Weekly Torah Lesson

Parasha:  Toldot – GenerationsTorah:  Bereishit 25:19 – 28:9 Did you ever pray for something that didn’t happen?  The Scriptures give us several examples of prayers that receive “No” for the answer.  This week’s Torah portion has several examples of prayers that were answered in a positive way. Here is the first one: And Yitzaak prayed to Avinu for his wife, because she was barren. And Avinu granted his prayer, and Rivkah his wife conceived. (Bereishit 25:21 ) Why did Yitzak get a … [Read more...] about The Secret to Successful Prayer

Parasha:  Vayera – And He appearedTorah:  Bereishit 18:1 – 22:24 This week’s parsha has a verse that caught my attention and provokes the question, “Did ancient humans use their “food” for it’s medicinal value more than nourishment?” Bereishit 18:5  And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort (refresh) you your hearts; Here are a couple of verses that may help us understand the role of “food” in their lives. And wine that makes glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to … [Read more...] about Bread and Life

Parasha:  Chayei Sarah – The Lives of SarahTorah:  Bereishit 23:1 – 25:18 The Scriptures teach us  many things. Today’s lesson on death, grief and mourning is conveyed to us through three different situations.    Let’s look at how Avraham dealt with the death of Sarah: 2  And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hevron in the land of Canaan: and Avraham came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her. The initial shock of the death of a loved one brings on a deep feeling of … [Read more...] about Death, Grief and Mourning

Parasha:  Lech Lecha – Go to yourselfTorah:  Bereishit 12:1 – 17:27 Terach was the father of Avraham and Sarah. For an unknown reason he wanted to move his family to Canaan. So Terach,his three sons and a host of relatives and slaves began the trip from Turkey to Canaan. They stopped short of his goal and settled in Charan, a town located in what is now known as Syria.     31  And Terach took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran his son’s son, and Sarai his daughter in … [Read more...] about Terach’s Mission – One Step Closer

Parasha:  Ha Azinu – give earTorah:  Devarim 32: 1-52           When the Torah was written, most demon-idols were pretty simple. The sun, moon and stars were part of the pantheon.  This group included carved images, unique rock formations, some man made and others natural formations and, small and large hills and certain clusters of trees. Paro, the king of Mitzryim and the Roman emperors were also held in a position of being a god to their constituents.       This week’s Torah Lesson … [Read more...] about New Idols

Parasha:  Va Yalech – and he wentTorah:  Devarim 31:1-30 The human body has several “gateway” organs and areas that act as “portals” for both good and evil spiritual activity. Today’s lesson is going to focus on the human mouth and one of the ways that it brings “sin” into the human body.  19  Now therefore write you this song for you, and teach it to the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. (Devarim … [Read more...] about The Mouth Gateway and Idolatry