The Portion of Shelach
Numbers 13:1-15:41
This week’s portion focuses primarily on the Sin of the Spies, which results in God’s decree that the Israelites must wander in the desert for forty years instead of entering the land of Israel directly. It also includes details regarding a number of laws, such as the libations which must be brought alongside certain sacrifices and the separation of a portion of all bread baked for the sustenance of the priests. We are told what must be done to atone for sins and, through the example of the wood-gatherer, what to do with those who violate the Sabbath. The portion ends with the command to tie fringes, or tzitzit, onto the corners of any four-cornered garment.
Topic 1: The Sin of the Spies
In our portion, God tells Moses to choose a representative from each tribe to scout out the land that He has chosen to give the people. Moses selects reliable men and instructs them to examine the country carefully, not only militarily (are the cities fortified? What are the people like?), but also agriculturally (is the… Read More »
Topic 2: Punishment
God is infuriated by the people’s mistrust and ingratitude, and threatens to wipe out the nation. Moses begs God to reconsider, taking into account the impression such action would make on the nations that watched God take Israel out of Egypt. God relents, in accordance with Moses’s words, and opts instead to sentence the nation… Read More »
Topic 3: Libations, Challah and Atonement
The Torah describes the accompanying offerings that must be brought alongside sacrifices. Depending on the animal brought, the Torah lists the amount of flour, oil and wine that is to accompany the offering. This applies regardless of who brings the offering. The Torah also sets out the requirement of separating Challah, a portion of… Read More »
While there are hundreds of different English translations of God’s Word, The Israel Bible not only has the original Hebrew language, which has never changed, it has the most faithful English translation of the original text right beside it. Each Hebrew verse has the vowel points and parallels the English verse for those who want to learn Hebrew. The commentary is superb, giving Christians insight into additional layers of interpretation. Most importantly, it shows God’s covenantal connection – through His Torah – of the land of Israel to the people of Israel. This is a covenant that has never been broken. The Israel Bible is truly a magnificent gift to mankind at this time in history, and I believe it will be an integral part of the tikkun olam – repairing of the world – by rectifying the breach between the nations of the world and the nation of Israel, so that all mankind may call upon Hashem in one accord.
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Christians as well as Jews will find much to learn from this excellent resource as they study G-d’s word. I am confident that this special edition of “The Israel Bible” published in honor of Israel’s 70th anniversary will deepen the readers’ spiritual relationship with G-d, strengthen their bonds with Israel – land and people – and deeply enrich their lives. Thank you Rabbi Tuly Weisz for this outstanding work! And thank you for your tender heart for G-d and outstretched arms lovingly welcoming Christians as well as Jews to share in the treasures of our biblical heritage.
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“My congratulations to Rabbi Tuly Weisz for producing the world’s first Hebrew Bible dedicated to the relationship between the Land and the People of Israel. As a Christian Zionist pastor for four decades, I have collected more than 30 versions of the Bible and seven complete sets of commentaries to augment my studies. After spending time studying The Israel Bible, I can say it gives much clarity to what the original Hebrew text was saying. As Hebrew scholars, the writers give clarity and revelation to the Scripture in ways I have not had access to otherwise. This Bible is easy to follow and very informative. It makes my studies more enjoyable while reading the text, footnotes and quotes from many wise people. It is a great study Bible for all serious students of the Word.”
“Thanks to Rabbi Tuly Weisz for reminding us that, at its core, the Hebrew bible is a description of a love story between a people and its land, the Jewish people and the land of Israel. From its earliest history, Eretz Yisrael has been central to Jewish living and Jewish destiny. The Jewish people dwelt in it, pined and yearned for it and, in our day, has miraculously merited to return to it. Featuring clear translations, introductions and incisive commentaries written by a team of impressive scholars, transliterations and maps, this volume will be indispensable for adherents of all religions who appreciate the absolute fundamental importance of Israel for the Jewish people and for the world.”
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“Rabbi Tuly Weisz is to be commended for compiling this remarkable collection of insights from classical rabbinic commentary and contemporary Israeli figures. Through these focused comments, he consistently highlights the profound biblical connection between God, the people of Israel, and the Land of Israel. May this book inspire us to fulfill the central mission of Tanakh itself–that individual Jews, and the miraculous State of Israel, should live up to our monumental covenantal privilege and responsibility to live according to the Torah and to serve as a Light unto the Nations.”
“This excellent work connects all the dots. It draws the reader closer to the Almighty, to the Torah, and to the Land of Israel. Rabbi Tuly Weisz and his colleagues are to be congratulated, and thanked, for this inspiring and informative gift to all who share our history and destiny.”
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