Shabbat BALAK Reading and Commentary...

Numbers 22:2-25:9; Micah 5:6-6:8 by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem Commentary: We read in our weekly Torah portion about Balak, king of Moab, who was frightened by thevictorious people of Israel after they defeated the mighty Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan. (Both of these battles are still remembered in daily Jewish prayers!) Balak turned to spiritual powers for help: He called upon Balaam,...

Parashat Chukat Shabbat Reading and Commentary...

Numbers 19:1 – 22:1; Judges 11:1-33 by Michael Schneider, Israel today, Jerusalem (The Sabbath starts with Shalom Aleichem – a Sabbath Song prior to Kiddush) Commentary: This week’s Torah portion Chukat / Hukkat contains further “ordinances” (Hebrew: hukkim). First, we read about the “water of cleansing,” an atonement mechanism made from ashes of the sacrifice of a red heifer. The ashes...

Parashat Korach Sabbath Commentary...

Numbers 16:1 – 18:32; Haftara: Isaiah 66:1–24 Abstract of the Commentary by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem: This Shabbat’s Torah reading is about Korah’s rebellion. Korah descends from the Levitical family of Kehat. Altogether, there were 250 renowned men that “rose up” against Moses by doubting his and Aaron’s authority as the chosen national leaders. As if the separation of the Levites by...

Parashat Shabbat Shlach Lecha Commentary...

Numbers chapters 13:1 – 15:41; Haftara: Joshua 2,1-24 by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem Commentary: On this Shabbat, we find the story of the 12 spies (Numbers 13:1 – 15:41), the first Mossad. Moses sent the spies to scout the Promised Land. How many people are there? What are their military capabilities? Is the land fruitful? (13:18-20). Those are legitimate questions that responsible people should...