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 […]
Haftarah Commentary Isaiah 54:1-10
The Haftarah for Parashat Ki Teitzei is drawn from Isaiah 54:1–10, a passage that contains a lot of imagery concerning restoration, covenantal fidelity, and the unshakeable mercy of Mar-Yah toward His people. The reading follows the great Servant Song of Isaiah 53, where the Suffering Servant bears the sins of many. Thus Isaiah 54 is […]
Commentary on Parashat Ki Teitzei
Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19 Shalom! This Shabbat’s reading is from Parashat Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10–25:19), one of the richest portions of Aurayta, filled with a great multitude of laws that touch upon war, family, morality, commerce, justice, and compassion. It is a portion that demonstrates the extraordinary breadth of Aurayta’s concern, for it descends into the practical […]
The Witness of John – John 1:19–27
The priests and Levites from Jerusalem question John: “Who are you?” He confesses plainly, “I am not Mshikha” (v. 20). He identifies himself as “the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of Mar-Yah, as said the prophet Isaiah” (v. 23). This passages echoes Deuteronomy 18:15–19, where Mar-Yah promised a Prophet […]
Haftarah Commentary Isaiah 51:12–52:12
The Haftarah associated with Parashat Shoftim comes from Isaiah, a prophet whose voice calls out both judgment and consolation. The section chosen (51:12–52:12) is marked by reassurance, hope, and the proclamation of redemption. It connects intimately with the Aurayta portion’s theme of justice and righteous authority, for here Mar-Yah Himself declares that He is Judge, […]
Commentary on Parashat Shoftim
Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 Parashat Shoftim is deeply concerned with the establishment of righteous order within Israel. It sets forth laws concerning judges, priests, kings, prophets, warfare, and communal responsibility. The central theme is the necessity of justice grounded in the will of Mar-Yah, not in human ambition or partiality. The text demonstrates that Israel was to […]
Commentary on Parashat Re’eh
Deuteronomy 11:26–16:17 In this week’s portion we see that Mosheh summons Israel to contemplate the profound reality of covenantal choice. “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse” (Deut. 11:26). This is a covenantal decree that touches the very destiny of the people of Israel. The blessing is linked to obedience, […]