8 Sivan, 5784 - Tikkun Olam 47

on June 14, 2024

Tyler’s Torah Thoughts for 8 Sivan, 5784
Parsha Naso – “Lift”: (Numbers 4:21 – 7:89)
Sixth Portion: Numbers 7:42 – 7:83

Good morning. We are now through Shavuot. We have an entire summer to process the direction of our lives. What comes next? A spiritual new year. Rosh Hashanah. In about three months, we will take all of this direction we are given, and then reflect within on where we need to readjust our hearts.

For me? The lesson coming through Shavuot is about a moment. We get so wrapped up into a future – will it work out – what will the future impact be. What we miss? Trusting our future selves to handle their moments when they arrive. And. The future version of us? Trusting that we made the best decision in our moment right now. And. Not being angry for how we handled THIS moment.

With this, let’s dig into the Torah. We are being lifted.

42On the sixth day, the chieftain was of the sons of Gad, Eliasaph the son of De’uel.

43His offering was one silver bowl weighing one hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver sprinkling basin [weighing] seventy shekels according to the holy shekel, both filled with fine flour mixed with olive oil for a meal offering.

44One spoon [weighing] ten [silver shekels] of gold filled with incense.

45One young bull, one ram and one lamb in its first year for a burnt offering.

46One young he goat for a sin offering.

47And for the peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs in their first year; this was the offering of Eliasaph the son of De’uel.

We went through the tribes of Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Reuben, Simeon yesterday. We start with Gad today.

The Order of the Sons being born (Moms in parenthesis)? Reuben (Leah), Simeon(Leah), Levi (Leah), Judah (Leah), Dan (Bilhah – Rachel’s servant), Naphtali (Bilhah – Rachel’s servant), Gad (Zilpah – Leah’s servant), Asher (Zilpah – Leah’s servant), Issachar (Leah), Zebulun (Leah), Joseph (Rachel), and Benjamin (Benjamin)

So it’s interesting, right? The Order so far?

Judah (4^th – Leah)
Issachar (9^th – Leah)
Zebulun (10^th – Leah)
Reuben (1^st – Leah)
Simeon (2^nd – Leah)
Gad (7^th – Zilpah – Leah’s servant)

So we get ALL of Leah’s natural born children first (Levi did not give gifts) yesterday – but not In order. Judah was LAST of the first set of kids, and Issachar was the FIRST of the second set of sons. They went first.

Let’s keep going. Asher is going to be next, right? He’s the only offspring connected to Leah we haven’t seen yet.

48On the seventh day, the chieftain was of the sons of Ephraim, Elishama the son of Ammihud.

49His offering was one silver bowl weighing one hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver sprinkling basin [weighing] seventy shekels according to the holy shekel, both filled with fine flour mixed with olive oil for a meal offering.

50One spoon [weighing] ten [silver shekels] of gold filled with incense.

51One young bull, one ram and one lamb in its first year for a burnt offering.

52One young he goat for a sin offering.

53And for the peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs in their first year; this was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud;

Um. No. Joseph’s kid Ephraim went next. THAT is interesting, isn’t it?

54On the eighth day, the chieftain was of the sons of Manasseh, Gamliel the son of Pedazhur.

55His offering was one silver bowl weighing one hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver sprinkling basin [weighing] seventy shekels according to the holy shekel, both filled with fine flour mixed with olive oil for a meal offering.

56One spoon [weighing] ten [silver shekels] of gold filled with incense.

57One young bull, one ram and one lamb in its first year for a burnt offering.

58One young he goat for a sin offering.

59And for the peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs in their first year; this was the offering of Gamliel the son of Pedazhur.

So we get both of Joseph next. His two sons – it was a double portion.

60On the ninth day, the chieftain was of the sons of Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni.

61His offering was one silver bowl weighing one hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver sprinkling basin [weighing] seventy shekels according to the holy shekel, both filled with fine flour mixed with olive oil for a meal offering.

62One spoon [weighing] ten [silver shekels] of gold filled with incense.

63One young bull, one ram and one lamb in its first year for a burnt offering.

64One young he goat for a sin offering.

65And for the peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs in their first year; this was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni.

Then Benjamin. So we get both of Rachel’s natural born sons next.

66On the tenth day, the chieftain was of the sons of Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

67His offering was one silver bowl weighing one hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver sprinkling basin [weighing] seventy shekels according to the holy shekel, both filled with fine flour mixed with olive oil for a meal offering.

68One spoon [weighing] ten [silver shekels] of gold filled with incense.

69One young bull, one ram and one lamb in its first year for a burnt offering.

70One young he goat for a sin offering.

71And for the peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs in their first year; this was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

So Zilpah (Leah’s servant) had her first kid go on day five. Day 10 was Bilhah (Rachel’s servant) go – Dan.

72On the eleventh day, the chieftain was of the sons of Asher, Pag’iel the son of Ochran.

73His offering was one silver bowl weighing one hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver sprinkling basin [weighing] seventy shekels according to the holy shekel, both filled with fine flour mixed with olive oil for a meal offering.

74One spoon [weighing] ten [silver shekels] of gold filled with incense.

75One young bull, one ram and one lamb in its first year for a burnt offering.

76One young he goat for a sin offering.

77And for the peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs in their first year; this was the offering of Pag’iel the son of Ochran.

Zilpah’s second kid Asher goes.

78On the twelfth day, the chieftain was of the sons of Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan.

79His offering was one silver bowl weighing one hundred and thirty [shekels], one silver sprinkling basin [weighing] seventy shekels according to the holy shekel, both filled with fine flour mixed with olive oil for a meal offering.

80One spoon [weighing] ten [silver shekels] of gold filled with incense.

81One young bull, one ram and one lamb in its first year for a burnt offering.

82One young he goat for a sin offering.

83And for the peace offering: two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs in their first year; this was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan.

And the final tribe was Naphtali – Bilhah’s final kid.

I am curious about this order.

Day 1: Judah (4^th – Leah)
Day 2: Issachar (9^th – Leah)
Day 3: Zebulun (10^th – Leah)
Day 4: Reuben (1^st – Leah)
Day 5: Simeon (2^nd – Leah)
Day 6: Gad (7^th – Zilpah – Leah’s servant)
Day 7: Ephraim (11.1 – Joseph’s son – Rachel)
Day 8: Menasseh (11.2 – Joseph’s son – Rachel)
Day 9: Benjamin (12^th – Rachel)
Day 10: Dan (5^th – Bilhah – Rachel’s servant)
Day 11: Asher (8^th – Zilpah – Leah’s servant)
Day 12: Naphtali (6^th – Bilhah – Rachel’s servant)

That is a strange order. On one hand, I am curious about the pattern. I can see – Rachel is heavily focused on the second half of the gifts. Only Asher – was not connected to Rachel. I am not sure I have answers – but if anyone else sees the pattern? I’d love to know your thoughts.

What is our takeaway? For Today’s portion? I think the lesson comes back to what I’ve written in the past. It’s about Joseph and his life. This seems super salient:

The lesson from Joseph is a major takeaway here. Reflecting on his life, and seeing how Hashem used that to become a major blessing is a crucial reminder. Our stories aren’t finished yet.

We may find ourselves as a child living among our people and being betrayed to the point we are sold into slavery.

We may find ourselves gaining stature in a land that is not our home.
We may find ourselves thrown in prison for a crime we did not commit
We may find ourselves standing in front of the king and being required to do a supernatural task – like interpreting a dream.
We may find ourself a prince of a people who are not our own.
We may be rich beyond rich.
We may have the opportunity to take revenge on our family for their betrayal.
We may welcome our family back into this new land which is not our home.

Wherever we are; the story isn’t finished. Long after our souls leave our bodies in this world and return to Hashem, our story will continue to be written.

We have the ability in the next 60 seconds to make decisions about how our story is written. Maybe it’s the next 30 seconds. Or the next five. That’s it. Beyond that, the story is out of our hands. How will we engage? How will we navigate?

Here are my thoughts from the past two years:

Tyler’s Torah Thoughts for 13 Sivan, 5783

Today’s portion is fascinating for the simple fact that we see played out the result of Joseph’s life. I am reflecting on my commentary from a year ago, especially this part:

The lesson from Joseph is a major takeaway here. Reflecting on his life, and seeing how God used that to become a major blessing is a crucial reminder. Our stories aren’t finished yet.

We may find ourselves as a child living among our people and being betrayed to the point we are sold into slavery.

- We may find ourselves gaining stature in a land that is not our home.
- We may find ourselves thrown in prison for a crime we did not commit
- We may find ourselves standing in front of the king and being required to do a supernatural task – like interpreting a dream.
- We may find ourself a prince of a people who are not our own.
- We may be rich beyond rich.
- We may have the opportunity to take revenge on our family for their betrayal.
- We may welcome our family back into this new land which is not our home.

Wherever we are; the story isn’t finished. Long after our souls leave our bodies in this world and return to Hashem, our story will continue to be written.

Our story isn’t finished yet. So often I feel stuck by the current realities. I feel like I have no control in the moment. But the reverse is true. I have no control of the past – it is done. I could have ended up destitute, alone, in prison, rich, whatever. But none of that truly is real anymore. Because THIS moment is what counts. For me? This moment is about digging into Torah. Writing about Torah. And sharing what I am learning with others. That is how I am using this moment.

And sometimes I get distracted. I WANT to focus on Torah and write. But instead? I doom scroll on my phone. I play a game on my phone. I watch something on tv. And I need to remember not to judge myself – to look with compassion. Why? Why am I choosing to use the moment to distract myself from focusing on Torah? Is it because I know there is a lot going on in my life and I feel overwhelmed so I do want to “add” to that by the “burden” of digging into the Torah? (BTW – that is a mentality that I am choosing in that moment)

Or. Do I choose within to say “I am overwhelmed because of how much is going on in my life, and NOW is the best time to connect with my higher self. My neshama. That piece of Hashem within me. And I will dig into the words that are being written at the same time and place I am reading them (in the eyes of Hashem since He exists outside of time and space).”

That is sovereignty. That is blessing. That is a choice. That is power. That is the power ALL OF US possess. What do we do with this moment. Act out of our fear? Act out of love? Act out of trust?

Even our inaction (doom scrolling, games, watching television) is an action.

Let me be clear. Sometimes the BEST use of the moment COULD be to play a game. To watch TV. To doom scroll. The key is choice. Am I intentionally CHOOSING this activity – or did I “fall into it” like a pit?

Let me close with this. Although NOT an advertisement, I am going to hype a device I have recently begun to start using. It was recommended by my therapist to help me take in more data for me to process and help me.

It’s called Whoop. You can see in the image – it measures stress levels. Whoop measures this by taking a reading of my heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) in each moment. Then it is compared to a personal HRV baseline from the past 14 days and my typical resting heart rate. The stress isn’t bad or good. It’s connected to things like emotional stress, exercise, etc.

But – I can share – it is MUCH easier to make decisions when my stress levels are lower – I tend to “fall into” activities like doom scrolling, games, eating things I don’t want to – when I am in those higher moments of stress.

That. Making choices intentionally at high moments of stress? That is the journey of a lifetime. I imagine Joseph’s stress levels at various points in the Torah – and how much more difficult it would have been to make the decisions he did. Like imagine when Potiphar’s wife was propositioning him – what would his Whoop have told him about his stress? And yet – he made the decision he did.

This is why digging into Torah – even in those high moments of stress? Is a great thing for us all.

Those are my thoughts. What are yours?

BTW – if you are interested in Whoop – send me a message. I’d be glad to share what I am learning and send you a referral code for a free month. (OK. THAT may have been an advertisement)

Tyler’s Torah Thoughts for 11 Sivan, 5782

Todays portion continues our journey from yesterday. Remember that the leaders brought gifts for the tabernacle all at once. Moses wasn’t sure what to do with them because it was unexpected, and he hadn’t yet consulted with God.

What did Moses do? He went to God and listened. And Hashem laid out a plan for Moses. The tribes would take turns each day bringing their gifts. And we saw the first five days yesterday.

The offerings were the same, but here is the rest:

On the sixth day, Gad brought their gifts.

On the seventh day, Ephraim brought their gifts

On the eighth day, Manasseh brought their gifts.

I want to stop for a minute because I think it is interesting. Ephraim and Manasseh were half tribes of Joseph. After the first half of the gifts were brought, Joseph began the second half with a double portion of blessings. Joseph. Who was imprisoned for years in an Egyptian prison for a crime he did not commit. It was unjust. And yet he kept a positive outlook, and was rewarded with double honor as these gifts were brought in the wilderness – in front of the tabernacle and altar which Hashem provided.

Joseph wasn’t the oldest – in fact he was one of the youngest. The double portion was usually reserved for the oldest – but this is different. I’m reflecting on this a lot. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers- and he received this special honor.

On the ninth day, Benjamin brought their offering.

On the tenth day, Dan brought their offering

On the eleventh day, Asher brought their offering

On the twelfth and final day, Naphtali brought their offering

And this is what closes the portion today.

The lesson from Joseph is a major takeaway here. Reflecting on his life, and seeing how God used that to become a major blessing is a crucial reminder. Our stories aren’t finished yet.

We may find ourselves as a child living among our people and being betrayed to the point we are sold into slavery.

We may find ourselves gaining stature in a land that is not our home.
We may find ourselves thrown in prison for a crime we did not commit
We may find ourselves standing in front of the king and being required to do a supernatural task – like interpreting a dream.
We may find ourself a prince of a people who are not our own.
We may be rich beyond rich.
We may have the opportunity to take revenge on our family for their betrayal.
We may welcome our family back into this new land which is not our home.

Wherever we are; the story isn’t finished. Long after our souls leave our bodies in this world and return to Hashem, our story will continue to be written.

These are the questions I’m reflecting on. What about you?

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