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 Boker Tov!!! (Good Morning!!!)

As hard as it is to believe, we have come again to the last month of the Biblical calendar, the month of Adar. But before we begin the cycle of months again, we are privileged to remember and celebrate the events recorded in the Book of Esther. This celebration, which is in the middle of the month, is known as Purim, where the Holy One rescued the Jews from an evil decree. Also during this month, we remember the rededication of the temple after the Babylonian Exile. Ezra and Nehemiah led this Jewish return in rebuilding the temple with non-believers taunting them, but never the less, with the help of Hashem, they triumphed.

On the third day of the month, Ezra and those that returned from Babylon, finished restoring the Beit HaMikdash, the Holy Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 6:15). Even as we commemorate this blessed, historical event, we anticipate the future time when the Holy One will also rebuild His Temple. Further, we can look to our own lives as being a “temple in progress” that will one day be completely perfected through the work of God’s Spirit. Even though your temple will not be complete until the return of Messiah (1 John 3:2)…

On the thirteenth day of Adar, we fast to commemorate or to remember the Fast of Esther that she instituted that all Jews undertake before she was to plead with King Ahasuerus. She understood that there was not to be any haughtiness when beseeching the Almighty to have His strong hand intercede for His people. Because of the fast being of great importance a long time ago, we continue to fast, not only as a remembrance of the deliverance by Hashem, but for any time and occasion while His people are in the way of the adversary.

In stark contrast to the solemnity of Esther’s Fast, on the fourteenth day of Adar, we, with whole-heart, celebrate the deliverance that Hashem brought to His people. Oftentimes, we have a festive meal on the afternoon and then gather for a public reading of the Book of Esther. This is a unique book since it is obvious that Hashem is at work throughout the narrative to save His people from their enemies, yet His name is not mentioned throughout the text of the book.

It is also good to send shalach manot, gifts of food to family, friends, and others who may be in need. Traditionally, these gifts include at least two different types of food. It is a meaningful tradition to prepare gifts to share the love of Messiah with others.

Also, by contributing tzedakah, acts of loving-kindness and charity, to widows and orphans, the elderly, and the poor and needy, you will be partaking of the heart of Messiah. Originating from from Mordechai’s instructions that “they should make them days of feasting and rejoicing and sending portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor” (Esther 9:22), we are able to partake in some of the weightier commands found in the Torah.

So, let us join together that, even at the end of the cycle of months we are mindful of His mercy. Mercy for Esther and the Jews in dispersion, mercy on the Ezra and Nehemiah and the Jews of the return and rebuilding, and mercy on us through the work of Messiah, through whom we are being made into His likeness.

© 2009 First Fruits of Zion, Inc. | All Rights Reserved
Reposted from: http://ffoz.org/resources/erosh/adar-1/adar_month_of_giving_mercy_and.php

Terumah | תרומה | “Heave offering“

The nineteenth reading from the Torah is named Terumah (תרומה). In Exodus 25:2, the LORD commanded Moses to “tell the sons of Israel to [take] a contribution for Me.” The word translated as “contribution” is terumah (תרומה), which is the name of this Torah portion. Terumah is a word with no real English equivalent. In the Torah, terumah refers to a certain type of offering dedicated to the Temple, like a tithe or firstfruits offering. In Exodus 25, the contribution is for the building of a holy place. This Torah reading is occupied with the instructions for the building of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

Torah: Sh’mot (Exodus) 25:1-27:19

Outline for this weeks TORAH

• · Exodus 25:1 | Offerings for the Tabernacle
• · Exodus 25:10 | The Ark of the Covenant
• · Exodus 25:23 | The Table for the Bread of the Presence
• · Exodus 25:31 | The Lampstand
• · Exodus 26:1 | The Tabernacle
• · Exodus 26:15 | The Framework
• · Exodus 26:31 | The Curtain
• · Exodus 27:1 | The Altar of Burnt Offering
• · Exodus 27:9 | The Court and Its Hangings

Haftarah (Prophets): M’lakhim Alef (1 Kings) 5:26-6:13

Outline for this weeks prophets

• · 1Ki 5:1 | Preparations and Materials for the Temple
• · 1Ki 6:1 | Solomon Builds the Temple

Gospel: Mattai (Mathew) 13:1-53

Outline for this weeks gospel

• · Mattai 12:46 | Yeshua’s Mother and Brothers
• · Mattai 13:1 | The Parable of the Sower
• · Mattai 13:10 | Speaking in Parables
• · Mattai 13:18 | The Parable of the Sower Explained
• · Mattai 13:24 | The Parable of Darnel
• · Mattai 13:31 | The Parable of the Mustard Seed
• · Mattai 13:33 | Parable of Leaven
• · Mattai 13:34 | Many Parables
• · Mattai 13:36 | The Parable of Darnel Explained
• · Mattai 13:44 | The Treasure and Precious Parables
• · Mattai 13:47 | The Parable of the Net of Fish
• · Mattai 13:51 | The Educated Scholar
• · Mattai 13:53 | Yeshua is Despised in His Own Land

Torah and Haftarah / Prophets Readings, Outlines Torah, Haftarah Readings, outlines andweekly parashah readings appear courtesy of http://.torahportions.org/ a division of http://.ffoz.org

For further study on “Terummah” and commentaries, please read these articles from First Fruits of Zion http://.ffoz.org

• The Twelve Loaves: http://ffoz.org/resources/edrash/terumah/the_twelve_loaves.php
• The Little Sanctuary: http://ffoz.org/resources/edrash/terumah/the_little_sanctuary.php
• The Cheerful Giver: http://ffoz.org/resources/edrash/terumah/the_cheerful_giver.php
• Inside the Ark: http://ffoz.org/resources/edrash/terumah/inside_the_ark.php
• The Veil: http://ffoz.org/resources/edrash/terumah/the_veil.php
• The Tabernacle of Yeshua: http://ffoz.org/resources/edrash/terumah/the_tabernacle_of_yeshua.php

Learn Even More!!!

This Portions Commentary is adapted from Torah Club, a unique Bible Study program that will change your worldview! Join thousands of students who have enrolled and enrich your life! Click here for more info: http://ffoz.org/torahclub/

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Shalom Alekhem!!! (Peace be Upon You)

Word מלה Millah

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