To get the most out of the Parashah Project, here are some reading strategies that many people have found helpful.
Daily Strategy
READ THE BIBLE FIRST: Always read the Scripture before you engage the Parashah Project commentary. “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword—piercing right through to a separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
WORK THROUGH THE COMMENTARY: After reading the daily Bible passages all the way through, go back and read the commentary section by section and work through each section of text. Use the Parashah Project as a guide as it summarizes the text—line by line, section by section.
LOOK UP ALL REFERENCES: References noted in the commentary are designed to guide you deeper into the passage, the surrounding contexts (near and far), and the overall story of scripture describing God’s plan to rescue, redeem, and restore humanity and all of creation.
LINGER…PONDER AND WANDER: Your goal should not primarily be to only to complete the readings but to meet with your Creator. God wants to meet with you and bless you and lead you deeper into discovering where He is in your story…and when you are in His story! Take the time to linger and converse with God in the quietness of your heart. Also, take time to go down “rabbit trails” as God prompts you to wander and discover more of His amazing love for you and His amazing plan to share that love through you!
How To Adjust for a “Double Portion” Week
Some weeks include a “double portion” of readings meaning that two parashiot are included in one week. This adjustment accounts for getting through the 52 week annual cycle with 54 Torah portions as well as the occasional holiday replacement readings. Here is a suggested plan for how to double up and stay on track with the traditional lectionary schedule.
Sunday: Torah sections 1-4
Monday: Torah sections 5-7 and Maftir (8th and concluding section)
Tuesday: Haftarah (Prophets) and Apostolic Writings (New Testament)
Wednesday-Friday: Repeat the above schedule for the 2nd portion