Daily Aliya for Devarim, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: This week's Parsha begins the Book of Deuteronomy, the fifth and final book of the Five Books of Moshe. Moshe begins his final monologue, five weeks before his passing. He recounts the story of the Israelite's travel through the desert, placing emphasis on, and rebuking them for, the story of the spies. He describes Israel's conquest of the Emorites and the Bashanites.

Aliya Summary: The Israelites are situated on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, on the verge of entering the land of Canaan, and Moshe's death is imminent. This is the setting for Moshe's final statements to the nation he lovingly tended for four decades. After delivering a veiled rebuke to the nation for their many past misdeeds, Moshe revisits the period, some 39 years earlier, before the Israelites left Mount Sinai at G‑d's behest, with the intention of immediately invading and entering Canaan. At that time, Moshe expressed to the Jews his inability to single-handedly bear the burden of leadership, because "G‑d, has multiplied you, and behold, you are today as the stars of the heavens in abundance."

Daily Aliya for Massei, Shvii (7th Aliya)

In last week's reading, G‑d instructed Moshe to give the daughters of the deceased Zelophehad his portion in the land of Israel. The elders of Zelophehad's tribe now protested that this would cause Zelophehad's sons -- who could possibly be of another tribe -- to inherit their mother's properties, thus possibly transferring land from the portion of their tribe to another. G‑d therefore instructs Zelophehad's daughters to marry men from their own tribe, so the land they inherit will remain in their ancestral tribe.

Daily Aliya for Massei, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Jews are commanded to designate six cities of refuge. These cities offer refuge to a person who inadvertently kills another. The murderer must remain in the city of refuge until the death of the serving High Priest. The Jews are enjoined not to take "blood money" from a -- intentional or unintentional -- murderer who wishes to lighten his sentence.

Strict adherence to all rules of justice assure us continued "quality living" in Israel, accompanied by the Divine Presence.

Daily Aliya for Massei, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Jews are commanded to provide the Levites with 48 cities where they would dwell -- 42 cities plus the six cities of refuge which would be designated. Along with these cities, the Levites were given expanses surrounding the cities for their cattle.

Note that the measure of 2000 amot as "city limit" was subsequently borrowed by the Sages in fixing the distance outside the dwelling place that a person may walk on Shabbat.

Daily Aliya for Massei, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d appoints a representative from each tribe to divide his tribe's portion of land between the tribal members.

Daily Aliya for Massei, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d instructs the Jewish people to eradicate all Canaan's inhabitants and destroy their idols after crossing the Jordan River. The borders of the land of Israel are delineated. The land was to be divided by lottery among the nine and a half tribes (Reuben, Gad and half of the tribe of Menashe were going to settle on the eastern bank of the Jordan).

The Ramban sites these verses as the source of the mitzvah (commandment) in the Torah to dwell in Israel - a mitzvah that he says applies today. The Ramban counts this mitzva as one of the 613 mitzvot of the Torah. The Rambam does not. This does not mean that the Rambam does not consider it a mitzvah to live in Israel. He echoes the Talmud in saying that "a person should always choose to live in Israel, even in a city with a majority of idol worshipers, rather than live outside of Israel, even in a predominantly Jewish city".

Daily Aliya for Massei, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The rest of the journeys are enumerated.

Rashi points out that with 14 places before the decree to wander, and with 8 places in the final year, there were only 20 places that the People moved to and from in 38 years or so. That is not really all that much. G-d was merciful with the People even as He was punishing them.

Daily Aliya for Massei, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: In this week's Parsha, Massei, Moshe reviews the forty years of Israelite journeys through the desert. The Torah discusses the boundaries of Israel, its division amongst the tribes, the cities which the Levites would receive, and the cities of refuge. Zelophehad's daughters are restricted to marrying within their own tribe.

Aliya Summary: The Torah recounts the journeys of the Jews in the desert. In the first Aliya the Torah lists the first seven of the 42 journeys which took them from Egypt to the banks of the Jordan.

Daily Aliya for Matot, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe accepts the offer of the Reuvenites and Gaddites, and informs Joshua and Elazar the High Priest of the agreement. These two tribes, along with half of the tribe of Menashe settle on the eastern bank of the Jordan, and conquer many of the areas wherein they encountered opposition.

Communications, especially among leaders, is critically important, as Moshe demonstrates. It avoid misunderstandings, resentment, and negative reactions (even short-lived negative reactions have potential to cause damage).

Daily Aliya for Matot, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The tribes of Reuven and Gad owned lots of cattle. Seeing that the eastern bank of the Jordan -- the lands of Sichon and Og which they had just conquered -- had abundant pasture, they asked Moshe if they could remain and settle on the eastern bank. Moshe angrily responds that they are following in the footsteps of the spies who were fearful of the Canaanites, did not want to enter the land of Israel, and discouraged the entire nation from doing so. The Reuvenites and Gaddites respond that they will leave their cattle and families behind in fortified cities, and all their men will proceed into Israel with their brethren and lead them in the conquest of the land. Only after all the land has been conquered and settled would they return to the other side of the Jordan.

The actions of these tribes (that of fighting with their brethren) helped prove to Moshe and everyone that their intention wasn't to disengage from the people, but merely a practical solution to having so much cattle. This proved appropriate and effective, and is an effective method of leading: with action, not words.

Daily Aliya for Matot, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: From the other portion of the spoils, the half divided among the rest of the Israelites, 1/50 was given to the Levites. The army officers count the soldiers who returned from battle, and determine that not a single man was lost in the war. To show gratitude to G‑d for this miracle, the officers donate to the Tabernacle all the gold jewelry which they personally plundered from the Midianites.

Daily Aliya for Matot, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The spoils of the war were evenly divided between the soldiers and the greater community. From the portion of the spoils given to the soldiers, a tithe of 1/500 was given to Elazar the High Priest.

Daily Aliya for Matot, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe is enraged that the Midianite females were spared. "They were the primary culprits; the ones who seduced the Israelites and brought about the plague which killed so many!" Moshe exclaimed. All the males and all women who possibly could have been involved in the campaign of seduction were killed. The soldiers are then instructed how to purify themselves from the ritual impurity they contracted from contact with corpses in the course of battle. They are also told how to kosher the food utensils which were among the spoils.

In addition to the main rebuke that Moshe gives Reuven and Gad, there is a more subtle rebuke on another issue. The tribes offer to build corrals for their flocks and homes for their children. Later, when Moshe gives them permission to establish themselves on the east bank, he tells tham to build homes for their children and accommodations for their animals. Your children go first, and only THEN your property.

Daily Aliya for Matot, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Israelites are commanded to exact revenge from the Midianites for their part in seducing Jewish men to sin (described in the end of the Torah reading of Balak, Numbers 25). A 12,000-strong army of Israelites, led by Pinchas, waged battle against Midian. All adult Midianite males were killed, along with Balaam and Midian's five kings. The women, children, and battle spoils are brought back to the Israelite encampment.

Rashi explains that the reason why revenge is to be taken against the Midianites and not the Moavites, even though they both attacked us, is because the Moavites attacked out of fear of being attacked by the Jews, while the Midianites attacked unprovoked. The same actions are treated and understood differently, and treated differently, based purely on intent. We all judge others based on their actions, but G-d judges us based on our intent, too.

Daily Aliya for Matot, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: This week's Torah reading, Matot, begins with the laws of oaths. The Israelites wage battle against Midian and the spoils are divided and tithed. The tribes of Reuven and Gad request and receive territory outside the mainland of Israel.

Aliya Summary: This Aliya discusses the laws of verbal vows. A person who obligates him or herself with a vow is required to fulfill the vow. Under certain circumstances, a husband or father can annul vows made by his wife and daughter.

Daily Aliya for Pinchas, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: This Aliya discusses the sacrifices offered on the holidays of Succot and Shemini Atzeret.

During the seven days of Succot 70 bulls , 14 rams and 98 lambs were sacrificed. Rashi explains that the bulls represented the 70 nations, explaining that the sacrifices "shielded them from adversity". It's unclear if the Jews were shielded, or the nations were. I'd like to think that both are true, and that as the nation with the closest relationship with G-d, we shield the world from adversity. In those days it was with sacrifices, and these days it's with morality, even when facing hostile and tense situations. As a "light unto the nations", it's always been our responsibility to "represent".

Daily Aliya for Pinchas, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: This Aliya discusses the sacrifices offered on Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur. The Torah also discusses some of the laws related to these holidays.

In case you were wondering about the "recipe" for these sacrifices, Rashi explains that the bulls represent Avraham (who ran to get cattle to feed his guests), the ram represents Yitzchak (Isaac - the ram replaced him as a sacrifice), and the lambs represent Yakov (Jacob - separated the lambs in his camp). Referencing our forefathers has two distinct benefits: It helps us put the sacrifices, our relationship with G-d, and our life in perspective, and it reminds G-d of their merits to the extent that they can help us. That's why we also mention the forefathers when we daven (pray), for the same bilateral perspective.

Daily Aliya for Pinchas, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: From this point until the end of this week's reading, the Torah details the various communal sacrifices which were offered in the Tabernacle and Temple at designated times. This section discusses the twice-daily "Tamid" sacrifice, as well as the additional sacrifices offered on Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh (the first day of the Jewish month).

If you're looking for juicy theories and life lessons, this Aliya is as bone dry as it gets (pun intended). However, two items stand out among the detailed descriptions of the sacrifices brought monthly. The first is the "re'ach nochoach" that was associated with these offerings. Literally it means "a spirit of satisfaction", and it refers to G-d pleasure in seeing that we did exactly what He asked us to do, despite it making little sense, because that's what makes Him happy. The second is the monthly sacrifice brought to atone for the sins we are not aware of. These two items clearly outline the relationship between two people, where one tries to please the other, and just in case they did anything wrong, apologizes for things they were unaware of. It's a beautiful blueprint for relationships.

Daily Aliya for Pinchas, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d agreed to Tzlophchad's daughters' request. Moshe is then instructed the laws of inheritance. Included in these laws is a daughter's right to her father's estate if he does not leave any sons. G‑d tells Moshe to climb to the top of Mount Abarim from where he would see the Promised Land before he died. Moshe asks G‑d to appoint a worthy individual to succeed him. G‑d instructs Moshe to endow Joshua with some of his spiritual powers and publicly name him as his successor.

When Moshe was shown the land he yearned to enter but was not allowed to, he had a choice. He could have been bitter, or happy that at least his people were finally about to enter the promised land. What was his main concern when he saw the land? That a worthy successor be chosen to lead the Jews into the land. And when G-d told Moshe to lay his hand on Yehoshua (Joshua), his successor, Moshe laid TWO hands, bestowed some of his wisdom and radiance upon Joshua, encouraged him to see all his people as individuals, and to lead by example. True leadership 101: Empowering a successor to succeed.

Daily Aliya for Pinchas, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: As per G‑d's command, the land of Israel was to be divided amongst all those who were counted in the census. The location of each tribe's portion would be determined by lottery. The tribe of Levi is now counted. There were 23,000 Levite males above the age of one month. The daughters of Tzelophchad approached Moshe and stated that their father had died leaving behind only daughters. They requested to receive their father's portion in the land of Israel. Moshe relayed their request to G‑d.

The daughters of Tzelophchad weren't the first active women in Jewish history, but their actions commanded respect because of the underlying desire to be a part of the land distribution, and the Jewish nation. Their argument was logical, respectful and fair. This is yet another example of a maturing people, having learned how not to argue for what they thought was fair, and finally making a point. We're seeing the growth of a nation, in numbers, experience and maturity.

Daily Aliya for Pinchas, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Israelites are counted, and the totals are given for each of the twelve tribes. The grand total of all the tribes combined is 601,730. The tribe of Levi is not included in this census.

The very first Passuk (verse) says it all about this Aliya. The firstborn for Reuven was Chanoch, from the Chanochi family. The statement seems redundant, but it's really not. Rashi explains that outsiders questioned the Jews' ability to trace their ancestors, claiming that when they were in Egypt no one really knew who the children's fathers were because of immorality that must have occurred (between the Egyptian men and the Jewish women). G-d response to that was to add his name to every family, adding a "hey" to the beginning and a "yud" to the end, so Chanoch became "Hachanochi", demonstrating that G-d protected the Jews, and specifically the women in Egypt.

Daily Aliya for Pinchas, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: Pinchas is rewarded for his bravery. A census of the Israelites is taken. The daughters of Tzelophchad successfully argue for a portion in the land of Israel. Joshua is ordained Moshe's successor. G‑d relays to Moshe the details of all the holiday sacrifices.

Aliya Summary: Last week's reading concluded with Moabite and Midianite women seducing Jewish men and enticing them to idol worship. At that point, Pinchas unilaterally executed a Jewish leader along with the Midianite princess with whom he was cohabiting. This week's reading opens with G‑d praising Pinchas, and rewarding his bravery by granting priesthood to him and his descendants. G‑d then commands the Jews to punish the Midianites by hounding and smiting them. The fulfillment of this command is described in next week's reading. G‑d commands Moses and Elazar the High Priest to conduct a census of all males over the age of twenty.

Daily Aliya for Balak, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Before leaving, Bilaam prophesies about the end of days: "I see it, but not now; I behold it, but not soon. A star has gone forth from Jacob, and a staff will arise from Israel which will crush the princes of Moab and uproot all the sons of Seth..." He also speaks about the eventual destruction of Esav, Amalek and Assyria. Following Bilaam's unsuccessful attempt to curse the Jewish nation, Moabite and Midianite women seduce many Jewish men. In the course of their seduction, they also entice the Jewish man to worship the Baal Peor deity. G‑d commands Mohss to execute the guilty people, and simultaneously a lethal plague erupts amongst the Jews. A Jewish leader, Zimri, publicly displays the Midianite princess with whom he was consorting. Phinehas, Aaron's grandson, kills them both, and the plague is halted.

Passuk (verse) 14 says "I'm leaving... but I'll advise you of what will happen to your people" (they'll be destroyed). Telling Balak that his people will be destroyed doesn't seem like advice at all. What he could have been telling him was that although you're ultimately doomed to fail and lose, if you want to succeed temporarily, baiting the Jews into immorality would work, and it did. Why tell him he's doomed to fail? I think Passuk 25 tells it all: "Bilaam got up, left, went home, and Balak went on his way". Balak going on his way sounds like he continued on his original path of attempting to destroy the Jews, regardless of his previous and now FUTURE failures. Truly a lost cause.

Daily Aliya for Balak, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The entire process repeats itself once again, Balak takes Bilaam to another place, hoping that Bilaam can curse the Jews from there. For a third time they build altars and bring offerings, and for a third time, only blessings issue from Bilaam's mouth: "How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel! ... G‑d, who has brought them out of Egypt with the strength of His loftiness He shall consume the nations which are his adversaries ... Those who bless [them] shall be blessed, and those who curse [them] shall be cursed." At this point, Balak despairs of accomplishing his goal, and sends Bilaam on his way.

Two important concepts are demonstrated in this Aliya. First, the persistence of these two people to accomplish their goals is admirable, even if their goal itself isn't. Second, whereas when they first started the attempts it was Bilaam building the alters and trying to find a way to curse the Jews, now it is Balak trying different tactics to get it done. The two men strengthen each other's resolve to accomplish their goal, a concept very much a part of Judaism. We focus on community and gatherings, many of the Mitzvot (commandments) focusing on helping each other, and that's what not only makes each of us stronger by being around others, but it makes the collective "us" much greater than the sum of its parts.

Daily Aliya for Balak, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Balak takes Bilaam to another location, hoping that this new venue would be more inauspicious for the Jews. They again build altars and offer sacrifices, and again G‑d dictates blessing for the Jews which Bilaam repeats. "G‑d does not look at evil in Jacob, and has seen no perversity in Israel; the L-rd, his G‑d, is with [Israel], and he has the King's friendship..."

After Balak takes him to a different location, one where there might be weakness (he took him to the spot where Moshe would eventually die), Bilaam explains that he has no choice but to say what G-d tells him to say, and G-d instructed him to bless the Jews again. He then goes on to bless the Jews by saying that G-d does not see evil in Jacob, nor perversity in the Jews. How is this a blessing? It sounds more like a fact. But the blessing is that although we know evil and perversity does exist, G-d overlooks it long enough for us to correct our mistakes, demonstrating His love and friendship (Passuk 21: Rashi).

Daily Aliya for Balak, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Upon Bilaam's instructions, Balak builds seven altars and offers sacrifices to G‑d. G‑d "chances" upon Bilaam, and dictates to him the words he should repeat to Balak and his ministers: "From Aram, Balak the king of Moab has brought me, from the mountains of the east: 'Come, curse Jacob for me and come invoke wrath against Israel.' How can I curse whom G‑d has not cursed, and how can I invoke wrath if the L-rd has not been angered?..." Bilaam then proceeded to shower the Israelites with beautiful blessings and praises. When Balak responds angrily to the blessings, Bilaam reminds him that he can only say that which G‑d tells him to say.

This is the origin of the bait-and-switch! Bilaam was brought in to curse the Jews, and instead praises them, boldly stating that he cannot curse those that have done nothing wrong to deserve curses. What? Did we not read over the last few weeks about how the Jews complained about their situation and wanting to go back to Egypt? This is the ultimate proof that G-d forgives the Jews for their misdeeds, because someone skilled at finding minute faults that would allow curses to take hold couldn't find any faults to do so to the Jews.

Daily Aliya for Balak, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary:: Bilaam leaves together with the Moabite dignitaries. G‑d sends an angel with a drawn sword to block Bilaam's path. While Bilaam couldn't see the angel, the she-donkey he was riding did, and refused to move onwards, causing Bilaam to strike her. The donkey miraculously speaks, admonishing Bilaam for striking her. Eventually, G‑d "opens Bilaam's eyes," and he sees the angel. A conversation between Bilaam and the angel ensues, wherein Bilaam is chastised for his behavior towards his donkey, and again he is reminded only to say what G‑d dictates to him. After this humbling episode, Bilaam arrives in Moab where he is greeted by Balak.

If G-d gave Bilaam permission to go to Balak, why did He send an angel to stop him, and why was He angry that Bilaam was going (Passuk/Verse 22)? Midrash explains that Bilaam woke up early and saddled the donkey himself (unusual) because he hated the Jews so, and was excited at the possibility of being able to curse them. So even though he hadn't actually cursed the Jews, and even though G-d knew that he ultimately wouldn't, he was still wrong for intending to do something bad, and that's what G-d was angry about. Luckily, though, we don't get punished for improper acts unless we actually commit them.

Daily Aliya for Balak, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Bilaam sent word with Balak's messengers that G‑d doesn't permit him to go with them. So Balak sent more prestigious messengers to Balaam, promising him great riches in return for his services. Once again G‑d appeared to Balaam. This time G‑d allowed Balaam to go -- provided that he only speak the words which G‑d dictates to him.

In this Aliya we see the ups and downs of trying to curse the Jews.On one hand Bilaam was displaying an arrogance that he was unwilling to travel with lowly messengers, and he tells the next set of more important messengers that he needs to receive permission from G-d to curse the Jews, and that he'll ask again. But alas, persistence (on Balak's part) pays off because the second time G-d talks to him in his dream, he grants him permission to travel, although he still doesn't have permission to curse. In his mind, though, Bilaam sees it as a minor victory, and if he persists, there might be others. Such is human nature, especially children and our evil inclinations, to look for minor victories in search of others.

Daily Aliya for Balak, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: In this week's Torah Parsha, Balak, King Balak of Moab retains the sorcerer Balaam to curse the Jewish people. Instead of curses, only blessings come out of his mouth - including prophecies concerning the Messianic redemption. Moabite women entice some of the Israelites to sin, resulting in a plague amongst the Jews. Pinchas zealously kills two of the high-ranking offenders, and the plague comes to an end.

In the first Aliya, the Israelites have just conquered the Emorites and the Bashanites, the two mighty neighbors of Moab. Balak, king of Moab, worries that his nation would be the Israelites' next victim. He sends messengers to the Land of Midian, to Balaam, a famed non-Jewish prophet and sorcerer, asking him to come and curse the Jews. G‑d appeared to Balaam that night and instructed him not to go to Moab. "You shall not curse the people because they are blessed!"

Daily Aliya for Chukat, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Jews approach the land of the Emorites, which lies on the east bank of the Jordan River. They send a message to Sichon, king of the Emorites, asking permission to pass through his land en route to Canaan. Sichon refuses and instead masses his armies and attack the Jews. The Jews are victorious and occupy the Emorite lands. Og, king of Bashan, then attacks the Jews. The Jews are triumphant again; they kill Og and occupy his land too. Now the Jewish nation has reached the bank of the Jordan River, just across from the city of Jericho in the land of Israel.

Sichon was the bully of the region, having wrestled the strategic city of Cheshbon from Moav. When the Jews neared, though, Sichon inexplicably (unless you realize it's all G-d's work) took every warrior out of the city to go fight the Jews. Apparently he didn't learn the lesson from the previous army that attempted to fight the Jews for no reason. The Jews just wanted to pass through, but instead were forced to fight and win the land. Once they settle in the newly acquired land, Moshe sends spies to Ya'azer, and the spies themselves end up conquering the land (no need for armies or confrontations when you're on a roll). Then they head north to Bashan, and once again the leader comes at the Jews in battle, and once again loses (this time 120-year-old Moshe gets involved the fighting, as the Gemara describes how he lifted an entire mountain and dropped it on the enemy).

I'm not sure what there is to learn from all this fighting, other than sometimes people attack the Jews for no good reason other than maybe feeling threatened, and we have to have faith that we have G-d on our side, looking out for us.

Daily Aliya for Chukat, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Jews journey on, making their way towards the eastern bank of the Jordan River. Encrypted in this Aliya is a great miracle which occurred when the Jews passed through the Arnon valley. Tall cliffs rose from both sides of this narrow valley, and in the clefts of these cliffs the Emorites, armed with arrows and rocks, were waiting to ambush the Jews. Miraculously, the mountains moved towards each other, crushing the Emorite guerrilla forces. This section ends with a song of praise for the well which sustained the Jews throughout their desert stay -- and whose now-bloodied waters made the Jews aware of the great miracle which G‑d wrought on their behalf.

Look how far the Jews have come! Earlier in their tenure in the desert, they complained despite overt miracles, and now they sing the praises of G-d for a miracle they did not even witness (all they saw was their enemies' blood in the streams). Either they all learned from their experiences, or the new generation had a different attitude about what they were experiencing. Either way, they are closer to being ready to enter Israel because of it!