Happy 250th Birthday America and Shalom yeladim! This week we continue in Devarim or "words". Most of the words spoken in this book would have been unnecessary if only the people of G-D would have been obedient. Our parasha is Vaetchanan means "I pleaded" and is such a sad beginning to a parasha because it opens with Moshe pleading with G-D to be allowed to ender the promised land. G-D has previously said that because Moshe disobeyed HIM and misrepresented HIS generosity and good character when he beat the rock that brought forth water (Remember the rock that followed B'nei Yisrael in the wilderness was "The ROCK" that pours forth living water) instead of talking to it, that Moshe would not enter the land of Yisrael with the people. Moshe is pleading with G-d to let him enter the good land. This week we are also once again reading the history of the making of the Tabernacle. As we read we find that Moses asked the Children of Israel to give donations to build the items needed for the Tabernacle. In Exodus 35:21 we read: 21
Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit was willing came and brought Adonai’s offering for the work of the Tent of Meeting and for all its service as well as for the holy garments. Two things you should notice as we read our parsha. First, Ad-nai stirred their hearts and secondly, they had to have willing spirits. Just like those people long ago, when Ad-nai wants you to bless His kingdom. He will stir your hearts to give, but you also must have a willing spirit. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 we are reminded:
7 Let each one give as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion—for God loves a cheerful giver. The history we read in Torah is as changeable and flawed as the humans that live it out today. Always remember that through it all, and often in spite of our choices, G-D is faithful and true, traveling with us and seeing us through. If you would like to learn the shema, the word of our faith, our activity this week that makes it easy; if you have ever wondered what the watchword of our faith is, this activity is for you! Be sure to get your parents permission before you download and print the lesson and activities for this week and learn about the way we can help others recognize that we are growing and maturing everyday (hint: this behavior leads to more freedom for us). (links are below attached to the cartoons of children.).
Remember too, that the GLM Holidays and Halacha is coming SOON. Register today.