Parasha: va yeshev – and he dwelt Torah: Bereishit 37:1 – 40:23 Just Retribution ** “Just Retribution” is a direct or indirect consequence of our words or actions. Kifa (Peter) teaches, “For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God.” (1Pe 2:20 NKJV) This week’s Torah portion contains a classic example of just retribution. … [Read more...] about Weekly Torah Lesson
Gateway
Here is something that we never talk about. Kosher meat is defined in a number of ways--it must be the right kind of animal, slaughtered in the right way, and soaked, salted and rinsed to remove the blood. In addition, the rump of the animal cannot be eaten unless it goes through a delicate process called nikur or "deveining" of certain veins. The reason for this last point is in this week's parshah. Jacob, ancestor of the Jewish people, was wrestling with a spiritual force, an angel. The … [Read more...] about Gateway
The New Man
(27) For as many of you as were Immersed into Meshiach did put on Meshiach. (28) There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither bond nor free; there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Meshiach Yeshua. We are no longer “traditional Jews” because we gave up the belief that we look to the Levitical Priesthood for our salvation. We are learning how to separate old traditions and myths from the Torah. We look at everything that we do through the paradigm of Meshiach’s teachings, … [Read more...] about The New Man
Why Am I Here?
Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai hid from the Romans in a cave for thirteen years. When he left the cave and came to a town, he did not say, “Let me enlighten you with the inner light of Torah, the light that has been hidden since the six days of creation.” For he was surely qualified to enlighten.Instead he asked, “What is there in your town that I can fix?” Whatever knowledge a human being is given in this world, whatever wisdom, enlightenment or inspiration, it is all only and exclusively for … [Read more...] about Why Am I Here?
Sharp Tongue
James (Ya’akov) 3:2-10 (2) Because we frequently offend, every one of us. If anyone does not offend in what he says, this one is a perfect man and is able also to hold in check the whole body. (3) Remember, we put bits into horses' mouths in order that they may obey us, and we direct their entire bodies. (4) Consider also that ships, being so large, and being driven by strong winds, are turned about by a very small rudder, wherever the will of the one who is steering may decide. (5) In the … [Read more...] about Sharp Tongue
Weekly Torah Lesson
Ya’akov Leaves – Israel Returns Va Yishlach - and he sent Torah: Bereishit 32:3 – 36:43 “1 So Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 2 When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is God’s camp.” And he called the name of that place Mahanaim (two camps). 3 Then Jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother in the land of Seir, the country of Edom.” (Ge 32:1-3) … [Read more...] about Weekly Torah Lesson