Congregation Shema Yisrael

About 175 years before Messiah came into the world, the Jewish people were in a very difficult situation. We were living under the rule of a Greek king named Antiochus IV, who pressured our people to adopt the culture and pagan religion of the Greeks. Compounding this problem, we also faced danger from an ongoing […] Source

This Shabbat’s parasha is entitled Vayeshev, meaning, “…and he dwelt”. Jacob is back in Canaan. Our attention turns to Joseph, who’s now 17 years-old. Because Joseph was the first-born by Jacob’s late, beloved wife Rachel, Jacob lavishes his greatest affections on Joseph, which doesn’t sit well with Joseph’s brothers. They resent him. The situation is […] Source

This week Rabbi Glenn discusses Eschatology in 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. Watch Below:   Source

Rabbis Loren, Glenn, and Jerry discuss the first part of Mark 3. They discuss the importance of the Sabbath and our relationship with the Lord. Source

This week’s parasha is titled, Vayishlach, which means “And He Sent,” and covers Genesis 32:3 – 36:43. In last week’s parasha, we heard about how Jacob was finally able to leave Laban after over 2 decades of service.  As Jacob looks to the road ahead, in chapter 32, he sends out messengers to his brother […] Source

This week Rabbi Jerry covers Eschatology in 1 & 2 Peter. He focuses on the importance of having a heavenly hope with earthly responsibilities. watch Below: Source

This week Rabbis Loren, Glenn, and Jerry finish their discussion of Mark 2. Source

The Tora reading for this week’s Parasha, is entitled Vayetze which means “He Went Out”. It is taken from the book of Genesis 28:10 –32:3. In obedience to his father’s command, “Jacob went out from Beer-sheba and went toward Haran to seek a wife.” He also went out to comply with his mother’s counsel to […] Source

This week Rabbi Glenn covers Eschatology in the Letter of James. Watch Below: Source

This message was given by Isaac Brickner, branch leader of Jews For Jesus Los Angeles. In this message he shares about the importance of having the correct perspective on suffering and abandonment because of the Gospel. Source

This week’s Parasha is Chayei Sarah (the life of Sarah) and covers Genesis 23:1- 25:18. It starts in chapter 23 with the death of Sarah.  Sarah had lived 127 years and she died in the land of Hebron.  Abraham tells the leaders of the Hittites, who ruled in the land, that he is (and I […] Source

Rabbis Loren and Jerry finish discussing Mark 1 and begin Mark 2. They discuss the proper way to pray for healing and what faith looks like in practice. Source

This week Rabbi Jerry finishes Eschatology in the Letter to the Messianic Jews also known as Hebrews. Watch Below: Source

This week Rabbis Loren, Glenn, and Jerry continue their discussion of Mark 1. They discuss the importance of Evangelism and responding quickly to the Lord. Source

This week’s Torah portion, entitled Vayera means “And He Appeared.” It covers Genesis 18:1-22:24. The first words of this Torah portion are profound and astounding. God appeared to Abraham, confirming His covenant promise. In chapter 18 Adonai appeared to Abraham, in the form of a man, at the oaks of Mamre, along with two of […] Source

This week Rabbi Glenn takes a small pause to answer your theological questions in a freeform discussion. Watch Below: Source

Rabbis Loren, Glenn, and Jerry begin a new series through the Gospel of Mark. They discuss the baptism of Messiah Yeshua and John the Baptist. Source

This week our parasha is Lech Lecha which means “Go Forth” and covers Genesis 12:1-17:27. Parasha Lech Lecha introduces us to the father of the Jewish people, Abram, and his extraordinary faith in Adonai. Genesis 12 begins at what will be the turning point in Abram’s life, the Call of the Lord. The Lord spoke […] Source

This week Rabbis Loren and Jerry discuss Genesis 6-11. They discuss the credibility of Genesis and specifically the worldwide flood during the time of Noah. Source

This week Rabbi Jerry continues the series on Eschatology in the Pauline Letters with 1&2 Timothy and Titus. Watch Below Source

This week Rabbi Loren and Rabbi Glenn discuss the first parasha. They discuss the importance of understanding the foundations of our faith. Source

This week Rabbi Glenn continues the series on Eschatology in the Pauline Letters with 1&2 Thessalonians. Watch Below Source

Does your house or apartment feel ‘homey’ to you – cozy and inviting? It should feel comfortable and familiar, since you chose the furniture and whatever adorns the walls. At our house I’ve got a little study upstairs. It’s only 6’x6’ but it has what I need, and is very cozy, and I get most […] Source

I think most of us struggle with not having enough time. That there are too few hours in a day to get everything we want done. There are people, jobs, hobbies, and obligations, all pulling us in a dozen different directions. This is besides the many distractions of modern life. For example, the average person […] Source

This week’s Torah portion is V’Zot HaBerachah, meaning “And this is the blessing”. It completes the annual cycle of Torah readings and covers Deuteronomy 33:1–34:12. The parasha recounts the blessings Moses gave each of the twelve tribes of Israel before his death. The structure of the blessings is similar in fashion to the way Jacob […] Source