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Sh’lach L’cha – שְׁלַח-לְךָ (Numbers 13:1−15:41)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Sh’lach L’cha – שְׁלַח-לְךָ (Numbers 13:1−15:41)

“…and we looked like grasshoppers to ourselves, and so we must have looked to them.” (Numbers 13:33).

Wow – what a devastation, when I look down at myself, I certainly project it onto everyone else.

Parsha Sh’lach L’cha – שְׁלַח-לְךָ Torah Summary:

Moses sends twelve spies to the Land of Israel to report on the inhabitants and the country. Despite the positive report of Joshua and Caleb, the people are frightened. (13:1–14:10) God threatens to wipe out the Children of Israel but relents when Moses intercedes on their behalf. To punish the people, God announces that all those who left Egypt would not enter the Land of Israel except for Joshua and Caleb. (14:11–45) Moses instructs the Israelites regarding setting aside challah, the observance of the Sabbath, how to treat strangers, and the laws of tzitzit. (15:1–41) Sh’lach L’cha – שְׁלַח-לְךָ “…and we looked like grasshoppers to ourselves, and so we must have looked to them.” (Numbers 13:33). Wow – what a devastation, when I look down at myself, I certainly project it onto everyone else.

B’haalot’cha – בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ (Numbers 8:1−12:16)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: B’haalot’cha – בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ (Numbers 8:1−12:16)

An amazing thing happens in our Torah portion, a year after we left Egypt, we are ready to celebrate Passover, and celebrating the holiday means to all take part in eating the Passover sacrifice. A group of people complain they will not be included, they are in a temporary status of impurity, and they will be excluded. Moses does not know what to do, so he asks God, who answers, to let them have a second Passover, so everyone will be included. Second Passover is still celebrated as the holiday of inclusion. Everyone who was excluded from religion because of prejudice should be included.

Parsha B’haalot’cha – בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ Torah Summary:

God speaks to Moses, describing the menorah for the Tent of Meeting. The Levites are appointed to serve as assistants under Aaron and his sons. (8:1-26) Those who are unable to celebrate Passover during Nisan are given a time in the month of Sivan to observe a “second Passover.” (9:1-14) A cloud by day and fire by night show God’s Presence over the Tabernacle. When the cloud lifts from the Tabernacle, the people leave Sinai, setting out on their journey, tribe by tribe. (9:15-10:36) The Israelites complain about the lack of meat, and Moses becomes frustrated. God tells him to appoint a council of elders. God provides the people with meat and then strikes them with a very severe plague. (11:1-34) Miriam and Aaron talk about the “Cushite woman” whom Moses has married. In addition, they complain that God speaks not only through Moses but also through them. Miriam is struck with leprosy, and Moses begs God to heal her. After her recovery, the people resume their journey. (12:1-16) “May all יהוה’s people were prophets, that יהוה put [the divine] spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29) Moses is not afraid of competition, of others having a connection to God, and of being able to be prophets like him. In the country, he wants competition, he wants pluralism, and he strives for diversity. B’haalot’cha – בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ

Pride Parade 2024

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Thank you everyone for coming out to support Pride at the Pride Parade!

Event Description:

Pride Parade
June 15 at Noon

Please join us to celebrate Pride in Louisville at the Kentuckiana Pride Parade. The parade will begin in Nulu and end at the festival on the Big Four Lawn. We will be meeting earlier for a short Shabbat Service with Rabbi Matt. More details to follow so please watch for more information. If you have any questions or you would like to volunteer to help with our float, please contact Chavvah Johnson at 803-446-7691 or chavvah.johnson@yahoo.com. We look forward to making this our best turnout yet!

Event Description: Pride Parade June 15 at Noon Please join us to celebrate Pride in Louisville at the Kentuckiana Pride Parade. The parade will begin in Nulu and end at the festival on the Big Four Lawn. We will be meeting earlier for a short Shabbat Service with Rabbi Matt. More details to follow so please watch for more information. If you have any questions or you would like to volunteer to help with our float, please contact Chavvah Johnson at 803-446-7691 or chavvah.johnson@yahoo.com. We look forward to making this our best turnout yet!

Naso – נָשֹׂא (Numbers 4:21−7:89)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Naso – נָשֹׂא (Numbers 4:21−7:89)

The most beautiful blessing in the entire Torah, a blessing we still use to bless our children and each other,

“May God bless you and protect you! May God deal kindly and graciously with you! May God bestow [divine] favor upon you and grant you peace!” (Number 6:24-26)

Parsha Naso – נָשֹׂא Torah Summary:

A census of the Gershonites, Merarites, and Koathites between the ages of thirty and fifty is conducted and their duties in the Tabernacle are detailed. (4:21-49) God speaks to Moses concerning what to do with ritually unclean people, repentant individuals, and those who are suspected of adultery. (5:1-31) The obligations of a nazirite vow are explained. They include abstaining from alcohol and not cutting one’s hair. (6:1-21) God tells Moses how to teach Aaron and his sons the Priestly Blessing. (6:22-27) Moses consecrates the Sanctuary, and the tribal chieftains bring offerings. Moses then speaks with God inside the Tent of Meeting. (7:1-89) Naso – נָשֹׂא The most beautiful blessing in the entire Torah, a blessing we still use to bless our children and each other, “May God bless you and protect you! May God deal kindly and graciously with you! May God bestow [divine] favor upon you and grant you peace!” (Number 6:24-26)

B’midbar – בְּמִדבַּר (Numbers 1:1−4:20)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: B’midbar – בְּמִדבַּר (Numbers 1:1−4:20)

Mazal tov! We begin a new book of the Torah, the book of Numbers. The people of Israel will be counted time and again. We must be aware that in this book not everyone is counted. Women are not counted. We should strive to create a society where every person counts!

Parsha B’midbar – בְּמִדבַּר Torah Summary:

God commands Moses to take a census of all the Israelite males over the age of twenty. (1:1-46) The duties of the Levites, who are not included in the census, are detailed. (1:47-51) Each tribe is assigned specific places in the camp around the Tabernacle. (1:52-2:34) The sons of Levi are counted and their responsibilities are set forth. (3:1-3:39) A census of the firstborn males is taken and a special redemption tax is levied on them. (3:40-51) God instructs Moses and Aaron regarding the responsibilities of Aaron and his sons, and the duties assigned to the Kohathites. (4:1-20) B’midbar – בְּמִדבַּר Mazal tov! We begin a new book of the Torah, the book of Numbers. The people of Israel will be counted time and again. We must be aware that in this book not everyone is counted. Women are not counted. We should strive to create a society where every person counts!