Congregation Shema Yisrael

Knowing the truth about God is essential. However, in addition to knowing the truth about God, we need to develop and then maintain a close, personal, intimate relationship with the living God. We need to walk with God, live with God, moment by moment. We do that by focusing our mind on Him throughout the […] Source

The name of this week’s parasha is D’varim, which means “words,” and covers Deuteronomy 1:1 through 3:22.  In the 40th year of the journey to the Promised Land, Moses spoke to the Israelis all that Adonai commanded him to give to them after the victories over Sihon king of Heshbon, and Og king of Bashan.  […] Source

This week Rabbi Glenn continues the study of the Book of James. He discusses how James 2 is not in conflict with Rabbi Paul’s writing on faith and works. Source

The Rabbi had just written that as people sinned more, God’s grace became more abundant. Paul anticipated a response to this: Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his grace? The answer? Of course not! The reason? Since we have died to sin, how can […] Source

Shabbat Shalom. This morning I have the privilege of beginning our summer series going through our favorite Psalms. Lord willing, we will examine together a favorite of mine Psalm 33. Psalm 33 is a beautiful encouraging psalm about trusting in the Lord with a beautiful message about faith, hope, and love. So, it makes perfect […] Source

Shabbat Shalom, this week we have a double parasha Mattot-Masei which means “Tribes – Journeys” and covers Numbers chapter 30:1 through 36:13.  Chapter 30 starts with the importance of vows. The promises that one makes to God and others that are above them in authority. A binding obligation that you are held to keep. We […] Source

Rabbi Jerry this week leads the Bible Study through James 2. He discusses the dangers of showing favoritism and how it is still a dangerous issue during our modern day. Watch Below Source

How would you feel if at the end of a phone conversation with a friend just before you’re headed out of town on a trip, they said something like this: “I hope you have a really difficult and challenging time out there, and that you face many trials and a healthy dose of opposition.”? You […] Source

In last week’s Parasha, Rabbi Glenn instructed us on the prophet Balaam and his suggestion on how King Balak could harm the Jewish nation. Balaam’s idea was for the Midianite women to have relations with the Israeli men and introduce them to Baal worship. This would prove successful in that many men of the different […] Source

Rabbi Glenn reviews the first half of James 1 and begins James 2. Click Here For Rabbi Glenn’s Notes. Watch Below: Source

This morning’s parasha (Numbers 22:2-25:9) is entitled Balak, the name of the king of Moab, who attempted to hire Balaam the seer to come and curse Israel. It had become evident that God was giving Israel victory after victory over the nations adjacent to Canaan. Fearing the same fate for his own country, Balak sends […] Source

Rabbis Loren and Glenn are joined by Rebbetzin Martha and Alexandra for a discussion of Proverbs 19. Source

This week Rabbi Glenn begins a new series through the Book of James, starting with an introduction and James 1. Watch Below: Source

Rabbi Glenn this week shares a study on 2 Samuel 15-19 and connects the Absalom narrative as a foreshadowing of Messiah Yeshua. Click Here For Rabbi Glenn’s Paper   Watch Below: Source

This week’s parasha is called Korach, named for the leader of one of the largest and most severe revolts against the leadership of Moses and Aaron during the wilderness journey.  Our passage for this week covers Numbers, Chapter 16:1 – Chapter 18:32. While all those who served at the Tabernacle and later at the Temple […] Source

Rabbi Jerry, after returning from LCJE-NA, shares a study on the importance of Israel and resources to combat rising anti-Israel and antisemitism. Resources Mentioned: What Should We Think About Israel?: Separating Fact from Fiction in the Middle East Conflict Hope In The Holy Land Watch Below: Source

Rabbi Loren and Rabbi Glenn continue their discussion through the letter to the Romans with Romans 10 Part 2. Source

Shabbot Shalom, this week’s parasha is Sh’lach Lecha which means “Send Out” and covers Numbers chapter 13:1 through 15:41. We begin with the Lord telling Moses to send out 12 men into Canaan. Moses told each man to do reconnaissance in the land. He instructed them to see  if the people are strong or weak, […] Source

Rabbi Glenn concludes his three-part series on remaining faithful to Yeshua until the end, including in the face of Martyrdom. Watch Below:  Source

Rabbis Loren, Glenn, and Jerry continue their discussion of the Letter to The Romans with Romans 10 Part 1. They discuss the error of two-covenant theology and the right way to be joined to Messiah Yeshua. Source

The name of this week’s parasha is Beha-alo-t’cha, which means “when you set up,” and covers Numbers 8:1 through 12:16.  This parasha’s name refers to Adonai’s instructions on setting up the 7 lamps of the golden lampstand, and how to face them and light the area in front of the lampstand, which was made according […] Source

Rabbi Glenn presents the second part of his three part study on the importance of being loyal to Messiah Yeshua. Watch Below: Source

Rabbi Glenn begins a new three-part Bible Study on loyalty to Messiah. Watch Below: Source

Rabbis Loren, Glenn, and Jerry continue their discussion of the Letter to the Romans. They conclude chapter 9 with a discussion on how we relate to the Lord and our modern day law-keeping. Source

The two Torah portions for this Shabbat are BaMidbar, meaning “In the Wilderness” and Naso meaning “Take Up” and these begin the book of Numbers. For those who are new to Shema, let me explain that the Hebrew names for the books of the Torah derive from the key word in the opening sentence of […] Source