Weekly Torah Lesson

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?

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