Posts with the tag “torah-portions”

Torah Portion:Vezot ha’Bracha - September 25, 2021 Torah: Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12 Haftarah: Joshua 1:1-18 Portion Summary:—Moses’ last blessing: the Lord at Sinai, blessings over the tribes.—Moses views the land from the mountain.—A tribute to Moses is given. Devotional by Janet Cothrell: Balm and Correction. “This is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed B’nei Yisrael before his death.”...  Read More

Torah Portion:Ha’azinu - September 18, 2021 Torah: Deuteronomy 32:1-52 Haftarah: 2 Samuel 22:1-51 Portion Summary:—Moses’ Poem:1. Listen 2. Praise of the Rock 3. Curse of enemies 4. Vindication 5. Call to praise—Moses is told to ascend Mt. Nebo for his death...  Read More

Torah Portion:Vayelech - September 11, 2021 Torah: Deuteronomy 31:1-30 Haftarah: Hosea 14:2(1)-10(9), Micah 7:18-20, Joel 2:15-27 Portion Summary:—Moses’ final farewell to the people.—The Lord prepares Moses for his death. Devotional by Janet Cothrell: CHAZAK!...  Read More

Torah Portion:Nitzavim - September 4, 2021 Torah: Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20 Haftarah: Isaiah 61:10-63:9 Devotional by Matt Rosenberg: Choose Life. This week’s Torah portion is found in Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20. The name of every Torah portion is typically taken from one of the words, in Hebrew, from the first sentence of the portion...  Read More

Torah Portion:Ki Tavo - August 28, 2021 Torah: Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8(9) Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1-22 Portion Summary:—Initial harvest offerings and tithes are commanded.—Stone memorials are to be set up.—Curses for transgressions are listed.—Blessings for obedience are listed.—Three levels of curses for disobedience are detailed.—The blessings given in the wilderness are recounted...  Read More

Torah Portion:Ki Tetze - August 21, 2021 Torah: Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19 Haftarah: Isaiah 54:1-54:10 Devotional by Matt Rosenberg: Completely Other. Right in the middle of a seemingly random list of laws found in this Torah portion is this commandment:"You are not to wear a woven mixture, wool and linen together. You are to make for yourself twisted threads on the four corners of your garment in which ...  Read More

Torah Portion:Shoftim - August 14, 2021 Torah: Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 Haftarah: Isaiah 51:12-52:12 Portion Summary:—The legal system is detailed, and laws concerning kings are given.—The inheritance of the Levites is discussed.—Occultism in all its forms is rejected.—A great prophet is prophesied.—The conditions of the cities of refuge are discussed.—The preparations for battle are given...  Read More

Torah Portion:Re’eh - August 7, 2021 Torah: Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17 Haftarah: 1 Samuel 20:18-20:42 Portion Summary:—The people are given the choice of blessing or curse.—All Israel is commanded to revere Him and listen to His leading about the places that are to be destroyed and those that are to be built up.—Instructions are given on how to deal with false prophets and leaders who turn away from...  Read More

Torah Portion:Ekev - July 31, 2021 Torah: Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25 Haftarah: Isa. 49:14-51:3 Portion Summary:—Blessings are given for abundance and for victory in taking the Land.—Israel is told to remember God and His commandments.—Encouragement is given in battling giants.—The anger of the Lord at disobedience is recounted.—A call is given for the people to circumcise their hearts and to love...  Read More

Torah Portion:Va’etchanan - July 24, 2021 Torah: Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11 Haftarah: Isaiah 40:1-26 Portion Summary:—Moses begs the Lord for entry into the Land.—He begins to teach the Torah again.—He teaches the 10 commandments.—The Shema is given.—All Israel is reminded to remember who gave them the Land and to teach this to their children.—Moses admonishes the people to keep separate from idolaters...  Read More

Torah Portion:Devarim - July 17, 2021 Torah: Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22 Haftarah: Isaiah 1:1-27 Portion Summary:—Moses recounts the time immediately after the exodus.—He narrates the wilderness journey up to taking possession of the holdings east of the Jordan, and of the battles fought along the way....  Read More

Torah Portion:Mattot/Massei - July 10, 2021 Torah: Numbers 30:2(1)-36:13 Haftarah: Isaiah 66:1-66:24 Portion Summary:—The laws of vows for men and women are given.—The Lord commands vengeance against the Midianites and they slay all males and spare only virgin females.—An inventory of war booty is taken and divided.—The Reubenites and Gadites find good land east of the Jordan, but vow to help their...  Read More

Torah Portion:Pinchas - July 3, 2021 Torah: Numbers 25:10-30:1(29:40) Haftarah: Jeremiah 1:1-2:3 Devotional by Matt Rosenberg: Going Out and Coming In “Then Adonai said to Moses, ‘Go up this mountain of the Abarim range and look at the land that I have given to Bnei-Yisrael. When you have seen it, you will be gathered to your people, just as Aaron your brother was gathered. For in the wilderness of Z...  Read More

Torah Portion:Balak - June 26, 2021 Torah: Numbers 22:2-25:9 Haftarah: Micah 5:6(7)-6:8 Devotional by Matt Rosenberg: Blessed, Not Cursed. These chapters of the book of Numbers are random! They don’t seem to be connected to the rest of the narrative, leading some scholars to believe they were added later. Even the characters don’t show up again in the Torah...  Read More

Torah Portion:Chukat - June 19, 2021 Torah: Numbers 19:1-22:1 Haftarah: Judges 11:1-33 Portion Summary:—The ritual of the red heifer is given.—The ritual for exposure to the dead is given.—Miriam dies.—God tells Moses to order the rock to give water to the complaining people, but he strikes the rock and as a result is told that he may not enter the land.—Edom refuses the people passage through their...  Read More

Torah Portion:Korach - June 12, 2021 Torah: Numbers 16:1-18:32 Haftarah: 1 Samuel 11:14-12:22 Portion Summary:—Korah rebels against the leadership of Moses, and he and his followers are swallowed up by the earth.—The fire pans for Korah and his rebellious kin are fashioned for reuse on the altar.—The people are angry about the loss of life, and a plague is brought down on them.—Moses sends Aaron to ...  Read More

Torah Portion:Shelach - June 5, 2021 Torah: Numbers 13:1-15:41 Haftarah: Joshua 2:1-24 Portion Summary:—Scouts are sent to spy out the land.—Ten return to speak against going in, while only two are for it.—The people react in fear and the good witnesses react in anger and despair.—God is angry at the people and Moses must intercede.—God pronounces punishment: forty years in the wilderness...  Read More

Torah Portion:Beha’alotcha - May 29, 2021 Torah: Numbers 8:1-12:16 Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14(10)-4:7 Portion Summary:—Positioning of the lamps on the lampstands is specified.—Further rules of Passover are given.—Patterns of the cloud and fire over the Tabernacle are explained.—Silver trumpets for summoning and alerting the people are commanded to be made.—Moses’ father-in-law is offered a place...  Read More

Torah Portion:Nasso - May 22, 2021 Torah: Numbers 4:21-7:89 Haftarah: Judges 13:2-25 Portion Summary:—The Levite families of Gershon and Merar are given the responsibilities of disassembly and transport of the other elements of the Tabernacle.—Separation of the ritually unclean from the community is established.—Penalty for wrongs against others is given...  Read More

Torah Portion:Bamidbar - May 15, 2021 Torah: Numbers 1:1-4:20 Haftarah: Hosea 2:1-22 Devotional by Matt Gile: In the Wilderness “In the wilderness of Sinai, on the first day of the second month in the second year from the Exodus from the land of Egypt, Adonai spoke to Moses….” Numbers 1:1 (TLV)...  Read More

Torah Portion:Behar/Bechukotai - May 8, 2021 Torah: Leviticus 25:1-27:34 Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19-17:14 Portion Summary:—The Shmittah (Sabbath of the Land) and the Jubilee are detailed.—The right of redemption is discussed.—Blessings and curses are given for obedience and disobedience of the laws.—Laws of vows, consecrations, and tithes are given...  Read More

Torah Portion:Emor - May 1, 2021 Torah: Leviticus 21:1-24:23 Haftarah: Ezekiel 44:15-31 Portion Summary:—Laws for priests and Levites are given.—The commanded festivals are detailed.—Laws on keeping the lampstand lit and on the showbread are given.—The blasphemer is judged.—Penalties for crimes and “an eye for an eye” are spoken...  Read More

Torah Portion: Acharei Mot/Kedoshim - April 24, 2021 Torah: Leviticus 16:1-20:27 Haftarah: Amos 9:7-15 Devotional by Matt Gile: Teach Me Torah While Standing on One Foot...  Read More

Torah Portion:Tazria/Metzora - April 17, 2021 Torah: Leviticus 12:1-15:33 Haftarah: 2 Kings 7:3-20 Portion Summary:—The laws for a woman who has given birth are given.—The protocol for skin and infection in fabric are given.—The ritual of the cleansing of a “leper” is detailed.—Rituals concerning plagues of a house are discussed.—Laws concerning discharges of men and women are given...  Read More

Torah Portion:Sh’mini - April 10, 2021 Torah: Leviticus 9:1-11:47 Haftarah: 2 Samuel 6:1-7:17 Portion Summary:—The offering for the eighth day is commanded.—Aaron sacrifices for himself and then the people.—Aaron blesses the people.—Sons of Aaron offer strange fire and are consumed by fire.—The laws of eating the meal offering are given.—Kosher laws are detailed...  Read More

Torah Portion: Tzav - March 27, 2021 Torah: Leviticus 6:1-8:36 Haftarah: Malachi 3:4-3:24 Portion Summary:—God gives the rituals for the burnt, meal, sin, guilt, and shalom offerings to Moses for Aaron.—Kosher laws against eating fat, blood, and animals killed by other animals are given.—The anointing ritual of the priests is completed. Devotional by Janet Cothrell: The Fire of Love “The fire on the a...  Read More

Torah Portion: Vayikra - March 20, 2021 Torah: Leviticus 1:1-5:26 Haftarah: Isaiah 43:21-44:23 Portion Summary:—The rituals for the offerings of cattle, sheep or goats, and birds are given.—The laws of meal offerings are presented.—Well-being (Shalom) offerings are discussed.—Sin offerings for the priest, the people, and individuals is discussed.—Laws on withholding testimony and contact with unclean...  Read More

Torah Portion: Vayak'hel/Pekudei - March 13, 2021 Torah: Exodus 35:1-40:38 Haftarah: Ezekiel 45:16-46:18 Portion Summary:—Moses speaks of what the Lord commanded on the mountain and calls the people to begin preparations for the Tabernacle; all participate.—He calls for the craftsmen God had chosen.—The gifts outweigh the need and contributions are stopped.—The work done to finish the Tabernacle...  Read More

Torah Portion: Ki Tisa - March 6, 2021Torah: Exodus 30:11-34:35 Haftarah: Ezekiel 36:16-38 Portion Summary:—The Lord describes how to take a census, and the construction of the copper laver.—The unique and exclusive ingredients of the anointing oil and incense are described.—Craftsmen are assigned, and the covenant of Shabbat is given.—The people commit the sin of the golden calf.—Moses is sent down...  Read More

Torah Portion: Tetzaveh - February 27, 2021 Torah: Exodus 27:20-30:10 Haftarah: Ezekiel 43:10-43:27 Portion Summary:—Rules for the lamp oil are given.—Priestly vestments are described: ephod, breastplate, robe, frontlet, tunic, headdress, sash, and breeches.—The process of anointing the priest for service, and process of priestly succession.—Offerings for the altar.—Incense altar construction...  Read More

Torah Portion:Terumah - February 20, 2021 Torah: Exodus 25:1-27:19 Haftarah: 1 Samuel 15:2-15:34 Portion Summary:—God asks for gifts to be given as hearts are moved.—Design of the Ark, table, utensils, and lampstand are described.—Design of the Tabernacle is described.—The Altar construction is described.—The outer enclosure of the Tabernacle is described...  Read More

Torah Portion: Mishpatim - February 13, 2021 Torah: Exodus 21:1-24:18 Haftarah: 2 Kings 12:1(11:21)-17(16)* Portion Summary:—Laws on slaves.—Criminal laws on death penalties and lesser penalties.—Laws on sexual misconduct and witchcraft.—Treatment of the poor and honor of God.—Treachery and injustices.—Shabbat of the land and practice of the Shabbat.—Commanded festivals.—Commandments are given to the...  Read More

Torah Portion:Yitro - February 6, 2021 Torah: Exodus 18:1-20:23 Haftarah: Isaiah 6:1-7:6, 9:5-6(6-7)* Portion Summary:—Jethro visits, bringing Moses’ wife and children to join him.—He rejoices over all that has happened for the people of Israel.—Jethro advises Moses to set up chiefs to judge on the peoples’ questions and conflicts.—The people come to Sinai and God begins to give His Torah and the 10...  Read More

Torah Portion: Beshalach - January 30, 2021 Torah: Exodus 13:17-17:16 Haftarah: Judges 4:4-5:31 Portion Summary:—Moses leads the people the long way out; they carry arms and the bones of Joseph.—Pharaoh changes his mind, and takes men and chariots to capture the people.—Moses splits the sea, the people escape, and the Egyptians are caught in the sea.—Moses and Miriam lead the people in songs of...  Read More

Torah Portion: Bo - January 23, 2021 Torah: Exodus 10:1-13:16 Haftarah: Jeremiah 46:13-28 Portion Summary:—God sends the plagues of locusts and darkness over Egypt.—Pharaoh refuses to let Israel go.—God begins the Hebrew calendar.—Israel is instructed to mark their door posts with lamb’s blood so their households are spared from the final plague.—Passover and the festival of Matzot are established...  Read More

Torah Portion: Va’era - January 16, 2021 Torah: Exodus 6:2-9:35 Haftarah: Ezekiel 28:25-29:21 Portion Summary:—God gives Moses a promise and sends him back to Pharaoh.—The heads of the families and Moses’ lineage are recounted.—Moses begins with a miracle for Pharaoh, and proceeds to the plagues.—Water to blood, frogs, lice, and swarms are unleashed upon the land in succession.—Pestilence of the live...  Read More

Torah Portion: Shemot - January 9, 2021 Torah: Exodus 1:1-6:1 Haftarah: Isaiah 27:6-28:13, 29:22-23 Portion Summary:—The original immigrants to Egypt are named.—The new Pharaoh does not know Joseph and becomes alarmed at the Hebrews’ growing numbers.—The Egyptians enslave the Hebrews and try to enlist the midwives to kill their newborns.—Moses’ mother gives birth to him and works to save him by...  Read More

Torah Portion: Vayechi - January 2, 2021 Torah: Genesis 47:28-50:26 Haftarah: 1 Kings 2:1-12 Portion Summary:—Jacob blesses his grandsons by Joseph and gives the younger the blessing of the firstborn.—Jacob prophesies over his sons.—Jacob dies, and Joseph has his body embalmed. He takes it back to the land for burial.—Joseph’s brothers fear his retribution, but he assures them of his forgiveness...  Read More

Torah Portion: Vayigash - December 26, 2020 Torah: Genesis 44:18-47:27 Haftarah: Ezekiel 37:15-28 Portion Summary:—Judah offers himself for Benjamin.—Joseph finally reveals himself and offers to have his family take refuge in Egypt.—Jacob takes his family; the members are listed.—Pharaoh welcomes the family, Jacob blesses Pharaoh.—Joseph continues to administer wisely, and Israel settles in Goshen....  Read More

Torah Portion: Miketz - December 19, 2020 Torah: Genesis 41:1-44:17 Haftarah: 1 Kings 3:15-4:1 Portion Summary:—Pharaoh has disturbing dreams, and his cupbearer finally remembers Joseph.—Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and advises how to avert catastrophe.—Joseph is exalted to Pharaoh’s right-hand man.—Famine reaches the family of Jacob and he sends all his sons but Benjamin to get grain from Egypt...  Read More