Posts Tagged With: #Salvation

Shemot/Shemos (Names)

Posted on January 20, 2016 by awakened2torah

Shemot/ Shemos (Names)

Exodus 1:1-6:1

Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23 (Haftarah)

As we continue our journey in the Torah Portions, we will have a better understanding of why “Names” are important to Hashem. The ones who love and give glory to Hashem, their names become very important to HIM.

It is amazing how Genesis and Exodus are tied together! As we delve into this Parshah you’ll be able to see the connections in the Creation Story. Hashem separated the light from the darkness, and it happened again in Exodus when Hashem separated the Israelites (with light), and Mitsrayim (Egypt) with darkness.  As we study these Portions, you’ll often see a phrase that is used often: seeing, saw, or to see. It is more than just seeing with the eyes, but to actually see within, taking notice, and having empathy for others.

I find the following connections (patterns) very exciting: The Ark that Noah built under the direction of Elokim and the Ark (basket) that Moses floated in, in the reeds were both covered in tar and pitch—the exact same substance! Moses, as a baby, floated along the Nile in the reeds, and when Elokim used him as the Deliverer, they were taken through the water—the Reed Sea.

Looking back, when Joseph (Yosef) was in Egypt with his family, life was good. They were taken very well care of so why would they want to go to the Promised Land? Isn’t it interesting to note that we tend to be like that too? When life is going great and everything seems to be going our way (in our comfort zone), do we like to be moved into a different place or given a different agenda? Hummmm.

Let’s continue on our exciting study of Moshe (Moses) in Exodus and see what it is that Hashem calls for.

~These are the names of the people who are exiting Mitsrayim (Egypt) ~

“‘These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each coming with his household: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah; Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin; Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. The total number of persons that were of Jacob’s issue came to seventy, Joseph being already in Egypt. Joseph died, and all his brothers, and all that generation. But the Israelites were fertile and prolific; they multiplied and increased very greatly, so that the land was filled with them. A new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph. And he said to his people, “Look, the Israelite people are much too numerous for us. Let us deal shrewdly with them, so that they may not increase; otherwise in the event of war they may join our enemies in fighting against us and rise from the ground.” So they set taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor; and they built garrison cities for Pharaoh: Pithom and Raamses. But the more they were oppressed, the more they increased and spread out, so that the [Egyptians] came to dread the Israelites. The Egyptians ruthlessly imposed upon the Israelites the various labors that they made them perform. Ruthlessly they made life bitter for them with harsh labor at mortar and bricks and with all sorts of tasks in the field. The king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other Puah, saying, “When you deliver the Hebrew women, look at the birthstool: if it is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.” The midwives, fearing G-d, did not do as the king of Egypt had told them; they let the boys live. So the king of Egypt summoned the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, letting the boys live?” The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women: they are vigorous. Before the midwife can come to them, they have given birth.” And G-d dealt well with the midwives; and the people multiplied and increased greatly. And because the midwives feared G-d, He established households for them. Then Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, “Every boy that is born you shall throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.’” (Exodus 1:1-22)[1]

The Pharaoh decreed all of the baby boys to be cast into the river, but to keep the female children. To cast out is a very strong word as in to “throw out the trash.”  A decree to kill children is a very evil act; having much violence, fear, and hate. The meaning behind the name of “Pharaoh” is “The mouth of evil being spoken. “Pharaoh’s name isn’t mentioned, but the names of the two Hebrew midwives, Shifrah and Pu‘ah, mean Shofar and Beautiful. The midwives were given an order to kill all baby boys born. That would have been very scary and tragic, but they had a greater fear for Elokim. They refused to kill the baby boys. The Israelites grew abundantly and multiplied.

The women of Israel actually set the foundation….

“Pharaoh’s plans for the annihilation of the Israelite children are defeated by women—the human feelings of the midwives, and the tender sympathy of a woman of a royal birth, and a sister’s watchfulness in extremity. It was to the merit of the pious women that Israel owed it’s redemption in Egypt, say the Rabbis.”[4]

A side note: Indecently on the count of “70” descendants, the mother of Moses was the “70th” (69 +1).  Yocheved, birth mother of Moshe (Moses), was the daughter of Levi. Yocheved was married to Amram (grandson of Levi). Because of the age of Moses’ mother (130 years), she married her nephew (Amram) for a man young enough to father children [Yocheved was older than the age of Sarah when Sarah conceived]. Aaron was born three years earlier than Moses, Miriam was the oldest sibling. Moses was born just as they arrived in Mitsrayim (Egypt). Moses was born circumcised. Later on, Moses married Zipporah, who would later circumcise their son to save the life of Moses.

Yocheved in Hebrew means “Glory of G-d”. Moses’ father’s name, Amram, means “An exalted people.” Moses’ name was Egyptian, but Jews give names to their sons on the eighth day during circumcision. His Jewish name is believed to be “Tovia.” He was a “Goodly” child.

 When the Glory of G-d is wed (Bride) with the exalted people (His Chosen) Redemption is our New Beginnings, called GOOD.

Yocheved could no longer hide her baby after three months (Moshe was three months premature). She made a wicker ark, coated it with tar and pitch, and laid the baby boy in the basket in the reeds of the river. She sent Miriam, his sister, to keep watch to where the ark went. The Pharaoh’s daughter was down at the river to wash (Mikvah). When she saw something floating, she sent her maidservant to get it. When the Pharaoh’s daughter opened up the wicker ark, saw a weeping baby, she took compassion upon the child and said, “This is one of the children of the Hebrews.” The sister of the baby asked if she should go and call for a wet nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child. Of course, she said “yes.” Interesting that the Egyptian women would have never done that, but a blessing they didn’t! Miriam fetched her mom.

The Pharaoh’s daughter told the woman to take the baby, nurse him, and to bring him to her when he no longer needed to be nursed. She paid her wages. The mother brought Moshe back to the Pharaoh’s daughter when he was older. He became the Pharaoh’s daughter’s son by adoption, named Moshe “Because I have drawn him out of the water.”

When Moses had grown and became great, he had empathy for others. He was able to set aside his “role” and have understanding and compassion for the feelings of others—he noticed!

He looked and noticed the burdens of the Hebrew slaves. He saw a Mitsrian (Egyptian) striking (whip) a Hebrew slave (his brother)/ Moshe looked this way and that way, smote the Egyptian, and buried him in the sand. And the next day, he broke-up a fight between two Hebrews (it would seem he wanted to resolve matters, keep others from being oppressed, and desired people to live in harmony). But when they asked Moses who made him the judge, and if he was going to kill them like the Egyptian, Moses became fearful that the Pharaoh would kill him and he fled to Midian. As he sat by the well in Midian, the priest’s (seven) daughters came to their father’s well to draw water, they poured water into the troughs to water the flock. Some shepherds arrived and drove them away, but Moshe stood up, helped the women, and watered their flock.

 “When they returned to their father Reuel, he said, “How is it that you have come back so soon today?” They answered, “An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds; he even drew water for us and watered the flock.” He said to his daughters, “Where is he then? Why did you leave the man? Ask him in to break bread.” Moses consented to stay with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah as wife. She bore a son whom he named Gershom, for he said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land.” A long time after that, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites were groaning under the bondage and cried out; and their cry for help from the bondage rose up to G-d. G-d heard their moaning, and G-d remembered His covenant with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. G-d looked upon the Israelites, and G-d took notice of them.” (Exodus 2: 18-25)[2]

Re’u’el is a title of Yitro- meaning “Friend of G-d.”

 

“‘Now Moses, tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, drove the flock into the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of G-d. An angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire out of a bush. He gazed, and there was a bush all aflame, yet the bush was not consumed. Moses said, “I must turn aside to look at this marvelous sight; why doesn’t the bush burn up?” When the LORD saw that he had turned aside to look, G-d called to him out of the bush: “Moses! Moses!” He answered, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not come closer. Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground. I am,” He said, “the G-d of your father, the G-d of Abraham, the G-d of Isaac, and the G-d of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at G-d. And the LORD continued, “I have marked well the plight of My people in Egypt and have heeded their outcry because of their taskmasters; yes, I am mindful of their sufferings. I have come down to rescue them from the Egyptians and to bring them out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey, the region of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. Now the cry of the Israelites has reached Me; moreover, I have seen how the Egyptians oppress them. Come, therefore, I will send you to Pharaoh, and you shall free My people, the Israelites, from Egypt.” But Moses said to G-d, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and free the Israelites from Egypt?” And He said, “I will be with you; that shall be your sign that it was I who sent you. And when you have freed the people from Egypt, you shall worship G-d at this mountain.” Moses said to G-d, “When I come to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The G-d of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” And G-d said to Moses, “Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh.” He continued, “Thus shall you say to the Israelites, ‘Ehyeh sent me to you.’” And G-d said further to Moses, “Thus shall you speak to the Israelites: The LORD, the G-d of your fathers, the G-d of Abraham, the G-d of Isaac, and the G-d of Jacob, has sent me to you: This shall be My name forever, This My appellation for all eternity.’” (Exodus 3:1-15)[3]

Hashem SAW that Moshe looked and saw the bush burning, yet Moshe NOTICED it was not being consumed. He didn’t just walk by it…. Not only did Hashem reveal to Moshe who He was by stating the G-d of Abraham, the G-d of Isaac, and the G-d of Jacob (Israel), but Hashem told Moshe His Name, which was never revealed to Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob.

This is my name forever; this is how I am to be remembered generation after generation.

WOW!! This is so powerful, and so humbling. Hashem’s name is above all others, Creator of all things– seen and unseen. Hashem wants us to personally know, believe, trust and love Him.

As I mentioned earlier, some may not want to be moved from their comfort zone. They may be too prideful, fearful, or set in their own “beliefs.” Only the Ruach ha’Kodesh (Holy Spirit) can set their hearts on Hashem. The Pharaoh was set in his ways, and his arrogance and pride hardened his heart from allowing Hashem to teach him differently (though he learned later—the hard way).

We need to remain teachable so that our hearts don’t harden from learning Torah.

At the burning bush, Moshe was given Hashem’s word that He would be with Moses, and would be his voice. He said, “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh [I am/will be what I am/will be].” Hashem wanted Moses to be sure to tell the children of Israel that G-d has surly visited him…They would then know Elohim has sent the deliverer as Joseph told the people before he died –that Hashem would surly visit them and they would carry his (Joseph’s) bones out of Egypt. So this phrase was a secret code Pakod Pakadeti—I remember I remember!  I have remembered to take you out of Egypt and to bring you all to Eretz Yisrael. And they would know it was true!

The amazing thing about this is the Children of Israel knew Moses had a speech impediment (his lips were burned with hot coals as a toddler), with Moses saying this Hebrew word, Pakod Pakadeti , perfectly, they saw a miracle had taken place!

“‘But Moses spoke up and said, “What if they do not believe me and do not listen to me, but say: The LORD did not appear to you?” The LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” And he replied, “A rod.” He said, “Cast it on the ground.” He cast it on the ground and it became a snake; and Moses recoiled from it. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Put out your hand and grasp it by the tail”—he put out his hand and seized it, and it became a rod in his hand— “that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers, the G-d of Abraham, the G-d of Isaac, and the G-d of Jacob, did appear to you.” The LORD said to him further, “Put your hand into your bosom.” He put his hand into his bosom; and when he took it out, his hand was encrusted with snowy scales! And He said, “Put your hand back into your bosom.”—He put his hand back into his bosom; and when he took it out of his bosom, there it was again like the rest of his body.— “And if they do not believe you or pay heed to the first sign, they will believe the second. And if they are not convinced by both these signs and still do not heed you, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground, and it—the water that you take from the Nile—will turn to blood on the dry ground.’” (Exodus 4:1-9)[4]

I need to point out some interesting connections:

  1. Did you notice that Moshe “fled from the serpent” in fear and Elokim wanted him to overcome the serpent; yet in Genesis, the serpent ruled over man by trickery? We need to trust that Hashem has everything in His power! Interesting spin on this!
  2. There are (3) signs Hashem speaks of that will come into play. G-d is a G-d of patterns. Hashem gave three signs for the Pharaoh to see: The staff (serpent), healing of the hand and water turned to blood.

Let’s look a little more:

“‘But Moses said to the LORD, “Please, O Lord, I have never been a man of words, either in times past or now that You have spoken to Your servant; I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” And the LORD said to him, “Who gives man speech? Who makes him dumb or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go, and I will be with you as you speak and will instruct you what to say.” But he said, “Please, O Lord, make someone else Your agent.” The LORD became angry with Moses, and He said, “There is your brother Aaron the Levite. He, I know, speaks readily. Even now he is setting out to meet you, and he will be happy to see you. You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth—I will be with you and with him as you speak, and tell both of you what to do— and he shall speak for you to the people. Thus he shall serve as your spokesman, with you playing the role of G-d to him, and take with you this rod, with which you shall perform the signs.” Moses went back to his father-in-law Jether and said to him, “Let me go back to my kinsmen in Egypt and see how they are faring.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” The LORD said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who sought to kill you are dead.” So Moses took his wife and sons, mounted them on an ass, and went back to the land of Egypt; and Moses took the rod of G-d with him. And the LORD said to Moses, “When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the marvels that I have put within your power. I, however, will stiffen his heart so that he will not let the people go.’” (Exodus 4:10-21) [5]

Do we sometimes feel as though we are not qualified to be called as Hashem’s servant?  We tend to forget Hashem doesn’t call the qualified. He calls those who are available and willing. Why do we limit Hashem’s power to perform miracles through us? He called Moshe by name, showed him signs, and yet, Hashem’s power was still questioned. We do not always trust the ONE who created us. Our Nefesh (flesh) cannot see or know what is spiritual because the Nefesh only knows what is carnal. It’s important that we place our Nefesh under our heel, allow Hashem to lead, and always trust Hashem ways are good. When we allow fear to rise up, we cannot function correctly; giving into the adversary (Evil Inclination).

How many times have we said to Hashem “I can’t do it, I am not qualified, send someone else?” Let’s be mindful and trust our Creator has a purpose and a plan for each and everyone one of us. Hashem loves and wants to bless us with great rewards.  I think Moshe felt very intimidated having a speech impediment, unknowingly to what he was actually doing; placing his problems above Hashem’s capabilities (pride).

When G-d “hardened” Pharaoh’s heart, in the Hebrew, “hardened” means to strengthen. Elohim didn’t want the Pharaoh to give up his challenge and just let G-d have His way out of fear. Hashem wanted Pharaoh to have a change of heart, to turn his direction to Hashem’s way, and to repent. Hashem knew Pharaoh would need the strength to able to stand up against G-d without feeling fearful. Hashem “strengthened/ chazak” Pharaoh’s heart. The difference is: G-d strengthened Pharaoh’s heart, and when Pharaoh hardened his own heart, he let pride and arrogance rule him.

The Israelites only experienced the first three signs, while Egypt experienced the last seven as well. The Israelites were given light; they were covered (protected) while Egypt was not under Hashem’s covering. Of course, the lamb’s blood and blood from the circumcised males were placed on the door posts for death to Passover. Pesach is one of the commanded festivals to be kept for all generations. Hashem separates before the in-gathering.

I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you…

“Then the humble shall have increasing joy through the LORD, And the neediest of men shall exult In the Holy One of Israel. For the tyrant shall be no more, The scoffer shall cease to be; And those diligent for evil shall be wiped out, Who cause men to lose their lawsuits, Laying a snare for the arbiter at the gate, And wronging by falsehood Him who was in the right. Assuredly, thus said the LORD to the House of Jacob, Who redeemed Abraham: No more shall Jacob be shamed, No longer his face grow pale. For when he—that is, his children—behold what My hands have wrought in his midst, they will hallow My name. Men will hallow the Holy One of Jacob And stand in awe of the God of Israel.”  (Isaiah 29: 19-23)[6]

We have worked through this Parshah. Hopefully, more connections were made. It is so humbling and amazing how much love Hashem has for us. It is hard to understand how a G-d with so much Power and Glory, WHO is full of Majesty, loves us with an indescribable compassion. Very humbling.

Shalom!

 

 

[1] Exodus 1:1-22, Sefaria

[2] Exodus 2:18-25, Sefaria

[3] Exodus 3:1-15, Sefaria

[4] Exodus 4:1-9, Sefaria

[5] Exodus 4: 10-21, Sefaria

[6] Isaiah 29: 19-23, Sefaria

Categories: Mikveh, Torah Portions, Women of Valor | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Bereishit/ Bereishis (Part 1)

Posted on October 13, 2015 by awakened2torah

 

See the source image

Bereishit/Bereishis

Tishrei —In the Beginning

Gen. 1:1-6:8

 Is. 42:5-43:10   (Haftarah)

 

Hashem’s Torah is our treasure of Truth, Light, and Life.

As we open up our Holy Tanach to Genesis we are blessed to read: “In the beginning of G-d’s creating—the heavens and the earth.” [1]

 

One Day:

“When G-d began to create heaven and earth— the earth being unformed and void, with darkness over the surface of the deep and a wind from G-d sweeping over the water— G-d said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. G-d saw that the light was good, and G-d separated the light from the darkness. G-d called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, a first day.” (Genesis 1:1-5) [2]

Hashem is Light. Wind is Spirit (Ruach) of  G-d Who hovered over the waters of Chaos. On Creation Day One, darkness was separated by light. Light was called  Day, and darkness was called Night. Hashem said it was Good, Tov.

Day Two:

“G-d said, “Let there be an expanse in the midst of the water, that it may separate water from water.” G-d made the expanse, and it separated the water which was below the expanse from the water which was above the expanse. And it was so. G-d called the expanse Sky. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.”(Genesis 1:6-8)[3]

Day Two was the separation of the expanse (Rakiah) between the upper (heavenly/Shamayim), and the lower (earthly/Mayim) waters. The firmament was separated the upper and lower waters. The Heavens in Hebrew is “Schamiam.”

Day Three:

 G-d said, “‘Let the water below the sky be gathered into one area, that the dry land may appear.” And it was so. G-d called the dry land Earth, and the gathering of waters He called Seas. And God saw that this was good. And G-d said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation: seed-bearing plants, fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: seed-bearing plants of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that this was good. And there was evening and there was morning, a third day.’”(Genesis 1:10-14)[4]

Day Three was a gathering of the lower waters into one place so that dry land could appear. The gatherings of the waters were called Seas, and the land gathered was called earth. There was vegetation, seed-bearing plants, and fruit-bearing trees. G-d called it good.

Day Four:

G-d said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate day from night; they shall serve as signs for the set times—the days and the years; and they serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth.” And it was so. G-d made the two great lights, the greater light to dominate the day and the lesser light to dominate the night, and the stars. And G-d set them in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth, to dominate the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And G-d saw that this was good. And there was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.” (Genesis 1:15-20)[5]

Day Four, Hashem gave us His set times, the Moedim. The sun, moon, and stars were created to be great lights: the sun to dominate day, while the moon to give lesser light at night. The day separates the darkness– Rulership. To Govern. And G-d said it was good. We, too, are to illuminate Hashem’s light, bringing Torah to others in kindness. Like the moon, our face should illuminate His Truth that shines down on us.

G-d is our King and Ruler. He is Sovereign Who created the heavens and the earth. He is our Shield and Protector. He is merciful, yet “Elohim” means judgment. Man cannot live under strict justice alone. Man needs a merciful G-d in order to have existence. Hashem’s righteousness is too powerful contrary to our sinful nature.

Our Father knew we needed Hashem’s mercy, a delicate balance of Mercy and Justice. “Reisheet t’vuato” is referred to the Children of Israel as the “First Fruits” of Hashem’s Harvest, according to Jeremiah 2:3. Israel is Holy to Hashem.

“Through the reishis Hashem created [the heavens and the earth],” and reishis means Torah, as in “Hashem made me [the Torah] the beginning (reishis) of His way” (Proverbs 8:22) [6]

Hashem created the world for the sake of Israel. Hashem made the Torah, and He created His Throne of Glory. Hashem is Light yet, be He can be concealed in darkness by restricting too much light into the world. The darkness cannot comprehend light. This reminds us when Moses returned down the mountain, the people couldn’t bear to look at the brightness of Moses’ face; therefore, he covered his face from the people.

Day Five:

“G-d said, “Let the waters bring forth swarms of living creatures, and birds that fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” G-d created the great sea monsters, and all the living creatures of every kind that creep, which the waters brought forth in swarms, and all the winged birds of every kind. And G-d saw that this was good. G-d blessed them, saying, “Be fertile and increase, fill the waters in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” And there was evening and there was morning, a fifth day.” (Genesis 1: 21-24)[7]

Day Five was creation of birds of the sky and fish of the sea. Hashem blessed them to be fruitful and multiply (according to its kind). Hashem endowed the living creatures to reproduce,  to teem in swarms of currents in the wind, or through water; rapidly with Hashem’s might and power given. G-d said it was good.

Likewise, with Torah, we are to take the Torah out to the Nations, rapidly, planting our Father’s seeds of Truth; bringing G-d’s Light to others.

“Come and see how powerful is the might of the Torah, and how high it rises above all! Because whoever conducts his life according to the Torah has no fear of those above or below, and mishaps or illnesses of this world do not concern him. Through the Torah, he is attached to the Tree of Life and learns from it every day.”(Zohar 1:11a, 3)[8]

Day Six:

G-d said, “Let the earth bring forth every kind of living creature: cattle, creeping things, and wild beasts of every kind.” And it was so. G-d made wild beasts of every kind and cattle of every kind, and all kinds of creeping things of the earth. And G-d saw that this was good. And G-d said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. They shall rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the cattle, the whole earth, and all the creeping things that creep on earth.” And G-d created man in His image, in the image of G-d He created him; male and female He created them. G-d blessed them and G-d said to them, “Be fertile and increase, fill the earth and master it; and rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and all the living things that creep on earth.” G-d said, “See, I give you every seed-bearing plant that is upon all the earth, and every tree that has seed-bearing fruit; they shall be yours for food. And to all the animals on land, to all the birds of the sky, and to everything that creeps on earth, in which there is the breath of life, [I give] all the green plants for food.” And it was so. And G-d saw all that He had made, and found it very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. “(Genesis 1:25-31)[9]

Day Six was the creation of Beast and Man. Hashem provided light, soil, water, seeds, plants, trees, and food for all living creatures, and Man. Beast needed to be created before Man so that Man (Human kind) could have domain over all things. Adam came from the dust. G-d blew in the Breath of Life, Ruach, into Adam’s nostrils. With the dust being formed into man, we can only imagine a little of the kneading and forming by making Challah, separating it with a blessings. Chavah (Eve) was designed from Adam’s rib. She didn’t come from his heel to be walked on, nor from Adam’s head to be above, but to be at his side, evenly, protected under his arm.

Day Seven:

“The heaven and the earth were finished, and all their array. On the seventh day G-d finished the work that He had been doing, and He ceased on the seventh day from all the work that He had done. And G-d blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because on it G-d ceased from all the work of creation that He had done.” (Genesis 2:1-3)[10]

Day Seven was declared the Sabbath, G-d abstained from His work. It is to be a day of rest from the ordinary six days of work– to be set apart from what is ordinary. The Torah tells us that G-d blessed and sanctified the seventh day to be a Holy convocation unto Hashem. Our fourth commandment tells us to “Remember” the Sabbath and keep it holy. Adam and Eve were created just before Sabbath. Man was given the intelligence and wisdom to bring the holiness of the Sabbath (Shabbat/Shabbos) into their ordinary weekdays. Animals were created to perform like beasts, while Man was created imperfect so that we could continue to improve ourselves; having the ability to grow closer to Hashem– to learn how to surrender ourselves to G-d. The Torah is our lifeline back to the Father. The Torah is like our umbilical cord, life source, connecting us to Hashem. Our souls are like a newborn baby, crying out to our Father, waiting for Hashem’s comforting love and guidance.

The Torah is powerful! It was given to us (through Moses) by the Hand of G-d; written by His Almighty finger. Hashem brought forth the cure for the sickness (sin) of man that will draw us to our Redeemer through Teshuvah. When we have Emunah (Faith) in Hashem’s Truth, through His light given, Redemption comes with the might and power of Hashem—returning us back to the Garden.

Hashem will always protect Israel, without her, nothing would continue to exist. Israel is the Bride. She will be redeemed!

Let’s take a closer look at “Bereishit/ Bereshis.” It means “Beginning.” Hashem is the beginning and the end. Hashem is the first and last. There is no other G-d. The first letter of the Hebrew letter is “Aleph” which is silent. “Beit/ Beis” is the second letter which means “to build.”

“A house is built by wisdom, And is established by understanding.” (Proverbs 24:3)[11]

Wisdom (Chokmah) builds (Beis) her home with understanding (Binah). Binah is part of the sephira, below Keter (Head/crown) on the Tree of Life. Binah is discernment to foresee what belongs, and what doesn’t.  In the beginning, Elohim brought forth His Healing Power, with Chokmah. Binah builds the house with Emet (Truth) of G-d, as it is written in the Torah and lived through in the Oral Torah.

 “For the commandment is a lamp, The teaching is a light, And the way to life is the rebuke that disciplines.(Proverbs 6:23)[12]

“Mitzvah” is Hebrew for Commandments. Hashem’s Torah (Law/Instructions) is our Light! We are to keep Hashem’s mitzvoth daily. Can one remove the Torah from their life and believe they are truly living out their days that honor Hashem, our Creator? Removing the Torah would remove the Truth Hashem gave to us on Mount Sinai.  There would be no more light. No Truth. No Life. The Adversary is the Evil Inclination who lies, wandering “to and fro” on the earth seeking for someone to devour. Did he not question G-d’s authority back in the Garden of Eden when he asked Chavah what Elohim really said? Hasatan twisted the Torah for man to question G-d’s authority. It’s important not to take verses out of context. The Torah is our guidance, and way to have Life that is Eternal.

“[I swear] by the Torah and the teaching, that they will make this statement to you, that has no light of dawn.”(Isaiah8:20)[13]

We look to the G-d in Heaven, our Creator, Who is mighty with great power Who brings our redemption.

Let’s briefly recap:

Let there be light, and light came into the world. There was light, but man hated darkness. G-d created the light and said it was good, but wicked men hated the light, therefore, G-d separated the light from the darkness. Those who hate darkness do not seek what is light, and those who love truth, seek to walk in the light—TORAH!

Torah is the living truth and light. If we do not want to be corrected (to be teachable), then the alternative states we do not want Truth.

“And the LORD G-d said, “Now that the man has become like one of us, knowing good and bad, what if he should stretch out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever!” So the LORD God banished him from the garden of Eden, to till the soil from which he was taken. He drove the man out, and stationed east of the garden of Eden the cherubim and the fiery ever-turning sword, to guard the way to the tree of life.” (Genesis 3:22- 24)[14]

When Adam and Eve (Chavah) sinned, they became separated from G-d, and had to leave the Garden. The Tree of Life needed to be guarded by Angels (with swords) until Hashem brings Redemption for us to return to the Garden. Hashem’s love, mercy and grace protected man from the Tree of Life, not to be left in a sinful state [Eternally] that would leave man dead, spiritually.

“You shall make a curtain of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and fine twisted linen; it shall have a design of cherubim worked into it.” (Exodus 26:31)[15]

Just like the Cherubim’s that guarded the Tree of Life, we cannot just go through the Holy of Holies by ourselves as there is a sword.

“The LORD said to Moses: Tell your brother Aaron that he is not to come at will into the Shrine behind the curtain, in front of the cover that is upon the ark, lest he die; for I appear in the cloud over the cover.”(Leviticus 16:2)[16]

We cannot return to Gan Eden by ourselves, based on our own terms.  Hashem is an all- consuming fire. We cannot return to the Garden without His restoration through Hashem’s redemption—it is amazing to know that the Garden of Eden (Gan Eden) was not part of the Creation. He didn’t speak it into existence. He planted it HIMSELF. Hashem is the Gardener!

“HASHEM G-d planted a garden in Eden, to the east, and placed there the man whom He had formed.” (Genesis 2:8)[17]

When Elohim created Adam, he formed Adam outside of the garden, breathed-life (Ruach) into man, and placed him into the garden. Adam was the one who was given the commandment not to eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Eve wasn’t designed yet. She was designed from Adam’s rib later on. It was Adam who forgot about G-d with his ego. Eve sinned when she desired to have more knowledge (pride). Sadly, Adam blamed G-d and Eve without taking any responsibility that he had forgotten G-d and listened to a different master–hasatan. OUCH!

“The LORD G-d formed man from the dust of the earth. He blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7)[18]

Also read:

“The LORD G-d took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden, to till it and tend it. And the LORD G-d commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you are free to eat; but as for the tree of knowledge of good and bad, you must not eat of it; for as soon as you eat of it, you shall die.” The LORD G-d said, “It is not good for man to be alone; I will make a fitting helper for him.” And the LORD G-d formed out of the earth all the wild beasts and all the birds of the sky, and brought them to the man to see what he would call them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that would be its name. And the man gave names to all the cattle and to the birds of the sky and to all the wild beasts; but for Adam no fitting helper was found. So the LORD G-d cast a deep sleep upon the man; and, while he slept, He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that spot. And the LORD G-d fashioned the rib that He had taken from the man into a woman; and He brought her to the man. Then the man said, “This one at last Is bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh. This one shall be called Woman, For from man was she taken.” (Genesis2:15-23)[19]

G-d brought forth the woman to be Adam’s “protector.” We will talk more on that later on a different topic.

This Torah Portion is about the Creation of the heavens and the earth. Man was nothing until Elohim breathed life into him. The Haftorah is about the creation of the Nation of Israel.

“Thus said G-d the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread out the earth and what it brings forth, Who gave breath to the people upon it And life to those who walk thereon: the LORD, in My grace, have summoned you, And I have grasped you by the hand. I created you, and appointed you A covenant people, a light of nations— Opening eyes deprived of light, Rescuing prisoners from confinement, From the dungeon those who sit in darkness. I am the LORD, that is My name; I will not yield My glory to another, Nor My renown to idols.” (Isaiah 42:5-8)[20]

Just as Elohim gave light on the fourth day of Creation (before the sun, moon and stars were created), Hashem is a going to build up and restore Israel! Hashem separated light from the darkness in Creation; Hashem also separated Israel from the Nations with His covenant to be SET APART. Hashem will bring our Messiah to come. G-d will bring the restoration of One Accord (Echad), One Belief, and One G-d.

“The LORD desires His [servant’s] vindication, That he may magnify and glorify [His] Teaching. Yet it is a people plundered and despoiled: All of them are trapped in holes, Imprisoned in dungeons. They are given over to plunder, with none to rescue them; To despoilment, with none to say “Give back!” If only you would listen to this, Attend and give heed from now on!” (Isaiah 42:21-23)[21]

Hashem will restore all matters. He will bring us all home to Israel for His ingathering:

“Fear not, for I am with you: I will bring your folk from the East, Will gather you out of the West; I will say to the North, “Give back!” And to the South, “Do not withhold! Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the end of the earth— All who are linked to My name, Whom I have created, Formed, and made for My glory—“(Isaiah 43:5-7)[22]

Hashem will call His Witnesses:

“My witnesses are you —declares the LORD— My servant, whom I have chosen. To the end that you may take thought, And believe in Me, And understand that I am He: Before Me no g-d was formed, And after Me none shall exist— None but me, the LORD; Beside Me, none can grant triumph. I alone foretold the triumph And I brought it to pass; I announced it, And no strange god was among you. So you are My witnesses —declares the LORD— And I am G-d.”  (Isaiah 43:10-12)[23]

Hashem separated Israel and became scattered. But He will bring an ingathering; calling back His Sheep (people) to Israel when there is a restoration of Israel. You can read more about Hashem’s Sheep in “Our Shephard’s Voice.”

After reading through these verses, we can verify the truth of the Torah, given to us by Hashem. Hashem is our G-d, Creator, and will make all things right.

The (4) Rivers will flow out from His inmost being. Just like in the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, the (4) Rivers flowed.

“A river issues from Eden to water the garden, and it then divides and becomes four branches. The name of the first is Pishon, the one that winds through the whole land of Havilah, where the gold is. (The gold of that land is good; bdellium is there, and lapis lazuli.) The name of the second river is Gihon, the one that winds through the whole land of Cush. The name of the third river is Tigris, the one that flows east of Asshur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.” (Genesis 2:10-14)[24]

 

Stay-tuned to Bereishit Part 2 . We will look for the connections of the four rivers to the Creation Story.

 

[1] Genesis 1:1, The Stone Edition, Tanach

[2] Genesis 1:1-5,  Sefaria

[3] Genesis 1:6-8. Sefaria

[4] Genesis 1: 10-14, Sefaria

[5] Genesis 15-20, Sefaria

[6] Bereishit Rabbah 1:1

[7] Genesis 1: 21-24, Sefaria

[8] Zohar 1:11a,3

[9] Genesis 1:25-31, Sefaria

[10] Genesis 2:1-3, Sefaria

[11] Proverbs 24:3, Sefaria

[12] Proverbs 6:23, Sefaria

[13] Isaiah 8:20, The Stone Edition

[14]Genesis 3:22-24, Sefaria

[15] Exodus 26:31, Sefaria

[16] Leviticus 16: 2, Sefaria

[17] Genesis 2:8, The Stone Edition

[18] Genesis 2:7, Sefaria

[19] Genesis 2: 15-23, Sefaria

[20] Isaiah 42: 5-8, Sefaria

[21] Isaiah 42: 21-23, Sefaria

[22] Isaiah 43:5-7, Sefaria

[23] Isaiah 43:10-12, Sefaria

[24] Genesis 2:10-14, Sefaria

Categories: Torah Portions | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Yom Kippur- Day of Atonement

Posted on September 23, 2015 by awakened2torah

yom-kippur-verse-290

Yom HaKippurim/Yom Kippur

~Day of Atonement~

 

“On the tenth day of the same seventh month you shall observe a sacred occasion when you shall practice self-denial. You shall do no work. (Numbers 29:7)[1]

“Mark the tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be a sacred occasion for you: you shall practice self-denial, and you shall bring an offering by fire to the LORD; you shall do no work throughout that day. For it is a Day of Atonement, on which expiation is made on your behalf before the LORD your G-d. Indeed, any person who does not practice self-denial throughout that day shall be cut off from his kin; and whoever does any work throughout that day, I will cause that person to perish from among his people. Do no work whatever; it is a law for all time, throughout the ages in all your settlements. It shall be a sabbath of complete rest for you, and you shall practice self-denial; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall observe this your sabbath.” (Leviticus 23:27-32)[2]

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is a High Holy Sabbath, the holiest day of the year. It occurs on Tishrei Ten (September/October). It is a day of humbling ourselves before our Holy G-d. Yom Kippur is also referred to as Yom Hakippurim that means “day like Purim.” The Book of Esther is the story of redemption. The term Yom Kippur derives from “Yom” which means day and “Kaphar/Kofer” which means to atone for as in covering, protection, redemption, and ransom. Kaphar/Kofer (pitch) was used on Noah’s Ark as a covering to keep the water from seeping in. Pitch was also used on the basket (little ark) that Moses floated in down the Nile among the reeds—another connection. Kaphar/Kofer was the pitch used to not only cover, but to conceal and keep it protected from damage and leaks. This teaches us that the sacrifices on Yom Kippur atone for by covering, protecting, and concealing Israel for another year. The Day of Atonement was a day of grace and compassion. Hashem would give the Israelites a “New Beginning” as a covering for their sins.

This is the sixth festival of the appointed times. It is the last day of Teshuvah, a beautiful time for people to draw nearer to G-d in repentance. We celebrate in humbleness with fasting for twenty-five hours. (Leviticus 23:27-28) People generally dress in white on this day to resemble purity.

There are seven festivals, and Yom Kippur is the sixth holiday. At the concluding season of repentance, Elul One begins on the first of the sixth month. It is the only day the High Priest was permitted to enter into the Holy of Holies; encountering Hashem face-to-face by calling upon The Name–HASHEM. The High Priest would make blood sacrifices for the sins of the people. A bull and two goats were offered for the atonement. The bull would be the atonement for the Mishkan; while the two goats would be chosen by drawing lots which one would carry away the sins of the people. (Leviticus 16)

L’Adonai would be offered to the Hashem, and the other goat, Azazel, would have the sins of the people confessed (through the laying of the hands from the High Priest) upon that goat and carried away into the wilderness. (Leviticus 16:21) If G-d accepted the sacrifices and atonement from the High Priest, the bloody garments that were hung up turned white, according to tradition. We are reminded if our sins are like scarlet; they will be white as snow through forgiveness. (Isaiah 1:18) This is the day we will see Hashem face-to-face; prophetically on a future Day of Atonement.

The Heavenly doors are opened during this ten day period; however, the doors will be closed on Yom Kippur as Yom Kippur is Judgment. The “Ten Days of Awe” is the time to reflect on ourselves for teshuvah. The Day of Judgment will be the day that atonement is executed. Do we look at it as a big judge in a courtroom wearing a long, over-sized black robe; ready to pass the death penalty on us? Or would we look at it as a day of rejoicing and praising Hashem for His redemption? We can find joy knowing that we are Hashem’s Chosen people—signed—sealed—and delivered!

Beast and man were created on Day Six. When Adam and Eve (Chavah) sinned, they needed atonement, the sixth feast. The sixth spirit is Knowledge, or “Da’at”. This isn’t head knowledge; rather it implies intimacy and maturity in Hebrew. It is a type of knowledge or knowing that loves something or someone enough that they will give their life for the other. When a man neglects the Knowledge, his fallen state becomes more extreme and he identifies more with the beast he hunts. The Spirit of Knowledge patiently works and builds understanding in the relationship. The Spirit of Knowledge is a deep mature love that exhibits the awareness of the needs and desires of another. It is a spirit that moved on the sixth day of creation to inspire the creation of Adam & Chavah (Eve)—the mother of all living.

It is interesting to note that the Hebrew letter “VAV” is also the number six (in Hebrew), and means to attach. When man sinned, they could no longer continue living in the Garden, nor could they dwell with the Father as sin separated them. Through the mercy of Hashem, He will bring our redemption.

As we mature and grow in Torah, we can abide in:

✡ Mercy and Grace (A husband should protect his bride)

✡ Covering of sins (Hashem brings redemption, compassion, covering)

✡ Healing (loving one another with loving kindness)

✡ Restoration of relationships (restoration)

✡ Repents & seeks forgiveness

Hashem has established the perfect plan for us to come back through His Love and Mercy.

Hashem has established the perfect plan for us to come back through His Love and Mercy

Let’s look at the Story of Jonah for some more connections. Let’s consider Jonah’s actions when disobedience comes into play.

Yonah was called by Hashem to go to Nineveh with a message from G-d to repent from their sins or they would be destroyed. But he ran away to Tarshish, instead. Why did Jonah run from Hashem? Can anyone really hide from the King of the universe?

When Jonah knew Hashem was giving Nineveh a chance to be forgiven, life no longer mattered to Jonah. He wanted them to pay for their evilness. Jonah was the son of Amittai (Truth). Yonah saw his dreadful journey coming true after Hashem told him to go to Nineveh and accept their apology.

Looking back at the story while Jonah was on the ship, he was on the lowest level; sleeping in the height of the storm. Jonah ignored Hashem when He called out to him. The sailors cast lots. He told them to throw him overboard. He didn’t know Hashem had a whale ready for action. After the sailors tried to help Jonah, they threw him overboard, regretfully. While he was in the belly of the whale, Yonah still wanted to die, but Hashem had different plans.

Jonah’s Prayer of Distress:

“The LORD provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah; and Jonah remained in the fish’s belly three days and three nights. Jonah prayed to the LORD his G-d from the belly of the fish. He said: In my trouble I called to the LORD, And He answered me; From the belly of Sheol I cried out, And You heard my voice. You cast me into the depths, Into the heart of the sea, The floods engulfed me; All Your breakers and billows Swept over me. I thought I was driven away Out of Your sight: Would I ever gaze again Upon Your holy Temple? The waters closed in over me, The deep engulfed me. Weeds twined around my head. I sank to the base of the mountains; The bars of the earth closed upon me forever. Yet You brought my life up from the pit, O LORD my G-d! When my life was ebbing away, I called the LORD to mind; And my prayer came before You, Into Your holy Temple. They who cling to empty folly Forsake their own welfare, But I, with loud thanksgiving, Will sacrifice to You; What I have vowed I will perform. Deliverance is the LORD’s! The LORD commanded the fish, and it spewed Jonah out upon dry land.” (Jonah 2, Sefaria)

While Jonah was in the belly of the whale he thought he would never see dry land again. He was in the whales belly for three days and three nights. After Jonah delivered the message, Nineveh repented and Hashem relented the ra’ah (evil) that would have destroyed them with Hashem’s burning wrath. Jonah, in his disappointment and anger, prayed for Hashem to take his soul because it would have been better for his death than to have lived. (Jonah 4:8) Hashem remained quiet and gave him a lesson with the worm instead.

Yonah (Jonah) sat up on the hill; overlooking the city of Nineveh in hopes Nineveh refused to repent so that Hashem would destroy them (Nineveh would probably be what ISIS is like in today’s world). He made himself a Sukkah (booth/tent) to sit under for shade. The question is, if Yonah had shade already, why did Hashem place a kikayon plant over (covering) Jonah’s sukkah? Ra’ah was first mentioned when Hashem wanted to send Yonah to Nineveh because they had done evil (ra’ah) in the sight of Hashem and were going to be destroyed. They made a teshuvah! Elokim relented the ra’ah He was going to place on Nineveh. It’s interesting how the role of events play out when Yonah (Jonah) felt a dreadful ra’ah coming his way and he needed Hashem’s protection. Yonah became very angry towards Hashem because he already knew that Hashem would change His mind, which only partially answers why Jonah ran from Hashem. The Book of Jonah states, “I knew that you are a gracious and merciful G-d, slow to anger, abundant in kindness, and relent from doing harm.”(Jonah 4:2)[3]

Hashem revealed His Thirteen Attributes of Mercy to Mosheh (Moses) on Mount Sinai after the sin of the golden calf. It was Hashem’s grace and mercy that saved the Jews and mixed-multitude from destruction. Looking back in the Book of Jonah, it is revealed that Jonah’s father’s name is Amittai (root word is Emet, truth), son of Truth. Was Jonah looking for Divine Justice on Nineveh? Go back to Jonah sitting in his sukkah and the plant created for extra shade (covering) even though he knew that Elokim had spared Nineveh. Yonah found great joy in the plant that provided shade over his head. He felt loved. Then the worm ate the roots of the plant, and when the plant faded and died, Yonah (Jonah) once again wanted to die; stating that he was “grieved to death.” (Jonah 4:9, Stone Edition, Tanach) Why was Yonah upset over the plant dying? What did the plant represent?

The plant demonstrated Hashem’s lovingkindness and mercy given so that Jonah could see His Compassion. So if the plant giving shade is the countenance of Hashem’s compassion, what is the face of the worm? Justice.

Hashem was trying to show Jonah that there’s a conflict between having compassion, and applying justice. Jonah needed to learn G-d is a G-d of Mercy—Forgiveness given undeserved. Hashem caused a plant to grow from nothing in a world it didn’t belong, and Jonah had compassion for it.

Nineveh belonged in the world—G-d’s creation; yet, Jonah wanted them to be destroyed without mercy. Nineveh was very evil indeed, but because they had Teshuvah, who didn’t deserve Hashem’s compassion and forgiveness, we can appreciate what we can become with a changed heart! Yes, their sins were forgiven. They couldn’t change their past actions, but they could change their future. We are also given that same opportunity because He loves us. Our heart defines our character when others (who have hurt us) need forgiveness.

As we enter Yom Kippur we need to acknowledge that even though we can’t change our past we can reflect on our past, and reevaluate our impending changes for the future; giving all Glory to Hashem. We need to seek Hashem for forgiveness (Teshuvah) for our sins, ask Him to help us have Chesed (loving kindness) for others, to be forgiving of others (even if they don’t deserve it), to honor Torah, and to follow G-d’s way.

When we love Hashem’s Creation, we can nurture it, have unity, and restore healing.

“Remember us for the sake of Life, A King Who desires Life, Inscribe us in the Book of Life For Your sake O’ G-d of Life. Who is like You O’ Father of compassion, Who remembers his creatures for Life with compassion.”

How to observe Yom Kippur:

  • Self-reflection—acknowledge your sins
  • Fast for twenty-five hours—drink plenty of water the day before.
  • Tashlich ceremony—a beautiful tradition for family to go out to a body of moving water such as a stream or river and toss in bread crumbs, or tiny rocks, if it’s not on the Sabbath. This is done on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, but can be celebrated during Yom Kippur. This reminds us of G-d’s forgiveness by casting our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:18-19)
  • Teshuvah (Repentance)—Seek Hashem for the forgiveness of sins. There are also five prayers that are recited:
  • Kol Nidre—to annul all vows.
  • The Shema
  • Amidah
  • Avinu Malkeinu—“Our Father, Our King,” (It’s a prayer during a time of fasting).
  • Minchah (Leviticus 18) – while this is read in the synagogues, the Midrash explains that we shouldn’t uncover the “nakedness” of others, just as Hashem didn’t uncover the “nakedness” of Israel. It is also a reminder that sexual immorality is a sin, but can be forgiven.
  • Viduly—prayer of confession upon the sins made.
  • Neilah—closing the gates (Day of Atonement).
  • Seek Forgiveness—if you have acknowledged your sins, it is time to approach those you have hurt, offended, or transgressed against with sincerity and honesty to ask for forgiveness. If they are resentful and do not accept your apology then it’s in Hashem’s hands. Sometimes we have to wipe the dust from our shoes and turn it over to Hashem. But we must try first.

Practice the customary restrictions that remind us of humility:

  • No perfumes or oils on body,
  • Baths and showers are skipped.
  • No animal products (leather shoes) are worn.
  • Fast from foods and water for twenty-five hours—this can be omitted for those with medical issues, pregnant, nursing, young children, or elderly.
  • Donate money—if it isn’t plausible, donate your time to those less fortunate.
  • Attend Shul or a synagogue if possible.
  • Nosh—after the sun goes down on sunset on Yom Kippur, it’s time to break the fast and eat! The first meal is the pre-fast meal—the meal of separation. The second meal is after the fast. Both meals are to be prepared before the fast.
  • G’mar Hatima Tova (Say to others): May you be sealed in the Book of Life!
  • G’mar Tov (Say to others): May you have an easy fast!

 

Shalom!

[1] Numbers 29:7, Sefaria

[2] Leviticus 23:27-32, Sefaria

[3] Jonah 4:2, Sefaria

 

 

 

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