Parashat Re’eh – Year 2 – To eat or not to eat?
Shabbat Shalom, Nazarene family.
This week we will study the parashat Re’eh, portion of year 2, where we will see that Moshe (Moses) teaches Israel that their entrance into the Promised Land is not due to their righteousness, but to Yahweh’s faithfulness to His promise and judgment on the nations. In addition, he recalls the people’s rebellion with the golden calf, highlighting Yahweh’s patience and mercy. Moshe intercedes for Israel and relates how Yahweh renews the covenant by giving them new tablets of the Torah, reaffirming His commitment to them.
Devarim (Deuteronomy) 14:2-3
2 For you are a set-apart people to Yahweh your Elohim, and Yahweh has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.
3 “You shall not eat any detestable thing.
This week corresponds to the reading of the texts (in bold):
- Devarim (Deuteronomy) 11:26-12:28 / 12:29-14:29 / 15:1-16:17
- Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 66:1-6 / 66:7:14 / 66:15-24
- Ma’asei (Acts) 15:1-21 / 15:22-35 / 15:36-41
Summary of the weekly study, Year two:
Devarim (Deuteronomy) 12:29-14:29
In these verses, Yahweh instructs Israel on how to avoid idolatry when entering the Promised Land, prohibiting imitating the practices of the nations. It is established that worship must be according to His Word and not influenced by pagan customs. The food laws are also detailed, distinguishing between pure and impure animals, and the tithe is ordered to support the Levites, foreigners, orphans and widows. In these passages we can see how Yahweh gives great importance to holiness, faithfulness and generosity as essential characteristics of His people set apart for Him.
Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 66:7:14
In these verses, Yahweh presents a vision of restoration and comfort for His people. The image of a woman suddenly giving birth is used, symbolizing Yahweh’s swift and powerful work in bringing salvation. Peace, joy and provision are promised for those who love Jerusalem, as Yahweh shows His motherly care. In addition, His power in judging His enemies and blessing His people is highlighted. These verses teach us about Yahweh’s faithfulness in keeping His promises and His desire to comfort and restore those who trust in Him.
Ma’asei (Acts) 15:22-35
In these verses, it is described how the leaders of the community of believers in Jerusalem send a letter to the believing Gentiles to resolve disputes about the law of Moshe. Men like Shaul and Bar-Navah are chosen along with Yechudah and Silas to deliver the message, which emphasizes the avoidance of idolatry, sexual immorality and certain dietary practices. The letter brings comfort and unity to the communities, showing how the leadership guided by the Set-apart Spirit seeks to maintain peace and edification among the believers. These verses teach us about the importance of harmony in the body of Messiah.
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Enjoy this fun activity with the whole family. Inside you will find development questions for the three weekly sections (Torah, Haftarah and Brit Chadasha). While the older ones discuss the questions and their answers, the younger ones can color the picture related to the teaching, solve a maze, find the 7 differences and much more. We encourage you to do it week by week and instill in your children the habit of studying Yahweh’s word as a family.
We hope you and especially your sons and daughters enjoy this effort. For it is through the study of the Scriptures that we can come to understand the love and care that Yahweh has always had for us. And also to perceive that He has been taking care of even the smallest detail, so that we can take care and enjoy all that He gives us. That is why it is so important that our children learn and grow up knowing that they are loved by the Creator of all that exists.
Shalom.
To view the Tanach studies, click here
To view the Brit Chadasha studies, click here
