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. […]
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 […]
The final trumpet call for Messiah’s Bride announcing her forthcoming wedding is sounded on Yom Teruah, the fifth of YHVH’s seven Levitical Feast Days. On this day, the blowing of two silver trumpets alerts the Bride that her Bridegroom is on His way. This High Holy Feast day, which is a Sabbath to YHVH, falls […]
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 and spoke these words to all Israel.” In this short portion, Moses commands an assembly for a public Torah […]
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 […]
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 , O heavens, and let me speak” (Deuteronomy 32:1). This Torah portion is only a […]
Portion Summary Five days after the Day of Atonement, the Festival of Booths begins. The festival starts with a yom tov Sabbath on the fifteenth day of the seventh month and continues for seven days. The Hebrew name of the festival is Sukkot, a word often translated into English as “tabernacles” or “booths.” The name […]
The fifty-fourth and last reading from the Torah begins with the words Vezot ha’Bracha, which means “and this is the blessing.” These are the first words of Deuteronomy 33:1. This Torah portion is ordinarily read on the day of Simchat Torah (“Rejoicing of the Torah”) in conjunction with the beginning of the book of Genesis […]
Portion Summaries The fourth reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayera. It means “and he appeared” because the first story describes how the LORD appeared to Abraham one day as he sat outside his tent. Vayera continues with the series of tests of faith for Abraham, concluding in one great and final trial.
Portion Summaries The fifth reading from the book of Genesis is named Chayei Sarah. It means “Sarah lived” because the narrative begins with these words: “Now Sarah lived one hundred and twenty-seven years” (Genesis 23:1). This portion of the Torah is filled with romance and sorrow. It tells the story of how Abraham mourned his […]