Special holiday reading for Sukkot - Day 2 on 16 Tisrei, 5765 - October 1, 2004 Sukkot Bet: Holiday Torah reading Leviticus 22:6 to 23:44; Maftir: Numbers 29:12-16; Haftarah: 1 kings 8:2-21; Mei Kituvim: Ezra 3:1-13; Brit Chadashah: Revelation 11:1-19

The Bagel: G-d's opening hand. When the time came for Isaac to die and to pass on the inheritance G-d intervened to change the outcome. If we could picture the inheritance or birthright as a golden ring in the clenched fist of Isaac, then we may get an idea of the hand of G-d opening the hand of Isaac. The law of the first born required the hand of Isaac to be closed to Jacob, because he was the second-born son. But Adonay moved in the affairs of Isaac so as to open his hand in order for Jacob to grab the ring (the inheritance). The readings show other ways G-d's hand opens human hands.

Torah:
Leviticus 22:6 to 23:44. In the Sukkot Bet Torah reading, the festival of Sukkot commemorates the successful deliverance from Egypt and the preservation of the children of Israel in the desert. It was the hand of Moses holding the rod that brought so many of the judgements on Egypt. Adonay opened the hand of Moses to take up the rod. He opened the hand of Pharaoh to release the people of Israel. G-d opened the hands of the Israelites to gather the materials needed to live in tents around Adonay. He opened the skillful hand of Bezaleel to construct the Tabernacle, G-d's Sukkah in the desert.

Haftarah:
1 Kings 8:2-21. In the Haftarah reading, G-d opened the hand of Solomon so his great wealth and wisdom could be marshalled to build the Temple. He opened his hand and the Kohanim took out of it the things needed to perfect the First Temple.

Mei Kituvim:
Ezra 3:1-13. In the reading of the Kituvim, the problems of rebuilding the city and the sanctuary were enormous. The enemies surrounded the Jews to make it impossible to complete the task, but G-d's hand opened the hands of Zerubbabel and Joshua so they could lead the people in victorious worship in the face of danger. The people's hands in turn were opened and they exhibited great courage: "They set up the altar on its site because they were in fear of the peoples of the land, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, burnt offerings each morning and evening" (Ezra 3:3 Tanakh JPS). G-d strengthened their faith and their hands to accomplish the impossible.

Brit Chadashah:
Revelation 11:1-19. When we get to the Brit Chadashah, a future terrible time will afflict the earth. It will be a time when the worship of Adonay will be under great confusion and assault. G-d will raise up two prophet-witnesses to straighten out the situation. In the brave manner of Zerubbabel and Joshua, these two will hold in their hands the measuring reed. G-d's hand will open their hands to take the reed and bravely confort the sinful worship. They will die as martyrs for this. But G-d will receive them up to heaven as completion of their testimony. Perhaps, you are facing an impossible situation. G-d's hand still works in the affair of people. He can open your hand to be a powerful testimony of His grace in an evil situation.

Cream Cheese: Is your hand in the hand of Him who stilled the sea?


Special holiday reading for Sukkot on 16 Tisrei, 5765 - October 1, 2004 Sukkot Bet: Holiday Torah reading Leviticus 22:6 to 23:44; Maftir: Numbers 29:12-16; Haftarah: 1 kings 8:2-21; Mei Kituvim: Ezra 3:1-13; Brit Chadashah: Revelation 11:1-19