Torah Notes – July 2011
Torah Notes – July
Here is just a taste of the Torah you can look forward to in the month ahead. For the real thing, be sure to join us each Shabbat morning at 9 am for a lively discussion of the meaning and implications of the weekly portion. All are welcome. No previous experience required.
July 2 Parashat Chukkat Numbers 19:1-20:21
This parasha presents the details concerning the ritual slaughter of the “red heifer.” Miriam, Moses and Aaron’s sister, then dies at Kadesh. Miriam has often been linked with water as the people wandered in the desert. Immediately following Miriam’s death, the people complain that they have no water. God explains to Moses that he needs to speak to the rock to bring forth water for the people. (Previously, in Exodus, Moses was instructed to strike the rock.) Moses is so frustrated with the constant complaining of the “rebels” that he strikes the rock instead. Water comes out, but Moses pays the price for not keeping faith with God in the sight of the community. As a result, Moses will not be allowed into the Land of Israel. Aaron dies at Hor and his priestly authority is passed on to his son, Eleazar. Along the way, the people complain some more and are attacked by snakes. They also fight battles against different peoples. In each battle, the Israelites are victorious conquering towns and acquiring large territories.
July 9 Parashat Balak Numbers 22:2-38
This week’s reading follows the Israelites on their journey to the Land of Israel, where, along the way, they encounter the nation of Moav. Balak, the king, hires the prophet, Balaam, to curse the Children of Israel. This parasha contains the famous story of Balaam and the talking donkey. Instead of cursing the People of Israel, however, Balaam blesses them. A portion of that blessing remains as an opening prayer in the morning service, known as Ma Tovu. Four oracles follow, and the parashah concludes with the story of idolatry at Baal Peor.
July 16 Parashat Pinchas Numbers 25:10-26:51
Pinchas, who is the son of Elazar and the grandson of Aaron, is rewarded for his zeal by God. From then on, it will be the offspring of Pinchas, the Zadokites, who will be in the priesthood. The second census is taken to prepare for war with the Midianites and to apportion the land. After this, the case of the daughters of Tzelophechad is pleaded and judgment rendered. Moses goes up the mountain of Avarim to view the land and Joshua is appointed to succeed him. The parasha concludes with the listing of all the public sacrifices offered on the holy days.
July 23 Parashat Matot Numbers 30:2-31:54
In Mattot, Moses speaks to the heads of the Israelite tribes about oaths. The war against the Midianites occupies much of the first part, while in the latter half the tribes of Gad and Reuben negotiate to settle the east side of the Jordan as long as they participate in the conquest of the land.
July 30 Parshat Masei Numbers 33:1-49
Masei recounts the 42 stops that comprise the Israelite’s trek in the wilderness. The boundaries and divisions of the land of Canaan are detailed, complete with the Cities of Refuge. This parasha concludes the Book of Numbers with laws of inheritance and the special case of the daughters of Tzelophechad. Chazak, chazak v’nitchazek. May we be strengthened by the study of Torah.
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