每週一妥拉 2018/3/25-/3/31

從古時起，世界各地的猶太會堂會一週一次在安息日讀經，從摩西五經（妥拉）到先知的書（先知書）。每週的讀經內容都有一個希伯來名稱，其出自經文內容起頭的字。每週慣例讀經的實例剛好記載在路加福音四章16節，耶穌來到拿撒勒的會堂，讀了一段先知書（以賽亞書61章）。我們發現每週一次閱讀這些內容，不僅提供我們機會，與世界成千上萬的猶太人來確認神話語的內容，在我們為以色列與猶太人的代禱上，聖靈更時常貼切的啟發具體的內容禱告。

禱告聖靈的同在/聖靈的風充滿在這週逾越節所讀的聖潔話語中！

除酵節特別閱讀

逾越節這一週，在猶太會堂裡每天都有讀經。

下面是提供給一些想在這段時間閱讀部分或全部內容的人參考： 

第一天（三月31日星期六）：出埃及記12:21-51; 民數記28:16-25; 約書亞記3:5-7; 5:2-6:1: 6:27 

出埃及記這一段經文敘述第一個逾越節，宰羊並將血塗在門框和門楣上，耶和華巡行埃及地，『越過』門上有血的住家，擊殺埃及地一切頭生的。耶和華將以色列兒女送出那地，在他們寄居埃及地滿了430年的那一天，他們如同耶和華的軍隊從埃及地出來。民數記閱讀詳述逾越節要獻的祭，好在日後遵守（此閱讀在逾越節這一週會不斷重複）。約書亞記則詳述時間，40年過後，下一世代在進入迦南地之前，男丁需要行割禮。割禮之後到了吉甲，埃及的羞辱從他們身上滾去了。以色列兒女在耶利哥的平原慶祝逾越節，嗎哪就只住了，耶和華軍隊的元帥顯現，差派約書亞進入那地。 

第二天（四月1日星期日）：利未記22:26-23:44; 民數記 28:16-25；列王記下 23: 1-9; 21-25 

利未記這一段經文列舉『主的節期』：安息日、逾越節、無酵節、初熟節、數算禾捆與七七節（五旬節）、吹角節、贖罪日與住棚節。列王記下講述約西亞王時期在耶路撒冷的大復興，他潔淨拜偶像之地（充滿偶像的酵）；於是人們慶祝美好的逾越節，自從士師治理以色列人和以色列王、猶大王的時候，直到如今，實在沒有守過這樣的逾越節；因為約西亞王『盡心、盡性、盡力地歸向耶和華，遵行摩西的一切律法；在他以後也沒有興起一個王像他』(25節)。 

初熟的莊稼 

逾越節的第一天和第七天皆是安息日，隔天（星期三）是初熟莊稼獻祭儀式之日（利未記23:9-14），一捆初熟的莊稼會帶給祭司，在主面前搖一搖。耶穌就在這天，祂死後的第三天復活，讓自己成為『睡了之人初熟的果子』獻給父神(哥林多前書15:23)。

這一天也是『數算禾捆』的第一天，一直到七七節/五旬節Shavuot/ Pentecost (利未記23:15)。

第三天（四月2日星期一）：出埃及記13:1-16; 民數記28:16-25 

出埃及記這一段經文敘述以色列第一個逾越節晚上，一出來後主即刻對他們指示。以色列被告誡要將所有頭生的分別為聖歸於主。她要記念從埃及『為奴之家出來』的這日，她每一年都要記念慶祝無酵節七日。 

第四天（四月3日星期二）：出埃及記22:25-23:19; 民數記 28:16-25 

出埃及記這一段經文包括一些民法條例，以及慶祝主的三大節期進一步的指示：在春天亞筆月（正月，尼散月）的除酵節；在春天的收割節（五旬節）；以及在秋天的收藏節（住棚節）。在這三大節期，所有男丁都要朝見主。 

第五天（四月4日星期三）：出埃及記34:1-26; 民數記 28:16-25

出埃及記這一段經文細述主吩咐摩西鑿出兩塊石版（就像他先前忿怒摔碎的一樣），他上到西乃山，就在他這麼做之後，耶和華在雲中降臨，和摩西一同站在那裡，宣告耶和華的名。耶和華在他面前宣告說：『耶和華，耶和華，是有憐憫有恩典的神，不輕易發怒，並有豐盛的慈愛和誠實，為千萬人存留慈愛，赦免罪孽、過犯，和罪惡…。』18節說：『你要守除酵節，照我所吩咐你的，在亞筆月內所定的日期吃無酵餅七天，因為你是這亞筆月內出了埃及。』 

第六天（四月5日星期四）：出埃及記9:1-14; 民數記 28:16-25 

出埃及記這一段經文敘述主對法老的命令：『容我百姓去，好事奉我。』若法老拒絕，主會『分別以色列的牲畜和埃及的牲畜』，祂審判的手會臨到埃及。在此發生後，法老的心剛硬，神讓埃及人身上長了瘡，法老的心仍舊剛硬。最後，摩西清早起來，站在法老面前，對他說：『耶和華─希伯來人的神這樣說：容我的百姓去，好事奉我。因為這一次我要叫一切的災殃臨到你和你臣僕並你百姓的身上，叫你知道在普天下沒有像我的』 (出埃及記9:13b-14)。 

第七天（四月6日星期五。『安息日』）：出埃及記13:17-15:26; 民數記28:16-25; 撒母耳記下 22:1-51 

出埃及記這一段經文敘述以色列兒女按著順序出紅海，日間，耶和華在雲柱中領他們的路；夜間，在火柱中光照他們。法老追趕他們，紅海打開讓以色列人通過，埃及的軍兵卻被摧毀。以色列人唱著紅海之歌：『我要向耶和華歌唱，因祂大大戰勝，將馬和騎馬的投在海中！』到了瑪拉，因為水苦而不能喝那裡的水，摩西把樹丟在水裡，水就變甜了。主勸誡他們說：『你若留意聽耶和華─你神的話，又行我眼中看為正的事，留心聽我的誡命，守我一切的律例，我就不將所加與埃及人的疾病加在你身上，因為我─耶和華是醫治你的』(出埃及記15:26)。撒母耳記下則是美妙的詩篇，當耶和華救大衛脫離一切仇敵和掃羅之手的日子，他向耶和華念這詩（這首詩也記載在詩篇18篇）：『耶和華是我的巖石，我的山寨，我的救主，我的神，我的磐石，我所投靠的。祂是我的盾牌，是拯救我的角，是我的高臺，是我的避難所。我的救主啊，祢是救我脫離強暴的。我要求告當讚美的耶和華，這樣，我必從仇敵手中被救出來。耶和華啊，因此我要在外邦中稱謝祢，歌頌祢的名。』 (撒母耳記下22:1-4, 50) 

第八天（四月7日星期六：只有在以色列之外的人守第八日）：申命記15:19-16:17;民數記 28:16-25; 以賽亞書10:32-12:6 

雅歌（Shir haShirim） 

許多地方的習俗是在逾越節期間把雅歌閱讀一遍，有時是在會堂，有時是在家中吃完逾越節宴席之後或安息日快到時。

祝您有一個喜樂的逾越節PESACH S'ME'AH!

馬汀和娜瑪‧賽維士（Martin & Norma Sarvis）
於耶路撒冷

 

THIS WEEK’S TORAH PORTION

From ancient times there has been a weekly portion (Parashah) from the first five books of Moses (The Torah) and an ending (Haftarah) from the Prophets read on the Sabbath in synagogues around the world.  This portion is given a Hebrew name drawn from the opening words of the Torah passage. An illustration of this practice appears to have been recorded in Luke 4:16 where Yeshua (Jesus) arrived in the synagogue in Nazareth and was asked to read the portion (Isaiah 61) from the Prophets.  We have found that in perusing these weekly readings, not only are we provided opportunity to identify in the context of God’s Word with millions of Jewish people around the world, but very often the Holy Spirit will illumine specific passages pertinent that week in our intercession for the Land and people of Israel.  The Haftarah, unless otherwise noted, will be that read in Ashkenazy synagogues around the world. The references for all texts are those found in English translations of the Scriptures.

Pray for the presence of Ruach haKodesh—the Holy Spirit/Holy Wind—
to attend the Holy Word which will be read throughout the week of Passover!

READINGS FOR THE FESTIVAL OF UNLEAVENED BREAD

Provided for those of our readers who may wish to follow the passages read next Saturday and the week following in synagogues around the world.

Day 1 (Saturday 31 March):  Exodus 12:21-51; Numbers 28:16-25; Joshua 3:5-7; 5:2—6:1: 6:27

The Exodus passage recounts the first Passover, the slaying of the lamb and the placing of blood on the doorposts, the passing of YHVH through Egypt, the “skipping over” of those households with blood on the doors, the striking of the Firstborn of Egypt; the sending of Israel out of the Land, their going out arrayed as armies of the LORD 430 year to the day after being exiled to Egypt.  The Numbers readingdetails the sacrifices to be offered on Passover during future observances (This reading will be repeated in some form each day throughout the week).  The Haftarah from Joshua details the time, over forty years later, when the next generation, before entering at last into Canaan is required to be circumcised.  After this is done and the reproach of Egypt was rolled off of them at Gilgal, the Children of Israel celebrate Passover in the Land on the plains of Jericho, the manna ceases, and the Commander of the Army of the LORD appears to send Joshua into the Land.

Day 2 (Sunday 1 April):    Leviticus 22:26—23:44; Numbers 28:16-25; II Kings 23: 1-9; 21-25

The Leviticus passage enumerates the “Set Times of the LORD”—Shabbat, Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, the Counting of the Omer and Shavuot (Weeks/Pentecost), Yom T’ruah (Festival of Shofars/Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Sukkot (Booths/Tabernacles).  The II Kings Haftarah relates a great revival in the days of King Josiah in Jerusalem, in which he cleansed the land of idolatry (as it were, leaven); then the people celebrated a wonderful Passover, unlike any which had gone before, because Josiah “turned to the LORD with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Torah of Moses” (vs 25).

FIRST FRUITS
The first and seventh days of Passover Week are to be observed as “sabbaths”—regular work is to cease.  This Sunday, the day after the first Passover sabbath--is the day on which most of present-day Judaism considers the Ceremony of First Fruits would have been performed (Leviticus 23:9-14).  A sheaf (omer) of the first of the grain harvest was brought and waved before the LORD.  It was on this day, the third day after His death, that Yeshua was raised and presented Himself as “firstfruits from the dead” to the Father 
(I Corinthians 15:23).

This also marks the first day in the “Counting of the Omer” to Shavuot--the “Feast of Weeks”/ “Pentecost” (Leviticus 23:15).

Day 3 (Monday 2 April):       Exodus 13:1-16; Numbers 28:16-25

The Exodus passage recounts the LORD’s instructions immediately following the Children of Israel’s coming out on the night of the first Passover.  Israel is admonished to consecrate to the LORD all the firstborn.  She is regularly to remember this day in which she went out of Egypt, “out of the house of bondage”.  She is to remember to celebrate this Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days each year.

Day 4 (Tuesday 3 April):            Exodus 22:25—23:19; Numbers 28:16-25

The Exodus passage includes among a list of civil laws, a further instruction regarding celebration of three annual feasts to the LORD:  the Feast of Unleavened Bread, in the month of Aviv (First Month, Nisan) in the Spring; the Feast of (Spring) Harvest (Shavuot/Pentecost); and the Feast of Ingathering(Sukkot in the Fall).  At these festivals, all males would appear before Adonai the LORD.

Day 5 (Wednesday 4 April):  Exodus 34:1-26; Numbers 28:16-25

The Exodus passage recounts the LORD instructing Moses to hew two stone tablets (like the ones he had broken in anger) and ascend Mount Sinai.  After he does this, the LORD descends in a cloud and stands with him as he calls upon the name YHVH, then passes by in front of him proclaiming, “YHWH, YHWH God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth, who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who bears away iniquity, transgression and sin…”  Verse 18 reads, “You shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread.  For seven days you are to eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the appointed time in the month of Aviv, for in the month of Aviv you came out of Egypt.”

Day 6 (Thursday 5 April): Exodus 9:1-14; Numbers 28:16-25

The Exodus passage recounts the LORD’s command to Pharaoh to “send My people away that they may serve Me.”  If Pharaoh refuses, the LORD will “make a difference between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt” and his hand of judgment will be on Egypt.  After this occurs and Pharaoh’s heart again becomes hard, God releases an outbreak of grievous sores on the Egyptians, then hardens the heart of Pharaoh.  At the last, Moses rises early and stands before Pharaoh: “Thus says YHVH the Hebrew God, ‘Send my people away, that they may serve Me, for at this time I will send all My plagues to your very heart, and on your servants and on your people, that you may know that there is none like Me in all the earth’” (Exodus 9:13b-14).
 

Day 7 (Friday 6 April.  A “sabbath”):  Exodus 13:17—15:26; Numbers 28:16-25; II Samuel 22:1-51

The Exodus passage recounts the Children of Israel going forth in orderly ranks by way of the Red Sea, led by the LORD in a pillar of cloud by day and of fire by night.  Pharaoh pursues them, the sea opens and they pass through, but the Egyptian armies are destroyed, and on the further shore they sing Shir haYam (The “Song of the Sea”), “Sing to YHVH for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and rider He has thrown into the sea!”  Traveling on the LORD sweetens the bitter waters at Marah by having Moses throw a tree into it.  The people are admonished, “If you diligently heed the voice of YHVH your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians.  For I am the LORD who heals you” (Exodus 15:26).  The Haftarah from II Samuel is a wonderful Psalm which “David spoke to the LORD…on the day that the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies” (This Psalm also appears in the Psalter as Psalm 18):  “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; The God of my strength, in whom I will trust…I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies…Therefore I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing praises to Your name”  (II Samuel 22:1-4, 50).

[Day 8  (OBSERVED ONLY OUTSIDE OF ISRAEL) Saturday 7 April]
Deuteronomy 15:19—16:17; Numbers 28:19-25
 Isaiah 10:32—12:6
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It is also customary at some point during Passover Week to read

The Song of Songs (Song of Solomon)

Martin & Norma Sarvis
Jerusalem