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Torah readings

Torah reading Vayishlach (וישלח): Genesis 32:3–36:43

Studies in Torah

In Torah section וַיִּשְׁלַח Vayishlach (“he sent,” Gen. 32:3–36:43), Ya’akov is back at Beit ’El, this time wrestling with Heaven over blessing. He buries the hatchet with his brother, yet two of his sons bury their hatchets into townsmen to avenge their ravaged sister. These three hardly have the makings of “pillars” of the people of Holy One of Yisra’el, right? Not as they are but as they would be after “conversion.”

Have you ever wrestled with your desire to do something that deep down you know you shouldn’t? “Conversion” sometimes get so spiritualized that what’s actually happening to you gets lost. The important transformation to the “new creation” (Gal. 6:15; 2Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:10, 15; 4:24; Col. 3:10) is the theme of Vayishlach.

Learn how this Torah passage informs the gospel message.

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Discussions Torah

Unveiling Jacob’s vision: The Suffering Servant links Heaven and Earth (Genesis 28:10–32:2)

Unveiling Jacob's vision: The Suffering Servant links Heaven and Earth (Genesis 28:10-32:2)

This examination of וַיֵּצֵא Vayetze (“he went out,” Gen. 28:10–32:2), we delve into the crucial significance of Jacob’s vision at Bethel and the intricate dynamics within his family, particularly the rivalry between Leah and Rachel. By drawing parallels between Jacob’s wives and the relationship of Jacob and Esau, the scriptures highlight the emotional toll of polygamy on Rachel, Leah, and Jacob himself. The comparison of Jacob’s family struggles with scriptural teachings of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) underscores the importance of leaving one’s family to establish a new union in marriage. It is evident how Esau’s and Leah’s self-deception led them into unions not meant for covenant bonds. Finally, a connection is drawn between the suffering of Joseph and that of the Isaiah’s Suffering Servant, realized in Yeshua as the bridge between Heaven and Earth.

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Torah readings

Torah reading Vayetze (ויצא): Genesis 28:10–32:2

Studies in Torah

A founding father of Israel dreams of a ladder between Heaven and Earth while snoozing in God’s house. He then visits his uncle and gets duped into marrying the oldest sister over his beloved. Then the sisters wage a fertility war, resulting in 12 sons who would be the 12 tribes of Israel. Sprinkled through these accounts in the Torah reading (parashah) וַיֵּצֵא Vayetze or Vayetzei (“he went out,” Gen. 28:10–32:2) are prophetic breadcrumbs leading to the Son of God.

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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.