14
Jan
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“The Spirit of God fell on Sha’ul when he heard this; blazing furiously with anger…”
Chapter 11 of 1Samuel gives us the positive side of having a king. Why was the first king of Israel still plowing his own field? And where did the people of Jabesh-Gilead come from when they were nearly wiped out in the book of Judges? Does this story depict atonement for the Levite and his concubine in Judges 19? Join us for Part 9 in our Samuel Series.
10
Jan
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In this week’s Torah Portion, Vayechi (he lived) Yoel focuses on the blessings to Ephrayim, Yehudah, and Yoseph, presenting the literary, historical and cultural factors in understanding them.
8
Jan
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“The time came near for David to die; so he commissioned Shlomo his son as follows: “I am going the way of all the earth. Therefore, be strong; show yourself a man.”
We look at the historic and textual background of the book of Kings and the end of the reign of King David as he proclaims his will to his son Shlomo in this week’s haftarah Vayechi.
3
Jan
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Yoel explains the legal and emotional appeal of Yehudah, as well as evidence of semites in Egypt and more in this week’s Torah Portion, Vayigash (he approached).
1
Jan
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“Son of man, take a stick and write on it, ‘For Judah…”
If I’m not descendant of Israel, then what am I? We answer this question and review the object lesson given to the prophet Yechezqel in this week’s haftarah Vayigash.
31
Dec
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“Then Sh’mu’el took a flask of oil he had prepared and poured it on Sha’ul’s head.”
We begin with talks about whether the prophets used astrology, and whether women should wear tzitzit, then we dive into 1 Samuel 10 where Shaul is anointed as leader and prophesies. Why was he anointed from a clay vessel rather than a horn of oil?
27
Dec
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Joseph’s story gives us several nuggets worthy of examination in this week’s Torah Portion, Miqetz (at the end).
25
Dec
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“All Isra’el heard of the decision the king had made and held the king in awe, for they saw that God’s wisdom was in him, enabling him to render justice properly.”
The wisdom given by YHWH connects Yosef in our Torah portion with this week’s Haftarah Miqetz in the famous story of King Solomon.
20
Dec
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With a quick return to last week’s portion to address the tomb of Rachel, Yoel presents metaphors from Yosef’s life of exile and servitude, as well as technical elements in the story of Tamar and Yehuda in this week’s Torah Portion, Vayeshev (and He dwelt).
18
Dec
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“Of all the families on earth, only you have I intimately known. This is why I will punish you for all your crimes.”
We discuss oppression–what it is and what it isn’t–as we approach Amos’ prophecy of wisdom, counsel and correction against Israel in this week’s haftarah Vayeshev.