Shemini - Reading #7

Shemini שְּׁמִינִי - Eighth

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Haftarah: 2 Sam. 6:1-7:17

Apostolic Writing: Matthew 3:11-17

Reading #7 - Leviticus 11:33–47

My Thoughts:

More instructions about clean and unclean. In verse 45 we read, “...make a distinction between the unclean and the clean.” This is important to Hashem. He has instructed us on what animals to eat. Think about it. He created all the animals and He knows which is best for us. Why do we not trust this and choose to eat that which He calls unclean? We really need to examine our hearts. If we really want to follow and obey Hashem then we have to trust in Him and His commands. Examine your life and make sure you are doing this, and so will I!

Challenge:

Verse 45 reads, “You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.” It is Hashem’s heart for us that we strive to be holy. He created us in His image and He wants us to be like Him. That makes a lot of sense if you think about how you love Hashem and want to walk like He does. It calls for holiness. We don’t hear a lot about that in today’s world, instead we hear about everything we should do to make ourselves happy. If we aren’t happy then we get rid of things – like marriages, homes, family. Hashem calls us to be more like Him. And the only way we are going to know what that looks like is to study His special instructions to us – the Torah. I encourage you to keep reading the daily Torah. Do it as a devotion. Start your day with the Torah reading. I promise it will change your life, and you will be super blessed.

Reading #7 - Leviticus 11:33–47

11:33 Every earthen vessel into which any of them falls and all that is in it shall be unclean. You shall break it. 34 All food which may be eaten which is soaked in water shall be unclean. All drink that may be drunk in every such vessel shall be unclean. 35 Everything whereupon part of their carcass falls shall be unclean; whether oven, or range for pots, it shall be broken in pieces. They are unclean, and shall be unclean to you. 36 Nevertheless a spring or a cistern in which water is gathered shall be clean, but that which touches their carcass shall be unclean. 37 If part of their carcass falls on any sowing seed which is to be sown, it is clean. 38 But if water is put on the seed, and part of their carcass falls on it, it is unclean to you.

39 “‘If any animal of which you may eat dies, he who touches its carcass shall be unclean until the evening. 40 He who eats of its carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening. He also who carries its carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening.

41 “‘Every creeping thing that creeps on the earth is an abomination. It shall not be eaten. 42 Whatever goes on its belly, and whatever goes on all fours, or whatever has many feet, even all creeping things that creep on the earth, them you shall not eat; for they are an abomination. 43 You shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creeps. You shall not make yourselves unclean with them, that you should be defiled by them. 44 For I am Hashem your Elohim. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any kind of creeping thing that moves on the earth. 45 For I am Hashem who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your Elohim. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

46 “‘This is the law of the animal, and of the bird, and of every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature that creeps on the earth, 47 to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the living thing that may be eaten and the living thing that may not be eaten.’”

Haftarah

My Thoughts:

In verse 12 we read,  “King David was told, ‘Hashem has blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that belongs to him, because of Elohim’s ark.’” Kind of curious when just before this, Uzzah is struck dead for trying to catch the ark as it is falling. Both people seem to be wanting to help Hashem with the ark. But, I think, here is the point of it all. Uzzah disobeys Hashem by touching the ark. Obed - Edom takes courage and care to bring the ark into their property/home. Maybe Uzzah wanted to “save” the ark from falling on the ground. But, really he just needed to TRUST that Hashem would take care of this and OBEY Hashem by not touching the ark. That’s a hard place to be in. Where you think that in disobedience to Hashem, you are doing the right thing. This is why it is so important to be close to Hashem and know His heart. In this particular instance – He wanted obedience – and He would take care of the rest. Let’s remember this and apply it to our lives!

Challenge:

David celebrates the ark coming into his tent. Imagine how exciting and wonderful that would be! We can not begin to understand the implications of this. But, then his wife, Michal is upset about this display of praise and worship. For her thoughts and words, Hashem removes the gift of childbearing from her. We can learn from this. Hashem wants “true worshipers” and if they look a little different then us – we better beware not to criticize them! Everyone has their own “way” of worship, but the important thing is that – they are worshiping! Hashem loves to be worshiped! Make sure you are giving the praises due to Him – today!

2 Samuel 6:1-7:17

6 David again gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 David arose, and went with all the people who were with him, from Baale Judah, to bring up from there Elohim’s ark, which is called by the Name, even the name of Hashem of Armies who sits above the cherubim. 3 They set Elohim’s ark on a new cart, and brought it out of Abinadab’s house that was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart. 4 They brought it out of Abinadab’s house, which was in the hill, with Elohim’s ark; and Ahio went before the ark. 5 David and all the house of Israel played before Hashem with all kinds of instruments made of cypress wood, with harps, with stringed instruments, with tambourines, with castanets, and with cymbals. 6 When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached for Elohim’s ark, and took hold of it; for the cattle stumbled. 7 Hashem’s anger burned against Uzzah; and Elohim struck him there for his error; and he died there by Elohim’s ark. 8 David was displeased, because Hashem had broken out against Uzzah; and he called that place Perez Uzzah, to this day. 9 David was afraid of Hashem that day; and he said, “How could Hashem’s ark come to me?” 10 So David would not move Hashem’s ark to be with him in David’s city; but David carried it aside into Obed-Edom the Gittite’s house. 11 Hashem’s ark remained in Obed-Edom the Gittite’s house three months; and Hashem blessed Obed-Edom and all his house. 12 King David was told, “Hashem has blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that belongs to him, because of Elohim’s ark.”

So David went and brought up Elohim’s ark from the house of Obed-Edom into David’s city with joy. 13 When those who bore Hashem’s ark had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf. 14 David danced before Hashem with all his might; and David was clothed in a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up Hashem’s ark with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

16 As Hashem’s ark came into David’s city, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out through the window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before Hashem; and she despised him in her heart. 17 They brought in Hashem’s ark, and set it in its place, in the middle of the tent that David had pitched for it; and David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Hashem. 18 When David had finished offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of Hashem of Armies. 19 He gave to all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, both to men and women, to everyone a portion of bread, dates, and raisins. So all the people departed, each to his own house. 20 Then David returned to bless his household. Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, “How glorious the king of Israel was today, who uncovered himself today in the eyes of his servants’ maids, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!”

21 David said to Michal, “It was before Hashem, who chose me above your father, and above all his house, to appoint me prince over the people of Hashem, over Israel. Therefore I will celebrate before Hashem. 22 I will be yet more vile than this, and will be worthless in my own sight. But the maids of whom you have spoken will honor me.”

23 Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death.

7 When the king lived in his house, and Hashem had given him rest from all his enemies all around, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but Hashem’s ark dwells within curtains.”

3 Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart; for Hashem is with you.”

4 That same night, Hashem’s word came to Nathan, saying, 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Hashem says, “Should you build me a house for me to dwell in? 6 For I have not lived in a house since the day that I brought the children of Israel up out of Egypt, even to this day, but have moved around in a tent and in a tabernacle. 7 In all places in which I have walked with all the children of Israel, did I say a word to any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to be shepherd of my people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built me a house of cedar?’”’ 8 Now therefore tell my servant David this, ‘Hashem of Armies says, “I took you from the sheep pen, from following the sheep, to be prince over my people, over Israel. 9 I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you. I will make you a great name, like the name of the great ones who are in the earth. 10 I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place, and be moved no more. The children of wickedness will not afflict them any more, as at the first, 11 and as from the day that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel. I will cause you to rest from all your enemies. Moreover Hashem tells you that Hashem will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled, and you sleep with your fathers, I will set up your offspring after you, who will proceed out of your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He will build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his father, and he will be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men; 15 but My loving kindness will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before you. 16 Your house and your kingdom will be made sure forever before you. Your throne will be established forever.”’” 17 Nathan spoke to David all these words, and according to all this vision.

Apostolic Scripture

My Thoughts:

John baptized people to repentance, and Yeshua does so for the Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh). We know that we can not be in the presence of the Holy Spirit unless we have repentance and Yeshua taught that also. I sometimes wonder if because Yeshua knew the Temple would be destroyed soon, and gone for centuries, that is why He emphasized striving for the presence of Hashem (through His Ruach HaKodesh). That we could at least have some form of His presence in our lives until the Olam Haba (or if the Temple would arrive in our lifetime!). It seems like Hashem wants to be with us as much as we want to be with Him!

Challenge:

In verse 17 we read, “Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” Can you imagine a voice from Hashem coming from the sky? Announcing that Mashiach is here and that He is very happy about that? Maybe that’s how it will be when the Mashiach returns. Hashem will announce His arrival from heaven! And all the world will see Him (somehow) descend upon the Mt. of Olives - where it will split in two (Zechariah 14:4). What a wonderful day that will be. We will all bow down and worship the King and the glory of Hashem will fill the earth! I challenge you to think about this and to get ready.

Apostolic Scripture: Matthew 3:11-17

11 “I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Ruach HaKodesh. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather His wheat into the barn, but the chaff He will burn up with unquenchable fire.”

13 Then Yeshua came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 But John would have hindered Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and You come to me?”

15 But Yeshua, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him.

16 Yeshua, when He was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to Him. He saw the Spirit of Elohim descending as a dove, and coming on Him. 17 Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Shemini - Reading #6

Shemini שְּׁמִינִי - Eighth

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Reading #6 - Leviticus 11:1–32

My Thoughts:

Now we begin learning about clean and unclean animals. We first hear mention of clean and the unclean on Noah’s ark. Now Hashem is telling us specifically what we can eat and what we can’t eat. Here it is clear in verse 7 that we are not to eat pig meat. What don’t we understand about this? If Hashem Himself is telling Moses to tell the people NOT to eat these animals, then we must NOT. Not only for obedience, but probably for health reasons too. Some of these animals eat bad things, which go into their system, which in return would go into ours. Hashem is protecting us. Why do we try to change His laws? Why do we say we don’t have to follow them anymore? Throughout the centuries man has had opinions about Scripture. I dare say this is probably the most serious misinterpretation of Scripture man has made. Search your heart. It is clear what we are supposed to eat and not eat. Then follow the Commandments. In them you will have life!

Challenge:

My husband ate raw bacon when he was a kid. He was sick for about a year and almost died. There are real and specific reasons why Hashem gives us Commandments. If He tells us not to eat certain foods, there is a reason. And even if there wasn’t shouldn’t we obey every Word He says? If you are eating unclean foods, and you have read the list today -- I encourage you to stop. He gives us so many different kinds of wonderful foods. Eat them. Obey Hashem and live. And start today.

Reading #6 - Leviticus 11:1–32

11:1 Hashem spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying to them, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘These are the living things which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth. 3 Whatever parts the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and chews the cud among the animals, that you may eat.

4 “‘Nevertheless these you shall not eat of those that chew the cud, or of those who part the hoof: the camel, because it chews the cud but doesn’t have a parted hoof, is unclean to you. 5 The hyrax, because it chews the cud but doesn’t have a parted hoof, is unclean to you. 6 The hare, because it chews the cud but doesn’t have a parted hoof, is unclean to you. 7 The pig, because it has a split hoof, and is cloven-footed, but doesn’t chew the cud, is unclean to you. 8 You shall not eat their meat. You shall not touch their carcasses. They are unclean to you.

9 “‘You may eat of all these that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, that you may eat. 10 All that don’t have fins and scales in the seas and rivers, all that move in the waters, and all the living creatures that are in the waters, they are an abomination to you, 11 and you shall detest them. You shall not eat of their meat, and you shall detest their carcasses. 12 Whatever has no fins nor scales in the waters is an abomination to you.

13 “‘You shall detest these among the birds; they shall not be eaten because they are an abomination: the eagle, the vulture, the black vulture, 14 the red kite, any kind of black kite, 15 any kind of raven, 16 the horned owl, the screech owl, the gull, any kind of hawk, 17 the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl, 18 the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey, 19 the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat.

20 “‘All flying insects that walk on all fours are an abomination to you. 21 Yet you may eat these: of all winged creeping things that go on all fours, which have long, jointed legs for hopping on the earth. 22 Even of these you may eat: any kind of locust, any kind of katydid, any kind of cricket, and any kind of grasshopper. 23 But all winged creeping things which have four feet are an abomination to you.

24 “‘By these you will become unclean: whoever touches their carcass shall be unclean until the evening. 25 Whoever carries any part of their carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening.

26 “‘Every animal which has a split hoof that isn’t completely divided, or doesn’t chew the cud, is unclean to you. Everyone who touches them shall be unclean. 27 Whatever goes on its paws, among all animals that go on all fours, they are unclean to you. Whoever touches their carcass shall be unclean until the evening. 28 He who carries their carcass shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the evening. They are unclean to you.

29 “‘These are they which are unclean to you among the creeping things that creep on the earth: the weasel, the rat, any kind of great lizard, 30 the gecko, and the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon. 31 These are they which are unclean to you among all that creep. Whoever touches them when they are dead shall be unclean until the evening. 32 Anything they fall on when they are dead shall be unclean; whether it is any vessel of wood, or clothing, or skin, or sack, whatever vessel it is, with which any work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the evening. Then it will be clean.

Shemini - Reading #5

Shemini שְּׁמִינִי - Eighth

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Reading #5 - Leviticus 10:16–20

My Thoughts:

Aaron is not really allowed to do much mourning for his sons, so he chose to not eat the sin offering (verse 19). Maybe because he was sad or wanted to fast. For whatever reason it is definitely tied in with the death of his sons. And once Moses hears his reasoning he seems to excuse him. This teaches us today that sometimes we need to be flexible with people. We need to have compassion and understanding, and not judge too quickly. We need to listen to people and hear their hearts. And that means if we have to change our plans -- that’s okay. Let’s continue to learn how to treat others through Torah study. Amen!

Challenge:

Also today we learn about obeying authority. And also questioning authority. There is definitely a time and place to do so. I used to say to my employees -- “Family comes first”. So, if there were family issues or events that were important, that took precedence over work. Not all employers are like that. So today I challenge you to think about your boss/employer. Be sure to be kind and do what he/she says. If they are not understanding something you are trying to tell them then have patience and explain. Work it out. Just like Aaron did!

Reading #5 - Leviticus 10:16–20

10:16 Moses diligently inquired about the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burned. He was angry with Eleazar and with Ithamar, the sons of Aaron who were left, saying, 17 “Why haven’t you eaten the sin offering in the place of the sanctuary, since it is most holy, and he has given it to you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before Hashem? 18 Behold, its blood was not brought into the inner part of the sanctuary. You certainly should have eaten it in the sanctuary, as I commanded.”

19 Aaron spoke to Moses, “Behold, today they have offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before Hashem; and such things as these have happened to me. If I had eaten the sin offering today, would it have been pleasing in Hashem’s sight?”

20 When Moses heard that, it was pleasing in his sight.

Shemini - Reading #4

Shemini שְּׁמִינִי - Eighth

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Reading #4 - Leviticus 10:12–15

My Thoughts:

We read about eating in a holy place (verse 13). The offering is holy, the priests have been sanctified, and so when they eat -- it has to be a holy place. It makes me think about where we eat. Do you have a table in the kitchen or dining room where you eat with others in your family? If so, let’s think about making that space a special place. Remember every good gift comes from the Father in heaven. So all our food comes from Him. Today make your dining space special. Maybe a nice tablecloth, or setting the table ahead of time. And remember to praise Him for all you have! Amen!

Challenge:

In verse 12 they are told to eat a meal offering without yeast. It reminds me of the week the Feast of Unleavened Bread -- Chol HaMoed. It is a challenge to go a week without leaven. We do not live in a Jewish community and sometimes I am not sure what we should have in our house during this week and what we should not. Especially when my sons are packing lunches for work! What is important is that we remember these commands and the feasts. We remember what the priests have to do in the Tabernacle and what to do during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Most important to remember that when Hashem delivered His Hebrew people from Egypt they left in haste without being able to make bread! Let’s remember His miracles today! And the current miracles He does today in our lives!

Reading #4 - Leviticus 10:12–15

10:12 Moses spoke to Aaron, and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons who were left, “Take the meal offering that remains of the offerings of Hashem made by fire, and eat it without yeast beside the altar; for it is most holy; 13 and you shall eat it in a holy place, because it is your portion, and your sons’ portion, of the offerings of Hashem made by fire; for so I am commanded. 14 The waved breast and the heaved thigh you shall eat in a clean place, you, and your sons, and your daughters with you: for they are given as your portion, and your sons’ portion, out of the sacrifices of the peace offerings of the children of Israel. 15 They shall bring the heaved thigh and the waved breast with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave offering before Hashem. It shall be yours, and your sons’ with you, as a portion forever, as Hashem has commanded.”

Shemini - Reading #3

Shemini שְּׁמִינִי - Eighth

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Reading #3 -  Leviticus 9:24–10:11

My Thoughts:

Today we read about “fire”. Fire comes from Hashem to burn an offering and fat on the altar. And fire comes from Hashem to devour two of Aaron’s sons. One fire is for obedience and the other for disobedience. Hashem does not take it lightly when His commandments are broken. Is there a reason in your life that Hashem might consider to “extinguish” you? Of course He would not (I assume). But, after reading today’s Torah Scripture it might be a good idea for all of us to do some “self examination” and see if there is sin in our lives. Where are we not following His commandments? Confess and repent and make it right.

Challenge:

In verse 9 we read that the priests were not to drink any wine before entering the Tabernacle or after. Hashem stresses the need to be clean before Him and to be able to distinguish between common and uncommon. Just think about your own life. When you come before Hashem to pray and worship, have you examined your life and repented for sin? Do you have a problem with alcohol and are drinking at times that are not necessary? Speaking to you as a recovered alcoholic, I encourage you to deal with any problems you have today. Do not delay and get some help. Most important, ask Hashem to deliver you. I promise He will, if you work at it too.

Reading #3 -  Leviticus 9:24–10:11

9:24 Fire came out from before Hashem, and consumed the burnt offering and the fat upon the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted, and fell on their faces.

10 Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer, and put fire in it, and laid incense on it, and offered strange fire before Hashem, which He had not commanded them. 2 Fire came out from before Hashem, and devoured them, and they died before Hashem.

3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what Hashem spoke of, saying,

‘I will show myself holy to those who come near me,

    and before all the people I will be glorified.’”

Aaron held his peace. 4 Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, “Draw near, carry your brothers from before the sanctuary out of the camp.” 5 So they came near, and carried them in their tunics out of the camp, as Moses had said.

6 Moses said to Aaron, and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons, “Don’t let the hair of your heads go loose, and don’t tear your clothes, so that you don’t die, and so that He will not be angry with all the congregation; but let your brothers, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which Hashem has kindled. 7 You shall not go out from the door of the Tent of Meeting, lest you die; for the anointing oil of Hashem is on you.” They did according to the word of Moses. 8 Then Hashem said to Aaron, 9 “You and your sons are not to drink wine or strong drink whenever you go into the Tent of Meeting, or you will die. This shall be a statute forever throughout your generations. 10 You are to make a distinction between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean. 11 You are to teach the children of Israel all the statutes which Hashem has spoken to them by Moses.”

Shemini - Reading #2

Shemini שְּׁמִינִי - Eighth

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Reading #2 - Leviticus 9:17–23

My Thoughts:

Last verse (23) Moses and Aaron come out of the Tabernacle, they “bless” the people and Hashem’s glory appears to everyone. How amazing that would be. To be there to witness a special “house” for Hashem and then for His glory to appear. Were they blinded? Did they go prostrate before Him? Whatever happened I can only imagine total unexplained peace and joy. You would not have words to speak, only to dwell in the current moment of time. In the presence of His glory. Imagine that.

Challenge:

As we read Moses and Aaron “blessed’ the people. I want you to think today about YOUR blessings. In other words -- how have YOU been blessed? Sometimes we get caught up in problems, troubles or even daily challenges of life. We start complaining or worrying. We totally forget about all Hashem has given us, all that we have. The fact that we can study and learn about Torah. The Torah that gives eternal life. We can read about serving and loving Hashem and others. What a total blessing that is! Today is a good day to start remembering all that you have. Think about all the wonderful people Hashem has put in your life. Then start to praise Him. No matter how tough of a time you are going through -- thank Him for He has done and continues to do. We may not have Moses to bless us, but we have the Spirit of Elohim upon us! And that is a huge blessing! Amen!

Reading #2 - Leviticus 9:17–23

17 He presented the meal offering, and filled his hand from there, and burned it upon the altar, in addition to the burnt offering of the morning. 18 He also killed the bull and the ram, the sacrifice of peace offerings, which was for the people. Aaron’s sons delivered to him the blood, which he sprinkled around on the altar; 19 and the fat of the bull and of the ram, the fat tail, and that which covers the innards, and the kidneys, and the cover of the liver; 20 and they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burned the fat on the altar. 21 Aaron waved the breasts and the right thigh for a wave offering before Hashem, as Moses commanded. 22 Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people, and blessed them; and he came down from offering the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings.

23 Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting, and came out, and blessed the people; and Hashem’s glory appeared to all the people.

Shemini - Reading #1

Shemini שְּׁמִינִי - Eighth

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Reading #1 - Leviticus 9:1–16

My Thoughts:

Prepare the offerings for “today Hashem appears to you (verse 4).” How amazing that would be! You are bringing a perfect offering, you are preparing to present it, and you know that soon Hashem will appear in His glory! What excitement and energy that must have brought to the people. And hopefully fear. Fear of the presence of the Holy One! Good fear, fear of Hashem. We should be getting excited too! We should be praying every day for Hashem to come back to the Temple in Jerusalem. We should be praying for the Temple to be built! We should be getting ready for the glory of Hashem to come to Israel, may it be soon. Remember to do this. It may help to bring Him back sooner. Please Hashem.

Challenge:

I challenge you today to make an “offering” to Hashem. It can be prayer, sacrifice, worship, repentance or a good deed (mitzvah). Think about what you can give today and do it. And be excited and anticipatory to give it to Him. Think of all the gifts He gives you every day. Today is the day to give Him one!

Reading #1 - Leviticus 9:1–16

9 On the eighth day, Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel; 2 and he said to Aaron, “Take a calf from the herd for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without defect, and offer them before Hashem. 3 You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Take a male goat for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both a year old, without defect, for a burnt offering; 4 and a bull and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before Hashem; and a meal offering mixed with oil: for today Hashem appears to you.’”

5 They brought what Moses commanded before the Tent of Meeting. All the congregation came near and stood before Hashem. 6 Moses said, “This is the thing which Hashem commanded that you should do; and Hashem’s glory shall appear to you.” 7 Moses said to Aaron, “Draw near to the altar, and offer your sin offering, and your burnt offering, and make atonement for yourself, and for the people; and offer the offering of the people, and make atonement for them, as Hashem commanded.”

8 So Aaron came near to the altar, and killed the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself. 9 The sons of Aaron presented the blood to him; and he dipped his finger in the blood, and put it on the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the base of the altar; 10 but the fat, and the kidneys, and the cover from the liver of the sin offering, he burned upon the altar, as Hashem commanded Moses. 11 The meat and the skin he burned with fire outside the camp. 12 He killed the burnt offering; and Aaron’s sons delivered the blood to him, and he sprinkled it around on the altar. 13 They delivered the burnt offering to him, piece by piece, and the head. He burned them upon the altar. 14 He washed the innards and the legs, and burned them on the burnt offering on the altar. 15 He presented the people’s offering, and took the goat of the sin offering which was for the people, and killed it, and offered it for sin, like the first. 16 He presented the burnt offering, and offered it according to the ordinance.