These are the Words

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

A famous rebbe once stated that the opening phrase of the parashah, "These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel," is meant to teach that words of Torah should always be regarded as something new and exciting. "They should be new in your eyes every day," says Rashi. Ben Bag Bag says, "Turn it over, turn it over again, for everything is within it. Look into it and become gray haired and old in it." (m.Avot 5:22)

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Devarim (דברים | Words)

Torah: Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22

Haftarah: Isaiah 1:1-27

Gospel: Mark 14:1-16

The Land of Israel

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

"Command the sons of Israel and say to them, 'When you enter the land of Canaan, this is the land that shall fall to you as an inheritance, even the land of Canaan according to its borders.'" (Numbers 34:2)

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Massei (מסעי | Journeys)

Torah: Numbers 33:1-36:13

Haftarah: Jeremiah 2:4-28, 3:4,4:1-2

Gospel: Matthew 24:1-25:46

Religion is a Two-edged Sword

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

Religion is a two-edged sword. On the one hand, faith in God, trust in Messiah and obedience to God's commandments is the narrow path that leads to life. It brings peace, joy and purpose to existence. On the other hand, religious convictions can become a source of strife, enmity and hatred between people and nations.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Pinchas (פנחס | Phinehas)

Torah: Numbers 25:10-30:1

Haftarah: 1 Kings 18:46-19:21

Gospel: Mark 11:27-12:37

Life's Little Interruptions

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:

If God can speak through a donkey, He can speak through anything and anyone. A person should always be attentive to the words of others, always listening for the voice of the LORD.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Balak (בלק | Balak)

Torah: Numbers 22:2-25:9

Haftarah: Micah 5:6-6:8

Gospel: Mark 11:12-26