Shabbat Commentary for 9th week, 2008,
Shabbat Reading Ki Tissa (When you take a census), Exodus 30:11–34:35; 1 Kings 18:1-39
By Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem

Briefly ahead in matter PURIM: Since we are in the Shmita-year and at the same time in a leap year, we have 13 months this year!! That is two Adar month (aleph and beth). In this case, the Feast of Esther, Purim, is always celebrated at the Second Adar (Adar Beth) – therefore it falls this year on the 21 March!!

Commentary:
This weekly portion (parasha) begins with ransom (kofer nefesh) and atonement money (kessef kippurim) in the value of “half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary” for every man over 20. “The rich shall not pay more and the poor shall not pay less than the half shekel, when you give the contribution to the LORD to make atonement for yourselves.” (30:15). read more…

Shabbat Commentary for 8st week, 2008,
Shabbat Reading Tetzaveh – You Shall Command: Exodus 27:20–30:10; Ezekiel 43:1–27
By Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem

Commentary:
The main lesson from this week’s reading is that GOD Himself wants to dwell in the midst of us! This is the parallel we draw from the role of the tabernacle and the High Priest. Secondly we learn from our portion out of the prophets that Obedience is greater than sacrifice. The Feast of Purim will be celebrated on February 20 and 21. During Purim, Jews read the Book of Esther. read more…

Shabbat Reading for 7st week, 2008,
Shabbat “TRUMAH – lift up”: Exodus 25:1 till 27:19; 1. Kings 5:12 till 6:13

Shabbat Commentary for 6st week, 2008,
Shabbat Reading MISHPATIM – ordinances Exodus 21:1–24:18; Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26
By Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem

Commentary:
After the Ten Commandments were given, the Children of Israel were given the laws of how to practice their everyday lives. Order and precepts were given to a people who were former slaves who had just been delivered. read more…