Saturday, April 14, 2018

CHUCK KOLB 04/13/2018

Shabbat Shalom - Parasha Shemini - Ordination of Aaron !!!

Previously posted ... 
Shabbat Shalom - Acharon Shel Pesach - The Meal of the Messiah !!!

http://conpats.blogspot.com/2018/04/chuck-kolb-04062018.html

Welcome to this week’s reading of the Torah portion called Shemini (Shmini or Sh’mini), which means eighth. 
The name arises from Leviticus 9:1 which on the eighth [shemini] day Moses summoned Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel. For seven days, Aaron and his sons stayed at the Tent of Meeting as part of their ordination process.  On the eighth day, Moses called for them to begin presenting the offerings (קָרְבֳּנוֹת, korbanot) to the Lord. Please join with us as we study the Scriptures that will be read this Shabbat (Saturday) in synagogues around the world. We know you will be blessed as you study this Torah portion with us. 


Last week, an extra day, called Acharon Shel Pesach (Last Day of Passover) was celebrated.
Devoted to the Messiah (HaMashiach) and concluding with Moshiach’s Seudah, the Meal of the Messiah. 


You can view this Parasha on our website complete with embedded links ... 
Parasha Shemini (Eighth): New Beginnings published in 5777

http://free.messianicbible.com/parasha/parasha-shemini-eighth-new-beginnings/
http://free.messianicbible.com/category/torah 

Parasha Reading Schedule 5778 
http://free.messianicbible.com/torah-reading-schedule 

Why Are Christians Adopting Jewish Practice of Studying the Weekly Torah Portion?
https://theisraelbible.com/christians-adopting-jewish-practice-studying-weekly-torah-portion/

Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord of Hosts – YHVH Sabaoth 
The name YHVH Sabaoth is used 235 times in the Bible. 
http://free.messianicbible.com/feature/holy-holy-holy-lord-hosts-yhvh-sabaoth/ 

The Prophetic Significance of the Passover Lamb 
http://free.messianicbible.com/holiday/the-prophetic-significance-of-the-passover-lamb/ 

Simchat Torah: Celebrating Yeshua – the Word That Dwells Among Us
http://free.messianicbible.com/holiday/dancing-joy-simchat-torah/ 

Celebrate Yeshua HaMashiach's birthday - The Feast of Tabernacles !!! 
http://conpats.blogspot.com/2017/10/chuck-kolb-10082017.html 

Jewish holiday calendars & Hebrew date converter 
http://www.chabad.org/calendar/view/month_cdo/jewish/Jewish-Calendar.htm - https://www.hebcal.com 
https://yiddishkeit101.wordpress.com/category/hebrew-word-of-the-day 

The Daniel Timeline 
http://www.davidjayjordan.com/Danieltimeline.html 

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Parshat Shemini 

https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/2875/jewish/Shemini-in-a-Nutshell.htm 
http://www.chabad.org/parshah/default.asp?tDate=4/14/2018 

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Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Chaim Richman ... 

Weekly Torah Portion: (Shemini) Tazria-Metzora

The three Torah readings of Shemini,Tazria-Metzora, which form the heart of the book of Leviticus, which itself forms the heart of the Five Books of Moses, reveals a heightened spiritual consciousness, which emanates from the Shechinah - G-d's Presence - which dwells within the Tabernacle/Holy Temple, and spreads forth throughout the land of Israel, lifting up its inhabitants, their self-awareness, and, ultimately, their self-esteem and esteem for one another. 

Tazria-Metzora (Leviticus 6:1 - 8:36
Parashat Tazria-Metzora is read on Shabbat:
Nisan 29, 5778 / April 14, 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3V05BMFEWYE (15:36)  
https://www.youtube.com/user/henryporter2/videos 
Published on Apr 11, 2018 - The Temple Institute  
https://www.templeinstitute.org/events.htm 
http://www.templeinstitute.org/ 
Weekly Newsletter - http://is.gd/4BUvi 

Special ... Broadcasting from Jerusalem with Rabbi Chaim Richman, Yitzchak Reuven 
Temple Talk Radio: Sefirat HaOmer: A Divine Self-Help Course in Emotional Maturity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVE2sDW1iHE (46:11)  
Published on Apr 10, 2018 - The Temple Institute 
The Temple Mount Revolution is Underway! 
Israel Responds to Iranian Aggression in Syria and Violent Attempted Incursions from Gaza 

Temple Talk returns from the Passover holiday with its inimitably unique insights and commentary. During this last week of the month of Nisan, Yitzchak Reuven and Rabbi Chaim Richman discuss the amazing potential for spiritual growth during these days of the Biblically-mandated counting of the Omer. This rousing edition of Temple Talk also features inspiring updates regarding the Temple Mount, as well as our hosts' discussion of the human tragedy going on in Syria, and Israel's current security challenges. 

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Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Naphtali “Tuly” Weisz ...  

https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/  https://israel365.com/ 

The Portion of Shemini
https://theisraelbible.com/reading-plan/leviticus/portion-shmini/ 

The Israel Bible side-by-side English and Hebrew text along with audio being read in Hebrew.
https://theisraelbible.com/bible/genesis/chapter-1#verse-1 
https://theisraelbible.com/hebrew-alphabet-chart/ 
https://theisraelbible.com/proper-noun-directory/
https://theisraelbible.com/glossary/ 
https://theisraelbible.com/maps 

New Special Edition Trump-Temple Coin Minted for Israel’s 70th Anniversary-The End of the Exile
by Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz 

The organizations that created the original Trump-Cyrus Coin are now minting a special edition “70 Year Redemption Coin” focused on generating an international effort to build the Third Temple. The timing, coming just before Israel’s 70th birthday, is essential, and the organizers see the Temple as the only hope in averting the developing multinational conflict looming on Israel’s northern border. “The Temple, as a house of prayer for all nations, is the source of true peace,” Rabbi Hillel Weiss, spokesman for the nascent Sanhedrin, a biblically mandated court of 71 elders, told Breaking Israel News. “It has been presented in the media as a ‘flashpoint’, the focus of conflict. That is the opposite of the truth and has actually made this lie into a reality.” [...] 
https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/105767/new-special-edition-temple-coin-minted-for-israels-70th-anniversary-the-end-of-the-exile/ 
http://en.hamikdash.org.il/about/we-need-your-support/the-70-years-israel-redemption-temple-coin/ 

Iran: Instrument of Armageddon or Israel’s Partner in Redemption? 
by Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz  

As tensions between Israel and Iran flare after a reported Israeli airstrike in Syria killed seven Iranian military personnel, one prominent Rabbi is reaching out to Iran as a partner in redemption, connecting with the country’s ancient Persian heritage that played an essential role in building the Second Temple. Against this backdrop of threats and open hostilities between Iran and Israel, Rabbi Hillel Weiss, a professor emeritus at Bar Ilan University and spokesman for the nascent Sanhedrin, told Breaking Israel News, “Of course Iran has a role in the Third Temple, and it is clear that the Iranians want to be a part of this.”
https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/105665/iran-instrument-of-armageddon-or-israels-partner-in-redemption/

Israeli and Polish Presidents March Side by Side at Auschwitz
by Video Manager 

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin marched side by side with his Polish counterpart, Andrzej Duda
in this year’s “March of the Living” at Auschwitz. 

https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/105821/israeli-and-polish-presidents-march-side-by-side-at-auschwitz/ 
Poland: Duda and Israeli Pres. Rivlin join thousands at Auschwitz March of the Living
https://youtu.be/che4peFGuzE (2:09) - Ruptly 4/12/18 

2 FREE bumper stickers - I Stand with Israel 
http://www.shilohisraelchildren.org/free-bumper-stickers/ 
Hebrew “Trump 2016” Bumper Sticker 
https://israel365.com/store/i-love-israel/hebrew-trump-2016-bumper-sticker 

Jared and Ivanka Special w Joseph, Arabella and Theodore ... 

New Year's Eve and Last Night of Chanukah - 5777 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOt972HAF73/ 
Ivanka w Arabella and Joseph making hamentashen - Purim 5777 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BReZzz0lZFr/ 
#ChagPesach - 5777 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSuboUoFIL5/ 
Happy Mothers Day - 5777 w Arabella 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUExq53lUHO/ 
The Western Wall - 5777 w prayer
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUZmyltl4HG/ 
Happy Father's Day - 5777 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVevgrtlaiT/ 
Theodore loves Teddy - 5777
https://www.instagram.com/p/BV7AdBNFCFj/ 
Joseph's first Press Briefing - 5777 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWf3BZ9FMTz/ 
Theodore Surf'in USA - 5777
https://www.instagram.com/p/BW6S2dgFqnG/ 
Arabella w WH Florist, Hedieh - 5777 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXWLTK0lY7T/ 
Joseph, Theodore and Arabella - Monday Comfy Couch 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BXfiO7Tll_c/ 
Theodore Bunny Nap - 5777 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYCg2c0FeQ_/ 
Prayer and Honor First Responders Houston - 5777 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYVxoCDlAOp/ 
Shana Tova u'Metuka! - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZR6YcDFLXt/ 
Joseph and the Sycamore tree - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaSQ1Z7lNVa/ 
Mazel Tov - Jared and Ivanka 8th Anniversary - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BasPPXSFBYP/ 
Family Trip - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb4eb1yFrtS/ 
Theodore Peek-a-boo - 5778
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcVt1CAl311/ 
Happy Chanukah! - 5778
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcnw9Yll2hO/ 
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc3WutUlcmf/ 
Joseph's Fish at Mar-a-Lago - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdK8PpxFprP/ 
Jared's 37th Birthday - 5778 w <3 Ivanka 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdyjoD4lk6X/
Ivanka in Pittsburgh - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeG80HZlihT/ 
Joseph Flies Air Force One - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BewO8OVlSQH/ 
Black n White and Arabella - 5778
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf45VDGlBfT/ 
Scientist Ivanka at Waukee APEX, IA - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BghW-Y8Fgdx/

https://www.instagram.com/ivankatrump/ 
https://twitter.com/ivankatrump  
http://ivankatrump.com/ 

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Todah Rabah - beloved Ted Belman writing from Jerusalem, Israel for 16+ years ...  
THERE IS NO DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION 

US-Russia ‘hotline’ for Syrian air strikes could help avoid conflict escalating
by THE TELEGRAPH

Planned airstrikes on Syria are being co-ordinated with Russia, it has emerged, as Theresa May reassured her Cabinet that any military response to last week’s chemical attack will not escalate into war. The US has identified eight potential targets in Syria, it was reported on Thursday evening, as the Kremlin claimed a secure hotline for the US and Russia to communicate over their operations in Syria was “active” and being used by both sides. Russian President Vladimir Putin expects allied forces to reveal the location of the targets in advance, to avoid bloodshed and restrict damage to legitimate military assets. [...]
https://www.israpundit.org/us-russia-hotline-for-syrian-air-strikes-could-help-avoid-conflict-escalating/ 
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/12/us-russia-hotline-syrian-air-strikes-could-help-avoid-conflict/ 

T. Belman writes, I agree with Tobin. Now’s the time for the US to reassert itself and start dictating what’s going to happen. Russia will cave because all they really want is their foothold in Syria. They do not want to be responsible for the entire Syria and they are not about to attempt to remove the US from the lands it controls. Now is the time to cut a deal with Russia who would like to get off the hook. Give her the port and airbase in Alawite Syria and the Crimea and she will jump at the deal. She does not want to be dragged into the mire by Iran and Turkey is a perennial enemy.
Russia’s in over their heads in Syria
by Jonathan S. Tobin is editor in chief of JNS — Jewish News Syndicate

The outcome of a looming confrontation may depend on how much Russia is willing
to risk if the United States and Israel say enough is enough.

https://www.israpundit.org/russias-in-over-their-heads-in-syria/ 

2 ways to help Ted Belman ... 
Please send checks payable to Ted Belman, 
Hagdud Haivri #1, Jerusalem, 92344, ISRAEL 
Or go to Israel Institute for Strategic Studies 
and use your credit card and mention "Israpundit" 
Donators will get a US tax deductible receipt. 
http://www.strategic-israel.org/  
http://www.israpundit.org/donate/ 

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Courtesy of Bible Gateway ... 
Free Map! Where are the Lost Tribes of Israel today?

https://www.salemoffers.com/campaign/lost-tribes-map-fall-2017-b/ 
http://jvmi.convio.net/assets/pdfs/lost-tribes-map.pdf (1 page pdf) 
✡ ✡ ✡
Yavoh ~ He is coming ! 
Yahweh - Yeshua -  Ruach Ha-Kodesh 
Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה   
BREAKING NEWS FROM ISRAEL 
Minute by minute updates here ... 
Watching for Yeshua Ha-Mashiach   

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https://twitter.com/Conflicts 
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https://www.unwatch.org/
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http://www.therightsideoflife.com/ 
http://illuminatiwatcher.com/ 
http://www.alienanthropology.info/ 
http://forbiddenknowledgetv.net/ 
http://www.brasschecktv.com/ 
http://canadafreepress.com/ 
http://www.educate-yourself.org/cn/ 
http://prophecyupdate.blogspot.com/ 
http://www.prophecynewswatch.com/ 
http://www.itshallcometopass.org/ 
http://www.escapeallthesethings.com/ 
http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/ 
http://www.afa.net/ 
http://pawcreek.org/ 
http://hummingbird027.com/ 
http://www.testingtheglobe.com/  
http://theolivebranchreport.com/ 
http://gotquestions.org/ 
http://ociministries.org/ 
http://www.thetower.org/magazine/ 
http://www.christianitynotchurchianity.blogspot.com/ 
http://www.israpundit.org/ 
http://www.strategic-israel.org/ 
http://pamelageller.com/ 
http://www.jihadwatch.org/ 
http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/ 
http://www.think-israel.org/index.html 
http://www.jewishworldreview.com/ 
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http://www.defendingzion.org/
https://friendsoflibi.org/
https://www.israel365.com/about/
http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/ 
http://www.yeshua-hamashiach.org/ 
http://www.hebrew4christians.com/ 
https://staleyfamilyministries.com/ 
http://www.joyofkosher.com/ 
http://www.templeinstitute.org/ 
http://universaltorah.com/ 
http://www.mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt0.htm 
http://free.messianicbible.com/ 
Pray at the Kotel - the Western Wailing Wall 
http://free.messianicbible.com/enter-prayer-wall/ 
Entire Media News on this Planet 
click continue to use PressDisplay.com 

http://www.pressdisplay.com/pressdisplay/viewer.aspx 

Yom Hashoah 
I am a grandchild of survivors of the Holocaust. I’ve started sharing the story of my four grandparents (a”h) on Instagram and will be LIVE ON INSTAGRAM TODAY with my mom at 9am EST/4pm IST to share more. This day doesn’t hold as much weight for me as one might initially assume because I literally carry my grandparents memory with me each and everyday. Everyday I am strengthened by their survival - survival of atrocities too gruesome to fully comprehend. I personally don’t believe in or need a man-made and specially appointed day on the calendar to commemorate the horrors and celebrate the survival of my family and our people, because I remember every day. I’d love to hear what you feel the significance is of Yom Hashoah.
https://www.facebook.com/jamiegellerdotcom/photos/a.10151781809923800.1073741830.259180953799/10155887609743800/ 

Honoring the memories of my grandparents through their recipes.
My Grandparents' Chicken Soup 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/crystal-clear-chicken-soup-with-julienned-vegetables-and-angel-hair/
My Grandparents' Latkes
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/latkes-potato-pancakes/ 

Your "Key" to a Great Shaped Challah. 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/2018/04/schlissel-challah-shape-variations/ 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwZ7KP_7mqM (29:47) 
https://www.facebook.com/jamiegellerdotcom/videos/vb.259180953799/10155887140583800/ 

Bring on the bread: silly simple pizza, babka & more
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/sheet-pan-pizza/ 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/2018/04/24-mouthwatering-pizza-recipes/

My guiltiest pleasure--sandwich style.
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/smores-challah-panini/
https://www.joyofkosher.com/2018/04/15-mouthwatering-grilled-cheese-recipes/ 

5 easy meals ready in 30 minutes or less.
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/thai-chicken-salad/
https://www.joyofkosher.com/search?query=5%20easy%20meals 

Can you guess the secret ingredient in these 4-Ingredient Chocolate Truffles?
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/spring-green-fruit-salad/
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/chocolate-mango-ganache-truffles/

The Perfect Week for Matzo...As Seen on The Today Show
https://www.joyofkosher.com/2018/03/the-perfect-week-for-matzo-as-seen-on-the-today-show/
w vid Use matzo in 4 different ways for Passover!
https://www.today.com/video/use-matzo-in-4-different-ways-for-passover-1198725699778
https://www.today.com/food/easiest-most-delicious-matzo-ball-recipe-passover-t125845
Matzo Balls by Jamie Geller 
https://www.today.com/recipes/matzo-balls-recipe-t125837 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/best-ever-matzo-ball-soup/ 

Watch Jamie cooking Brisket with Megyn Kelly on The Today Show
by Shifra Klein 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/2018/01/jamie-gellers-brisket-101-as-seen-on-the-today-show/
https://www.today.com/video/make-3-hearty-winter-meals-with-this-delicious-classic-beef-brisket-recipe-1164913219668 
https://www.amazon.com/Jamie-Gellers-Brisket-101-LEFTOVER/dp/1976983851/ 
Just had to tell you about this deal...you can get my Brisket 101 printed book 
for only $6.08 for a limited time only on Amazon. 

Finally! A Healthy Meal Plan for the Whole Family: Fresh Families by Jamie 
https://freshfamilies.us/ 
https://freshfamilies.us/register/ 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6lQsuWGrrA (1:01

Camp Zeke is cook'in with kids http://www.campzeke.org 
Free 2017 - 63 page cookbook - recipes by Alexandra Zohn, MA, HHC 
http://www.campzeke.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2017-Camp-Zeke-Cookbook.pdf 

The Most Popular Recipe - Year 2017
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/potato-kugel-cups/ 
https://youtu.be/ApKzja2XnWE (6:39
The Most Popular Recipes 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/search?query=Most%20Popular%20Recipes 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - EVOO Colavita recipes
https://colavitarecipes.com/recipe/white-bean-and-avocado-toast/ 
https://colavitarecipes.com/recipe/deviled-green-eggs/ 
https://colavitarecipes.com/recipe/sun-dried-tomato-hummus/ 
https://colavitarecipes.com/recipe/quinoa-oat-clusters-fruit-nuts/ 

Joy of Kosher w Jamie Geller   
http://www.joyofkosher.com   
http://www.quickandkosher.com   
http://www.koshermedianetwork.com 
Home of JOY of KOSHER with Jamie Geller 

Our mailing addresses are: 

Kosher Media Holdings LLC: 
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Brooklyn, NY 11219   
Kosher Network International, All rights reserved.
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The answer is, it's made with love from Israel !   
http://joyofkosher.com/joyofisrael 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cua0Iw7HGjw (0:41)   
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https://www.pinterest.com/joyofkosher/joy-of-kosher-community 

Yom HaShoah: Miracles and Passivity During the Holocaust 
On Thursday, April 12, 2018 - sundown on Wednesday, the somber national memorial day of Yom HaZikaron laShoah ve-laG'vurah (Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day) or Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Day) begins.  Here in Israel, we set aside this day to remember the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust. Those who arrived in the fledgling state of Israel in the 1940s from Europe were only a small remnant of the Jewish nation.  Two-thirds of European Jewry and one-third of all world Jewry died in the Holocaust.  Multiple tracks led from all over Europe to concentration camps like Auschwitz. On Thursday at 10 a.m., traffic will come to a stop all over Israel and Israelis will step out of their cars and stand silently in the streets to honor the 11 million people killed in the Holocaust, as well as the heroes who defied the Nazis, risking their own lives. In Poland, 12,000 people from around the world will participate in the 30th annual March of the Living, walking the 3.2 km (2 mile) distance from Auschwitz to Birkenau. Israeli president Reuben Rivlin will lead the march along with Polish president Andrzej Duda. The heads of all Israel’s security forces will follow — the Israel Defense Forces, the Israel Police, the Mossad and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency). [...]
http://free.messianicbible.com/holiday/yom-hashoah-miracles-holocaust/ 

“Today is the Day”
Reading Between the Lines of the Lubavitcher Rebbe's Holocaust Era Calendar 
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1902777/jewish/Today-is-the-Day.htm 
Thursday, April 12, 2018 - 27 Nissan, 5778
https://www.chabad.org/calendar/view/day.asp?tdate=4/12/2018 

President Donald J. Trump 
Proclaims April 12 through April 19, 2018, as the Days of Remembrance of Victims of the Holocaust 
On Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, and during this week of remembrance, we reflect on one of the darkest periods in the history of the world and honor the victims of Nazi persecution.  This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, when the imprisoned Polish Jews mounted a courageous and extraordinary act of armed resistance against their Nazi guards. [...] 
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-april-12-april-19-2018-days-remembrance-victims-holocaust/

On the eighth [shemini] day Moses summoned Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel.  Leviticus 9:1


Shabbat Shalom - Parasha Shemini - Ordination of Aaron !!!



Men pray at the Western (Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem
  
Shabbat Shalom 
 
Welcome to Shemini (Eighth), this week’s Parasha (Torah portion).
 
This portion of Torah will be read in synagogues around the world during this week’s Shabbat (Saturday) service.
 
We invite you to read it along with us; we know you’ll be blessed!
 

A 13-year-old Jewish boy wearing tefillin (phylacteries) and a tallit
(prayer shawl) reads from the Torah at the Western (Wailing) Wall.  
(Israel Ministry of Tourism photo by Yonatan Sindel, Flash 90) 
 
SHEMINI (Eighth)
Leviticus 9:1–11:47; 2 Samuel 6:1–7:17; Mark 9:1–13
 
This week’s Parasha study is called Shemini (Shmini or Sh’mini), which means eighth.  The name arises from the opening verse:
 
“On the eighth [shemini] day Moses summoned Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel.”  (Leviticus 9:1)
 
Last week in Parasha Tzav, God instructed Moses to command Aaron and his sons in how to prepare for their duties
and rights as kohanim (priests). 
 
For seven days, Aaron and his sons stayed at the Tent of Meeting as part of their ordination process.  On the eighth day, Moses called for them to begin presenting the offerings (קָרְבֳּנוֹת, korbanot) to the Lord.
 
These offerings were given as a kind of “welcoming ceremony” to greet the arrival of God’s Shekhinah (Glory or Divine Presence):
 
“Then Moses said, ‘This is what the LORD has commanded you to do, so that the glory of the LORD may appear to you.’”  (Leviticus 9:6)
 
It took a full seven days of preparation before they could begin this new and holy function as priests who serve Adonai in the Mishkan (Tabernacle), where the Glory of the Lord came to reside.
 

"Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD
filled the Tabernacle."  (Exodus 40:34) (Image from page 10 of the 1874
Jewish Tabernacle and Priesthood)

New Beginnings Start with “Eight”
While the number seven represents completion (such as God’s creation of the universe), the number eight often represents new beginnings:
  • On the seventh day, God rested and blessed it, declaring it as a set-apart, holy day of rest.  On the eighth day, however, work resumed once more — only this time, human beings began stewardship of God’s creation by tending and caring for the Garden of Eden.
  • The eighth day is, therefore, a type of anniversary of the Creation.
  • Eight souls were saved during the Mabul HaGadol (Great Flood).
  • The eighth day is considered a day of covenant (brit), for it is on this day that every Jewish male infant is to be brought into covenant with the Almighty God through the rite of circumcision (called Brit Milah in Hebrew).
  • David was the eighth son of Jesse and Israel’s first great king from whose lineage HaMashiach (the Messiah) would come.
  • On the eighth day (first day of the week), Yeshua (Jesus) rose from the grave and became the bikkurim (firstfruits) of all those who will be resurrected on the last day.
Other occurrences of eight include the following:
  • There were eight spices of incense.  As well, the Cohen HaGadol (High Priest) had eight articles of clothing.
  • Often the weeklong festivals of Passover and Sukkot (Tabernacles) are given an additional eighth day of celebration, such as Acharon shel Pesach (Final Day of Passover) and Shemini Atzeret (Eighth Day of Assembly) on Sukkot.

Lederman Synagogue in Bnei Brak, Israel
 
The Beginning of the Year
Coming into active service in the Mishkan on the eighth day was not the only indication of new beginnings in this Parasha.
 
The consecration of Aaron and his sons, as well as the desert Tabernacle, took place exactly one year after the Exodus from Egypt, in Nisan — the first month.
 
Nisan is the beginning of spring, when the rainy season comes to an end, the fruit trees begin to blossom, and the fields are carpeted in wildflowers.
 
The Hebrew word for spring is aviv.  This word can be divided into two parts:  av, which means father; and iv, which has a numerical representation of 12.  Thus, aviv (spring) is seen as the father of the twelve months of the year.
 
Passover, which occurs in this first month of Nisan, is the symbolic “father” of the twelve tribes of Israel as a new nation.  (Joe Bobker, Torah with a Twist of Humor, p. 231)
 
Therefore, the entire Hebrew calendar has a spiritual connection to the formation of the twelve Hebrew tribes, and the service of the priests represents a new beginning for all of Israel.
 

A child sits at her father's feet as he prays at the Western
(Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem. (Israel Tourism photo by VuTheara Kham) 
The Beginning of Wisdom  
On the eighth day, the preparations for God’s glorious entry into the Mishkan (Tabernacle) were over, and Aaron and his sons began their priestly ministry.  (Leviticus 9:1)
 
But something went terribly wrong!
 
Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s two eldest sons perished in the blink of an eye — devoured by the consuming fire of God’s wrath.  Why?  The Torah says they offered “strange fire,” which God had not commanded.
 
“Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered strange fire [zarah] before the LORD, contrary to His command.  So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD.”  
(Leviticus 10:1–2) 
 
The Hebrew word zarah (זָרָה) carries the connotation of being foreign or another kind.
 
What was Aaron’s response to such a disturbing family tragedy?  Silence. (Leviticus 10:3)
 

Nadab and Abihu Destroyed (Phillip Medhurst Bible Pictures)
 
There is a well-known saying that “silence is golden” and Aaron's response to this tragedy is perhaps an example of this.  At a time of great grief, Aaron remained silent rather than speak out in angry accusation against God.
 
When we go through painful trials in life or when tragedy strikes unexpectedly— whether illness, accident, or even death — one of the best initial strategies may be to keep our mouths closed until we have control over what we will say.
 
Solomon, in all of his wisdom, penned the verse:  “Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent.”  (Proverbs 17:28)
 
We see this truth with Job’s friends.
 
After witnessing his terrible situation, they just sat beside him in silence.  It is probably the best thing because when they finally opened their mouths to speak, foolish accusations poured forth.
 

Job Rebuked by His Friends, by William Blake
 
Although it is not clear the exact nature of Nadab and Abihu’s sin, God’s command soon after their death may suggest that they went into the Tent of Meeting in a drunken state.
 
Just a few verses later, God tells Aaron, “You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the Tent of Meeting, or you will die.  This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.”  (Leviticus 10:8–9)
 
Although the Bible permits the drinking of wine and alcohol in moderation, it has no place among those in position of spiritual leadership while they are actively serving the Lord. 
 
Alcohol can dull one’s senses and prevent a person from distinguishing between right and wrong, clean and unclean — one of the specified functions of the priesthood.
 
Just as it is unwise to “drink and drive,” it can be equally dangerous in a spiritual sense to “drink and serve the Lord.”
 
In any event, it is evident that these sons of Aaron were careless in the face of God’s holiness.
 

Torah scroll in Budapest (photo by ParisSharing)
 

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