This week's portion contains the rules for bringing the first fruits to the Temple, and for tithing. Most famously, it includes a lengthy discussion of the blessings for obeying God -- and, ominously, the curses that await for disobeying him.
It is custom in many synagogues to read the curses quietly and quickly, as opposed to in the loud, melodious way Torah verses are usually chanted during the reading. We don't want to obsess over what might happen if things are bad.
There's a lesson in that: you acknowledge the risks of failure, but don't obsess over them. Keep the good choices, and their payoffs, in mind, because what we think about tends to manifest itself in our lives. Our minds have great power.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
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