How is it possible to be "holy" in a world that is suffering through crisis and seems so divided?  And yet, this is still a world packed with wonders where the call to being  holy is remarkably within reach.

Israel's continuing life and vibrancy as a nation reflect God's continuing faithfulness to His people, His Word and to the ultimate purpose revealing His glory to the nations.

The death of Yeshua at Passover was always meant to help us see Israel's experience of the Exodus as a path of insight for a deeper understanding of the events of the crucifixion, atonement and resurrection of Messiah.

The Sabbath is not just a day of rest, but part of a transformational approach to the very concept of time. Yeshua gives us a deeper understanding of how to practice and appreciate this day of which he is called, "Lord."

A brief devotional in preparation for the Passover season.  Presented online on The March 3, 2021.

The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is one of the most misunderstood parables and the usual interpretation is largely biased against the Pharisees [Hebrew: P'rushim] and strangely sympathetic of tax-collectors. We will explore what it meant to have "the heart of a Pharisee" in Yeshua's time and how to more accurately place the parable in a current context. Delivered Sat. March 6, 2021 online.

This is a summary introduction to the Parashah T'rumah, based on Exodus 25, and gives a brief historical overview of this remarkable locus of spiritual mystery and power. It is part of the UMJC Commentaries series regularly posted at www.umjc.org/commentaries (dated Feb. 17, 2021).

The requirement of every man in Israel to give a half-shekel for the upkeep of the Tabernacle--and later, the Temple (Exodus 30: 11ff), opens up a fascinating discussion as we consider that Yeshua chose a unique way to pay it, with Kefa's assistance.  Date derash given: February 13, 2021.