Congregation Shema Yisrael

I want to talk about making new year’s resolutions. About 30% of American’s make new year’s resolutions – most about eliminating bad habits and developing better habits with eating and drinking, exercising, money management and relationships. However, while some new year’s resolutions are kept, many aren’t. Why? Messiah told us: The spirit is willing but […] Source

Our last parasha ended on a cliffhanger, with a still-hidden Joseph telling his brothers Benjamin would remain in Egypt. This week our parasha concludes Joseph’s testing of his brothers. Our parasha this week is called Vayigash which translates to “And He Drew Near” and covers Genesis 44:18-47:27. This parasha shows us how love covers a multitude […] Source

No one really knows where this curse originated, but it fits the present day; it goes like this: “May you live in interesting times”. It is meant as irony, since life is thought to be better when things are normal, predictable… not ‘interesting’. Chaos and societal upheaval are ‘interesting’ but who wants to live through […] Source

Once again, we come to Channukah in dark times. Our society seems to be controlled by those who love themselves and power above anything else. God is mocked, and many have abandoned their faith, fearing rejection and retaliation. Suffering seems to be growing, leading many to despair. But in times like these, we face a […] Source

The Torah reading for this week is entitled Miketz, which means “At the End.” It covers Genesis chapters 41:1-44:17. Divine sovereignty is now at work. Now It was Pharaoh who dreamed, now the cupbearer remembers, now Joseph’s was “at the end” of his imprisonment. Joseph was “Now” brought before Pharaoh, freshly shaven, and decently clothed. […] Source

This week David Brickner, Executive Chairman of Jews For Jesus, answers the question, “Does the Jewish Bible Point to Jesus?” Source

This Shabbat’s parasha is entitled Vayeshev, meaning, “…and he dwelt.” Do you remember the old expression, Meanwhile, back at the ranch? It probably was taken from the old black and white westerns, where the action shifts frequently from place to place. Vayeshev is a lot like that: the narrator (Moses) shifts our attention from place […] Source

This week Rabbi Jerry teaches on Psalm 90 and discusses the meaning of our lives and how to understand our lives from the Lord’s perspective. Watch Below:   Source

This year, Christmas and Chanukkah start the same day – December 25th. I like that. I like that because there are very important truths these two holidays have in common. This morning, I want to talk about the lessons we can learn from Christmas and Chanukkah. Let’s start with Chanukkah. Chanukkah celebrates the miraculous victories […] Source

This week’s Parasha begins with Jacob sending messengers to his brother Esau in the land of Edom, with hopes of reconciling with him before they come together and meet.  The messengers arrive to meet with Esau and are instructed to let him know that Jacob considers Esau to be his lord and that Jacob considers […] Source

This week Rabbi Jerry teaches on Psalm 34 and discusses what it means to fear the Lord who is the source of our deliverance. Click here for Rabbi Jerry’s notes. Watch Below:   Source

This week Rabbis Loren, Glenn, and Jerry continue in John 13 and discuss the teachings of Yeshua during the Last Supper. Source

This week’s Torah portion is Vayetze, which means “and he went out.”  It covers Genesis, Chapter 28:10 – 32:2. In Chapter 28, we find Jacob departing from his home in Beersheba and heading to Haran, his ancestral homeland.  He ends up spending the night in an open area where he sees a vision of a great ladder descending […] Source

This week Rabbi Glenn teaches on Psalm 33 and discusses the principles for Godly nation. Click here for Rabbi Glenn’s notes. Watch Below Source

This week Rabbis Loren, Glenn, and Jerry begin John 13 and discuss the betrayal of Yeshua. Source

This week’s Parasha is entitled Toledot, meaning Generations. It is taken from the book of Genesis 25:19-28:9. Adonai promised to make Isaac, the only son of Abraham by his wife Sarah, a great nation. Isaac’s descendants through Jacob would become the Chosen People. Isaac was 40 years old when he took Rebecca, the daughter of […] Source

This week Rabbi Jerry teaches on Psalm 31. He discusses the choice we have between the joy of forgiveness and the pain of suffering from unconfessed sins. Watch Below:   Source

Our Parasha begins with the announcement that Sara has died at the age of 127. Abraham mourns, then asks his neighbors, the sons of Heth, to grant him burial space. They greatly admired and respected Abraham, and offered to give him the choicest land free of charge. But Abraham insisted on purchasing it. In chapter […] Source

Why thanksgiving? Lots of good reasons. Giving thanks to God brings Him glory, and it’s the purpose of the creature to enhance the glory of the Creator. Psalm 69: I will glorify Him with thanksgiving. Why thanksgiving? Because gratitude is the proper response of the creature who receives so many good things from the Creator […] Source

This week Rabbi Jerry teaches on Psalm 31. He discusses the importance in trusting in the Lord during difficult times. Watch Below:   Source

This week Rabbi Loren and Jerry discuss the end of Yeshua’s public ministry in John 12. Source

This week our Torah portion is Vayera, which means “And He Appeared.” Vayera covers Genesis 18:1-22:24. Genesis 18 begins with the Lord and two angels appearing to Abraham disguised as men. Abraham greets them and immediately offers his hospitality. During their meal of bread, meat, and milk, the Lord promises Abraham this time next year […] Source

This week Rabbi Jerry teaches on Psalm 30. He discusses what it means to experience the discipline and joy of the Lord. Click here for Rabbi Jerry’s notes. Watch Below:   Source

Rabbi Loren and Glenn continue their discussion of John 12. Source

This week Rabbi Glenn teaches on the importance of giving glory to the Lord found in Psalm 29. Click here for Rabbi Glenn’s notes. Watch Below: Source