Weekly Torah Lesson

Weekly Torah Lesson Parasha:  Nitzavim – ‘you are standing’Torah: Devarim 29:10 – 30:20 ** Moshe has spent the past twenty nine chapters reviewing, with a few minor changes, the “intent” of the Torah (instructions) that are found in the preceding four books. He has made clear several times that the instructions that are in this book are in addition to the instructions detailed in the previous books. Today’s lesson describes a change in the way the entire Torah will be presented to future … [Read more...] about The New Covenant – Part two

Weekly Torah Lesson Parasha:  Ki Tavo – when you come inTorah:  Devarim 26:1 – 29:9                                                 ** The T’rumah is sometimes listed as a “heave” or “free will” offering of the following: a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey; (De 8:8) It is given directly to the priests that are serving in the Temple. There are no specific amounts listed nor any specific requirements for the elaborate … [Read more...] about The T’rumah Offering

Weekly Torah Lesson Parasha: ki tetze – Go ForthTorah:  Devarim 21:10 – 25:19 74 of the 613 mitzvot are contained in this week’s parasha; ** The following Scriptures are managing a difficult situation that too often occurs during a “war” event. When a young man, hopefully not married, but could be, sees a “beautiful woman” among the captives and thinks that he would like to take her for his wife.   10 When you go forth to war against your enemies, and Avinu Elohekah has delivered … [Read more...] about The War Bride

Weekly Torah Lesson Parasha:  Shoftim – JudgesTorah:  Devarim 16:18 – 21:9 For thousands of years men have been trying to “improve” the different locations where they “worship” their gods. This “remodeling” is an attempt to infuse participating individuals with a “sense of awe” while they are  engaging in their worship “rituals”. The Scriptures give us specific instructions on this topic. Here is what it teaches: You shall not plant you a grove of any trees near to the altar of Avinu … [Read more...] about Forbidden Enhancements

Weekly Torah Lesson Parasha: Re eh (to see)Torah: Devarim 11:26 – 16:17 ** The Levitical Priesthood was established in Israel during it’s wandering in the wilderness, approximately thirty eight years before Moshe wrote these instructions. During this time, Moshe noticed that there was difficulty in controlling those who felt that they could offer sacrifices to Avinu wherever and whenever they felt like it. Some of the wealthier citizens had their own Levitical Priest living with them and … [Read more...] about Organizing a National Religion

Weekly Torah Lesson Parasha:  Ekev  (as a result)Torah: Devarim 7:12-11:25                                  ** I was observing a couple of my daughters eating dinner when I asked them, “What is the difference between a dog eating it’s food and a person eating their food?” Believe it or not, they were quiet.  I … [Read more...] about Not by bread (food) alone