Roots of Faith

This class closes out the book of Numbers (Bamidbar). For all practical purposes the Torah Story has all been told. We still have the entire book of Deuteronomy and lots of things to learn from the Torah, but here at the close of the book of Numbers, a newly created people - a free people of Israel, stand on the edge of the promised land.

This week in the synagogue, Ross and the Congregation of Roots of Faith welcome some good friends. Joe and Debbie Good of Hatikva and Brian and Joy Beth came from Texas and participated in the service.

Joe is currently working on a series for the Universal Torah Network about the “Return of Israel” and wanted to study this subject with Ross and his group.

Interestingly enough, the name of the Torah reading this week - or the first of two read this Sabbath, is Matote, a word that means tribes. Also, a passage in the Haphtorah this week deals specifically with the return of Israel. The passage is in Jeremiah 4:1-2 and says that “if” Israel returns, then the promise that all nations will be blessed will come to pass! Did you catch that? The promise first given to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and repeated in Genesis 18:18-19 and Genesis 22:18 is said to be contingent upon Israel’s return!

So how important is this topic? Let’s put it this way: In Jeremiah 32:36-41 we learn that God will do two things with all His heart and all His soul. (1) Rejoice in doing good to Israel and (2) Plant them back in the land of Israel

The phrase; “Return to me and I will return to you” is a promise of God found in Zechariah 1:3 and Malachi 3:7.

So, for probably 6 hours, Ross taught on the subject of the tribes of Israel.

In this week’s lesson we read, among other things, about the cities of refuge. The one seeking asylum in these cities must remain in them until the death of the High Priest.

In today’s Torah reading, incidently, Israel’s first high priest does die. Aaron’s death is recorded in Numbers 33:38. There it gives the date of his death as the 1st day of the 5th month. Monday, July 16th should be the 1st day of the 5th month on the Hebrew calendar, so the events mentioned in the Torah fit the time of year we are in.

We are approaching the 9th of Av and are in the midst of the three readings of rebuke meant to remind the readers if what led to the destruction of the Temples. More on this subject next week.

Enjoy the class and let us know what you think by voting on the site, or by emailing us.

 

 Matote-Masei Intro [33:23m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Matote-Masei Reading [62:00m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download