Messianic Insight

In his farewell message to Kehillat Eytz Chaim, Rabbi Ben shares about his personal journey and the principles which have guided him in forming and leading the congregation for which he has been the founding rabbi.

As we reflect on this season, we consider the place of miracles that illuminate the darkness and inspire us to faith and trust in God's continuing faithfulness to Israel.

KEC: Ben Volman: November 20, 2021: Jacob--Ya'akov--returns to claim his promised legacy in Canaan (Kena'an), he is confronted by "a man," often described as an angel. But this is no angel, and because he's experienced angels so many times before, we are able to better understand the meaning of this life-changing encounter.

In this two part series we examine two of the most important titles used to describe Yeshua and how they actually empower, encourage and equip our faith in Him.

In Genesis 24 (Chayei-Sara), the story of Avraham's servant searching for a bride reveals important insights for believers seeking to find their way through unfamiliar circumstances and unusual times.

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How do we stay inspired in the midst of our spiritual journey when we face discouragement, tough questions, failed expectations and we feel like we've stopped moving toward our goals?  Date: October 16, 2021, KEC.   

The Canadian Thanksgiving holiday is not simply a time for reflection, but gathering our energy for a new start, to look forward in the joy of the Lord towards new possibilities.

How do we make sense of the challenging text of Ecclesiastes? A thorough study of its connection with the themes of Sukkot and the life of King Solomon opens up our appreciation of this highly controversial book which is read every year during the festival of joy.

We explore some of the deeper meanings of Israel's pilgrimage fall festival and how they inspire greater faith, hope and trust in God's love for each of us.  

As Ben reflects on the Scriptures and traditions of Yom Kippur as a follower of Yeshua, he seeks to answer the question: how can we understand its significance today?  

What is the secret of Israel's immortality? How has God sustained us through the centuries? The answer is in His covenant faithfulness, both to Israel and all those who trust in Him and walk in the footsteps of Avraham.

In Deuteronomy 12:10 ff. we find the essential instruction for the building of a Temple--an instruction that gives us unique insight into the real meaning of the Temple--"the place Adonai your God chooses to have his name live."

In Parashat Ki Tavo, Moshe prepares Israel to set their moral compass on the verge of entering the Holy Land. As they walk between two mountains, one of curses and another of blessings, they must take hold of their true identity as God's people called in covenant but sustained by grace.

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On this special sabbath which follows Tisha B'Av, we take time to reflect on the believer's true source of comfort, the Holy Spirit. We study Yeshua's instructions concerning the Spirit in Luke 4 (and also Isaiah 60) and then John 14: his final address to the disciples in which he promises the gift of "the Comforter."   Message given on July 24, 2021

Brought by Dr. Chanan and Nechama Wiseman.  Dr. and Mrs. Wiseman have ministered for many years to the Israeli Messianic community and are known for being outstanding leaders, mentors and teachers.  After sharing from the Scriptures, Dr. and Mrs. Wiseman answered questions from our congregation including reflections on current events in Israel.  

As Bil'am the soothsayer is compelled to speak the words of God he is overcome by the Spirit, but only momentarily. The internal spiritual war within Bil'am confronts us with a situation that leads us to reflect deeply on our own journey under God's grace.

The fascinating interlude in Numbers sometimes called the "Book of Bil'am" gives each of us pause to reflect on what motivates us when we know that God must be the ultimate guide to our lives.

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Understanding what it means to be "chosen" from a Biblical point of view helps us to understand our unity as Jews and Gentiles, grafted together, with the blessed inheritance of Israel, unity in the Spirit and sustained by the atoning sacrifice of Messiah.     Sermon Delivered to KEC on June 12, 2021.

Summary: Am Segulah in Hebrew means that we, his people and all those grafted into the promises to Israel through Messiah, are God's beloved treasure? It is both humbling and inspirational, leaving us thoughtful and encouraged.  Date: Sat. June 5, 2021 at Kehillat Eytz Chaim.

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This message from prior to Passover which is now posted at the request of a faithful listener.

As we reflect on the  meaning of Shavuot in the shadow of the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Ruach ha Kodesh--the promised Holy Spirit--inspires us with hope and faith that when we draw near to God, even in the most challenging times, His presence can bring change, even into the most challenging situations. Ben Volman, KEC Shabbat Sat. May 22, 2021

The story of the Lord instructing Jeremiah to purchase the family deed of local property, even as the Babylonian army surrounds Jerusalem, has inspired believers throughout the centuries and powerfully touches us today.

A reflection in retrospect on the events of the tragedy at Mt. Meron just a few days ago at the tomb of R. Shimon Bar-Yohai.

How is it possible to be "holy" in a world that is suffering through crisis and seems so divided?  And yet, this is still a world packed with wonders where the call to being  holy is remarkably within reach.  

Israel's continuing life and vibrancy as a nation reflect God's continuing faithfulness to His people, His Word and to the ultimate purpose revealing His glory to the nations.

After decades of fully absorbing the terrible events of the Holocaust, stories about the Jewish resistance are becoming better known. Ben Volman, KEC, April 10, 2021  

The death of Yeshua at Passover was always meant to help us see Israel's experience of the Exodus as a path of insight for a deeper understanding of the events of the crucifixion, atonement and resurrection of Messiah.

The Sabbath is not just a day of rest, but part of a transformational approach to the very concept of time. Yeshua gives us a deeper understanding of how to practice and appreciate this day of which he is called, "Lord."

A brief devotional in preparation for the Passover season.  Presented online on The March 3, 2021.

The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is one of the most misunderstood parables and the usual interpretation is largely biased against the Pharisees [Hebrew: P'rushim] and strangely sympathetic of tax-collectors. We will explore what it meant to have "the heart of a Pharisee" in Yeshua's time and how to more accurately place the parable in a current context. Delivered Sat. March 6, 2021 online.

This is a summary introduction to the Parashah T'rumah, based on Exodus 25, and gives a brief historical overview of this remarkable locus of spiritual mystery and power. It is part of the UMJC Commentaries series regularly posted at www.umjc.org/commentaries (dated Feb. 17, 2021).

The requirement of every man in Israel to give a half-shekel for the upkeep of the Tabernacle--and later, the Temple (Exodus 30: 11ff), opens up a fascinating discussion as we consider that Yeshua chose a unique way to pay it, with Kefa's assistance.  Date derash given: February 13, 2021.

The experience of Israel at Sinai is compared by Jewish tradition to a wedding--the uniting of the Chosen People with God as their "bridegroom," preparing them to see fulfilled all the promises He made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.Presented online on February 6, 2021. 

As we reflect on the events of the Exodus, we recall the essence of the Seder and its message that no matter what our situation, God makes a way even when it seems there is no way. Sermon Given Online on Saturday January 23.

Presented online on January 9, 2021. A discussion on the opening chapters of Exodus leads into a study of the Names of God, the power of God, and His purpose in entering into human history.

Presented online on January 2, 2021. In his later years, Israel (Ya'akov) provides a unique spiritual legacy through his prophetic gifts which illuminate the original vision of the patriarchs and points the nation yet to come toward the ultimate promise of Messiah.

Presented online on December 19, 2020.

Presented online on December 12, 2020.

Presented online on December 5, 2020. As Jacob returns to the promised land, he confronts deep personal and family wounds.

Presented online on November 21, 2020.  Jacob and Esau, in rivalry from birth, wrestle with each other and their immaturity of character, as both seek their father's blessing and the mantle of Avraham's covenant promise

Presented online on November 7, 2020.  Abraham confronts God as judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah is about to fall.  He demands to know if there is truly justice in this world.