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Discussions Torah

Esau’s birthright and the Israel–Gaza conflict (Genesis 25:19–28:9)

Esau's birthright and the Israel-Gaza conflict (Genesis 25:19-28:9)

This study of the Torah portion תּוֹלְדֹת Toldot (“generations,” Gen. 25:19–28:9) explores the concept of teamwork in prayer through the story of Isaac and Rebecca, who prayed together for 20 years to conceive children. We delve into biblical relationships, highlighting the patience and perseverance demonstrated by the patriarchs and matriarchs. Comparisons between the sons of the Spirit and flesh, represented by Jacob and Esau, shed light on the importance of spiritual and physical completeness.

We also explore the descendants of Jacob, Esau and historical figures, emphasizing the ramifications of short-term thinking versus long-term vision. It draws parallels between biblical narratives and contemporary geopolitical conflicts, reflecting on how perspectives and narratives can shape perceptions and actions.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Toledot (תולדת): Genesis 25:19–28:9

Studies in Torah

At first glance, the trustworthiness troubles of Abraham, his son Yitzkhak (Isaac) and grandson Ya’akov (Jacob) can be disturbing, considering they are pillars of faith in the Kingdom of God. How can we forget Ya’akov’s “red, red stuff” deal with his brother, Esau?

Rather than a descent into “truthiness,” their legacy for the commonwealth of Israel is growth from faith-fickle to faithful. In this week’s Torah portion (תּוֹלְדֹת Toldot, “generations,” Gen. 25:19–28:9), we follow Ya’akov’s journey to becoming a “new man,” renamed Israel (“struggles with God” or “rules with God”). That “rebirth,” pictured via Ya’akov’s dream of a ladder between Earth and Heaven, is why Yeshua (Jesus) likened that ladder to Himself (John 1:43–50).

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Lost tribes and messianic restoration: Jeremiah’s message of hope to Rachel (Genesis 24; Matthew 2; Jeremiah 31)

Lost tribes and messianic restoration: Jeremiah's message of hope to Rachel (Genesis 24; Matthew 2; Jeremiah 31)

This study on the Torah reading חַיֵּי שָׂרָה Chayei Sarah (“Sarah’s life,” Gen. 23:1–25:18) explores biblical principles of respect, property ownership and the hope of resurrection. It centers around the stories of Abraham and David, emphasizing their sorrow and the significance of their real estate transactions in the history of the people of Israel, finding resting places for Sarah and the presence of Heaven.

Chayei Sarah also has important connections to prophecies to the events surrounding the birth of Yeshua Messiah (Jesus Christ), exploring messianic themes and emphasizing the continuity of these prophecies in early Jewish writings.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Chayei Sarah (חיי שרה): Genesis 23:1-25:18

Studies in Torah

It’s all too easy in today’s crave-the-cutting-edge lifestyle to forget who got us to where we are today. Abraham is called “father of us all” because his trust in God is the model for saving faith in God’s Son, Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus the Christ) (Rom. 4:16–5:2). In this week’s Torah portion, חַיֵּי שָׂרָה Chayei Sarah (“Sarah’s life,” Gen. 23:1–25:18), we learn how important Abraham’s wife Sarah is in The Way from our old way of life to our new one in Mashiakh.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

Is destruction of the wicked an example of ‘God so loved the world’? (Genesis 18–22; John 3)

Is destruction of the wicked an example of 'God so loved the world'? (Genesis 18-22; John 3)

The Torah reading וַיֵּרָא Vayera (“he appeared,” Genesis 18–22) grabs readers’ attention with its gripping account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the scandalous consequences of Lot’s choices. This seems at odds with “God so loved the world” (John 3:16).

This study explores the importance of trust (faith), the power of prayer and God’s mercy balanced with justice. We’ll see that God’s desire is to save humanity from divine judgment that must come to bring to an end the forces dragging humanity toward death. Mercy indeed triumphs over judgment for those who learn to trust their Creator. That’s how “light” (righteousness) overcomes “darkness” (wickedness).

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Torah readings

Torah reading Vayera (וירא): Genesis 18:1–22:24

Studies in Torah

One of the Creator’s names is YHWH Yireh (Jehovah Jirah), translated as “the LORD sees” or “the LORD is seen.” And one of the key times Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus Christ) is foreseen is Abraham’s near-sacrifice of is “one and only son.” The mercy and sacrifice of God is on full display in this week’s Torah portion, וַיֵּרָא Vayera (“he appeared,” Gen. 18:1–22:24).

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Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

God’s unwavering love: Foreshadowed in Abraham, realized in Messiah (Genesis 12–17)

God's unwavering love: Foreshadowed in Abraham, realized in Messiah (Genesis 12-17)

This study on the Torah reading לֶךְ-לְךָ Lech Lecha (Genesis 12–17) explores the spiritual lineage of Abraham and how it emphasizes God’s faithfulness and love, irrespective of human failings. This faithfulness and love reaches its fullness in Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ).

Being a true descendant of the covenant the Creator of Heaven and Earth made with him means embodying the trust — faith — he had in Heaven’s promises, not just sharing his DNA. We explore the importance of spiritual commitment over rituals such as circumcision, biblical criticism toward religious figures’ service without sincerity, and the necessity for total devotion for a covenantal relationship with God.