooses Moses and Aaron. These men, including Korath, are not happy with this. They rebel. And Hashem separates and punishes them immediately. Lesson learned. The only way to live a prosperous and peaceful life is to follow Hashem and His Commandments. Love Him and love others. If you challenge that -- well, your future will be bleak. Choose life!

Challenge:

It is so interesting to me that Moses is so very close to Hashem that when he hears of Korah’s rebellion -- he tells them what is going to happen next. He explains that now Hashem will show “who are His and who are holy” (verse 5). End of debate. The Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will now settle things. At this point you would think that Korah and the leaders would fall on their faces and beg forgiveness. Only they continue in their persistence to prove a point. A point that leads them to destruction. Today, I suggest you take a look at your own life. Are you rebelling against some authority in your life? Maybe you feel justified, but go to Hashem and let Him fight your battle! Pray and seek His face for solution, instead of fighting for something on your own. Granted sometimes Hashem will direct us to seek justice in a situation, but many times He does not. Stand back and allow Hashem to do what is right. Repent and ask forgiveness for any havoc you have created. Today is a new day. Make things right. Recognize Hashem is on the throne!

Reading #1 - Numbers 16:1–13

16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took some men. 2 They rose up before Moses, with some of the children of Israel, two hundred fifty princes of the congregation, called to the assembly, men of renown. 3 They assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said to them, “You take too much on yourself, since all the congregation are holy, everyone of them, and Hashem is among them! Why do you lift yourselves up above Hashem’s assembly?”

4 When Moses heard it, he fell on his face. 5 He said to Korah and to all his company, “In the morning, Hashem will show who are His, and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to Him. Even him whom He shall choose, He will cause to come near to Him. 6 Do this: have Korah and all his company take censers, 7 put fire in them, and put incense on them before Hashem tomorrow. It shall be that the man whom Hashem chooses, he shall be holy. You have gone too far, you sons of Levi!”

8 Moses said to Korah, “Hear now, you sons of Levi! 9 Is it a small thing to you that the Elohim of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the service of Hashem’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them; 10 and that He has brought you near, and all your brothers the sons of Levi with you? Do you seek the priesthood also? 11 Therefore you and all your company have gathered together against Hashem! What is Aaron that you complain against him?”

12 Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab; and they said, “We won’t come up! 13 Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, but you must also make yourself a prince over us?

Korach - Week #6

Korach קֹרַח - Korach

Numbers 16:1-18:32

1 Samuel 11:14-12:22

John 19:1-17

1.1 First reading — Numbers 16:1–13

1.2 Second reading — Numbers 16:14–19

1.3 Third reading — Numbers 16:20–17:8

1.4 Fourth reading — Numbers 17:9–15

1.5 Fifth reading — Numbers 17:16–24

1.6 Sixth reading — Numbers 17:25–18:20

1.7 Seventh reading — Numbers 18:21–32

Shelach - Reading #7

Shelach שְׁלַח-לְךָ - Send For Yourself

Numbers 13:1-15:41

Haftarah: Joshua 2:1-24

Apostolic Scripture Readings: Matthew 10:1-14

Reading #7 - Numbers 15:27–41 

My Thoughts:

In verse 30 we read about sinning with a “high hand”. I looked this up and apparently it means with pride, arrogance and sometimes with violence. To me this means that the sin that is being acted upon is done so with deliberate malice. It would be like going up to someone you are disturbed about and thinking “I don’t care what Hashem thinks, I'm going to kill him/her!” Where you deliberately defy what Hashem has taught you and commit the act of sin. Wow. Do we ever need to be careful? Because I can think of times, Hashem forgive me please, where I deliberately sinned. I knew I was disobeying Hashem, but did it anyway. This hurts Hashem and hurts (affects) those around us. And this must stop. If you keep the Torah close to your heart, and fresh in your mind every day -- it will definitely help you not to sin. We must do this. The cost is too high. Sin causes separation from Hashem and death. It’s just not worth it. Is it?

Challenge:

In verses 37-41 we learn about the tzitzit. This is a blue string hung on the four corners of your garment. When you look at the tzitzit you are reminded to follow Torah. Some will say this is only for men. But, as a woman I wear one tzitzit on my belt line. It has four blue strings. I don’t wear a four cornered prayer shawl or shirt, so this is how I decided to do it. I challenge you today to study the wearing of tzitzit, and figure out how you are going to fulfill this commandment. Be brave and stand up for the Torah. It is a visual reminder, every day, that you are to follow Torah and not sin. It is really a beautiful commandment.

Reading #7 - Numbers 15:27–41

15:27 “‘If a person sins unwittingly, then he shall offer a female goat a year old for a sin offering. 28 The priest shall make atonement for the soul who errs when he sins unwittingly before Hashem. He shall make atonement for him; and he shall be forgiven. 29 You shall have one law for him who does anything unwittingly, for him who is native-born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner among them.

30 “‘But the soul who does anything with a high hand, whether he is native-born or a foreigner, blasphemes Hashem. That soul shall be cut off from among his people. 31 Because he has despised Hashem’s word, and has broken His commandment, that soul shall be utterly cut off. His iniquity shall be on him.’”

32 While the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. 33 Those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron, and to all the congregation. 34 They put him in custody, because it had not been declared what should be done to him.

35 Hashem said to Moses, “The man shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him with stones outside of the camp.” 36 All the congregation brought him outside of the camp, and stoned him to death with stones, as Hashem commanded Moses.

37 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 38 “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them that they should make themselves fringes on the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue. 39 It shall be to you for a fringe, that you may see it, and remember all Hashem’s commandments, and do them; and that you don’t follow your own heart and your own eyes, after which you used to play the prostitute; 40 so that you may remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your Elohim. 41 I am Hashem your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your Elohim: I am Hashem your Elohim.”

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

This Torah portion has to do a lot with sending out people to do special things for Hashem. Moses sent out the 12 spies, and in this Haftarah reading, Joshua sends out 2 spies to view the land. It is a great story because these two men meet with a dedicated servant, are hidden from the enemy and blessed with a good report. When Hashem sends us out to do special things are we careful to bring back a good report? This means that we have accomplished what He has asked us to do, and that we are blessed to carry out His will. We need to be careful that we do not go out to do something He has asked us -- and complain. Do Hashem’s work with a joyful heart. You will be super blessed in return.

Challenge:

What about Rahab in this story? She risked her life to save the two men from Moses. She saw that they were followers of the one true Elohim, and did all she could to protect them. Let’s look at our lives today. Are we willing to protect and go the extra mile for those who serve Hashem? Or would we risk our lives to save the life of someone else? I am reminded of the people during the Holocaust who helped and risked their lives to hide out Jewish people and children. If that were happening today, would you risk your life and your family’s life to hide someone? It is something to consider ahead of time. What are you willing to do to help your brother or sister in Hashem?

Haftarah: Joshua 2:1-24

2 Joshua the son of Nun secretly sent two men out of Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, including Jericho.” They went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab, and slept there.

2 The king of Jericho was told, “Behold, men of the children of Israel came in here tonight to spy out the land.”

3 Jericho’s king sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring out the men who have come to you, who have entered into your house; for they have come to spy out all the land.”

4 The woman took the two men and hid them. Then she said, “Yes, the men came to me, but I didn’t know where they came from. 5 About the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, the men went out. Where the men went, I don’t know. Pursue them quickly. You may catch up with them.” 6 But she had brought them up to the roof, and hidden them under the stalks of flax which she had laid in order on the roof. 7 The men pursued them along the way to the fords of the Jordan River. As soon as those who pursued them had gone out, they shut the gate. 8 Before they had lain down, she came up to them on the roof. 9 She said to the men, “I know that Hashem has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you. 10 For we have heard how Hashem dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and to Og, whom you utterly destroyed. 11 As soon as we had heard it, our hearts melted, and there wasn’t any more spirit in any man, because of you: for Hashem your Elohim, He is Elohim in heaven above, and on earth beneath. 12 Now therefore, please swear to me by Hashem, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my father’s house, and give me a true sign; 13 and that you will save alive my father, my mother, my brothers, and my sisters, and all that they have, and will deliver our lives from death.”

14 The men said to her, “Our life for yours, if you don’t talk about this business of ours; and it shall be, when Hashem gives us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you.”

15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window; for her house was on the side of the wall, and she lived on the wall. 16 She said to them, “Go to the mountain, lest the pursuers find you. Hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers have returned. Afterward, you may go your way.”

17 The men said to her, “We will be guiltless of this your oath which you’ve made us to swear. 18 Behold, when we come into the land, tie this line of scarlet thread in the window which you used to let us down. Gather to yourself into the house your father, your mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household. 19 It shall be that whoever goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood will be on his head, and we will be guiltless. Whoever is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand is on him. 20 But if you talk about this business of ours, then we shall be guiltless of your oath which you’ve made us to swear.”

21 She said, “Let it be as you have said.” She sent them away, and they departed. Then she tied the scarlet line in the window.

22 They went and came to the mountain, and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had returned. The pursuers sought them all along the way, but didn’t find them. 23 Then the two men returned, descended from the mountain, crossed the river, and came to Joshua the son of Nun. They told him all that had happened to them. 24 They said to Joshua, “Truly Hashem has delivered all the land into our hands. Moreover, all the inhabitants of the land melt away before us.”

Apostolic Scripture

My Thoughts:

Yeshua is giving a special command to His disciples to go to the “lost sheep of Israel” (verse 6). Why was this? I have often speculated that Yeshua came during a time when the people of Hashem were straying away from Him. The Temple had been corrupted by the Romans, and the people were under severe oppression. Maybe the Torah was not being taught from the heart and people were not understanding the true meaning of its purpose and plan. But, for whatever reason, the people were “lost”. And Adonai cared so much for His people that He sent a messenger, the Mashiach, to deliver the Truth to them. To restore and redeem their lives back to Him. What a heavy request this was for His disciples. I am sure they did their best to obey His directions.

Challenge:

Verse 13 is very interesting, “If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you.” Have you ever gone over to a friend's house and tried to talk about Torah and Hashem? You brought your peace and truth into their home and were rejected? This verse clearly tells us to shake it off, and your peace will return to you. The important thing is that you tried. And you must keep trying. It is so important to be Hashem’s light and a witness to His Torah, His truth. Now you know if you are turned away, that you don’t have to lose your peace over it. Stand strong and love others more than yourself. That is my challenge for you today. Amen!

Apostolic Scripture Readings: Matthew 10:1-14

10:1 He called to Himself His twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother; 3 Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, who was also called Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him.

5 Yeshua sent these twelve out and commanded them, saying, “Don’t go among the Gentiles, and don’t enter into any city of the Samaritans. 6 Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 As you go, preach, saying, ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give. 9 Don’t take any gold, silver, or brass in your money belts. 10 Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor sandals, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food. 11 Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy, and stay there until you go on. 12 As you enter into the household, greet it. 13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn’t worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 Whoever doesn’t receive you or hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.

Shelach - Reading #6

Shelach שְׁלַח-לְךָ - Send For Yourself

Numbers 13:1-15:41

Reading #6 - Numbers 15:17–26

My Thoughts:

Today we read about the “wave offering”. It was done by the priests and it was a special offering made to Hashem. Apparently, the priest would “wave” the offering to and fro, above his head. It was a sign of servitude, commitment and peace. It makes me think about when people win something. They “show it off” by waving it above their heads. It’s like, “See everyone what I got!” So, when the priests were waving their offerings before Hashem, they could have been seeing, “See Hashem this is for You!” A special, set aside offering to show before Hashem. Pretty cool, right?

Challenge:

In verses 23-26 we learn about “mistakes” or errors. Everyone makes mistakes right? Sometimes we do them unintentionally and sometimes we do them willingly. The point here is that Hashem makes a way for forgiveness. Through the priests and the sacrificial system, sins could be forgiven. So, what do we do about forgiveness now? We pray and ask. Psalm 130:3-4, “If You, Hashem, kept a record of sins, Hashem, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve You.” We confess and He forgives. Join me in doing this today. “Hashem please forgive me for all I do that is sin. I am so sorry for disobeying and not following You and Your Torah. Help me to be clean, please forgive me. I praise You and love You Hashem. Amen.”

Reading #6 - Numbers 15:17–26

15:17 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 18 “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, ‘When you come into the land where I bring you, 19 then it shall be that when you eat of the bread of the land, you shall offer up a wave offering to Hashem. 20 Of the first of your dough you shall offer up a cake for a wave offering. As the wave offering of the threshing floor, so you shall heave it. 21 Of the first of your dough, you shall give to Hashem a wave offering throughout your generations.

22 “‘When you err, and don’t observe all these commandments which Hashem has spoken to Moses— 23 even all that Hashem has commanded you by Moses, from the day that Hashem gave commandment and onward throughout your generations— 24 then it shall be, if it was done unwittingly, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bull for a burnt offering, for a pleasant aroma to Hashem, with its meal offering and its drink offering, according to the ordinance, and one male goat for a sin offering. 25 The priest shall make atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and they shall be forgiven; for it was an error, and they have brought their offering, an offering made by fire to Hashem, and their sin offering before Hashem, for their error. 26 All the congregation of the children of Israel shall be forgiven, as well as the stranger who lives as a foreigner among them; for with regard to all the people, it was done unwittingly.

Shelach - Reading #5

Shelach שְׁלַח-לְךָ - Send For Yourself

Numbers 13:1-15:41

Reading #5 -  Numbers 15:8–16

My Thoughts:

This is what I love about Torah. It is not only for His chosen people, the Jews, but also for the stranger that joins with them. In verse 15, 16 we read, “As you are, so the foreigner shall be before Hashem. One law and one ordinance shall be for you and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner with you.” Torah is clearly for everyone who wants to follow and love Hashem. Yes, we have a lot to learn from His people. We have not been studying Torah for centuries upon centuries. So, it is very important to study from the sages and those who live now who are teaching His Word. We must learn from the “native born” and join in with them. By joining I mean -- support the Jewish people with prayer, finances and material things. Support Israel in every way possible. Oppose those who boycott Israel and pray for peace for Jerusalem. Every day I pray this prayer, “Adonai please return the Land to the people. Please return the people’s hearts to you (and people all over the world). And please return the Mashiach to the Temple -- to rule and reign from Jerusalem forever.

Challenge:

If there is one Torah for the stranger and the native born, then it is really important to study, know and follow those Commandments! That’s why I do this daily blog -- going through the Torah portions. It is a one year cycle and every year you study it, I promise you will learn something new. Most importantly, we must apply what we are learning to our lives. Today we study about the offerings and how to do them. We can’t do these offerings without a Temple. But, how about this? Let’s offer our prayers, our giving to others, our repentance, and our love for Hashem to others. We are called to be a “light” to the nations. Let’s begin doing that today.

Reading #5 -  Numbers 15:8–16

15:8 When you prepare a bull for a burnt offering or for a sacrifice, to accomplish a vow, or for peace offerings to Hashem, 9 then he shall offer with the bull a meal offering of three tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with half a hin of oil; 10 and you shall offer for the drink offering half a hin of wine, for an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem. 11 Thus it shall be done for each bull, for each ram, for each of the male lambs, or of the young goats. 12 According to the number that you shall prepare, so you shall do to everyone according to their number.

13 “‘All who are native-born shall do these things in this way, in offering an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem. 14 If a stranger lives as a foreigner with you, or whoever may be among you throughout your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a pleasant aroma to Hashem, as you do, so he shall do. 15 For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner, a statute forever throughout your generations. As you are, so the foreigner shall be before Hashem. 16 One law and one ordinance shall be for you and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner with you.’”