Torah Portions

This is a teaching on the parsha Vay’yikra – “And He called.” This sidrah establishes a connection between the process to construct the mishkan with the necessary procedures to sustain the mishkan as it was intended to be – the place where His Presence would reside in the midst of His people. This teaching emphasizes […]

Here is my d’rash (commentary) on the Torah Portion – Pekudei (“accountings”). In this parsha, we see the concluding stages of the mishkan’s construction and its erection on 1 Aviv. The culmination of this entire process is when the Sh’kinah fills the house signifying His presence among His people. This teaching highlights how the Tabernacle is a manifestation […]

Here is a d’rash (commentary) on the Torah Portion – Vay’yakhel (“He assembled”). In this parsha, Moses invites the entire nation to participate in the building of the mishkan by bringing the items needed to build it. This portionhighlights the willingness of the people to participate and the wisdom of the artificers responsible for taking what God had said […]

Here is a d’rash (commentary) on the Torah Portion – Ki Tisa (When You Elevate). This parsha highlights Israel’s failure to abide by the instruction – “You are to worship no other gods or make graven images.” The Golden Calf incident, not only revealed that many were quick to turn aside from that instruction but […]

Here is a d’rash (commentary) on the Torah Portion – Tetzaveh. This parsha highlights the selection of the priests and the holy garments designed especially for them and, in particular, the High Priest. Of particular interest to us, as believers, are the two stones worn upon the shoulders of the High Priest as well as the […]

Here is a d’rash (commentary) on the Torah Portion – Terumah. This parsha highlights the preparation for the Mishkan – the Tabernacle – and details different components including the Ark of the Covenant and the Menorah. The emphasis of this parsha, from my point of view, is different components becoming one and the need for […]

This is our commentary on the portion Mishpatim – “Judgments.” This portion contains God’s instructions and ordinances that will govern Israel’s civil interaction with their fellow man. Beginning with the laws of the bondservant, it addresses how the least among His people are to be treated, a direct reflection of how we interact with our […]

This is our commentary on the portion Yitro – “Jethro.” This portion takes its name from Moses’ father-in-law who offers Moses some sage advice. In this portion we also see the calling of the nation of Israel to be light to the nations of the world and the contract – Ten Commands – given to them. A lengthy study; hope […]

This is our commentary on the portion B’shelach – “Sent out.” In this portion, Israel goes out of Egypt with a “high hand” which,  a few days later, provokes Pharaoh to pursue the Hebrews – something that had to happen that God would get honor on Pharaoh. There is a lot to address so start […]

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

This is our commentary on the portion Vayera – “I appeared.” In this portion, the outstretched arm of the LORD begins to move upon the land of Egypt. The first seven of ten plagues are unleashed upon Pharaoh and his people, primarily, to show that the God of the Hebrews is God.! Hope you enjoy. […]

This is our commentary on the portion Shemot – “names.” This initial portion of Exodus details some of the most important events in the history of Israel. We see the emergence of a tyrant who seeks to destroy the Hebrew people. In the midst of this darkness, however, there is a burst of light with […]

Shalom! Here is our commentary on the portion Vayechi – “And he lived.” This is the final portion of B’reshiyt and one full of nuggets. Just some of the highlights are the adoption of Manasseh and Ephraim, the blessing placed upon Ephraim and Jacob’s prophecy for all the tribes. Hope you enjoy. Download PDF by […]

Shalom! Here is our commentary on the portion Vayigash – “And he approached.” This is one of the most prophetic portions in all of Scripture for it tells of the one who was despised by his brethren, only to be revealed to them in a time of life-threatening crisis. It also marks the beginning of […]

Shalom! This is my commentary on the portion Miketz – “at the end.” For years, this portion has fascinated me, not only for the fascinating story but, for the prophetic elements. Understanding that we interpret the end from “the beginning” (Isa. 46:8-10), that a torah portion is called “at the end” should grab our attention. […]

Shalom! This is my commentary on the portion Vayeshev – “and he dwelt.” In this portion, Joseph goes down into Egypt to serve Potiphar, only to be thrown into jail, falsely accused. Yet, we see the Hand of the Creator at work by giving dreams to two men in prison so that Joseph might be […]

Shalom! This is my commentary on the portion Vayishlach – “and he sent.” In this portion, Jacob prepares to enter Canaan but not before he first encounters his adversary, Esau. Yet, before this meeting, Jacob must struggle with God and be “born again” as Israel. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your […]

This is my commentary on the torah portion Vayetze – “And he went out.” This parsha details Jacob’s journey into Padam-aram and his time spent under the oppression of Laban. This also tells of the origins of eleven of the twelve tribes and how they will be guarded and defended by the Messiah.  Hope you […]

This is my commentary on the torah portion Toledot – “generations.” This parsha, in my opinion, is one of the most astounding and prophetically rich portions in the Torah. Here we are introduced to Jacob and Esau and see the developing story of two brothers at odds with each other and how their conflict affects […]

This is my commentary on the torah portion Chayeh Sarah – “Life of Sarah.” Though it begins with a narrative concerning Sarah’s death, the greater part of this sidrah is devoted to Abraham’s desire to find a proper wife for his son Isaac. In this story we see a picture of the Heavenly Father’s devotion […]

This is my commentary on the torah portion Vayera – “And He appeared.” In this torah portion we see the culmination of Abraham’s transformation from just a man with a calling to the spiritual father of a nation. The pinnacle of this sidrah is the akeidah – the binding of Isaac – and Abraham’s unwavering […]

This is my commentary on the torah portion Lech L’cha- “Go for yourself.” In this portion we have one of the most important stories Scripture has to offer – the call of Abram of Ur to become Abraham the Hebrew. Moreover, the events described in this portion relating to Abraham’s life are a pattern for […]

Shalom. This is our commentary on the portion Noach and, like B’reshiyt, it is fairly lengthy. I hope that you will enjoy the content and be blessed. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Noah.pdf

Shalom. This is our commentary on the Torah’s first portion, B’reshiyt – “In the beginning.” In this opening portion is the beginning of all things. Consequently, this portion is quite lengthy. Enjoy! Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Breshiyt-Outline1.pdf

Shalom. This is our commentary on the Torah’s final portion, V’zot Ha’Berachah – “And this is the blessing.” In this portion, Moses prepares to be gathered unto “his fathers” but before leaving this world, like Jacob, he blesses the tribes of Israel. In doing so, Moses exemplifies the characteristics of a great leader: he blesses […]

Shalom. Here is our commentary on the parsha Ha’azinu or “listen.” This portion is the song of Moses given to Israel just before his death. In it we learn the faithfulness of God in the face of Israel’s unfaithfulness and ingratitude. Yet, we also learn that, in the end of days, the Creator will demonstrate […]

Shalom! This is our audio commentary on the portion nitzavim – “standing.” As Moses’ life draws to a close, he reminds the people to beware of the idolatry they will encounter in the Land. This sidrah emphasizes the ramifications of having a “root of gall and wormwood” both to the individual and the nation. One […]

Shalom. This is our audio commentary on the portion Vay’yelech – “and he went.” On the last day of his life, Moses went through the camp to encourage the people that the Creator would continue to guide them even though he, Moses, would no longer be with them. Yet, he also warned them that, in […]

Shalom! This is our commentary on the portion Ki tavo – “when you come (into the land).” In this torah portion, the most prominent feature is the “blessings and curses” presented to Israel as a result of obedience or disobedience. Yet, there are other pretty interesting components in this portion. One of them is a […]

Shalom. Here is our audio commentary on the torah portion ki tetze – “when you go out.” There are so many issues that are addressed in this portion that it would require an essay to summarize them for you here; I will simply highlight some of the major ones for you. –The “beloved wife” and […]

Shalom. Here is the audio commentary on the portion, shoftim or “judges.” The main emphasis of this portion is the status, qualifications and responsibilities of the officers and leaders of Israel: judges, the king, priests and the prophets. Of particular interest is Moses’ prophecy of “a prophet like unto me.” There was a lot to […]

Shalom. This is the (lengthy) commentary on Re’eh – “to see.” There was so much material in this portion – the Place where He sets His Name, false prophets and lying signs as well as the Year of Release – that I couldn’t limit it to the typical 60 – 90 minute format. As you […]

Shalom. This is my commentary on the parsha Ekev or “reward.” This focuses on the spiritual preparations for possessing the land. In this portion we learn that for Israel to do so meant they must resist the temptation of foreign gods as the well as the temptation that the fertile land and its bounty would […]

Shalom everyone. This is our commentary on the portion called V’etchanan. This sidrah covers quite a few topics including the prohibition not to mingle with the inhabitants of the Land and Israel’s creed to live by – the Sh’ma. Download PDF by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://billcloud.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Vetchanan.pdf

Shalom everyone. This is our commentary on the initial Torah portion of D’varim, called D’varim – “words.” !In the portion, Moses encourages Israel to, not only listen to his words but, hear him. He exhorts them, as they prepare to enter the land, not to fear the obstacles, namely, the giants and the fortified cities. […]

Shalom everyone. This is our commentary on the Torah portion, Mattot. As this portion begins, it focuses on the sacredness of vows. This principle becomes very important as the portion unfolds for the tribes of Reuben and Gad. We also see in the war against Midian that Israel must learn the importance of destroying that […]

Shalom everyone. This is our commentary on the concluding Torah portion of B’midbar, Massei – “journeys.” This portion gives an overview of Israel’s journeys through the wilderness, from the departure from Egypt until the encampment on the plains of Moav. Also included are instructions to Israel to drive out all the inhabitants of Canaan; the […]

Shalom everyone. This is our commentary on the Torah portion, Pinchas. The beginning of this sidrah continues the narrative of Pinchas’ actions as a result of the sin of Ba’al Peor. As a reward for his righteous zeal, he is promoted from Levitical status to that of priest. We also read of Moses’ impending death […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Chukat.  Who can render something pure from something that is impure? This is the prevailing theme in this Torah portion. In the ritual of the Red Heifer and again in the Brazen Serpent, we see this paradox. Ultimately, what we are supposed to see is the nature […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Balak.  In this portion we see that, despite his best efforts, the Adversary can’t curse what the Father has blessed. However, we also learn that, when we let our guard down, he seduces us into behavior that will do to us what he doesn’t have the authority […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Korah. Rather than complaining about a lack of food and water, this portion describes a full scale revolt against Moses and Aaron coming from two different factions – one led by Korah the Levite and another led by chief men of the tribe of Reuben. As we […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, shelach l’cha or “send for yourself.” In this portion, Israel is at the threshold of crossing into the land of Canaan. However, an expedition of twelve scouts intended to discover how to take the land turned into an evil report that concluded, “we are unable to take […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Beha’alotcha or “when you kindle.” In Leviticus 8, the Torah teaches of the consecration of the Kohenim. In Numbers 8, the Torah teaches of the consecration of the Levi’im (Levites) as they assume the position of the “firstborn” of Israel. In this torah portion we also learn of […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Naso or “take the sum.” In this portion, the text continues to describe the division of the Levitical families and their duties concerning the transport of the Sanctuary. It also introduces us to the Ordeal of Jealousy and the vows of a Nazirite. In these two […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Bemidbar or “in the wilderness.” In this portion, we see how the tribes were numbered and assigned into four different camps. These camps with their respective standards are seen as the equivalent of the four living creatures who surround the Throne of God. We also how […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Bechukotai or “in my statutes.” In this portion, the Scripture describes the blessings that come with obedience and details the judgments that come with disobedience. In this sidrah, Israel is warned that blatant disregard for God’s commands have terrible consequences, in fact, five groups of seven […]

This is our d’rash (commentary) on the torah portion, Be’har or “on the mount.” In this portion, the Scripture details two other commands of rest – the sh’mittah (sabbatical year) and the yovel (jubilee). One of the prevailing concepts in this sidrah is that the land is God’s and is, therefore, expected to be in […]

This is a commentary on the Torah portion Emor – “say.” This torah portion turns its attention back to the priests and their responsibility to maintain higher standards of purity. Though addressing the priests, we who have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light to be a royal priesthood should take note of the […]

This is a commentary on the Torah portion Kedoshim – “Holy.” If  the previous portion begins what is regarded as lev ha’torah (the heart of the Torah), this portion is the “heart of the heart.” This sidrah defines the call to Israel to be holy “because I the LORD your God am holy.” This portion emphasizes the […]

This is a commentary on the Torah portion Acharei Mot – “After the death.” This portion begins what is regarded as lev ha’torah (the heart of the Torah) and emphasizes how the Creator is to be approached and uses the death of Aaron’s sons to make the point that it must not be done “at […]

This is a commentary on the Torah portion Tazriah – “Conceive.” Where the previous Torah portion emphasized those animals whose carcass could render someone unclean, this portion focuses on contamination resulting from what emanates from humans. The greater part of this sidrah details the plague of tzarat, most commonly treated as “leprosy,” yet as we see, […]