A Plague (?) On All Our Houses

Parshat Metzora 

(Leviticus 14:1 - 15:33)

Parshat Metzora - Synopsis

God speaks to Moses and instructs him in the purification ritual for a leper who has been declared clean.  Two clean birds are to be brought to the priest.  One is ritually sacrifices, and the other bird is set free in the open country.  After a week, the person to be purified shaves off all hair and bathes.  This individual then brings a guilt offering and a sin offering.  A rich person brings a large animal to be sacrificed; a poor person brings a small one.  The procedure the priest is to follow is explained in detail.

The portion next deals with houses which appear to be affected by a plague.  If, after a period of examination, it is determined that the house has a malignant eruption, the stones are replaced and the walls scraped and re-plastered.  If the eruption does not reappear, the house is declared clean.  A purification ceremony is detailed which includes the sacrifices of a bird.  If the plague does reappear, the house is torn down.

Metzora concludes with a description of impurity arising from discharges from the sex organs.  A man who has a discharge is unclean and this uncleanliness extends to any bedding he lies on, any object he sits on, anyone who touches his bedding or the objects on which he sat.  Earthen vessels he touches are to be broken and wooden utensils are to be washed.  Once the discharge is over, a period of purification follows ending with the bringing of a sin offering and a guilt offering.

If a man has an emission, he is to bathe and remains unclean until evening.  If a man and a woman have sexual intercourse, they are to bathe and they remain unclean until evening.

A menstruating woman is also declared ritually impure; this impurity lasts seven days.  Her uncleanliness extends to any bedding she lies on, any object on which she sits, anyone who comes in contact with her, and any objects she has touched.  If a woman has a discharge other than her usual menstruation, the same laws as for menstruation apply.  But in this case, she brings both a sin offering and a burnt offering.

Synopses are courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

Questions to consider:

1. Much of what is outlined in this parasha seems very foreign to how we live our lives today.  We don't often consider other people in categories of purity as they did in biblical times.  While we don't put people into categories of purity, who might be an "impure" person today?  
2. Part of what is behind the rules in these portion is the concern of containing disease.  This is certainly something we understand after the last few years.  What do we do to try and protect others from modern day "plagues"?  (hint: they could be illnesses, or it could be something else as well)
3. Nowhere in the text is there a suggestion as to possible cures for leprosy, although it does explore reasons as to why someone might be afflicted with it (some thought it was a punishment from God for malicious talk).  In your view, what percentage of the cure of any illness is in the hands of the individual? the physician? up to God?

 

Fins and Scales

Parshat Shemini
Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Shemini begins on the eighth day of the ordination ceremonies of the High Priests, Aaron and his sons.  Moses directs Aaron to bring a sin offering and a burnt offering, followed by a sacrifice of well-being.  At the conclusion of these sacrifices, Moses and Aaron enter the Tent of Meeting.  When they come out, they bless the people and the Presence of God appears to all.

Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, put fire and incense in their fire pans and offer alien fire to God.  A fire comes forth from God and both die instantly.  Moses explains God's actions to Aaron, saying that the deaths of Nadab and Abihu demonstrate specifically the responsibility of priests to do only that which God commanded.  Aaron has no response.  Moses calls on Aaron's nephews to remove the bodies, but cautions relatives and the congregation not to mourn for Nadab and Abihu.

God commands Aaron and his sons not to drink intoxicants, for they must be able to carry out their duties of sacrifice and teaching.

Moses tells Aaron and his two remaining sons, Elazar and Itamar, where the various offerings are to be eaten.  Then he inquires about the goat of the sin offering and is told that it has been totally consumed by fire.  It had been commanded that a portion of this offering was to be eaten by the priests.  Moses is angry that Aaron and his sons had not eaten their portion of the offering, but Aaron responds that it would be unsuitable for the priests to eat the offering in flew of the events of the day.

God now speaks to Moses and Aaron regarding the laws of kashrut.  The Israelites are permitted to eat any mammal which has a split hoof and chews its cud.  Swine are specifically forbidden.  The Israelites may eat any fish which has both fins and scales.  A list of forbidden birds is given.  Four-legged insects are forbidden unless they have a pair of jointed legs with which they can leap.  A description of the laws of ritual defilement regarding animal carcasses is given.

The portion ends with an affirmation of the special relationship between God and the children of Israel.

Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

For your Shabbat Table:

• This parsha gives additional rules for the priests.  What special characteristics do you think a High Priest should have?
• One of the additional rules for the priests was against intoxicants.  Why do you think it would be important to have a "clear head" as a priest?
• This parsha explains the rules of kashrut, keeping kosher.  While it gives all of the rules, nowhere in this section does it explain WHY we should keep kosher.  Is it important to know reasons for what you are asked to do?  What are some examples of things you do because you know it is the right or good thing to do?

And now.. this week's parsha cartoon!

Becoming Priestly

Parshat Tzav
Leviticus 6:1 - 8:36

Tzav repeats the description and procedure for the sacrifices discussed in the previous portion. Directed to Aaron and his sons, the procedures for the sacrifices and the explanation of the priestly portions are given in detail. The priests are here commanded to keep the fire on the altar burning perpetually.

God commands Moses to prepare Aaron, the Tabernacle, and Aaron's sons for the new priesthood. This includes washing Aaron and his sons, dressing them in ritual garments, and anointing Aaron and the Tabernacle with oil. During this ordination ceremony, a sin offering and a burnt offering are brought. Then a ram of ordination is slaughtered. Some of the blood is put on the right ear, thumb, and big toe of Aaron and his sons. Then Moses dashes the blood against each side of the altar. Specified parts of the ram, along with one cake of unleavened bread, one cake of oil bread, and one wafer are placed in the palms of Aaron and of his sons. This is a wave offering, which is then burned with the burnt offering.

Moses takes the best of the ram as a wave offering before God. Moses takes anointing oil and some blood from the altar and sprinkles it upon Aaron and his sons. He then directs Aaron and his sons to boil the flesh of the ram and eat it with the unleavened bread at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. Moses explains that the period of ordination will last seven days and all that has been sacrificed and done that day is to be repeated on each of the following seven days.

Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

For your Shabbat table:

• Part of this week's parsha talks about the special attired reserved for the priests. When is a dress code important?
• How does wearing a costume make you feel? Think of other times that you get dressed up and why you dress up for those occasions. How does dressing up for a holiday or going to services make you feel different or change your attitude about what you are doing?
• During this portion, the priests are commanded to keep the fire on the altar burning perpetually. Keeping the fire burning was a big task - can you think of anything you have to take care of like that? Why are you willing to make such an effort?
• The priests understood that every part of their job was dignified, even jobs that other people might not find nice or easy to do. What are some things that you have to do that you don't want to because you think they are gross or dirty? What are some household tasks that causes people in your family to complain when it is their turn to do it? What are some new ways you can approach that chore with a different attitude?

And now.. this week's parsha in cartoon form:

All Sacrifices, All the Time

Parashat Vayikra
Leviticus 1:1 - 5:26

Vayikra begins with God instructing Moses to describe the various sacrifices to the Israelites. The five types of sacrifies are: a burnt offering (olah), the meal offering (mincha), the sacrifice of well-being (zevach shelamim), the sin offering (chatat), and the guilt offering (asham).

Olah, literally meaning "that which goes up," is characterized by burning the entire animal upon the altar except for the hide. The mincha offering consists of unleavened choice flour. A portion of it was to be burned on the altar and the remainder given to Aaron and his sons. All mincha offerings must contain salt.

An unblemished cow, sheep, or goat could serve as the offering for the sacrifice of zevach shelamim. An ordinance states that all the fat on the sacrificial animal belonged to God. Additionally, a prohibition against eating any fat or blood is included here.

These three types of sacrifices are voluntary and not brought for atonement. The chatat and the asham are both obligatory upon guilty individuals.

The chatat is to be brought by an individual or community which, unintentionally, commits a sin regarding any of the commandments. The specific offering to be brought was determined by one's economic condition. An anointed priest and the community are both directed to sacrifice unblemished bulls for the chatat. A chieftain sometimes referred to as a tribal chief is to bring a goat. A person from among the populace is to offer a goat or a sheep.

Four additional transgressions are described as requiring a chatat offering: (1) failure to come forward to testify, (2) touching an unclean animal or carcass, (3) coming in contact with human uncleaness, and (4) failure to fulfill an oath. For these transgressions, the offering, depending on the financial means of the transgressor, can be: a female sheep, a goat, two birds, or choice flour.

The asham offering is to be brought by an individual who had sinned by committing robbery or fraud. The penalty for such a crime is to restore the owner the item stolen, plus an additional one-fifth of its value, and then to bring a ram or its equivalent in money as a sacrifice. The asham also applies to the individual who has unwittingly sinned regarding God's sacred things.

The text describes the procedures for the people and the priests to follow for each of these sacrifices and the part of the sacrifice which is to go to Aaron and his sons.

Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

For your Shabbat table:

• All of the sacrifices described in this parasha are sacrifices that were performed only through the time in which we had both of the Holy Temples in Jerusalem - once the second Temple was destroyed in 70 CE, Jews could no longer perform these sacrifices. The rabbis decreed that prayer, Torah study and acts of loving kindness replace sacrifices. When have you participated in prayer? In Torah Study? In acts of loving kindness? How do these things move you closer to God?
• Some of the offerings were given when the Israelites did not do their best, or when they made a big mistake - giving the animal to God was a way of saying they would do better next time. Think of a time when you hurt someone’s feelings or did something wrong. How did you earn forgiveness? Did you have to give something back? Did you have to replace something? 
• Do you pray to God? What kinds of things do you tell or ask God in your prayers?
• While it is possible to pray anywhere, what advantages do you think there are to attending services and praying at a synagogue?

Your weekly animated bit of Torah:

Wrapping up Exodus

Pekudei (Exodus 38:21 - 40:38)

Pekudei begins with an account of the materials used in the making of the Tabernacle. Bezalel and Oholiab create robes for the priests and special vestments for Aaron: the ephod, the breastplate, the robe for the ephod, and the frontlet, according to the pattern and the command of God to Moses.

When Moses sees that the work of the Tabernacle is complete, he blesses the congregation. Then God tells Moses to erect the Tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting on the first day of the first month and to place in it all of its specially crafted furnishings. Moses then anoints Aaron and his four sons as God commanded him.

When Moses has finished the work, the cloud of God fills the Tabernacle. When the cloud is lifted from the Tabernacle, it is a signal to the Israelites to break camp and begin to travel. But if the cloud is not lifted, they would not set out. Throughout the journeys of the Israelites, a cloud of Adonai is present by day and a fire by night.

Synopses are courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

For your Shabbat table:

• During the exodus from Egypt and the subsequent wandering in the desert, God often appears to the Israelites as a cloud - this happens again during Pekudei when a "cloud of God" fills the Tabernacle. What do you think a cloud of God would look like? When you try to imagine God, what does God look like?
• In this parsha we see the beautiful clothing worn by the priests, described in great detail.  When might you wear fancy clothes?  How do you make you feel?  Why do you think the priests had a special uniform?
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Take a look at this week's Torah cartoon:

Bring What Moves You

Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1 - 38:20) 

Moses assembles the Israelites and reminds them of the commandment to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest. He further instructs them to kindle no light on Shabbat.

Then Moses reviews God's instructions concerning the building of the Tabernacle and calls upon the people to bring gifts to be used in its construction. He appoints Bezalel and Oholiab to be the chief artisans in the work of constructing the Tabernacle and to supervise the other skilled crafts people who will contribute to the building.

The Israelites respond to Moses' call for gifts, bringing so many riches that Moses has to proclaim that enough materials has been donated.

The skilled artisans make the cloth covering and the goat's hair tent over the Tabernacle, and they make the curtain, as well as the screen for the entrance to the Tabernacle.

Bezalel makes the gold covered Ark of acacia wood and the cherubim on the Ark cover. He makes the table for the bread of display and the seven branched menorah. Bezalel also makes the altars and the copper washbowl and stand.

For your Shabbat table:

• During the exodus from Egypt and the subsequent wandering in the desert, God often appears to the Israelites as a cloud - this happens again during Pikuday when a "cloud of God" fills the Tabernacle. What do you think a cloud of God would look like? When you try to imagine God, what does God look like?
• In Parshat Vayakhel, Moses gathers together the Israelites and reminds them of the commandment to observe Shabbat. How do you observe Shabbat in your family?
• We read a description of the two talented artisans charged with constructing the Tabernacle, Bezalel and Oholiab. In order to be chosen for this very esteemed task, they must have been quite skilled in their craft. In what areas are you talented?
• The description of the decoration of the tabernacle is very detailed.  Do you think it is important for a special place like the tabernacle to look a certain way?  How might you decorate a place that is important or special?

Enjoy your Torah toon:

When You Take a Census

Ki Tisa
Exodus 30:11-34:35

Summary of the Parasha:

• Moses takes a census of the Israelites and collects a half-shekel from each person (30:11-16)
• God tells Moses to construct a water basin and to prepare anointing oil and incense for the ordination of the priests.  Bezalel and Oholiab, skilled artisans, are assigned to make objects for the priests and the Tabernacle. (30:17-37:11)
• The Israelites are instructed to keep Shabbat as a sign of their covenant with God.  God gives Moses the two tablets of the Pact. (31:12-18)
• The Israelites ask Aaron to build them a Golden Calf.  Moses implores God not to destroy the people and then breaks the two tablets of the Pact on which the Ten Commandments are written when he sees the idol.  God punishes Israelites by means of a plague. (32:1-35)
• Moses goes up the mountain with a blank set of tablets for another 40 days so that God will again inscribe the Ten Commandments.  Other laws, including the edict to observe the Pilgrimage Festivals, are also revealed. (34:1-28)
• Moses comes down from the mountain with a radiant face. (34:29-35)

Questions for your Shabbat Table:

1. One of the rules explained is that decorations in our holy places should not include images of people.  What kinds of images do you see in your sanctuary or chapel?
2. While the Israelites waited for Moses, they got nervous and asked Aaron to make an idol for them to worship.  Why do you think it was easier for them to pray to something they could see?
3. It says that when Moses came down from the mountain, he had a "radiant" face.  What do you think that looks like?  Why do you think his face looked that way?

Time for your weekly Torah cartoon!

Looking Your Very Best

Parshat Tetzaveh
Exodus 27:20 - 30:10

In this portion, Moses is further told to instruct the Israelites to bring olive oil for lighting the lamps of the Tabernacle. The lamps, which are to be the responsibility of Aaron and his sons, are to burn from evening to morning for all time. Moses is told to ordain Aaron and his sons as priests.

The priests are to be adorned in special clothes. All the priests are to wear four garments - linen breeches, tunics, sashes, and turbans. In addition to these four articles, the High Priest (Aaron) is to wear a special robe of pure blue decorated at the hem with pomegranates and golden bells. Over this robe, the ephod - an apron-like layer woven of gold, blue, purple, and crimson - is to be worn. The breastplate, inlaid with precious stones and the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, is to be worn by the High Priest over the ephod. The eighth special item in the High Priest's dress is a gold plate engraved with the words "Kodesh LaYHVH" (Holy to Adonai) that is to be tied with a blue cord to the front of his turban.

The priests are to be ordained in a special ceremony which first involves washing, dressing, and anointing them with oil, and secondly, the offering of various sacrifices. These ceremonies are to be repeated for seven days.

The priests are to bring offerings twice daily to the altar in the Tabernacle. Further, they are to burn incense on an altar to be constructed especially for that purpose.

(Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden)

Questions for your Shabbat table:

• The word tetzaveh means to "instruct" or to "command" - why do you think the Torah is so specific in the descriptions of the Tabernacle (in last week's portion) and the dress code for the priests (in this week's portion)?
• In ancient days, being a Kohein - a priest - was a major Jewish job. What are some of today's Jewish jobs?
• According to the descriptions in the Torah (and this portion), the priests had very elaborate and fancy clothes to wear. What are some of your favorite outfits to wear when you want to dress up? For what special occasions do you wear those clothes?
• Read the descriptions of the priestly clothing. How are they similar to how we adorn our Torah scrolls?

M-M-M-Mishkan

Parshat Terumah
Exodus 25:1 - 27:19

In this portion, God instructs Moses to accept gifts from the Israelites. These are to be used in constructing a sanctuary so that God can dwell among the people. Acceptable gifts include precious metals and stones; tanned skins; blue, purple, and crimson yarns and linen; and special oils and spices.

God shows Moses the pattern according to which the mishkan (the Tabernacle) and its contents are to be made. First to be made is an Ark of acacia wood, overlaid both inside and out with gold. The Ark is to be fitted with gold rings and gold covered poles to make it portable. The tablets of the law (which God will give Moses) are to be kept in the Ark. Two gold cherubim are to be placed facing each other over the cover of the Ark.

The Ark is to be house in the innermost chamber of the Tabernacle, called the Holy of Holies.

God describes the construction of the Tabernacle to Moses in great detail. The entire structure is to be portable, with a wooden framework, and walls of richly covered fabric.

Inside the Tabernacle, next to the Holy of Holies, is to be a second room called the Holy place, which will contain a table overlaid in gold with the bread of display set on it, and a seven-branched menorah also wrought of gold work.

In the court of the Tabernacle, an altar is to be constructed with horns of copper at each corner, and the courtyard itself is to be 100 cubits long by 50 cubits wide, fenced in with fine twined linen on silver filleted poles with hooks of silver and sockets of brass.

(Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden)

Questions for your Shabbat table:

• Terumah, the name of this week's portion, refers to the "gifts" that the Israelites were each supposed to contribute to the building of the Tabernacle. What is the best gift you ever received? What is the most important gift you have ever given? What made each gift so special?
• During the building of the ark, each person was supposed to contribute something to the project. Why do you think this was mandatory? How would the project be different if everyone could choose whether or not they wanted to participate?
• The mishkan, the Tabernacle, was the special worship place the Israelites built in the wilderness. What is your family's worship place? What makes it special? What is it like to go to synagogue?
• The mishkan is a special place for God to dwell, and it was decorated very beautifully in order to honor God. How would you design a beautiful synagogue today? What would you include? Are there elements found in the description of the mishkan that are reflected in the sanctuary in your synagogue?
  
  

This week's Torah cartoon:

Laying Down the Law

Parshat Mishpatim
Exodus 21:1 - 24:18

In this portion, Moses sets before the Israelites the following groups of rules:

1. The rules concerning slaves: The Israelites are permitted to retain slaves, but they must always bear the dignity of the slave in mind. Hebrew slaves are to be freed after six years of service, or immediately if their owner willfully injures them. A slave who does not wish to leave a master shall have an ear pierced and remain a slave for life.
2. Certain crimes are punishable by death: Among these are murder, kidnapping, and insulting one's parents.
3. The laws detailing the responsibilities incurred by the owner of an ox: The owner of an ox which is known to have previously injured or killed another person or animal is to be punished along with the animal. The owner of an ox which causes death or injury just once does not incur punishment, although the ox must be stoned or sold in restitution for its actions.
4. Rules and penalties for theft and lending.
5. Certain laws pertaining to the Israelites remaining a holy people are presented. Among these are reminders not to curse God and to dedicate to God firstborn sons and cattle and the first fruits of a tree. Other laws pertaining to holiness including prohibitions against eating flesh torn by wild beasts and against boiling a kid in its mother's milk.
6. In the Sabbatical year, the land is to lie fallow or rest. The commandment to rest on the seventh day follows.
7. The observance of the three festivals - the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Feast of the Harvest (Shavuot), and the Feast of the Ingathering (Sukkot) - is prescribed. All males are commanded to present themselves before God at those times.

In addition, the principle of just restitution for damages is stated (lex talionis, an "eye for an eye," etc.). The slavery of the Israelites in Egypt is recalled to remind the people not to mistreat strangers, widows, and orphans in their midst.

God tells Moses than an angel will lead the Israelites through the desert to Canaan. God promises to destroy all the peoples whose path the Israelites cross, so that the Israelites will not be tempted to worship the gods of other nations.

Moses repeats all the rules to the people and then writes them all down. Offerings are made to seal the covenant with God and the people accept the law saying, "All the things the Lord has commanded we will do."

The mountain is covered by the presence of God (the cloud) for six days. On the seventh day, God calls Moses to ascend and Moses goes up the mountain and remains there for 40 days and nights.
(Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden)

For your Shabbat table:

• This portion describes many different laws that the Israelites should follow. One of them tells us to behave for our parents and not insult them. Have you ever used mean or cruel words towards your parents? Why? Were you punished? How did you make it up to them? Why do you think the Torah includes a law that says one must be punished for insulting his/her parents?
• Some of the laws described in Parshat Mishpatim have to do with the responsibilities we have over ourselves and our belongings. What are some of the responsibilities you have?
• Towards the end of this week's portion, it says that the mountain is covered by the presence of God, which is described as a cloud. How do you picture God? If you were in God's presence, what would that be like?
• There are 613 commandments found in the Torah (in addition to the Ten Commandments we read in last week's Torah portion) - of those 613, 248 are "positive" (which means they tell you what to do - Keep the Shabbat...) and 365 are "negative" (which tell you what NOT to do - Do not murder, do not covet...). Which do you think are more effective - positive or negative commandments? Are one type easier to obey than others?

This week's Torah cartoon:

God's Top Ten

Parshat Yitro
Exodus 18:1 - 20:23

Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, brings Moses' wife and two sons to Moses in the desert. After observing how Moses settles disputes among the Israelites, Jethro advises him to delegate chiefs to judge all except the most difficult of cases. Moses follows Jethro's advice, and Jethro returns to his own land in Midian.

On the third new moon after the Exodus, the people enter the wilderness of Sinai and encamp by Mount Sinai. God tells the people through Moses that if they obey God's teachings, they will be for God a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation." The people respond as one, saying, "All that the Lord has spoken we will do."

After the Israelites wait a period of three days for purification, God appears to them in a cloud of smoke and fire on the mountain and proclaims the Ten Commandments.

The people fear that they will die if they hear God speak or if they speak to God themselves; so they ask Moses to be God's spokesperson in the future. God tells Moses to remind the Israelites that they themselves had heard God speak. Therefore they are to hold fast in their resolve to worship no idols. God commands them to build an altar of earth and to bring sacrifices.
(Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kaden)

For your Shabbat table:

• Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, suggests that he set up a system for judging disputes so that Moses does not have to decide everything. We don't always get along with the people around us, and it isn't always easy to solve problems.  How do you resolve a problem you might have with a friend or classmate? Is it easier to find a solution when there is a third person helping you resolve a difference?
• Through Moses, God tells the Israelites that if they obey his laws, they will become a "holy nation." Why is it important to follow rules? What does it mean to be holy?
• The Israelites receive the Ten Commandments during Parshat Yitro - why do you think we have a set of ten when there are a total of 613 commandments? Does this mean those ten are the most important?
• One of the Ten Commandments is to "honor your father and mother" - what does this mean to you? How do you honor your parents?

Take a closer look at what we can learn about this week's parsha through this video:

A Pillar of Cloud, a Pillar of Fire

Parshat B'Shallach
Exodus 13:17-17:16

This week's parsha picks up where we left off last week with the escape of
the Jews from Egypt. Once Pharaoh okay'd their "release," the Israelites set off using God's somewhat faulty GPS - instead of taking the more direct route, which would have set them on a path through the land of the Philistines - ripe for a potential conflict, they took a more leisurely route by way of the wilderness at the Sea of Reeds. Along their way, God went before them in a pillar of cloud by day, the better with which to guide them along their way, and a pillar of fire by night, to give them light.

Meanwhile, God hardens Pharaoh's heart, and the Egyptians pursue the escaping slaves. As Pharaoh drew near the encamped slaves, the Israelites caught sight of their advancing foe, and after arriving at the Sea of Reeds, an seemingly insurmountable obstacle, the people begin to express great doubt and fear. Moses lifts up his rod and holds his arm over the sea, and God drove back with a strong wind and turned the sea into dry ground. Once the Israelites reach the opposite side of the sea, the waters close in over their foes, drowning all of the Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and horsemen. Now convinced of the greatness of God, the Israelites, led by Moses and Miriam, sing songs of praise.

As they continue along their way, the Israelites fall victim to great discontent - they go without water for three days before Moses is able to provide adequate drinking water. Shortly thereafter, a hungry people begin to grumble against Moses and Aaron, and they are later given food and manna. On the sixth day, they gather a double portion, for there would be no manna given on Shabbat.

The parsha concludes with an interesting story. After camping at Rephidim, the Israelites are attacked by their first enemy - the Amalekites. Moses instructs Joshua to lead the army, and Moses goes up to a nearby hill with Aaron and Hur - when he reaches the top of the mountain, Moses lifts the rod of God up high, causing the Israelites' army to begin to succeed against the Amalekites. However, when Moses grows weary and lowers his arm, the Amalekites begin to prevail. Moses sits upon a stone and his two companions sit on either side of him; they help to support his arms and Amalek is defeated. God instructs Moses to record these events and to remember Amalek as Israeli's eternal enemy.

For your Shabbat table:

• How do you think the Israelites felt when they left Israel?
• After the Israelites leave Egypt, it says that God hardens Pharaoh's heart, causing him to give chase after his escaping slaves. Why would God do this?
• When the Israelites made it to the other side of the Sea of Reeds, they break out into jubilant song. Why do you think they decided to sing? How can a song help you to express emotions better than simply speaking? What are other ways you use to express yourself?
• The Torah includes the Song of the Sea in this portion - take a look at the image of how it is written (at the top of this post). What is unique about this passage? Why do you think it is written that way?
• The Torah tells us that several times during this portion of their journey (which ultimately took 40 years!), the Israelites grumbled against Moses and God. Has there been a time when you've "grumbled" against someone? Why? How did others react?
• At the end of the portion, it takes two others, Aaron and Hur, to help Moses raise his arms so that the Israelites would prevail over the Amalekites. Why do you think a great man like Moses couldn't do it by himself?

This week's Torah cartoon:

Pass-Over

Parashat Bo
Exodus 10:1-13:16

Synopsis

Moses and Aaron rebuke Pharaoh for refusing to allow the Israelites to go and worship God.  Although Pharaoh's courtiers plead with him to obey God in order to save Egypt, the Pharaoh ignores their advice, and locusts, the eighth plague, come to destroy those parts of Egypt left unharmed by the hail.  The plague is lifted when Pharaoh pleads with Moses and Aaron, but God once again hardens Pharaoh's heart and the Israelites are not free.  Then the plague of darkness falls without warning - only the Israelites have light where they live.

God tells Moses that the next plague will be the last and Moses warns Pharaoh that God will triumph with the slaying of all the firstborn of Egypt.

Prior to the occurrence of the tenth plague, Moses and Aaron instruct the Israelites in the laws of Passover.  On the tenth day of the first month, the people are to slaughter a lamb, smear its blood on their doorposts, and eat its roasted flesh hurriedly in remembrance of the tenth plague and their hasty Exodus from Egypt.  In the future, this festival is to be a time of remembrance for the Israelites.  For seven days, they are to eat only unleavened bread.  Further, the people are commanded to explain these observances to their children so that the festival will be a reminder to all generations that God freed the Israelites from Egypt.

The Israelites apply lamb's blood to their doorposts as they were instructed by Moses.  In the middle of the night, all the firstborn in the land of Egypt are struck down.  The Pharaoh summons Moses and Aaron and bids them to depart with the Israelites.  Because of their haste in leaving Egypt, the people take their dough with them before it is risen.  They also take spoils from the Egyptians.  The portion concludes with the note that the Israelites had lived in Egypt for 430 years and at the time of the Exodus, some 600,00 departed from Egypt plus children, livestock, and a mixed multitude of others.

Table Talk Questions:

1. As the plagues grew worse, it seems hard to understand why Pharaoh doesn't given in.  Have you ever had an argument with a friend or sibling and, even though you wanted to make up, you found it very difficult?  What do you think causes someone to be stubborn, even when it seems they shouldn't be?
2. What do you think it would have been like to live through these plagues? 
3. It must have been a challenge for the Israelites to leave so quickly.  What would you prioritize taking with you if you were an Israelite leaving Egypt in a rush? 

And now for this week's Torah cartoon:

Blood and Frogs and Lice, Oh My!

Parashat Va'era
Exodus 6:2-9:35

This portion begins with God reviewing the covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  "I have heard the cries of the Israelites," God says, "and I will now fulfill my promise to them, redeeming them from slavery and bringing them into the land which I promised to their ancestors" (6:5).

When Moses tells all this to the Israelites, they will not listen.  So Moses appeals to God, claiming that if the Israelites will not heed him, how can he hope to convince Pharaoh?  God tells Moses that Aaron will be the spokesperson before Pharaoh, and that though God's signs and wonders will be many, Pharaoh will, in the beginning, refuse to give in.  This is because God is going to harden Pharaoh's heart.

When Pharaoh does refuse to allow the Israelites to journey into the wilderness to worship God, the plague of blood and frogs occur.  However, the magicians of Pharaoh duplicate these occurrences.  When the third plague, lice, afflicts the land, the magicians become fearful and tell Pharaoh that this act is the finger of God.  But it is only with the fourth plague, swarms of insects, that Pharaoh begins to show signs of softening, offering to allow the Israelites to worship God within the land of Egypt.  Once the plague abates, however, Pharaoh changes his mind, and the fifth, sixth, and seventh plagues (cattle disease, boils, and hail) follow in swift succession.

Table Talk Questions:

1. "Vaera" means "I appeared."  The portion opens with God using this word to reveal himself to Moses.  What is the first thing you usually tell someone about yourself?  Do you tell them what you like to do in your free time?  Who your parents are?  Where you live?  What do you not want others to know about you right away?
2. We see the beginning of the plagues from the Passover story in Vaera.  Do you think the plagues were only for the Egyptians?  What might the Israelites have thought when witnessing these events?
3. Throughout the Torah, we see different versions of God.  Sometimes God acts like a parent.  Sometimes God acts with anger and punishes.  How would you describe God as God appears in this portion?

This week's Torah cartoon:

Moses' Beginnings

Parshat Shmot
Exodus 1:1 – 6:1

The book of Exodus begins four hundred years after the end of Genesis, by recounting that the descendants of Jacob flourished and multiplied in Egypt “and the land was filled with them.” Then arises a new Pharaoh in Egypt who did not remember Joseph and he perceives the numerous Israelites as a potential threat. Therefore, the Egyptians enslave the Israelites, making life bitter for them. The Pharaoh instructs midwives to kill all male children born to Israelite women. When the midwives, fearing God, do not obey, Pharaoh orders all newborn boys drowned in the Nile River.

Now a certain couple of the house of Levi bear a son and hide him for three months. When the infant can no longer be hidden, his mother sets him afloat in the Nile River in a wicker basket. Miriam, the boy’s sister, is stationed to watch what will become of him. The Pharaoh’s daughter finds the infant and resolves to save him. Miriam arranges for her own mother to nurse and tend him.

When the child is grown, he is brought to the Pharaoh’s daughter to live in the palace as her son. She names him Moses, meaning “drawn out” of the water. When Moses is grown, he kills an Egyptian taskmaster who was beating a Hebrew slave. He is forced to flee Egypt. He goes to Midian, where he becomes a shepherd, a husband, and a father.

One day, while Moses is tending his sheep, God appears to him in a burning bush. God instructs Moses that he is to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the land of Canaan. When Moses protests his inadequacy for the task, God gives him signs through which he is to convince the Israelites and Pharaoh. His brother Aaron is appointed to be his spokesperson. Moses and his wife Tzipporah and his sons begin to journey back to Egypt. One night, God encounters him [it is unclear whether the text refers to Moses or his son] and seeks to kill him. Tzipporah quickly circumcises her son and God leaves him alone.

Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh demanding, in the name of God, that the Israelites be permitted to leave Egypt to worship God in the wilderness, but the Pharaoh refuses to heed them. Instead he increases the labor of the Israelites, refusing now to provide them with the straw they need to make bricks.
(Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden)

Questions for your Shabbat table:

• In Pharaoh’s palace, all the princes went to lessons taught by the priests of Egypt– Moses probably went, too. What kinds of subjects do you think Moses studied? What might he have learned that would help him later to become a leader for his people?
• In Genesis, there are many stories about conflicts between siblings (Cain and Abel, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers), yet in contrast, this first portion of the book of Exodus shows cooperation between siblings. What is an example of cooperation between Moses and his brother and/or sister? Which pattern is more common in your family – conflict or cooperation?
• In this parsha, the midwives help protect the babies who could not protect themselves. Who helps protect you?

Check out this Torah toon about Shemot: