Parashat Shelach (Send Forth) Bamidbar (Numbers) 13:1–15:41 Haftarah: Joshua 2:1–24 In my early years walking with the Lord, I would read a daily chapter from the Book of Proverbs. One of the most well-known verses … Read More
The Testimony of His Presence
Parashat Behaalot’ha (When You Kindle) Bamidbar (Numbers) 8:1–12:6 Haftarah: Zechariah 2:10-4:7 (2:14 in the Hebrew Bible) In this week’s Parashah, we read an amazing and dramatic description of when God’s presence came to dwell among … Read More
Abstaining for a Greater Purpose
Parashat Nasso (Lift Up) Bamidbar (Numbers) 4:21–7:89 Haftarah: Judges 13:2–25 The Western world in which most of us live is full of indulgences. While there is no problem with enjoying nice things, our human inclination … Read More
An Everlasting Love Story
Parashat Bamidbar (In the Desert/Wilderness) Bamidbar (Numbers) 1:1–4:20 Haftarah: Hosea 2:1-22 (1:10-2:20 in the English Bible) I am always amazed by the new insights the LORD gives when we read the Scriptures repeatedly. This happened … Read More
Choosing Him Daily
Parashat Bechukotai (In My Decrees) Vayikra (Leviticus) 26:3-27:34 Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19-17:14 “If” is one of the most important words that we find in Scripture, in my opinion. This week’s Parasha begins with this powerful word, … Read More
Spiritual Redemption in the Natural
Parashat Bahar (On the Mountain) Vayikra (Leviticus) 25:1–26:2 Haftarah: Jeremiah 32:6–27 In our Parashah this week, we find instructions regarding the year of Jubilee (Yovel in Hebrew): So you shall consecrate the fiftieth year and … Read More
An Earthly Cost; a Heavenly Reward
Parashat Emor (Say) Vayikra (Leviticus) 21:1–24:3 Haftarah: Ezekiel 44:15–31 As I reflect upon this week’s reading and the higher call by which the Priests had to live, I have been thinking about the cost of … Read More
An Antidote to Sin
Parashat Kedoshim (Holy Ones) Vayikra (Leviticus) 19:1-20:27 Shabbat “Head of the Month” Maftir: Numbers 28:11-15 Haftarah: 1 Samuel 20:18-42 There is a special reading for the Shabbat of the beginning of the month, which is … Read More
Jerusalem’s Destiny
Parashat Achrei Mot (After the Death) Vayikra (Leviticus) 16:1–18:40 Haftarah: Ezekiel 22:1–16 Jerusalem is the most important city in the world. As I was reading this week’s Parasha and Haftarah portions, I couldn’t help but … Read More
A Sign of the Covenant
Parashat Pesach (Passover) Exodus 12:21–51 Maftir: Numbers 28:16-25 Haftarah: Joshua 5:2-6:1, 6:27 In this week’s special reading for Passover, we read once again of God’s instructions to Moses regarding the children of Israel dipping hyssop … Read More