Torah Commentary – Re’eh (See) – See, Perceive or Selah – SCRIPTURES FOR August 19, 2017

Torah Commentary Re’eh (See) Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17 Isaiah 54:11-55:5 1Corinthians 5:9-13 1John 4:1-6 See, Perceive or Selah The title of this Torah portion is translated very simply with the word “see.” This small simple word can be taken for granted by some.  For the vast majority of the people in this country, “seeing” is the first thing they do every morning. People wake up, open their eyes … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Re’eh (See) – See, Perceive or Selah – SCRIPTURES FOR August 19, 2017

Torah Commentary – Ekev “Because” – The Longing Within – SCRIPTURES FOR August 12, 2017

Torah Commentary Ekev “Because” Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25 Isaiah 49:14-51:3 2Kings 1-3 Matthew 4:1-11 Luke 4:1-13 James 5:7-11 The Longing Within A few weeks ago Kathy and I had the pleasure of hosting Barry Phillips of Remnant of Yisrael . Barry is a cherished friend of many years now. In the early 2,000’s, I had the privilege of taking Barry and his wife, Laura, on their first trip home … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Ekev “Because” – The Longing Within – SCRIPTURES FOR August 12, 2017

Torah Commentary – Va’etchanan “And I besought” – The Call to Return – SCRIPTURES FOR August 5, 2017

Torah Commentary Va’etchanan “And I besought” Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11 Isaiah 40:1-26 1 Kings 19-22 Matthew 4:1-11; Romans 3:27-31 James 2:14-26 The Call to Return This Torah portion is so rich that it is difficult to not write pages and pages of commentary. Instead I will focus on a great work which is happening in our day, a work based upon just one verse. In Deuteronomy 6:4 we … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Va’etchanan “And I besought” – The Call to Return – SCRIPTURES FOR August 5, 2017

Torah Commentary – Devarim “Words” – A More Excellent Work – SCRIPTURES FOR July 29, 2017

Torah Commentary Devarim “Words” Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22 Isaiah 1:1-27 1Kings 16-18 John 15:1-11 Hebrews 3:7-4:11 A More Excellent Work This week we begin the Book of Deuteronomy, which includes the final message of Moses to the people he has grown to love. Although they have given Moses many days of heartache through the forty year wilderness journey, in the end his love for them cannot be measured. I … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Devarim “Words” – A More Excellent Work – SCRIPTURES FOR July 29, 2017

Shalom, – New Moon

New Moon The New Moon has been sighted in Israel! We enter into the Biblical Fifth month. This is known as the month of Av, one filled with tragedy through the centuries. Let us pray protection for His Land and people during this crucial time. Look toward the western sky at sundowntonight and celebrate the goodness of HaShem in our lives. Celebration Tips Lighting of the Menorah Reading … Continue reading Shalom, – New Moon

Torah Commentary – Mattot/Massei “Tribes” / “Journeys” – On The Edge of Destiny – SCRIPTURES FOR July 22, 2017

Torah Commentary Mattot/Massei “Tribes” / “Journeys” Numbers 30:2-36:13 Jeremiah 2:4-28, 3:4 Hebrews 1-6 On The Edge of Destiny We come to the end of the Book of Numbers this week. Forty years have passed since Israel stood on the bank of the Red Sea. All that stands between the Hebrews and their destiny is another river, a war with the Midyanim, a few instructions to … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Mattot/Massei “Tribes” / “Journeys” – On The Edge of Destiny – SCRIPTURES FOR July 22, 2017

Torah Commentary – Balak – Dwelling Alone – SCRIPTURES FOR July 8, 2017

Torah Commentary Balak Numbers 22:2-25:9 Micah 5:6-6:8 John 13-14 Dwelling Alone Word of the defeat of Sichon, king of Emori must have traveled to Balak quickly, even without TV and the Internet. Balak most likely saw himself next in line for defeat. Immediate action and strategic planning were needed to defeat Israel and avoid catastrophe. Their reputation for having great strength preceded them. We can … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Balak – Dwelling Alone – SCRIPTURES FOR July 8, 2017

Torah Commentary – Chukat “Statute” – Give or It Shall Be Taken From You – SCRIPTURES FOR July 1, 2017

The Hebrews have been in the wilderness for 38 years. There are still trials to go through and people who must die before they can move on. Let us not miss the personal nature and just read over the deaths of Moshe’s brother and sister. Their deaths will bring many changes in the camp.   Torah Commentary Chukat “Statute” Numbers 19:1-22:1 Judges 11:1-33 John 11-12 Give … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Chukat “Statute” – Give or It Shall Be Taken From You – SCRIPTURES FOR July 1, 2017

New Moon seen in Israel

Shalom, New Moon The New Moon has been sighted in Israel! We begin the Biblical Forth month.  Look toward the western sky at sundowntonight and celebrate the goodness of HaShem in our lives. Celebration Tips Lighting of the Menorah Reading Psalms Sounding of the shofar Celebration dinner Special time of thanks and blessing. Prayer for peace of Jerusalem (Ps 122:6) and regathering of the family … Continue reading New Moon seen in Israel

Torah Commentary – Sh’lach L’cha (Send on your behalf) – SCRIPTURES FOR Jun 17, 2017

Torah Commentary Sh’lach L’cha (Send on your behalf) Numbers 13:1-15:41 Joshua 2:1-24 Hebrews 3:7-19 The Tourists Connection If a list were made of the top ten stories the Hebrews are known for during their sojourn in the wilderness, the account of the twelve spies would certainly be found. Many fingers have been pointed at the faithless reports given by the ten spies. Is there a … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Sh’lach L’cha (Send on your behalf) – SCRIPTURES FOR Jun 17, 2017

Torah Commentary – B’ha’alotcha (When you set up) – Moving With the Cloud – SCRIPTURES FOR Jun 10, 2017

Torah Commentary B’ha’alotcha (When you set up) Numbers 8:1-12:16 Zechariah 2:14-4:7 John 19:31-37 Hebrews 3:1-6 Moving With the Cloud I have heard it said so many times that the Hebrews “Wandered” in the wilderness. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In Chapter Nine of this Torah portion it speaks of the Cloud which covered the Tabernacle. We read that as long as the Cloud … Continue reading Torah Commentary – B’ha’alotcha (When you set up) – Moving With the Cloud – SCRIPTURES FOR Jun 10, 2017

Torah Commentary – Naso (Take) – He Will Kneel Before – SCRIPTURES FOR Jun 3, 2017

Torah Commentary Naso (Take) Numbers 4:21-7:89 Judges 13:2-25 John 7:53-8:11 Acts 21:17-32 He Will Kneel Before This Torah portion continues the theme of  “Nasa,” or the lifting up of the head of one who was once in slavery. It further reveals that the lifting up of the head is not only to see a destiny, but to realize that you have a responsibility to help … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Naso (Take) – He Will Kneel Before – SCRIPTURES FOR Jun 3, 2017

The New Moon has been sighted in Israel!

Shalom, New Moon The New Moon has been sighted in Israel! We begin the Biblical Third month.  Look toward the western sky at sundowntonight and celebrate the goodness of HaShem in our lives. Celebration Tips Lighting of the Menorah Reading Psalms Sounding of the shofar Celebration dinner Special time of thanks and blessing. Prayer for peace of Jerusalem (Ps 122:6) and regathering of the family … Continue reading The New Moon has been sighted in Israel!

Torah Commentary – Bamidbar “In the Wilderness” – From Trials to Trails – SCRIPTURES FOR May 27, 2017

Torah Commentary Bamidbar “In the Wilderness” Numbers 1:1-4:20 Hosea 2:1-22 Luke 2:1-7; 1Cor 12:12-31 From Trials to Trails There is an interesting word to be found as we begin the Book of Numbers. It is translated “take a census.” The word in Hebrew is “Nasa.” The word has been used in Scripture almost 100 times in the first three books of Torah and will also … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Bamidbar “In the Wilderness” – From Trials to Trails – SCRIPTURES FOR May 27, 2017

Torah Commentary – B’har (On Mount Sinai), B’chukotai – The Heart of the Matter – SCRIPTURES FOR May 20, 2017

Torah Commentary B’har (On Mount Sinai), B’chukotai Leviticus 25:1-26:2; 26:3-27:34 Jeremiah 32:6-27; 16:19-17:14 2Corinthians 7-13  The Heart of the Matter For our culture, many of the instructions of Leviticus seem quite foreign to us. There is even a debate whether most of these Scriptures pertain only to the time when we have entered the Land. “Buying and selling of crops, allowing the land to rest on … Continue reading Torah Commentary – B’har (On Mount Sinai), B’chukotai – The Heart of the Matter – SCRIPTURES FOR May 20, 2017

Torah Commentary – Emor (Speak) – “Small Matters” – Day 15, Month 2, 5777; 11 May 2017

Torah Commentary Emor (Speak) Leviticus 21:1-24:23 Ezekiel 44:15-31 Matthew 5:38-42 Galatians 3:26-29 “Small Matters” The Book of Leviticus is devoted to the subject of what is clean and what is not clean. Simply put, we should desire to live our lives pursuing that which Yah calls clean and stay away from what He calls unclean. In doing so, it is not only so we can … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Emor (Speak) – “Small Matters” – Day 15, Month 2, 5777; 11 May 2017

Torah Commentary – Acharei Mot(After the Death), K’doshim(Holy Ones) – Searching For Life – Day 8, Month 2, 5777; 4 May 2017

Torah Commentary Acharei Mot(After the Death), K’doshim(Holy Ones) Leviticus 16:1-18:30; 19:1-20:27 Ezekiel 22:1-19 Romans 3:19-28; 9:30-10:13 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 2 Corinthians 2:1-11 Galatians 3:10-14 Hebrews 7:23-10:25 Searching For Life Life is an interesting word. The dictionary defines it as,”The condition that distinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, including the capacity for growth, reproduction, functional activity, and continual change preceding death.” According to this definition … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Acharei Mot(After the Death), K’doshim(Holy Ones) – Searching For Life – Day 8, Month 2, 5777; 4 May 2017

Looking Back To Look Forward – Torah Commentary – Pesach “Passover” – Day 17, Month 1, 5777; 13 April 2017

Torah Commentary Pesach “Passover” Exodus 33:12 – 34:26 Numbers 28:16-31 Ezekiel 36:37 – 37:14 John 17-21 Looking Back To Look Forward   Another Passover is behind us and is now a memory. Our observances may have been practiced in different style and manner. My prayer is our hearts were as one, focused on Messiah. It is quite obvious by the fact that I was able … Continue reading Looking Back To Look Forward – Torah Commentary – Pesach “Passover” – Day 17, Month 1, 5777; 13 April 2017

Torah Commentary – Tzav (Give an Order) – Nothing Held Back – April 7, 2017

Torah Commentary Tzav (Give an Order) Leviticus 6:1-8:36 Jeremiah 7:21-8:3; 9:22-23 Mark 12:28-34 Romans 12:1-2 1Corinthians 10:14-23 Nothing Held Back   This week we look at the offerings in more detail. Each one has specific meaning and differs in some nature. They all have one thing in common; they are to be an act of worship unto the Holy One. A fact which has been … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Tzav (Give an Order) – Nothing Held Back – April 7, 2017

Torah Commentary – Vayikra (He Called) – Take Possession

Torah Commentary Vayikra (He Called) Leviticus 1:1-5:26 Isaiah 43:21-44:23 Romans 8:1-13 Hebrews 10:1-14; 13:10-16 Take Possession   This week we begin the Book of Leviticus. For many people it is a book of meaningless details, but in truth it is a glimpse into the Father’s Heart. In order to grasp Father’s Heart we must first open our hearts to Him. Let us stop now to … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Vayikra (He Called) – Take Possession

Torah Commentary -Sh’mot (Names) -The Ultimate Oxymoron – Day 21, Month 10, 5777; 19 January 2017

Torah Commentary Sh’mot (Names) Exodus 1:1-6:1 Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23 Matthew 22:23-33; 41-46 Acts 3:12-15 Hebrew 11:23-26 The Ultimate Oxymoron   Before I get to what, in my opinion is the ultimate oxymoron, I have a question. Can anyone find a shadow of Messiah in this Torah portion? (Jeopardy theme song playing in background) The answer is pretty obvious on this one. Answer: Who is Moshe! … Continue reading Torah Commentary -Sh’mot (Names) -The Ultimate Oxymoron – Day 21, Month 10, 5777; 19 January 2017

Torah Commentary -Vayechi (He Lived) -The Multiple Faces of Yeshua -Day 14, Month 10, 5777; 12 January 2017

Torah Commentary Vayechi (He Lived) Genesis 47:28-50:26 1Kings 2:1-12 Hebrews 11:21-22 1Peter 1:3-9; 2:11-17 The Multiple Faces of Yeshua   I was in a meeting recently with a number of people who varied in their level of Torah knowledge and observance. Some of these folks had years of experience and had fully embraced the walk, while others had just begun to get their feet wet. … Continue reading Torah Commentary -Vayechi (He Lived) -The Multiple Faces of Yeshua -Day 14, Month 10, 5777; 12 January 2017

Torah Commentary -Mikketz (At the end) -Prison to Palace and Back Again -Day 29, Month 9, 5775; 29 December 2016

Torah Commentary Mikketz (At the end) Genesis 41:1-44:17 1Kings 3:15-4:1 Acts 7:9-16   Prison to Palace and Back Again   The life of Joseph is filled with ups and downs; up with favor, down to the pit. This week we read of his final release from prison, the stage being set for Joseph’s dreams to come to pass and the real purpose for his life … Continue reading Torah Commentary -Mikketz (At the end) -Prison to Palace and Back Again -Day 29, Month 9, 5775; 29 December 2016

Torah Commentary -Vayeshev (He Continued Living) -Learning Communication -Day 22, Month 9, 5775; 22 December 2016

Torah Commentary Genesis 37:1-40:23 Amos 2:6-3:8 Acts 7:9-16   Vayeshev (He Continued Living)   Learning Communication   The life of Joseph shows us multiple layers of prophetic shadows. We look at the account of his life to begin to see the concept of two messiahs; Messiah ben Joseph, the suffering servant, and Messiah ben David, the conquering king. This concept has been taught in Judaism … Continue reading Torah Commentary -Vayeshev (He Continued Living) -Learning Communication -Day 22, Month 9, 5775; 22 December 2016

Torah Commentary -Vayishlach (He Sent) -Just In Case It Does Not Work Out -Day 15, Month 9, 5775; 15 December 2016

Where do we see Messiah in this picture of Rachel with the false gods? We see Messiah as our True and Living God who clearly calls us to leave all behind (false gods, doctrines, attitudes, pride, etc) to follow Him. It is just not any more complicated than that. Torah Commentary Genesis 32:4-36:43 Obadiah 1:1-21 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 Revelation 7:1-12 Vayishlach (He Sent)   Just … Continue reading Torah Commentary -Vayishlach (He Sent) -Just In Case It Does Not Work Out -Day 15, Month 9, 5775; 15 December 2016

Torah Commentary -Vayetze (He went out) -Fooled By Outward Appearance -Day 8, Month 9, 5775; 8 December 2016

Torah Commentary Vayetze (He went out) Genesis 28:10-32:3 Hosea 12:13-14:9 John 1:43-51   Fooled By Outward Appearance   Free of his brother’s grasp, Ya’akov sets out to make a life of his own. He left his home carrying not much more than the clothes on his back for material possessions. What Ya’akov may not have realized was that he was carrying something of far greater … Continue reading Torah Commentary -Vayetze (He went out) -Fooled By Outward Appearance -Day 8, Month 9, 5775; 8 December 2016

Torah Commentary -Tol’dot (History) Stopped Up Wells -Day 1, Month 9, 5775; 1 December 2016

Torah Commentary Genesis 25:19-28:9 Malachi 1:1-2:7 Romans 9:6-16 Hebrews 11:20; 12:14-17 Tol’dot (History) Stopped Up Wells The life of the now to be patriarchs are so rich in meaning. In their lives is the wisdom of the Creator. In the accounts recorded for us is His wisdom being passed on from generation to generation. In later Torah portions He will give us specific instructions in … Continue reading Torah Commentary -Tol’dot (History) Stopped Up Wells -Day 1, Month 9, 5775; 1 December 2016

Torah Commentary Chayei Sarah (Sarah’s Life) -Day 23, Month 8, 5775; 24 November 2016

Chayei Sarah (Sarah’s Life) Why That Piece of Dirt? The joy Abraham experienced after the “Resurrection” of Isaac was short lived by the news of the death of his wife Sarah. He had never known a time that Sarah was not by his side, as maybe some of his first memories of life were playing next to a well with Sarah as their mothers drew … Continue reading Torah Commentary Chayei Sarah (Sarah’s Life) -Day 23, Month 8, 5775; 24 November 2016

Torah Commentary -VaVera (He Appeared) Ritual or Relationship -Day 16, Month 8, 5775; 17 November 2016

Torah Commentary Gen 18:1-22:24 2Kings 4:1-37 Luke 17:26-37 Romans 9:6-9 Hebrews 6:13-20 Ya’akov 2:14-24 VaVera (He Appeared)   Ritual or Relationship   This week we begin by looking at two men, Avram and Lot. They are related by physical DNA, but the makeup of the men is worlds apart. These two men who left Ur together have both become rich. Because Lot did not recognize … Continue reading Torah Commentary -VaVera (He Appeared) Ritual or Relationship -Day 16, Month 8, 5775; 17 November 2016

Torah Commentary -Lech Lecha (Get Yourself Out) -A Common Thread -November 12, 2016

Torah Commentary Gen 12:1-17:27 Isaiah 40:27-41:16 Acts 7:1-8 Romans 3:19-5:6 Hebrews 7:1-19; 11:8-12 Lech Lecha (Get Yourself Out)   A Common Thread This week we are introduced to a man named Avram, (Abram.) His life will be laid out in front of us with days of walking in great faith as well as his days of failure. In the end, his name will be changed … Continue reading Torah Commentary -Lech Lecha (Get Yourself Out) -A Common Thread -November 12, 2016