Hebrew In Israel

“These are the designated times of YHWH, the holy convocations you are to proclaim at their designated times.” We begin our study with a discussion on identity since the Feasts are for Israel. Do you have to be a native born Jew to keep the Feasts of YHWH? Do you have to live in Israel? Is […]

“Return, Isra’el, to YHWH your God, for your guilt has made you stumble.”   This week’s haftarah teaching from Hoshea holds a beautiful picture of repentance and God’s great love for Israel.   Haftarah Vayelekh:  Hoshea 14:2-10; Micah 7:18-20   Mentioned In This Podcast Hoshea Series      Love YHWH     Oral Torah Series   Hebrew In Israel intro music: Çeçen Kizi […]

“Life and good” or “death and evil” is the choice given to those standing before God, as well as to “those who are not here with us today”.  We present implications of these passages and more in this week’s Torah portion, Nitzavim (standing). Torah Portion Nitzavim: Deuteronomy 29:9 – 30:20 Torah Portion Vayelech:  Deuteronomy 31:1-30 Questions […]

“…for he has clothed me in salvation, dressed me with a robe of triumph, like a bridegroom wearing a festive turban, like a bride adorned with her jewels.”  BarMitzvahs, cantillation, Yemenite brides and Edomites all take part in this week’s presentation of Haftarah Nitzavim. Haftarah Nitzavim:  Isaiah 61:10 – 63:9 Photo: Jewish Yemenite bride in Israel, 1950’s; Public […]

After an additional note about polygamy from last week’s parashah, we discuss aspects of the bikkurim (firstfruits) in this week’s Torah portion, Ki Tavo (when you come). Torah Portion Ki Tavo: Deuteronomy 26:1–29:8 Questions and Topics in this Discussion Are Firstfruits First In Chronology or Quality? Where Are They Brought? Why Specify The Priest “which will […]

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, the glory of YHWH has risen over you.”   All of Isaiah chapter 60 is the 6th of our 7 prophecies of comfort.  We also address what can be learned from Ancient Near East references in the Bible and how to derive the meaning of Hebrew words.    Haftarah Ki Tavo:  Isaiah 60:1-22 […]

…the ark of the covenant of YHWH–Tzva’ot, who is present above the k’ruvim.” In part 4 of our Light of the Prophets: Samuel series, we discuss superstition, Ichabod, the Philistine god Dagon, as well as defeating the people but not their God, in 1 Samuel, Chapters 4-5.

We present an historic perspective to some awkward and controversial issues in this week’s torah portion, Ki Tetze (when you go out). Torah Portion Ki Tetze: Deuteronomy 21:10 – 25:19 Questions and Topics in this Discussion What To Do With Female Captives Of War When A Man Has More Than One Wife What About Leviticus […]

“I was angry for a moment and hid my face from you; but with everlasting grace I will have compassion on you,” says YHWH your Redeemer.” The words of comfort continue in Isaiah 54, and we address the origin of the haftarah readings as well as who are the Samaritans. Haftarah Ki Tetze:  Isaiah 54:1-10 […]

We examine the structure of authority that God established for Israel in this week’s torah portion, Shoftim (judges). Torah Portion Shoftim: Deuteronomy 16:18 – 21:9 Questions and Topics in this Discussion What is a Shofet (Judge)? Can A King Of Israel Have Absolute Power? What Will It Be Like If/When There Is A King In […]