Shabbat Masei...

Masei (Wanderings): Numbers 33:1 till 36:13; Jeremia 2:4 till 28 + 3:4 This week again you will find no written Commentary here but a video from Temple Institute Rabbi Chaim Richman: 42 journeys through the wilderness of life, and a box of scented letters: a love story: Shabbat Shalom

Shabbat Matot Readings and Commentary...

Numbers 30:2 till 32:42; Jeremia 1:1 till 2:3 Israel is warned against seeking foreign comforts over its divine purpose, and cautioned regarding making treaties with hostile elements – lessons which still have relevance today! By Michal Schneider, Jerusalem Commentary: In chapter 32 we read of the last preparations of the people of Israel on the east side of the Jordan River before entering the Promised Land. Two...

Shabbat Pinchas Readings and Commentary...

Numbers 25:10 – 30:1; 1 Kings 18:46 – 19:21 Abstract of the Commentary by Michael Schneider, Jerusalem: In our previous Torah portion we read how Israel was saved by God from the curses of the Moabite king Balak and his seer Balaam. Instead of cursing, Balaam “gave counsel to trespass against the LORD” (31:16). Balaam became the Biblical prototype of a false teacher. But in this week’s reading, “…the...

Shabbat BALAK Readings and Commentaries...

Numbers 22:2-25:9; Micah 5:6-6:8 by Michael Schneider, 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!) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insert of the GSI editorial . . ....