A Thought For Shabbat
by instructing Moses to “come to Pharaoh,” G‑d was inviting Moses to confront the essence of the Egyptian ruler. G‑d tells Moses to enter into Pharaoh, in the sense of entering deep within the mind and character of Egypt’s arch-idol.
Read moreA Kingdom Of Priests
‘Keep your lifestyle free from the love of money, and be content with what you have. For G-d Himself has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you,” so that with confidence we say,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What will man do to me?”’ ~Hebrews 13:5-6
Hebrews 13:5-21 warns us against covetousness. These words urge us not to seek after or pursue what our pagan neighbors seek after and pursue. The text reminds us to focus on what The Holy One has called us to be and do. We are called to be a kingdom of Kohanim (priests) and a Holy Nation.
“And bring thou near unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that they may minister unto Me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.” ~Exodus 28:1
Read moreA Dwelling Place
Redemption, the dictionary defines redemption as the act of purchasing back something that was previously sold or the act of delivering from sin or saving from evil. As we enter in to this week’s portion Terumah we see that Moses and the Children of Israel have been redeemed by the strong hand of the Holy One. He bought back His People from the bondage of Egypt, led them through the sea on dry land, gave them victory over their enemies, gave manna from heaven and water from a rock. As if that wasn’t enough, he brought them to himself and gave them a ketubah (wedding contract). The bride is receiving her makeover!
After we have been redeemed, it’s time to understand what is to happen next. The opening verses of this week’s portion speak of what is to happen after we’ve been given this wonderful salvation.
Read moreAll Consuming Fire
“For our G’d is a consuming fire” – Hebrews 12:29
This week we study the Parashah Va’eira (וארא), Exodus 6:2-9:35, Isaiah 66:1-24, and Matthew 12;1-14. Va’eira, meaning “And I appeared” comes from the second verse of the Torah portion Exodus 6:3. The portion begins with the four expressions of Redemption. The Almighty G’d promises to remove His People from the bondage of slavery, rescue His People, redeem His People, and take them as His Bride. This my friends, is a rich narrative of how The Holy One “woos” His Bride. During the time of “courtship” a prospective groom will have ample opportunity to prove to his desired bride what kind of man he is and what he can offer her.
“…I am HaShem” Exodus 6:2 is ample evidence to prove that The Holy One will carry out His Word, which does include punishment for sin and reward for virtue. The Holy One made a covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and He is now ready to fulfill it.
Read moreAmong The Poor
Rabbi Akiva once went to the market to sell a precious pearl. Along the way he met a poor unfortunate person dressed in rags who always sat in the beis knessess (house of assembly) amongst the poor
How surprised Rabbi Akiva was when that poor man approached him, gazed at the precious stone and said, “I want to buy that!” When he noticed Rabbi Akiva’s astonished look, he added, “Come along home with me. I will pay for the stone when we get there.”
Rabbi Akiva was certain that the man was playing a joke on him. How could a such a ragged person have the means to buy such a precious gem?
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