Weekly Torah Lesson
Shabbat Nachamu (Comfort)
Parasha: V’Et Chanan – And I besought (pleaded, supplicated)
Torah: Devarim 3:23 – 7:11
** Today’s lesson raises a question. If Avinu commands us not to “add or take away” from the Scriptures, why do all three major religions have their own “additional” writings? Here is a short review of the “additional” writings that are being used today.
Judaism – The two most “orthodox” sects of Judaism believe that the “oral Torah” as expressed in the seventy three volumes of the Talmud and other writings define the full intent of the Torah and in fact take precedence over the written Torah which they consider to be “incomplete” in it’s instructions.
Muslim – The Muslims believe in the first fifteen chapters of Genesis but move quickly into their additional one hundred and fourteen chapters known as the Koran.
Christian – Main stream Christianity has incorporated an additional twenty seven “books” (two hundred and sixty chapters) to “add clarity” to the original five books that Moshe presented to Israel. An ironic verse in the book of Revelation warns:
18 For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, Avinu will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, Avinu shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Re 22:18-19)
I will probably “muddy the waters” a little more when I state, I believe in the entire “Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. most of what is written in the Talmud and some of what is written in the Koran!
1 Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the judgments which I teach you to observe, that you may live, and go in and possess the land which Avinu, Elohei avotekem is giving you. 2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of Avinu your Avinu which I command you. 3 Your eyes have seen what Avinu did at Baal Peor; for Avinu Elohekem destroyed from among you all the men who followed Baal of Peor. 4 But you who held fast to Avinu, Elohekem are alive today, every one of you. 5 Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as Avinu, Eli, commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. 6 Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ 7 For what great nation is there that has Avinu so near to it, as Avinu, Eloheinu is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? 8 And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day? 9 Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren, 10 especially concerning the day you stood before Avinu, Elohekem in Horeb, when Avinu said to me, ‘Gather the people to Me, and I will let them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.’ (Devarim 4:1-10)
** Believing in the New Testament violates the old and new testament!
If you have any thoughts, let me know!
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