Articles

Shabbat Nachamu 3 of 7 Parasha:  Re eh  (to see, Behold)Torah:  Devarim 11:26 – 16:17 When Moshe built the Mishkan, The Tent of Meeting, it was supposed to be the “ground zero” for every religious activity that took place in the camp. It seems that some of the “wise guys” that were living in the camp had a better idea on how to conduct religious activities. Here is what Moshe has to teach us: 8  You shall not at all do as we are doing here today — every man doing whatever is right in … [Read more...] about A Better Idea

Parasha:  Ekev  (as a result)Torah: Devarim 7:12-11:25 It is inevitable that as we proceed through life’s journey, we encounter situations that will test our faith.  As we go through the process of doubting, decision making and fearing our outcomes, we are encouraged to “remember the past” faith trials“ that we have experienced and brought positive outcomes into our lives.   Israel is camped on the east side of the Jordan river waiting for the word from Avinu to begin dispossessing the … [Read more...] about Remember your past!

Shabbat Nachamu (Comfort) Parsha V’Et Chanan – And I besought (pleaded, supplicated)Torah:  Devarim 3:23 – 7:11 Moshe’s life was coming to an end.  Aharon had died six months earlier and Israel was about to go over the Jordan, into Canaan, without him.  In desperation, Moshe makes one last effort to change Avinu’s mind about ending his life on the east side of the river.  Moshe’s prayer follows the pattern of what is known as a “supplication”.  A request usually for a special favor for the … [Read more...] about Moshe’s Prayer

Parasha: Devarim - WordsTorah: Devarim 1:1 – 3:22                           When the six hundred and three thousand army of Israel refused to enter Canaan, Avinu declared that every member of the army except for two men would not enter into Canaan but die in the wilderness, it was too late for repentance. In the following thirty seven years, every man died and was buried in the wilderness.  The average daily death toll was approximately fifty five men. Here is how the Scriptures explain … [Read more...] about The Thirty Seven Year Death Sentence

Parasha: Mattot (Tribes) (staff / staves) Mattot means "tribes." It is a word for "branches"Torah:  B’midbar 30:2 - 32:42 In last week’s Parsha, we learned that when Bilaam was held back from cursing Israel he consulted with Bolek, the king of Moav, to send the Midianite women into the camp of Israel to entice the men to join them in eating forbidden foods and worshipping the baal Peor.  The result of these atrocities was the death of twenty four thousand Israelites. Now Israel is about to … [Read more...] about Israel’s Revenge

Parasha:  PinkasTorah:  B’midbar 25:10 – 30:1 This week’s parasha describes the second census of the nation of Israel.  The first census took place in the first year of their journey and this second census takes place in the fortieth year of the same journey.  This second census is to determine how much land each tribe would receive upon entering and conquering the land. Eleven of the twelve tribes showed a slight variation in their population over the past forty years. … [Read more...] about What Happened to Shimon?