(Deuteronomy 33:1–34:12; Joshua 1:1–18; Luke 24:25–32) Simchat Torah, the “Rejoicing of the Law,” is the radiant afterword to the great cycle of the year—a festival of joy fulfilled. On this day, the people of Israel gather to complete the reading of the Torah, only to begin it again from the opening words of Genesis. The […]
Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles) 6-13 October 2025
Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, is one of the most joyous and theologically rich festivals of the calendar. It recalls the days when Israel dwelt in fragile shelters during their journey through the wilderness, wholly dependent upon the providence of the Almighty. As it is written: “Ye shall dwell in booths (tabernacles) seven days; all […]
Shmini Atzeret – Monday, 13 October 2025
(Genesis 2:1–3; Deuteronomy 14:22–16:17; John 7:37–39) Shmini Atzeret, the “Eighth Day of Assembly,” is the quiet culmination of the long and joyous season that began with the sounding of the shofar on Rosh Hashanah and found its splendour in the harvest rejoicing of Sukkot. Yet unlike Sukkot, Shmini Atzeret bears a more intimate tone. It […]
Commentary on Parashat Ha’azinu
Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52 Parashat Ha’azinu is one of the most moving portions of Aurayta. It is largely made up of the Song of Mosheh, a sacred hymn given at the end of his life. This song is a living reminder of who Mar-Yah is, who His people are, and how He will remain faithful even when […]
Thoughts on John 12:44–13:1
In our reading from the Brith Chadashah, Yeshua brings His public ministry to a close. He declares that to believe in Him is to believe in the One who sent Him, and to see Him is to see the Father. He has come as light into the world, that those who trust in Him may […]
Commentary on Parashat Vayeilech
This Shabbat reading is one of the shortest portions in the Aurayta, yet it carries profound weight as it depicts Mosheh’s final words and instructions to Israel before his passing. Mosheh states that his time of leadership is at an end, for he is one hundred and twenty years old and shall not cross the […]
Matthew 13:1–23 — The Parable of the Sower
In the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter 13 opens a new section in Yeshua’s teaching, often called the “parables discourse.” On the same day that he had been challenged by the religious authorities, he turns from the synagogue to the seashore, and then into a boat, teaching the crowd gathered on the shore. His first […]
Commentary on Isaiah 60:1–22
Our reading from this week’s haftarah belongs to the final movement of Isaiah, a vision of Zion restored, exalted, and radiant with the glory of Mar-Yah. It is the sixth of the seven Haftarot of Consolation read after Tish‘a be-Av, which provides hope and comfort for Israel after the sorrow of exile. The prophet’s words […]
Commentary on Parashat Ki Tavo
The name Ki Tavo—“When you have come in”—sets the tone of arrival, of transition from the wilderness sojourn to the settled life of covenant responsibility in Eretz Yisrael. This portion highlights two great themes: 1) the sanctification of the first-fruits and the tithe, and 2) the solemn proclamation of blessings and curses upon Mount Gerizim […]
The Olivet Discourse – Matthew 24:29–42
Our New Covenant reading for this week belongs to what is often called the Olivet Discourse, Yeshua’s prophetic teaching concerning the end of the age, the coming of the Son of Man, and the necessity of vigilance. The words here are weighty, weaving together the language of the Prophets, the imagery of apocalyptic vision, and […]