Parashat 27 Portion 83 - Tazria - Vayikra 12:1-13:28 Yesh 66:7-13 Jude 1:17-23

.According to the sages these two Torah portions “tazria and metzorah” reveal great mysteries of the Messiah.

The ancient sages had no doubt in their minds that this Torah portion and the next (metzora) had more to say about the Messiah than any other Torah portions in the Torah.

The Sages believe that the one true evidence that the Messiah had come is that he would the one to heal “leprosy” or “tzarat”.

Thus the Talmud (Sanhedrin 98b) describes Moshiach as a metzora, signifying that the messianic age is a time in which evils that have infested the world and mankind rise to the surface, so that they can be decisively overcome and cured.

Why are so many messianic’s denying Yahshua?

Because the nature of Yahshua was never nurtured as it was meant to be.

Lev 12:1  And יהוה spoke to Mosheh, saying,

Lev 12:2  “Speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl, saying, ‘When a woman has conceived, and has given birth to a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days, as in the days of her monthly separation she is unclean. 

Conceived – Heb - zâra - A primitive root; to sow; figuratively to disseminate, plant, fructify: - bear, conceive seed, set with, sow (-er), yield. “Hifil” feminine verb – when a woman comes to term and delivers – lit when a woman is caused to seed her seed.

      Perhaps this Torah portion is reminding us to pause and deeply contemplate the birth of  Messiah and of every new born that YHVH brings to life from a seed. There is both the joy of new birth but also the contemplation of what will become of this new life. Will this life bring joy or sadness? What will become of this life? Hopefully we pray that this person will soon to know, hear and follow the ways of YHVH - Isa 9:6  For a Child shall be born unto us, a Son shall be given unto us, and the rule is on His shoulder. And His Name is called Wonder, Counsellor, Strong Ěl, Father of Continuity, Prince of Peace.

Isa 9:7  Of the increase of His rule and peace there is no end, upon the throne of Dawid and over His reign1, to establish it and sustain it with right-ruling and with righteousness from now on, even forever. The ardour of יהוה of hosts does this. Footnote: 1See 16:5, Ps. 2, Ps. 45:6, Mic. 5:2, Lk. 1:32-33.

If we consider the instruction of this Torah portion we will contemplate the implication of nurturing a new born life into the life of Messiah. The kind of imprint that is left deep within the being of a new born will play a major role in their future development.

The life of Messiah can be compared to an infant receiving breast milk called colostrum.

Colostrum

Many people know what breast milk is and where it comes from; but, have you ever heard of colostrum (the ladies who breastfed should know, but especially the men might not)? Did you know there is a difference between breast milk and colostrum? Colostrum is a milky substance that is produced by the breasts of mammals before birth and during the first few days following birth. Colostrum precedes the production of true milk, or breast milk. It's usually clear in appearance, but may look slightly yellow. While breast milk is highly nutritious and immensely beneficial to new-borns, colostrum is thicker, more concentrated in protein, and lower in fat than true breast milk.

Colostrum contains many nutritional benefits for the baby, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and antibodies, which are important disease-fighting proteins produced by the immune system that attack and kill microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. The antibody level in colostrum can be as high as 100 times the level found in regular milk!

Colostrum has an especially important role to play in the baby's gastrointestinal tract. ... Colostrum also contains high concentrations of leukocytes, protective white cells which can destroy disease-causing bacteria and viruses (that is why it is so important for the new born before he or she gets the mummy’s mature milk). The colostrum gradually changes to mature milk during the first two weeks after birth.

(Lev 12:2 b again). ………….and has given birth to a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days, as in the days of her monthly separation she is unclean Lev 12:3  ‘And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin is circumcised.

Lev 12:4  ‘And she remains in the blood of her cleansing thirty-three days (40 days all together for a male child). She does not touch whatever is set-apart, and she does not come into the set-apart place until the days of her cleansing are completed.

Lev 12:5  ‘But if she gives birth to a female child, then she shall be unclean for two weeks, as in her monthly separation, and she remains in the blood of her cleansing for sixty-six days (80 days all together).

Lev 12:6  ‘And when the days of her cleansing are completed, for a son or for a daughter, she brings to the priest a lamb a year old, as a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove as a sin offering, to the door of the Tent of Meeting.

Lev 12:7  ‘And he shall bring it before יהוה, and make atonement for her, and she shall be cleansed from the flow of her blood. This is the Torah for her who has given birth to a male or a female.

Lev 12:8  ‘And if she is not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one as a burnt offering and the other as a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.’ ”

As one rabbi eloquently stated the reason why a mother is separated is as if YHVH Himself is saying: “I exempt you from coming before Me in the place of set apartness because you are fully engaged in one of the set apart acts of all, nurturing and caring for your child. Unlike others you do not need to visit the Temple to be attached to life in all its set apart splendor. You are experiencing it yourself, directly and with every fiber of your being. Days, weeks, from now you will come and give thanks before Me (together with offerings for having come through a moment of danger). But for now, look upon your child with wonder. For you have been given a glimpse of the great secret, otherwise known only to YHVH. Childbirth exempts the new mother from attendance at the Temple because her bedside replicates the experience of the Temple. She now knows what it is for love to beget life and in the midst of mortality to be touched by an intimation of immortality.”

Lev 13:1  And יהוה spoke to Mosheh and to Aharon, saying,

Tzra at.

Lev 13:2  “When a man has on the skin of his body a swelling, a scab, or a bright spot, and it shall become on the skin of his body like a leprous infection, then he shall be brought to Aharon the priest or to one of his sons the priests.

Lev 13:3  “And the priest shall look at the infection on the skin of the body. And if the hair on the infection has turned white, and the infection appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a leprous infection. And the priest shall look at him, and pronounce him unclean.

Lev 13:4  “But if the bright spot is white on the skin of his body, and does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and its hair has not turned white, then the priest shall shut up the infected one seven days.

Lev 13:5  “And the priest shall look at him on the seventh day and see, if the infection appears to be as it was, and the infection has not spread on the skin, then the priest shall shut him up another seven days.

Lev 13:6  “And the priest shall look at him again on the seventh day and see, if the infection has darkened, and the infection has not spread on the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him clean. It is a scab, and he shall wash his garments and be clean.

Lev 13:7  “But if the scab spreads further over the skin, after he has been seen by the priest for his cleansing, he shall be seen by the priest again.

Lev 13:8  “And the priest shall look and see, if the scab has spread on the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean, it is leprosy.

Lev 13:9  “When the infection of leprosy is on a man, then he shall be brought to the priest.

Lev 13:10  “And the priest shall look and see, if the swelling on the skin is white, and it has turned the hair white, and there is a spot of raw flesh in the swelling,

Lev 13:11  it is an old leprosy on the skin of his body, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean. He does not shut him up, for he is unclean.

Lev 13:12  “And if leprosy breaks out all over the skin, and the leprosy shall cover all the skin of the infected one, from his head to his foot, wherever the priest looks,

Lev 13:13  then the priest shall look and see, if the leprosy has covered all his body, he shall pronounce the infected one clean. It has all turned white, he is clean.

Lev 13:14  “But the day raw flesh appears on him, he is unclean.

Lev 13:15  “And the priest shall look at the raw flesh and pronounce him to be unclean – the raw flesh is unclean, it is leprosy.

Lev 13:16  “Or when the raw flesh changes and turns white again, he shall come to the priest.

Lev 13:17  “And the priest shall look at him and see, if the infection has turned white, then the priest shall pronounce the infected one clean, he is clean.

Lev 13:18  “And when the body has a boil in the skin, and it is healed,

Lev 13:19  and in the place of the boil there comes a white swelling or a bright spot, reddish-white, then it shall be seen by the priest.

Lev 13:20  “And the priest shall look and see, if it appears deeper than the skin, and its hair has turned white, the priest shall pronounce him unclean, it is a leprous infection which has broken out of the boil.

Lev 13:21  “But if the priest looks at it and sees no white hairs in it, and it is not deeper than the skin, but has faded, then the priest shall shut him up seven days;

Lev 13:22  and if it has spread further over the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean, it is a leprous infection.

Lev 13:23  “But if the bright spot stays in its place, it has not spread, it is the scar of the boil, and the priest shall pronounce him clean.

Lev 13:24  “Or when the body receives a burn on its skin by fire, and the raw flesh of the burn shall become a bright spot, reddish-white or white,

Lev 13:25  then the priest shall look at it and see, if the hair of the bright spot has turned white, and it appears deeper than the skin, it is leprosy broken out in the burn. And the priest shall pronounce him unclean, it is a leprous infection.

Lev 13:26  “But if the priest looks at it and sees there are no white hairs in the bright spot, and it is not deeper than the skin, but has faded, then the priest shall shut him up seven days.

Lev 13:27  “And the priest shall look at him on the seventh day. If it spreads further over the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean, it is a leprous infection.

Lev 13:28  “But if the bright spot stays in its place, and has not spread on the skin, but has faded, it is a swelling from the burn. And the priest shall pronounce him clean, for it is the scar from the burn.

Caroline Myss’s work “The Anatomy of Spirit” argues that “biography becomes biology”. Who we are, our thoughts, feelings and the way we live our life, impact on our physiology.
We participate in the creation of our diseases; we have the responsibility to take part of the process of healing. This approach gives insight on the Torah’s approach to Metzora, on the interplay between body and soul.
From the spirit the physical problems emerge, from the spirit the physical problem will be overcome.”

The only disease discussed in the Torah that includes laws pertaining to its manifestation and cure is tzara'at. This renders tzara'at the archetypical, all-inclusive disease.

Parashat 26 Portion 82 Vayikra 9:1-11:47 1 Kings 8:54-61 Mark 7:9-23

Parashat Shemini - Shemini- Eighth

HEART OF THE TORAH:

In this portion we find the middle letter and two middle words of the entire Torah sefer. The sages call this Torah Portion the heart of the Torah because they say the Torah was founded upon this Parashah Portion.

There are 304805 letters in the Torah, the middle letter of Torah is the “vav” of Gachon (belly) 

Lev 11:42 –

The middle words of the Torah is in Lev 10:16 – “Drosh drash”  and means “ in searching you must search.” (Which mean you must truly search for the truth)

The middle verse is found in the previous parashah ( 5845 verses in the Torah)  Lev 8:8 and put the breastplate on him, and put the Urim and the Tummim in the breastplate. (light and perfections refers to Moshiach)

The sages teach that we can see from this middle letter, word and verse that the first has to do with the spirit soul and body. The heart or central instruction of the Torah has to do with the whole man - 1Th 5:23  And the Elohim of peace Himself set you completely apart, and your entire spirit, and being, and body - be preserved blameless at the coming of our Master יהושע Messiah!

1Th 5:24  He who calls you is trustworthy, who also shall do it.

The number 26 we know is also extremely significant as it pertains to the gematria of the name of YHVH – (yud = 10, hey=5, vav-6, hey=5 total 26)

Lev 9:1  And on the eighth (shemeni) day it came to be that Mosheh called Aharon and his sons and the elders of Yisra’ĕl.

That day was as joyous to YHVH as the day on which heaven and earth were created. (Talmud, Megillah 10b)

This eighth day was the first day (rosh chodesh – new moon day) of the first month (Aviv/Nisan) On this day the tabernacle and priesthood was dedicated and established by YHVH to be His eternal pattern of provision for our return back into His presence – Ex 40:2

The sages tell us that there were many significant new beginnings introduced in this parasha:

1. First day of the week – (or eighth day) The book of Leviticus introduces this concept more than any other book in scripture – (nine references) Yahshua rose from the dead on the 8 th day of the week (which is also the first day) -  sealed the promise of the New Covenant for ever -  now it could never change - He established the surety of a new beginning for all humanity.
2. Here we see the first day the princes of Israel bring special gifts. The tribe of Judah was the first in dedicating gifts to the altar.
3.  On this eighth day Aaron’s sons become priests serving Israel performing priestly service
4. Eighth day fire descended on the altar –that came from Elohim.
5. Eighth day was the first “tamid” ie continual offering morning and afternoon.
6. First offerings eaten or totally consumed –
7. First evidence of the “shechina” or presence of YHVH entered into the tabernacle
8. First day the Aharonic blessing was spoken.
9. First time new instruction given about altars. No other altars where priestly duties carried out were to be erected - no one could just go and erect an altar and bring an offering to Yahveh.
10. First time “rosh chodesh” – new moon ceremony conducted.

Lev 9:1  And on the eighth day it came to be that Mosheh called Aharon and his sons and the elders of Yisra’ĕl.

Lev 9:2  And he said to Aharon, “Take for yourself a young bull as a sin offering and a ram as a burnt offering, a perfect one, and bring them before יהוה.

Lev 9:3  “And speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl, saying, ‘Take a male goat as a sin offering, and a calf and a lamb, both a year old, perfect ones, as a burnt offering,

Lev 9:4  and a bull and a ram as peace offerings, to slaughter before יהוה, and a grain offering mixed with oil. For today יהוה shall appear to you.’ ”

Lev 9:5  And they took what Mosheh commanded before the Tent of Meeting, and all the congregation drew near and stood before יהוה.

Lev 9:6  And Mosheh said, “This is the word which יהוה commanded you to do, so that the esteem of יהוה appears to you.”

Lev 9:7  And Mosheh said to Aharon, “Go to the altar, and prepare your sin offering and your burnt offering, and make atonement for yourself and for the people. And make the offering of the people, and make atonement for them, as יהוה has commanded.”

Lev 9:8  So Aharon came near to the altar and slaughtered the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself………..

Note the order of these offerings – first was the sin offering which emphasizes that without purification there can be no communication or fellowship with the Father. The burnt offering came next which allows for intimacy with YHVH. The grain offering follows in which we enjoy a covenantal meal with YHVH, we” break bread” together enjoying fellowship with one another. Finally the peace offering is the blessing we enjoy of knowing that it is well between YHVH and us as well as our fellowman and ourselves.

Parashat 25 Portion 81 Vayikra/Lev 8:1-36 Ez 43:27- 44:8 Heb 7:11-28

From the age of accountability all mankind instinctively knows that there is a Supreme Creator and Ruler over all of creation.

    Rom 1:18  For the wrath of Elohim is revealed from heaven against all wickedness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

     Rom 1:19  because that which is known of Elohim is manifest among them, for Elohim has manifested it to them.

     Rom 1:20  For since the creation of the world His invisible qualities have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, both His everlasting power and Mightiness, for them to be without excuse,

     Rom 1:21  because, although they knew Elohim, they did not esteem Him as Elohim, nor gave thanks, but became vain in their reasonings, and their undiscerning heart was darkened.

     Rom 1:22  Claiming to be wise, they became fools,

     Rom 1:23  and changed the esteem of the incorruptible Elohim into the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds and of four-footed beasts and of reptiles.

Rom 1:24  Therefore Elohim gave them up to uncleanness in the lust of their hearts, to disrespect their bodies among themselves,

Rom 1:25  who changed the truth of Elohim into the falsehood, and worshipped and served what was created rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amĕn.

By virtue of the fact that there is this Supreme authority, it is incumbent upon all of mankind to establish how this Supreme Being has chosen to be in relationship with His Creation.

We see once again in this Torah portion that YHVH has chosen priesthood. This chosen priesthood has been instructed to function in a particular way. Even this priesthood has an authority structure and a supreme leader.

Heb 7:11  Truly, then, if perfection were through the Lĕwitical priesthood – for under it the people were given the Torah – why was there still need for another priest to arise according to the order of Malkitseḏeq, and not be called according to the order of Aharon?

Heb 7:12  For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law¹ also. Footnote: ¹Heb. 7:12. See “Law” in Explanatory notes.

Heb 7:13  For He of whom this is said belongs to another tribe, from which no one had attended at the altar.¹ Footnote: ¹See “Altar” in Explanatory notes.

Heb 7:14  For it is perfectly clear that our Master arose from Yehuḏah, a tribe about which Mosheh never spoke of concerning priesthood,

Heb 7:15  and this is clearer still, if another priest arises in the likeness of Malkitseḏeq,

Heb 7:16  who has become, not according to the Torah of fleshly command, but according to the power of an endless life,

Heb 7:17  for He does witness, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Malkitseḏeq.”

Heb 7:18  For there is indeed a setting aside of the former command because of its weakness and unprofitableness,

Heb 7:19  for the Torah perfected naught, but the bringing in of a better expectation, through which we draw near to Elohim.

Heb 7:20  And it was not without an oath!

Heb 7:21  For they indeed became priests without an oath, but He became Priest with an oath by Him who said to Him, “יהוה has sworn and shall not regret, ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Malkitseḏeq.’ ”

Heb 7:22  By as much as this יהושע has become a guarantor of a better covenant.

Heb 7:23  And indeed, those that became priests were many, because they were prevented by death from continuing,

Heb 7:24  but (Gk –yet)He, because He remains forever, has an unchangeable priesthood.

Heb 7:25  Therefore He is also able to save completely those who draw near to Elohim through Him, ever living to make intercession for them.

Heb 7:26  For it was fitting that we should have such a High Priest – kind, innocent, undefiled, having been separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens,

Heb 7:27  who does not need, as those high priests, to offer up slaughter offerings day by day, first for His own sins and then for those of the people, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.

Heb 7:28  For the Torah appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath which came after the Torah, appoints the Son having been perfected forever.

When we who have grown up in the church read this passage of scripture we immediately assume that the Levitical priesthood has been done away with. This is impossible – see Matt 5:17-19.

Let us consider once again this Torah portion and the unchanging nature of YHVH’s Truth.