Category: aliyah highlight

parasha Beha’alotecha 5783 – 5th aliyah

weekly Torah reading: parasha Beha’alotecha 5783

– 5th aliyah (Numbers 10:11-34)

“And it came to pass in the second year, in the second month on the twentieth day of the month, that the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle of the testimony.” – Numbers 10:11, JPS 1917 Tanach

Ten days under a year after arriving at the base of Mount Sinai, the encampment received Holy Word to pack up gear and move on: for “the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle of the Testimony” (Numbers 10:11). Thus, the Divine Sign was given to journey to the next encampment, location to be announced. The twelve tribes of Israel proceeded to move out in a predetermined, orderly fashion. This included the three Levite families transporting the accoutrements of the Mishkan.

Moshe’s father-in-law, Yisro is invited to accompany B’nei Yisrael on their journey. He is referred to in this passage as “Hobab,” from the word for “love,” seemingly so, because he was given a new name upon becoming part of Israel. Yet, he appears to decline the offer. Even so, Moshe entreats him (10:32), saying that he will receive the same bounty that is received by Israel. Although the Torah remains silent on whether or not he accompanied them at that time, it appears that he did. Indeed, his descendants were eventually given a tract of land near Jericho.

On our own journeys through life, as we move from one place to another, whether physically, or spiritually there is not always as much fanfare as there was within the parameters given for B’’nei Yisrael’s departures. The cloud would ascend, the trumpets were blown, and the banners for each tribe waved in the air as the procession began. Yet, in consideration of our inclusion with K’lal Yisrael (All of Israel), we may attach ourselves to the moadim (the appointed times) on the Hebrew calendar, committing ourselves to proceed throughout the year, according to the various events commemorated as a people. This is our heritage.

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Blessing of Preservation

1st Aliyah parasha Vayechi

5783 – blessing of preservation

Both Manasseh and Ephraim both grew up in the royal household of Egypt. Yaakov, their grandfather, who is partially blind, asks who they are, when Jospeh brings them to him. On a deeper leve, his question may be construed as an inquiry into their character. Are their moral concomitant with the legacy of Abraham? Have they remained in their integrity as the sons of the righteous Joseph, who surely instructed them properly. Despite the surrounding idolatrous environment, are there adherents to the belief in the G-d of Israel? The answer to all of the above is yes, inasmuch that Yaakov’s blessing was for the sake of preservation, that they continue on the derech.

This blessing is performed every Friday evening when parents bless their sons. Implicitly, this blessing is meant to be a safeguard against undue influence from the less than ideal mores of society that are opposed to living a righteous life. Something we all face, in terms of this type of influence, the moreso, depending upon how much interaction we have with outside influences.

Peer pressure, while growing up, especially for those of us who have grown up in the secular world; and, other types of pressure today as adults at work, in social spheres, and at the hands of the misguided social justice warriors who use intimidation and condemnation as their means to compel or cancel others, who do not follow the narrative norm. Yet, Israel is a nation set apart from the nations.

parasha Vayeishev 5783 – 6th aliyah

parasha Vayeishev 6th aliyah (Genesis 39:7-23)

 “Self-respect is the fruit of discipline; the sense of dignity
grows with the ability to say no to oneself.” – Abraham Joshua Heschel

 Concerning Joseph, who was tempted by his master Potiphar’s wife,
it is written that “he refused, and said unto his master’s wife: ‘Behold, my master,
having me, knoweth not what is in the house, and he hath put all that he hath
into my hand; he is not greater in this house than I; neither
hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife. How
then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against G-d?’

– Genesis 39:8-9, JPS 1917 Tanach

 note: The importance of engaging with Torah cannot be
underestimated. Chasidism teaches that there is a light from Above that
sustains our understanding, and enlightens our eyes to the nature of G-d’s
wisdom, especially while reading the concurrent passage of the day, known as
the aliyah.

“Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things
out of Thy law.”

–
Psalms 119:18, JPS 1917 Tanach