Author: Hallel Fellowship

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Torah readings

Torah reading for Nov. 16, 2024

Studies in Torah

This week’s reading from the three-year Torah cycle is Genesis 5:1–6:8. It features the genealogy from Adam to Noah, showing the decline in humanity’s morality leading up to the Flood. Contrasted are the godly line of Seth and the increasing corruption in humanity.

Genesis 6:1–8 discusses the “sons of God” and their interactions with human women, which many interpret as leading to widespread evil, prompting God’s judgment. The account stresses God’s grief over human wickedness but also introduces Noah as a righteous figure chosen to preserve humanity through the coming deluge.

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Torah readings

Torah reading for Nov. 9, 2024

Studies in Torah

Themes of Genesis 4 include separation, rebellion and repentance. Cain’s rejection, murder of Abel and subsequent wandering reveals deep human struggles with jealousy, disconnection from God and the consequences of sin. Key lessons include the importance of repentance over sacrifice and the transformative power of choice. The names of Cain’s descendants reflect his ongoing legacy of estrangement from Heaven, illustrating the spiritual consequences of turning from God’s guidance.

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Torah readings

Torah reading for Nov. 2, 2024

Studies in Torah

Genesis 2:4–3:24 focuses on the consequences of humanity’s choice to reject the Tree of Life in favor of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Bad. This separated humanity from the Creator. At the same time, Heaven hatched a plan to restore the relationship via a very special descendant of Eve — the Messiah.

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Torah readings

Torah reading for Oct. 26, 2024

Studies in Torah

The Hebrew language of Genesis 1:1–2:3 encourages a deeper understanding on the active and dynamic nature of God’s creative power and His relationship with humanity.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Ha’azinu (האזינו): Deuteronomy 32

Studies in Torah

A common misconception about God’s Law is that it’s all about perfection, that it’s unrealistic in a fallen world. Rather, the capstone passage of the Torah — reading הַאֲזִינוּ Ha’azinu (“listen,” Deuteronomy 32) — recounts Israel’s screwups past, present and future as well as the LORD’s mercy and plan for redemption.

It should be no surprise, then, that the final acts of God’s redemption give the “song of Moses” (Deuteronomy 32) double-billing with the “song of the Lamb” (Revelation 15:3).

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Torah readings

Torah readings Nitzavim (נצבים) & Vayelech (וילך): Deuteronomy 29:10–31:30

Studies in Torah

In the previous Torah reading, כי תבוא Ki Tavo, we learned the importance of having character that survives stressors big and small. The first part of this week’s double reading, נִצָּבִים Nitzavim (“standing,” Deut. 29:9–30:20), underscores the building blocks of that character: loving the LORD with all our heart, soul, strength and mind. We learn that the “New Covenant,” or “New Testament” really isn’t so new, but choosing a lifestyle that leads to life and not death does require us to leave our old “dead works” behind.

“Be strong and courageous.” Imagine getting that advice as you’re being sent out to accomplish something you feel totally unprepared for. Those were some of the last words Moshe (Moses) left as Israel was about to enter the Promised Land. What counts is how much trust you have in the one in charge. That baton was passing, but the people had to remember the One ultimately leading and fighting for them. The second part of this week’s reading, וַיֵּלֶךְ Vayelech (“he went,” Deut. 31:1–30), introduces what’s really the second verse of the “song of Moses,” mentioned in Rev. 15:3.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Ki Tavo (כי תבוא): Deuteronomy 26:1–29:8

Studies in Torah

“Correcting” an aggressive driver on the road. “Losing it” with a screaming child in the store. We may think we’re far removed from the horror show described in this week’s Torah reading, כִּי־תָבוֹא Ki Tavo (“when you come in,” Deut. 26:1–29:8), but each of us encounters stress that pushes off any mask over our true characters.

A key point in this passage is entering and living in the “rest” God gives us, fully realized through the Messiah and the Spirit. Like Israel’s move from Mitsraim (Egypt) to the Land, our entering God’s “rest” (Hebrews 3–4) is all about a change of identity, purpose and character.