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Parsha Chol HaMoed Pesach

4/26/2017

By Richard Sison | 2017

Introduction

We are now in the season wherein we observe and celebrate the Passover, which is the first of the seven moedim or Feast of the Most High as stipulated in the Torah. The word Passover was coined by William Tyndale when he translated the Hebrew word Pesach into English. The word Pesach in its ancient definition by the sages means “He had mercy” while “eber” means “cross-over” or technically “pass-over.”
Over the years, the acceptance of Pesach as Passover is no longer questioned but it still good to know the origin of words in its proper meaning and we will understand that it is all connected in the topic.

The special Torah reading for Chol HaMoed Pesach, the intermediate Sabbath of Passover, is Exodus 33:12-34:26, which includes the “13 Middot” (Exodus 34:6-7) or “Attributes of G-D,” which is also known as “the 13 Attributes of Mercy.” Is it not interesting to note that the ancient meaning of Pesach is actually “He had mercy” and being supported by the revelation of the 13 attributes of Mercy and the most famous phrase “I will have mercy in whom I have mercy” (Exo 33:19) is also in the same reading of this Parsha?

Come to me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28

The message

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Parsha Vayikra: And He Called

4/12/2017

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By Richard Sison | 2017

Introduction

Vayikra is the name of the first parsha, which is also the name of the third of five books of the Torah and it means "He [God] called." Its Greek name Levitikon, "things pertaining to the Levites", and its Latin name Leviticus, where we derived our English name for this book. The Greek mindset of the church fathers attributed this book to the Levites (thus they called it Levitikon) literally disconnecting the readers from its message.

The intended recipient of the message is very clear in Lev 1:2 “Speak to the children of Israel” - it is not just for the Levites but for the children of Israel. One will argue that its not for the Christians or for non-Jews but if so, why are we reading it to begin with? As a matter of fact, the whole Tanakh and even the whole Bible is intended for the children of Israel. The Messiah Himself said that He was only sent to the lost sheep of Israel (Matt 15:24). Where does it bring us? Does it mean that we are isolated and not included? Certainly not! After all, Adonai Yeshua said that He has other sheep that are not of this fold [Israel] and I must bring them and they shall hear my voice and there shall be one fold and one Shepperd (John 10:16). The book of Leviticus is called Vayikra in Hebrew, which means “and He called.”

My sheep listen to my voice, I recognize them, they follow me,

John 10:27

The message

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Parsha Vayak´heil - P´kudei

4/3/2017

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By Richard Sison | 2017

Introduction

During this time Moshe gathers the Hebrew people and relays to them all the details regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, its vessels, and the priestly garments. The actual construction and assembly as shown by the L-RD to Moshe in the mountain (Exo 25:40; 26:30) is also described. This parsha reiterates many of the details described in the portions of Terumah and Tetzaveh, wherein G‑D instructed Moshe pertaining to the assembly of all the holy objects. Towards the end of the Parsha, we can read that the Tabernacle is erected, and G‑D's presence dwells therein.

Common to all the Parsha, the readings are divided into seven sections and referred to as “aliyah” - which refers to the calling to read the Torah.

See that you make them according to the design being shown you on the mountain.

Exodus 25:40

The message

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Parsha Chol HaMoed Pesach

By Richard Sison | 2017

Introduction

The message

Parsha Vayikra: And He Called

By Richard Sison | 2017

Introduction

The message

Parsha Vayak´heil - P´kudei

By Richard Sison | 2017

Introduction

The message

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