The Torah portion of Vayishlach is full of deeper meanings hidden underneath the surface meaning. Ya’akov returning to Kena’an (Canaan) with an abundance of blessings points towards the return of the Jewish people. The story of the death of Rachel points to the Messiah.

In this week’s Torah portion, Jacob dreams of a ladder stretching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending upon it. This vivid imagery symbolizes a profound connection between the spiritual and physical realms, offering lessons about our relationship with God and the role of righteous individuals in our lives.

The Well of Jacob: Purity, Purpose, and Our Connection to Hashem - Messianic Bible Study

Vayetzeh: Focus, Devotion, and Becoming a Light to the Nations - Messianic Jewish Bible Study

This week’s parsha, Vayetzeh, offers countless lessons, but today, I want to focus on one profound idea: gratitude—a cornerstone of what it means to be Jewish.

Discover the depth of Jewish prayer through blessings for food, seasons, and life events. Learn the importance of Hebrew, communal unity, and spiritual growth. Insights from 'To Be a Jew' and traditional teachings enrich this discussion.

In this session, we explore the depth of prayer in Judaism as a profound "service of the heart" (avodah she'belav), examining its roots, purpose, and evolution. Join us as we discuss the core components of prayer, such as the Amidah and Shema, and learn about their historical significance and their role in daily Jewish life. We cover how the structured prayers reflect the Temple offerings, how women and men approach prayer obligations, and the significance of personal and communal worship. Gain insights into the traditions surrounding prayer, including the reverence for the Torah, the importance of kavanah (intention), and the balance between formalized and spontaneous prayers. Plus, we discuss practical elements like praying in the direction of Jerusalem and the use of blessings in daily life. This video offers guidance for both beginners and those familiar with Jewish prayer, providing a foundation to engage meaningfully in services at any synagogue worldwide.

Today, we examine the Mezuzah, commanded in Deuteronomy 6:9 to be placed on doorposts as a sign of God’s Oneness and as a reminder of His commandments. Learn how the Mezuzah marks each entryway, transforming spaces into reminders of faith, devotion, and the duty to love and worship God. We’ll also discuss proper placement and which doors require a Mezuzah, maintaining its sacred role within a Jewish home.

Join us as we explore the mitzvah of Tzitzit from Numbers 15:38-39, which commands the use of fringes on four-cornered garments. Learn how the Tallit Gadol fulfills this command during morning prayers and why it’s praiseworthy to wear Tzitzit throughout the day. At BA, we honor the Breslov tradition by including tekhelet, the blue thread, whenever possible. Discover the significance of Tzitzit in inspiring mindfulness of God's commandments.