Congregation Beth Shalom Drash

Amalek

Asst. Rabbi Koch — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 21:54:30 +0000

Amalek went out of his way to be the first to attack Israel after they left Egypt. The grandson of Esav and full of hatred for the Jewish people, Amalek continues to this day to be the antithesis of Torah. What is at the root of this, and how do we see Amalek pervading our society today?

Shoftim

Frank Hutto — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 02:16:51 +0000

Shoftim means “judges” in Hebrew, and this week’s Parsha introduces G-d’s concept of justice to the world. Today we live in a society where justice is taken for granted! Our Senior Elder Frank Hutto discusses the concept of “justice” in biblical times versus today, and also discusses why Moses can be viewed as a “type” of Messiah.

Paganism

Asst. Rabbi Koch — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 23:13:34 +0000

G-d hates paganism, pure and simple. His instructions in Deuteronomy 12 and 13 make this abundantly clear. Why then did Israel still embrace it, and why do we as a society continue to adopt some of its practices today? Assistant Rabbi Chris Koch provides some real-life examples in this week’s drash.

Ekev

Webmaster — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 21:32:32 +0000

Remember… and don’t forget! Why is it that this passage seems to be redundant to us? What other life lessons for today can be gleaned from Deuteronomy 7-12? Our Senior Elder Frank Hutto walks us through this Parashah today and answers these questions for us.

Shema

Webmaster — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 01:57:38 +0000

What connection does the Shema and the V’ahavta have with the Ten Commandments? A lot, as it turns out!

The Value of Your Word

Webmaster — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 23:26:25 +0000

What is the value of your word? What about the Word of G-d? How are we to value His Word, and what are we to do with it? Rabbi Lansing provides us with some thoughts this week to challenge us and encourage us with regards to keeping His Word.

City of Refuge

Webmaster — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 21:07:55 +0000

When someone in Biblical times killed someone else accidentally, why did they go to a City of Refuge? Why then were they not allowed to leave until the Cohen HaGadol (High Priest) died? Furthermore, how do the writings of the Talmud help to explain why this situation is prophetic of Yeshua in a way that contradicts many popular Christian interpretations of Numbers 35?

The Bond of Community

Webmaster — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 22:01:56 +0000

What is a vow and what is the significance of taking one? We take vows today when we enter marriage or enter political office, but what about vows that we make voluntarily only unto G-d? Rabbi Lansing reviews his 415 pages of notes on the subject in this week’s Drash.

Spirit of Jezebel

Webmaster — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 22:16:10 +0000

Jezebel may have been killed by her eunuchs after being confronted by Jehu, but her spirit lives on today. What is the Jezebel Spirit, how do you identify it, and what should you do if you encounter such a spirit? Assistant Rabbi Chris Koch addresses these questions in this week’s drash.

Greed

Webmaster — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:00:00 +0000

The story of Balaam and Balak is a reflection of a common sin in our society today: greed! Greed is what motivated both of these men, and the results are predictable. Elder Frank Hutto describes the story in detail in this week’s Drash.