Congregation Shema Yisrael

Shabbat Shalom, today is the 6th day of Chanukah and Lord willing I would like us to consider the following question: Who are we dedicated to? In the face of persecution and pressure the full story of Chanukah serves as a lesson, encouragement, and warning on the need to be dedicated to the Lord. We […] Source

The history of the Jewish people has been summed up this way: “They tried to kill us. We won. Let’s eat… Chinese!” And indeed we shall eat – in a little while. First you have to let me put in my $0.02. I’m still wondering why I only get a penny for my thoughts, but […] Source

Rabbi Glenn continues the study of Revelation with Revelation 14. Source

When asked, “What is the miracle of Chanukkah?” the common response is: “Chanukkah is about a miracle that took place when the Jewish people fought against the Syrians who had invaded Jerusalem and desecrated the Temple. The Temple was dedicated to Zeus and pigs were sacrificed there. The Syrians forbid the Jewish people from practicing […] Source

This Shabbat’s parasha, Vayeshev, means, ‘and he dwelt’. Jacob is again living in Canaan. Our attention turns to Joseph, Rachel’s first-born, who is now 17 years-old. Rachel had been Jacob’s favored wife. Now that she was gone, it’s no surprise that Jacob lavishes his affections and attention on Joseph, their son together. But this favoritism […] Source

This week Rabbi Glenn completed Revelation 13 studied in conjunction with Daniel 7. This recording starts around 15 minutes into the study due to technical issues. Source

An up-and-coming account executive was on his way to a very important and potentially lucrative meeting with the CFO of a major corporation. The commission alone, should he land the account, would be more than triple his annual salary. But he had miscalculated the time needed to get to the company offices, and the traffic was […] Source

Wrestling Things Through The parasha for this Shabbat is entitled Vayishlach, which means “and he sent”. Jacob is returning from Aram (Syria) to the land of Canaan, and there is this little unresolved matter – something about his brother Esau wanting to kill him. They say ‘time heals all wounds’, but Jacob wasn’t about to take […] Source

This week Rabbi Glenn began the study of Revelation 13 with Revelation 13:1-15 and the theme of perseverance. Source

Samson Was A 98 Lb. Weakling (Well… he might have been!) Zechariah 4 Why such a title? Because chances are, like most people you thought Samson probably looked like a body-builder. But nowhere in the book of Judges is Samson ever described as being well-built. His strength, as we are told in the Scriptures, had nothing […] Source

The name of this week’s Parasha is Vayetzei, which means “and he went out” and covers Genesis 28:10-32:3.  During Jacob’s journey, he had a dream one night of seeing a ladder from Earth to Heaven and God’s angels going up and down the ladder, with God Himself above the ladder.  God reaffirmed to Jacob the […] Source

Rabbi Glenn continues his study of Revelation 12. Source

Death is a reality. Even though it may seem hard to believe, especially for those who are younger, unless we are part of that faithful remnant that is alive when Messiah returns and are transformed, we will die. Even though death is as sure as taxes, a lot of people are uncomfortable dealing with death. […] Source

This week’s Torah portion is entitled Toldot, which is translated ‘Generations’ and covers Genesis 25:19-28:9. In Genesis – the foundational story of all Creation, there are several generational passages, and rightfully so. We are promised in Genesis chapter 3 that the seed of the woman, Messiah, would crush the head – destroy – the lesser […] Source

This week Rabbi Glenn began the study of Revelation 12 with 12:1-9. Source

We come into this world far from God, ignorant and confused about the most basic and the most important things. It’s natural for people to gravitate to those who have more knowledge or experience in various areas of human endeavor. It’s absolutely crucial to choose the right leaders, especially in the most important area of […] Source

This week’s parasha is entitled Chayei Sarah, meaning ‘The Life of Sarah’, a seemingly ironic title, since the very first verse describes her death at the age of 127.  Why such a title then?  I believe it reflects the great legacy she left through her son Isaac and the generations to come; as well as […] Source

This week Rabbi Glenn concluded the study of Revelation 11. Source

We come into this world far from God, ignorant and confused about the most basic and the most important things. It’s natural for people to gravitate to those who have more knowledge or experience in various areas of human endeavor. It’s absolutely crucial to choose the right leaders, especially in the most important area of […] Source

Thiss wekk Rabbi Glenn covered Revelation 11:1-14 the Two Witnesses (their testimony, their death, their supernatural resurrection, the worldwide reaction to their death), and leading up to the seventh trumpet. Source

Today’s Parasha is entitled Lech Lecha meaning ‘Get Going’ or ‘Go Forth’ and covers Genesis 12:1-17:27. Within these chapters, God calls Abram to leave his country and his people, Abram obediently sets out, journeys to and through the land of Canaan, migrates for a time to Egypt, returns to Canaan, battles four kings, fathers a […] Source

This world is full of order, design, complexity and beauty. It was designed by a Great Designer and Amazing Artist. The human body is fantastic. It was designed by the Creator to house the soul and interact with the physical world. The human body has layers upon layers of complex and elegant design – light […] Source

This week Rabbi Glenn began Revelation 10 looking at Revelation 10:1 – 11:6.  The study focused on an introduction to Revelation 10 and the two witnesses. Source

It’s said that those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it. I believe this is a true statement. People are people. Human nature is human nature. People in the present will make similar mistakes others made before them, mistakes that could be avoided if they had studied history. The divinely inspired Word of […] Source

This morning’s parasha is entitled Noach which means ‘rest’ or ‘comfort’. It covers Genesis 6:9-11:32. To review, in Genesis chapter 2 the Lord commanded Adam saying: “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day […] Source