Leviticus 9:1 It came to pass on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel. C-MATS Question: The Hebrew word (It came) always indicates that trouble or grief is associated with the narrative. What sadness could there have been on that joyous first day of Nissan? Until the sin of the Golden Calf, …
Vayak’hel (He Assembles) / P’kudei (Accounts)
In this portion, Moses addresses the entire nation and charges them with the privilege of building the Tabernacle. Much of the text is a repetition of the directions given in the previous chapters. Israel’s ability to create a setting for יהוה’s Presence is a measure of its greatness and, indeed, a primary reason for its very existence. Its future history …
Ki Tissa (When You take)
Exodus 30:11 And יהוה spoke to Moses saying, 12 When you take אֶת־ the sum (census) of the Children of Israel, then every man will give a ransom for his soul to ליהוה; that there will be no plague among אֹתָם them after you number אֹתָם them. C-MATS Question: What is the concern about counting the people of Israel? The …
TERUMAH (offerings)
Exodus 25:1 And יהוה spoke to Moses saying, 2 Speak to the Children of Israel so that they will bring Me an offering: you will take אֶת־ My offering מֵאֵת from every man who gives it willingly from his heart. C-MATS Question: There are four basic personality types in relation to their possessions. What is your opinion of each of …
MISHPATIM (ordinances of the court)
Exodus 21:1 Now these are the judgments which you will set before them. C-MATS Question: What is the civil law? The civil laws are an extension of the Tenth Commandment: Do not covet. In order to know what he may not covet, one must know the rights and property of others. Torah now goes on to begin defining what it …