At the heart of Hanukkah is the miracle of the shemen (שֶׁמֶן)—a small amount of oil that, by all logical measures, should not have lasted. To human eyes, it was clearly insufficient. Yet once it was dedicated to sacred purpose and placed in God’s hands, it became a nes (נֵס), a miracle that defied expectation. This pattern appears again and…
Two Stories, One Astonishing Grace At first glance, the rivalry of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25–27 and Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 seem worlds apart—one is a gritty Old Testament family saga filled with deception and stolen blessings; the other is a tender New Testament story of a wayward son welcomed home with a robe,…
Sarah and the Modern Woman: Lessons from a Timeless Matriarch The story of Sarah, the first matriarch of the Jewish people, stands as one of courage, conviction, and transformation. Though she lived thousands of years ago, her life reflects many of the struggles and triumphs experienced by women today. From her journey into the unknown to her role as a leader…
Introduction In this portion we move from the early chapters of Genesis into some of the most dramatic narrative in the Torah: the story of Noah, the flood, the covenant, the incident with his sons, and then the tower at Babel and the genealogical transition toward Abraham’s family. The portion is named Noach (נֹחַ) after Noah, and covers Genesis…
Leaning on the Love and Mercy of God in Times of Challenge Life’s challenges can often feel heavy—moments when the path ahead seems unclear and our hearts are burdened with worry or pain. Yet it is in these very moments that God’s love and mercy shine brightest. The Bible reminds us again and again that we are never alone, and…
The First Line of Defense: Finding Strength in the Light of Jesus In life, challenges, fears, and uncertainties can often feel overwhelming. Many people look for their first line of defense in things like personal strength, financial security, or even the support of others. While these can offer temporary comfort, they are not unshakable foundations. True and lasting defense begins…
Embracing the Ease of Fall: Finding Balance in the Changing Season As the long, energetic days of summer begin to fade, fall offers a welcome invitation to slow down. The season arrives softly—cooler mornings, golden afternoons, and trees turning into living art. It’s a natural pause, a gentle reminder that change can be both beautiful and restorative. After months of…
Here’s a short article on this week’s Torah portion (i.e., the portion scheduled for Shabbat on August 9, 2025)—from a Christian perspective: Embracing God’s Plea: Parashat Va’Etchanan (Deuteronomy 3:23–7:11) This week’s Torah portion, Va’Etchanan, begins with Moses’s heartfelt plea for entry into the Promised Land—a land which he never sees. But don’t despair, because it transitions into powerful teachings that reach…