MBM-UK - Weekly studies

This week we look at the violation of Dinah and the destruction of the men of shchem by Levi and Simeon. We discuss the complexities of the account morally and ethically and how some of the events recorded have paralllels with the Oct 7th attacks and the continuing conflict.

In the second part of our study we look specifically at the verses where Jacob wrestles with the messenger and how that impacts what we experience and how it shapes us if we perservere in the struglle to become the people we are meant to be.

We begin the new portion Vayishlach which marks the beginning of the next phase of Jacob's journey. We discuss the symbolic importance of the relationship between Jacob and Esau and how the characteristics of both the brothers is reflected today in the events we seeing unfolding. We also discuss how we have within ourselves Jacob and Esau nature's which war against each other.

Continuing our study, we discuss the departure of Jacob from Laban. We discuss how stealing is connected with idolatry and how atheism is a form of self-worship.

This week we look at the continuing expansion of Jacob's family. We begin with the foundation of 12 and how this number is not only relevant to the number of sons that Jacob has but how it permeates history, nature and the universe. We discuss technologies of the time, how that applies to our world today, and how the will of GOD supercedes all of the methods that we might use to advance our own fortunes through our knowledge and understanding.

This week we look at the change in Jacob after his dream about the ladder and the covenant GOD makes with him. We discuss the importance of the number 12 and how this is the point where the fruition of the previous covenant promises begin to come to life. We also touch on the principle that covenant promises don't necessarily mean an easy ride in life, but that their fulfillment is based on the giver more than the receiver.

This week we begin the Torah portion Vayetze - "And he departed". Our discussion looks at the dream of Jacob and the ladder which is referred to in John's gospel. We look at the contrast of departing and leaving and how that informs the way we walk toward the challenges and adventures before us despite what may have brought us to the place of choosing.

This week's study is a continuation of the chapter that speaks of the blessings over Jacob and Esau. We look at the nature of the blessings and how they are fulfilled. We also discuss the character of Esau and the connection with the goats of Yom Kippur and the sheep and goat judgment of Matthew 25 and Revelation 20

This weeks discussion is recorded at our Rosh Chodesh service. The discussion looks at some of the questions around what seems a very negative and controversial passage. Part of the discussion included a video from the teaching of Aleph Beta - here is the link: https://alephbeta.org/podcasts/book-like-no-other
Genesis 27 is not all it seems and the discussions reflect this.

This week we discuss Isaac and the famine during his time in Gerar, the land of the Philistines. We continue to show how he, as the first part of the covenant made between Abraham and HaShem also encounters hostility and rejection in the land of the Philistines during the time of famine even though he brings blessing thorugh the provision of water and food. We also discuss how the land dispute in the land today described as Palestine is no different from the sort of dispute seen in Chapter 26 and how jealously and envy can cause a loss of blessing from GOD by rejecting the vehicle of His covenant blessings.