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!) read more…

Numbers 19:1-22:1; Judges 11:1-33
by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem

Commentary:
This week’s Torah portion 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 are kept (Numbers 19:19) for the cleansing of a person who came into contact with a dead body or became unclean even by touching a grave. read more…

Numbers 16:1-18:32; Haftara: Isaiah 66:1-24
Ministry leaders today should trust in God alone and not respond aggressively to threats to their authority.
by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem

Commentary:
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. read more…

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 and have to know. read more…

Exodus 19:1-20:23 and Numbers 28:26-31; Book of Ruth
Haftara: Ezekiel 1:1-28 and 3:12
1st Shavuot-day June 9th, 2008,
2nd Shavuot-day June 10th, 2008

By israel today, Jerusalem

Abstract out of the reading:
In the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on the very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” read more…

21th week
Shabbat Reading and Commentary
“BeHar – Leviticus 25:1 – 26:2; Jeremia 32:6-27
By Michael Schneider

Commentary:
This week`s portion is “BeHar – At the mount (Sinai),” God’s appointed times of rest are stressed. God ordered resting times for mankind and for nature, which He connected with the number seven (sheva). read more…

Leviticus 19:1–20,27; Haftarah: Eze 20:2-20, 22:1-19
by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem

Commentary:
Our weekly Torah portion continues with additional rules and guidelines for the children of Israel, this week, how to live Holy and pure lives before the LORD. read more…

The weekly Parashot-Rhythm will be set out on Shabbat of Pesach-Feast. What will be read is
The Song of Songs (Shir HaShirim), Exodus 13:17-15:26, Numbers 28:19-25; 2.Samuel 22

Leviticus 16:1–18,30; Malachi 3:4-24
by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem

Commentary:
The Shabbat before Passover is called “The Great Shabbat” because we end
our Torah Portion with Malachi 4:5, which says, “See, I will send you
the prophet Elijah before that great (gadol) and dreadful (nora) day of the LORD comes.” read more…

Leviticus 12:1–13,59; 2 Kings 4:42 – 5:18; Ezekiel 45:16-46:18
by Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem

Commentary:
In last week’s Torah portion we learned about clean and unclean animals, this week’s reading begins with, “when a woman gives birth (tazria).” When a child is born, it is the beginning of all things. Also, in this reading we are shown that purity standards were given and at a time when the children of Israel were in the desert. Included in this passage, were also the differences in giving birth to a boy and a girl. read more…