Category: Torah

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Discussions Torah

Abraham’s teachable moments on faith (Genesis 18:1–22:24)

A graphic with a black background and pink text features the title "ABRAHAM'S TEACHABLE MOMENTS ON FAITH" in bold, uppercase letters inside a rectangular outline. Below, a subtitle states, "Despite Abraham's ups & downs, his faith was growing, not shrinking." The passage reference **Genesis 18:1–22:24** is highlighted in bold pink text. A pink line graph with dots represents Abraham’s faith journey, showing fluctuations but an overall upward trend. The bottom right corner contains a logo with a stylized Hebrew letter and the website hallel.info

Why is Abraham considered our “father of faith” when so much of his biblical biography shows examples of his utter lack of faith? He laughed in God’s face about a son from a barren wife, circumvented God’s prophesy for that son and lied to two different kings about his relationship with Sarah, putting her in real danger.

In the Torah parashah (portion) called Vayera (“He appeared,” Gen. 18:1–22:24), we learn that despite Abraham’s (and Sarah’s) ups and downs, their faith was growing, not shrinking. That is why God Himself not only credited Abraham’s trust as righteousness but also made them patriarch and matriarch of “a great and mighty nation” through which all nations of Earth would be blessed.

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 12–17: From old self to ‘new creation’ in Abraham’s footsteps

Studies in Torah

Apostle Paul called Abraham the “father of us all,” those born in Israel and those who have faith like his (Rom. 4:16). The following is a discussion of Torah passage Lech Lecha (“go forth” or “get going,” Genesis 12-17). In it, we see Abraham’s first move of faith in leaving his homeland for some unknown destination Heaven was leading him toward. His response is an inspiration to us all.

Abraham’s first move of faith was leaving his homeland for some unknown destination Heaven was leading him toward. His journey plus that of Israel from bondage in Egypt parallels our path on The Way from the person we used to be to the “new creation” God has started in us through Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus the Christ).

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Genesis 6:9-11:32: Remembering God’s judgment and mercy in the Flood

The image features a stylized watercolor depiction of a powerful ocean wave in shades of blue and white, symbolizing the biblical flood. Overlaid on the image is the text: **"Remembering God's judgment and mercy in the Flood. Genesis 6:9–11:32"**, written in bold, flowing script. In the bottom-right corner is the logo **"hallel.info"**, subtly placed in a matching blue tone. The overall design evokes a sense of divine power and grace intertwined.

Though his generation had forgotten, Noach (Noah) remembered the Creator was in charge, followed His instructions and didn’t have the malice of the world around him. In the Torah section Noach (Genesis 6-11), we learn that the relationship between God and Noach was a two-way street, and it is because of this one man’s trust in God that all of creation was saved.

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Discussions Torah

Genesis 1:1–6:8: God commanded, but why should I listen?

If you were to chop off Genesis 1–5, you would not be able to competently answer this about the instructions and teachings of the Father and Messiah: “Why should I do that?” Two-thirds of children from Christian homes will walk away from their faith to varying degrees, and one of the main reasons for that fall off is they are not given honest answers about the authority of the Scriptures.

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Discussions Torah

Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9: Shadows of ‘the Prophet’ and death of the Messiah

Yeshua chose 12 Apostles to be His closest students and confidants. After His Ascension, they also became His ambassadors. All who believe in Yeshua believe because of them. (Photo by www.LumoProject.com)

Shadows of the prophet status and crucifixion of the Messiah appear in the Torah passage שֹׁפְטִים Shoftim (“judges”), covering Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9. In a section of the Bible focused on codes of justice still used in modern society, there also is hope for the greatest mercy the world has ever seen, in Yeshua haMashiakh (Jesus the Christ).

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Discussions Torah

Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17: Dancing around whole-hearted devotion to the LORD

God wants to see our praise and He wants us to see Him. (Photo by Freeimages.com/Gabriel Pico)

In the Book of Deuteronomy, God, through Moses, asks His people to give Him their unwavering devotion and praise. Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) teaches us to do the same.

In this study of the Torah reading רְאֵה Re’eh (“see,” Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17), the LORD wants us to see what’s intended by the Second, Third and Fourth of the Ten Commandments.

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Discussions Torah

Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25: ‘I took you into this Land, and I can take you out’

The eviction of Michael Connell, in Moyasta, Co.Clare, Ireland on July 30, 1888. Photo by National Library of Ireland on The Commons.

Some have disregarded Israel at the time of Yeshua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) ministry and in modern times as having anything to do with Bible prophecy, because of perceived failings of the people in trusting God.

But as we see in the Torah reading עקב Ekev/Eikev (“consequence,” Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25), God is faithful to His promises. We should be grateful for God’s mercy and bigger plans for our lives.