Summary: Balak, the king of Moab, summons the prophet Balaam to curse the people of Israel. On the way, Balaam is berated by his donkey, who sees, before Balaam does, the angel that יהוה sends to block their way. Three times, from three different vantage points, Balaam attempts to pronounce his curses, but each time blessings issue forth instead. Balaam also prophesies on the end of the days and the coming of the Messiah. The people fall …
CHUKAT (ordinance of)
In this Torah reading יהוה instructs Moses and Aaron regarding the red heifer; Miriam dies and her well dries up; Moses hits a rock to bring forth water rather than speaking to it and is denied entry to the Promised Land; Aaron dies, and venomous snakes attack the Israelite camp. Numbers 19:1 And יהוה spoke to Moses and to Aaron …
KORACH (Korah)
Numbers 16:1 Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohas, the son of Levi and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab and On, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men: 2 And came to Moses 250 princes of the assembly of the Children of Israel, famous renowned men in the congregation. C-MATS Question: What is …
SHELACH L’CHA (send for yourself)
Numbers 13:1 And יהוה spoke to Moses saying, 2 Send men that they may search את־ land of Canaan, which I will give to the Children of Israel, from every tribe of their fathers you will send a man who is a ruler among them. C-MATS Question: Why was this chapter immediately after the incident of Miriam’s criticism of Moses …
Behaalotecha (When You Raise)
Numbers 8:1 And יהוה spoke to Moses saying, 2 Speak to Aaron וְאמַרְת and you say to him, when you light את־ the lamps, the seven lamps will cast their light forward in front of the menorah. 3 And Aaron did so; he lit its lamps so as to give light in front of the menorah as commanded יהוה את־ …