Torah Portions

This is a teaching on the parsha Vay'yikra - "And He called." This sidrah establishes a connection between the process to construct the mishkan with the necessary procedures to sustain the mishkan as it was intended to be - the place where His Presence would reside in the midst of His people. This teaching emphasizes the tutor aspect of the sacrificial system, specifically, in that the offerings (korban) were to expose those who had a heart to draw near unto the Creator. Furthermore these voluntary offerings revealed the people who were willing to devote themselves completely to God and submit unto Him as a bondservant. Hope you enjoy. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Vayyikra.pdf

Here is my d'rash (commentary) on the Torah Portion - Pekudei ("accountings"). In this parsha, we see the concluding stages of the mishkan's construction and its erection on 1 Aviv. The culmination of this entire process is when the Sh'kinah fills the house signifying His presence among His people. This teaching highlights how the Tabernacle is a manifestation of God's desire to have a house in which He and His people could coexist; a desire revealed from the very first word of Scripture - b'reshiyt. Moreover, I also delve into how the mishkan also looks forward providing a pattern of sorts for what is to come in New Jerusalem. Hope you enjoy. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Pekudei.pdf

Here is a d'rash (commentary) on the Torah Portion - Vay'yakhel ("He assembled"). In this parsha, Moses invites the entire nation to participate in the building of the mishkan by bringing the items needed to build it. This portionhighlights the willingness of the people to participate and the wisdom of the artificers responsible for taking what God had said and making it a physical reality. Hope you enjoy. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Vayyachel.pdf

Here is a d'rash (commentary) on the Torah Portion - Ki Tisa (When You Elevate). This parsha highlights Israel's failure to abide by the instruction - "You are to worship no other gods or make graven images." The Golden Calf incident, not only revealed that many were quick to turn aside from that instruction but it also hints that when things don't happen the way they think they should ("we don't know what happened to this Moses"), some people end up worshiping the image of a beast. There are many prophetic themes throughout this Torah portion. Hope you enjoy. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Ki-Tisa.pdf

Here is a d'rash (commentary) on the Torah Portion - Tetzaveh. This parsha highlights the selection of the priests and the holy garments designed especially for them and, in particular, the High Priest. Of particular interest to us, as believers, are the two stones worn upon the shoulders of the High Priest as well as the twelve "precious" stones upon the breastplate. The imagery in this parsha emphasizes the role of our heavenly High Priest and accentuates the importance of the restoration of the kingdom of Israel. Hope you enjoy. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Tetzaveh.pdf

Here is a d'rash (commentary) on the Torah Portion - Terumah. This parsha highlights the preparation for the Mishkan - the Tabernacle - and details different components including the Ark of the Covenant and the Menorah. The emphasis of this parsha, from my point of view, is different components becoming one and the need for us to constantly remind ourselves of the responsibility to live holy. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Terumah.pdf

This is our commentary on the portion Mishpatim - "Judgments." This portion contains God's instructions and ordinances that will govern Israel's civil interaction with their fellow man. Beginning with the laws of the bondservant, it addresses how the least among His people are to be treated, a direct reflection of how we interact with our Creator. Hope you enjoy. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/mishpatim.pdf

This is our commentary on the portion Yitro - "Jethro." This portion takes its name from Moses' father-in-law who offers Moses some sage advice. In this portion we also see the calling of the nation of Israel to be light to the nations of the world and the contract - Ten Commands - given to them. A lengthy study; hope you enjoy. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Yitro.pdf

This is our commentary on the portion B'shelach - "Sent out." In this portion, Israel goes out of Egypt with a "high hand" which,  a few days later, provokes Pharaoh to pursue the Hebrews - something that had to happen that God would get honor on Pharaoh. There is a lot to address so start listening. Hope you enjoy. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Beshelach.pdf

This is our commentary on the portion Bo - "Come." In this portion, we see the plagues coming to culmination and the deliverance of Israel from bondage. Coinciding with the Exodus is the introduction of the Passover. Hope you enjoy. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Bo.pdf

This is our commentary on the portion Vayera - "I appeared." In this portion, the outstretched arm of the LORD begins to move upon the land of Egypt. The first seven of ten plagues are unleashed upon Pharaoh and his people, primarily, to show that the God of the Hebrews is God.! Hope you enjoy. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Vayera-Shemot.pdf

This is our commentary on the portion Shemot - "names." This initial portion of Exodus details some of the most important events in the history of Israel. We see the emergence of a tyrant who seeks to destroy the Hebrew people. In the midst of this darkness, however, there is a burst of light with the birth of Moses. Thus, begins the redemption of Abraham's seed. Hope you enjoy. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Shemot.pdf

Shalom! Here is our commentary on the portion Vayechi - "And he lived." This is the final portion of B'reshiyt and one full of nuggets. Just some of the highlights are the adoption of Manasseh and Ephraim, the blessing placed upon Ephraim and Jacob's prophecy for all the tribes. Hope you enjoy. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Vayechi.pdf

Shalom! Here is our commentary on the portion Vayigash - "And he approached." This is one of the most prophetic portions in all of Scripture for it tells of the one who was despised by his brethren, only to be revealed to them in a time of life-threatening crisis. It also marks the beginning of Israel's sojourn in Egypt. Much to glean from this sidrah. Hope you enjoy. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Vayigash.pdf

Shalom! This is my commentary on the portion Miketz - "at the end." For years, this portion has fascinated me, not only for the fascinating story but, for the prophetic elements. Understanding that we interpret the end from "the beginning" (Isa. 46:8-10), that a torah portion is called "at the end" should grab our attention. Hope you enjoy. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Miketz.pdf