Mattot/Mas’ei 5782 Num. 30:2 – 36:13 Rabbi Gary Pokras    As we approach the end of the book of Numbers, the entire community of Israel is encamped on the east bank of the Jordan river – directly across from the Promised Land. They have wandered for nearly forty years through the Wilderness, and they have […]

Pinchas 5782 Num. 25:10 – 30:1 Rabbi Gary Pokras   Miriam had died. So had Aaron. This week, God reminds Moses that his time, as well, is limited. Moses, the consummate leader, responds to God: “May the Lord, God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint someone over this community to go out and come […]

Balak 5872 Num. 22:2 – 25:9 Rabbi Jack Luxemburg  This Torah portion is full of surprises. It is named for a pagan king, Balak, who ruled over Moab, a territory that is now part of modern-day Jordan. It introduces us to a complicated character, Balam, a soothsayer, and magician who is hired by Balak to […]