Haftorah - Reuben Ebrahimoff

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftorah for Parashat Noah Mount Ararat The resting place of Noah's Ark. The Haftorah is read from the Book of Isaiah Chapter 54:1-55:5 The Story line of this weeks Haftorah: Yerushalayim Will be rebuilt with Precious gems and All the Jews will know the Torah. Jerusalem will be repopulated (54:1-3) Comfort to Jerusalem, “Rani Akara Lo Yalada” “Sing out, O barren one, who has not given birth, break out into glad song and be jubilant, O one who has no labor pains, for the children of the desolate [Jerusalem) outnumber the children of the inhabited city – said Hashem,” (54:2) Expand, Jerusalem! Then Isaiah instructs Jerusalem to make a lot more room for the incoming exiles. The Jews will increase vastly. Don't hesitate Jerusalem, go all out, the rough times are over and the brilliant years are coming. Because Hashem is your master, you are his wife and he wants you back now! Yes, I got angry with you in the past and turned my back against you for a short while but I will never do that again. Hashem will in-gather the Jewish Nation, never to disperse it again. (54:4-8). Hashem Will Not Destroy Israel Comfort that our present situation is only temporary. (54:9-10) Similar to the promise I made to Noah, I am promising you (Israel) to never get angry again. For Hashem's kindness will not leave us and his peace will endure, so says Hashem. Hashem will rebuild Jerusalem With Gems. Future Wealth (54:11-12) The Spiritual Greatness (54:13) If the Jews Obey Hashem, they need not fear the Enemy. Hashem will be righteous to the Jew. (54:1417) Hashem is in Charge of War and Peace. (55:1-3). Call to all Jews to Study Torah. Isaiah explains the Virtues of Torah Study. Subordination of all the Nations to The Nation of Israel in the Time of The Mashiach. (55:4-5). The Connection of the Haftorah to the Parasha: Both The Parasha and the Haftorah speak of Hashem "saving" the world and the Nation of Israel. Haftorahman's thought of the week. Imagine when Isaiah says that Jerusalem open up the pegs on your party tent, its going to be a big one! There is a saying that “We are all the children of one man“ so we are all family and the whole family is invited to this party. Famous Phrases from the Book of Isaiah: This is the last Passuk of the prayer “Uvah

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Letzion” said three times a day, just before we say Aleynu Leshabeach.” Taken from Isaiah 42:21 “Hashem chafetz le’ma’an tzidko yagdiltorah v’ya’adir”. “Hashem desired, for the sake of Israel’s righteousness, that the Torah be made great and glorious”. Isaiah’s Biography: Name means “Salvation of Hashem” · Wrote his own book, 66 chapters long · Father was a prophet named Amoz · Was from a royal family and had access to the Bait Hamikdash. ( The Holy Temple) · He was born in the year 765 B.C.E. (8th century) about 2760 years ago. · 25 years old when he had his first prophetic vision. · After Moses he was considered to be the greatest of all prophets. · 4 prophets lived in Isaiah’s time –Hosea, Amos, Michah and Isaiah. · Born circumcised · He survived 4 kings – Uzziah, Yotham, Ahaz, Hezkiah · He lived 120 years · Isaiah said he saw a “vision” of Hashem’s throne. · He had one wife and two sons. His sons names were Maher Shlal Baz & Shear Yashuv. · He was killed by Menasheh the King of Judah. · He predicted Israel’s demise Timeline: This Haftorah takes place just before the Bait Hamikdash was destroyed about 2600 years ago. Map: Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Lech Lecha The Haftara is read from the Book of Isaiah Chapter 40:27- 41:16 Isaiah offers Encouragement to the Jewish People in exile. The Connection of the Haftarah to the Parasha: The prophet Isaiah reminds us that it was Hashem that motivated Abraham to leave his homeland in order for him to journey to Israel, and it is there that he taught the rest of the world that there is only one G-d. Outline of the Haftorah: 40:7 The prophet Isaiah comforts the nation of Israel by reassuring them that they will survive the sufferings that will be experienced while in exile. We are comforted by the thought that Hashem is a wise planner. Hashem will conduct a trial of all the nations and Hashem will act as the judge. 41:5 Isaiah explains to us the lesson from Abraham's story. That since the time of Abraham all the nations of the world should know Hashem is in charge. 41:7 However they fail to do so and they all unite in their worshipping idols. 41:9 More words of encouragement for the exiled Jews. 41:14 The Haftorah concludes with Isaiah’s promise that B’nai Yisrael will ultimately overcome and outlive their enemies. Famous Phrases from the Book of Isaiah: Chapter 6:3 and the angels said “Holy, Holy, Holy is Hashem, Master of legion; the whole world is filled with his glory. The Holy Temple would shake up and down when the angels said his sentence. This is one of the, reasons why we go up on our tiptoes to imitate the shaking of the Bait Hamikdash. Haftorahman’s thought of the week. From time to time many of us may experience feeling “spiritually” disappointed. Usually this occurs when our expectations from Hashem have not been met. It may be normal for a person to distance himself or herself from Hashem. But wait, if Hashem is the source of all blessing, then why is it that when we feel abandoned, we abandon Hashem? We should reach towards Hashem for what we want, and that is to feel connected to Hashem. Timeline: Isaiah lived about 2700 years ago.

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Map: Isaiah the prophet lived and prophesied in Jerusalem just before the destruction of the 1st Temple.

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Vayeira From the Book of Kings 2, Chapter 4:1-37 Miracles can and do happen. The story line: A poor widow complains to Elisha that she has no money to pay her debt to king Ahab. Her deceased husband was the prophet Obadiah minister to the King Ahab. He had spent all his money on oil for the lamps that lit the two caves that hid the last 100 prophets from the evil king Ahab and his, even more, evil wife Jezebel. Elisha asks the widow if she has anything of value, she replies, the only thing I have is this pitcher with only a drop of oil left in it. That was good enough for Elisha the Prophet. He requests that the widow bring as many empty pitchers as she can to him. Elisha causes the small amount of oil in her pitcher to fill many pitchers, a non stop flow of oil. By selling the oil she was able to repay her debt and still have money to live on. Elisha travels with his servant Gaichazi and along his travels he lodges in the home of a women in Shunem known for her hospitality. The Shunemite women and her husband showed Elisha great hospitality, and kindness, they gave him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp in a room of his own. She insured that he always had a place to sit and learn for when he came in to town. On Rosh Hashanah Elisha sends his servant to ask the women how he can repay her. She did not ask for anything. Elisha did not want to accept that, Gaichazi told him that she did not have any children of her own and her husband was old. Elisha called for her to come to him and he promised her "This time next year you will embrace a son." That time the following year she did have a son. A couple of years pass and the child is playing out in the field and is struck with a heat stroke. His mother comes running out into the field to hold her son as he dies in her arms. She takes her son to lie in Elisha's bed. The Shunamite woman travels to find Elisha to tell him of her tragedy. Elisha, with much compassion, sends Gaichazi to revive the child. Gaichazi's attempt at performing the miracle is unsuccessful. Elisha comes to Shunam to perform this great miracle himself, to revive the child. He puts his mouth on the child and says Hashem's name. The child sneezes seven times and awakens. Elisha performed another great miracle. The Connection of the Haftarah to the Parasha: just like Abraham and Sarah the http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/vayera62.htm (1 de 3)08/03/2008 04:25:44 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Shunamite women and her husband were old and childless. In both cases Hashem miraculously granted them a child. Haftorahman’s thought of the week. When a person tries to be a logical being they often become limited by the laws of logic, God is not limited by the laws of logic. When a person approaches a situation logically they get logical results based upon what's reasonable. What Abraham & Elisha understood is that they were connecting to God who could supersede logic, they realized the most important thing, not to rely just on the laws of logic. God's vocabulary doesn't contain the words, "can't" and "impossible." If Hashem wants a man who is one hundred years old to have child then it will be so. If Hashem wants a poor person to get rich, it can happen in a second. We all know the story but how many of us still say, "business is not good, I'll work harder ," instead of saying, "Hashem is the source of all blessings and I will pray to him for help." Next time choose faith over logic and see what happens. Elite's Biography: Elisha lived about 2850 years ago. His name means "Hashem is salvation." Elisha was Eliyahu Hanavi's deceiple and successor. He traveled everywhere with him. Elisha came from a wealthy family he originally was a farmer and came from a town called Abelmehola in the Jordan Valley. Elisha was the head teacher of the school called Benai Hanneveim. Otherwise known as The Sons of the Prophets. There they learned the skills of prophecy. Elisha was anointed by Eliyahu as his successor and served as his assistant. Elisha's own lengthy ministry began when Eliyahu was taken to heaven by a fiery chariot and a whirlwind. Just before a fiery chariot appeared that would carry Eliyahu up to heaven, he asked Elisha what he would like from him, Elisha replied "Let me inherit a double share of your spirit." Eliyahu couldn't say for sure that G-d would grant the blessing so he gave Elisha a signal to know if he got the blessing. The signal was that his robe would drop down from the heavens and it did. Eliyahu performed eight miracles and one resurrection of the dead. His student Elisha performed sixteen miracles and two resurrections of the dead. Realizing his own need of divine assistance, Elisha requested a double portion of Eliyahu's prophetic spirit. Famous Phrases from The Book of Kings II 18:39. "Hashem who haElokim, Hashem who haElokim". The entire people saw and fell on their faces and said "Hashem - He is the G-d, Hashem - He is the G-d". Timeline: This Haftorah occurs about 2720 years ago in the Jewish year 3040, before The first temple was destroyed. Map: Shunem is a Northwestern City in Israel

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftorah for Parashat Chayei Sara From the Book of Melachim Aleph or the First Book of Kings King David Installs Shlomo as his successor. The story line: 1:1-3 In return for tearing of the corner of King Shaul's robe, King David's always felt a chill in his bones. The Haftorah begins with the story of King David being a brought beautiful woman named Avishag in order to warm him in his elder years. He was already married to the maximum amount of wives he could have, 18, so Avishag was employed just to keep him warm and not brought to him to become a wife. 1:4 One of King David's sons Adoniyahu proclaims himself king. 1:5-9 Adoniyahu tries to seize the throne 1:10 However Shlomo, Adoniyahu's younger brother was to become the next king of Israel. 1:11. A wife of King David, Queen Bathsheva and the Prophet Nathan, confer regarding Adoniyahu's will to become king. They decide to bring it to King David's attention. 1:12-16 Nathan confirms to David the news that Batsheva has told King David about his son Adoniyahu having seized the throne from David. 1:17-21 Bathsheva pleads with David to fulfill his promise of her son Solomon becoming the heir to the throne. 1:22-27 The prophet Nathan confirms her words. 1:28-31 Kind David promises Bathsheva to rectify the situation. He takes action by instating Shlomo as the next King of Israel. The Connection of the Haftarah to the Parasha: In this weeks Torah reading of Shay Sarah we are told of Abraham's old age and the Haftorah speaks of King David's last years. Haftorahman’s thought of the week. Regarding spiritual matters, a person should not depend on his parent's merits to carry him/her through life. Every person has to be aware of the fact that they themselves have a personal spiritual responsibility and accountability. Therefore we should live life as if, each and every one of us, has our own "spiritual" bank accounts, that we make deposits into when we perform spiritual deeds. Does anyone want to be a "spiritual" millionaire? King David's Biography: David's father's name was Ishai. but his mother's name is unknown. His name means "beloved." He was a descendant of Ruth the Moabite. He was a shepherd who used tend to flocks of sheep. He was a warrior, who killed lions with his bare

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

hands and is famous for killing Goliath with a single slingshot. He was a musician that played music to calm Saul. (Former King of Israel, and David's father in law.) David was the faithful friend of Jonathan, King Saul's son. King David's died when he was 70 years old. David was supposed to have been still born but Adam prophetically saw this and gave 70 of his 1000 years to David. Adam lived 930 years. He was an empire builder. A failed father. His son was King Solomon, know as the wisest man that ever lived. He had 18 wives. David always felt cold from the time he cut a corner off of King Saul's robe. His name occurs more than a thousand times in the Tanach. He wrote Tehilim (Psalms) the most popular words worldwide used to pray. He brought the Holy Ark containing the two tablets that had the Ten commandments written on them to Jerusalem. The Mashiach (messiah) will be a descendant of King David. David was a "Gingie," also known as a redhead. He was a prophet. The "fourth" meal of (after) Shabbat is called the meal of David. David was told by G-d that he was going to pass away on Shabbat. He also knew that the angel of death couldn't get to you while you are learning torah. So in order to postpone his death David would learn Torah from the beginning, to end of Shabbat. Once Shabbat would end he would have a meal celebrating that he was going to make live for one more week. Famous Phrases from King David. Psalm 150 or Tehilim, and many of the prayers in the Siddur are from King David's pen. King David has helped us more than any other human being with the words we use to speak to Hashem. David has helped us with saying, "Please, Thank You, You are great!" to Hashem. "Praiseworthy are those whose way is perfect, who can walk with the Torah of Hashem." Kind David sang this celebratory song after he brought the Holy Ark containing the Ten Commandments to the city of Jerusalem. Timeline: This story took place in the Hebrew year 2924, about 2838 years ago. Map: The Haftorah takes place in Jerusalem. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftorah for Parashat Toldot The prophet Malachi reproves the Jewish nation for disrespect to the Beth Hamikdash. (The Holy Temple) taken from the Book of Malachi, Chapter 1:1 - 2:7 The Story line: 1:1-5 This week's Haftara begins with the Prophet Malachi bringing to our attention that Hashem loves Yakov (Jacob) and hates Aisav (his brother) and his descendants. 1:6-10 The Kohanim (priests) despise the Temple service, and are told off for their unacceptable behavior. Being Jewish should be perceived as an opportunity and not a burden. 1:11,12 The Kohanim honor Hashem even less than the Gentile Nations. 1:13,14 Hashem's criticisms of Bnei Yisrael for bringing the unacceptable animals to the Beth Hamikdash. 2:1-3 The punishment for disrespecting Hashem's honor. 2:4-7 The proper role of the Kohen. Aharon's qualities and the image of the ideal Kohen. The Connection between the Parashat and the Haftara is: in the Haftara we read a sentence that says "A son honors his father, but where is my honor?" Hashem expected the nation of Edom (a descendant of Aisav, Jacob's brother and Isaac's son) to be dishonorable. The Prophet Malachi is saying that Hashem never expected it from the Jewish people. In this week's Torah reading we see how Aisav would try to pose as a descent person to his father Isaac, while actually being an evil person. Hashem can see right through that. The Hataraman's lesson of the week. This is a classic case of mistaken self-identity". We must remember who we are. Sometimes people try to make us forget who we are and they are pressuring us to behave in a way that we normally wouldn't. We have to remember not to "take things for granted". Hashem is the one who grants us out blessings and we must remember that although we have a privileged relationship with him, we cannot just take things from him. We have to earn them. When Hashem asks us to do something, do we do it our way? Or do we do it the way he asked us? Malachi's Biography: Malachi lived during the early years of the 2nd Bait Hamikdash. Socrates and Plato also lived at that time. King Achachverosh and queen Esther's son, Dariush was the reigning king. He lived in the century after the first Jews returned from the

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Babylonian exile when 50,000 Jews returned to Jerusalem. They immediately started rebuilding the foundation for the 2nd Beth Hamikdash. The Prophets, Zecharia and Chaggai also encouraged the rebuilding of the Holy Temple. The Temple was completed in 520 B.C.E. (About 2500 years ago.) Malachi's book contains 4 chapters. It is the final Book of the "Trey Assar" (The twelve Prophets) The meaning of the name Malachi is " My messenger". He was born and prophesized in Jerusalem during the 5th century B.C.E. At the time, the Temple service was not observed properly. The Kohanim (priests) were remiss of their duties. They offered animals that were blemished, lame and sick. People were indifferent to or skeptical of religion. Men freely divorced their wives and then intermarried. Overall, people's morals were lax. Adultery, perjury and oppression of widows were all too common. Like Mordechai, Malachi was one of the 120 Men of the Great Assembly, who authored almost every blessing we make including the Amidah or Shemonah Esray. Famous Phrases from the Book of Malachi, from chapter 3:4. Said right before Kaddish. "V'arvah la Hashem minchat yedudah v'yerushalaim keyemai olam uschshanim Kadmaniyot" Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to Hashem as in the days of old and previous years. Timeline: approximately 3390 on the Jewish calendar, about 2370 years ago. Map: Malachi the prophet lived in Jerusalem. Learn with Haftorahman. One on One or in a group. If you and/or a friend are interested, please contact me to arrange for a weekly class in order to learn more about the biblical prophets and other subjects related to Judaism. As told by: Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Vayaitzai Hosea is the first prophet in the Book of Trai Assar (The Twelve Prophets). The Structure of the Book of Hosea: Chapters 1-3 explain how Hosea became a prophet. Chapters 4-13 predict punishment. The Story line: The Sins of the Ten Tribes Sephardim read from Hosea 11:7-14:10. 11:7-9 Bnai Yisrael will never be totally destroyed, even though they deserve it. 11:10,11 Hoshea's prophesy of Bnai Yisrael's future return to the Land of Israel. 12:1,2 The Northern kingdom of the 10 tribes is sinful. 12:3 The kingdom of Judah is also guilty of sin. 12:3-7 What the Jews should have learned from Jacob's story. 12:8-12 More about the sins of fraud and idol worship. The Ashkenazim pick up where the Sephardim leave off. Hosea 12:13-14:10 Reproof of the Kingdom of the Ten Tribes. 12:13,14 Hoshea reminds us that our success is in Hashem's hands and not our own. 13:1,2 the kingdom of the ten tribes is blamed for idol worshiping. 13:3-14:1 The punishment for Israel's sins will be exile and death 14:2-4 Hoshea's call to teshuva - repentance. 14:5-9 Hashem's response to teshuva. 14:10 Hashem's ways are just. The Connection of the Haftarah to the Parasha: Parashat Vayaitzai relates how Yaakov escaped from his murderous brother, Aisav, to Lavans home, where he married Leah and Rachel. The 1st Passuk of the Haftorah summarizes the events from the Parasha. Haftorahman’s thought of the week. Being an understanding person comes easier to some

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

than others. We see in our Haftorah how initially Hoshea was behaving in a judgmental way with Hashem's people, Bnai Yisrael. We he said to Hashem, "If you are not happy with your people, go and find a new one", Hashem "decided" to teach Hoshea a lesson. By arranging for Hoshea to marry a woman and then have her betray him was Hashem's way of teaching Hoshea how to be more empathetic. Now Hoshea would know what it's like to be betrayed, by just one person he loved. Can you imagine being betrayed by a whole nation? This week instead of being "right", get what you "want". If you show mercy, the laws of "measure for measure" would suggest that you would hopefully be dealt with in a merciful way, as well. Remember, it is far better to be dealt with in a merciful way than in a judgmental way, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". When you are thinking this week how to deal with a situation, stop and think, " Am I showing justice or mercy to this other person"? Let me know. Hoshea's Biography: Hosea's prophecies took place from 760-720 B.C.E. His father's name was Be'eri Hanavi (The Prophet). He was from the tribe of Reuven. He lived in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where his prophecies took place. This was just before the Assyrians conquered and exiled the Jews. The name Hoshea means Salvation. He told Hashem "If you don't like the way the Jews are behaving, choose another people". Hashem didn't like that, and then Hashem set out to teach Hoshea a lesson by asking him to marry a woman named Gomer. We know she was from a city called Diblaim. Before she was married to Hoshea she was a harlot. They had 3 children, one was a daughter called Lo-ruhama or Object-of-nomercy, because Hashem had decided to no longer be merciful with the Jews who refused to repent. And two 2 sons: Lo-ami or Not-my-people, because the Jews had forfeited their claim to being the Hashem's "Chosen People", and Jezreel, The-G-d-of-powerful-mercy-will-plant or Hashem-will-gather-in-the-exiled-Jews-and-plant-them-in-their-homeland. Hashem instructed Hosea to send his family away. Hosea couldn't stand it. (More later). Four prophets prophesied at the same period: Hosea, Isaiah, Amos and Micah. The greatest of them was Hosea, who was the first of the four to experience prophecies. For 40 years Hashem warned the Jewish people through Hosea. His prophecies took place in the time of the first Bait Hamikdash. Hashem spoke to him once. Hosea died in Babylon. At the time when the journey to Palestine was beset with many perils Hosea desired to be buried in the Holy Land. He requested before his death, that his coffin be loaded on a camel and for the camel to make his way as he would. Where-ever he stopped, there Hosea was to be buried. So it was done without a single mishap. The camel arrived in Sefad at the Jewish cemetery of the town. The camel stood still and there Hosea was buried in the presence of a large crowd. Famous Phrases from the Book of Hosea: Chapter 9:10 Ke'a'vanim Ba'mid'bar" or "Like Grapes in the Desert". It's like finding something important in a place where one has no hope of finding it. This is probably where the saying "It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack " comes from. Timeline: Hosea lived about 2835 years ago in the Jewish year 3142. Map: The Northern Kingdom of Israel Learn with the Haftorahman. One on One or in a group. If you and/or a friend are interested, please contact me to arrange for a weekly class in order to learn more about the biblical prophets and other subjects related to Judaism.

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

As told by: Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff dedicated in loving memory of Mr. Avraham ben Yitzchak Isaac Schwerd e-mail: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Vayishlach The Prediction of Edom's Downfall Selected From the Book of Ovadia, which is part of the Book called Trai Assar or Twelve Prophets. The Structure of the Book of Hosea: Chapters 1-3 explain how Hosea became a prophet. The Story of This Weeks Haftorah: Ovadia has a prophecy against Israel's enemy Edom. He predicts that the nations of the world will proclaim war against Edom. Because of Edom's arrogance it will eventually suffer humiliation, as Hashem will humble Edom. Eventually Edom's enemies will deceive her, plunder her and rob her. It will be trapped into going to war, which it will lose. Edom's land will become desolate, because she opposed Jacob. Edom mistreats its brother nation, Israel. Due to Edom's sins its ultimate punishment will be retribution. Edom will be repaid measure for measure for tormenting Israel. Finally the Jewish nation will be redeemed. Ovadia speaks of the nation of Israel's survival and future conquests. Israel's exiles will return and its' future borders will be restored. Hashem's kingdom will be established forever. The Connection of the Haftarah to the Parasha: In the Parasha, Yaakov was left wounded and limping as a result of his confrontation with this brother Aisav's Guardian Angel. Similarly Aisav's descendants (The Edomites) would torture and hurt our nation both in body and spirit. However, just as Yaakov emerged perfect from the event, so will the Jewish people. Haftorahman's Lesson for Parasha Vayishlach: The prophet Ovadia sets an example for all Jews. Even though he wasn't born a Jew and he worked for the evil Royal couple (King Achav and Queen Jezebel), it would have been natural for him to be influenced by his surroundings. However, he chose not to live his life blaming things on where he came from, or who surrounded him as a reason for not getting closer to Hashem and doing good deeds. Ovadia demonstrated that whatever the circumstances, every person has the power to have a " vision" of what's spiritually possible for themselves and other fellow Jews. He chose to convert. Then he chose to spend his fortune on supporting the only 100 remaining men that

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

kept alive the Torah as observant Jews. How many times do we tolerate spiritual mediocrity for ourselves? We should stop and think, " Why does it have to be that way?" Ovadia wasn't limited by the past, why should we be? So what If I or others didn't come from a religious background, "I can learn to read Hebrew; I can say a blessing before I eat food; I can keep kosher; I can put on tefillin in the morning; I can go to Services; I can stop speaking Lashon Hara (slander); I can become Shomer Shabbat; I can say Shema Yisrael before I go to sleep; I can go to a Shiur to learn this week's Parasha (P.S. if you have read this far, you already are learning Torah, so give yourself a little credit and keep going). This week make up your mind that you will pick a Mitzvah to work on with the purpose of building your relationship with Hashem. The Prophet Ovadia's Biography: His name means "worshipper" or "Servant of G-d". He wasn't Jewish by birth. He was a ger or convert from Edom, descendents of Esav. Ovadia wrote his own book, which is the shortest book in the Tanach. It's only one chapter long, consisting of just 21 sentences. Ovadia lived in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He was a very G-d fearing man. Ovadia belonged to the court of the evil King Achav and Queen Jezebel who ruled over Israel or the ten northern tribes called Samaria. King Achav and Queen Jezebel brought in Phoenician Idols in order to worship Paganism. They wanted to destroy the prophets of Israel. Ovadia risked his life to save the prophets. Ovadia took 50 prophets and placed them in one cave and then he placed 50 more prophets and placed them into another cave to protect them. (Lesson: Don't put all your eggs in one basket). Therefore, he merited the ability to experience prophecy. Ovadia preserved the hidden prophets by paying for their food and oil (for light) with his own money. When he started to do this he was very rich. However, he eventually went into debt by borrowing money from the Royal family. Ovadia died young. He left a widow with debts to pay and two children. Elisha the prophet helped her when he made a miracle happen. He asked her to pour the single drop of oil she had left into many empty barrels. Miraculously they got filled up and she was able to pay her debts off and lived off of the remaining oil. We learn from this miracle that we must leave a piece of bread on the table when saying Birkat Hamazon or Grace After Meals. Why? Only Hashem can create something from nothing. So that when Elisha made a miracle happen of abundance, it was from a drop of oil, or "something". The same goes for the bread. We want our physical blessings to increase, so we start with something and we pray that it will be increased. Famous Pesukim from the Book of Ovadia: Chapter 1:1-21 Ve'alu mosheim behar tzion lishpot et har esav v'hayetah Hashem hamlucha. "And saviors will ascend Mount Zion to judge the mountain of Sea and the Kingdom will be Hashem's" Said on Shabbat just after Az Yashir and just before Nishmat Kol Chai. Timeline: This Haftorah happened about 2500 years ago. This took place after the time that the state of Israel split into two, and before the destruction of the 1st Beit Hamikdash. Eliyahu Ha'navi was alive at that time. Map: This Haftarah takes place in Northern Israel. Learn with the Haftorahman. One on One or in a group. If you and/or a friend are interested, please contact me to arrange for a weekly class in order to learn more about the biblical prophets and other subjects related to Judaism.

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

As told by: Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff Dedicated by the Ebrahimoff family in memory of my father, Nissim ben Reuven Ebrahimoff, whose Hazkara/Yahrzeit is observed this week. May his neshama have an aliya. If you have any thoughts or questions, please contact me at: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Vayeishev The Prediction of Edom's Downfall SelecteBnai Yisrael (The Nation of Israel) is urged to listen to the Prophets. We read the Haftorah from the Book of Amos. The Book of Amos is the third in the order of the Trai Assar or The Twelve Prophets, and first chronologically. The Haftorah is read from Chapters 2:6-3:8 The Story of This Week's Haftorah: The Haftorah opens with words regarding the Sins of the Ten Tribes. They had four sins that Hashem was unhappy with. 1st Idolatry, 2nd Immorality, 3rd Bloodshed and last the Israelite Judges could be bribed. The first three, Hashem was willing to forgive his nation for but the fourth Hashem wasn't willing to forgive. An honest man must be entitled to a fair trial and if human beings are going to "play G-d" with other peoples lives, they better be honest. The Haftorah continues with the fact that Jews must be holy, if not they will be punished and tragedies will befall the Jews. "Use it or lose it." Hashem has given us the power to choose. We can either use Judaism as a way of life or not. Do we take advantage of this opportunity? Or do we act like Judaism is a burden? Then we are taught a lesson by the prophet Amos. We learn about the Emorite nation's past. Even though they were the strongest of Israel’s seven enemy nations, Hashem easily destroyed them because of their abominable ways. We should always remember that Hashem is watching over us and he is ready to reward or punish us. The Haftorah discusses why Hashem deals with the Jews strictly. It's because he really does loves us and he cares enough about us, to punish us for our sins. This enables us to reflect, do teshuvah and in turn improve ourselves as much as possible. The Jews are urged to take the words of the prophet seriously because those words are, Hashem's future plans and they will one day come true. These words are not some ideas the prophets came up with. These are the words that were communicated by Hashem to the prophet. Amos goes on to tell us that the prophets have secret knowledge. Hashem does not do anything without first revealing his secret plans to his servants.

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Connection of the Haftarah to the Parasha: In this weeks Haftorahs opening verses the prophet Amos accuses certain Jews of having sold the Tzadik (a righteous person) for money and the poor man for shoes. The Parasha acknowledges that Yakov's sons sold Joseph, the Tzadik, into slavery and used the money to buy them self's shoes. The moral of the Haftorah: It is human nature to minimize our sins. A little Lashon Hara, it's not so bad. "I didn't observe the laws of Shabbat as much as I could have, no big deal". "I didn't make a blessing on the food that wasn't so kosher anyway, nothing will happen to me". Right. Wrong. Just because Hashem doesn't "pull us over" and write us a spiritual speeding ticket every time we zoom by his radar detector, it doesn't mean that Hashem hasn't recorded our violations. Before you chose to do a mitzvah or averah (Good deed or sin) ask yourself is it worth it? Ignoring your sins doesn't make them go away. Biography of the Prophet Amos: Amos' name is derived from Hebrew and could mean either "Burden" or "Bearer of Burden". Amos was born in the mountain top city of Tekoa in Land of Judah where he prophesied from 765 to 750 B.C. Amos might have been the earliest of the "Trai Assar". Like all prophets he was wealthy. Amos was a herdsman and also owned sycamore trees. He lived in time of Uzziah, King of Judah and the prophets Hosea, Isaiah and Michah. Amos stuttered. : His name means "worshipper" or "Servant of G-d". He wasn't Jewish by birth. He was a ger or convert from Edom, descendents of Esav. Ovadia wrote his own book, which is the shortest book in the Tanach. It's only one chapter long, consisting of just 21 sentences. Ovadia lived in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He was a very G-d fearing man. Ovadia belonged to the court of the evil King Achav and Queen Jezebel who ruled over Israel or the ten northern tribes called Samaria. King Achav and Queen Jezebel brought in Phoenician Idols in order to worship Paganism. They wanted to destroy the prophets of Israel. Ovadia risked his life to save the prophets. Ovadia took 50 prophets and placed them in one cave and then he placed 50 more prophets and placed them into another cave to protect them. (Lesson: Don't put all your eggs in one basket). Therefore, he merited the ability to experience prophecy. Ovadia preserved the hidden prophets by paying for their food and oil (for light) with his own money. When he started to do this he was very rich. However, he eventually went into debt by borrowing money from the Royal family. Ovadia died young. He left a widow with debts to pay and two children. Elisha the prophet helped her when he made a miracle happen. He asked her to pour the single drop of oil she had left into many empty barrels. Miraculously they got filled up and she was able to pay her debts off and lived off of the remaining oil. We learn from this miracle that we must leave a piece of bread on the table when saying Birkat Hamazon or Grace After Meals. Why? Only Hashem can create something from nothing. So that when Elisha made a miracle happen of abundance, it was from a drop of oil, or "something". The same goes for the bread. We want our physical blessings to increase, so we start with something and we pray that it will be increased. Timeline: The Haftorah took place about 2750 years ago. Just before the 10 Northern tribes were exiled from their homeland by the Assyrians. Which eventually preceded the destruction of the Holy Temple 2588 years ago? Map: The Haftorah takes place in Northern Israel. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2001

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Shabbat Chanukah The Prophet Zechariah's Vision of the Menorah or Candelabrum. The Haftorah begins… Rani V'simchi Bat Zion - Sing and be glad "daughter" of Zion, Jerusalem, "we" the exiled nation of Israel, is returning home. Taken from the Book of Zecharya Chapter 2:14-17, 3:1-7. The Story of This Week's Haftorah: 2:14-17 Zechariah predicts that Mount Zion should "jubilate and rejoice" because in the time of the second Bais Hamikdash the Shechina or Hashem's Spirit will "return" to Yerushalyim. On that day many nations of the world will believe in Hashem but Hashem will remember his "chosen people". 3:1-5 Hashem shows Zechariah in a prophetic vision the Kohen Gadol or High priest Yehoshua standing before the angel of mercy and the Satan or accusing angel. They are there to decide whether to oust Yehoshua from his position. Why? Because of the sins of his children. His sons were married to nonJewish women. 3:6-10 A message to Yehoshua. He is told that if his children to teshuva, then they would be rewarded with being able to enter the "Garden of Eden". Zechariah is then promised that Hashem is already and waiting to rebuild the second Holy Temple. Hashem has already placed the "foundation stone" for the rebuilding of the 2nd Bais Hamikdash. Hashem will then reward his nation with the bringing of the Mashiach. We are promised that in the time of the Mashiach there will be world peace and abundance of good things for everyone. 4:1-3 The Vision of the Menorah. Zechariah tells us that the angel who had spoken with him earlier has now woken him from his dream to tell him that his next vision is soon to come. His next vision inspires him to complete the rebuilding of the second Bais Hamikdash which had been ceased for a while. Zechariah tells the angel that he sees a vision of a golden menorah with a bowl on top of it. The menorah has seven lamps and each lamp has seven pipes attached to the bowl on its top from which the oil flowed into the lamps. Two olive trees were on either side of the menorah. 4:4-7 Interpretation of the vision. Zechariah questions the angel as to the meaning of the vision. The angel replied to Zechariah, "don't you understand the vision?" and Zechariah answers "No!" The angel proceeds to explain the vision. "Not by physical might or power, but only through the spirit of Hashem will these events occur". Faith will triumph over logioc and the spiritual will trancend the physical. just like the message of Chaunakah. The Haftorah's Connection to Shabbat Chanukah: The Haftorah speaks of the prophet http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/miketz62.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 04:46:40 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Zechariah's vision of the golden in the Bais Hamikdash. Similarly a Menorah was present at the miracle of Chanukah. The Haftorah connects to the Holiday of Chanukah and not to this week's Parasha. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: Zecharya's vision explains to us that it's not with our individual power that our successes come from, but with the spirit of Hashem. Let's remember that to the degree that we re-connect ourselves to Hashem via the Torah, our own personal lights will shine brighter. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: Zecharya's vision explains to us that it's not with our individual power that our successes come from, but with the spirit of Hashem. Let's remember that to the degree that we re-connect ourselves to Hashem via the Torah, our own personal lights will shine brighter. The Prophet Zecharya's Biography: The meaning of Zechariah's name is "Hashem remembered". He was the son of the prophet Ido. He was a Kohen. His prophecies took place in the year 520 b.c.e., about 2500 years ago. He was the 11th of the 12 prophets in the Book of the Tray Assar. Zechariah wrote his own book - it is 14 chapters long. He lived in the time of the return from Babylon and Persia. Curesh, Esther & Achashveroshe's son permitted the rebuilding of the 2nd temple. Zechariah had a second name Meshulam. He lived in Jerusalem and was buried in the Kidron Valley. His piers were Zerubavel governor of Jerusalem, Yehoshua the Kohen Gadol, Mordechai, Nechemia, Ezra, Chaggai, Yonah. Zecharya was one of the men who hid the temple treasures. Shortly after Zecharya's time prophecy departed from Israel. He was a member of the men of the great assembly. Famous Phrases: From the book of Zecharya Chapter 14:9. V'haya Hashem Lemelech al kol ha'aretz, bayom hahu yeheyeh hashem echad ushemo echad. Translated, "and Hashem will be the ruler over the world". This is the concluding sentence of prayer of Alenu Leshabeach said at the end of the 3 daily prayers. Timeline: The Haftarah took place about 2500 years ago. Map: Zecharya's prophecy takes place in Jerusalem. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2001 If you have any thoughts or questions, please contact me at: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Vayigash The Bnai Yisrael's Future Union Selected from the Book of Ezekiel chapter 37:15-28 The Summary of This Week's Haftorah: 37-15-17 Yehezkel symbolically holds two pieces of wood together. One block of wood represented the Northern tribes and the second block of wood represented the Southern tribe of Judah (where the Holy Temple stood). 37:18-24 That symbol meant, that at the time of the redemption both Jewish kingdoms would be united. 37:25-28 The Prophet Ezekiel predicts that Bnai Yisrael will live securely in Eretz Yisrael forever, with the return of Hashem's presence or Shechina will be in their midst. The Haftorah's Connection between the Parasha and Haftorah: After King Solomon's death, Eretz Yisrael was split into two kingdoms - the kingdom of Yehuda (& Benyamin) and the northern kingdom of Israel, which consisted of the ten soon to be lost tribes. Since the first king of "Israel" was from the tribe of Ephraim, the prophet Ezekiel refers to this kingdom as the kingdom of Ephraim. Ezekiel hints of the future division of the Jewish nation in this week's Haftorah reading. In Parashat Vayigash, the brothers Yehuda and Joseph confront each other. Ezekiel's prophecy tells us that in the future, perfect unity will bring together all Jews. In the future there will be two Mashiachs. The first Mashiach will come from the tribe of Joseph. Then the second Mashiach will come from the tribe of Yehuda. He will be a descendant of David hamelech. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: Ezekiel placed two pieces of wood together that symbolically showed that the once divided nation of Israel would one day be unified again. We too must take the initiative to unite our world together. Whether it be with our spouses, siblings, workmates, friends whomever. We must go out of our way to create "achdus", or harmony in our circle of friends and family. If we show a desire for oneness, we hope that Hashem will bless us with peace and unity. The Biography of Ezekiel: Ezekiel's name means "Hashem strengthens" or may Hashem strengthen. He was a Kohen. He was born in the village of Anatot surrounding Jerusalem. His wife died suddenly before his prophecies began. Ezekiel was a part of the 8000 exiles in 597

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

b.c.e. to go to Babylon. He prophecies for 30 years, several of the prophecies are date, month and year specific. He was the only person in the Tanach (Bible) to be called "Ben Adam" The son of man. The Book of Ezekiel:Ezekiel wrote his own book that is 48 chapters long. The first 24 chapters are about the future siege and fall of Jerusalem. The second part of the book, chapters 25 -48 talk of the hope that Hashem will favor the mountains of Israel and remove the Idol worshipping and repopulate the land. Ezekiel goes on to predict the annihilation of the hostile Heathen nations. We are told about the rejoining of the two halves of the divided Land of Israel, Judea and Samaria. Finally, we hear about the plans for the Third Temple and the redistribution of the land among the tribes with a President for the people. There are major warnings to the exiles in Babylon, which take place before the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple. Some interesting parts of the Book of Ezekiel are: The Book of Ezekiel begins with the prophet's vision of the Ma'aseh Hamerkavah (The Throne of Hashem) lifting itself up from the Bais Hamikdash. 2nd there is the story of the Valley of the Dry bones and their resurrection. 3rd We have the description of the 3rd Temple to be built in the messianic period. Famous phrases: "Vatesaeni ruach Vaeshma kol ra'ash Gadol". "And a spirit lifted me and I heard a great sound". Timeline: This Haftorah occurred about 2600 years ago. Map: This Haftorah took place in Bavel (Babylonia). Ezekiel was one of the only prophets to experience prophecies outside of the Land of Israel. Dedicated in loving memory of Mr. Abraham Schwerd Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2001 If you have any thoughts or questions, please contact me at: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat VaYechi King David's Last Will & Testament Read by both Sephardim and Ashkenazim, from the Book of Melachim Aleph/Kings One. Chapter 2:Verses1-12. The Summary of This Week's Haftorah: On his deathbed Kind David who was 70 years old at the time, commanded his son Shlomo who was 12 years old, to keep the Torah. Then King David orders Shlomo to kill Yoav, David's commander in chief of the army and confidant. David ordered Solomon to kill Yoav because, Yoav betrayed King David by backing David's oldest surviving son Adoniyahu to become the next king of Israel. Afterwards David commands his son to support the sons of Barzilai, who was a supporter of King David. Next, David orders Shlomo to execute Shimi ben Gaira, who cursed David after Avshalom, David's son forced him to abandon Jerusalem. King David then passes away and Shlomo succeeds him as King of Israel. Shlomo goes on to fulfill his father's last wishes. Background: Shlomo reigned over Israel when some would say it was at its zenith. The Nation of Israel lived in the land of Israel. Its capital city was Jerusalem. On top of Mount Zion The Bait Hamikdash/ Holy Temple was standing. Kings ruled us. Our nation was said to have over 600,000 people who had acquired the ability to experience prophecies, which meant they could predict the future with absolute certainty. All 613 mitzvoth could have been observed at that time. The Kohen Gadol presided of the services in the Kadosh Hakodeshim/ Holy of Holies on The holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur. Jews from all over the Land of Israel would observe the Shalosh Regalim, Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkoth by migrating to Jerusalem 3 times a year. The Haftorah's Connection between the Parasha and Haftorah: In the beginning of Parashat VaYechi, Yaakov Avinu called his sons to his deathbed to give them his last instructions. Similarly the Haftorah talks about the advice King David gave to his son Shlomo/ Solomon before he died. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: Ezekiel placed two pieces of wood together that symbolically showed that the once divided nation of Israel would one day be unified again. We

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

too must take the initiative to unite our world together. Whether it be with our spouses, siblings, workmates, friends whomever. We must go out of our way to create "achdus", or harmony in our circle of friends and family. If we show a desire for oneness, we hope that Hashem will bless us with peace and unity. The Biography of Shlomo ben David, King Solomon: The meaning of his name is "peace" or "prosperity", which sounds like SHALOM. He had seven names, Shlomo, Yedidyah, Kohelet, Agur, Yakeh, Lemuel, and Ithiel. His father was King David. It is said that he was the smartest man to ever lived. Shlomo was made king at the age of 12. He ruled for 40 years and passed away at the age of 52. As king he led the building of the Bait Hamikdash, starting at 16 years of age, which lasted for 7 years. There were 3 books written by him 1) Kohelet or Ecclesiastes 2) Mishlay or Proverbs, which concludes with the song Aishet Chayil sung on Erev Shabbat. 3) Shir Hashirim or The Song of Songs. Solomon presided over the court where the two women who were fighting for custody over the surviving infant. As we all know he was able to reveal the true mother by asking his guards to bring a sword so that he could "split the baby in half". He was extremely wealthy. By some estimations his wealth increased by $250 million dollars a year. Solomon was famous for his stables which housed 40,000 horses and 12,000 horseman. Shlomo was able to give 3000 explanations to every Passuk in the Torah. He knew all 70 languages spoken in the world at that time as well as he was able to communicate with all the living creatures in the animal kingdom. He was the builder of 3 cities; Megiddo, Hazor and Gezer in the north of Israel. King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Once the Queen of Sheba traveled 7 years by caravan just to meet him and quiz him with regards to his wisdom. After their first meeting the Queen of Sheba remarked that King Solomon was much wiser than his reputation had suggested. Two of the mitzvoth that King Solomon instituted were the Eiruv and Nitelat Yadyim. The Eiruv, a string surrounding an outer perimeter of an area designating it as that you can carry things on Shabbat. He also made it customary for people to wash their hands before eating bread. Famous phrases: rabot achshavot belev ish, va'atzat Hashem he takum", "Many designs are in a man's heart, but the council of Hashem only will prevail. Taken from the Book of Mishlay Chapter 19, verse 21. Timeline: Solomon became king over all of Israel in the Jewish year 2924 or about 2848 years ago. Map: Both King David and his son King Solomon lived in Jerusalem. Dedicated in loving memory of Mr. Abraham Schwerd Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2001 If you have any thoughts or questions, please contact me at: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Shemot- Exodus 5762 Read by the Sephardim From the Book of Jeremiah Chapter 1:1- 2:3 The Summary of This Week's Haftorah: The Haftorah starts with Yirmiyahu's appointment as a prophet. Hashem told Jeremiah of his future as a prophet, before he was born, while he was in his mother's stomach. You could say that he did not have a choice in the matter. Jeremiah reluctantly accepted. Hashem reassured Jeremiah that regardless his dismal circumstances Hashem would always be there for him. The Haftorah turns to Jeremiah's first two prophecies. The 1st prophecy is the vision of an almond tree sprouting its first branch. In the springtime it is the almond tree that sprouts the earliest and quickest. It takes exactly 21 days for the almond tree to sprout. This prophecy was a warning to the Israelites that the "sprouting" of Jerusalem will be quick, soon and brief. As a matter of fact it took exactly 21 days from the day that Nebuchadnezzar pierced the walls of Jerusalem on Shiva-assar b'Tamuz or the 17th of month of Tammuz until the destruction of the Bait Hamikdash, on Tishah Be'Av or the 9th of the month of Av. The second vision is of a boiling pot with it's opening to the North. This meaning of this vision is that the "boiling pot" symbolizes the nation of Babylon, which was situated to the North spilling over onto the Jews in the land of Israel. Jeremiah is warning Israel to change their evil ways or be exiled. Hashem gives to Jeremiah encouragement not to be afraid of the responses he will be getting from the people of Israel. The Haftorah concludes with Jeremiah's first message to the Jewish people. The reassuring words are that the nation and the land of Israel are dear to Hashem and any one who attacks Israel, evil will fall upon them. The Haftorah's Connection between the Parasha and Haftorah: Why do we read this Haftorah? In the Parasha of Shemot, Moshe Rabbainu is appointed a prophet and leader. This Haftorah was chosen because similarly to Moses, Yirmiyahu is called upon by Hashem to relay his messages to the Jews. They both modestly rejected Hashem's request. They both claimed that they didn't posses the power of speech needed to convince the nation of Israel to change their ways. They both prophesied for 40 years. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: The prophet Yirmiyahu show us with his actions to "deliver the message, without fear of the response." Hashem was always there backing up the http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/shemos62.htm (1 de 4)08/03/2008 04:56:41 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

prophet Jeremiah no matter how bad it looked. Hashem told Jeremiah to never be afraid to speak up. We should learn from him not to be afraid to speak up to people are not behaving correctly to us or Hashem. Don't be afraid. Hashem is always with us. Just remember to say it nicely. Yirmiyahu's (Jeremiah's) biography: The meaning of his name is "Hashem will elevate." He was the son of Chilkiya also a prophet. He was a Kohen. He was born in Anatot, 2 miles north of Jerusalem in the land of Benjamin. He spoke at childhood and cursed the day he was born. Isaiah came before Yirmiyahu, and Ezekiel comes after. He wrote 3 Books: Jeremiah - 52 chapters, Each (Lamentations), and Mealtime (The Book of Kings). His prophecies started when he was 18 and continued for 40 Years. He was born with a circumcision. He was a descendant of Rehab, Jericho's innkeeper that Joshua saved. Jeremiah's prophecy before, during, and after the destruction of the Bait Hamikdash (Holy Temple). The Temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon. He remained in Jerusalem after its destruction with Gedalyah ben Achikam, The man who the fast of Gedalyah is named after. Shafan was his scribe. Shafan brought the scroll he found in the Bait Hamikdash to Jeremiah, which was originally written by Moses. It was open to the verse "Hashem will bring you and your elected King to a nation unknown to your fathers." That scared people into changing their ways. He was chosen by Hashem in 624 B.C.E. to be a prophet about 2625 years ago. Jeremiah claimed he was too young for the job. Jeremiah lived in Jerusalem. He was never married and he never had children. He was the head of the Mishmeret Hakohanim (The Guard by the Priests doing work in the Holy Temple) They were the custodians of the Ark of the Lord. Wore a wooden yolk around his neck. Was know as the Weeping Prophet Was born in 640 B.C.E. about 2650 years ago, on Tishah Be'av. The time span of the book 66 years. Baruch was his friend and deceiple. He was stoned to death after fleeing to Egypt, Alexandria. The structure of the Book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah's commission Call to Prophecy. The broken covenant. Prophecy to Judah and gentiles. Judgment nearsKing Zedkiya and the 70 year captivity. Jerusalem falls - Babylonians invade Israel and Jerusalem. Famous phrases: Od yeshamah, b'arai yehudah, u'vechusot, u'vechusot Yerushalaim. Kol sasson vekolsimcha, kol chatan ve'chol kalah. - There again will be heard, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, the sound of joy and the sound of gladness, the sound of the groom and the sound of the bride. Jeremiah 33:10-11. Religious and social situations in Israel: adultery, deceit, and exploitation of the poor. Timeline: The Haftorah takes place 2650 years ago. Map: The Haftorah takes place in Jerusalem

The Haftorah for Parashat Shemos - for Ashkenazim Ashkenazim read this weeks Haftorah from the Book of Yeshayahu / Isaiah Chapter 27:6-28:13, and 29:22,23. Hashem criticizes the Jews for overindulging in Physical Pleasure http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/shemos62.htm (2 de 4)08/03/2008 04:56:41 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Connection between this week's Parasha and Haftorah: This week's Haftorah begins with the story of how Hashem caused Yaakov's family to multiply while in Israel. That relates thematically to the Parasha, which also tells us that Hashem caused B'Nai Yisrael to multiply via multiple childbirth's while in Egypt. The Summary of this week's Haftorah: 27:6-8 Hashem shows his kindness to the Jews while in Egypt. He blesses them with many children and plenty of food to eat. Hashem even showed us mercy when punishing us. When Hashem punishes other nations his punishment is much more severe. 27:9 Yeshayahu commands the inhabitants of the kingdom of the Ten Tribes to destroy their idols. Hashem wants to bless us and by doing teshuva it will enable Hashem to forgive the Jewish people for their past sins. 27:10-12 If the Jews to teshuva they will be redeemed. 28:1-4 The kingdom of the Ten Tribes indulges in the pleasures of the times, which results in punishment. Our enemies will devour the Kingdom of the Ten Tribes. 28: 5-6 The remaining Tzadikim, that were not exiled, will learn a lesson that Hashem will protect them during these difficult times. The Jews will experience true glory because they no longer will have to protect themselves, Hashem will. 28:7-8 The Kingdom of Yehudah's also sin by overindulging in food and drink. 28:9-13 The Jews will be punished for ignoring the prophet's reproof. The prophet complains that the people are too preoccupied with overeating, to listen to him. 29: 22, 23 Yaakov will be proud of his descendants. Ultimately the Jewish people will behave, as they should. Isaiah's Biography: The name means "Salvation of Hashem" · Isaiah wrote his own book 66 chapters long · His father was a prophet named Amoz · He was from a royal family and had access to the Bait Hamikdash. · He was born in the year 765 b.c.e. (8th century) about 2760 years ago. · Isaiah was 25 years old when he had his first vision. · After Moses he was considered to be the greatest of all prophets. · 4 prophets lived in Isaiah's time - Hosea, Amos, Michah and Isaiah. · Isaiah was born circumcised · He survived 4 kings - Uzziah, Yotham, Ahaz, and Hezkiah. · Isaiah lived 120 years · Isaiah said he saw in a prophecy the throne of Hashem. · He had one wife and two sons. · Menasheh the King of Judah killed him. · He predicted Israel's demise. Famous Pesukim from Isaiah: Said on weekdays in the Amidah prayer. "Hasheeva shoftainu kevarishona v'yoatzenu kevatchelah". "Hashem will restore the Judges as at the first and your counselors as at the beginning". Timeline: The prophet Isaiah lived approximately 2700 years ago just before the destruction of the 1st temple.

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Map: Isaiah's prophecies took place in Jerusalem. Dedicated in loving memory of Naftali ben Leah & Nissim Gad z"l, by Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Gad Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2001 If you have any thoughts or questions, please contact me at: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Va'aira 5762 Egypt's Punishment Read from the book of Ezekiel Chapter 28:25-29:21 The Summary of This Week's Haftorah: : Israelis future blessing: (Ch.28:25). Ezekiel begins with telling us that Hashem will punish the Jewish Nation's enemies. Then Hashem will permit the Jewish people to return to their homeland in the future. A Prophecy against Pharaoh and Egypt. (Ch. 29:1) Hashem speaks to Ezekiel who was living in Bavel at the time and provides him with the following prophecy regarding Egypt. Ezekiel prophecies that Babylon will conquer Egypt. At the time Jerusalem had been surrounded by the Babylonians for about a year, and they were hoping to get help from the Egyptians to rescue them. Hashem through his prophet Ezekiel said "forget about it, don't rely on other nations to rescue you, rely on yourselves, and me, Hashem." The Haftorah explains why Egypt deserves this punishment. Egypt always promised to back up Israel against their enemies, but when it came time to help Israel Egypt never kept their word. The prophet further explains that Egypt will be desolate for 40 years, and the people of Egypt will be scattered among the nations. Then Ezekiel explains that Egypt will never rise to power again. It will be come desolate. Hashem rewards Nebuchadnezzar by allowing Babylon to defeat Egypt. (Ch. 29:17) The Haftorah concludes with Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon was allowed to conquer Egypt. The Haftorah's Connection between the Parasha and Haftorah: both the Parasha and the Haftorah speak about the punishment of Egypt. The Parasha speaks about the plagues that befell the Egyptians in Moses' time and the Haftorah predicts that Babylon will conquer Egypt in Pharaoh Chofra's time. The difference in time of when the Parasha took place and the Haftorah is about a thousand years. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: We see a direct connection between Hashem and man with regard to "meedah kinegged meedah" measure for measure. What did Egypt do? Because Egypt kept making promises they didn't keep, Hashem's nation, Israel was being put into a vulnerable position and Hashem doesn't like that. Hashem is very protective of his "children." What do we learn from this? Don't make promises you can't keep, for sure. Don't rely on the "unreliable." Whoever that may be. If you're getting the help you need, fine. If you're not, change gears and start to help yourself. Rely on yourself for prayers and rely on http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/vaera62.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 04:57:06 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Hashem for the response to your prayers. You have direct access to Hashem, at any time, in any language you can ask for help. Try it, you will like it. The Biography of Ezekiel: Ezekiel name means "Hashem strengthens" or may Hashem strengthen. He was a Kohen. He was born in the village of Anatot surrounding Jerusalem. His wife died suddenly before his prophecies began. Ezekiel was a part of the 8000 exiles in 597 b.c.e. to go to Babylon. He prophesied for 30 years, several are date, month and year specific. He was the only person in the Tanach (Bible) to be called "Ben Adam" The son of man. The Book of Ezekiel: Ezekiel wrote his own book that is 48 chapters long. The 1st 24 chapters are about the future siege and fall of Jerusalem. The 2nd part of the book, chapters 25 -48 talk of the hope that Hashem will favor the mountains of Israel and remove the Idol worshipping and repopulate the land. Ezekiel goes on to predict of the annihilation of the hostile Heathen nations. We are explained about the rejoining of the two halves of the split Land of Israel, Judea and Sammaria. Finally we hear about the plans for the third temple and the redistribution of the land among the tribes with a President for the people. There are Major warnings to the exiles in Babylon. Just before the destruction of Jerusalem and the 1st Temple. The Book of Ezekiel begins with the prophet's vision of the Ma'aseh Hamerkavah (The Throne of Hashem) lifting itself up from the Bais Hamikdash. 2nd there is the story of the Valley of the Dry bones and their resurrection. 3rd We have the description of the 3rd Temple to be built in the messianic period. Famous phrases: Va'tesaeni ruach va'eshma kol ra'ashgadol -- baruch kevod Hashem mimekomo. Then a wind lifted me and then I heard behind me the sound of a great noise. Blessed be the glory of Hashem from his place. Included in the prayer "u'vah lezion goel." Timeline: These events took place about 2500 years ago. Map: The Haftorah takes place in Babylon. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2001 If you have any thoughts or questions, please contact me at: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Bo 5762 Bavel (Babylon) will defeat Egypt. Read from Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah) Chapter 46: 13-28 The Story Line of This Week's Haftorah: 46:13,14 The Haftorah begins with Yirmiyahu's prophecy predicting the Babylonian King Nevuchadnezzar and his army will destroy Egypt. 46:15-18 Not that it mattered but Egypt was told to prepare her army for war. There was one thing could save them. That was, if the Egyptian's did teshuvah (repentance). 46:19 Yirmiyahu continues to predict that Egypt will be defeated and exiled. Nevuchadnezzar was coming to invade Egypt and he would eventually destroy Egypt. All the Egyptians will be sent into exile. So...everybody get ready to march, including the nobleman. 46:20-24 There is no hope for victory for the Egyptians. 46:25 We are explained why Hashem punishes Egypt. It is because of all the hardships that Egypt had oppressed upon the Jews over the years. It's payback time. Measure for measure. 46:26 After the Egyptian exile, they will return to their land. 46:27-28 The Haftorah concludes with encouragement from Hashem that if the Egyptians will be permitted to return to their land, then without a doubt the Jews will be able to return from Babylon to their homeland, The Land of Israel. The Haftorah's Connection between the Parasha and Haftorah: In the Parasha Egypt is punished for committing atrocities against the Jews. One of them was being the plague of locusts. This Haftorah was picked because it has a reference to locusts. Another connection is that towards the end of the Parasha, B’nai Yisrael set out on their journey of freedom from Egyptian bondage towards the Land of Israel. Similarly the Haftorah concludes with B’nai Yisraels' liberation from exile. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: At times it may seem that there is no justice in the world. We see either in our personal lives or lives as a part of the Jewish religion, others taking advantage of us. However the prophet Jeremiah reassures us that the day will come, when our past enemies will pay restitution to us. We must remember that as Jews a fundamental principal that we should live by is, "Midah Keneged Midah" or "Measure for Measure," and that one day Hashem will "settle the score" with our enemies. We can plainly see this today. After 2000 years we have Israel our homeland back. Another example is how the money that was stolen from the Jews during the years of the Holocaust, will now be http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/bo62.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 04:57:30 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

returned to them. Hashem is orchestrating these events, let's all stay close to Hashem so we can see the Grand Finale, together and up front. The Biography of Jeremiah: The meaning of his name is "Hashem will elevate." He was the son of Chilkiya also a prophet. He was a Kohen. He was born in Anatot, 2 miles north of Jerusalem in the land of Benjamin. He spoke at childhood and cursed the day he was born. Isaiah came before Yirmiyahu, and Ezekiel comes after. He wrote 3 Books: Jeremiah - 52 chapters, Eicha (Lamentations), and Melacim (The Book of Kings). He started his prophecies when he was 18 and continued for 40 years. Jeremiah was born with a circumcision. He was a descendant of Rehab, Jericho's innkeeper that Joshua saved. His prophecies took place before, during, and after the destruction of the Bait Hamikdash (Holy Temple). Nevuchadnezzar King of Babylon destroyed the Temple. He remained in Jerusalem after its destruction with Gedalyah ben Achikam, The man who the fast of Gedalyah is named after. Shafan was his scribe. Shafan brought the scroll he found in the Bait Hamikdash to Jeremiah, which was originally written by Moses. It was open to the verse "Hashem will bring you and your elected King to a nation unknown to your fathers." That scared people into changing their ways. He was chosen by Hashem in 624 B.C.E. to be a prophet about 2625 years ago. Jeremiah claimed he was too young for the job. Jeremiah lived in Jerusalem. He was never married and he never had children. He was the head of the Mishmeret Hakohanim (The Guard by the Priests doing work in the Holy Temple). They were the custodians of the Ark of the Lord. He wore a wooden yolk around his neck. Jeremiah was known as the Weeping Prophet. He was born in 640 B.C.E. about 2650 years ago, on Tisha Be'av. The time span of the book Jeremiah was 66 years. Baruch was his friend and deceiple. He was stoned to death after fleeing to Egypt, Alexandria. Famous phrases from Jeremiah: ko amar, ko amar Hashem, matzah chain bamidbar… Thus said Hashem "This people that survived the sword found favor in the wilderness, as I lead Israel to its place of tranquility." Jeremiah 31:1 Timeline: This story took place about 2600 years ago. Map: Jeremiah prophecies took place in Jerusalem. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2001 If you have any thoughts or questions, please contact me at: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Beshalach 5762 The Victory Song of Deborah - Shirat Deborah Read from the Book of Shoftim or Judges Chapters 4 (The story) and 5 (the Song) for Ashkenazim, Just Chapter 5 for Sephardim. Deborah commissions Barak to rid Israel of Cannanite oppression. The Prophetess brings about a spiritual regeneration. The Story Line of This Week's Haftorah: 4:1-3 Bnai Yisrael sins by worshipping idols and are subdued by the Cana'anim (Cananites). 4:4,5 The Prophetess Deborah, wife of Lapidot becomes the leader of the Jews. 4:6-9 She sends Barak a prophetic message to wage war against the enemy. Hashem confuses Sisera's camp. 4:10-16 The enemy is defeated, just one person remain's Sisera. 4:17-22 Yael kills general Sisera by driving a spike through his head. 4:23-24 Bnai Yisrael kills King Yavin. Deborah's Song - 5:1-3 Introduction: Praises to Hashem. Torah study and observance brings victory to Bnai Yisrael. 5:4-5 Without Torah they loose and with it they win. 5:6-13 Deborah's Song begins with the description of Matan Torah (The Giving of the Torah). Start doing circumcisions again and Hashem will bless you. When you want evil decrees to be reversed, Praise Hashem. Thanks to Hashem for the most recent victory and protection from the enemy. 5:14-18 Praise for the Jews who joined the battle and condemnation of those who did not. 5:19-22 The miracles of the war. 5:23-27 Meroz is cursed and Yael is blessed. 5:28-30 False hopes in Sisra's camp. The Conclusion. This event broke the power King Yabin had over the Israelites. The Haftorah's Connection between the Parasha and Haftorah: The Parasha of Beshlach contains the song that Moshe sang at the Yam Suf (Sea of reads), after Hashem rescued the nation of Israel from the Egyptian army. The Haftarah contains the song that was sung after Deborah defeated the Cananites. The Biography of Deborah: Deborah was one of 7 a Prophetess, and knew the secret of http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/beshalach62.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 04:57:57 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

divine wisdom. She was a Shofettet (female judge) and war leader that led Israel from foreign oppression. She lived in the latter half of the 12th century BCE. Her husband was called a Lapidot (Wick Maker) She prophesied for 40 years. Deborah was independently wealthy, she owned palm trees in Jericho, Orchards in Ramah. Oil producing olive trees in Beit-el. She sat under a palm tree in order to avoid seclusion with men. The Mishkan was in Shilo at the time. Six miracles occurred on this day. She came from the tribe of Naftali She lived in Atarot. Timeline: This story occurred about 3125 years ago. Map: The location of this Haftara is Mt. Tabor. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2001 If you have any thoughts or questions, please contact me at: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Yitro 5762 Read from the Prophet Yeshayahu's (Isaiah) Book. Chapter 6:1-13,7:1-6,9:5-6 Isaiah's Vision of Hashem on his Throne of Glory. The Story Line of This Week's Haftorah: Isaiah's call to prophesy starts with the Ma'aseh Merkavah or the Vision of the Heavenly Chariot (also seen by Ezekiel). Isaiah prophecies include a vision of Hashem and his heavenly throne surrounded by angels. The angels recite the famous passuk "Kadosh, kadosh, kadosh, Hashem zevakot meloh chol ha'aretz i," "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts, His Glory fills the World!" The door posts of the Bait Hamikdash shook from the sound of the voices and the Temple was filled with smoke. Then Isaiah says "I'm not worthy to see these things, because I am a man of unclean lips who lives amongst a people of unclean lips." What Isaiah was saying was "I'm not worthy for this job because I've spoken Loshon Hara and the nation of Israel speaks Loshon Hara." Isaiah was shown the Vision of Hashem's throne for three reasons. One of them, was because it was like the like the "tip of the iceberg" spiritually, it was to open Isaiah's mind so that it would be exposed to experience the infinite holiness of Hashem. If Isaiah could experience it, he could begin to share it with other people. He would be able to share how great and awesome Hashem was. Another reason Hashem wanted Isaiah to see the throne being lifting up and out from the Bait Hamikdash was the foreshadowing symbol of the process of the Jewish people going into exile is about to happen. An angel then touches Isaiah's lips with a hot coal and "removes" the sin of Loshon Hara. Then Isaiah hears Hashem's voice asking, "Whom shall I send to tell the people and Isaiah says, 'Send me!" Hashem then gives Isaiah. Yeshayahu is instructed to give a message to King Achaz of Judah. He was told that enemies will try to rise up against them however they will be unsuccessful. The Haftorah concludes with our being told of the birth of a righteous King, Chizkiyahu who had the potential to be the Mashiach and would be capable of uniting the people of Israel to do teshuvah and bring on the Messianic period. The Haftorah's Connection between the Parasha and Haftorah: In This weeks Parasha (torah reading) the Jewish nation experienced the revelation of the Hashem's Sheeting at Mount Sinai during the giving of the Ten Commandments. In the Haftorah the prophet Isaiah also has a prophetic vision of the Shechina.

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: Whoops! Isaiah should never have said anything bad about Hashem's people. Even if the accusation is true, Hashem is very protective of his "children" and everyone should be careful before they even think of saying anything bad about Hashem's nation. Isaiah's Biography:· Name means "Salvation of Hashem" · Wrote his own book 66, chapters long · Father was a prophet named Amoz · Was from a royal family and had access to the Bait Hamikdash. ( The Holy Temple) · He was born in the year 765 b.c.e. (8th century) about 2760 years ago. · 25 years old when he had his first prophetic vision. · After Moses he was considered to be the greatest of all prophets. · 4 prophets lived in Isaiah's time - Hosea, Amos, Michah and Isaiah. · Born circumcised · He survived 4 kings - Uzziah, Yotham , Ahaz, Hezkiah · He lived 120 years · Isaiah said he saw a "vision" of f Hashem's throne. · He had one wife and two sons. His sons names were Maher Shlal Baz & Shear Yashuv. · He was killed by Menasheh the King of Judah. · He predicted Israel's demise Famous phrases: Hashiva shoftainu kevarishona v'yoat'zainu ke'vatchilah. Restore our Judges as in earliest times and our counselors as at the first. (Isaiah 1:26) Timeline: This story occurred about 2600 years ago. Map: Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2001 If you have any thoughts or questions, please contact me at: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Shekalim 5762 This week's Haftarah for Shabbat Mishpatim is the first of four special Haftarahs. Read from the Book of Melachim Beit (Kings II) Sephardim read Chapters 11:17-12:17 King Yehoash Repairs the Bait Hamikdash (Holy Temple) with the Half-Shekel coins donated by Bnai Yisrael (The Nation of Israel). The Story Line of This Week's Haftorah: Yehoash's life is saved from being killed by evil Jewish rulers and he is established as King of Israel. He makes a covenant between Hashem, the King and the Nation of Israel. He set up that they should be Hashem's people and not worship idols anymore. In addition, regardless of Jehoash being very young, he requested that the people honor his requests. Shortly afterwards many Jews came to the temple of the idol Ba'al and destroyed it. They smashed the altars and images used in pagan worshipping; they also slew Mattan, the chief priest of Ba'al. King Yehoash re-instituted the performing of the ceremonies in the Holy Temple by the Kohanim and Leveim. The people of Israel then celebrated Yehoash's appointment as King. He was seven years old when he began to rule. He ruled for 40 years. His mother's name was Silvia of Be-er Sheva. King Yehoash was very righteous. Jehoash said to the Kohanim take the Shekalim that has been donated to the Bait Hamikdash and use it to repair the Temple. Twenty-three years passed and still the Kohanim didn't supervise the renovation of the Temple. King Jehoyash summoned the Jehoyada the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) and questioned why hadn't the repairs to the Bait Hamikdash been completed? Jehoyada had no answer but he agreed to get the job done. Jehoyada then took a chest and made a hole in the lid. He placed it on the right side of the altar when people came to the Temple to offer their sacrifices they would make a donation. Whenever the chest would fill up with Shekalim the king's scribe and high priest would distribute the money to the men rebuilding the Holy Temple. Everyone worked on the honor system. The Haftorah's Connection between the Parasha and Haftorah: This week is the first of the four special Haftarahs that we read during the months of Adar and Nissan. They are Shekalim, Zachor, Para, and Parashat Hachodesh. Parashat Shekalim is found at the beginning of Parasha Ki Tisa teaches the Jews of the commandment to donate coins valued at half a shekel to the Holy Temple. This Mitzvah was performed annually as long as the Bait http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/mishpatim62.htm (1 de 3)08/03/2008 04:58:49 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Hamikdash (Holy Temple) stood. Beginning with the new moon of the month of Nissan every male over the age of twenty had to prepare his share. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: Leaders don't have to be older people. We can learn from the Haftorah that young people can be leaders as well. The Torah has given us the guidelines and we are free to pick a mitzvah to lead other people into doing. This week start to look for a mitzvah that you feel comfortable reviving in your life as well as others'. Yehoash's Biographical Information:King of Judah for 40 years. He was born in Jerusalem in 835 b.c.e. His father was Ahaziah. His mother was Z'via of Be-er Sheva. His son was Amaziah. Jehoash died when he was about 60 years old and he's buried in Jerusalem. Zechariah was the Kohen gadol and a prophet in his time. Famous phrases: Bechol adam mitkana, chutz mibeno v'talmido. Of everyone (wo) man is jealous, except from his or her child or student. Timeline: This Haftarah occurred 2650 years ago Map: In Jerusalem.

*Shekel of Israel, 1st revolt, 67-68 CE (year 2), AR, 13.6g 13/16" dia. O: Chalice/Omer cup with pearled rim (shekel of Israel) around (year 2)above chalice R: stem with pearled bottom and three pomegranates (Jerusalem the Holy) Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2001 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftorah for Parashat Terumah King Shlomo (Solomon) constructs the Bait Hamikdash Read from the Book of Kings 1 (Melachim 1) , Chapters 5:26-6:13 The summary of this week's Haftorah: Our Haftorah starts with the mention of King Solomon's Great wisdom. We continue with King Solomon and Hiram, King of Tyre (Located in what is Lebanon today) having a peace treaty. King Solomon recruits 30,000 men to work in Lebanon. He rotated 10,000 at a time. He sent each man up to Lebanon for one month and then they got to stay home for two months. There were 150,000 men working on the Temple with 3,300 supervisors. They started with moving huge stones to build the foundation of the Temple. We learn that 480 years after the Exodus and in the fourth year of King Solomon's rule (he was 16 at the time) he started building the temple. The temple, which King Solomon built, was 60 cubits long, 20 cubits wide and 30 cubits high. The text continues with additional specific information as to how the Temple was built. Once the temple was finished King Solomon paneled the temple with cedar boards and planks. The Haftorah concludes with Hashem's promise to King Solomon, "As for the temple you are building, if you follow my Torah I will keep my promise that I made to you and your father King David, I will dwell among you and I will not abandon you". The Connection between the Parashat and the Haftara is: The Parasha tells us about the construction of the mishkan (traveling temple), which housed the sacred objects of the Jewish people. The Mishkan contained the Ark of the Covenant with its Cherubim, the Ten Commandments, the Menorah, and the Sacrificial Altar. In the Haftorah we read about the building of the Bait Hamikdash, which replaced the Mishkan after 480 years. The Hataraman's lesson of the week. We must remember what Hashem says, "Build me a House of Prayer and you will always find me there". Don't stay home on Shabbat; come to Synagogue (syn-like synonym or together, gogue - with G-d) and invite someone who normally wouldn't go to come witj you. The Biography of Shlomo ben David: also known as King Solomon. Solomon was the King over the land and the nation of Israel during its greatest world power. We had the State of

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Israel, The City of Jerusalem, the Holy Temple, 613 commandments. Prophets, Priests and Kings. It was the best of times for the nation of Israel. Solomon was the smartest man that ever lived however his "brains went to his head". He was crowned king of Israel when he was 12 years old. He ruled for 40 years and passed away when he was 52 years old. He wrote 3 Books in the Tanach 1) Kohelet, Ecclesiastes, 2) Mishlai, (m-sh-l, like mashal) - Proverbs and 3) Shir Hasherim - The Song of Songs. He anticipated the real mother giving up her child to the other woman by suggesting that the child be split in half with a sword. He was very wealthy and by some estimation his wealth increased by $250,000,000 dollars a year. He owned 40,000 horses. He knew 3000 different explanations for each sentence in the Torah. He knew how to speak and understand all the languages of every animal. King Solomon built the 1st Bait Hamikdash (Holy Temple). He built Megiddo a northern fortress. He had 700 "wives" and 300 concubines. The Queen of Sheba, who was so impressed by the rumors of his absolute genius, she developed her own quizzes for King Solomon to test him. It is fabled that she traveled 7 years to appear in his court so she could see for her self how smart he was. She later commented that he was much smarter that his reputation. King Solomon established the following: The ritual washing of hands, the third blessing of the Bircat Ha'mazon, Boneh Yerushalayim, and the Eiruv (A string surrounding the outer perimeter of an area designating it as an area that you can carry things on Shabbat). Famous phrases: As the Torah is placed into the Ark; the Congregation recites the following verse taken from King Solomon's Mishlay or Proverbs. Chapter 4 verses 2-3, "Aytz chaim he lamachazikim bah, v'somcheha me'ushar. De'rache'ha darchei noam, v'chol nesevoseha shalom","It is a tree of life for those who grasp it, and it's supporters are praiseworthy. Its ways are ways of pleasantness and all its paths are peace". Timeline: This story took place about 2831 years ago. Map: This story took place in Jerusalem. Learn with Haftorahman. One on One or in a group. If you and/or a friend are interested, please contact me to arrange for a weekly class in order to learn more about the biblical prophets and other subjects related to Judaism. As told by: Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Shabbat Parashat Zachor 5762 King Saul Fails to Fulfill the Command of Exterminating Amalek This week is Shabbat Parashat Zachor, the second of the Four Parshiyot. The Torah reading is from the Parasha of Tetzaveh. For the Maftir we read from a 2nd torah scroll the section against the Amalekites. It is taken from Devarim 25:17-19 "Remember how Amalek treated you on the road from Egypt. How he harassed you on the way, weak and weary as you were". The Sephardim read the Haftarah from Shmuel 1 Chapter 15:1-34 The Ashkenazim read the Haftorah from Shmuel 1 Chapter 15:2-34 The Story Line of This Week's Haftorah: 15:1-3 The prophet Shmuel commands King Saul to wipe out the Amalekite Nation and to destroy all of it's possessions. King Saul fails to fulfill the command of exterminating Amalek. Saul has his doubts, and decides not to do the job completely. We are reminded about the mitzvah to decimate Amalek. 15:4-9 Saul's neglects to fully execute many of the animals and King Agag of the Amalekites. Saul also saves the Kainim from destruction. These turn out to be Saul's big blunders. Hashem decrees that Saul is to die.15:10-26 Shmuel reproves Saul. Shmuel asks Saul why didn't he finish the job completely? The Prophet Samuel indicates symbolically that Saul's Kingship will be torn from him forever. 15:32-34 Shmuel kills the Amalek King Agag. The Haftorah's Connection between the Parasha and Haftorah: This week is Shabbat Zachor. On the Shabbat before Purim we read from the Torah about the commandment to destroy the memory of the Nation of Amalek. Why? Because Haman was from the Nation of Amalek. At the time of the Exodus all the nations of the world had heard of the miracles that Hashem had performed for the Hebrews to the Egyptians. Everyone got out of our way except the Amalekites. They have nothing to gain by attacking us. They just wanted to ruin it for us. "Winners" are fighting to gain something, but "Losers" just try to ruin it for others. They can't stand to see other people succeed. It's important to notice what motivates the people around you. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: The "Frank Sinatra" mitzvah is the one that you say, "I'll do it my way". It is of the utmost importance for every person to follow Torah's directions exactly. Saul was a great man, however he did not complete Hashem's request to kill off Amalek completely. Look at what happened to him. He was dethroned and led a miserable http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/tetzave62.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 04:59:39 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

life. Was it worth it? Most Jews will do many mitzvahs correctly, however there is usually one mitzvah that each person says "Hey! Wait a minute, everything else I'll go along with, but this one "I'll do it my way ". What is your Frank Sinatra of Mitzvahs? Lashon Hara? Kosher food? Driving in a car on Shabbat? Whatever it is, tell the truth to yourself, and then begin to modify your behavior a little bit at a time. Hashem will take notice of your outstanding behavior and respond positively to your actions. The Biographies of Samuel and Saul: His name means "The Lord heard her". Samuel was the 16th and final of the Shoftim (Judges). Eli the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) raised him. His book covers 120 years. He was a prophet. His term of prophecy lasted about 100 years, from 1070 - 970 b.c.e. Samuel was strong and unwavering. Hannah was his mother. Samuel was 50 years old at the time of this Haftarah. He was known as the reluctant kingmaker. Samuel was born in Ramat-Tsofim in the hill country of the tribe of Ephraim. With the help of his scribes Shmuel wrote his own book. Hashem spoke directly to him. Saul was the first King of Israel. He failed at this job. Saul was a great Tzadik (righteous person). He was a military hero. Saul heard that Goliath had captured the Tablets, so he marched 60 miles from Shiloh, and took them back in one day with the help of an Angel. He was very handsome, modest, and innocent. He was a Prophet. Timeline: This Haftorah took place approximately 2870 years ago. Map: The Haftorah takes place in the "City of Amalek". Recent excavations have led archaeologists to believe that it is located at Tel Masos, in the Negev, a few miles east of Beersheba. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Shabbat Parashat Parah 5762

After the Future Redemption, Hashem will Purify Bnai Yisrael. We read this week's Haftorah from the Book of Ezekiel Chapter 36:16-38 The Parah Adumah or Red Heifer: There is a mysterious significance to the Red Heifer. It would purify the impure and render the pure, impure. The Parah Adumah, a female, perfectly red cow, was slaughtered and burned to make ashes for purifying impure persons and objects from pollution by human corpses. (Numbers 19.) The laws of the Red Cow are found among the Laws of the Kohanim or Priests. The Israelites had to provide a perfect unblemished red female cow that had not been agriculturally worked. The Story Line of This Week's Haftorah: 36:16-19 The reason for Bnai Israel's exile is because of their sins of defiling the Land and the Nation of Israel. The Jews were guilty of idol worshipping, bloodshed and adultery. All three led to the Jews being sent into exile. After Bnai Yisrael was exiled Hashem gave Ezekiel a prophecy that would give hope to the Jews. 36:2023 - The reason for the Jews being able to return to Israel after 70 years of exile, was not that they had repented and earned the right of returning to Israel. It was that Hashem did not want the enemies of Israel to say, "we succeeded in wiping out Hashem's nation, the Israelites" 36:24-27 The future spiritual renaissance will begin by Hashem purifying Bnai Yisrael. Hashem will remove their Yetzer Harah (evil urge) from their hearts and give them "new" hearts with a pure spirit. Hashem will change us from having "hearts of stone" to "hearts of flesh." These hearts will enable us to embrace observing the part of the Torah called the "Chukim" (Laws with no logical reasons). That was given to us. Ezekiel promises that in the future, prophecy will return to Bnai Yisrael. 36:28-36 Ezekiel experiences a prophecy about future material blessings. Ezekiel predicts that the Jews, who are Hashem's "chosen people," will live safely in the Land of Israel, permanently. They will believe in Hashem and keep his mitzvoth. Hashem promises to help and save the Jewish people. Hashem will put Israel's http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/kisisa62.htm (1 de 3)08/03/2008 05:00:10 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

former impurities behind them. Then Hashem will bless the produce of Eretz Yisrael (The Land of Israel) with abundance. Ezekiel's prophecy explains that we will never have to worry about having to leave our homeland again. We will not have to go elsewhere to get food for ourselves, like Abraham and Jacob did. Hashem then says that the Jew should do "Teshuva" or Repentance. Once again Hashem reminds the Jews that they are not actually deserving of his kindness, they are just beneficiaries of his mercy. 36:37-38 Hashem will cause the Jews to multiply abundantly. Just like there used to be uncountable sacrifices of sheep in King Solomon's temple, during the Holidays, so will Hashem bless Bnai Yisrael with uncountable children. The Haftorah's Connection between the Parasha and Haftorah: This Shabbat is 3rd of the 4 special Shabbatot before Pesach. (Shekalim, Zachor, Parah, Hachodesh). We read a special passage from the Torah, which refers to the Parah Adumah. It tells us about the process of cleansing oneself from the impurity absorbed when touching a dead body. When the Holy Temple was standing all Jews that were ritually impure, cleansed themselves during this time of year, so that they would become ritually pure in time for Passover. This enabled them to offer the Passover sacrifice. The Haftorah describes how after the arrival of the Messiah, Hashem will spiritually "sprinkle upon Bnai Yisrael the purifying waters" and enable the nation to be permanently pure. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: The Mitzvah of the Parah Adumah commemorated the practice of purification that was observed by the Jewish people in the ancient days. At the same time it impresses upon us the need for moral purification, which is the theme of the Haftorah for Parashat Parah. It is the time for us to decide what sins are we ready to free ourselves from. Pick the one sin that you feel you are ready to decrease doing by 50%. Let's use talking "Loshon Hara" as an example. Make a game plan. Try writing it down in your journal every time you commit that specific sin, or get a friend of yours to be your partner in this effort to reduce talking slander about others. Remember King David's advice to his son King Solomon was "Overcome your impulses." The Biography of Ezekiel ben Buzi: His name "means Hashem will strengthen." Ezekiel wrote his own book. He was a Kohen. He was a major prophet that recorded the warnings to the Jewish captives of Babylon. He experiened his prophecies just before the destruction of Jerusalem on Tishah Be'av (The 9th of Av). He was a villager. His wife died suddenly. He was exiled in 597 B.C.E. His prophetic ministry lasted 20 years. Some of his visions were experienced while he was in exile. Ezekiel was the only prophet to experience a prophecy while outside the Land of Israel. He died in Bavel. He was among 8000 exiles taken to Babylon by Nevuchadnezzar, King of Babylon soldiers. He saw the divine vision of the Ma'aseh Hamerkavah - Hashem's Throne. Famous phrases from the Book of Ezekiel: Said during "U'Vah Letzion", "Vatesaeni ruach Vaeshma kol ra'ash Gadol". And a spirit lifted me and I heard a great sound. Timeline: This Haftorah occurred about 2600 years ago. Map: This Haftorah took place in Bavel (Babylonia). Ezekiel was one of the only prophets to experience prophecies outside of the Land of Israel.

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Shabbat Parashat Hachodesh 5762 The Maftir comes from the Book of Shemot 12:1-20 The Torah reading is Vayakhel-Pekudai Ezekiel describes the Dedication Offerings to be Brought in the 3rd Bait Hamikdash. (Holy Temple) We read the Haftarah from the book of Ezekiel chapters 45:18-46:15. The Story Line of This Week's Haftorah: Prior to the beginning of our Haftorah, Ezekiel discusses the 12 tribes' division in the land of Israel. There will be a levite portion and a portion for the Mosheach. The Haftarah starts with the Nassi or Kohen Gadol (High Priest) will be responsible for the dedication sacrifices. The Nassi will officiate the sacrificial service. Ezekiel speaks of the future atonement sacrifices and offerings at the dedication of the 3rd Bait Hamikdash. During the dedication sacrifices the Kohen will take from the blood of the sin offering. An identical sacrifice is done on the 7th of the month for accidental contamination of the sanctuary. In the future there will be sacrifices on Sukkot and Pesach. The opening of the gate to the 3rd Bait Hamikdash. The Minchah offering will include an efah of flour and vessel that holds a hin of oil. Identical sacrifices were brought on sukkot. The future dedication offerings for Shabbat and the New Moon. The Nassi or Kohen Gadol will enter via the hall of the gate outward and stand by the doorpost while the Kohanim bring his offerings. The people shall worship Hashem on Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh. The Prince's or Mashiach's` offerings. The Shabbat sacrifice. Rosh Chodesh sacrifices info. How the Nassi and the people enter and leave the Holy Temple. The Quantities of the dedication mincha offerings. How the Nassi is to enter and leave the Bait Hamikdash on weekdays. The daily offerings during the future dedication. Laws concerning the Nassi's property. The Kohen's Chambers and . other enclosures. In the future the land of Israel will be divided into 13 parts. 1 part for each of the 12 tribes and the 13th part will be the Temple area for the Mosheach. The land will be divided equally by tribe vs. by population. All the land of Israel will be to the west of the Jordan River. Beforehand ½ of the temple was located in the tribe of Judah and ½ of the land in Benjamin. In the future the Temple area will be in the Mosheach's state. The tribe of Levi will have their own state.

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Haftorah's Connection between the Parasha and Haftorah: The Maftir of this week is Parashat Hachodesh (Shmot 12:1-20) where Hashem told Moshe that the Month of Nissan will be the month of the redemption of the Jewish Nation from Egypt. Each Jewish person has to prepare a lamb or goat for the Pesach sacrifice. Then Moshe was taught all the laws concerning the holiday of Pesach. The Haftarah speaks of a time that is yet to come. It speaks of the dedication ceremony for the third and final Holy Temple that will begin on Rosh Chodesh Nissan. When the Jews were about to leave Egypt the Month of Nissan symbolized the beginning of a new era. When the Moshiach comes Nissan too will be the beginning of a new era. Information on the Book Ezekiel: Because of the many discrepancies found in the Book of Ezekiel, the Men of Great Assembly were going to leave it out of the Tanach. However, Chananiah ben Chizkiyahu locked himself in his attic (Hebrew for old) and using up 300 barrels of oil to maintain his lamp, he reconciled all the contradictions in the book. The dedication ceremonies for the Mishkan were 1 week long, for King Solomon's temple 1 week long and in the future the dedication ceremonies in the third and final Temple will last 6 months. Timeline: Ezekiel prophecies took place about 2585 years ago. Map: Ezekiel prophecies took place In the city of Babylon. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftorah for Shabbat Zachor. The Torah reading is from the Parasha of Vayikra The Sephardim read the Haftarah from Shmuel 1 Chapter 15:1-34 The summary of this week's Haftorah: Shmuel, the last of the Shoftim-Judges of Israel, appoints Shaul the 1st king of Israel. The nation of Israel was given 3 commandments to fulfill upon entering the land of Israel. #1- Appoint your selves a king. #2 - Kill ALL the Amelekites. #3 Build a Holy Temple for Hashem. The Prophet Samuel commands King Saul to wipe out the Nation of Amalek, and to destroy all of its possessions. Shaul saves the Kainim, a tribe of semi-nomadic metalworkers from the destruction. (Moses' father-law Yitro was a Kenite. Yael, (who killed Sisera by driving a spike through his head) husband was a Kenite.). While killing off most of the Amelekites, Shaul has his doubts, and decides not to do the job completely. The Haftorah reminds us of the mitzvah to decimate Amalek. Shaul neglects to fully execute many of the animals and King Agag of the Amelekites. This turns out to be Shaul's big blunder. Hashem comes to Shmuel in a vision at night and decrees that Shaul is no longer to be the king. After not sleeping the rest of the night, the next morning Shmuel asks Shaul why didn't he finish the job completely? Shaul try's to "blame shift" it on his soldiers, but Shmuel sets him straight and says that as king he was responsible to make sure the job was completed. As Shmuel turns to walk away Shaul's tears the corner of the robe of Shmuel so that to not let him go. It was symbolic of the Kingship being ripped away from Shaul. The Haftorah ends when Shmuel kills Agag the king of Amalek himself. The Connection between the Parashat and the Haftara is: This week is Shabbat Zachor. On the Shabbat before Purim we read from the Torah about the commandment to destroy the memory of the Nation of Amalek because Haman was from the Nation of Amalek. The Hataraman's lesson of the week. The "Frank Sinatra" mitzvah is the one that you say, "I'll do it my way". It is of the utmost importance for every person to follow Torah's directions exactly. Shaul was a great man, however he did not complete Hashem's request to kill off Amalek completely. Look at what happened to him. He was dethroned and led a miserable life. Was it worth it? Most Jews will do many mitzvahs correctly, however there is usually one mitzvah that each person says "Hey! Wait a minute, everything else I'll go along with, but this one "I'll do it my way ". What is your Frank Sinatra of Mitzvahs? Lashon Hara? Kosher food? Driving in a car on Shabbat? Whatever it is, tell the truth to yourself, and then begin to modify http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/vayikra63.htm (1 de 3)08/03/2008 05:01:22 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

your behavior a little bit at a time. Hashem will take notice of your outstanding behavior and respond positively to your actions. The Biographies of Shmuel and Saul: His name means, "The Lord heard her". Samuel was the 16th and final of the Shoftim (Judges). Eli the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) raised him. His book covers 120 years. He was a prophet. His term of prophecy lasted about 100 years, from 1070 - 970 b.c.e. Samuel was strong and unwavering. Hannah was his mother. Samuel was 50 years old at the time of this Haftarah. He was known as the reluctant kingmaker. Samuel was born in Ramat-Tsofim in the hill country of the tribe of Ephraim. Wrote his own book. Hashem spoke directly to him. Shaul was the first King of Israel. He failed at this job. Shaul was a great Tzaddik (righteous person). He was a military hero. Shaul heard that Goliath had captured the Tablets, so he marched 60 miles from Shiloh, and took them back in one day with the help of an Angel. He was very handsome, modest, and innocent. He was a Prophet Famous phrases: We sing .... Ne'Zach Yisrael Lo Yi'Sha'ker. The Glory of Israel does not change! Timeline: This Haftarah took place approximately 2870 years ago. Map: The Haftorah takes place in Gilgal. People, Places and Things in the Haftorah: Telaim - is a sight in the Negev. Kenites - May have been desert guides to the Israelites. Chavila - a region inhabited by the Amalekites. Shur - A wiolderness region in the NW Sinai. Terafim - A Idol, that came in many sizes. People were able to make magic with them. The word contains TeRaif - commonly used to say something is not kosher. Archaeologists have found Terafim and you may see them today if you like. As told by: Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Shabbat Hagadol 5762 This week's Torah reading is Parashat Tzav. The Subject of the Haftorah is: The Reproof of Bnai Yisrael and The Description of the Great Day of Judgement Read from Malachi Chapter 3:4-24 The Outline of this week's Haftarah: The Prophet Malachi predicts that Hashem will be pleased by Bnai Yisrael's future sacrifices. Hashem finds fault with Bnai Yisrael's wrong doings and he will deal firmly with them. Hashem disapproves of the Jews withholding the priestly dues. Jewish people can keep up to 90% of their earnings and as an acknowledgement of Hashem being the source of the blessing we are given the choice to give at least 10 % of our profits to people who need the money more than we do. Hashem dares the Jewish people to take him on with this commandment. Hashem says that if you keep the laws of ma'aser (giving one tenth of your profits to charity) you will be rewarded so much that your lips will become raw from saying " Baruch Hashem " "Thank You Hashem, I have a lot to be grateful for". Israel is then scolded for denying Hashem's guardianship. In the future Hashem will give great rewards to the people who have been loyal. The great day of Judgment is coming and the bad people will be punished and the good people will be rewarded. Hashem then firmly suggests keeping the Torah. The Haftara concludes with a promise that one day the prophet Eliyahu will reappear. Eliyahu will be the predecessor to the Mashiach. The conditions in Jerusalem at the time were as follows: 1. The Temple service was not observed. 2. The Kohanim (Priests) were remiss in their duties. They offered animals that were blemished, lame and sick. 3. People were indifferent or skeptical of religion 4. Men divorced their wives and intermarried 5. Morals were lax. Messages in the Book of Malachi were delivered in dialectical (question & answer) style. 1. Hashem still loves Israel 2. The people must restore the Temple ritual and meet their religious obligations as a show of love of Hashem. http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/tzav62.htm (1 de 3)08/03/2008 05:01:47 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

3. Not only ritual, but also ethical behavior as well must be observed. Malachi denounced adultery, perjury and oppression of widows and orphans. He condemned the divorce of Jewish wives and marriage with gentiles as disloyalty to Hashem and the nation. 4. Sincere heathen worship is an offering to Hashem, this is a concept of universalism, later developing Judaism. 5. The day of the Lord, Judgment day will come on it. - Israel will be judged and not other nations - The wicked will be destroyed and the righteous will be rewarded. - Elijah's coming will proceed and foretell this event. - The messianic era will follow Judgment day and bring peace and harmony to the world 6. The last of the prophets, Malachi preached strict observance of the Torah. The Haftorah's Connection between the Parasha and Haftorah: Just before leaving Egypt the Jewish people experienced the miracle of being able to select a lamb, which was one of the G-ds of the Egyptians without being punished. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: : Hashem says in the Haftara: "Return to me and I will return to you". It's actually that Hashem has never removed himself from us we have removed ourselves from him. In the week just before Pesach we should take advantage of the opportunity to reconnect ourselves to Hashem, The source of all our freedom in life. The Prophet Malachi's Biography: The translation of the name Malachi is "My messenger" or " My angel". Which describes the prophet's mission. ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

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The Book of Malachi was written after The Book of Esther. Malachi's prophecies took place from 420 to 397 B.C.E. He was the last prophet to appear in the book of Trai Assar, The Twelve Prophets. Lived in the time of Socrates, Plato and Pythagoras. Lived in the time of the Persian Empire. Darius the son of Achashverosh & Esther was King of Persia. There were no longer Kings of Israel or Judah. Israel was a little corner of the Persian Empire. His prophecies took place almost 100 years after the return of the Jews from exile to Babylon. 50,000 Jews returned from Persia and began rebuilding the Second Temple. However building was shortly thereafter stopped. Later the Prophets Zechariah and Chaggai Motivated the Jews to complete rebuilding by 520 b.c.e. 3607 from the time of creation. He administered in Jerusalem during the Persian period after the Temple had been rebuilt The Jews were permitted to rebuild the Second Temple providing that they put on the floor of the entranceway a mosaic tile that stated, "The Temple was permitted to be rebuilt by the King Darius of Persia. This time is after Zerubavel the Governor of Jerusalem and before Nehemiah, Daniel, Ezra, Esther, Mordachai. He was one of eight postexilic prophets. Probably born in Judah and prophesied in Judah as well. 39th and final book chronologically in the Ternate - afterwards prophecy and avodah zarah (idol worshipping) left Bnai Yisrael.

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah ●

The author is anonymous

Famous phrases from the Book of Malachi: : Chapter 3 Verse 4 "Vearvah laHashem minchas yehuda v'yerushalaim c'yemai olam ucheshanim kadmaniyot". Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to Hashem as in the days of old and in previous years. This is the final sentence of the Amidah prayers, that is said after we request of Hashem to rebuild the Third Bait Hamikdash or Holy Temple. Timeline: Malachi lived in the Jewish year of 3392, 369 B.C.E., About 2367 years ago. This Haftorah took place after the destruction of the First Temple and just before the rebuilding of the Second Temple. Map: Malachi prophesied in the Holy city of Jerusalem. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/tzav62.htm (3 de 3)08/03/2008 05:01:47 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Shabbat Parashat Shemini 5762 King David Brings the Aron Hakodesh (The Ark of the Covenant) to Yerushalaim. (Jerusalem.) Sephardim read from Shmuel Bait (Samuel II) Chapter 6 Verses 1-19. The Story Line of This Week's Haftorah: The Haftorah begins with King David gathering together 30,000 men from the Nation of Israel to bring the Ark of the Hashem and The Ten Commandments to Jerusalem. They started the journey from Baalei Yehuda also known as Kiryat Yeraim, which is located about 10 miles northwest of Jerusalem. Uzzah and Ahio placed the Ark of the Covenant on a new wagon and they started the journey from the house of Avinadav in the city of Givah (also north of Jerusalem). David wanted to create a lively atmosphere for this special event, so he and all his men played musical instruments while they sang and danced their way to Jerusalem. When they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the ark began to slip off the wagon and Uzzah stretched out his hand to try to stop the ark from falling. Hashem perceived this as showing a lack of faith in the Arks ability to hold itself up, without the help of man. Hashem was quick to anger and struck down Uzzah and he died instantly. King David was upset with Hashem's anger toward Uzzah. He named that place Perez Uzzah or the Breach of Uzzah because that's where Hashem burst out against Uzzah. King David changed his plans to bring the Aron (Ark) to the City of David and he decided to deposit the Aron in the house of Oved Edom's the Gittite. The ark remained there for three months during which Hashem blessed Oved Edom and his entire family. When King David heard that the energy around the Ark had changed from bad to good he decided to try to bring the Ark to Jerusalem for a second time. David danced and clapped his hands with all his might and his men made many celebratory sacrifices and blew their shofars loudly. When King David arrived to the City of Jerusalem also known as the City of David his wife Michal (Israel's first King, Saul's Daughter) looked out of her window and when she saw that her husband was dancing like a crazy person and she disapproved of him behaving that way. She thought it was disrespectful for the King of Israel to behave that way. King David brought the Ark of Hashem to Jerusalem and set it in the tent he had prepared for it, where it would rest until it would be moved to the Bait Hamikdash. Then David offered sacrifices to Hashem. The Haftorah concludes with King David distributing many different kinds of foods to the people in attendance and blessed them before they went home.

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Haftorah's Connection between the Parasha and Haftorah: In Parashat Shemini it deals with the dedication of the Mishkan or Tabernacle. Similarly the Haftorah describes the ceremony of the bringing of the Aron or Ark to Yerushalaim, which was to come before the dedication of the Bait Hamikdash or Holy Temple. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: When Uzzah reached over to prevent the ark from falling off the wagon and onto Nacon's threshing floor, Hashem killed him on the spot. It seems that Hashem dealt with him very strictly, as Hashem did in the case of Moses being punished and forbidden to enter the Land of Israel because he hit the rock instead of tapping it. Hashem has different expectations from each and every one of us. We cannot look around and say we are all rewarded and punished based on the same criteria. Hashem looks at each person as an individual. Hashem looks at where you came from, where you are at but most importantly Hashem looks at where you can go. He looks at your potential vs. your actual spiritual development. Hashem had a very high level of expectation from Moses. So from our perspective a simple thing like hitting a rock is no reason to keep one of the greatest spiritual giants that ever lived out of the land of Israel. How about ourselves? We may not be on the level of Moses or Uzzah but Hashem has spiritual expectations of us. Remember that a disappointment can only occur when an expectation is not met. Do you want to let Hashem down? No! So live up to you're potential and be spiritually ambitious. King David's Biography: David's father's name was Ishai. but his mother's name is unknown. His name means "beloved." He was a descendant of Ruth the Moabite. He was a shepherd and used to tend to flocks of sheep. He was a warrior, who killed lions with his bare hands and is famous for killing Goliath with a single slingshot. He was a musician that played music to calm Saul. (Former King of Israel, and David's father in law.) Faithful friend of Avshalom. Died when he was 70 years old. (David was supposed to be still born but Adam prophetically saw this and gave 70 of his 1000 years to David. Adam lived 930 years. He was an empire builder. A failed father. His son was King Solomon. He had 18 wives. Always felt cold from the time he cut a corner off of King Saul's robe. His name occurs more than a thousand times in the Tanach. He wrote Tehilim (Psalms) the most popular words worldwide used to pray. Brought the Holy Ark containing the two tablets that had the Ten commandments written on them. The Mashiach (messiah) will be a descendant of King David. He had red hair. He was a prophet. The "fourth" meal of (after) Shabbat is called the meal of David. David was told by G-d that he was going to pass away on Shabbat. He also knew that the angel of death couldn't get to you while your learning torah. So he would learn torah from the beginning to end of Shabbat and once Shabbat would end he would have a meal celebrating that he was going to make it one more week. Famous phrases by Isaiah: Poteach et yadecha u'masbeah lechol chai ve'ratzon. From Tehilim or Psalms 145:16 written by King David, also found in the prayer Ashrai, "You open your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing." It is our custom to hold our palms upward to the heavens when saying this prayer and to concentrate on Hashem "dropping" into our hands a blessing.

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Timeline: Our Haftora took place in the Jewish year of 2892 869 BCE about 2867 years ago. Just before the Building of the First Temple. Map: The Haftorah begins in the city Kiryat Yeraim and concludes in Jerusalem. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Shabbat Rosh-Chodesh, Parashat Tazria-Metzorah 5762 The Haftorah is a special one read when Rosh Chodesh falls out on Shabbat. The reading is selected from the book of Yeshayahu (Isaiah) Chapter 66:1-24. The final chapter of the Book of Isaiah. The Storyline of this week's Haftarah: The Tzaddikim (Righteous) Will Find Comfort in the Rebuilt City of Yerushalaim, While the Wicked Will Suffer. The story line of the Haftarah: The first part of the Haftarah discusses how Hashem does not desire the sacrifices of the wicked. Hashem says: "The heavens are my throne and the earth is my footstool. What house can you build me and what site can be my resting place?" What does this mean? The Bait Hamikdash is Hashem's resting place on earth and how dare we try to offer Hashem sacrifices that are not spiritually pure. The Haftarah continues with the reassuring words "The loyal Jews will be comforted by the ingathering of the exiles and a state of peace will exist in Jerusalem". The prophet Isaiah predicts that Jerusalem will flourish with the ingathering of the Jewish exiles. He reminds us that Hashem wouldn't bring us this far to let us down. The Haftarah continues with the explanation that in the future Hashem will punish the wicked. Hashem will let out his anger on the evil people and destroy them. On an upbeat note Isaiah informs us that all the nations of the world will help bring back the remaining Jews to Jerusalem from many distant lands via several forms of transportation. Isaiah concludes his book with the thought that: All the righteous people will find comfort in the rebuilt city of Jerusalem, while the wicked will suffer. The Geopolitical situation in the time of Isaiah:The world superpower at the time was Babylonia. Their King was Nebuchadnezzar and he captured Jerusalem and burned down the Holy Temple and took the Jews as captives back to Babylonia. The connection between Shabbat Rosh Chodesh and this Haftarah: We read this Haftarah because of the phrase in Passuk (verse) 23. "It will come to pass that every Rosh Chodesh and every Shabbat, all of mankind will come and bow before Me, Hashem." Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: Just like any happy marriage there are two main rules. http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/tazmetz62.htm (1 de 3)08/03/2008 05:02:39 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

#1) don't do anything to "push your spouses buttons" that will result in them being upset with you and #2) Do something to make your spouse feel special. Spend time with them, say nice things, give them gifts, do acts of service for them. In the time of Isaiah many people were upsetting Hashem and he responded like an upset spouse. First Hashem removed himself from the Holy Temple and then he sent the Jews out of Israel into exile. Like the song says "You don't know what you've got 'till it's gone." Hashem is saying you had me, you lost me, and you want me back? Make me feel special and don't do things that will upset me, and then I will take you back. Starting this week add doing something that will make Hashem feel even more special, pick a positive commandment and increase your observance of it. Then pick a negative commandment, and reduce the amount of it you do. Hashem will be touched by your commitment to him. How nice would life be if Hashem increased his love for each and every one of us? Isaiah's Biography: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

The name Isaiah means "Salvation of G-d". He wrote his own book 66 chapters long. His father was a prophet named Amoz. He was from a royal family and had access to the Bait Hamikdash. He was born in the year 765 b.c.e. (8th century) about 2760 years ago He was 25 years old when he had his first prophetic vision. After Moses he was considered to be the greatest of all prophets. 4 prophets lived in Isaiah's time - Hosea. Amos, Michah and Isaiah. He was born circumcised. He survived 4 kings - Uzziah, Yotham, Ahaz, and Hezkiah. He lived 120 years. Isaiah said he saw a "vision" of G-d's throne. He had one wife and two sons. Menasheh the King of Judah killed him. He predicted Israel's demise.

Famous phrases from the Book of Isaiah: Chapter 47:4 "Go-alenu Hashem Tzevaot shemo Yisroel". "Our redeemer, whose name is the Lord of Hosts, is the Holy one Israel". Said just before the final blessing before the Amidah. Timeline: Isaiah prophecies took place from the Jewish years 3021 until 3074. Which is about 2738-2791 years ago. Map: Isaiah's prophecies took place in the city of Jerusalem, just before the destruction of the first temple. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Emor 5762 Read from the Book of Ezekiel 44:15-31 Ezekiel gives the Laws that will apply to the Kohanim in the messianic times, after the Building of the 3rd Temple. The Book of Ezekiel is divided as follows: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

1. Books of Judgement - Ezekiel's Calling - Judgments on Judah 2. Books of Hope - Description of the 3rd Temple - the new Jerusalem - Master Diagram of the 3rd Temple - Halls - Courtyards - Holy of Holies - Sanctuaries - Passageways - Water Chambers - Altar - Tables for the bread

Several of these Post Messianic laws contradict the laws that were written in the Torah. The Storyline of this week's Haftarah: This week's Haftarah begins with the laws that will apply to the Kohanim in the Third Bait Hamikdash. In the next and final Holy Temple only the Kohanim that are the descendants of Tzadok family will perform the sacrificial service because they were the only ones who didn't stray from Hashem and his laws. In the future Bait Hamikdash the Kohanim's clothing will be made from linen, for example: their turbans, jackets and pants. When the Kohanim leave the Temple they will have to change into other clothing. These are the laws that pertain to the Kohanim. They must not shave their heads or let their hair grow too long. They must wear their hair trimmed. They must not drink wine when they enter the inner court of the Temple. They must not take widows or divorces as wives. They must teach people the difference between holy and sacrilegious. They must inform http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/emor62.htm (1 de 3)08/03/2008 05:03:09 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

people of the difference between spiritually clean and unclean. They will act as Judges to resolve disputes. The Kohanim must keep all the laws of the Torah especially Shabbat. A Kohen must not come close to a dead person, unless it is their mother, father, son, daughter or an unmarried brother or sister. The Kohanim will receive gifts in the time of the third Temple. The Kohanim will not have a portion of the Land of Israel set aside for them. Instead they will get gifts in the form of food from the sacrifices given in the Temple. The Kohanim are forbidden to eat from animals that are not kosher. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: In this weeks Haftarah Hashem already tells us what will happen in the future. So it is up to us to get ready. Many times we want something to happen but "it ain't happening yet," that doesn't mean give up, it means get ready. It means "be the first one on line, that when things change and they always do, you'll be the first one in the door. Like the song says "Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah, Get ready, Get ready; Get ready, because here I come." Get yourself spiritually ready. Hashem has already told you what to get ready for. It makes it much easier to plan for the event. Ezekiel's Biography: The name means "The strength of G-d." He was called Ben-Adam or Son of Man. His father's name was Buzi. He was born in 620 B.C.E. and died. In 570 B.C.E. Ezekiel's ministry was lived primarily if not entirely in Babylon. His prophecies started with visions of Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, until the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Bait Hamikdash in 587 B.C.E. He wrote his own book. It was 48 chapters long. His wife died on eve of the destruction of the Holy Temple. He was part of the deportations of Jews from in 598 B.C.E. Ezekiel prophesied close to the time of the destruction of the 1st Bait Hamikdash. (Holy Temple.) He was one of the 3 main Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. He was the Hebrew prophet of the Babylonian exile & the watchman of the people. Ezekiel, Eliyahu & Elisha were given the key to resurrection of the dead. Famous phrases Said by the Prophet Ezekiel: 3:12 "Vatesaeni ruach, vaeshma kol raash gadol, baruch kevod Hashem memekomo." ," And a wind lifted me and I heard behind me a sound of a great noise, Blessed is the Glory of Hashem." This passage is included in the prayer Uvah Letzion Goel. The men of the great assembly chose this passage from Ezekiel to be included in our prayers of hope. Ezekiel had just seen a vision of Hashem's throne leaving the Bait Hamikdash and He was also in exile from the Land of Israel with his fellow Jews. We are reminded that it doesn't matter "where" Hashem is or where we are, we are always together when we pray. Timeline: Ezekiel prophesied about 2400 years ago in the Jewish years 3332-3352. Map: Ezekiel was one of the Jews that were in exile in Babylonia. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Bamidbar 5762 From the Book of Hosea Chapter 2:1-22, which is the first prophet in the Book of Trai Assar (The Twelve Prophets) The Storyline of this week's Haftarah: The promise of The Nation of Israel's growth, unity, and redemption. The Haftarah begins with a promise that there will be so many Israelites that you won't be able to count them. Instead of being called Lo-ami, not my people we will be called Bnai-el-Chai or the children of the living G-d. A gathering of the exiles will occur and then the people from Judah and Israel will reunite and appoint one leader. Hosea then speaks of a disloyal "wife" that will return remorsefully. But it may be too late. The Haftarah ends with the promise that Hashem will take Israel for himself in love, righteousness and faith for all time. The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: Hosea predicts that the population of Israel will grow like the sands of the ocean. In the Parasha we hear about the many Jews that traveled in the desert to the Holy Land. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: Hashem told Hosea that Israel had sinned. Hosea replied "All the world is yours, if the Jews are unworthy, exchange them for another nation". Hashem responded by commanding Hosea to marry a harlot and have children with her, even though he knew she was unfaithful. Hosea and Gomer had these three children. Then after they had their kids, Hashem ordered Hosea to send his family away. Hashem then said: " Your wife is a harlot whose children may or may not even be yours, but the fruits of adultery. Yet you say that you cannot abandon them. The Nation of Israel are the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. - How dare you say that I should exchange them for another nation? Only now could Hosea understand how badly he had spoken about Hashem's children. Hosea goes on to speak of Israel as if it was a disloyal wife to Hashem. However, Hosea claims that the Jewish people can turn things around and reclaim Hashem's love. Then the names of the children of Israel will change and become Ami, My People, and Ruhama, Object of Mercy. We in some ways can control our destiny by being faithful to Hashem. Hosea's Biography: Hosea prophecised from 760-720 B.C.E. His father's name was Be'eri Hanavi (The Prophet). He was from the tribe of Reuven. He lived in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where he prophecised until the Assyrains conquered and exiled the Jews. His name http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/bamidbar62.htm (1 de 3)08/03/2008 05:03:37 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

means Salvation. He told Hashem "If you don't like the way the Jews are behaving, choose another people". His wife's name was Gomer, from Diblaim. Before Hosea was married to her she was a harlot. They had 3 children, 1 daughter Lo-ruhama or Object-of-no-mercy, because Hashem had decided to no longer be merciful with the Jews who refused to repent. And two 2 sons: Lo-ami or Not-my-people, because the Jews had forfeited their claim to being the Hashem's "Chosen People", and Jezreel, The-G-d-of-powerful-mercy-will-plant or Hashemwill-gather-in-the-exiled-Jews-and-plant-them-in-their-homeland. Hashem instructed Hosea to send his family away. Hosea couldn't stand it.(more later). Four prophets prophecised at the same period: Hosea, Isaiah, Amos and Micah. The greatest of them was Hosea, who was the first of the four to prophecise. For 40 years Hashem warned the Jewish people through Hosea. His prophecies took place in the time of the first Bait Hamikdash. Hashem spoke to him once. Hosea died in Babylon. At the time when the journey to Palestine was beset with many perils, Hosea desired to be buried in the Holy land. H e requested before his death, that his coffin be loaded on a camel and for the camel to make his way as he would. Where-ever he stopped there Hosea was to be buried. So it was done without a single mishap. The camel arrived in Sefad at the Jewish cemetery of the town. The camel stood still and there Hosea was buried in the presence of a large crowd. The Structure of the Book of Hosea: Chapters 1-3 explain how Hosea became a prophet. Chapters 4-13 predict punishment. Famous phrases from the Book of Hosea: Chapter 9:10 Ke'a'vanim Ba'mid'bar" or "Like Grapes in the Desert". It's like finding something important in a place where one has no hope of finding it. This is probably where the saying "It's like trying to find a needle in a haystack " comes from. Timeline: Hosea lived about 2835 years ago in the Jewish year 3142. Map: The Northern Kingdom of Israel Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for The First Day of Shavuot 5762 This weeks Haftorah primarily deals with the Prophet Ezekiel's Vision of the Ma'aseh Hamerkavah - The Vision of the Heavenly Chariot This weeks Haftorah is read from The Book of Yehezkel 1:1-28, 3:12 The Connection between the Holiday of Shavuot and the Haftorah: The Haftorah is read on Shavuot because of its connection to the revelation experienced by the Jews at Matan Torah or the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. At that time the entire nation of Israel had a direct experience of the "Shechina" or Hashem's presence. Similarly Ezekiel's Vision was a direct experience of Hashem's presence. Historical Background:King Nebuchadnezzar exiled the Jews to Bavel in a three-step process. During the second phase of exile from Eretz Yisrael, which took place 11 years before the destruction of the Bait Hamikdash during the reign of King Yehoyachin many Jews were exiled including the prophet Ezekiel. Many Jews felt distressed that Hashem had abandoned them. Ezekiel prayed on behalf of the exiled Jews for Hashem to have pity on them. Hashem responded by saying that "He" is with us. His vision of the Heavenly Chariot is one of the most mysterious prophecies in Tanach. Upon hearing this prophecy Bnai Yisrael became convinced that Hashem would be with them during their exile. The Outline of our Haftorah: 1:1-3 The Time and Place of Ezekiel's Prophecy. Ezekiel's Vision took place approximately 11 years before the destruction of the 1st Bait Hamikdash. He prophesied while in exile in Bavel by the river K'var (possibly the Euphrates River). 1:4-14. The Vision of the Chayos or Angels. The Prophet describes the Angels faces wings and legs. 1:15-21 The Vision of the Ofanim - Angels. 1:22 The Rakiya or Sky Above the Chayos. Its brilliance and brightness 1:23-25 A detailed description of the Chayos' wings 1:26-28 The Exalted vision of the Heavenly Throne. 3:12 The Angels' Praise of Hashem. The Biography of Ezekiel: Ezekiel name means "Hashem strengthens" or may Hashem strengthen. He was a Kohen. He was born in the village of Anatot surrounding Jerusalem. His wife died suddenly before his prophecies began. Ezekiel was a part of the 8000 exiles in 597 b.c.e. to go to Babylon. His prophecies continue for 30 years, several of the prophecies are

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

date, month and year specific. He was the only person in the Tanach (Bible) to be called "Ben Adam" The son of man. The Book of Ezekiel: Ezekiel wrote his own book that is 48 chapters long. The 1st 24 chapters are about the future siege and fall of Jerusalem. The 2nd part of the book, chapters 25 -48 talk of the hope that Hashem will favor the mountains of Israel and remove the Idol worshipping and repopulate the land. Ezekiel goes on to predict the annihilation of the hostile Heathen nations. We are told about the rejoining of the two halves of the divided Land of Israel, Judea and Samaria. Finally, we hear about the plans for the third temple and the redistribution of the land among the tribes with a President for the people. There are major warnings to the exiles in Babylon, which take place before the destruction of Jerusalem and the 1st Temple. Some interesting parts of the Book of Ezekiel are: The Book of Ezekiel begins with the prophet's vision of the Ma'aseh Hamerkavah (The Throne of Hashem) lifting itself up from the Bais Hamikdash. 2nd there is the story of the Valley of the Dry bones and their resurrection. 3rd We have the description of the 3rd Temple to be built in the messianic period. Famous phrases: Ezekiel 3:12 "Vatesaeni ruach Vaeshma kol ra'ash Gadol". And a spirit lifted me and I heard a great sound. Found in The Book of Ezekiel and included in the "U-Vah Le’Tzion” Prayer on Shabbat. Timeline: This Haftorah occurred about 2600 years ago. Map: This Haftorah took place in Bavel (Babylonia). Ezekiel was one of the only prophets to experience prophecies outside of the Land of Israel. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for The Second Day of Shavuot 5762 The Haftorah is taken from Habakkuk the 8th of the 12 prophets in the Book of Trei-Assar. The Connection between the Torah reading and the Haftorah: On Shavuot we celebrate Hashem giving Bnai Yisrael (The Jewish people) the Torah (5 Books of Moses). Habakkuk recalls how Hashem lead the nation if Israel "from the south" through the Sinai dessert to the land of Israel. The Kohanim carried the Holy Ark containing the Ten Commandments into battle where Hashem never let us down and enabled us to triumph over our enemies. The Story line of this weeks Haftorah: Habakkuk's sings a song of prayer to Hashem, regretting his false utterances. Habakkuk says that Hashem will show his anger against the Jews by exiling them from their homeland. Eventually Hashem will save the Jewish people and they will rejoice because they will be reunited with Hashem after returning to their homeland of Israel. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: This Haftorah is a great example of "Keep it short". Habakkuk's whole book is only 3 chapters long with a total of 56 sentences. In his short book Habakkuk is able to "Point his finger at Hashem" and say "How can you let these bad guys walk all over us? How are you going to let the Babylonians conquer Jerusalem? I thought you said you were never going to abandon us?" Hashem then responds "You call yourselves the "Chosen People" Why? Take a look at what you choose". Originally Hashem asked all the nations of the world if they wanted to be G-d's people and wanted the Torah. The Israelites were the only nation to say "We will do, and then we will listen." Hashem continues "Not only did you not listen, look at what you did! Idol worshipping in the Holy Temple, Lashon Hara (Slander), Jealousy, Adultery, Dishonest business deals, paying off Judges and on and on. Do I need to say more? You shouldn't be disappointed with me. You're lucky that I am a merciful G-d. I should wipe you out, but I am not. I'm just going to straighten you out. Then you will behave yourselves and appreciate me. It's so easy to point the finger at someone else to blame them. Remember when you point your finger at another person, you are pointing three at yourself. Habakkuk's Biography: The definition of his name is Embrace or Caress. Habakkuk was known as the Philosopher Prophet. He was a Levy. He lived in the time after the Assyrian's defeated the ten Northern Tribes, and just before the destruction of the 1st Bait Hamikdash or http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/shavuos2.htm (1 de 3)08/03/2008 05:40:20 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Holy Temple that King Solomon built. Habakkuk's prophecies lasted for 55 years (not in a row). He was the son of the Shunamite woman (Ovadia was his father) that the prophet Elisha (Eliyahu's Disciple) performed miracles for. The miracle Elisha performed on Habakkuk was resurrecting him from the dead. It is said that 4 people spoke harshly against Hashem: Jeremiah, Habakkuk, David and Moses. He drew a circle around himself in the ground and said I'm not moving until Hashem explains why the Jews are suffering so much. At the time Menasheh was the (evil) King of Judah. Habakkuk wrote his own book. The prophets Joel, Nahum, Jeremiah and Zephaniah were alive during his lifetime. He was one of the Bnai Haneve'em, the students enrolled in the school for prophecy called "The Sons of the Prophets". He questioned "Why do the evil people prosper?" Specifically regarding the injustice of the Babylonian's having power over the Jews. The Outline of the Book of Habakkuk: His book is 3 chapters long. The Book starts with Habakkuk's questioning Hashem. Habakkuk wanted to know "Why evil continues to happen to the Jewish people". Then he speaks about the terrible Chaldeans (also known as the Babylonians) who will one day march into the land of Israel and declare it their own. Habakkuk then pleads to Hashem to save the Jews and Hashem answers Habakkuk "I won't wipe them out, but I will straighten them out". Habakkuk prophecies that Israel has earned its punishment and Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, a treacherous enemy of the Jews will advance towards Jerusalem. The book concludes with this weeks Haftorah. (See story line from this weeks Haftorah). Some interesting parts of the Book of Ezekiel are: The Book of Ezekiel begins with the prophet's vision of the Ma'aseh Hamerkavah (The Throne of Hashem) lifting itself up from the Bais Hamikdash. 2nd there is the story of the Valley of the Dry bones and their resurrection. 3rd We have the description of the 3rd Temple to be built in the messianic period. Famous Phrases from Habakkuk: In the prayer "Yehallelu et Shem Adonai" "Praise the name of Hashem" that is said before returning the Torah scroll to the Ark. The congregation responds with "Hodo al Eretz, veshamayim" ("His glory covers the earth and the heavens"). This sentence refers to the world after the Torah was presented to the Jewish people. In the time before we had the Torah the Sentence from Habakkuk said "Kisah shamayim hodo" "His glory covered the heavens" and not the earth. Habakkuk 3:3. Timeline: Habakkuk lived 3200's about 2530 years ago, before the destruction of the 1st Bait Hamikdash. Map: His prophecies took place in the City of Jerusalem in the State of Judah. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Nasso 5762 The Haftorah is read from Sefer Shoftim or the Book of Judges 13:2-25. The Miraculous Birth of Shimshon - Samson.The Haftorah is read from Sefer Shoftim or the Book of Judges 13:2-25. It is the seventh book of the Hebrew bible and the second book of the Prophets or Neve'em. The book of judges is a collection of stories about the Judges' events in the pre-monarchy period in ancient Israel. Arranged to present an educational history of the period extending from the death of Joshua to the establishment of a monarchy as told in Samuel I. Judges had four main responsibilities. They were 1) spiritual leaders 2) military warriors 3) civil leaders 4) judicial leaders that interpreted and taught law. They earned their position by merit not heredity (kingship was hereditary unless your Manoah was evil). The Judges were all pious men and women who never let the nation go astray. They led by divine understanding. The Storyline of this week's Haftarah: The background to the Haftarah is, that the Children of Israel continued to do what was evil in the eyes of Hashem, so Hashem delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years. We begin the story of this weeks Haftarah. Samson's mother Zelponith comes in from the fields explains to her husband Manoah that a man of G-d appeared to her. She said "He looked like an angel and I didn't ask him where he came from and he didn't tell me his name. What he did say is that we were going to have a baby boy". Manoah prays to Hashem and requests that this "man" returns so he can teach both of them what to do with the boy when he is born. Hashem answers his prayers. The angel reappears while Samson's mother Zelponith is sitting in the field. The angel appears to her because she was more spiritually elevated than her husband was. She once again runs into the house and gets her husband in order to go to the field. Manoah wants to hear for himself what the angel told his wife. The angel says, "just do what I told your wife". They ask the angel's name and he replies that I can't reveal that to you. They offer him something to eat but he declines. Then the angel rises up to the heavens in a flash of fire. They both feel afraid that they are going to die because they have just experienced an angel directly, an experience that no human has lived through. Shimshon's mother Zelponith reassures Manoah that Hashem didn't bring them this far just to kill them. The angels' blessing comes true and, Zelponith gives birth to Shimshon. The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: Samson was a Nazarite http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/nasso62.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 05:40:46 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

and this weeks Parasha contains the laws of the Nazir. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: We see that not only did Hashem send an angel twice to Zelponith because she was the one who was more spiritually developed that her husband, but upon meeting the angel the husband was told to listen to his wife. What can we learn from this couple? For the women weather you are a daughter, sister mother or wife you can inspire the men in your life to become closer to Hashem. Remember to be warm and loving and not critical and judgmental. For the men: Allow the women in your life to encourage you to grow as a Jew. Whatever it may be. Learning Torah, praying, keeping Kosher, being honest with our business dealings, mixing with the right group of friends or the elimination of talking Lashon Hara (Slander). Let's be positive about the future and allow the women in our lives to impact us like Zelponith did Manoah. Shimshon's Biography: Samson or Shimshon means, "man of the sun". He was the 13th of 14 Judges and ruled for 20 years. Samson was a Nazir or one that is dedicated to hashem by promising to abstain from intoxicants, cutting one's nails and hair. He was from the tribe of Dan and the city of Zorah. He was famed for his strength despite his legs being lame. He fought against the Philistines but loved their women. His mother's name was Zelponith and his father's name was Manoach. Samson lived in the city of Zorah, which was a part of the tribe of Dan. He was the savior of the Jews from the Philistines. The Philistines: (or Pelishtim in Hebrew) Their country of origin is not known. They came to Israel in Abraham's time and settled on the western coastal towns of Ashkelon, Ashdod and Gaza. Abimelech was their king in Samson's time. Timeline: in the 12th century b.c.e. about 2850 years ago in the Hebrew year 2910. Map: The location of Samson's birth was the city of Zorah, within the tribal territory of Dan. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat B'Haalosecha 5762 The Prophet Zecharya's Vision of the Menorah (Candelabrum). The Haftorah begins… Rani V'simchi Bat Zion - Sing and be glad daughter of Zion, Jerusalem, we are returning home. Read from the Book of Zecharya Chapter 2:14-17, 3:1-10, 4:1-7 Summary: The future return of the Shechina (Hashem's Spirit) to Yerushalaim. The accusal and acquittal of Yehoshua Kohen Gadol by the heavenly tribunal. A message to Yehoshua. The Vision of the Menorah. Interpretation of the vision. The Storyline of this week's Haftarah: The Vision of the Menorah. The Haftorah Begins with Zecharya's prediction of the future return of Hashem's presence in Jerusalem. Then the Nations of the world will join the ingathering and celebrations. The Haftorah 2nd part discusses the accusal and then the acquittal of Yehoshua the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) by the heavenly tribunal. He was protected against the attacks of the Satan. The Haftorah continues with a message for Yehoshua the Kohen Gadol. It first warns him and then encourages him. He was reprimanded because his children had married gentile woman. We now move on to the third and final part of the Haftorah. The Vision of the Menorah and it's interpretation. The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: The Parasha opens with a discussion of the daily Menorah lighting in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and Temple. The Haftorah speaks of the vision of the Menorah and an Angel's prophetic interpretation of that vision. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: Zecharya's vision explains to us that it's not with our individual power that our successes come from, but with the spirit of Hashem. Let's remember that to the degree that we reconnect ourselves to Hashem via the Torah, our own personal lights will shine brighter. The Prophet Zecharya's Biography: His name was Zecharya (Hashem remembers) Ben http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/behaloscha62.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 05:49:31 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Ido. He was a Kohen. He prophesied in 520 B.C.E. about 2500 years ago. He was the 11th of the 12 prophets in the Book Tray Assar. His name means Hashem Remembered. Zecharya wrote his own book -- it is 14 chapters long. He lived in the time of the return from Babylon and Persia. Curesh, Esther & Achashveroshe's son permitted the rebuilding of the 2nd temple. He had a second name Meshulaem. He lived in Jerusalem and was buried in the Kidron Valley. His piers were Zerubavel governor of Jerusalem, Yehoshua the Kohen Gadol, Mordechai, Nechemiah, Ezra, Chaggai, Yonah. Zecharya hid the temple treasures. Shortly after Zecharya's time prophecy departed from Israel. He was a member of the men of the great assembly. Famous phrases: From the book of Zecharya Chapter 14:9. V'haya Hashem Lemelech al kol ha'aretz bayom hahu yeheyeh hashem echod ushemo echad. And Hashem will be the ruler over the world. The concluding sentence of Alenu Leshabeach. Timeline: The Haftorah took place about 2500 years ago. Map: Zecharya's prophecy takes place in Jerusalem. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Shelach of Joshua Chapter 2:1-24 The Story Line of This Week's Haftorah: Joshua, Moses' successor sends two spies to Jericho in order to scout out the city. The spies arrived at the house of the harlot named Rehab, where they stayed. The king of Jericho hears of the presence of the two spies, and requests that Rehab turn them over immediately. Rehab’s reply to the king is that these men had already departed. The truth was that she hid them on her rooftop under some flax. The king's men ran down the Jordan roads looking for the spies. Rehab then spoke to the two spies. She said, " I took care of you, now you take care of me. I saved your life, now you save my life and the life of my family. We all know that you are Israelites and that Hashem is leading his nation to conquer and divide Canaan into the land of Israel. Please spare us". They agreed, on the condition that she does not report them to the king. Rehab then lowered the spies out of her window by rope in order to aid their escape. Jericho was a walled city and Rehab's house was built into the outer wall of the city. The men said to Rehab, "make sure that you tie a red thread in the window that you lowered us from, and bring your family into your house so that they too will be spared. When we return to destroy Jericho, we will be looking for the red thread in your window, and everyone in the house shall be spared". The spies left Jericho and hid in the mountains near Jericho until it was safe to return to the Israelite camp. The spies then crossed the Jordan River back into Jordan where the Israelites were camped. Upon their return, the spies told Joshua everything that had occurred. They said that Hashem will deliver the entire area into their hands; all of the Land's inhabitants are in terror of us. Joshua's Biography:Yehoshua ben Nun or Joshua the son of Nun lived until the age of 110. The name Yehoshua means "Hashem will save". He was the successor to Moses, and brought the nation of Israel into their homeland. It is believed that Joshua authored his own book with help from the High Priests, with exception to the final chapter, which was authored by Eleazar and Pinchas. It is the sixth book of the Tanach, and the first book of the prophets. The Haftorah's Connection between the Parasha and Haftorah: Parashat Shelach begins with Hashem speaking to Moses, and commanding him to send spies to the land of Canaan. In this weeks Haftorah there is a continuation of this commandment, where the Nation of Israel sends spies to look at the Land of Canaan. http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/shelach64.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 05:50:02 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: In this week's Haftorah we learn the formula for success. First, Moses poses the question; "Should we do it?" By sending spies into the future homeland of Israel, he answered his own question with a definitive "Yes." Once that is decided, you must then move onto the next question: "How are we going to do it?" Joshua sent the spies to Jericho to answer this very question. After answering this final question, Joshua did not wait. He immediately acted in order to accomplish his goal. It is very important to remember this formula. First, should it be done at all? Second, how it can be done? And then finally, do it! Chazak Ve'ematz - Be Strong and be Brave! Famous phrases: "Chazak Ve'ematz". "Be strong and be brave". Joshua 1:6 Timeline:This story took place in the Jewish year 2488 or 1273 B.C.E. Map: This Haftorah takes place in the City of Jericho, Israel. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2001 If you have any thoughts or questions, please contact me at: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Korach 5762 Read from 1 Samuel 11:14-12:22 Samuel's Farewell Address The Storyline of this week's Haftarah: Saul, who is just about to become Israel's first King, commands the nation of Israel to go up to the City of Gilgal where he will be anointed. Afterwards the Nation of Israel celebrates Saul's coronation by giving peace offerings to Hashem. Then Samuel, Israel's last Judge declares that he has fulfilled all the requests that the people of Israel have made of him, especially the recent appointment of Israel's first King. Now it has come time for Samuel to pass away. Samuel claims that he has aged and feels very old (possibly from his son's misdeeds). Samuel, who was only 52 at the time, clearly had aged and became very old. To pass away with a clear conscience, Samuel asks in front of Hashem and the King of Israel if there was anybody who could testify against him regarding any misdeeds he may have done. For example, had he taken any animals as payment for the work he has done for the community? Samuel continues to ask, "Was there any! one who he had cheated or was oppressed by him?" "Did anyone ever bribe him? Come forward!" The people of Israel responded "You have been honest in all your dealings with us." The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: Samuel was an example of what the leader of Israel should be. He pulled everyone together to serve Hashem. On the other hand, Korach was a Levite who led the rebellion in the wilderness against Moses. The earth opened up and swallowed Korach and the other leaders of the rebellion. The reason for that is Korach's vision was to have each and everyone be his or her own G-d. Needless to say Korach's vision was diametrically opposed to Samuel's one G-d thinking. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: You can't change yesterday but you can make up your mind that from now on, just before you decide it's O.K. to do a sin, you re-ask yourself "Is it worth it"? Once someone gets into a mess, they usually start bargaining with Hashem "Please get me out of this mess I'll do anything if you help me Hashem." Don't get yourself into trouble in the first place. The Prophet Shmuel didn't have anything to hide, he was able to say "I have clear conscience, I have behaved well and I have nothing to fear. I pray that all of us can learn from Shmuel and let us think before we act in order to keep out of spiritual trouble.

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Samuel's Biography: The meaning of Shmuel is "The Lord heard her." Samuel was the 16th and the last of the Shoftim (Judges). Eli the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) raised him in the Holy Temple. His book covers 120 years. He was a prophet whose string of prophetic experiences lasted about 100 years, from 1070 - 970 B.C.E during which Hashem spoke to him directly. Samuel was strong and unwavering. Hannah was his mother. Samuel was 52 years old at the time of this Haftorah. He was known as "The Reluctant King maker." He also appointed King David as Saul's successor to the throne over the Nation of Israel. Samuel was born in RamatTsofim in the hill country of the tribe of Efraim. He wrote his own book. Samuel the prophet is buried in Jerusalem. Famous phrases: Hannah's Song of Prayer "Vatitpalel Chanah " thanking Hashem for enabling her to give birth to her son Samuel. Read from 1 Samuel 2:1-10. During the morning prayers after putting on Teffilin. Timeline: This story: took place 2930 years ago in the Jewish year 2830, 931 B.C.E. Map: The story took place in Shilo a city in Ephraim, notable as the center of worship in the time of the Judges. It housed the Ark of the Covenant until its capture by the Philistines in the time of Samuel. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for the Parshat Chukat 5764 The Haftorah is read from the book of Shoftim (Judges) 11:1-33 The Judges Yiftach Fights against Amon The Storyline of this week's Haftarah: Yiftach is expelled from his home by his brothers and becomes a warrior outside Eretz Yisrael. 4-10 The Jews are attacked by the Ammonim, and the elders of Gilead ask Yiftach to become a leader. Yiftach responded by asking, “What has changed that now I am good enough for you?”11:11 Yiftach agrees to lead on condition that if he wins, the Elders must make him the leader of the Israelites. Yiftach asks Hashem to help him, and if he is victorious, Yiftach vows he will bring a sacrifice to Hashem of the first living thing he sees upon his return. This took place in the town of Mitzpah. 11:12-27 Yiftach tries to negotiate a peaceful settlement with the King of Amon. He sends a delegation to the king proposing that their forces be withdrawn. In response the Ammonite king laid claim to all Israelite land east of the Jordan River. To the south of Gilead between the Arnon and Yabok rivers, that had been occupied by the tribes of Gad and Reuben. 11:28 The settlement is rejected. Yiftach sends his envoys back with proof showing that this land was captured from King Sihon, who had banned the Israelites transit. The King of Amon didn’t agree with him and Yiftach therefore went forward into war. 11:29-33 Yiftach triumphed in battle, and to his horror upon returning home the first living being that he saw was his only daughter. She was dancing with tambourines and celebrating her father’s victorious return. Realizing that he must now sacrifice his daughter to Hashem, Yiftach tore his clothes and cried out in grief. Even his daughter agreed that his sacred oath could not be broken. At her request she departed to the mountains with her companions and bewailed her virginity upon the mountains. On her return the sacrifice was carried out. For this tragic episode the custom arose for young women to go out each year, and for four days mourn for Yiftach’s daughter. The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: In this week’s Parsha, Parshat Chukat, the nation of Israel does battle Ammon in order to conquer the land of Israel. In this week’s Haftorah, Yiftach is called upon by the elders of Israel, also to do battle with Ammon, only this time it was Israel who was being attacked. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: When Yiftach was given the task of battling with Ammon, he immediately realized that the only way he could be victorious was through divine http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/chukas64.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 05:56:59 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

intervention. In order to receive the help of Hashem, Yiftach could have simply prayed for victory. Instead, he offered to bring a sacrifice to Hashem. Yiftach did not merely come to Hashem empty handed; he was willing to give up something of value. Granted he probably should not have sacrificed his daughter, but the sentiment remains the same. Yiftach was so indebted to Hashem for providing him with a victorious battle that he gave up the most valuable thing in his life. His daughter. Perhaps we should take Yiftach’s example to heart. Just as a guest would brings a gift for a host. So too when we are standing before Hashem in prayer and asking Hashem for anything, we too should come with something. Historically, we would bring offerings of fruit or animals to the temple. Unfortunately today, we do not have a temple, but we can still offer something to Hashem. We have both our time and our money to offer Hashem. Money can be donated to charity, to supporting education by giving to schools, or by donating to hospitals. Time can be given to shuls, schools, hospitals or yeshivas, to help in any capacity, or but simply being a good person, and creating a sanctification of Hashem with our actions. Yiftach's Biography: The meaning of Yiftach-iel is “Hashem opens”. He was born in the land of Gilead. Yiftach’s mother was referred to as a harlot. His father was called Gilead and his stepbrothers ostracized him, and did not provide him with any share any of the inheritance left from their father. He therefore moved away to the land of Tob. He was an Israelite military leader. He became known as a mighty warrior who was a skilled and daring fighter. His mobilized a resistance and led a counter offensive defeating the Ammonites of Trans-Jordan. He made a promise with Hashem that if he were to win the war he would sacrifice to Hashem the first living thing that came out from his gates when he came home. Unfortunately his only daughter, Seila came out dancing and singing with tambourines and ribbons to welcome home her victorious father and as a fulfillment of a vow he sacrificed her. Yiftach’s life ended tragically he wasn’t buried but his limbs would fall from his body and were scattered around the land of Israel. Timeline: The story of Yiftach happened in the time of the Judges about 3200 years ago. Map: The Haftorah took place east of the Jordan River. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for the Parshat Balak 5764 The Haphtarah is read from the book of Micha, The tenth book of Trai-Assar 5:6-6:8 The Storyline of this week's Haftarah: The Haftorah begins with the prophet Micah predicting that prior to the war of Gog and Magog the mighty nations of the world will assemble against Israel. The Jewish people will not expect their salvation to come from any person; instead they will rely only on Hashem for their salvation, and the nation of Israel will triumph over all the nations of the world. Micah predicts the purification of Israel; after the war of Gog and Magog, Hashem will remove all the weapons of war from Israel because they will not be needed any longer. In the same vein, Hashem will eliminate sorcery, fortunetellers, and idols, including the Asherah trees because all the people in the world will realize the one true God. Israel is accused of not listening to Hashem's commandments, even though they had been warned many times. Hashem asks "Is this how you thank me for taking you out of the land of Egypt?" "Is this how you thank me for protecting you from the King Balak of Moab?" "Is this how you thank me for the way Balaam answered them?" Micah concludes the Haftorah with advice regarding what Hashem seeks from us. It is, to perform justice, love kindness and walk humbly with Hashem. The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: The prophecy of Micah recalls some of the ways in which Hashem protected the newly emerged nation during its forty years in the desert wilderness. Among the incidents mentioned by the prophet is Balak's plot to have Balaam curse Israel, and Balaam's advice to use lewdness as the bait to lure Israel into Idolatry. Thus this is an appropriate Haftorah for the Sidrah of Balak. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: Credibility is very important. When taking the role of a spiritual leader, make sure that you represent Hashem in the way he would want you to. (See Torah for guidelines.) When choosing a spiritual leader, choose someone who will inspire you to take the next step, and become closer to Hashem. Micah Ha’morashti's Biography: The name Micah means, "Who is like Hashem?” He lived in the 8th century B.C.E. about 2800 years ago. He was from a country town of Morashet-Gat, near the Philistine border in Judah, which was a 1-day journey from Jerusalem. Morashet-Gat is marked on the Madaba mosaic floor map. The prophet was a village person who detested http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/balak64.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 06:00:21 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

the capital cities of Samara & Jerusalem that symbolized luxury & graft that had corrupted the nation. His book is included in the Trai-Assar or the book of the twelve prophets. He prophesied in the kingdom of Judah during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Isaiah, Amos, and Hosea were also alive at this time. Of the 613 mitzvoth told to Moses, Micah stressed three. "It has been told to you what Hashem requires of you. Only to do justly, to love kindness and to walk humbly with Hashem." He was the first prophet to predict the destruction of Jerusalem. Micah warned the Israelite people against worshipping foreign Gods, which were made by the hands of the men and women who worshipped them. Micah was especially focused on the leaders of Israel who were corrupt and taking advantage of the population. Micah never questioned the justice of severe punishment given by Hashem. Micah repeatedly mentions the revival of heathenism under King Menashe, which worshipped the Baal idol. He was a spokesman of the poor and he believed that true faith comes from the heart and not from formal sacrifices. Micah looks forward to the Messianic period and kingdom. Famous phrases: Key me'zion tay tse torah udvar Hashem may Yerushalayim. From out of Zion shall go the law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. Timeline: Micah Prophesied from 739 B.C.E. to 687 B.C.E. about 2740 years ago in the Jewish year 3220. Map: The Haftorah takes place in Jerusalem. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Pinchas The Haftora is read from the book of Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah) 1:1-2:3. The story line of this week's Haftarah: The Haftorah starts with Yirmiyahu's appointment as a Prophet. Then we read about Jeremiah's first two visions. His first vision is of an almond tree's rod. The second is the vision of a boiling pot. Hashem gives Jeremiah encouragement not to be afraid of the responses. The Haftorah concludes with his first message to the Jewish people. The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: The Haftorah of the first forty-one Sidros is related to one or more points touched upon in its Sidra. After the Destruction of the Second Temple, however, the sages ordained that the Haftorah read on the three Shabbasim between the 17th of Tammuz and the ninth of Av be drawn from the prophecies that forewarned the nation of the First Temples Destruction. For it was on the Seventeenth of Tammuz that the enemies of Israel breached Jerusalem's walls and on the Ninth of Av that each of the two temples was burned to the ground. The three Haftorahs are called the Telasa Dephuranusa - three of affliction. They are the opening chapters of Jeremiah and Isaiah, and each threatens the dire consequences that would be visited upon Israel in response to its sinfulness. Nevertheless, each of the Haftorahs of gloom ends on a note of hope and inspiration. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: Deliver the message without fear of the response. Yirmiyahu's (Jeremiah's) Biography: The meaning of his name is "Hashem will elevate." He was the son of Chilkiya also a prophet. He was a Kohen. He was born in Anatot, 2 miles north of Jerusalem in the land of Benjamin. He spoke at childhood and cursed the day he was born. Isaiah came before Yirmiyahu, and Ezekiel comes after. Jeremiah wrote 3 Books: Jeremiah 52 chapters, Eicha (Lamentations), and Melachim (The Book of Kings). He began prophesizing when he was 18 and continued for 40 Years. Jeremiah was born with a circumcision. He was a descendant of Rehab, Jericho's innkeeper that Joshua saved. Jeremiah's prophecies took place before, during, and after the destruction of the Bait Hamikdash (Holy Temple). The Temple was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon. He remained in Jerusalem after its destruction with Gedalyah ben Achikam, The man who the fast of Gedalyah is named after. Shafan was his scribe. Shafan brought the scroll he found in http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/pinchas64.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 06:03:17 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

the Bait Hamikdash to Jeremiah, which was originally written by Moses. It was open to the verse "Hashem will bring you and your elected King to a nation unknown to your fathers." That scared people into changing their ways He was chosen by Hashem in 624 B.C.E. to be a prophet. About 2625 years ago. Jeremiah claimed he was too young for the job. Jeremiah lived in Jerusalem. He was never married and he never had children. He was the head of the Mishmeret Hakohanim (The Guard by the Priests doing work in the Holy Temple). They were the custodians of the Ark of the Lord. He wore a wooden yolk around his neck. Jeremiah was known as the Weeping Prophet. He was born in 640 B.C.E. on Tishah Be'av. The time span of the book 66 years. Baruch was his friend and disciple. He was stoned to death after fleeing to Alexandria, Egypt. The structure of the Book of Jeremiah. ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Jeremiah's commission Call to Prophecy The broken covenant Prophecy to Judah and gentiles. Judgment nears King Zedkiya and the 70 year captivity. Jerusalem falls Babylonians invade Israel and Jerusalem.

Famous phrases from the Book of Jeremiah : "Ki fadah Adonai et ya'akov u-gealo miyad chazak mimenu." For Hashem will have redeemed Jacob and delivered him from a hand mightier than he. Chapter 31:10 said just before the first blessing after Shema during Ma'ariv. Timeline: 2650 years ago Map: The Haftorah takes place in Jerusalem Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parashat Matot-Masei The Haftorah is read from the book of Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah) 2:4-2:8; 3:4; 4:1-2 The story line of this week's Haftarah: (2:4-13) Jeremiah begins this week’s Haftorah by telling Israel that they have abandoned Hashem. The prophet asks on behalf of Hashem "What wrong did your ancestors find in me that they have abandoned me?" The Jewish people didn't say "Where is Hashem who took us out of the land of Egypt, and brought us safely through the desert, into a country with farmland that produced all the food and wealth we needed?" The Kohanim didn't say, "Where is your G-d?" The Prophets prophesied via Ba'al (a Cananite Pagan deity) false information. Hashem is asking, "What is going on here? Did everyone forget our agreement?” Hashem then continues and says "Go look around, has any nation ever exchanged a living G-d for a false G-d?" Jeremiah warns the Israelites that they have committed two great sins against Hashem. First they have abandoned Hashem and second they are worshipping idols. Jeremiah Warns the Jews that they will be severely punished. (2:14-19) He says that it is their own fault that they are being punished. Instead of relying on Hashem, you are relying on the Egyptians and the Assyrians for help. You will be in for a big surprise when they don't come and help you when you need them. You Will Be Punished For Your Sins of Unfaithfulness. (2:19-28) Israel, you told me that you would be faithful, but you're not. You worship in the Valley of Hinnom the G-d of Molech doing child sacrifices. Hashem says, "Stop looking around for allies to save you. Jeremiah warns the house of Israel, their kings, nobles, priests and prophets, that they will be ashamed like a thief that is caught. They talk to the wooden idols as is if they can hear them and they relate to stone as if they gave birth to them, while they turned their backs to me. Yet in their hour of disaster they come to me and say "Save us." Judah's Insincere Repentance (3:1-4) now where are your Gods you made for yourself? Let them now come and save you in a time of disaster. As always the Haftorah ends on a happy note. Hashem's Response (4:1) Hashem says "If you Israel, return to me and remove your abominations from before me, and you do not waver, if you swear “as Hashem lives in truth, justice and righteousness" the nations of the world will bless themselves by you and praise themselves through you. The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: Why do we read this Haftorah? This Haftorah is the second of the three Haftorahs before Tishah Be'av that are called the Telasa Dephuranusa - the three of affliction. We read this passage because it explains about the affliction that Jeremiah prophesies regarding the destruction of Jerusalem http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/matos64.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 06:03:45 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

and the Holy Temple because of the sins of Israel. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: It is normal for us to react quickly when there is an emergency. However once things are back to normal, how many of us make an effort to discuss problems or areas of weakness unless the situation blows up again. We should be aware that Hashem is letting us do what ever we want to do, good or bad. What we must remember as Jews, is that we are accountable for our thoughts, words and actions. Hashem has been very patient with regard to our own tolerance for spiritual mediocrity. Why are we waiting for Hashem to blow up at us? Is it only then that we will do what we agreed to do? We should avoid this behavior and learn from our ancestors' mistakes. We should do our best to do what we said we were going to do and avoid paying stiff penalties. Famous phrases from the Book of Jeremiah : Chapter 9:4 "Limdu leshonam, daber sheker." "They have taught their tongue to speak lies." Jeremiah reprimands the people of Israel, who proceed from evil to evil and who, through deceit, refuse to know Hashem. Timeline: 2650 years ago Map: The Haftorah takes place in Jerusalem Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parshat Devarim 5762 Shabbat Chazon (The "Vision" of Isaiah). Read on the Shabbat before Tisha Be'av (the Ninth of the month of Av) which is the anniversary of the destruction of both the 1st and 2nd Bait Hamikdashes. The Haftarah is read from Yeshayahu (Isaiah) Chapter 1:1-27 The Storyline of this week's Haftarah: Introduction: Isaiah was the son of Amoz, who prophecised about the sad state of the State of Judah and the city of Jerusalem. His prophetic period lasted through the reigns of four kings. King Uzziah also known as Azzaria, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezkiah. Isaiah begins his book by questioning why the Jews don't recognize Hashem as their master, when even an ox recognizes his master. Israel's sin of rebelling has left them badly beaten. Don't they understand that Hashem is punishing them for their sins. Hashem appeals to the Jewish people to do repentance. They should stop with all their "unkosher" sacrifices and worthless worshipping. Hashem tells us that we should learn to do good, seek justice, and support the oppressed. We should demand justice for the orphans and plead the cause of the widow. Hashem says "Do Repentance", If you are bad become good. If you become good you will be much happier. Hashem warns that the city! of Jerusalem has deteriorated to the point that Hashem will have to purify it by burning it, similar to when gold is purified, you heat it up and then refine it. Afterwards Mount Zion will be redeemed through justice and those who repent there will benefit from their righteousness. The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: This Haftarah is the third Shabbat of the Telasa D'phuranusa, Aramaic for "The Three weeks of Tribulation" before Tisha Be'av. In it are the prophecies of the suffering that will take place to the Israelites because of their sins and the forthcoming destruction of the Bait Hamikdash, Holy Temple and the City of Jerusalem because of their sins. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: Think about this, if somehow you were mistakenly locked up in jail for a long time you couldn't get out and someone came and bailed you out, how would you feel about that person? Then if that person brought you to their mansion on an estate, and said "I am going to leave you here, alone, to live as you please, just follow these house rules". Then our host finds out that not only have we not listened to his directions, you have done some really bad damage to his property. He looks closer only to find that you have http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/devarim62.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 06:04:11 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

brought the evil people into his home and while they were there you spoke nastily to each other, that hurt other people's reputations and finances not to mention their feelings. The owner of the house says "Hey! Wait a minute! I don't understand something, I took you out of jail and I put you into a beautiful house, all I asked of you is to treat this place as you would your own. But what do you do? You d! estroyed it. You won't even stop when I reprimand you and even threaten to throw you off the premises. So you have left me with no other option but to take action and physically remove you from my place. You have run it down and I will have to tear my house down to the ground and rebuild it. This is the story of Tisha Be'av. How many times do we need to be reminded and reprimanded before we understand what our role as good Jews is supposed to be . How many places do we have to get thrown out of before we get the message? Famous phrases from the Book of Isaiah : "Oneg Shabbat" The Prophet Isaiah writes among other duties "Vekarata la-Shabbat Oneg" "and call the Shabbat delight", then you shall delight yourself in Hashem. In the Talmud (Shabbat 118b) it states that Rab Yehuda said in Rab's name: He who delights in the Shabbat is granted his heart's desires. Timeline: Isaiah prophecised about 2600 years ago. We had the Land of Israel. Our capital city was Jerusalem. The Holy Temple built by King David's son, King Solomon was about to be destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon. We were still ruled by a King . The Kohanim (Priests ) worshiped and served in the Holy Temple. Men and women had prophetic ability. The nation of Israel still had the potential to observe the 613 mitzvot (commandments). Map: Isaiah prophecised in Jerusalem Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Tishah Be'av - Mincha The Haftora is read from the book of Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 55:6-56:8 The Origins of the Fast of Tishah Be'av: Tishah Be'av is the day on which we commemorate all of the evils, and hardships which we have had to endure. Most notably, it commemorates the destruction of both temples. The Summary of the Haftarah: 55:6-7 All the Jewish sinners are urged to do Teshuva. 55:89 Hashem's kindness is abundant. 55:10-11 Hashem's decrees come true. 55:12-13 Joy at the future redemption. 56:1-2 Prerequisites for the redemption to take place 56:3-5 Comfort and advice to the childless and the convert. A Jewish person must give Tzedaka on a Fast day. 56:6-8 All the righteous will serve in the future Bait Hamikdash. The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: This Haftorah is read during Mincha on the following 5 fast days. 1) *10th of Tevet, 2) Ta'anis Esther, 3) *17 of Tammuz, 4) *Tishah Be'av 5) Tzom Gedalia. * These fast days commemorate the Destruction of the Holy Temple. The purpose of these fast days is to inspire us to repent. The Haftorah was chosen for its opening sentence,"Let the wicked man leave his evil way and the sinful one his evil thought." Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: Think about this, if somehow you were mistakenly locked up in jail for a long time you couldn't get out and someone came and bailed you out, how would you feel about that person? Then if that person brought you to their mansion on an estate, and said "I am going to leave you here, alone, to live as you please, just follow these house rules". Then our host finds out that not only have we not listened to his directions, you have done some really bad damage to his property. He looks closer only to find that you have brought the evil people into his home and while they were there you spoke nastily to each other, that hurt other people's reputations and finances not to mention their feelings. The owner of the house says "Hey! Wait a minute! I don't understand something, I took you out of jail and I put you into a beautiful house, all I asked of you is to treat this place as you would your own. But what do you do? You d! estroyed it. You won't even stop when I reprimand you and even threaten to throw you off the premises. So you have left me with no other option but

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

to take action and physically remove you from my place. You have run it down and I will have to tear my house down to the ground and rebuild it. This is the story of Tisha Be'av. How many times do we need to be reminded and reprimanded before we understand what our role as good Jews is supposed to be . How many places do we have to get thrown out of before we get the message? Isaiah's Biography: The name Isaiah means "Salvation of G-d". Isaiah wrote his own book, which is 66 chapters long. His father was a prophet named Amoz, and he was from a royal family who had access to the Bait Hamikdash. He was born in the year 765 B.C.E. (8th century) about 2760 years ago. Isaiah was twenty-five when he received his first vision. He was also considered to be the greatest of all prophets after Moses. Three other prophets lived in Isaiah's time; Hosea, Amos, and Michah. Isaiah was born circumcised, and lived through the reigns of four different kings; Uzziah, Yotham, Ahaz, Hezkiah. Isaiah lived 120 years, and he had two children with his only wife. He claimed to have seen the throne of G-d, and he predicted Israel's demise. Isaiah was killed by Menaseh, the King of Judah. Isaiah was hiding from Menashe, the King of Judah, in a tree, but as Menashe was passing by the tree, he spotted Isaiah's tsitsit hanging out of the tree. Menashe then cut clean through the tree, and killed Isaiah. Since Isaiah spoke lashon ha'ra about the nation of Israel, as a midah ki-neged midah when he was killed, he was cut through the mouth. Famous phrases from the Book of Isaiah : lo mahshevotai mahshevotachem, velo darkaykhem derachai. Hashem says: "My thoughts are not similar to your thoughts, neither are your ways similar to my ways" Thus, seek the lord while he may be found. Isaiah 55:8 Hashem's thought process is different from ours. Just as we cannot understand Hashem's existence, we also cannot understand Hashem's thoughts and ways. Timeline: Isaiah prophesized about 2600 years ago Map: Isaiah prophecised in Jerusalem Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parshat Va'etchnan 5762 Shabbat Nachamu (The Sabbath of Comforting). Read on the Shabbat after Tisha Be'av (the Ninth of the month of Av) which is the anniversary of the destruction of both the 1st and 2nd Bait Hamikdashes (The Holy Temple). The Haftarah is read from Isaiah Chapter 40:1-26. The Storyline of this week's Haftarah: The End of Exile. (40:1-3)- "Nachamu, Nachamu Ami" "Comfort, comfort My people" The prophet Isaiah speaks to the city of Jerusalem and reassures it that her suffering will be over soon. The Return to Zion (40:3-5)-Isaiah informs to Jersualem's surrounding mountains and valleys that in the near future they will become all one level. This will make it easy for the Jews who will be returning to Mount Zion. Hashem's Words Endure Forever (40:6-8)- Man is like the grass in a field, in the sense that if Hashem wants to blow us away he can. However, we must always remember that Hashem's word is forever. The Scream of the Messenger of Good News Regarding Mount Zion (40:9-11)-Isaiah tells Mount Zion to rejoice by "climbing " a high mountain and to scream proudly "Hashem is here right now!" Hashem's Greatness and Man's Insignificance (40:12-26) Even the Biggest, greatest and strongest things in mans world are insignificant within Hashem' s domain. No nation, no idols or otherG-d's nothing even comes close to Hashem's power. The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: This Haftarah is the first of the Shivah Denechemtah or the seven weeks of consolation that start after the fast of Tisha Be'av and run until Shabbat Shuvah, the Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah(The Jewish New Year). There is no connection between the Parasha and the Haftarah. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: These Haftorahs contain prophecies that offered the people of the exile comfort and hope after the destruction of the 1st Temple. They are all taken from the Book of Isaiah. Isaiah's prophecies contain words regarding future affliction and future comfort. Did you know that the four fast days of Asarah Betevet (10thof the Month of Tevet), Shivah Assar Betamuz (the 17th of Tamuz), Tisha Be'av (the 9th of Av), and T'zom Gedaliah (the fast of gedaliah) were started from the same string of events that led up to the destruction of the temple in approximately 586 B.C.E.

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Isaiah's Biography: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

The name means "Salvation of G-d" Issaiah wrote his own book that is 66 chapters long His father was a prophet named Amoz He was from a royal family and had access to the Bait Hamikdash. He was born in the year 765 B.C.E. (8th century) about 2760 years ago. Isaiah was 25 years old when he had his first prophetic vision. After Moses he was considered to be the greatest of all prophets. 4 prophets lived in Isaiah's time - Hosea, Amos, Michah and Isaiah. He was born circumcised He survived 4 kings - Uzziah, Yotham , Ahaz, Hezkiah. He lived for 120 years Isaiah had a vision describing that he saw the throne of G-d . He had one wife and two sons. Menaseh the King of Judah killed him . He predicted the northern state of Israel's demise

Famous phrases from the Book of Isaiah : Chapter 58 Verse 13. Said during the daytime Kiddush for the Sephardim on Shabbat. It speaks of Shabbat and it's reward. " Im tashihv me'Shabbat raglechah asotchah-fatzechah beyom kadshi, V-karat la'Shabbat oneg likdosh hashem mechubad. Vchiybadito ma-asot derachecha mimtzoh cheftzecha v-daber davar. Az titanag alAdoshem vehirkavtechah al bamotai aretz v'ha'alticha nachalt Ya'akov aviycha kipi Adoshem Yidaber. " If you restrain your foot, because it is the Sabbath;refrain from accomplishing your own needs on my holy day. If you proclaim the Sabbath 'a delight' and the holy day of Hashem honored and you honor it by not engaging in your own affairs from seeking your own needs or discussing the forbidden - hence you will delight in Hashem, and I will provide you the heritage of your forefather Jacob, for the mouth of Hashem has spoken. (this is also the last few pesukim in Yom Kippur's Mussaf Haftarah). Timeline: Isaiah's prophecies took place in the Holy city of Jerusalem. Map: Isaiah prophecised in Jerusalem Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftarah for Parshat Ekev 5762 The Haftorah is read from Isaiah Chapter 49:14-51:3. The Storyline of this week's Haftarah: We begin this week's Haftarah with the prophet Isaiah comforting the Jews by saying, "Vatomer Zion azovani Hashem, v'Adoshem shchaichuni" " And Zion said " Hashem has forsaken me; my lord has forgotten me ". At that time the land of Israel was still desolate and the Jewish people saw no reason for rejoicing. They looked at their own unrighteous behavior and felt Hashem was right in forsaking them. Isaiah continues "As a nursing mother cannot forget her child, Hashem will never forget his children B'nai Yisrael". Even though you will go into exile, one day the land of Israel will be repopulated. The nations of the world will escort the Jewish people back to their homeland. Hashem will save Israel from her enemies. Hashem will destroy the nations that held them captives. Hashem rhetorically asks the people of Israel to show him the divorce papers that say we are finished. Hashem promises to redeem the Jews from their captives. Hashem gave Isaiah the ability to experience prophecies resulting in Isaiah inspiring the people of Israel to listen to Hashem's messages. Then Isaiah speaks, using very powerful words that he is here to stand up for Hashem and that Hashem will always be there for him. Isaiah tells the people of Israel to listen to his words or there will be severe consequences. The Haftarah concludes by Isaiah saying that Hashem will comfort the Mountain of Zion by making it like the Garden of Eden and joy and happiness will be found on her along with thanksgiving and the sound of song. The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: This week is the second of the "Shiva D'Nechemta" or the seven weeks of comfort that started last week with Shabbat Nachamu and will continue until the Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah. There is no direct connection between the Parasha and the Haftarah during these weeks. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: The month of Elul that precedes Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is a couple of weeks away. Let the Haftarah inspire us to begin the process of spiritual uplifting before the High Holidays. We read about how Jerusalem will be repopulated with Jews from all over the world. Let us embrace Isaiah's prophecies of future events that were predicted two and a half thousand years ago. Famous phrases from the Book of Isaiah : Taken from Isaiah Chapter 12 Verse 2-3. The http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/eikev62.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 06:12:14 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

opening passuk to the Havdalah (The Separation) prayer said after Shabbat and Yom Tov (Festivals). Henai Kel yeshuati evtach v'lo efchad, Ki azi vezimrat Ka Hashem, Vayehi le Leyeshua. Behold! Hashem is my salvation, I shall trust and not fear - for Hashem is my might and praise - Hashem - and He was a salvation for me. Timeline: This Haftarah takes place just before the Bait Hamikdash was destroyed about 2600 years ago. Map: Isaiah prophecies in the Holy City of Jerusalem. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftorah for Parshat Re'eh 5762 The Haftorah is read from Isaiah Chapter 54:11-55:5. The Storyline of this week's Haftarah: "Aniyah Soarah Lo Nuchamah" O afflicted, storm tossed, unconsoled one, behold! Jerusalem Will be rebuilt (54:11-14) We begin this week's Haftorah with the prophet Isaiah declaring that in the time of the Mashiach (Messiah), Jerusalem will be rebuilt with gemstones, like rubies and sapphires. Then all your children will be students of Hashem and they will enjoy an eternal peace and spiritual greatness. Jerusalem's Enemies will be unable to conquer her ( 54:15-17) The prophet Isaiah continues by saying that the Jews need not fear their enemies if they obey Hashem. They should just be thirsty to study the Torah. The results will be that Jerusalem's enemies will not be able to conquer her. Anyone who tries to conquer the Jews will fall into the Israelites hands. Hashem permitted all the weapons in the world to be created and now he will not let these weapons hurt the nation of Israel. Listen to Hashem, Who Will Make A. Covenant with Israel (55:1-5) The Haftorah concludes with the Prophet Isaiah saying that in the time of the Mashiach (Messiah) all nations of the world will not be able to speak up against The Nation of Israel. The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: This week is the third of the "Shiva D'Nechemta" or the seven weeks of comfort. There is no direct connection between the Parasha and the Haftorah during the seven weeks between Tisha Be'av and Rosh Hashanah. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: Just hearing that Jerusalem will be rebuilt with a variety of precious gemstones lifts one spirits before the upcoming "Yamim Noraim" High Holiday season. Famous phrases from the Book of Isaiah : Is quoted from Chapter 40 Verse 29. We say this Passuk as one of the "Birchot Hashachar" or morning blessings "… "Hanotain laya'ef Koach" "Hashem…gives strength to the weary." Timeline: This Haftorah takes place just before the Bait Hamikdash was destroyed about 2600 years ago.

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Map: Isaiah prophesied in Jerusalem. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftorah for Parshat Shoftim 5762 The Haftara is read from the Book of Isaiah Chapter 51:12-52:12. The Storyline of this week's Haftarah: The Haftarah begins with Isaiah's words "Anoch, Anochi Hu Menachemchem" " It is I, I who comforts you" who are you that you should be afraid of man, who shall die and the son of a man who shall be set as grass? Hashem Will Comfort and Redeem Israel (51:12-16) Isaiah predicts that Hashem will be comfort B'nai Yisrael after he conquers all our enemies. Then the prophet states that after Hashem deals with all of Israel's enemies, it is only Hashem that they need to fear. The Nations Will Drink Hashem's Cup Of Wrath (51:17-23) The nations of the world will drink Hashem's cup of wrath. Hashem will remove his anger that was directed to the Jewish people and redirect it onto the enemy nations of the Jews. Then the Jews will prosper and the enemy nations will suffer. Zion Will be Redeemed (52:1-6) Isaiah call the city of Jerusalem to wake up and rejoice, get dressed in beautiful clothing in preparation of the greatest celebration. The enemy nation will no longer ca! pture Jerusalem. Jerusalem rises up as the king of all cities in the world. Hashem will free Jerusalem from its captors. Egypt and Assyria will never have control over Israel again. Hashem Will Return To Zion (52:7-10) Hashem will return to the Mountain of Zion. In a messianic preview Isaiah says that a messenger (Eliyahu) will announce peace and Hashem will be the G-d of the whole world. Israel's Return From Exile (52:11-12) The Haftarah concludes with the fact that the Jewish people will never have to leave Jerusalem in a rush, or to fight a war again because Hashem is protecting us both from the front and the rear. The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: This week is the fourth of the "Shiva D'Nechemta" or the seven weeks of comfort. There is no direct connection between the Parasha and the Haftarah during the se seven weeks between Tisha Be'av and Rosh Hashanah. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: Imagine when Isaiah says that Jerusalem will get dressed in celebratory clothing because the Mashiach is coming. It reminds me of a giant wedding hall that the caterer is decorating for a very special wedding. Famous phrases from the Book of Isaiah : 52:1 "Uri, Uri livshi bigday sifartech ami". Wake up! Wake up! Zion, Clothe yourself with splendor! Put on your beautiful clothes. O Jerusalem http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/shoftim62.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 06:13:46 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

holy city. Said on Friday night as a part of the Kabbalat Shabbat song Lecha Dodi. Timeline: This Haftarah takes place just before the Bait Hamikdash was destroyed about 2600 years ago. Map: Isaiah prophecised in Jerusalem Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

The Weekly Haftorah by Reuben Ebrahimoff The Haftorahman

The Haftorah for Ha'azinu - Shabbat Shuva 5763 The Haftorah is read from three of the twelve short books in Trai Assar or The Twelve Prophets. Hosea 14:2-10; Joel 2:11-27; Micah 7:18-20. The Storyline of this week's Haftarah: The Call to Repentance -The first portion of the Haftorah is read from: The Book of Hosea 14:2-4 "Shuvah Yisrael ad Hashem Elokecha" "Return, O Israel to Hashem, your G-d", for you have stumbled because of your sins. Confess to Hashem and return to him. Ask Hashem to forgive you. Stop the external reliance from other nations and pagan deities. Faith and Blessings 14:5-10. Hashem gives word that the rough years are over and Hashem will be rejuvenating the people and the land of Israel. The second part is read from: The Book of Joel 2:11-27 The Locust Attack 2:11 Hashem has the Prophet Joel inform the Jewish people that a plague of locusts will come and destroy all who are not observing his Torah. Repentance Is Still Possible 2:12-17 Hashem is saying that even at this late hour it is still possible to do "teshuvah" or repentance, but only if you do it wholeheartedly with fasting weeping and ! lamenting. Your hearts should be torn (feel it inside), not your clothing ("looking" bad, but not really feeling it). Hashem is patiently waiting for you to return to him. The Land Refreshed 2:18-20 Hashem will now cause the agriculture of Israel to blossom tremendously. Consolation and Blessings 21-27. Joel informs the Nation of Israel that Hashem is going to provide tremendous blessing in the way of food, that people will be startled. They will go from having nothing to having it all in a very short period of time. The last portion of the Haftorah is read from The Book of Micah 7:18-20. Forgiveness and Fulfillment of Promises - Hashem is forgiving of our sins, kind, merciful. Hashem is truthful and loves kindness. May the promises he made to our forefathers be fulfilled. The connection between this week's Parasha and the Haftara: The ten days Starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur are called The Ten Days of repentance. The Shabbat that falls in between the two is called Shabbat Shuva or the Sabbath of returning to Hashem. Once again the Haftorah is not connected to the Parasha, but it is connected to the time of year it is read. Haftorahman's Lesson of the week: The words of the prophet Hosea is a loving call to do teshuvah (repentance) then and now. Even though the nation of Israel repeatedly sinned, their essence is basically good and pure. Hashem treats us as if we are not hopelessly evil, just that we have stumbled a little bit into sin. The potential for repentance always remains, and http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/haftorah/archives/haazinu63.htm (1 de 2)08/03/2008 06:14:32 p.m.

The Weekly Haftorah - Insights on the Weekly Haftorah

Hashem is always ready to accept it and forgive us. Famous phrases from the Book of Hosea : Chapter 2:21- "Ve'erastich li le'olam, Ve'erashtich li be'chesed uvemishpat uvechesed uverachamim, Ve'erashtich li be'emunah ve'yada'atah et Adoshem", " I will betroth you to me forever, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, with justice, with kindness and mercy, and I will betroth you to me with fidelity and you will know Hashem. Hosea's Biography: Hosea was the son of the prophet Be'eri. The meaning of his name is "G-d will save". His book is the first of the "Trai Assar" or the Book of Twelve Prophets. He wrote it him self and it is 14 chapters long. He lived during the 8th century b.c.e. and prophesied about the impending downfall of the Jewish State because of their worshipping of foreign deities. At the time the Jews were seeking help from neighboring nations when they should have been relying on Hashem to help them. Hoshea was married to Gomer, who later became unfaithful to him. He lived in the time of the King Jerob! oam II and Hosea was still living when the Assyrains destroyed the Kingdom of Israel in 721 b.c.e. Joel's Biography: The name Joel means, "Hashem is G-d." He was the son of Petuel. The Book of Joel is 4 chapters long and is the 2nd book in the Trai Assar. His most prominent vision is of the cloud of locusts approaching the land of Israel and of the destruction it would cause. He assures us that the benefits of the Jews doing teshuvah (repentance) is that Hashem will have mercy on us and that he will bless the land of Israel with prosperity. In the Last chapter of his book Joel describes what will happen in the messianic era. Michah's Biography: The name Michah means, "Who is like Hashem?" It is the 6th Book of the Trai Assar. The last two pesukim of his book are included in the Tashlich service said on Rosh Hashanah. He was from the city of Moreshet Gat a village in the lowland near the Philistine border. He spoke out against the moral and social evils of his day. He d! enounces the pursuit of wealth that led to mass corruption. He was the first prophet to predict the destruction of Jerusalem. Written by: The Haftorahman - Reuven Gavriel ben Nissim Ebrahimoff 5762-2002 To subscribe, ask questions, give comments and make future dedications Please e-mail to: [email protected]

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