Balak refers to the man, Balak of Zippor, who was the king of Moab and a resolute enemy of Israel. When Balak then hears of a man named Balaam who can predict the future and cast curses, he hires him to curse Israel. However, Balaam can truly hear Abba YHWH’s …

Chukkat” means “statute” and the portion opens with the requirements of the famous red heifer, that perfect red young cow that is so sacred, nothing else will do to inaugurate the entire sacrificial infrastructure. Not surprisingly then, the requirements for finding and then preparing for such a massively important sacrifice …

“Korach” refers to the man of the same name who was responsible for mounting a rebellion against Moshe. There are many unique aspects to this act of rebellion, such as it being led by a Levite and a confederation of other leaders, and that Moshe and Aaron are on the …

“Shelach Lecha” means “send out for yourself,” referring to the spies that Moshe will send into Canaan to do a little “reconnaissance” on the strategic strengths of the various peoples living in Canaan. When the spies let their fear get the better of them and bring back an evil report, …

“BeHalotekha” means “when you elevate” as in “when you lift up the lamps.” Aaron is commanded to light the lamps of the menorah and the tribe of Levi is commanded to serve the sanctuary. This is also when the institution of the 2nd Pesach is established and when the …

“Naso” means “take,” as in “you will take an accounting of Israel” or a census. This portion begins with the census on the Gershonites and details all their prescribed duties in ministering to the Tabernacle. This is followed by the bitter waters test for an adulterous woman in Numbers 5 …

“BaMidbar” means “in the wilderness” and it begins with a census being taken of the nation, particularly of men 20 years and older who can serve in combat. The total comes to 603,550 except Levites who cannot be counted for this purpose. After this more details are given for how …

“BaHar” means at the mountain, from which Abba YHWH gives this series of instructions. It concerns itself with the intricate Jubilee and Land Sabbath rules, which I will be discussing from Torah and giving my take on them in the Eternal Torah Calendar system.
“BeChukkotai” means “by/through My statutes,” referring to …

“Emor” means “he said” and it is heavily concerned with purity regulations, but it then shifts into a bigger picture with restoring and re stating the sacred year. Abba YHWH does this to show the Israelites to know they renew their covenant by following His instructions, so He repeats these …

“Aharei Mot” means “after the death,” referring to the demise of Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu who offered fire in a way not sanctioned by Abba YHWH. The portion begins with the purification measures that Aaron and his remaining sons need to go through to rectify the evil that was …

It’s just a skin disease; a medical condition like any other. Or is it? Even the sages cannot decide this seemingly simple question. Is leprosy divine judgment for a moral failure or just another kind of defilement that happens in the course of normal living? Can it be equated to …

Tazria. One chapter gives us intimate details about what Messiah’s earthly parents will go through bringing him into the world. The other chapter reveals the true reasons why Messiah kept saying to those he healed of leprosy “Go and show yourselves to the priests”. Messiah is in fact all over …

It’s five priests for more than 2 million Israelites. That is, until it’s down to only three because Nadav and Avihu die for their rebellion against Father Yah. Even more socking, neither their father Aaron nor their brothers are allowed to bury them, because then the whole priesthood is at …

Welcome to the ordination of the priests, where one mistake can cost you your life and put a nation of more than 2 million in jeopardy. But Tzav is about far more than just a series of regulations regarding purity and sacrifices. It reaches deep into the secrets of time …

As the third book of Moshe opens, we are right back where we were at the end of Exodus. The Tabernacle is being erected and the detailed instructions for establishing the priesthood are being given. But there is so much else going on in this parsha than details on how …

Now the book of Exodus (Shemot) wraps up with some of its most amazing secrets, but they don’t reveal themselves easily. How is the approach of this parsha sending a strong message of integrity that echoes straight into our daily headlines? How does Aaron anticipate the end of King David’s …

They are the most mysterious and most fascinating objects ever built by the hand of man, and three and a half millennia later their blueprints survive in exacting detail and the history remains as powerful and fresh as when these events first happened. To explore the translation issues and versions …

Torah 101 will return next week with “Vayachel”!

They say the best secrets are the ones that hide in plain sight. The ones in this parsha are no exception, as the most visible and prominent member of the Israelite community–the high priest–literally hides a universe worth of secrets both on and under his own clothes. The fabrics, the …

It is literally the blueprint of the Universe itself. This is the parsha where we are told repeatedly “See that you make everything according to the pattern you saw on the mountain”. So every cubit, every talent of gold, every structure large or small is representing on earth what is …