Parashat Chukat (Statute of) Bamidbar (Numbers) 19:1-22:1 Haftarah: Judges 11:1-33 Truth can be uncomfortable, especially when it challenges what we’ve heard, believed, or even taught. This week’s Parashah is not just about ancient Israel’s journey … Read More
Advocating for the Kingdom
Parashat KorachBamidbar (Numbers) 16:1-18:32Haftarah: I Samuel 11:14-12:22 Over the past few weeks, I’ve been sharing my thoughts and updates about the situation in Israel. I see this as a vital part of Israel advocacy, bringing … Read More
Dangerous Faith
Parashat Shelach (Send Forth) Bamidbar (Numbers) 13:1-15:41 Haftarah: Joshua 2:1-24 I often find myself connecting the truth of God’s Word to the reality we are living in today, especially here in Israel. His Word is … Read More
When What You Want Isn’t What You Need
Parashat Behaalot’ha (When You Kindle) Bamidbar (Numbers) 8:1–12:16 Haftarah: Zechariah 2:10-4:7 (2:14 in the Hebrew Bible) Every time I read this week’s Parashah, Behaalot’ha, a particular memory comes to mind. As many of you know, one … Read More
Carriers of His Name
Parashat Nasso (Lift Up) Bamidbar (Numbers) 4:21-7:89 Haftarah: Judges 13:2-25 This week’s parashah contains one of the most well-known and beloved blessings in all of Scripture—the Priestly Blessing, also known as the Aaronic Blessing. … Read More
The Beauty of the Wilderness
Parashat Bamidbar (In the Desert/Wilderness) Numbers 1:1-4:20Haftarah: Hosea 2:1-22 (1:10-2:20 in the English Bible) The Hebrew name for the Book of Numbers is Bamidbar—“In the Wilderness.” It’s not just a name. It’s a reality that Israel … Read More
Is God Done with Israel?
Parashat Bahar (On the Mountain) & Bechukotai (In My Decrees) Vayikra (Leviticus) 25:1-26:2 & 26:3-27:34Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19-17:14. This week’s Scripture portion begins with God’s instructions to Israel as they prepare to enter the Land: The LORD … Read More
The Difficult Path
Parashat Emor (Say) Parasha: Vayikra (Leviticus) 21:1-24:3 Haftarah: Ezekiel 44:15-31 This week’s Parashah speaks directly to the priests , those set apart for service to God. As I read through these chapters, I was reminded … Read More
Stop Pointing Fingers
Parashat Achrei Mot (After the Death) & Kedoshim (Holy Ones) Vayikra (Leviticus) 16:1-18:40 & 19:1-20:27Haftarah: Amos 9:7-15 (Ashkenazi Jews) & Ezekiel 20:2-20 (Sephardic Jews) It’s easy to point at the world and say, “They’re the problem.” … Read More
Unlikely Messengers of Hope
Parashat Tazria (She Conceives) & Metzora (Leprosy) Vayikra (Leviticus) 12:1-13:8 & 14:1-15:33Haftarah: 2 Kings 7:3-20 This week’s double portion, Tazria and Metzora, deals with a topic that feels distant to many of us today: biblical leprosy, or tzara’at. While these … Read More