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…

Shabbat Commentary for 14th week, 2008,
Shabbat Reading Shemini – on the Eight (day)”: Leviticus 9:1–11:47; II Samuel 6:1-7:17
By Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem

Commentary:
This week’s parasha discusses two main issues: The first, the dedication of the Mishkan (tabernacle), which included sacrifices and the cleansing of the priests. In the midst of the “festivities” we read of the sudden death of Aaron’s sons Nadav and Avihu after offering a “strange fire” before the LORD.

The second part of the parasha speaks about the animals the Israelites were forbidden to eat (11:1–28). One of these animals is the pig, strictly forbidden according to the Word of God. Isaiah also writes of such foods in his chapters of end-time prophecy. read more…

Reading: The complete Book Esther
By Michael Schneider, israel today, Jerusalem

Commentary:
The Feast of Purim will this year be celebrated on February 20 and 21. During Purim, Jews read the Book of Esther.

Let us also come before “the King” as Queen Esther did, with courage to ask for the redemption of the Jewish people. These days we have another Haman who wants to annihilate the Jewish people, and he even comes from the same nation – Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the president of Iran, formerly Persia.

Today let us pray that the ‘pur,’ the lots, will fall and rather than a planned day of destruction we will see the long awaited day of redemption of Israel as a nation! So let us continue to intercede, like Esther and Mordechai, in prayer and fasting for the welfare and safety of the Jewish people. Purim is the most joyous holiday, a day of victory!

Israelis commemorate God’s deliverance at Purim

The festival of Purim is a commemoration of Jewish deliverance from the Persian Empire, which sought their annihilation.

Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar as commanded in scripture. Jews will attend synagogues around the country on Tuesday evening and read the book of Esther. read more…

Shabbat Readings for 11th week, 2008,
Shabbat Pekudei (Amount of):
Exodus 38:21-40:38; Numbers 28:9-15; Haftorah: Kings II 12:1-17

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