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Tag Archive for: Torah Tidbit

Eikev – עֵקֶב (Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Eikev – עֵקֶב (Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25)

וַאֲהַבְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־הַגֵּ֑ר כִּֽי־גֵרִ֥ים הֱיִיתֶ֖ם בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃

Therefore, you shall love the stranger, for strangers were you in the land of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:19)

In describing the incredible, awe-inspiring nature of God, we are reminded that God “makes justice for the orphan and the widow, and loves the stranger…therefore you shall love the stranger…” If God loves the stranger, then all the more so we are to love the strangers in our midst. According to the Torah, we cannot truly love and worship God if we do not first love the stranger in our midst.

Parsha Eikev – עֵקֶב Torah Summary:

Moses tells the Israelites that if they follow God’s laws, the nations who now dwell across the Jordan River will not harm them. (7:12–26) Moses reminds the people of the virtues of keeping God’s commandments. He also tells them that they will dispossess those who now live in the Land only because they are idolatrous, not because the Israelites are uncommonly virtuous. Thereupon, Moses reviews all of the trespasses of the Israelites against God. (8:1–10:11) Moses says that the Land of Israel will overflow with milk and honey if the people obey God’s commandments and teach them to their children. (10:12–11:25) Eikev – עֵקֶב וַאֲהַבְתֶּ֖ם אֶת־הַגֵּ֑ר כִּֽי־גֵרִ֥ים הֱיִיתֶ֖ם בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם׃ Therefore, you shall love the stranger, for strangers were you in the land of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:19) In describing the incredible, awe-inspiring nature of God, we are reminded that God “makes justice for the orphan and the widow, and loves the stranger…therefore you shall love the stranger…” If God loves the stranger, then all the more so we are to love the strangers in our midst. According to the Torah, we cannot truly love and worship God if we do not first love the stranger in our midst. Eikev – עֵקֶב

Va-et’chanan – וָאֶתְחַנַּן (Deuteronomy 3:23–7:11)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Va-et’chanan – וָאֶתְחַנַּן (Deuteronomy 3:23–7:11)

שְׁמַ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ יְהֹוָ֥ה ׀ אֶחָֽד׃

Listen, O Israel! Adonai is our God, Adonai is Oneness. (Deuteronomy 6:4)

The Sh’ma in the Torah is written with two letters that are larger than the rest, and if we put them together, we get the word ‘eid, which means “witness.” The Torah teaches us that listening and holding space can be the most transformative and intimate things we can do. When we truly listen to someone and hold space for them, as we would for God, that is where the Oneness of God dwells.

Parsha Va-et’chanan – וָאֶתְחַנַּן Torah Summary:

Moses pleads with God to let him enter the Land of Israel with the people, but God once more refuses his request. (3:23–28) Moses orders the Children of Israel to pay attention and follow the laws given by God in order to be worthy of the land they are about to receive. (4:1–40) Specific areas of the land are set aside to serve as cities of refuge. (4:41–43) The covenant at Sinai and the Ten Commandments are recalled. Once again, the people are exhorted to heed God’s commandments. (5:1–30) Moses speaks the words of the Sh’ma, the credo of Judaism, and commands Israel to show their love for Adonai and keep God’s laws and ordinances. (6:1–25) Moses warns the people not to commit idolatry by worshiping the gods of the nations they will conquer in Israel. (7:1–11) Va-et’chanan – וָאֶתְחַנַּן שְׁמַ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵ֖ינוּ יְהֹוָ֥ה ׀ אֶחָֽד׃ Listen, O Israel! Adonai is our God, Adonai is Oneness. (Deuteronomy 6:4) The Sh’ma in the Torah is written with two letters that are larger than the rest, and if we put them together, we get the word ‘eid, which means “witness.” The Torah teaches us that listening and holding space can be the most transformative and intimate things we can do. When we truly listen to someone and hold space for them, as we would for God, that is where the Oneness of God dwells.

D’varim – דְבָרִים (Deuteronomy 1:1−3:22)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: D’varim – דְבָרִים (Deuteronomy 1:1−3:22)

“These are the words that Moses addressed to all Israel” (Deuteronomy 1:1)

Moses now addresses our people and speaks through an entire book. Yet, this is the same person that 40 years ago, said to God, I am not a person of words.

What happened during those 40 years?

Why are we chained by our fears and phobias? And can we overcome them, like Moses?

Parsha D’varim – דְבָרִים Torah Summary:

Moses begins his final words of instruction to the Children of Israel, focusing first on recounting their physical journey. (1:1–21) Moses reviews the people’s reactions to the negative reports of the spies and the appointment of Joshua to succeed him. (1:22–45) Moses recounts that all of the Israelite warriors who left Egypt died, as God had intended, and the people continued their wanderings and defeated their enemies. (2:14–3:11) Moses reiterates that the Land of Israel was allocated to the Israelite tribes. (3:12–22) D’varim – דְבָרִים “These are the words that Moses addressed to all Israel” (Deuteronomy 1:1) Moses now addresses our people and speaks through an entire book. Yet, this is the same person that 40 years ago, said to God, I am not a person of words. What happened during those 40 years? Why are we chained by our fears and phobias? And can we overcome them, like Moses?

Matot – Mas’ei – מַטּוֹת – מַסְעֵי (Numbers 30:2–36:13)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Matot – Mas’ei – מַטּוֹת – מַסְעֵי (Numbers 30:2–36:13)

“Shall your brothers to go to war while you stay here?” (Numbers 32:6).

Moses rebukes the tribes of Gad and Reuben, assuming they are planning not to fight alongside the other tribes. His words echo still today, with the fierce battle of Ultra-Orthodox Israeli Jews to be exempt from the national draft to the army, and in a way, to everyone who lets other people carry the burden and exempts themselves.

Parsha Matot – Mas’ei – מַטּוֹת – מַסְעֵי Torah Summary:

Moses explains to the Israelites the laws concerning vows made by men and women. (30:2—17) Israel wages war against the Midianites. (31:1—18) The laws regarding the spoils of war are outlined. (31:19—54) The tribes of Reuben and Gad are granted permission to stay on the east bank of the Jordan River. (32:1—42) The itinerary of the Israelites through the wilderness from Egypt to Jordan is delineated. (33:1-49) Moses tells Israel to remove the current inhabitants of the land that God will give them and to destroy their gods. (33:50-56) The boundaries of the Land of Israel are defined, along with those of the Levitical cities and the cities of refuge. (34:1-35:15) God makes a precise distinction between murder and manslaughter. (35:16-34) The laws of inheritance as they apply to Israelite women are delineated. (36:1-13) Matot – Mas’ei – מַטּוֹת – מַסְעֵי “Shall your brothers to go to war while you stay here?” (Numbers 32:6). Moses rebukes the tribes of Gad and Reuben, assuming they are planning not to fight alongside the other tribes. His words echo still today, with the fierce battle of Ultra-Orthodox Israeli Jews to be exempt from the national draft to the army, and in a way, to everyone who lets other people carry the burden and exempts themselves.

Pinchas – פִּינְחָס (Numbers 25:10−30:1)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Pinchas – פִּינְחָס (Numbers 25:10−30:1)

What kind of leader is the ideal leader?

Moses identified two qualities, and the Midrash expands them into three that remain essential for leaders to this day.

“Who shall go out before them and come in before them, and who shall take them out and bring them in, so that Adonai’s community may not be like sheep that have no shepherd.” (Numbers 27:17)

The most important quality is personal example.

The second – a leader has tolerance and respect for others, “tolerate each person according to their thoughts”. In other words, Moses is asking for a leader who can relate to all opinions.

And finally, a leader who shows compassion and empathy toward their people at many junctures of difficulty, of crisis, like Moses himself.

Parsha Pinchas – פִּינְחָס Torah Summary:

Pinchas is rewarded for killing the Israelite and the Midianite woman who cursed God. (25:10–15) Israel fights a war against the Midianites. (25:16-18) A second census is taken. (26:1–65) The daughters of Zelophehad force a change in the laws of property inheritance. (27:1–11) Joshua is chosen to be Moses’ successor. (27:15–23) The sacrificial ritual for all festival occasions is described in detail. (28:1–30:1) Pinchas – פִּינְחָס What kind of leader is the ideal leader? Moses identified two qualities, and the Midrash expands them into three that remain essential for leaders to this day. “Who shall go out before them and come in before them, and who shall take them out and bring them in, so that Adonai’s community may not be like sheep that have no shepherd.” (Numbers 27:17) The most important quality is personal example. The second – a leader has tolerance and respect for others, “tolerate each person according to their thoughts”. In other words, Moses is asking for a leader who can relate to all opinions. And finally, a leader who shows compassion and empathy toward their people at many junctures of difficulty, of crisis, like Moses himself.

Chukat – Balak – חֻקַּת – בָּלָק (Numbers 19:1−22:1, 22:2−25:9)

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This Week’s Torah Portion:Chukat – Balak – חֻקַּת – בָּלָק (Numbers 19:1−22:1, 22:2−25:9)

“How fair are your tents, O Jacob, Your dwellings, O Israel!” (Numbers 24:5).

What is so special about a tent? Why are our tents called fair? As we say each morning in our morning prayer?

A tent has no windows or doors. Instead, it has wide openings through which people can freely enter and exit, and they always remain open.

A tent always remains wide, open, and can be expanded as needed, allowing people to enter easily.

Our community should strive to be like a tent, wide, open, welcoming, and continually growing.

Parsha Chukat – Balak – חֻקַּת – בָּלָק Torah Summary:

The laws of the red heifer to purify a person who has had contact with a corpse are given. (19:1-22) The people arrive at the wilderness of Zin. Miriam dies and is buried there. (20:1) The people complain that they have no water. Moses strikes the rock to get water for them. God tells Moses and Aaron they will not enter the Land of Israel. (20:2-13) The king of Edom refuses to let the Children of Israel pass through his land. After Aaron’s priestly garments are given to his son Eleazer, Aaron dies. (20:14-29) After they are punished for complaining about the lack of bread and water, the Israelites repent and are victorious in battle against the Amorites and the people of Bashan, whose lands they capture. (21:4-22:1) Balak, the king of Moab, persuades the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites so that he can defeat them and drive them out of the region. However, Balaam blesses the Children of Israel instead and prophesies that Israel’s enemies will be defeated. (22:2-24:25) God punishes the Israelites with a plague for consorting with the Moabite women and their god. The plague is stayed after Pinchas kills an Israelite man and his Midianite woman. (25:1-9) Chukat – Balak – חֻקַּת – בָּלָק

Korach – קֹרַח (Numbers 16:1−18:32)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Korach – קֹרַח (Numbers 16:1−18:32)

וַיִּֽקָּהֲל֞וּ עַל־מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְעַֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֲלֵהֶם֮ רַב־לָכֶם֒ כִּ֤י כׇל־הָֽעֵדָה֙ כֻּלָּ֣ם קְדֹשִׁ֔ים וּבְתוֹכָ֖ם יְהֹוָ֑ה וּמַדּ֥וּעַ תִּֽתְנַשְּׂא֖וּ עַל־קְהַ֥ל יְהֹוָֽה׃

Then Korach and his followers congregated against Moses and against Aaron, saying to them: “What makes you so great? The entire congregation, all of them, are holy, and in their midst is Adonai. Why do you exult yourself above the congregation of Adonai?” (Numbers 16:3).

Korach and his followers go against Aaron and Moses, and are swallowed up by the earth. Although their argument was correct; each person is indeed holy, the way in which he was using his argument is what angered God. Instead of using the statement to empower people, Korach was using it for selfish gain and to put Moses and Aaron down. This Shabbat, may we all be reminded that our words have power, and that we are invited to use our words to empower others and ourselves, instead of tearing them down.

וַיִּֽקָּהֲל֞וּ עַל־מֹשֶׁ֣ה וְעַֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֲלֵהֶם֮ רַב־לָכֶם֒ כִּ֤י כׇל־הָֽעֵדָה֙ כֻּלָּ֣ם קְדֹשִׁ֔ים וּבְתוֹכָ֖ם יְהֹוָ֑ה וּמַדּ֥וּעַ תִּֽתְנַשְּׂא֖וּ עַל־קְהַ֥ל יְהֹוָֽה׃ Then Korach and his followers congregated against Moses and against Aaron, saying to them: “What makes you so great? The entire congregation, all of them, are holy, and in their midst is Adonai. Why do you exult yourself above the congregation of Adonai?” (Numbers 16:3). Korach and his followers go against Aaron and Moses, and are swallowed up by the earth. Although their argument was correct; each person is indeed holy, the way in which he was using his argument is what angered God. Instead of using the statement to empower people, Korach was using it for selfish gain and to put Moses and Aaron down. This Shabbat, may we all be reminded that our words have power, and that we are invited to use our words to empower others and ourselves, instead of tearing them down. Korach – קֹרַח

Parsha Korach – קֹרַח Torah Summary:

Korach and his followers, Dathan and Abiram, lead a rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. God punishes the rebels by burying them and their families alive. Once again, God brings a plague on the people. (16:1-17:15) The chief of each tribe deposits his staff inside the Tent of Meeting. Aaron’s staff brings forth sprouts, produces blossoms, and bears almonds. (17:16-26) The Kohanim and Levites are established and assigned the responsibility of managing the donations to the Sanctuary. All of the firstborn offerings shall go to the priests and all the tithes are designated for the Levites in return for the services they perform. (18:1-32 Korach – קֹרַח

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)

אֲנִ֞י יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר הוֹצֵ֤אתִי אֶתְכֶם֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם לִהְי֥וֹת לָכֶ֖ם לֵאלֹהִ֑ים אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃

I am Adonai, your God, who drew you out from the land of Egypt in order to become your God: I, Adonai, your God. (Numbers 15:41).

The very end of the text we know as the V’ahavta is a beautiful reminder that God yearns to be in relationship with us, just as much as we yearn to be in relationship with God. This Shabbat may we be open to the invitation to explore the possibility of exploring our relationship to God in our own special, unique ways.

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 אֲנִ֞י יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶ֗ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר הוֹצֵ֤אתִי אֶתְכֶם֙ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם לִהְי֥וֹת לָכֶ֖ם לֵאלֹהִ֑ים אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃ I am Adonai, your God, who drew you out from the land of Egypt in order to become your God: I, Adonai, your God. (Numbers 15:41). The very end of the text we know as the V’ahavta is a beautiful reminder that God yearns to be in relationship with us, just as much as we yearn to be in relationship with God. This Shabbat may we be open to the invitation to explore the possibility of exploring our relationship to God in our own special, unique ways.

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)

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה הַֽמְקַנֵּ֥א אַתָּ֖ה לִ֑י וּמִ֨י יִתֵּ֜ן כׇּל־עַ֤ם יְהֹוָה֙ נְבִיאִ֔ים כִּי־יִתֵּ֧ן יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־רוּח֖וֹ עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃

But Moses said to him: “Are you upset with them on my account?” I would that all of the people of Adonai were prophets; that Adonai’s Spirit would be put upon them!” (Numbers 11:28).

When Eldad and Medad began acting as prophets in the camp, Joshua called to have them arrested. Instead of agreeing with him, Moses rebuked him, reminding Joshua that each person has the capacity to be a prophet in our own right. This Shabbat, may we all invite the prophetic voice that sits within each of us to shine in our world.

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)

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ מֹשֶׁ֔ה הַֽמְקַנֵּ֥א אַתָּ֖ה לִ֑י וּמִ֨י יִתֵּ֜ן כׇּל־עַ֤ם יְהֹוָה֙ נְבִיאִ֔ים כִּי־יִתֵּ֧ן יְהֹוָ֛ה אֶת־רוּח֖וֹ עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃

But Moses said to him: “Are you upset with them on my account?” I would that all of the people of Adonai were prophets; that Adonai’s Spirit would be put upon them!” (Numbers 11:28).
When Eldad and Medad began acting as prophets in the camp, Joshua called to have them arrested. Instead of agreeing with him, Moses rebuked him, reminding Joshua that each person has the capacity to be a prophet in our own right. This Shabbat, may we all invite the prophetic voice that sits within each of us to shine in our world.

B’haalot’cha – בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ

Naso II – II נָשֹׂא (Numbers 6:1-7:89)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Naso II – II נָשֹׂא (Numbers 6:1-7:89)

“May Adonai’s Face be lifted toward you, and may God grant you Shalom; wholeness, wellness, and peace” (Numbers 6:26). 

The ending line of the Priestly Benediction shows us God’s hope for us, that we may open ourselves up to the possibility of finding and pursuing shalom in our lives. This Shabbat, may the words of this blessing inspire us to live full lives, finding what brings each of us joy and wholeness. 

Parsha Naso I – I 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) Naso I – I נָשֹׂא

Parsha Naso II – II נָשֹׂא Torah Summary:

The Eternal One spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: If any men or women explicitly utter a nazirite’s vow, to set themselves apart for the Eternal, they shall abstain from wine and any other intoxicant.” – Numbers 6:1-2.