R Memmi

Parasha:  Bolek (devastator, destroyer)Torah: B’midbar 22:2 – 25:9 One of the major “gateways” for Idolatry is our tongues and the “tent” that houses it. The Scriptures warn us: 15  And I will send grass in your fields for your livestock, that you may eat and be filled. 16  Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve demon-idols and worship them, 17  lest Avinu’s anger be aroused against you, and He shut up the heavens so that there be no rain, and … [Read more...] about Idolatry and Food

Parasha:  Chukat  "Ordinance or statute"Torah: (B’midbar) Numbers 19:1 - 22:1 “…of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of Avinu.” 1 And Avinu spoke to Moshe and to Aharon, saying, 2 This is the ordinance of the law which Avinu has commanded, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring you a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and on which never came yoke: 3 And you shall … [Read more...] about Ordinance or statute

Parsha:  Korach  "Corah"Torah: B’midbar (Numbers) 16:1 - 18:32 Most Believers believe that the Scriptures aren’t presented in chronological order.  In last week’s parsha, approximately two million people were sentenced to death because of the rebellion spurred on by the negative report of ten spies. Korach and his friends would think twice about trying to take over Moshe and Aharon’s positions so quickly after the tremendous penalty given to last week’s rebels.  Here … [Read more...] about Respecting Authority

Parsha: Shlach Lecha  "send for yourself"Torah: B’mid’bar 13:1 - 15:41 This week’s Torah Lesson begins in last week’s Torah Readings and culminates in this week’s readings. Here is what happened last week: 29 And Moshe said to Chovav, (Ruel the Midianite,) Moshe’ father in law, We are journeying to the place of which Avinu said, I will give it you: come you with us, and we will do you good: for Avinu has spoken good concerning Israel. 30 And he said to him, I will not go; but I will depart … [Read more...] about Be Careful What You Ask For

Parasha:  B'ha'alotcha "In Your Setting Up"Torah: B’midbar (Numbers) 8:1  - 12:16 5 And Avinu spoke to Moshe, saying, 6 Take the Levim from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them. 7  And thus shall you do to them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying on them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean. (B’midbar 8:5-7) This ritual was the beginning of the process used to replace the existing priesthood.  After the … [Read more...] about A New Priesthood