Weekly Torah Commentaries

By UMJC - Union Of Messianic Jewish CongregationsReligion & Spirituality Christianity Judaism

Weekly Torah Commentaries episodes

April 13, 2022 In Praise of Freedom
In a world that is coping with unrelenting plagues and an autocrat's
callous war on helpless civilians, observing Passover has never seemed more
relevant. We’ve rediscovered the value and fragility of our freedom.
8 min
April 05, 2022 How to Use Your Tongue for Good
A lot of ink has been spilled over the centuries about the evils of lashon
hara. Nothing much has been said, however, on its corollary, lashon hatov,
good speech. That’s what I would like us to focus on today.
11 min
March 30, 2022 Pause to Wonder
The capacity for wonder is fast disappearing in our day. But wonder is
holy: it reminds us there is something, or Someone, beyond ourselves.
Wonder causes us to sense and seek God.
12 min
March 22, 2022 "No, You Can’t Have Those Chick-fil-A Nuggets"
When I tell people I have never eaten a Chick-fil-A nugget because it is
non-kosher chicken (I have had their fries, and they definitely live up to
the hype), they are shocked. Personally, I keep kosher not just because I
grew up that way but also because I know it is what God says to do.
6 min
March 17, 2022 Esther, Seriously
Purim is definitely a good time for celebration. We should eat, drink,
laugh, and enjoy the holiday fully. However, we should also appreciate the
true story that we read in the Tanakh of the adventures of Esther and her
adoptive father, Mordechai.
14 min
March 10, 2022 Let Us Draw Near
While the original Mishkan was built once and then completed, we can
participate in its building and rebuilding every day: living lives of
prayer, Shabbat, and mitzvot as people of humility, faith and character.
Thus may we draw near to God that God may, in mercy, draw near to us.
10 min
March 03, 2022 The Trail Map of Torah
I love maps because I like to know where I am in the big picture of things.
Tracing where I’ve been, the trails I’ve taken, then locating my present
position, is the only way I know to navigate the road ahead. This is a good
life practice for individuals, as well as for communities.
12 min
February 22, 2022 From Head Counting to Healthy Community
Leaders like to count heads. The US government has conducted a census every
ten years since 1790, and even the theocracy established in Israel ages
earlier required a census. The Torah’s guidelines for this census are
surprisingly relevant to creating healthy communities today.
10 min
February 16, 2022 Who Doesn’t Like a Nice Sandwich?
Whenever I have something meaty to explain to someone, I always try to
deliver what I call a sandwich, interspersing it with the bread of
affirmation and compassion. Not everyone needs or appreciates a nice verbal
sandwich, but for me, it’s like a verbal hug of affirmation and
encouragement.
8 min
February 09, 2022 We Need an Advocate
Messiah our High Priest doesn’t simply go instead of us as some might posit, but rather ahead of us as our advocate. Therefore, we can follow him into the throne room of grace, confident that we will receive grace and mercy in our time of need.
8 min

About Weekly Torah Commentaries

From the publisher's feed

Reflections on the weekly Torah portions from a diverse group of Messianic Jewish rabbis, scholars, and lay people. Our contributors bring fresh insights to familiar texts, drawing connections to…