Tag: 02 – Exodus
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God as “Chief Branding Officer”—and Bezalel
This week’s Bible portion, Vayakhel-Pekudai (Exodus 35:1-40:38 and Ezekiel 45:16 – 46:18) teaches us how God specifically named the people He wanted to build His place of worship in the desert. Bezalel (בְּצַלְאֵ֛ל) – “in God’s shadow,” was the primary craftsman. Oholiab (אָֽהֳלִיאָ֥ב) – “father’s tent,” was his assistant. The applicability of these names to…
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The Ultimate Justice Is Divine
This past week’s Bible reading, “Mishpatim” (literally, “laws”) gives us an overview of the Jewish justice system. Part of that system is to tell the truth no matter what: whether it’s popular or not; whether bad people want to bribe you into lying; and even whether a guilty person is poor and needs help. Justice…
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Gematria of Amalek: 240. Mockery, Insecurity, Self-Doubt
In this week’s Bible portion (“Beshalach,” meaning “when you are sent”), God sent the Jews out of slavery in Egypt, took them through the sea unharmed, and fed them in the unforgiving desert. Soon enough they are confronted by the enemy Amalek. Exodus 17:8: “וַיָּבֹ֖א עֲמָלֵ֑ק וַיִּלָּ֥חֶם עִם־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל בִּרְפִידִֽם” “Amalek came and fought with Israel in…
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The Army Of Egypt Is Dead
We hear a lot about faith and how important it is. But faith is not required for God to do His work. In fact, sometimes faith is impossible, because the totality of rampant injustice is just too great. It is in those times, specifically, that God gives us “open miracles.” They are a way of…
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To Neutralize The Pagan Energy
Before the Jewish people can leave Egypt, God commands each and every one of them (Exodus 12:3) to obtain a sheep “without blemish” (Verse 5). The people are specifically told that they shall “keep watch over it” (Verse 6) for days, until they finally slaughter the lamb, eat it, and smear the blood on their doorposts (Verses…
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Exodus: Slaves, Trapped By False Speech
Today is January 9, 2021 (Hebrew date 25 Tevet 5781). This week in synagogue we read the Bible portion called “Shemot”, meaning “names,” located in Exodus 1:1-6:1. For the supplemental reading: Ashkenazim read Isaiah 27:6 – 28:13; 29:22 – 29:23; Sephardim read Jeremiah 1:1 – 2:3. (Source: HebCal.com). This week’s Bible portion has a lot…
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