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A Different Night: The Timing of the Seder
In Judaism, time flows like a rolling wave that loops back on itself even as it pushes forward. That means that instead of commemorating the redemption, we have a brief opportunity to re-live it. Instead of rehearsing a future event, we experience a foretaste of it.
8-minute read
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Guide to Israel’s April 2019 Election
Millions of Israelis head to the polls this week to decide Israel’s future in an early election deeply mired with political scandals, deep party divisions and the ever-present weight of the nation’s security at hand. Learn the how, who, and why in this election guide.
8-minute read
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Counting the Omer
Why didn’t the LORD simply specify the date on the Hebrew calendar, 6 Sivan, on which to celebrate Shavu’ot? Counting the Omer links Shavu’ot explicitly to Pesach. Counting each day is like adding a link to a chain. In a sense, therefore, Shavu’ot is the ultimate fulfillment of Pesach.
6-minute read
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Passover and Non-Jews: A Universal Exodus
There is ample evidence that, for the earliest Gentile believers, the celebration of Passover was an important holiday celebrated by all believers in Messiah—both Jewish and Gentile. Paul wrote the book of 1 Corinthians to a predominately Gentile audience who attended both synagogue and weekly gatherings of believers.
12-minute read
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Messianic Jew Running for Knesset Is Historic First
In a historic first, a Messianic Jew, David Friedman, is running for a seat in the Knesset in Israel’s early elections this month. Though chances of victory are slim, it’s a chance to raise the profile of Israel’s Messianic population and pave the way for the future.
8-minute read
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Rocket Strike Wounds Seven Israelis, One Year of Gaza Protests
A Hamas rocket destroyed a home and wounded seven Israelis sparking off a tense week. Plus, the Gaza border protests hit the one-year milestone, and the Sea of Galilee water level rises above the lower red line. This and more in the Weekly Israel News Recap (Without the Rhetoric).
7-minute read
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Pesach Miracles: A Purpose beyond Belief
The Torah clearly indicates that the miracles surrounding the Exodus were for a particular purpose. God desired that all involved would know him. Exodus 14:31 confirms the success of that plan, as Israel believed in God and his servant Moses. Understanding the Hebrew text reveals that something much more significant than belief took place there.
7-minute read
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So You're Hosting Your First Passover Seder?
Planning a Passover Seder can be daunting, especially if you have never done it before. We've put together a concise list of planning tips that can ease the stress and help keep you organized. Plus, we have a brand new Haggadah that was designed with you in mind!
7-minute read
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Eight Connections between the Red Heifer and Redemption
As the month of Nisan approaches, in our synagogues we read several special passages that are important for the season. One of these readings, Parashat Parah is the passage regarding the red heifer. This mysterious ritual fills us with anticipation for the final redemption through Messiah.
7-minute read
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Hamas Violently Represses Gazan's Protests against Hamas Rule
Hamas violently cracks down on protests in Gaza, targeting activists and journalists. Plus, a terrorist kills an IDF soldier and Rabbi in West Bank attack. U.S. recognizes Israeli rule over Golan Heights. This and more in the Weekly Israel News Recap (Without the Rhetoric).
10-minute read
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The Opposite of What We Fear
Do you feel as though hope is lost? It most certainly is not. Do you feel as though things are spinning out of control? They may look and feel that way but the author hasn't finished writing! Look up. God is the author of events. It is not over and it may very well turn out to be exactly the opposite of what we fear.
8-minute read
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The Enactments of Mordecai and Esther
The Torah says nothing about Purim because the story of Esther did not happen until about a thousand years later. And yet, four mitzvot of Purim are observed today. How could new commandments be given to the Jewish people so long after the revelation at Mount Sinai?
7-minute read