Parashat Chukat (Statute of) Bamidbar (Numbers) 19:1–22:1 Haftarah: Judges 11:1–33 Does truth matter nowadays? Do historical facts matter? These are just a couple of questions that came to mind as I was reading this week’s … Read More
Sneaky Rebellion
Parashat Korach Bamidbar (Numbers) 16:1–18:32 Haftarah: I Samuel 11:14–12:22 Do I accept God’s elect? Am I ok with the destiny, gifts, and responsibilities He has given me? Do I trust Him and His plan? These … Read More
A Matter of Trust
Parashat Shelach (Send Forth) Bamidbar (Numbers) 13:1–15:41 Haftarah: Joshua 2:1–24 I entitled this blog entry, “A Matter of Trust” because I believe we are faced with daily decisions in our walk with the LORD that … Read More
The Menorah: A Prophetic Symbol
Parashat Behaalot’ha (When You Kindle) Bamidbar (Numbers) 8:1–12:6 Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7 As I was reading this week’s Parasha and Haftara one word connected the two, which is the “Menorah”. In the vast majority of English … Read More
A Special Vow
Parashat Nasso (Lift Up) Bamidbar (Numbers) 4:21–7:89 Haftarah: Judges 13:2–25 In this week’s Parasha, we read of a very special vow that a person can take upon him or herself: Again the LORD spoke to Moses, … Read More
A Future Peace
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) In Hebrew, the Book of Numbers is called במדבר״ ״ which actually means “In the Desert (Wilderness)”. It recounts … Read More
Our Only Hope!
Parashat Bahar (On the Mountain) & Bechukotai (In My Decrees) Vayikra (Leviticus) 25:1–26:2 & 26:3–27:34 Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19–17:14 “If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments so as to carry them out,” Leviticus … Read More
A Higher Calling
Parashat Emor (Say) Vayikra (Leviticus) 21:1–24:3 Haftarah: Ezekiel 44:15–31 In our Parasha, we read “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them…” (Leviticus 21:1a). It then … Read More
Bought with a Price
Parashat Achrei Mot (After the death) & Kedoshim (Holy ones) Vayikra (Leviticus) 16:1-18:40 & 19:1-20:27 Haftarah: Amos 9:7-15 (Ashkenazi Jews) & Ezekiel 22:1-16 (Sephardi Jews) I previously wrote similar thoughts about this week’s reading, but … Read More
The Foolish Shaming the Wise
Parashat Tazria (She Conceives) & Metzora (Leprosy) Vayikra (Leviticus) 12:1–13:8 & 14:1–15:33 Haftarah: 2 Kings 7:3–20 This week’s Parasha contains some very interesting precepts that God gave to the children of Israel regarding that which … Read More