Torah Commentary – Shoftim “Judges” – Quit Observing Torah!

Torah Commentary Shoftim “Judges” Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9 Isaiah 51:12–52:12 2 Kings 7-9 Quit Observing Torah! Now that I have your undivided attention, please continue to read. I have been on this journey for a number of years now and have come to the conclusion that we all should quit observing Torah.  To understand what I am saying pick up a dictionary or do a quick search on the … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Shoftim “Judges” – Quit Observing Torah!

Living Torah Commentary – Mishpatim (Rulings) – Attitude Check! – SCRIPTURES FOR February 22, 2020

Torah Commentary Mishpatim (Rulings) Exodus 21:1-24:18 Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26 Matthew 5:38-42; 15:1-20 Acts 23:1-11 Hebrews 9:15-22; 10:28-39 Attitude Check! We now begin to expound on the Ten Words. Before we do, we need to consider the reason we are moving on: Why do we desire to live by His Words? This may seem like an oversimplified thought, but I believe it is much needed. Stop … Continue reading Living Torah Commentary – Mishpatim (Rulings) – Attitude Check! – SCRIPTURES FOR February 22, 2020

Torah Commentary – B’Shallach (After he had let go) – SCRIPTURES FOR February 8, 2020

B’Shallach (After he had let go) Exodus 13:17-17:16 Judges 4:4-5:31 John 6:25-35; 19:31-37 Revelation 15:1-4 Finally! A Formula! Have you ever thought that it would be nice if HaShem had given us some formulas in scripture? In this weeks Torah portion, we find one. The Hebrews have left Egypt with wagons full of “stuff” they have been given by their old neighbors, and they now … Continue reading Torah Commentary – B’Shallach (After he had let go) – SCRIPTURES FOR February 8, 2020

Expounding the Torah

Did Moses speak in tongues? Tradition says that Moses spoke the words of the book of Deuteronomy in the seventy languages of humanity. Portion Summary Devarim (דברים) is both the title for the last book from the scroll of the Torah and the title of the first Torah portion therein. Devarim means “words.” The English-speaking world calls this book Deuteronomy. The Hebrew title for the book comes from … Continue reading Expounding the Torah

Torah Commentary – Pinchas”Phineas” – Zeal In The Camp – SCRIPTURES FOR July 27, 2019

Torah Commentary Pinchas”Phineas” Numbers 25:10-30:1 1 Kings 18:46-19:21 2 Timothy 1-4; Titus 1-3; Philemon 1 Zeal In The Camp Reading about the Hebrews and their journey through the wilderness  has taken on so much meaning in the past few years. With each passing year it becomes more and more special to read about their lives. It is not that the accounts of their lives become more … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Pinchas”Phineas” – Zeal In The Camp – SCRIPTURES FOR July 27, 2019

Torah Commentary – Korach (Korah) – The Stand Which Proved The Man – Joined To HaShem – SCRIPTURES FOR July 6, 2019

Torah Commentary Korach (Korah) Numbers 16:1-18:32 1Samuel 11:14-12:22 2Timothy 2:8-21 Jude 1-25 The Stand Which Proved The Man We come to the infamous account of Korach this week. You have to admit that with all that has happened in the camp since Israel left Egypt, events which clearly showed Moshe as the leader, this was a pretty gutsy move made by Korach. Well, maybe gutsy … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Korach (Korah) – The Stand Which Proved The Man – Joined To HaShem – SCRIPTURES FOR July 6, 2019

Torah Commentary – Sh’lach L’cha (Send on your behalf) – The Tourists Connection – SCRIPTURES FOR June 29, 2019

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 deeper level … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Sh’lach L’cha (Send on your behalf) – The Tourists Connection – SCRIPTURES FOR June 29, 2019

Nostalgia for the Familiar – June 22, 2019

Regular Shabbat Readings Beha’alotcha (בהעלותך | When you set up) Torah: Numbers 8:1-12:15 Haftarah: Zechariah 2:14-4:7 Gospel: Matthew 14:14-21 Note: The regular readings are often interrupted with special readings on Jewish holidays, special Sabbaths, and Rosh Chodesh. Refer to the annual Torah Portion schedule for these special portions. Portion Summary The third reading from the book of Numbers and the thirty-sixth reading from the Torah is … Continue reading Nostalgia for the Familiar – June 22, 2019

Do Not Do As They Do

He commands us to be a people set apart, easily distinguishable from the secular context around us. One of the most obvious ways in which we should be different is in the area of sexuality. May 4, 2019 Portion Summary The twenty-ninth reading from the Torah and sixth reading from Leviticus is named Acharei Mot (אחרי מות), two words that mean “after the death.” The title comes … Continue reading Do Not Do As They Do

Torah Commentary – Va’era (I appeared) – His Promise – SCRIPTURES FOR January 13, 2017

Torah Commentary Va’era (I appeared) Exodus 6:2-9:35 Ezekiel 28:25-29:21 Romans 9:14-17 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 His Promise It is too easy for us to scan through Torah portions that have become familiar to us. I challenge you to slow down and consider the people who are living these recorded days then bring the words forward to our day and our lives. Take for instance the four … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Va’era (I appeared) – His Promise – SCRIPTURES FOR January 13, 2017

V’eira – I appeared – “Appearance Promises Executed” – 7 January, 2018

V’eira I appeared Exodus 6:2-9:35 Ezekiel 28:25-29:21 “Appearance Promises Executed” by Mark Huey This week’s parashah begins with a reminder that the Creator God appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and that He made—among many declarations—certain promises regarding their descendants’ eventual deliverance from bondage in Egypt. Hence, the narrative of the Book of Exodus now summarizes the first seven plagues, which resulted from a hardening of Pharaoh’s … Continue reading V’eira – I appeared – “Appearance Promises Executed” – 7 January, 2018

Torah Commentary – Sh’mot (Names) – His Ways – January 6, 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 His Ways Just a few days ago we entered into the Gregorian year of 2018. The thought of that seems a bit strange. You may even be one who would say you never imagined how this world system could possibly have lasted this long. I can relate. Truth is, … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Sh’mot (Names) – His Ways – January 6, 2017

Torah Reading – V’yechi – He lived – “Blessing Israel” – 25 December, 2017

V’yechi He lived Genesis 47:28-50:26 1 Kings 2:1-12 “Blessing Israel” by Mark Huey This week, the final parashah for the Book of Genesis is studied, as the period of the Patriarchs and details about the unique family chosen by God to receive His faithful blessings, finally comes to a dramatic close. Here in Genesis’ last three chapters, the similar dying requests of both Jacob/Israel and Joseph, to … Continue reading Torah Reading – V’yechi – He lived – “Blessing Israel” – 25 December, 2017

Torah Commentary – Vayechi (He Lived) – Enjoying the Fruit – SCRIPTURES FOR December 30, 2017

Living 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 Enjoying the Fruit Ya’akov is 130 years old when he arrives in Egypt. The following 17 years will be a gift in which he will be able to enjoy the fruit of his life, his family. During this time he will watch his boys mature, marry and bring forth children. … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Vayechi (He Lived) – Enjoying the Fruit – SCRIPTURES FOR December 30, 2017

Torah Reading – V’yigash – He approached – “Positioning for Restoration” – 19 December, 2017

V’yigash – He approached Genesis 44:18-47:27 Ezekiel 37:15-28 “Positioning for Restoration” by Mark Huey This week in V’yigash, the sons of Jacob/Israel finally experience a restoration of their familial relationship, after years of being estranged from their brother Joseph. For the past two Torah readings (V’yeishev: Genesis 37:1-40:23; Mikkeitz: Genesis 41:1-44:17) the emphasis has been principally on the trials of Joseph and his brothers, as the melodrama of their interactions … Continue reading Torah Reading – V’yigash – He approached – “Positioning for Restoration” – 19 December, 2017

Torah Commentary – Vayigash (He approached) – The Day! – SCRIPTURES FOR December 23, 2017

Living Torah Commentary Vayigash (He approached)  Genesis 44:18-47:27 Ezekiel 37:15-28 Acts 7:9-16 The Day! This Torah portion may well be my favorite of all! To consider the prophetic shadows within these words is overwhelming to me. I have no idea how many times I have tried to imagine the scene we are reading. Yosef is standing in front of his brothers. They have no idea … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Vayigash (He approached) – The Day! – SCRIPTURES FOR December 23, 2017

Torah Commentary – Mikketz (At the End) – Though It Lingers, Never Give Up – SCRIPTURES FOR December 16, 2017

Torah Commentary Mikketz (At the End) Genesis 41:1-44:17 1 Kings 3:15-4:1 Acts 7:9-16 Though It Lingers, Never Give Up   I often consider the life of Yosef as I feel it has much to say to my own life. His life was one of twists and turns that no one could have foreseen. His was also a life of promises which seemed to be out of … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Mikketz (At the End) – Though It Lingers, Never Give Up – SCRIPTURES FOR December 16, 2017

Weekly Torah Portion – Mikeits – Dec 15, 2017 – One New Man Bible

Genesis 41:1 – 44:17 At the End of Two Years 41.1. And it was at the end of two full years that Pharaoh dreamed and, behold, he stood by the river. 2. And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favored and fattened cows and they fed in a meadow. 3. And, behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river, … Continue reading Weekly Torah Portion – Mikeits – Dec 15, 2017 – One New Man Bible

This Weeks Torah Reading – Mikkeitz – At the end – “God Honors Faith” – 10 December, 2017

Mikkeitz At the end Genesis 41:1-44:17 1 Kings 3:15-4:1 “God Honors Faith” by Mark Huey Mikkeitz, which is being considered as the Torah portion for this week, continues the narrative about the life of Joseph in Egypt. Joseph finally realized the manifestation of his dreams about his brothers bowing before him. Since being cast into a pit by his brothers and sold into slavery in … Continue reading This Weeks Torah Reading – Mikkeitz – At the end – “God Honors Faith” – 10 December, 2017

V’yeishev – He continued living – “A Dream-Based Faith” – 3 December, 2017

V’yeishev He continued living Genesis 37:1-40:23 Amos 2:6-3:8 “A Dream-Based Faith” by Mark Huey The testimonies of the lives of Abraham’s descendants continue this week in our Torah reading, as V’yeishev turns from a considerable focus on the Patriarch Jacob, to a more explicit look at the generation of sons whom he raised. Particular attention is directed toward Jacob’s favored son Joseph with Rachel, who began to … Continue reading V’yeishev – He continued living – “A Dream-Based Faith” – 3 December, 2017

Weekly Torah portion from the One New Man Bible – Vayeishev – Dec 8, 2017

Vayeishev 37.1. And Jacob settled in the land of his father’s sojourning, in the land of Canaan. 2. These are the descendants of Jacob. Joseph, seventeen years old, was tending the flock with his brothers and he was a lad with the sons of Bilhah and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives. Joseph brought to his father very evil reports about them. 3. … Continue reading Weekly Torah portion from the One New Man Bible – Vayeishev – Dec 8, 2017

Torah Commentary – Vayeshev (He Continued Living) – Now That is Dysfunction – SCRIPTURES FOR December 9, 2017

Torah Commentary Vayeshev (He Continued Living) Genesis 37:1-40:23 Amos 2:6-3:8 Acts 7:9-16 Now That is Dysfunction The trials of Esau, Laban and the ordeal at Sh’khem and the death of Rachel are now behind Jacob. He even has a new name. I’m sure he thought it would be time to take life easy to enjoy his family, right? Not so fast. Now the trials take … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Vayeshev (He Continued Living) – Now That is Dysfunction – SCRIPTURES FOR December 9, 2017

V’yishlach – He sent – 25 November, 2017

V’yishlach He sent Genesis 32:3-36:43 Hosea 11:7-12:12 (A) Obadiah 1:1-21 (S) “A Wrestling Faith” by Mark Huey This week, our Torah portion Vayishlach continues the saga of Jacob’s life, as he learned to depend upon and have faith in the God of Abraham and Isaac. If you will recall from last week, the final separation from his father-in-law Laban concluded with a dramatic covenant that essentially placed … Continue reading V’yishlach – He sent – 25 November, 2017

Torah Commentary – Vayishlach (He Sent) – The Journey Continues – SCRIPTURES FOR December 2, 2017

Torah Commentary Vayishlach (He Sent) Genesis 32:4-36:43 Obadiah 1:1-21 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 Revelation 7:1-12   The Journey Continues        Ya’akov is now free of Lavan after twenty years of working for him. The time was not wasted by any means as he is returning with a growing family and the riches needed to take care of them. It appears Yah was up to the challenge … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Vayishlach (He Sent) – The Journey Continues – SCRIPTURES FOR December 2, 2017

Shabbat Shalom! – Weekly Torah portion from the One New Man Bible – Toldot – Nov 17, 2017

Toldot Genesis 25:19 – 28:9 25:19. And these are the descendants of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham begot Isaac:20. And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebeccah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister of Laban the Syrian. 21. And Isaac entreated the LORD* for his wife, because she was barren, and the LORD* was entreated by him and Rebeccah his wife conceived. 22. And the children … Continue reading Shabbat Shalom! – Weekly Torah portion from the One New Man Bible – Toldot – Nov 17, 2017

Torah Commentary – Tol’dot (History) – The Battle Still Rages – SCRIPTURES FOR November 18, 2017

Torah Commentary Tol’dot (History) Genesis 25:19-28:9 Malachi 1:1-2:7 Romans 9:6-16 Hebrews 11:20; 12:14-17 The Battle Still Rages There are two areas of this Torah portion I would like to expound on this week. In the end the two will tie together as a theme. The first area to cover is the words of Rivkah (Rebecca). She is found to be barren. Yitzchak prayed for her and … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Tol’dot (History) – The Battle Still Rages – SCRIPTURES FOR November 18, 2017

Weekly Torah portion from the One New Man Bible – Vayeira – Nov 3, 2017

Vayeira Genesis 18:1 – 22:24 18.1. And the LORD* appeared to him in the plains of Mamre and he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. 2. And he lifted up his eyes and looked, and there were three men standing by him. And when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and he bowed toward the ground 3. and said, “My Lord, if now … Continue reading Weekly Torah portion from the One New Man Bible – Vayeira – Nov 3, 2017

Torah Commentary – Vayera (He Appeared) – The Rewards and Challenges of Listening – SCRIPTURES FOR November 4, 2017

Torah Commentary Vayera (He Appeared) 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   The Rewards and Challenges of Listening   The journey to Canaan taught Abram and Sara much about listening. They have learned so much that their names have been changed. What has been added to each of their names? It is the Hebrew letter hey, which is a … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Vayera (He Appeared) – The Rewards and Challenges of Listening – SCRIPTURES FOR November 4, 2017

Lekh-Lekha – Get yourself out – “The Father of Faith” – 23 October, 2017

Lekh-Lekha Get yourself out Genesis 12:1-17:27 Isaiah 40:27-41:16 “The Father of Faith” by Mark Huey By the time one turns to the third Torah reading, Lekh-Lekha, the recorded story of humanity indicates how the Almighty God has had direct contact with certain noted individuals. Despite the fact that considerable history is covered in a relatively short space (Genesis chs. 1-11), we see that after the scrambling … Continue reading Lekh-Lekha – Get yourself out – “The Father of Faith” – 23 October, 2017

Torah Commentary – Lech Lecha (Get Yourself Out) – One Man Was Listening – SCRIPTURES FOR October 28, 2017

Torah Commentary Lech Lecha (Get Yourself Out) 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   One Man Was Listening I was talking to a Jewish friend with a number of other people in the room a few of years ago. During the conversation someone said, “God spoke to me” and went on to state what they thought they had heard. After … Continue reading Torah Commentary – Lech Lecha (Get Yourself Out) – One Man Was Listening – SCRIPTURES FOR October 28, 2017