Hineini Kleinmond Fellowship

Yom Kippur Day of Atonement יוֹם כִּפּוּר
2026-09-21 10:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Helsinki) | Radi & Delene, 11 Swartrivier Rd, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

The Festival of Trumpets begins ten days of preparation for Yom Kippur, a title that means “Day of Atonement.” It is the appointed time of the tenth day of the seventh month. It is a fast day—a day for confessing sins, repenting, and asking God for forgiveness. In the days of the Tabernacle and Temple, as discussed in Leviticus 16, it was a day of solemn sacrificial rituals for purification and atonement. It was the only day of the year when the high priest was allowed to enter the holy of holies.

Ha’azinu Give Ear הַאֲזִינוּ
2026-09-19 10:00 - 13:00 | TBC, South Africa
The word Ha’azinu literally means “give ear,” an expression meaning “listen to this.” It is also the name of the fifty-third and second-to-last reading from the Torah. Ha’azinu is the first word of the Song of Moses, which begins with the words “Give ear [Ha’azinu], O heavens, and let me speak” (Deuteronomy 32:1). This Torah portion is only a single chapter long, and the majority of it consists of the Song of Moses. The Song of Moses is a prophetic oracle warning Israel about apostasy to come and the resulting wrath of God. The song looks far into the future, even envisioning the Messianic advent amid rich and frightening apocalyptic imagery. After the conclusion of the song, Moses is told to ascend Mount Nebo and overlook the promised land before dying.

Yom Teruah - New Moon - 7 - Tishrei
2026-09-11 17:30 - 20:00

Vayelech (And He Went) וַיֵּלֶךְ
2026-09-05 10:00 - 13:00 | Radi & Delene, 11 Swartrivier Rd, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

The name of the fifty-second reading from the Torah is Vayelech, which means “and he went.” The name is derived from the first word of the first verse of the portion: “So Moses went [vayelech] and spoke these words to all Israel.” In this short portion, Moses commands an assembly for a public Torah reading and covenant renewal once every seven years. He then finishes writing the scroll of the Torah and has it deposited in the holy of holies next to the ark of the covenant.

Nitzavim (You Are Standing) נִצָּבִים
2026-09-05 10:00 - 13:00 | Jan & Martie, 65 JS Marais Street, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

The name of the fifty-first reading from the Torah is Nitzavim, which means “you are standing.” The name is derived from the first verse of the portion in which Moses says, “You stand (nitzavim) today, all of you, before the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 29:10). In this portion, Moses invites the entire assembly of Israel to take on the covenant. He warns them that if they sin they will go into exile, but he also predicts that, in the future, they will repent and God will return them to the land of Israel. In some years, Nitzavim is read together with the subsequent Torah portion, Vayelech.

Ki Tavo (When You Come) כִּי־תָבוֹא
2026-08-29 10:00 - 13:00 | Barry & Sue Joy, 27 Keurboom Ave, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

Deuteronomy 26 begins the fiftieth reading from the Torah with the words, “Then it shall be, when you enter the land which the LORD your God gives you as an inheritance” (26:1). In Hebrew, the words for “when you enter” are ki tavo. This Torah portion begins with laws regarding first fruits and tithes. It goes on to discuss covenant renewal, after which Moses recites the blessings guaranteed to Israel for covenant obedience and warns of the curses for apostasy.

49 - Ki Tetze (When You Go) כִּי־תֵצֵא
2026-08-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Radi & Delene, 11 Swartrivier Rd, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

The forty-ninth reading from the Torah is called Ki Tetze, which means “when you go.” It is named after the first words of Deuteronomy 21:10, which are “When you go out to battle against your enemies.” Deuteronomy is organized as an ancient Near Eastern covenant-treaty document. Previous chapters of Deuteronomy formed a preamble, a historical prologue, and general covenant stipulations. Chapter 12 began a section of more specific stipulations, and this portion continues with a code of laws. The laws of the Torah are more than just legalese; they are covenant expectations that provide us with God's directions for living life.

48 - Shoftim (Judges) שׁוֹפְטִים
2026-08-15 10:00 - 13:00 | Jan & Martie, 65 JS Marais Street, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

The word shoftim means “judges.” It is also the name of the forty-eighth reading from the Torah, which begins with the words “You shall appoint for yourself judges [shoftim]” (Deuteronomy 16:18). Within this Torah portion are several laws governing the judicial process and other institutions of the state: the establishment of law courts, the clerical roles of priests and Levites, rules about prophets, the criteria for choosing a king, the testimony of witnesses, limitations on a king’s sovereignty, and instructions concerning warfare.

New Moon - 6 - Elul
2026-08-13 17:00 - 20:00 | Barry & Sue Joy, 27 Keurboom Ave, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Beginning of Elul

47 - Re’eh (Behold) רְאֵה
2026-08-08 10:00 - 13:00 | Barry & Sue Joy, 27 Keurboom Ave, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

The forty-seventh reading from the Torah and the fourth reading from the book of Deuteronomy is named Re’eh, an imperative form of the word “see.” It is the first word of the Torah portion: “See [re’eh], I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse” (Deuteronomy 11:26). This reading contains admonitions to topple the Canaanite religious centers, warnings against idolatry, and a prohibition on making sacrifices outside of God’s Holy Temple. The place of the Temple is enigmatically referred to as “the place which the LORD your God will choose from all your tribes, to establish His name there for His dwelling” (Deuteronomy 12:5–7). The portion goes on to warn against false prophets, reiterate the biblical dietary laws, and introduce legislation regarding tithing, the sabbatical year of release, and the pilgrimage festivals.

46 - Ekev (Because) עֵקֶב
2026-08-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Jan & Martie, 65 JS Marais Street, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

The forty-sixth reading from the Torah and the third reading from the book of Deuteronomy is named Ekev, a word from the first verse of the portion. Deuteronomy 7:12 says, “Then it shall come about, because [ekev] you listen to these judgments and keep and do them, that the LORD your God will keep with you His covenant and His lovingkindness which He swore to your forefathers.” Usually the word ekev means “heel.” In fact, this word shares the same three-letter root as the name Jacob (Ya'akov, יַעֲקֹב), whose name actually means “heel.” He was born holding onto Esau’s heel. However, in Deuteronomy 7:12, the word ekev means “on the heels of” or “because of.” This portion of Deuteronomy speaks of the rewards that will come to Israel on the heels of keeping God’s covenant and commandments.

45 - Va’etchanan (And I Besought) וָאֶתְחַנַּן
2026-07-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Radi & Delene, 11 Swartrivier Rd, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

The forty-fifth reading from the Torah and the second reading from the book of Deuteronomy is named Va’etchanan, which means “and I besought.” The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “I also pleaded [va’etchanan] with the LORD at that time” (Deuteronomy 3:23). The portion completes the historical prologue of the Deuteronomy covenant document and begins a rehearsal of the stipulations. Part of that rehearsal is a repetition of the Ten Commandments and the famous first passage of the Shema: Deuteronomy 6:4–9.

44 - Devarim (Words) דְּבָרִים
2026-07-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Barry & Sue Joy, 27 Keurboom Ave, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

Devarim is both the title for the last book from the scroll of the Torah and the title of the first Torah portion therein. Devarim means “words.” The English-speaking world calls this book Deuteronomy. The Hebrew title for the book comes from the opening phrase of the book: “These are the words (devarim) which Moses spoke to all Israel across the Jordan in the wilderness” (Deuteronomy 1:1).
One ancient name for the book of Deuteronomy is Mishnah HaTorah, which means “repetition of the Torah.” This is similar to the Greek Septuagint name Deuteronomos, which means “second law.” The English name Deuteronomy is derived from Deuteronomos.
The book of Deuteronomy is dominated by Moses’ farewell address to the children of Israel as he urges them to remain faithful to the covenant and prepares them for entering Canaan. During the course of the book, Moses reviews the story of the giving of the Torah at Sinai and the trip to the promised land, reiterates several laws of Torah, and introduces new laws. The book seems to follow the general pattern of an ancient Near Eastern covenant treaty document.
As we study the first week’s reading from the book of Deuteronomy, the children of Israel are assembled on the plains of Moab across the Jordan.

New Moon - 5 - Av
2026-07-14 17:00 - 19:00 | Radi & Delene, 11 Swartrivier Rd, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa

42 - Matot - 43 -Massei (Tribes-Journeys) מַּטּוֹת־מַסְעֵי
2026-07-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Radi & Delene, 11 Swartrivier Rd, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

The name of the forty-second reading from the Torah is Mattot, which means “tribes.” The name is derived from the words of Numbers 30:1, which says, “Then Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of the sons of Israel.” Numbers 30 discusses the laws of vows and oaths. Numbers 31 tells the story of Israel’s war with Midian. Numbers 32 relates the story of how the Reubenites, the Gadites and half the tribe of Mannaseh came to inherit the land east of the Jordan River. Except in biblical calendar leap years, Mattot is read together with the subsequent Torah portion, Massei, on the same Sabbath.
The last reading from the book of Numbers is called Massei, a word that means “journeys.” It comes from the first verse of the reading, which begins with the words, “These are the journeys of the sons of Israel” (Numbers 33:1). Massei is the end of the continuous narrative of Torah that began in Genesis with the creation of the universe. The narrative does not resume until the end of Deuteronomy when Moses dies.
The final reading in Numbers settles several last-minute details. In it we find a list of the encampments from Egypt to the plains of Moab. We also find instructions for apportioning the land as well as the specifics regarding the borders of the land. While explaining the land and its borders, Moses introduces the laws of the cities of refuge and more inheritance laws.

41 - Pinchas (Phinehas) פִּינְחָס
2026-07-04 10:00 - 13:00 | Jan & Martie, 65 JS Marais Street, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

Pinchas is the Hebrew name translated in English Bibles as Phinehas. It is also the name of the forty-first reading from the Torah because of the second verse of the reading, which says, “Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned away My wrath” (Numbers 25:11). In this Torah portion, the LORD makes a covenant of peace with Phinehas and his descendants, orders a second census, settles questions about inheritance, appoints Joshua to succeed Moses, and lists the sacrifices for the appointed times.

40 - Balak (Balak) בָּלָק
2026-06-27 10:00 - 13:00 | Barry & Sue Joy, 27 Keurboom Ave, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

Balak was the name of a Moabite king in the days of Moses. It is also the name of the fortieth reading from the Torah. It comes from the second verse of this week’s reading, which says, “Now Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites” (Numbers 22:2). This week’s Torah reading tells the story of how Balak hires the occult prophet Balaam to lay a curse on Israel. Balaam meets resistance from God, has a conversation with his donkey, and ends up blessing Israel instead of cursing them.

39 - Chukat (Statute) חֻקַּת
2026-06-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Radi & Delene, 11 Swartrivier Rd, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

Chukat is the thirty-ninth reading from the Torah. The word chukat means “statute.” The name is derived from the second verse of the reading: “This is the statute of the law which the LORD has commanded” (Numbers 19:2). Chukat presents the mysterious laws of the red-heifer ceremony for purification after contact with human death. This reading also contains the stories of Moses striking the rock, the deaths of Aaron and Miriam, and the wars with the Amorites. The portion concludes with the host of Israel encamping on the edge of the promised land.

New Month - 4 - Tammuz
2026-06-15 17:00 - 20:00 | Jan & Martie, 65 JS Marais Street, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa

38 - Korach (Korah) קוֹרַח
2026-06-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Jan & Martie, 65 JS Marais Street, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

Korah (Korach in Hebrew) was the name of a prominent Levite. It is also the name of the thirty-eighth reading from the Torah. It comes from the first verse of this week's reading, which says, “Now Korah the son of Izhar … took action” (Numbers 16:1). This week’s Torah reading tells the story of how Korah led an unsuccessful rebellion against Moses and Aaron. After thwarting the insurrection, God confirms Aaron in the priesthood and provides additional legislation regarding priestly and Levitical privileges and responsibilities.

37 - Shelach (Send Thou) שְׁלַח
2026-06-06 10:00 - 13:00 | Barry & Sue Joy, 27 Keurboom Ave, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

The thirty-seventh reading from the Torah is called Shelach, an imperative verb that means “send out.” The portion is so named from the first few words of the second verse: “Send out for yourself men so that they may spy out the land of Canaan” (Numbers 13:2). The Torah reading tells the tragic story of how the spies returned with a bad report about the land of promise and influenced the congregation of Israel to rebel against the LORD. Thus God consigned the generation of Moses to wander in the wilderness for forty years.

Beha’alotcha (When You Set Up) בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ
2026-05-30 10:00 - 13:00 | Barry & Sue Joy, 27 Keurboom Ave, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

The third reading from the book of Numbers and the thirty-sixth reading from the Torah is called Beha’alotcha, a word that literally means “when you ascend.” It comes from the first verse of the portion, which could literally be translated as “when you ascend the lamps” (Numbers 8:2), a reference to the fact that the priest had to step up to clean and light the lamps of the menorah. This portion is jam-packed, telling of the consecration of the Levites, the first Passover in the wilderness, the silver trumpets, the cloud of glory, the departure from Sinai, the grumbling in the wilderness, the first Sanhedrin, and the punishment of Miriam.

Feast of Weeks - Pentecost
2026-05-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Jan & Martie, 65 JS Marais Street, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Fifty days after the resurrection of the Master, God poured the Holy Spirit onto his disciples.

Nasso (Make an Accounting) נָשׂא
2026-05-23 08:00 - 17:00 | Radi & Delene, 11 Swartrivier Rd, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

The second reading from the book of Numbers and the thirty-fifth reading from the Torah is called Nasso, a word that literally means “lift up.” It comes from the first word of the second verse in Hebrew, which could literally be translated to say, “Lift up the heads of the sons of Gershon,” an idiomatic way of saying, “Make an accounting of the sons of Gershon.” This Torah portion finishes up the census of the Levites that was under way at the end of the last Torah portion before going on to discuss the purification of the camp, the ritual for a woman suspected of adultery, the laws of the Nazirite vow, the priestly benediction, and the gifts the heads of the twelve tribes brought for the dedication of the altar.

New Month - 3 -Sivan
2026-05-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Barry & Sue Joy, 27 Keurboom Ave, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa

Bamidbar (In the Wilderness) בְּמִדְבַּר
2026-05-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Barry & Sue Joy, 27 Keurboom Ave, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

The Hebrew name of the fourth book of the Torah and the name of its first reading is Bamidbar, which means “in the wilderness.” It comes from the first words of the first verse, which say, “Then the LORD spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai” (Numbers 1:1). The English title of the book is “Numbers,” which is derived from the Greek Septuagint (LXX) version of the Torah. The book of Numbers tells the story of Israel’s trek through the wilderness on their way to the promised land, their failure at the edge of the land, and the subsequent forty years of wandering. It concludes with the story of the second generation’s triumphs over the first Canaanite resistance. The book ends with the Israelites poised on the edge of Canaan, ready to take their inheritance. Woven in the midst of these narratives is a significant amount of legal material.
The first reading from Bamidbar and the thirty-fourth reading from the Torah begin with a census of the tribes of Israel and the Levitical families just prior to the departure from Sinai.

Behar-Bechukotai (On Mount Sinai-In My Statutes) בְּהַר־בְּחֻקֹּתַי
2026-05-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Radi & Delene, 11 Swartrivier Rd, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

The thirty-second reading from the Torah and second-to-last reading from the book of Leviticus is called Behar, which literally means “on the mountain.” The name comes from the first words of the first verse of the reading, which could be translated to read, “The LORD then spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai” (Leviticus 25:1). This portion from the Torah introduces the laws of the sabbatical years, the jubilee, and laws concerning redemption. In most years, synagogues read Behar together with the following portion, Bechukotai.
The last reading from the book of Leviticus is called Bechukotai, which means “in my statutes.” The name comes from the first verse of the reading, which begins with the words “If you walk in My statutes” (Leviticus 26:3). This last reading from Leviticus promises blessings and rewards for Israel if they will keep the Torah but punishment and curses if they break the commandments of the Torah. The last chapter discusses laws pertaining to vows, valuations, and tithes. In most years, synagogues read Bechukotai together with the preceding portion, Behar.

Emor (Say) אֱמוֹר
2026-05-02 10:00 - 13:00 | Jan & Martie, 65 JS Marais Street, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
Portion Summary

The thirty-first reading from the Torah is called Emor, a title that comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Speak [emor] to the priests, the sons of Aaron’” (Leviticus 21:1). Emor begins with special laws of sanctity, propriety, and purity for the priesthood. Leviticus 23 provides an overview of the biblical calendar, a listing of the LORD’s appointed times.

Acharei Mot-Kedoshim - After the Death-Holy - אַחֲרֵי מוֹת־קְדשִׁים
2026-04-25 10:00 - 13:00 | Barry & Sue Joy, 27 Keurboom Ave, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
The twenty-ninth reading from the Torah and sixth reading from Leviticus is named Acharei Mot, two words that mean “after the death.” The title comes from the first words of the first verse of the reading, which say, “Now the LORD spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron” (Leviticus 16:1). Leviticus 16 describes the Tabernacle ceremony for the holy festival of the Day of Atonement. Leviticus 17 establishes general rules for sacrifice and sanctuary. Leviticus 18 lays down specific laws about permitted and forbidden sexual relationships.
The thirtieth reading from the Torah and seventh reading from Leviticus is named Kedoshim, which means “holy.” The title comes from the words in Leviticus 19:2, which says, “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” Leviticus 19 describes the holy community through a series of specific commandments. Leviticus 20 warns against the snares of sexual immorality and idolatry, mandating a death penalty for certain sins. Except in biblical leap years, Kedoshim is read on the same Sabbath as the previous reading, Acharei Mot.

Tazria-Metzora - Conceived-Leper - תַזְרִיעַ־מְּצֹרָע
2026-04-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Radi & Delene, 11 Swartrivier Rd, Kleinmond, Western Cape, 7195, South Africa
The name of the twenty-seventh reading from the Torah is Tazria, which means “conceived.” The name is derived from the words of Leviticus 12:2 where the LORD says to Moses, “When a woman [conceives] and bears a male child.” Leviticus 12 discusses the laws of purification after childbirth. Leviticus 13 introduces the laws for diagnosing and quarantining lepers. Except in biblical calendar leap years, Tazria is read together with the subsequent Torah portion, Metzora, on the same Sabbath.
The twenty-eighth reading from the Torah is Metzora, a word that means “leper.” The word appears in the second verse of the reading, which says, “This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing” (Leviticus 14:2). Leviticus 14 spells out the complex purification rituals for the cleansing of a biblical leper and a leprous home. Leviticus 15 briefly covers the laws regarding ritual unfitness stemming from bodily emissions.
