Friday, June 1, 2018

CHUCK KOLB 06/01/2018

Shabbat Shalom - Parasha Behaalotecha - the Light of the Menorah and the Holy Spirit !!!

Previously posted ...
Trinity Sunday Memorial Monday Eternal Father Strong To Save !!!
http://conpats.blogspot.com/2018/05/chuck-kolb-05272018.html 

Welcome to our study of this week’s Torah portion, which is called Parasha Behaalotecha (When You Raise). This is the portion that will be read this Shabbat (Saturday) in synagogues around the world.  We know you will be blessed as you read it along with us! 


Last week, in Parasha Naso, the numbering of Israel continued with a census of the Levites.  The Nazirite vow was detailed, as well as the Aaronic Blessing. This week's Scripture portion is named Behaalotecha, which means when you step up because it begins with instructions as to how the Menorah (lampstand) is to be set up in the Tabernacle.  A related word is aliyah (עליה) — the Hebrew word for immigrating to the Land of Israel.  It can also be defined as the act of going up. To take the step of faith to return to the Land of our Forefathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) is an act of spiritual elevation.

You can view this Parasha on our website complete with embedded links ... 
Parasha Behaalotecha: The Purity of the Menorah and Impurity of Complaining 

http://free.messianicbible.com/parasha/parasha-behaalotecha-purity-menorah-impurity-complaining/ 
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 Behaalotecha 

https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/2181/jewish/Behaalotecha-in-a-Nutshell.htm 
http://www.chabad.org/parshah/default.asp?tDate=6/2/2018 

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Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Chaim Richman ... 

Weekly Torah Portion: Beha'alotcha 

Torah's account of the resolve and purpose which informed Aharon's performance of the commandment to 'raise up' (kindle) the seven lamps of the Tabernacle menorah, teaches us that minding G-d's will and leading a life of meaning and constant renewal, go hand in hand. 

Beha'alotcha (Numbers 8:1 - 12:16) Parashat Beha'alotcha is read on Shabbat: Sivan 19, 5778 / June 2, 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJWbOEzfAcU (15:22
https://www.youtube.com/user/henryporter2/videos 
Published on May 30, 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: The Truth Will Set You Free: ‘There is None But Hashem’ 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0V79AjxGx8 (46:11)  
Published on May 29, 2018 - The Temple Institute 
Parshat Beha'alotcha: Thoughts on Life in the Desert 
Clouds of Glory, Pillar of Fire and the Iron Dome: Divine Messages in Our Lives 
This week's edition of Temple Talk was recorded on the backdrop of a renewed barrage of missiles being fired from Gaza on Israeli communities. Our hosts ponder Israel's position in the world -- and her destiny as a people -- as they reflect on the eternal truths of Torah to be learned from the Book of Numbers and this week's Torah portion, Beha'alotcha, in particular. 

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

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

The Portion of Beha’alotecha 
https://theisraelbible.com/reading-plan/book-numbers/portion-behaalotecha/ 
https://theisraelbible.com/weekly-torah-portion/  

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 

IDF: Some Hamas Rockets Made in Iran; UNRWA Sacks Used in Terror Tunnels 
by Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz 

As Hamas changed tactics, ending eight weeks of violent riots attacking Israel’s security fence in favor of rocket and mortar barrages, unlikely sources for their terror efforts were discovered. The IDF released a statement saying the some of the more than 70 rockets and mortars fired into Israel in the last week were made in Iran. “Among the munitions fired at Israel were also rockets manufactured in Iran,” the IDF said in a statement, without giving details about the types of munitions being provided by Iran. “The Palestinian Islamic Jihad is a terrorist organization rooted in Iranian ideology,” the IDF spokesperson said in a statement. “Today, they used Iranian-made weapons.” [...] 
https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/108737/idf-some-hamas-rockets-made-in-iran-unrwa-sacks-used-in-terror-tunnels/

vid Documentary Showing the Truth Behind the Gaza Riots
by Video Manager 

The ultimate tool against Palestinian propaganda, Hamas use of international media, UN and media lies against Israel. Not all Palestinians are terrorists, but most terrorists are connected one way or another to the so called Palestinian cause. Journalists and reporters who take their side have blood on their hands! 
https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/108734/documentary-showing-the-truth-behind-the-gaza-riots/ 
BEHIND THE SMOKESCREEN ( Full movie ) 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcQ3ngyYWVM (22:36) Pierre Rehov 5/23/18 

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/ 
Theodore Turns Two - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgwikqalE0L/ 
Airport Diner Fun in Manchester - 5776,78
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhrz5-JlSm1/ 
Theodore Spring Planting - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhu1hIqFCsU/
Instavid French Cuisine - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh-q23qlKm3/  
Arabella #JCC Activities - 5778
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiKVJUHlIL2/ 
Welcome Home Instavid - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bimagj0FNLa/ 
Embassy Dedication - Lyar 29, 5778
https://www.instagram.com/p/Biw8rt7Fv79/
Theodore at WH Lunchtime - 5778
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjLI7HMFjdg/ 
Ivanka w Herschel Walker - WH Sports and Fitness Day - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjcTOJIFmGh/ 

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 

NETANYAHU, Please help the Yazidi, people
Over 3,000 Yazidi women and girls remain enslaved throughout the Middle East.
by Rachel Avraham - JPOST 

Although headlines across the globe are focused on Iran’s growing influence in Syria, the aftermath of the US relocating its embassy to Jerusalem and the escalation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it is very important that we as Jews and Israelis not lose sight of the fact that in our region, there is an ancient faith that, according to the Yazidi tradition, dates back to before Noah’s Ark, and which urgently needs our support at this critical hour. The Yazidis have experienced 74 genocides throughout their history, including the recent one implemented by Islamic State (ISIS), and despite the great gains made by the international coalition against ISIS, the Yazidis are still in a horrible situation. [...] 
https://www.israpundit.org/netanyahu-please-help-the-yazidi-people/ 
https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Netanyahu-please-help-the-Yazidi-people-558794 

Scaramucci to Arutz Sheva: I believe in a one-state solution
Former White House Communications director: You can’t have a two-state solution when one of those states supports terror.
by Eliran Aharon, INN 

Former White House Communications director Anthony Scaramucci spoke on Thursday night at the Yeshivat Hesder Sderot Anniversary Gala Dinner in Manhattan. “My first time in Israel was actually in 1985. I was 21 years old and I crossed into Israel” from Egypt, he recalled. “When we crossed over into what is now Gaza, you went from one culture, where the water wasn’t clean, into a totally different culture, where you could drink right from the water fountain right then and there. You could see in 1985 the wonderful transformation of what was taking place in Israel.” [...] 
https://www.israpundit.org/scaramucci-to-arutz-sheva-i-believe-in-a-one-state-solution/  
https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/246788 

Ted Belman, editor and publisher of Israpundit 
https://youtu.be/2_2jJpjU3zA (5:10) ILTV ISRAEL DAILY 10/9/17 http://www.iltv.tv/ 

3 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) 

w vids National Donut Day 2018: Where to find free doughnuts and deals this Friday 
What's better than doughnuts? FREE doughnuts. USA TODAY

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/nation-now/2018/05/30/national-donut-day-2018-get-freebies-and-sweet-treats-june-1/634088002/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/food-and-wine/2018/06/01/americas-doughnut-shops/656386002/
https://www.usatoday.com/videos/money/2018/06/01/national-donut-day-freebies/35574517/ 
https://www.usatoday.com/videos/news/nation/2018/06/01/bite-into-bit-history-national-donut-day/35573669/ 
BURGER KING® | WHOPPER® DONUT https://youtu.be/lEpXw-2ouWM (0:15) BURGER KING 5/30/18
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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   

40 ways to makeover your Shabbat chicken. 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/2018/05/chicken-recipes-for-summer-dinners/ 

5 ways to turn dinner into a fiesta! 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/mexican-pasta/
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/potato-portobello-caramelized-onion-vegetarian-tacos/
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/make-your-own-fajitas/
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/mexican-skirt-steak-with-corn/
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/braised-pot-roast-tacos-with-al-pastor-sauce/ 

I'm so obsessed with this new recipe. And you will be too!
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/israeli-inspired-brisket/ 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/sweet--sour-brisket/ 

It's my birthday and all I want is...a salad!
https://www.joyofkosher.com/2018/05/salads-that-eat-like-a-meal/ 

I'm loving these slow cooker & instant pot recipes. And you will too!
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/sweet-and-sour-meatballs/ 

Shabbos first course that's ready in 10 minutes or less. 
Download my FREE Modern Israeli Summer ebook with over 20 fresh & easy recipes.
https://www.joyofkosher.com/2018/05/modern-israeli-summer-free-recipe-ebook/ 

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

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. 

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/ 

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Our mailing addresses are: 
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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)   
https://www.youtube.com/user/joyofkosher/videos   
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Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to Aaron and say to him, When you set up (behaalotecha בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ) the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the Menorah. Numbers 8:1–2


Shabbat Shalom - Parasha Behaalotecha - the Light of the Menorah and the Holy Spirit !!!




 
Shabbat Shalom 
 
Welcome to our study of this week’s Torah portion, which is called Parasha Behaalotecha(When You Raise).
 
This is the portion that will be read this Shabbat (Saturday) in synagogues around the world.  We know you will be blessed as you read it along with us!
 
BEHAALOTECHA (When You Raise)
Numbers 8:1–12:16; Zechariah 2:14[10]–4:7; Philippians 2:1–18
 
“Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to Aaron and say to him, When you set up (behaalotecha בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ) the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the Menorah.”  (Numbers 8:12)
 
Last week, in Parasha Naso, the numbering of Israel continued with a census of the Levites.  The Nazirite vow was detailed, as well as the Aaronic Blessing.
 
This week's Scripture portion is named Behaalotecha, which means when you step up because it begins with instructions as to how the Menorah (lampstand) is to be set up in the Tabernacle.  A related word is aliyah (עליה) — the Hebrew word for immigrating to the Land of Israel.  It can also be defined as the act of going up.
 
To take the step of faith to return to the Land of our Forefathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) is an act of spiritual elevation.
 
The Temple Institute has
                  created this life-sized menorah for use in the future
                  Third Temple.
The Temple Institute has created this life-sized
menorah for use in the future Third Temple.  The
menorah is made of 45 kg of 24 karat pure gold
and is hammered out of a single block of solid gold.
(Photo by Francisco Martins)

The Menorah: Raising the Light of Purity  
“Now this workmanship of the Menorah was hammered gold; from its shaft to its flowers it was hammered work.  According to the pattern which the LORD had shown Moses, so he made the lampstand.”  (Numbers 8:4)
 
Parasha Behaalotecha opens with the kindling of the Menorah.  This lampstand is a symbol of the light of revelation and truth.
 
God commanded Moses to make it out of gold according to the pattern shown him on Mount Sinai.  Why gold and not bronze or silver?
 
Gold symbolizes something precious — of great value, and it is a metaphor for purity in the Bible.
 
The fire in the Menorah represents the fire of the Divine Light spreading throughout the entire world, beginning with Israel.
 
We can understand it also as Godliness; therefore, the fire can be seen as symbolic of God refining His people so that they may be as fine gold!
 
“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.  Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness.”  (Malachi 3:3)
 
Smelted gold is poured into
                  moulds.
Smelted gold is poured into moulds.
  
The Light of Obedience 
Seven lamps were lit on the Menorah.  
Why are there seven golden lampstands and not five or nine or any other number?  According to ancient Jewish thought, seven stands for perfection or completion.
 
The Book of Revelation also speaks of seven golden lampstands in a vision God gave to John:  "And I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me.  And having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands."  (Revelation 1:12)
 
Here, these seven golden lampstands represent the seven congregations in Asia Minor (Revelation 1:10–11, 20). 
 
God warned that He might remove the lampstand of a congregation if they continue in sin and refuse to repent.  As Yeshua (Jesus) told the church at Ephesus:  "I am coming to you, and will remove your lampstand out of its place — unless you repent."  (Revelation 2:5)
 
Those who are His followers continually grow in obedience, love, joy, and peace, becoming more and more like Yeshua.
 
That love, joy, and peace shines forth through a dark and dreary world like a beacon of hope.  It makes others desire the Source of that goodness.
 
A Jewish father and son at
                  the Western (Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem share the
                  burden of carrying the heavy Torah scroll. (Photo by
                  Reinhardt Konig)
A Jewish father and son at the Western (Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem
share the burden of carrying the heavy Torah scroll.  
(Photo by Reinhardt Konig) 
 
Cleansing of God’s Servants  
“Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”  (Psalm 37:4)
 
As we pursue the Lord, we also pursue purity in our attitudes, our speech, and our ministry.
 
And so we read in this Parasha that the Levites who served God in the Temple had to be cleansed and purified before beginning their ministry.
 
“Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Take the Levites from among the children of Israel and cleanse them ceremonially.  Thus you shall do to them to cleanse them:  Sprinkle water of purification on them, and let them shave all their body, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.’”  (Numbers 8:5–7)
 
God took the Levites as His own in place of the firstborn who were spared during the Ten Plagues in Egypt.  Most of those sons defiled their hearts and spirits when they worshiped the Golden Calf.
 
The Levites didn’t worship the calf.  They stayed faithful and true to the God of Israel; therefore, they were given the work of service in the Tabernacle, instead of Israel's firstborn sons.
 
An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man
                  prays at the Western Wall.
An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man prays at the Western Wall. 

Murmuring in the Wilderness
“The manna was like coriander seed, and its appearance like that of bdellium.  The people went about and gathered it and ground it in handmills or beat it in mortars and boiled it in pots and made cakes of it.  And the taste of it was like the taste of cakes baked with oil.” 
(Numbers 11:7–8) 
 
In Parasha Behaalotecha, the Israelites resume their trek to the Promised Land.  The Divine fire-cloud accompanies them as a supernatural manifestation of God's Presence.
 
It has been a year since He delivered His Chosen People from bondage in Egypt.  They saw the River Nile turn to blood and their firstborn saved by blood.  They even walked through a parted sea into safety.
 
But experiencing God's supernatural Presence and His provision of manna did not stop them from murmuring in the wilderness.
 
Oh how they complained!  Even to the point of rejecting God and desiring to go back to bondage where they could have the fish “that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic.”  (Numbers 11:5)
 
Despite the manna, they were consumed with a craving for meat.  The Bible does not explain why they did not eat meat from their herds of sheep.
 
Lamb in flowers near
                  Jerusalem
Lamb in flowers near Jerusalem
 
Moses finds the people's complaining so hard to bear that he is ready to die if no solution is found, and his honesty with God brings about a Divine solution.
 
God tells him to gather 70 experienced elders to the Tent of Meeting.  They are to share the burden of leadership, and to help them, God endows them with Moses' spirit (Numbers 11:17).  In Judaism, this act of God is seen to forever legitimate the judicial role of Israel's elders.
 
God also promises Moses that He will give the people so much meat that they will be sick of it, which Moses finds difficult to believe.
 
To satisfy the cravings of these ungrateful Israelites, God sends tons of quail.  Many gorge themselves and die as God's anger is unleashed due to their rejection of Him.  They are buried at the place they named Kibroth-hattaavah (graves of craving).  (Numbers 11:31–35)
 
Miriam and Aaron also complain by speaking against their brother Moses. They criticize Moses for marrying a Cushite woman — slander, and they want more respect as prophets in their own right — pride.
 
For speaking lashon harah (slander, but also speaking the truth to injure) and for pride, God strikes Miriam with leprosy; she turns white “like snow.”
 
Aaron recognizes their sin and cries out to the Lord, 
“O God, please heal her — please.” 
 
Although repentance helps restore our relationship with God, a lesson still has to be learned by Miriam, Aaron, and the entire community.  They cannot move ahead until Miriam spends seven days outside the camp.
 
An Orthodox Jewish man writes
                  a Torah scroll.
An Orthodox Jewish man writes a Torah scroll.
 
Haftarah (Prophetic Portion): Purity and the Menorah
The prophetic reading this Shabbat (Zechariah 2:14[10]–4:7) begins with an invitation to shout for joy because God will dwell in the midst of Zion and once again choose Jerusalem.  In that day many nations will join themselves to the Lord.
 
Zechariah's vision confirms how deeply Adonai cares about the cleansing of His people.
 
The Prophet Zechariah sees the high priest Joshua, son of Jehozadak, standing before the angel of the Lord in the Heavenly Court.
 
Satan is also there accusing Joshua, who is clothed in filthy rags, a metaphor for sin.  According to Rashi, Joshua is guilty of allowing his sons to marry foreign women, which is not allowed for Levites 
(see Ezra 10:18).
 
Reading the Torah scroll at
                  the Western (Wailing) Wall (Photo by Francisco
                  Martins)
Reading the Torah scroll at the Western (Wailing) Wall 
(Photo byFrancisco Martins) 

The Angel of the Lord identifies Joshua as a brand plucked from the fire, which an article on the Chabad website interprets as the "hardships of exile."
 
Indeed, Joshua has returned from the Babylonian exile along with Zerubbabel and the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem where they will rebuild the city and the Jewish Temple.
 
The Lord rebukes Satan and says to Joshua, “See, I have removed your guilt from you, and you shall be clothed in [priestly] robes.” 
(Zechariah 3:4) 
 
Zechariah then describes his vision of a seven-branched Menorah, which is kindled for the first time in this week's Torah reading.
 
A model of the Second
                  Temple.
A model of the Second Temple.
 
Empowered by the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) 
Rebuilding Jerusalem and the Second Temple is a huge task.  And through the Prophet Zechariah, God reassures both Joshua and Zerubbabel that He is behind the initiative.
 
Immediately after Zechariah sees the Menorah, the symbol of purity and the light of truth reaching the nations, the Lord gives a word to Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, saying,
 
"Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit — said the Lord of Hosts."  (Zechariah 4:6)
 
Of course, pursuing spiritual goals is too difficult if we are left to our own devices.  Both the Parasha reading and the Haftarah reading reveal that we have supernatural help.
 
We see that even Moses had his limits as a mere man.  No one — not even Moses himself — could do the work of Moses without being anointed with the Spirit of God.
 
To ease Moses' burden, God spread some of Moses’ anointing — the Holy Spirit — giving it to 70 respected elders who would share in the task of leadership.
 
The Scriptures say that these elders immediately prophesied.
 
When the Spirit of God is working in someone, spiritual gifts manifest.  Prophecy is just one of these gifts 
(see 1 Corinthians 12:4–11, 28; Romans 12:6–8) 
 
These gifts were only available to a select few until the Ruach (Spirit) descended on Shavuot (Pentecost) upon the first Believers 50 days after Yeshua's resurrection.
 
Jewish boys pray at the Western (Wailing)
              Wall.
Jewish boys pray at the Western (Wailing) Wall.
 
Through Yeshua, our garments of iniquity have been removed and we, like Joshua, are clothed in vestments of purity and righteousness.  This is a fulfillment of one of Zechariah's prophecies, which foretells of a time when the Messiah will remove all iniquity in a single day.
 
“I am going to bring My servant the Branch [a future king from the line of David]  and I will remove that country's guilt in a single day.  In that day — declares the LORD of Hosts — you will be inviting each other to the shade of vines and fig trees.”  (Zechariah 3:8–10; Jeremiah 33:15)
 
This righteous Branch from the line of David has appeared; and in one day, He paid the penalty for our sin and clothed us with His righteousness.
 
Each of us need God's Ruach in our lives, empowering us to obey His word, manifest His love, joy, and peace, and exercise spiritual gifts He has bestowed. 
 
Filled with His Spirit, each of us are beacons of light that show the way to a lost and dying world.
 
One practical way we can shine as lights in the midst of the darkness is by refusing to complain and, instead, express gratitude in all things, rejoicing in the Lord always.
 
“Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.”  (Philippians 2:14–15)
 
Praying hands and an oil lamp
 
You can shine Yeshua's light in the Holy Land and among the Jewish People worldwide by helping the ministry of Bibles For Israel.
 
"But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Yeshua, His Son, purifies us from all sin."  (1 John 1:7)

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