How do we explain the first word in the book of psalms?
אַשְׁרֵי הָאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר לֹא הָלַךְ בַּעֲצַת רְשָׁעִים
Most translations say “happy” but what does it mean? It is clear that the word is declarative, but does “happy” really mean the same thing as אשרי?
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With a quick review of the command to not eat blood, Jono and Yoel continue in chapter 2 with the corrupt practices of the sons of Eli and how the priesthood was removed from this family.
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In this week’s torah portion, Vaetchanan (and I pleaded), we examine the components of loyalty throughout this parashah.
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How does the book of Deuteronomy compare with Exodus? What is the most fundamental thing about this book? Can a covenant be adapted to a situation without adding to or taking away from the law? And finally, we look at the first five verses of the text which hint that the book may not have been one long speech.
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“but those who hope in YHWH will renew their strength, they will soar aloft as with eagles’ wings; when they are running they won’t grow weary, when they are walking they won’t get tired.” Isaiah 40:31
We have all suffered loss in our lives. Where was God when it happened? In this week’s haftarah, Isaiah sends a message to those who suffered in his day that is just as applicable to those of us who suffer today: A message of hope and that there is someone in control.
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As Jono and Yoel open the study of the book of Samuel, we learn more about ancient practices in Israel through the account of Samuel’s parents, Elkanah & Hannah, and Eli the High Priest.
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In this week’s torah portion, Devarim (words), Israel’s leader, Moshe, delivers his final speech before his death. Yoel addresses some technical issues surrounding this ancient document, as well as the governing of Israel.
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From our Weekly Bible Group, we begin this introduction to Deuteronomy with understanding its literary structure–that of an Ancient Near East vassal treaty; and more specifically, a Hittite treaty.
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“Come now,” says YHWH, “let’s talk this over together. Even if your sins are like scarlet, they will be white as snow; even if they are red as crimson, they will be like wool.”
We read from Sennacherib’s annals and the historic backdrop of the prophet Isaiah–the prophet of hope–as look at Isaiah chapter 1.
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“For my people have committed two evils: they have abandoned me, the fountain of living water, and dug themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water!”
Haftarah Masai brings us Jeremiah’s first prophecy for Israel and appeal for her return.
The class is done in a virtual class room with multiple participants. We meet on Sundays at 11:45am US eastern, or 6:45pm Israel time. You do not need to know Hebrew for this class, and you also receive a recording of the classes every month. For the link and how to join, click the More Info Button to email us.
