Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Naso, Repentance is required of us!
This weeks reading is from Parashat Naso (Bamidbar / Numbers 4:21-7:89), the Lord speaks to Moshe telling him to number the sons of Gershon and the fathers of their household by their families. Moshe obeys the Lord and numbers the Gershonites (הַגֵּרְשֻׁנִּי) and details the duties of the sons of Levi in their work to carry the Mishkhan (Tabernacle)...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Bamidbar, Taking a Census of My Own Life; is that a Sin?
This weeks reading is from Parashat Bamidbar (Bamidbar / Numbers 1:1-4:20), the Lord God speaks to Moshe in the Tent of Meeting (Ohel Moed, בְּאֹהֶל מוֹעֵד) saying ב שְֹאוּ אֶת-רֹאשׁ כָּל-עֲדַת בְּנֵי-יִשְֹרָאֵל לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָם לְבֵית אֲבֹתָם בְּמִסְפַּר שֵׁמוֹת כָּל-זָכָר לְגֻלְגְּלֹתָם: 1:2 ‘Take a census of all the congregation of the sons of Israel, by their families, by their fathers’ households,...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parshiot Behar and Bechukotai, What does it mean to have a circumcised heart?
This weeks reading is a double portion from Parshiot Behar and Bechukotai (Vayikra / Leviticus 25:1-27:34). In the reading from Parashat Behar (“on the mountain”) we find the mitzvah to observe the year of Jubilee. During this year, the land is to be fallow, (25:1-12), all property is to revert back to its original owner (25:13-28), all slaves are...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Emor, Walking in Purity before our God in the midst of Atonement
This week reading is from Parashat Emor (Vayikra / Leviticus 21:1-24:23); the Lord tells Moshe to speak to the Priests about the sons of Aaron to be careful not to defile themselves by touching a dead person among his people. Scripture also says 21:5 ‘They shall not make any baldness on their heads, nor shave off the edges of...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parshiot Acharei Mot and Kedoshim, Shomer Mitzvah Shomer Nafsho
This week is a double portion from Parshiot Acharei Mot and Kedoshim (Vayikra / Leviticus 16:1-20:27). This week’s question is “Shomer Mitzvah Shomer Nafsho?” (שֹׁמֵר מִצְוָה שֹׁמֵר נַפְשׁוֹ) for us today? Let’s study a portion of the Scriptures from Vayikra / Leviticus 18-20.
The Lord instructs Israel to not do what is done in the Land of Egypt nor do...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parshiot Tazria and Metzora, The Lord Who makes us Clean
In this weeks double portion from Parshiot Tazria/Metzora (Vayikra / Leviticus 12:1-15:33) the Lord speaks to Moshe on the topic of uncleanness. When a woman gives birth she will be unclean for seven days similar to the days of her menstruation (12:1-2). The eighth day the child is to be circumcised (12:4). Following the birth of a boy, the...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Shemini, He was Meant to Bear Away the Guilt of the Congregation
In this weeks reading from Parashat Shemini (Vayikra / Leviticus 9:1-11:47) Scripture states on the eighth day Moshe called Aaron and his sons and told them to take a bull for a Chatat Korban (Sin offering) and a ram for a Olah Korban (Whole burnt offering) and offer them before the Lord (א וַיְהִי בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי קָרָא מֹשֶׁה לְאַהֲרֹן...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Tzav, The Priest, The Messiah and Atonement for Sin
In this weeks reading from Parashat Tzav (Vayikra / Leviticus 6:1-8:36) the Lord speaks to Moshe saying when a person steals, cheats, or extorts another person he is to restore what he took and make restitution for it and add one-fifth more. Then the man is to bring his offering to the priest to make atonement before the Lord...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Vayikra, Be Salted in Christ the Messiah
In this weeks reading from Parashat Vayikra (Vayikra / Leviticus 1:1-5:26) the Lord calls to Moshe from the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting, אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד) saying דַּבֵּר אֶל-בְּנֵי יִשְֹרָאֵל וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם אָדָם כִּי-יַקְרִיב מִכֶּם קָרְבָּן לַיהוָֹה מִן-הַבְּהֵמָה מִן-הַבָּקָר וּמִן-הַצֹּאן תַּקְרִיבוּ אֶת-קָרְבַּנְכֶם: ג אִם-עֹלָה קָרְבָּנוֹ מִן-הַבָּקָר זָכָר תָּמִים יַקְרִיבֶנּוּ אֶל-פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד יַקְרִיב אֹתוֹ לִרְצֹנוֹ לִפְנֵי יְהוָֹה: 1:2 ‘Speak to...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parshiot Vayakhel and Pekudei, In Christ even the Impossible is Possible
This weeks reading is a double portion from Parshiot Vayakhel and Pekudei (Exodus 35:1-40:38). Moshe assembled the entire congregation of Yisrael and said “These are the things that the Lord has commanded you to do.” (NASB) A contribution is to be made to the Lord like it was described in Parashat Terumah (35:5-26). The Scriptures say that 35:21 Everyone...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Ki Tisa, Be Angry and Sin Not
This weeks reading is from Parashat Ki Tisa (Shemot / Exodus 30:11-34:35), the Lord instructs Moshe to take a census of the people (30:12) and each person is to give a ransom (half shekel) to the Lord. Moshe instructs to make the bronze laver between the altar and the tent of meeting (30:17-18). Incense for the Tabernacle and its...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Tetzave, Consecrated unto the Lord
This weeks reading from Parashat Tetzave (Shemot / Exodus 27:20-30:10), details the construction of the priestly garments (28:2 You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. (NASB)) Aaron’s garments are said to consecrate him for the purpose of ministering before the Lord (28:3). The priestly garments consist of the breast-piece, the ephod, a...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Terumah, God’s Plan for Israel and Why It Matters to Us?
This weeks reading is from Parashat Terumah (Shemot / Exodus 25:1-27:19), the Lord tells Moshe to tell the Sons of Yisrael to raise a contribution for the Lord (25:1, דַּבֵּר אֶל-בְּנֵי יִשְֹרָאֵל וְיִקְחוּ-לִי תְּרוּמָה מֵאֵת כָּל-אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר יִדְּבֶנּוּ לִבּוֹ תִּקְחוּ אֶת-תְּרוּמָתִי) of gold, silver, and bronze, linen materials of purple and scarlet, rams skins, and acacia wood. Here, the...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Yitro, Why does God allow sin to continue?
This weeks reading is from Parashat Yitro (Shemot / Exodus 18:1-20:23), the Scripture portion this week tells us that Yitro (Moshe’s father in law) arrived bringing Moshe’s wife Zipporah and his two sons, Gershom and Eleazar (18:1-3). Moshe told Yitro everything the Lord had done and Yitro said י וַיֹּאמֶר יִתְרוֹ בָּרוּךְ יְהֹוָה אֲשֶׁר הִצִּיל אֶתְכֶם מִיַּד מִצְרַיִם וּמִיַּד...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Beshalach, “Yeshua” or “Yahshua” and What is Missed in the Hebrew text?
This weeks reading is from Parashat Beshalach (Shemot / Exodus 13:17-17:16), Pharaoh let the people go, however, the Lord God did not lead the people by the way of the Philistines but into the wilderness. Moshe carried the bones of Joseph out of Egypt (13:19), and the Lord led the people by a pillar of cloud during the day...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Bo, Trust in the Lord to change our hearts
This weeks reading is from Parashat Bo (Shemot / Exodus 10:1-13:16), which details the final plagues God brought upon Egypt. The Lord tells Moshe א וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָֹה אֶל-מֹשֶׁה בֹּא אֶל-פַּרְעֹה כִּי-אֲנִי הִכְבַּדְתִּי אֶת-לִבּוֹ וְאֶת-לֵב עֲבָדָיו לְמַעַן שִׁתִי אֹתֹתַי אֵלֶּה בְּקִרְבּוֹ: 10:1 Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Va’era, Deliverance from Sin
This weeks reading is from Parashat Va’era (Shemot / Exodus 6:2-9:35), Moshe performs miracles before Pharaoh and all of Egypt. In Shemot / Bereshit 6:4 the Lord reminds Moshe of the covenant promise to his fathers saying ד וְגַם הֲקִמֹתִי אֶת-בְּרִיתִי אִתָּם לָתֵת לָהֶם אֶת-אֶרֶץ כְּנָעַן אֵת אֶרֶץ מְגֻרֵיהֶם אֲשֶׁר-גָּרוּ בָהּ: 6:4 ‘I also established My covenant with them,...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Shemot, The Saving Power of God
This weeks reading from Parashat Shemot (Shemot / Exodus 1:1-6:1) lists the sons of Yisrael who had come and died in Egypt. A new king arose who did not know Joseph (1:1-7). The king of Egypt feared the people of Israel and placed them into slavery (1:9-14). Pharaoh commanded all the Hebrew boys to be put to death at...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Vayechi, Our Strength is in Him
In this weeks reading from Parashat Vayechi (Bereshit / Genesis 47:28-50:26) is the final chapters of the book of Genesis. The opening verses tell us that Jacob (Israel) lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years and the total length of his life were 147 years. Before Jacob died he asked ל וְשָׁכַבְתִּי עִם-אֲבֹתַי וּנְשָֹאתַנִי מִמִּצְרַיִם וּקְבַרְתַּנִי בִּקְבֻרָתָם וַיֹּאמַר...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Vayigash, Believing a lie and taking pleasure in wickedness
In this weeks reading from Parashat Vayigash (Bereshit / Genesis 44:18-47:27) the sons of Israel return to Egypt with the cup of Joseph. They explain that they must bring their brother back or their father will die. Joseph then reveals himself to his brothers (45:1-8) and declares וְעַתָּה לֹא-אַתֶּם שְׁלַחְתֶּם אֹתִי הֵנָּה כִּי הָאֱלֹהִים וַיְשִֹימֵנִי לְאָב לְפַרְעֹה וּלְאָדוֹן לְכָל-בֵּיתוֹ...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Miketz, Sin and Unrepentance
Sin and Unrepentance
In this weeks reading from Parashat Miketz (Bereshit / Genesis 41:1-44:17) Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and provides the prophetic interpretation that was given to him from God (Bereshit / Genesis 41:25-32). Pharaoh is impressed with Joseph’s interpretation and states saying לח וַיֹּאמֶר פַּרְעֹה אֶל-עֲבָדָיו הֲנִמְצָא כָזֶה אִישׁ אֲשֶׁר רוּחַ אֱלֹהִים בּוֹ: 41:38 Then Pharaoh said to his...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Vayeshev, Choose Righteousness, do not Forget the Lord in Your Prosperity!
In this weeks reading from Parashat Vayeshev (Bereshit / Genesis 37:1-40:23) we learn that Jacob loved Joseph more than his brothers (37:3, וְיִשְֹרָאֵל אָהַב אֶת-יוֹסֵף מִכָּל-בָּנָיו). Joseph had a dream about his future (37:5-10) as a result his brothers become jealous (37:11). As the narrative continues, Joseph’s brothers plot murder in their hearts (37:18-22) and sell him into slavery...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Vayishlach
The City Gate, a Place of Power and Authority!
This weeks reading from Parashat Vayishlach (Bereshit / Genesis 32:3-36:43) the Lord gives Jacob a new name “Israel” and Jacob returns and settles in Eretz Canaan. While in the land, Jacob settles down near the city of shechem (Bereshit / Genesis 33:18). While dwelling near Shechem, according to the Scriptures, Shechem...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Vayetze
More may be going on than we realize
This weeks reading from Parashat Vayetze (Bereshit / Genesis 28:10-32:2) Jacob fleas from Esau and begins his journey to the land of Haran. During His journey, he lays down at Bethel (בֵּית אֱלֹהִים) the Lord speaks to him in a dream and reiterates the covenant promises that He had promised to his...
Bits of Torah Truth from Parashat Toledot
Dont let your anger get the best of you!
This weeks reading from Parashat Toledot (Bereshit / Genesis 25:19-28:9) Jacob first steals Esau’s birthright in Bereshit / Genesis 25:29-31: כט וַיָּזֶד יַעֲקֹב נָזִיד וַיָּבֹא עֵשָֹו מִן-הַשָּׂדֶה וְהוּא עָיֵף: ל וַיֹּאמֶר עֵשָֹו אֶל-יַעֲקֹב הַלְעִיטֵנִי נָא מִן-הָאָדֹם הָאָדֹם הַזֶּה כִּי עָיֵף אָנֹכִי עַל-כֵּן קָרָא-שְׁמוֹ אֱדוֹם: לא וַיֹּאמֶר יַעֲקֹב מִכְרָה כַיּוֹם אֶת-בְּכֹרָתְךָ לִי:...
Bits of Torah Truths, Parashat Chayei Sarah
Do you have faith like Eleazar?
In Parashat Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1-25:18), we learn that Abraham's wife Sarah passes away and Abraham purchases land to bury his wife. After Abraham buries his wife, he asks his servant to go and find a wife for his son Isaac. Avraham made Eleazar swear never to take his son Isaac back to the...
Bits of Torah Truths – Parashat Vayera
In Parashat Vayera (Bereshit / Genesis 18:17-19) Abraham shared a meal with three men (שְׁלֹשָׁה אֲנָשִׁים). During the meal it was prophesied that Abraham's wife Sarah would bear a child at an old age. Following the meal, two of the messengers began their journey to Sodom to see if their sin was as great as had been reported. Abraham stood with...
