Category: Torah readings

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Torah readings

Torah reading Shelach (שלח): Numbers 13–15

Studies in Torah

Rebelliousness, laziness and fear lead us to fight against, avoid and run from what we know — or should know — we should do. This week’s reading, שְׁלַח Shelakh (“send,” Numbers 13–15), takes a deep dive into a pivotal moment where all three killers of Israel’s faith in the LORD and His messengers.

The common parallel passage for Shelach is Joshua 2. It covers the infiltration of Caleb and Yoshua (Joshua) into Yericho (Jericho). God favored the trust — faith — of Rakhab (Rahab) in the LORD over faith in the gods of Canaan, putting her in the genealogy of Mashiakh Yeshua (Christ Jesus) and making her a high symbol of faith (Matt. 1:5; Heb. 11:31; James 2:25).

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Torah readings

Torah reading Beha’alotecha (בהעלתך): Numbers 8–12

Studies in Torah

As the Torah reading בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ Beha’alotcha (“when you raise up” [the lamps]) begins, the menorah and the Levites are dedicated to God’s service, and the Tabernacle is ready for business.

However, this reading is permeated with all sorts of ingratitude and complaining, from the people complaining about the manna to Miriam and Aaron complaining about Moses. God doesn’t put up with any of it. Whether it’s sending down a consuming fire or a plague, God doesn’t put up with people grumbling about His provision.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Nasso (נשא): Numbers 4:21–7:89

Studies in Torah

The Torah reading נָשֹׂא Nasso (“take up” or “carry,” Num. 4:21–7:89) continues the census of the priesthood of Israel, caretakers of the earthly embassy of the Creator.

Yes, there’s a Messiah-centered connection between determining who could enter the מִשְׁכָּן Mishkan (“Tabernacle”), testing the faithfulness of a wife, commissioning and decommissioning someone under a Nazirite vow and the 12 days of gifts from each of the tribes of Israel at the dedication of the Mishkan.

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Torah readings

Shavuot (Pentecost) readings

Pentecost/Shavuot: Torah, Messiah, Spirit. Two loaves of braided bread with sesame seeds on top and flames below with a white background.

Shavuot (“weeks” in Hebrew) is a memorial of the first and second harvest of Israel. The first was at Mount Sinai, where newly freed Israel received the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19–20). The second was at the Temple in Jerusalem 10 days after Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) returned to Heaven (Acts 2), aka Pentecost.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Bemidbar (במדבר): Numbers 1:1–4:20

Studies in Torah

All of us will face trying times that will reveal who we really are, our character. The Torah reading בְּמִדְבַּר Bemidbar (“in the wilderness”) over Num. 1:1–4:20 takes us along with our ancient ancestors in faith on a journey toward true rest God provides. That’s a trek that’s as relevant now as it was then. Read and listen to studies and discussions on this passage.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Bechukotai (בחקתי): Leviticus 26–27

Studies in Torah

Part of the Golden Rule is concern for other people. One way to view the somber warnings in the Torah reading Bechukotai (“in My statutes,” Leviticus 26–27) is God is concerned about the world so much that its lifeline — Israel — has to remain pure.

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Torah reading Behar (בהר): Leviticus 25:1–26:2 

Studies in Torah

A common catchphrase for believers in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus the Christ) is “walk by faith and not by sight” (2Cor. 5:7). Key memorials from God’s calendar that help with practicing the faith that is preached are the Shevi’it or Shemitah (“seventh” [year] and “release,” respectively, i.e., sabbatical year) and the Yobel (Jubilee). They are the focus of the Torah reading this week, Behar, covering Leviticus 25:1-26:2.