Vezot Ha’Bracha 2022

After reviewing an insight from a previous teaching on this parshah, we put forward a thought about Moses and then the idea that the ending of the Torah really doesn’t feel like the end of the story. Israel stands on the cusp of the Land, ready to enter…and the Torah cycle returns to B’reisheet, Genesis. […]

October 21, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Ha’azinu 2022

Consisting mostly of the Song of Moses, this week’s portion begins with the instruction to listen (or “give ear”) and contains the beginning of Moses’ farewell speech to the Israelites. He has come to the end of his days, and he leaves his people with a song that expresses in poetic form the relationship between […]

October 6, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Vayelech 2022

In this week’s teaching video, we first recall an insight from Grant in which he compares life to a high-wire act. We then share insights from Vayelech regarding leadership and “passing the torch” to the next generation.  Video:  Vimeo | YouTube To download visuals, right-click the PDF file and save. Discussion Guide: Vayelech 2022-guide.pdf Medios Visuales:

September 29, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Nitzavim 2022 Discussion Guide

This life is short. It goes by much more quickly than you might think. One minute you’re in the wilderness–and it feels like it’s taking forever–the next minute you’re about to enter the Land. Are you ready? Have you used your time wisely? Have you turned back to God? In this portion, read just before […]

September 22, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Ki Tavo 2022

Ki Tavo begins with commands about bringing firstfruits to the central Sanctuary and allocating various tithes. Next is the reminder of what the covenant is: a mutual pledge between the people and God. Next are the features of ancient covenants: the blessing and curses that will follow faithfulness or disobedience. Finally, Moses summons the people […]

September 15, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Ki Teitzei 2022

Containing 74 mitzvot (or 72, depending on who you ask) – the most of any portion in the Torah – Ki Teitzei is packed with commands. They include laws about family dysfunctions, moral and legal obligations towards neighbors and fellow citizens, sexual misdemeanors, moral behavior in relation to financial matters, and other rules of social responsibility. […]

September 9, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Shoftim 2022 Discussion Guide

Here are some overarching thoughts to keep in mind while reading parsha Shoftim: Torah often links the qualities of truth (emet) and lovingkindness (chesed). This reminds us that truth must be tempered with love. Paul’s well-known exhortation is a clear example: “Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into […]

September 2, 2022 in Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Re’eh 2022

In Chapter 11 leading up to this week’s Torah portion, Moses speaks to the Israelites whereby he emphasizes the importance of the people to observe the commands to love and obey Adonai. Our Torah portion begins in verse 26, which focuses on the blessing(s) if they obey and the curse(s) if they disobey. This sets […]

August 25, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Eikev 2022 Discussion Guide

Parshah Eikev is filled with warnings and assurances, blessings and curses, all of which is summarized in the second paragraph of the Shema found in 11:13-21. Israel’s fate depends on Israel’s faith. The main topics discussed here are memory, love, education, humility, and gratitude–all within the context of the Land. Here, as in most places, […]

August 18, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Devarim 2022

In this week’s Torah portion, Devarim, Moses begins his repetition of the Torah (“mishneh Torah”, or “deutero-nomy”), and he recounts some of the more poignant events in their history before speaking to Joshua, who will take the people into the Land and lead them in battle. The portion leads us to ask ourselves about our […]

August 4, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Matot – Masei 2022

In portions Matot and Masei, we come to the end of the book of Numbers and, in a sense, to the end of the Torah since Deuteronomy is a kind of repetition of the Torah. It is a momentous combined Torah portion containing laws regarding vows, God’s instruction to take vengeance on Midian, the acquiescence […]

July 28, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Pinchas 2022

In this week’s teaching, Tim reviews important points from former teachings before bringing new insights connecting Joshua’s commissioning, the Hebrew word “natan” (“to give”), and Yeshua.  Video:  Vimeo | YouTube To download visuals, right-click the PDF file and save. Discussion Guide: Pinchas 2022-guide.pdf Medios Visuales:

July 21, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Balak 2022

In this week’s Torah portion, Balak, we see how God can use a spiritual man of low character to bless His people. We also review what we’ve learned from past teachings, make connections between Yeshua’s donkey and Balaam’s donkey, and consider how seeing and listening lead to doing.  Video:  Vimeo | YouTube To download visuals, […]

July 14, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Chukat 2022

In portion Chukat, we consider the value and power of the chukkim, decrees whose reasons have not been given, and we touch on why the Israelites were given the decree of the parah adumah (the red heifer), a law of purification that might have been better off in Leviticus with all the other purification legislation. […]

July 8, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Shelach 2022

In this parsha Shelach conversation, we focus on fear, faith, the process of growing up spiritually, and making this world into God’s dwelling place.  Video:  Vimeo | YouTube To download visuals, right-click the PDF file and save. Visuals: Shelach 2022.pdf Medios Visuales: Shelaj 2022.pdf

June 23, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Bamidbar – Nasso 2022

Once again we are treated to a Torah portion discussion between Grant and Tim Pell. Topics include the pitfalls of taking a census, the balance of uniformity and individuality as seen through the twelve tribes, and the Aaronic Blessing, including a look into the Hebrew of this important prayer.  Video:  Vimeo | YouTube To download […]

June 9, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Bechukotai 2022

This week Tim Pell and Grant discuss parsha Bechukotai. Much of the discussion is centered on the word often translated as “contrary” in Lev. 26:21, the Hebrew word “keri,” which is perhaps better translated “indifference.” Other topics include the idea of “chokim,” creating a home for God, and insights regarding reward and punishment. Video:  Vimeo […]

May 26, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Emor/Behar 2022

We begin this week with a difficult question: we are told to not associate with certain types of people caught in the web of weighty sin, but what do we do if a family member is such a person? After applying a passage from the portion to this difficult question, we turn our focus to […]

May 19, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Acharei Mot 2022

After five chapters have elapsed from the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, curiously, the text snaps back to what God told Moses after that tragedy. Why insert these five chapters into the narrative? In discussing this question, we dip into the topic of “chukot,” commandments that evade our understanding. Later in the teaching we look […]

April 28, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Tazria-Metzora 2022

Skin colors, hair colors, shaving and quarantine – what can we learn from the Torah’s many laws related to “tzaraat,” often translated as “leprosy?” The importance of this discussion is indicated by the placement of these portions – near the middle of Leviticus, which, itself, is the middle of the Torah. Join us as we […]

April 7, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Shemini 2022

In Leviticus chapters 9 & 10, we see the fire of the Lord doing two seemingly very different actions: 1) going out to burn up the Tabernacle’s inaugural sacrifice and 2) going out to consume Nadav and Avihu, two sons of Aaron. In this year’s Shemini teaching, we consider these two expressions of God’s fire. […]

March 24, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Tzav 2022

We begin this year’s Tzav teaching with a focus on Purim and the concept of “hiddenness,” examining three Hebrew words that express this idea. We then review the daily continual (Tamid) offerings at the Temple, connecting them to Yeshua. Video:  Vimeo | YouTube To download visuals, right-click the PDF file and save. Visuals: Tzav 2022.pdf Medios […]

March 17, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Vayakhel 2022

This year’s Vayakhel teaching is all about two words and their associated Hebrew letters: fire and water, shin and mem. We think of fire and water as opposites and say, “fire and water don’t mix;” in the natural, this is true, but our God is supernatural, and He calls us to live beyond nature, as […]

February 24, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Ki Tisa 2022

What makes God “God”? Blending Christian and Hebraic perspectives, we begin answering this question in this year’s Ki Tisa teaching. Other topics include “chochmah-binah-da’at,” insights into the three gifts the wise men brought to the Messiah, attitudes of worship, and Sabbath rest. Video:  Vimeo | YouTube To download visuals, right-click the PDF file and save. […]

February 17, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Terumah-Tetzaveh 2022

This week’s teaching is all about the Tabernacle. Hidden in the many details and voluminous verses of these portions is the “picture section” of the Torah – God’s own house which He designed for relationship with mankind. Join us as we explore within the three sections of the Tabernacle, finding insights into our own makeup […]

February 10, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Mishpatim 2022

After the exhilaration of the giving of the Torah in the previous portion, we run into a long list of specific mitzvot in parsha Mishpatim, mostly regarding relating to and living with others. Why this portion at this point? In exploring this question, we read from a commentary by R’ Avigdor Miller. Along with addressing […]

January 28, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Yitro 2022

We begin this year’s Yitro teaching by investigating the first Bible characters to say, “Baruch Hashem!” and what they have in common. Moving on, from Moses’ interaction with his father-in-law, we extract 8 traits of a godly leader. Other topics in the teaching include men and women of valor, 3 instances of the long blast […]

January 21, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Beshalach 2022

Why does the Torah wait until the drowning of the Egyptian army to announce that Israel was saved? Why not make this announcement at the moment of the Passover? We tackle this question in this year’s Beshalach teaching. Other topics include insights from Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks regarding three Torah illustrations of maturing in God, […]

January 14, 2022 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Va’eira 2021

What does God mean when He says the patriarchs did not know Him by His personal name? This question is our first topic in this year’s teaching on Va’eira. Other topics include the Four Cups of the Passover seder, causes of spiritual deafness, frustration as an indicator of Pharaoh in our lives, and the “organized […]

December 31, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Shemot 2021

“Shemot” means “names,” and we look at the Hebrew for several names in this week’s teaching. Before we do so, we ask the question, “Why did Israel have to go down to Egypt?” Other topics include four uses of the phrase “on the stones” and the “deep” subject of four men who meet four women […]

December 24, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Vayechi 2021

In this year’s parsha Vayechi teaching, we dig into a couple of peculiarities of the text, including a verse regarding the death of Rachel and a description of Joseph from Jacob’s blessing of his twelve sons. Particularly with this second passage, we see both the difficulties of translating from the Hebrew, and we see the […]

December 17, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Vayigash 2021

One of the most dramatic Torah portions, parsha Vayigash witnesses Joseph reveal himself to his brothers. In this week’s teaching, we puzzle through Joseph’s strange treatment of his brothers leading up to this revelation, we look at secrets connecting the Tetragrammaton to the names “Judah” and “David,” we hear several fascinating quotes from rabbis regarding […]

December 10, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Vayeishev 2021

The number of parallels between the life of Joseph and the life of Yeshua the Messiah is remarkable! In this teaching, we look at a few of these important connections, beginning with Joseph’s two dreams about his future rise to authority. As we continue, we look at the birth of the second set of twins […]

November 26, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Vayishlach 2021

We start out this cycle’s parsha Vayishlach teaching by “putting our glasses back on,” reading through a passage in Isaiah that has the ability to powerfully re-center us. From that place of reset, we examine Jacob’s wrestlings with Esau and with God. As a final point, we ponder the curious fact that though Jacob’s name […]

November 19, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Vayeitzei 2021

What is the root message of Jacob’s dream of the ladder? What are the deeper purposes behind Jacob’s struggles with Esau and Laban? In answering these questions, we dig to the root of God’s purposes for our entire physical context, including the pain we experience here. In our exploring, we examine four “beholds” in the […]

November 12, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022) by

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Lech Lecha, Vayeira, Chayei Sarah 2021

We start out this multi-parsha teaching by pondering two questions related to Abraham…before deciding neither is the right question to be asking! This leads us to a deeper insight into and connection with our first spiritual father. Moving on, we see Abraham’s journey through the lens of the Garden of Eden. Lastly, we look at […]

October 29, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022) by

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Noach 2021

We explore two main ideas this year in parsha Noach: the wonderfully interconnected web of the Torah and the concept of grace. Via our first topic, we briefly compare such topics as the Ark and the Tower, Nimrod and the Antichrist, and the 70 nations and the 70 “apostles” mentioned in Luke. In addressing the […]

October 8, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Vezot HaBrachah 2021

In this final Torah portion of the cycle, we look at Jacob’s 12 sons in 6 pairs- a perspective suggested by Moses’ blessing of the tribes- drawing out life lessons from this diverse group that makes up the body of Israel. Being in the middle of Sukkot, we also carry over our thoughts regarding the […]

September 24, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022) by

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Ha’azinu 2021

This week’s teaching is all about the music – 3 songs in particular. We begin with a comparison of The Song of the Sea to The Song of Moses. Next we examine some curiosities from the Hebrew text of The Song of Moses. Moving on, we draw out four questions from the curious fact that […]

September 17, 2021 in Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Nitzavim-Vayeilech 2021

In the spirit of the 10 Days of Awe, we draw from this double Torah portion several important topics that we need to consider for repentance. We begin with the topic of relationship balance. In one of our main topics, we look at the words translated “gall and wormwood,” connecting these ideas to the defeated […]

September 10, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Ki Tavo 2021

In Ki Tavo, the complementary portion to last week’s Ki Teitzei, we drill down on the topic of fear of God, which is the foundation of respect for others. We look at a number of verses that illuminate fear of God, and we also hear a helpful reading from a work by R’Avigdor Miller which […]

August 27, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Ki Teitzei 2021

We take from Ki Teitzei a focus on the battle with Amalek. Central to our discussion is the idea that in order to respect others, we have to fight Amalek – a battle in the mind. Part of this battle is the cultivation of a thirst for God and having Him always on our lips. […]

August 20, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Shoftim 2021

We begin this week with a brief introduction to the special month of Elul. We then zero in on the “prophet like Moses” via John the Baptist’s interesting response to the question, “Who are you?” Next, we delve beneath the surface of “the unsolved murder,” the instructions regarding the discovering of a corpse. Moving on, […]

August 13, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Re’eh 2021

This week, Steve Meeks brings us insights from portion Re’eh, including an encouraging connection between the portion and the haftarah, a menorah comparison with the Sermon on the Mount, and a story of a particular visit to a Kenyan market, a colorful metaphor for our lives and our constant opportunity to “choose life.” Video:  Vimeo […]

August 4, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Va’Etchanan 2021

We begin exploring portion Va’Etchanan by looking at a foundational “three-stranded cord” woven throughout the Scriptures, three strands we find in this portion. In the main body of the teaching, we ask, “Did the church really start with the Apostles?” In answering that question, we look to the other structures God indwells as He does […]

July 23, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Devarim 2021

As we launch into the fifth and final book of the Torah, we join the people on the eastern side of the Jordan to listen to Moses’ final words – the book of Deuteronomy. In this teaching, we begin by looking at characteristics of those who are able to cross the river into the adventure […]

July 16, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Matot-Massei 2021

Tim Pell helps us to “peek under the lid” of Israel’s wilderness encampments. Video:  Vimeo | YouTube To download visuals, right-click the PDF file and save. Visuals: no visuals Medios Visuales: 

July 9, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022) by

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Balak 2021

In portion Balak, we begin by examining a tragic Moabite cascade that starts with human reasoning and ends with a plan to curse Israel. We continue with a fascinating “read” of Balaam’s donkey, and we finish with three mentions of Balaam in the Apostolic Scriptures: the way of Balaam, the error of Balaam, and the […]

June 25, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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Chukat 2021

Join us as we begin a new trip through the Torah cycle! We are jumping into the beloved Torah portions with Chukat, Numbers 19-21, and we will continue until a full cycle is completed. Video:  Vimeo | YouTube To download visuals, right-click the PDF file and save. Visuals: Chukat 2021.pdf Medios Visuales: Jukat 2021.pdf

June 18, 2021 in Media, Torah 5781 (2021-2022), Torah Commentary by

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