Return To The Forgotten Path

In this Torah portion, Moses gives the tribes of Israel a final blessing and dies at the age of 120. The Children of Israel mourn and begin to follow Joshua, their new leader. TORAH Deuteronomy 33:1 - 34:12 HAFTARAH Joshua 1:1 - 1:18 Brit Chadasha Rev 22:1-5

Happy New Year! The word Ha'azinu (הַאֲזִינוּ‎) 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. It 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. TORAH Deuteronomy 31:30 | The Song of Moses Deuteronomy 32:48 | Moses' Death Foretold PROPHETS 2 Samuel 22:1 | David's Song of Thanksgiving GOSPEL John 6:26-35 , Rom 10:14-11:12

Vayelech He went — וַיֵּלֶךְ Reading / Audio Instructions TORAH: DEUTERONOMY 31:1-31:30 HAFTARAH: ISAIAH 55:6-56:8 GOSPEL: MATTHEW 21:9-17

Nitzavim Standing/He went — נִצָּבִים־וַיֵּלֶךְ Reading / Audio Instructions TORAH: DEUTERONOMY 29:9-31:30 HAFTARAH: ISAIAH 61:10-63:9 GOSPEL: JOHN 12:41-50; MATTHEW 21:9-17

Ki Tavo When you come in — כִּי־תָבוֹא Reading / Audio Instructions TORAH: DEUTERONOMY 26:1-29:8 * HAFTARAH: ISAIAH 60:1-22 GOSPEL: MATTHEW 4:13-24

Moshe returns to the immediate concern of the conquest of the Promised Land by providing a number of specific laws and instructions to be enforced regarding civil life in Israel. Portion Outline TORAH Deuteronomy 21:10 | Female Captives Deuteronomy 21:15 | The Right of the Firstborn Deuteronomy 21:18 | Rebellious Children Deuteronomy 21:22 | Miscellaneous Laws Deuteronomy 22:13 | Laws concerning Sexual Relations Deuteronomy 23:1 | Those Excluded from the Assembly Deuteronomy 23:9 | Sanitary, Ritual, and Humanitarian Precepts Deuteronomy 24:1 | Laws concerning Marriage and Divorce Deuteronomy 24:5 | Miscellaneous Laws Deuteronomy 25:5 | Levirate Marriage Deuteronomy 25:11 | Various Commands PROPHETS Isaiah 54:1 | The Eternal Covenant of Peace

The commandment for the king to write a copy of the Torah demonstrates the work of Messiah. He Himself is the Word made flesh. He is the copy of the Torah in human form. Furthermore, He writes a copy of the Torah as He writes the Torah upon our hearts. The Torah of King Messiah is written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts (2 Corinthians 3:3). TORAH Deuteronomy 16:18 | Municipal Judges and Officers Deuteronomy 16:21 | Forbidden Forms of Worship Deuteronomy 17:8 | Legal Decisions by Priests and Judges Deuteronomy 17:14 | Limitations of Royal Authority Deuteronomy 18:1 | Privileges of Priests and Levites Deuteronomy 18:9 | Child-Sacrifice, Divination, and Magic Prohibited Deuteronomy 18:15 | A New Prophet Like Moses Deuteronomy 19:1 | Laws concerning the Cities of Refuge Deuteronomy 19:14 | Property Boundaries Deuteronomy 19:15 | Law concerning Witnesses Deuteronomy 20:1 | Rules of Warfare Deuteronomy 21:1 | Law concerning Murder by Persons Unknown PROPHETS Isaiah 51:1 | Blessings in Store for God's People Isaiah 52:1 | Let Zion Rejoice

Re'eh See — רְאֵה TORAH: DEUTERONOMY 11:26-16:17 HAFTARAH: ISAIAH 54:11-55:5 GOSPEL: JOHN 6:35-51

Ekev Consequence — עֵקֶב TORAH: DEUTERONOMY 7:12-11:25 HAFTARAH: ISAIAH 49:14-51:3 GOSPEL: MATTHEW 16:13-20

Va'etchanan I pleaded — וָאֶתְחַנַּן TORAH: DEUTERONOMY 3:23-7:11 HAFTARAH: ISAIAH 40:1-26 GOSPEL: LUKE 3:2-15

Devarim Words — דְּבָרִים TORAH: DEUTERONOMY 1:1-3:22 HAFTARAH: ISAIAH 1:1-27 GOSPEL: MATTHEW 24:1-22

42nd and 43rd reading to conclude the book of Numbers

Pinchas Phinehas — פִּינְחָס TORAH: NUMBERS 25:10-30:1 * HAFTARAH: 1 KINGS 18:46-19:21 GOSPEL: JOHN 2:13-22

Balak Balak — בָּלָק TORAH: NUMBERS 22:2-25:9 HAFTARAH: MICAH 5:6-6:8 * GOSPEL: MATTHEW 21:1-11

Chukat Statute — חֻקַּת TORAH: NUMBERS 19:1-22:1 HAFTARAH: JUDGES 11:1-33 GOSPEL: JOHN 19:38-42

Korach Korah — קוֹרַח TORAH: NUMBERS 16:1-18:32 HAFTARAH: 1 SAMUEL 11:14-12:22 GOSPEL: JOHN 19:1-17

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. Portion Outline TORAH Numbers 13:1 | Spies Sent into Canaan Numbers 13:25 | The Report of the Spies Numbers 14:1 | The People Rebel Numbers 14:13 | Moses Intercedes for the People Numbers 14:26 | An Attempted Invasion is Repulsed Numbers 15:1 | Various Offerings Numbers 15:32 | Penalty for Violating the Sabbath Numbers 15:37 | Fringes on Garments PROPHETS Joshua 2:1 | Spies Sent to Jericho

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 the story 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. Portion Outline TORAH Numbers 8:1 | The Seven Lamps Numbers 8:5 | Consecration and Service of the Levites Numbers 9:1 | The Passover at Sinai Numbers 9:15 | The Cloud and the Fire Numbers 10:1 | The Silver Trumpets Numbers 10:11 | Departure from Sinai Numbers 11:1 | Complaining in the Desert Numbers 11:16 | The Seventy Elders Numbers 11:31 | The Quails Numbers 12:1 | Aaron and Miriam Jealous of Moses PROPHETS Zec 2:6 Interlude: | An Appeal to the Exiles Zec 3:1 Fourth Vision: | Joshua and Satan Zec 4:1 Fifth Vision: | The Lampstand and Olive Trees

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. Portion Outline TORAH Numbers 4:21 | The Gershonites and Merarites Numbers 4:34 | Census of the Levites Numbers 5:1 | Unclean Persons Numbers 5:5 | Confession and Restitution Numbers 5:11 | Concerning an Unfaithful Wife Numbers 6:1 | The Nazirites Numbers 6:22 | The Priestly Benediction Numbers 7:1 | Offerings of the Leaders PROPHETS Jdg 13:1 | The Birth of Samson

The Hebrew name of the fourth book of the Torah (also the name of the 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. Portion Outline TORAH Numbers 1:1 | The First Census of Israel Numbers 2:1 | The Order of Encampment and Marching Numbers 3:1 | The Sons of Aaron Numbers 3:5 | The Duties of the Levites Numbers 3:14 | A Census of the Levites Numbers 3:40 | The Redemption of the Firstborn Numbers 4:1 | The Kohathites PROPHETS Hos 2:2 | Israel's Infidelity, Punishment, and Redemption

Reading TORAH: Leviticus 25:1-27:34 HAFTARAH: Jeremiah 16:19-17:14 GOSPEL: Luke 4:14-22; Matthew 16:20-28 Portion Summary 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.

The thirty-second reading from the Torah and second-to-last reading from the book of Leviticus is called Behar, which means "On the Mountain." The name comes from the first words of the first verse of the reading, which could be literally 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 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. Portion Outline TORAH Leviticus 21:1 | The Holiness of Priests Leviticus 22:1 | The Use of Holy Offerings Leviticus 22:17 | Acceptable Offerings Leviticus 23:1 | Appointed Festivals Leviticus 23:3 | The Sabbath, Passover, and Unleavened Bread Leviticus 23:9 | The Offering of First Fruits Leviticus 23:15 | The Festival of Weeks Leviticus 23:23 | The Festival of Trumpets Leviticus 23:26 | The Day of Atonement Leviticus 23:33 | The Festival of Booths Leviticus 24:1 | The Lamp Leviticus 24:5 | The Bread for the Tabernacle Leviticus 24:10 | Blasphemy and Its Punishment PROPHETS Eze 44:15 | The Levitical Priests

Portion Summary The thirtieth reading from the Torah and seventh reading from Leviticus is named Kedoshim, which mean "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. Portion Outline TORAH Leviticus 19:1 | Ritual and Moral Holiness Leviticus 20:1 | Penalties for Violations of Holiness PROPHETS Amo 9:1 | The Destruction of Israel Amo 9:11 | The Restoration of David's Kingdom

TORAH: LEVITICUS 16:1-18:30HAFTARAH: EZEKIEL 22:1-19GOSPEL: MATTHEW 15:10-20; MARK 12:28-34 The above audio readings are for the regular weekly Torah portions, but are often interrupted with special readings on Jewish holidays, special Sabbaths, and Rosh Chodesh. We only provide the regular audio readings when these interruptions occur. Refer to the current Torah Portion Schedule or the curent year's readings for variations. Portion Summary 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. Portion Outline TORAH Leviticus 16:1 | The Day of Atonement Leviticus 17:1 | The Slaughtering of Animals Leviticus 17:10 | Eating Blood Prohibited Leviticus 18:1 | Sexual Relations PROPHETS Eze 22:1 | The Bloody City Taken from: Acharei Mot | Portions Listings - Reading and Audio | Torah Portions (ffoz.org)

Portion Summary 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 leper and a leprous home. Leviticus 15 briefly covers the laws regarding ritual unfitness stemming from bodily emissions. Except in biblical calendar leap years, Metzora is read together with the previous Torah portion, Tazria, on the same Sabbath. Portion Outline TORAH Leviticus 14:1 | Purification of Lepers and Leprous Houses Leviticus 15:1 | Concerning Bodily Discharges PROPHETS 2Ki 7:3 | The Arameans Flee “Adir hu, yivneh beyto be'karov — bim'hera, bim'hera, be'yameynu be'karov. El b'ney, el b'ney, b'ney betkha be'karov,” which is to say: “Strong [Adir] is He, He will build His Temple soon — swiftly, swiftly, in days soon to come. Lord, build, Lord, build, build Your Temple soon.”

Portion Summary The name of the twenty-seventh reading from the Torah is Tazria, which means "she 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. Portion Outline TORAH Leviticus 12:1 | Purification of Women after Childbirth Leviticus 13:1 | Leprosy, Varieties and Symptoms PROPHETS 2Ki 4:42 | Elisha Feeds One Hundred Men 2Ki 5:1 | The Healing of Naaman

Shemini is the twenty-sixth reading from the Torah and third reading from the book of Leviticus. The word shemini means "eighth," and it comes from the first words of Exodus 9:1, which says, "Now it came about on the eighth day that Moses called Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel" (Leviticus 9:1). The text goes on to describe the events of the eight day after setting up the Tabernacle, a phenomenal worship service followed by a tragic incident. The reading concludes with the biblical dietary laws regarding animals fit for consumption and prohibitions regarding those that are unfit. Portion Outline TORAH Leviticus 9:1 | Aaron's Priesthood Inaugurated Leviticus 10:1 | Nadab and Abihu Leviticus 11:1 | Clean and Unclean Foods Leviticus 11:24 | Unclean Animals PROPHETS 2 Samuel 6:1 | David Brings the Ark to Jerusalem 2 Samuel 7:1 | God's Covenant with David

Portion Summary The twenty-fifth reading from the Torah and second reading from the book of Leviticus is called Tzav, which means "Command." The name comes from the first word of Leviticus 6:9, where the LORD says to Moses, "Command Aaron and his sons ..." Tzav reiterates the five types of sacrifices introduced in the previous portion but this time discusses the priestly regulations pertaining to them. The last chapter of the reading describes the seven-day ordination of Aaron and his sons as they prepared to enter the holy priesthood. Portion Outline TORAH Leviticus 6:8 | Instructions concerning Sacrifices Leviticus 7:11 | Further Instructions Leviticus 8:1 | The Rites of Ordination PROPHETS Jer 7:16 | The People's Disobedience Also read this week due to Purim * book of Esther

The title "Leviticus" is derived from the Greek Septuagint (LXX) version of the Torah. The book of Leviticus is predominantly concerned with Levitical rituals. An older Hebrew name for the book was "The Laws of the Priesthood," but in Judaism today, it is referred to by the name Vayikra, which means "And He called." Vayikra is the first Hebrew word of the book, which begins by saying, "And the LORD called to Moses and spoke to him from inside the tent of meeting" (Leviticus 1:1). Leviticus describes the sacrificial service and the duties of the priests. It also introduces ritual purity, the biblical diet, the calendar of appointed times, laws of holiness and laws relating to redemption, vows and tithes. In addition, Leviticus discourses on ethical instruction and holiness. The twenty-fourth reading from the Torah is eponymous with the Hebrew name of the book it introduces: Vayikra. This portion introduces the sacrificial service and describes five different types of sacrifices. Portion Outline TORAH Leviticus 1:1 | The Burnt Offering Leviticus 2:1 | Grain Offerings Leviticus 3:1 | Offerings of Well-Being Leviticus 4:1 | Sin Offerings Leviticus 5:14 | Offerings with Restitution PROPHETS Isaiah 43:1 | Restoration and Protection Promised Isaiah 44:1 | God's Blessing on Israel Isaiah 44:9 | The Absurdity of Idol Worship Isaiah 44:21 | Israel Is Not Forgotten

The twenty-third reading from the Torah and last reading from the book of Exodus is called Pekudei, which means "Accounts." The first words of the first verse of the reading could be literally translated to read, "These are the accounts (pekudei) of the Tabernacle" (Exodus 38:21). The last reading from Exodus begins with an audit of how the contributions for the Tabernacle were used. The portion goes on to describe the completion of the Tabernacle and its assembly and concludes by depicting the glory of the LORD entering it. In most years, synagogues read Pekudei together with the previous portion, Vayakhel; therefore, the comments on this week's reading will be brief. Portion Outline TORAH Exodus 38:21 | Materials of the Tabernacle Exodus 39:1 | Making the Vestments for the Priesthood Exodus 39:32 | The Work Completed Exodus 40:1 | The Tabernacle Erected and Its Equipment Installed Exodus 40:34 | The Cloud and the Glory PROPHETS 1Ki 7:13 | Products of Hiram the Bronzeworker

The twenty-second reading from the Torah and the second-to-last reading from the book of Exodus is called Vayakhel, which means "and he assembled." The name comes from the first words of the first verse of the reading, which could be literally translated to read, "And Moses assembled all the congregation of the sons of Israel ..." (Exodus 35:1). This portion from the Torah describes how the assembly of Israel worked together to build the Tabernacle. In most years, synagogues read Vayakhel together with the following portion, Pekudei. TORAH Exodus 35:1 | Sabbath Regulations Exodus 35:4 | Preparations for Making the Tabernacle Exodus 35:20 | Offerings for the Tabernacle Exodus 35:30 | Bezalel and Oholiab Exodus 36:8 | Construction of the Tabernacle Exodus 37:1 | Making the Ark of the Covenant Exodus 37:10 | Making the Table for the Bread of the Presence Exodus 37:17 | Making the Lampstand Exodus 37:25 | Making the Altar of Incense Exodus 37:29 | Making the Anointing Oil and the Incense Exodus 38:1 | Making the Altar of Burnt Offering Exodus 38:9 | Making the Court of the Tabernacle PROPHETS 1Ki 7:13 | Products of Hiram the Bronzeworker

Portion Summary Ki Tisa, the twenty-first reading from the Torah, literally means "when you lift up." It comes from the first words of the second verse of the reading, which could be literally rendered, "When you lift up the head of the sons of Israel to reckon them" (Exodus 30:12). The phrase "lift up the head" is an idiom for taking a head count. The portion begins with instructions for taking a census, finishes up the instructions for making the Tabernacle, reiterates the commandment of Shabbat and then proceeds to tell the story of the golden calf. The majority of Ki Tisa is concerned with the sin of the golden calf, the breach in the covenant between God and Israel, and how Moses undertakes to restore that covenant relationship. Portion Outline TORAH Exodus 30:11 | The Half Shekel for the Sanctuary Exodus 30:17 | The Bronze Basin Exodus 30:22 | The Anointing Oil and Incense Exodus 31:1 | Bezalel and Oholiab Exodus 31:12 | The Sabbath Law Exodus 31:18 | The Two Tablets of the Covenant Exodus 32:1 | The Golden Calf Exodus 33:1 | The Command to Leave Sinai Exodus 33:7 | The Tent outside the Camp Exodus 33:12 | Moses' Intercession Exodus 34:1 | Moses Makes New Tablets Exodus 34:10 | The Covenant Renewed Exodus 34:29 | The Shining Face of Moses PROPHETS 1Ki 18:1 | Elijah's Message to Ahab 1Ki 18:20 | Elijah's Triumph over the Priests of Baal

Tetzaveh is the twentieth reading from the Torah. Tetzaveh means "You shall command," as in the first verse of the reading, which says, "You shall [command] the sons of Israel, that they bring you clear oil of beaten olives for the light, to make a lamp burn continually" (Exodus 27:20). This Torah portion continues to narrate the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, focusing particularly on the priesthood that was to serve in that sanctuary. The Israelites are commanded to make special garments for Aaron and his sons to wear while ministering as priests. After describing the priestly garments, the portion concludes with instructions for the ritual inauguration of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood. Portion Outline TORAH Exodus 27:20 | The Oil for the Lamp Exodus 28:1 | Vestments for the Priesthood Exodus 28:6 | The Ephod Exodus 28:15 | The Breastplate Exodus 28:31 | Other Priestly Vestments Exodus 29:1 | The Ordination of the Priests Exodus 29:38 | The Daily Offerings Exodus 30:1 | The Altar of Incense PROPHETS Eze 43:13 | The Altar Taken from FFOZ Torah Portions

Portion Summary The nineteenth reading from the Torah is named Terumah. In Exodus 25:2, the LORD commanded Moses to "tell the sons of Israel to [take] a contribution for Me." Terumah is a word with no real English equivalent; some common translations are "contribution" or "heave offering".  In the Torah, terumah refers to a certain type of offering dedicated to the Temple, like a tithe or firstfruits offering. In Exodus 25, the contribution is for the building of a holy place. This Torah reading is occupied with the instructions for the building of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Terumah Heave offering — תְּרוּמָה Reading / Audio Instructions TORAH: EXODUS 25:1-27:19 HAFTARAH: 1 KINGS 5:26-6:13 GOSPEL: MARK 12:35-44 excerpts from: FFOZ

The eighteenth reading from the Torah is named Mishpatim, which means "judgments." The title comes from the first words of the first verse of the reading, which could be literally translated to say, "And these are the judgments which you will place before them" (Exodus 21:1). The first three chapters of this Torah portion deliver a legal code of laws and commandments that form a nucleus for the Torah's laws. The last chapter tells the story of how the people of Israel consented to keep these laws and entered into a covenant relationship with God through a series of rituals conducted by Moses. Portion Outline TORAH Exodus 21:1 | The Law concerning Slaves Exodus 21:12 | The Law concerning Violence Exodus 21:28 | Laws concerning Property Exodus 22:1 | Laws of Restitution Exodus 22:16 | Social and Religious Laws Exodus 23:1 | Justice for All Exodus 23:10 | Sabbatical Year and Sabbath Exodus 23:14 | The Annual Festivals Exodus 23:20 | The Conquest of Canaan Promised Exodus 24:1 | The Blood of the Covenant Exodus 24:9 | On the Mountain with God PROPHETS Jer 34:8 | Treacherous Treatment of Slaves Jer 33:14 | The Righteous Branch and the Covenant with David Excerpt from FFOZ.org

The seventeenth reading from the Torah is named Yitro, which is the literal Hebrew behind the name Jethro. The title comes from the first words of the first verse of the reading, which says, "Now Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people" (Exodus 18:1). The portion tells the story of Jethro's visit to the camp of Israel, then relates the great theophany at Mount Sinai, where God gives Israel the Ten Commandments and invites the people to enter a special covenant relationship with Him. - excerpt from FFOZ.org

The sixteenth reading from the Torah is named Beshalach, which means "When he sent." The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which can be literally translated to say, "And it happened when Pharaoh sent out the people." The reading tells the adventures of the Israelites as they leave Egypt, cross the Red Sea, receive miraculous provision in the wilderness and face their first battle.

The fifteenth reading from the Torah is named Bo which means "Come." The title comes from the first words of the first verse of the reading, which say, "Then the LORD said to Moses, '[Come] to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart" (Exodus 10:1). The portion begins by concluding the narrative of the ten plagues, the tenth of which is the slaying of the firstborn. To avoid the plague, the Israelites are given the instructions for the Passover sacrifice and the laws of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Pharaoh finally consents to let Israel go, and they leave Egypt.

The second reading from the book of Exodus and fourteenth reading from the Torah is named Va'era, which means "And I appeared." The title comes from the first words of the second verse of the reading, which says, "And I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty" (Exodus 6:3). The portion begins with four expressions of redemption whereby God promises to bring Israel out of the Egyptian bondage. The narrative progresses to tell the story of the first seven of the ten plagues that God unleashed on Egypt. TORAH: EXODUS 6:2-9:35 HAFTARAH: EZEKIEL 28:25-29:21 GOSPEL: LUKE 11:14-22

Shemot is both the title for the second book from the scroll of the Torah and the title of the first Torah portion therein. Shemot means "names." The English-speaking world calls this book Exodus. The Hebrew title for the book comes from the opening phrase of the book: "Now these are the names (shemot) of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob" (Exodus 1:1). The English name Exodus comes from the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. The Greek title for the book is Exodus Aigyptou, which translates as "Departure from Egypt." The name Exodus is an abbreviated form of that title. Exodus means "departure." The book of Exodus tells the story of the children of Israel enslaved in Egypt and their miraculous redemption through the hand of Moses, the story of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, the construction of the golden calf and the construction of the Tabernacle. As we study the first week's reading from the book of Exodus, we find the children of Israel in slavery. It seems at first that the God of their forefathers has forgotten them. But God has not forgotten His promises. He remembers His promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and brings a Redeemer to their children's children, for the sake of His name, with love.

The last reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayechi, which means "and he lived." The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, "Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years" (Genesis 47:28). In this Torah portion, Jacob prepares for his death by securing a double portion of inheritance for Joseph and then blessing each of his sons with prophetic blessings. The book of Genesis ends with the death of Jacob, followed shortly by the death of Joseph and a promise of redemption from Egypt. Portion Outline TORAH Genesis 47:27 | The Last Days of Jacob Genesis 48:1 | Jacob Blesses Joseph's Sons Genesis 49:1 | Jacob's Last Words to His Sons Genesis 49:29 | Jacob's Death and Burial Genesis 50:15 | Joseph Forgives His Brothers Genesis 50:22 | Joseph's Last Days and Death PROPHETS 1Ki 2:1 | David's Instruction to Solomon 1Ki 2:10 | Death of David

The eleventh reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayigash, which means "and he came near." The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, "Then Judah [came near] him" (Genesis 44:18). The portion begins with the dramatic unveiling of Joseph's true identity and his reconciliation with his brothers. It then proceeds to tell the story of the migration of Jacob's family to Egypt and the rest of the famine years. This Torah portion begins to set the stage for the Egyptian captivity of the sons of Jacob. Portion Outline TORAH Genesis 44:18 | Judah Pleads for Benjamin's Release Genesis 45:1 | Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers Genesis 46:1 | Jacob Brings His Whole Family to Egypt Genesis 46:28 | Jacob Settles in Goshen Genesis 47:13 | The Famine in Egypt PROPHETS Eze 37:15 | The Two Sticks

Portion Summary The tenth reading from the book of Genesis is named Miketz, which means "the end." The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, "Now it happened at the end of two full years that Pharaoh had a dream" (Genesis 41:1). The portion begins with Pharaoh's portentous dreams, Joseph's interpretations and his subsequent rise to power over Egypt. When a famine strikes the land of Canaan, his brothers come to Egypt seeking grain, but they do not recognize Joseph, who engineers a means by which he can test their character. Portion Outline TORAH Genesis 41:1 | Joseph Interprets Pharaoh's Dream Genesis 41:37 | Joseph's Rise to Power Genesis 42:1 | Joseph's Brothers Go to Egypt Genesis 42:26 | Joseph's Brothers Return to Canaan Genesis 43:1 | The Brothers Come Again, Bringing Benjamin Genesis 44:1 | Joseph Detains Benjamin PROPHETS Zec 2:14 | Interlude: An Appeal to the Exiles Zec 3:1 | Fourth Vision: Joshuahua and Satan Zec 4:1 | Fifth Vision: The Lampstand and Olive Trees

The ninth reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayeshev, which means "and he dwelt." The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, "Now Jacob [dwelt] in the land where his father had sojourned, in the land of Canaan" (Genesis 37:1). Despite the portion's name and first verse, the story is actually about Jacob's son Joseph and how he was removed from the land of Canaan and dwelt in Egypt. The narrative follows Joseph from Canaan to Egypt to prison. In addition, this week's reading contains the story of Judah and Tamar. Portion Outline TORAH Genesis 37:1 | Joseph Dreams of Greatness Genesis 37:12 | Joseph Is Sold by His Brothers Genesis 38:1 | Judah and Tamar Genesis 39:1 | Joseph and Potiphar's Wife Genesis 40:1 | The Dreams of Two Prisoners PROPHETS Amo 2:6 | Judgment on Israel Amo 3:1 | Israel's Guilt and Punishment Excerpt from FFOZ Torah Portions Vayeshev 5782

The eighth reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayishlach, which means "and he sent." The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, "Then Jacob sent messengers before him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom" (Genesis 32:3 [verse 4 in Jewish-published Bibles]). Jacob prepares to meet Esau as he returns to the Promised Land, but first he has a mysterious encounter with an angel in the darkness, who changes his name to Israel. The portion follows Jacob's adventures in the land of Canaan, including the loss of his beloved wife, Rachel. - Excerpt from FFOZ 

The seventh reading from the book of Genesis is named Vayetze, which means "and he went out." The title comes from the first verse of the reading, which says, "And Jacob went out from Beersheba" (Genesis 28:10 KJV). This portion tells the story of Jacob's flight from his brother Esau, his vision at Bethel, his employment with his uncle Laban and his marriage to the two sisters, Rachel and Leah. Jacob's double marriage results in a baby-bearing contest that gives him eleven sons. At the end of the portion, Jacob leaves Laban and returns to the land of Canaan, but not before Laban tries to stop him. - Excerpt from FFOZ

This parsha is taken from Genesis 25:19 - 28:9. The sixth reading from the book of Genesis is named Toldot, which means "generations." It is so named because the Torah portion begins with the words "Now these are the records of the generations of Isaac" (Genesis 25:19). Toldot tells us the story of the birth of Jacob and Esau and their struggle for the birthright and blessing of their father, Isaac. We also learn about Isaac's trials and difficulties in the land of Canaan. The portion concludes with Jacob's deception of Isaac in order to procure the family blessing.

The fifth reading from the book of Genesis is named Chayei Sarah. It means "Sarah lived," because the narrative begins with the 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 wife after her passing, and how he procured a wife for his son Isaac. At the end of this portion, Abraham is laid to rest beside his beloved wife. Portion Outline TORAH Genesis 23:1 | Sarah's Death and Burial Genesis 24:1 | The Marriage of Isaac and Rebekah Genesis 25:1 | Abraham Marries Keturah Genesis 25:7 | The Death of Abraham Genesis 25:12 | Ishmael's Descendants

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. Section Vayera continues with the series of tests of faith for Abraham, concluding in one great and final trial. James 2:23 " And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God's friend. " "BUT THOU, ISRAEL ART MY SERVANT, JACOB WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN, THE SEED OF ABRAHAM MY FRIEND" —Isaiah 41:8. II Chronicles 20:7 "“Didst not thou, O our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before Thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham Thy Friend forever? You know it is really curious that the Bible three times refers to Abraham as a friend of God. Only Abraham is referred to in name as a friend of God. In the New Testament we are called not servants but friends. But Abraham is mentioned by name. The Greek word used in James for friend is philo which is a word for love that we call friendship love. However the passage in Isaiah and II Chronicles uses the word ahav which is the Hebrew word for love. Abraham was God's lover. Yeah, that sounds a little creepy because we hear the English word lover and we immediately give it a sexual context. The Septuagint uses the Greek word which comes from the word hetariors and not the word philo. Odd that James does not use that word but the word philo. Hetariors is a word in Greek which means a friend or companion. There is really no sexual element to hetariors. Curious that the translators of the Septuagint would use a word that meant a partner or companion for the Hebrew word ahav which is commonly rendered as love. The word in Hebrew for friend should be ra'ah or dodi. Yet Isaiah uses ahav which means love or lover and the Septuagint uses a word meaning a companion. taken from: https://www.chaimbentorah.com/2015/05/word-study-a-friend-of-god-%D7%99%D7%94%D7%95%D7%94-%D7%90%D7%94%D7%91/

The third reading from the book of Genesis is named Lech Lecha. It means "go forth." The first verse says, "Now the LORD said to Abram, 'Go forth (lech lecha, לֶךְ־לְךָ) from your country.'" Section Lech Lecha introduces Abraham and tells the story of his pilgrimage in pursuit of God.