Category Archives: Shabbat

Remember two weeks ago, at the end of the double parashat, Nitzavim-Vayelech, Moses had publicly commissioned Joshua to take over in his stead and had just finished writing the words of the Torah scroll that would be placed in the Ark … Continue reading →

This week’s reading, which is a double portion, Nitzavim-Vayelech, Deut. 29:9(10)–31:30, includes numerous idealized situations that, though seldom realized, should be strived for as a goal to be obtained. As we look at these various situations, we need to bear … Continue reading →

Often Yeshua-believers are so concerned about soteriology, the doctrine and process of eternal salvation, and spiritual realities that daily needs and concerns are minimalized or disregarded all together. This week’s parasha, Ki Teitzei, Deuteronomy 21:10 – 21:19, pretty much shows that if Yeshua-believers were following dictates … Continue reading →

There are times, when the plain words of Scripture are, shall we say, less than comfortable. Many of these “uncomfortable” verses revolve around the commands for Israel to drive out the inhabitants of the land ADONAI is giving them. A couple … Continue reading →

This week it would have been easy to look back and reflect on Tisha b’Av, but Rabbi David Friedman beat me to the punch with his Torah commentary for the UMJC (https://www.umjc.org/commentary/2020/7/30/the-groan-of-redemption). So, I began to think about the cornerstone … Continue reading →

In Parashat Balak (Numbers 22:2 – 25:9), we see that contrary to Balak’s desire to have Bnei Israel cursed, Balaam not only blesses Israel but foretells the eventual destruction of numerous neighboring nations. Interestingly, in the rest of scripture, Balaam’s … Continue reading →