The parasha this Shabbat is called Sh’lach L’cha, meaning “send out for yourself” and spans Numbers chapters 13-15. God said to Moses, “Send out for yourself men so that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the sons of Israel.” Moses chose one leader from each of the tribes, […]

This week our parasha is Behaalotechah, which translates to “In your setting up” and covers Numbers 8:1-12:16.  I would like to focus on Numbers 11 and 12 which recounts three separate rebellions against the Lord.  These rebellions teach us the serious consequences of turning against our Creator, and show that our nature has not changed […]

This week’s parasha is entitled Naso, which means, “to elevate” or “lift up.”  It covers Numbers, Chapter 4:21 to 7:89.  You will most likely not find the words “elevate” or “lift up” in your Bible.  Most likely, you have something like, “Take a census of the sons of Gershon…” as the start to verse 22.  […]

We live in a fallen world. It is dark, dangerous, confusing. It’s a hard place to live in. It’s not at rest. Creation is missing the Eden-like rest it enjoyed before the Fall. Those redeemed by the Seed of the Woman will enjoy great rest, perfect rest, in the future. In the meantime, God’s will […]

This week’s Parasha covers several subjects: the priesthood, the sacrifices and the holidays, but it has one theme that ties it all together – holiness. A holy God demanded holiness from His holy people. A priest was chosen by God and was holy, set apart to serve God; the priest offered gifts to God, and […]

The Torah readings for this Shabbat are entitled Acharei Mot, meaning “after the death” and K’dosheem translated “holy ones”. They cover Leviticus chapters 16 through 20. This passage opens with a warning for Aaron and the priests not to enter the Holy Place after having had wine or strong drink. Because it comes right after […]

The name of this week’s Parasha is Tazria-Metzora, which means “she gives birth” (Tazria) and “concerning lepers” (Metzora). It takes us from Leviticus 12:1-13:59 (Tazria) and 14:1-15:33 (Metzora). God gives Moses instructions for a woman to become pure after giving birth in chapter 12. She remains unclean for seven days after giving birth to a […]

This week’s Torah portion is titled Shemini, or in English, Eighth. It covers Leviticus 9:1-11:47. This parasha continues from the previous parasha, Tzav, where Aaron and his sons were installed into the priesthood with a highly structured seven-day installment ceremony. This parasha begins on the eighth day after this ceremony. It starts with Moses instructing […]

This weeks parasha is entitled Tzav, which means “Give the command”.  Adonai commands Moses concerning how various offerings are to be carried out. In turn, Moses commands Aaron and his sons as to how they are to carry out their priestly duties. From Levitiucs 6 -8:31 Adonai outlines the laws of the grain offering, sin […]

This week our parasha is Vayikra which translates to “And He Called” and covers Leviticus 1:1-5:19.  This parasha contains five types of offerings to the Lord and begins the book of Leviticus, which outlines many commandments concerning the Priesthood. When we approach a section of Scripture like this parasha, I think there is a tendency […]