Podcasts about shema

Every effort must be made to arrive in the synagogue on time in the morning so one can recite the complete service – from the morning blessings, through the Akeda and Korbanot, followed by Pesukeh De'zimra, Shema and its blessings, the Amida, and so on. The Kabbalists in particular emphasized the importance of reciting the entire service without skipping any section. According to Kabbalistic thought, the prayer service is a process whereby one ascends from one level to the next, so that by the time he recites the Amida, he is on the highest level where he can speak directly to Hashem. Just as one cannot reach the third floor of a building without first reaching the second floor, likewise, one cannot reach the higher levels before passing through the lower levels, and so each stage of the prayer process is indispensable for the prayers to be effective. Indeed, in the work Maggid Mesharim (Parashat Beshalah), we read that the angel who taught Torah to Maran, author of the Shulhan Aruch, sternly admonished him to ensure to arrive on time in the synagogue so he can complete the entire prayer service. Skipping portions of the service, the angel warned, violates the "Heavenly protocol." Nevertheless, it occasionally happens that, for whatever reason, a person arrives late in the synagogue, and if he recites the entire service, he will be unable to pray the Amida together with the congregation. What should the individual do in this situation? Should he forego the recitation of the Korbanot for the sake of Tefila Be'sibur – praying the Amida together with the congregation – or must he follow the sequence of the prayer service even at the expense of Tefila Be'sibur? The Shulhan Aruch writes that if a person arrives late, then he should skip the introductory sections, and begin with Baruch She'amar so that he can catch up to the congregation and pray with them. If one has time for reciting some of the introductory portions of the prayer service, the Shulhan Aruch adds, then he should recite the morning blessings, as well as the paragraph of "Lefichach" through the verse of "Shema Yisrael" and "Baruch Shem." He should also recite the verses of the Tamid, and the section of the Ketoret, until but not including the paragraph that begins "Rabban Shimon Ben Gamliel." Additionally, he should recite the Ana Be'cho'ah prayer. He should recite the first part of Hodu – until the words "U'bi'nvi'ai Al Tare'u" – and then skip until "Kel Nekamot Hashem," continuing through "Ya'anenu Be'yom Kor'enu." He should then skip until "Hashem Melech" and Baruch She'amar. If one does not have time to recite any part of the Korbanot section, then he should skip it entirely in order to pray the Amida with the congregation, as the value of Tefila Be'sibur – praying with the congregation – overrides the value of reciting the Korbanot. This is the ruling of the Shulhan Aruch, based on the opinion of the Rashba (Rav Shlomo Ben Aderet, Spain, 1235-1310). Likewise, the Hacham Sevi (Rav Sevi Ashkenazi, 1656-1718), after noting the comments of the Zohar and the Arizal about the importance of reciting the entire prayer service, and of not skipping any portions of it, writes that Tefila Be'sibur is the highest priority, and thus one should skip the earlier sections of the service when necessary to pray the Amida with the congregation. This was the position taken also by the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806). By contrast, the Poskim who follow the teachings of the Kabbalah ruled that one may never skip any portion of the prayer service, even for the sake of Tefila Be'sibur. These include the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) and the Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939). This is the view accepted by Hacham Bension Abba Shaul (Jerusalem, 1924-1998). He writes that notwithstanding the Shulhan Aruch's ruling, we cannot ignore the Kabbalists' teaching about the importance of the sequence of the prayer service. Furthermore, Hacham Bension adds, if we allow skipping the earlier sections of the prayer service, many people will do so habitually. It is preferable to forbid skipping, so people will see that by arriving late they forfeit the benefits of Tefila Be'sibur, and this will motivate them to make a greater effort to arrive on time. A mourner, Heaven forbid, should not skip the Korbanot section or any other portions of the daily prayer service. Although a mourner is not permitted to learn Torah, he may recite the passages from the Torah and other sources that have been incorporated into the prayer service.

News and commentary for Monday, 15 June, 2026. “The War is [almost] over.” Yeah, we’ve heard it before. We’re hearing it again. Perhaps even from additional sources. Fer sure, take it with a grain of salt. But there’s more, on other fronts…

This teaching series is based on the tradition of “Shabbat Shuva,” or the “Shabbat of Return,” which falls between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur (the Day of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement). The text for this tradition is Hoshea (Hosea) chapter 14, which begins, “O Yisra'el, return to Yahweh your Elohim…” After having gone through the Spring Feasts – Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Shavuot, which are types and shadows of the Hebrews' exodus from Egypt and journey to Mt. Sinai, have you maintained a faithful, straight walk in Torah? Or have you gotten “off the path” a little or a lot? Do you sense a call to return to the path, to Yahweh? • What is meant by “crookedness”? What does crookedness cause you to do? • Regarding the call to return – return to what? From there, Rabbi Berkson takes us into Leviticus 26 to examine the reasons for returning to the Covenant. In Leviticus chapter 26, the blessings and curses associated with Yahweh's Covenant with His people are listed. • How will you be able to walk in Covenant with the Creator? From Leviticus, we go to Deuteronomy 4:25, where we see that Yahweh has an issue with His people and their idol worship. How can we relate to them today regarding ‘idol worship'? Rabbi Berkson then takes us to Deuteronomy chapter 30 to show us one of Moses' final exhortations to the people as they are about to cross over into the Promised Land. Interestingly, Yahweh, through Moses, told the people that in their future they would stray from the path they were supposed to walk and be taken from the Land by their enemies, but as they were living in a foreign land, their hearts would turn back to Yahweh, and they would return once again to possess and live in their Promised Land. • In this chapter, we see the phrase, “circumcise your heart” – what does that mean? Isn’t that just a “New Testament” concept? What is it doing left of Matthew? And then we are taken to Romans chapter 10, where Rabbi Berkson points out that the apostle Paul is clearly writing about Torah observance and, indeed, substitutes the word ‘Messiah' for the word ‘Torah' as he quotes Moses in Deuteronomy chapter 30. • What does Romans 10:4 really mean? • What is “the righteousness of belief”? • What is “the good news of the good”? • Was there “Good News” before the New Testament? Verse-by-verse and step-by-step, Rabbi Steve Berkson takes us on a journey of discovery and learning how to covenant with our Creator and Father, which, from time to time, requires us to turn around and return to His Word so that we can have a sure entrance into His Kingdom. Learn more about MTOI: https://mtoi.org | The MTOI App https://mtoi.org/download-the-mtoi-app Follow MTOI: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide Contact MTOI: admin@mtoi.org (423) 250-3020 Join us LIVE (all times Eastern): • Torah Study, Fridays 7:30 pm • Shabbat Service, Saturdays 1:15 pm Streaming available on YouTube, Rumble, MTOI App, and mtoi.org

Heaven is Shaking the Bear Iran in Prophecy Crumbling Bear Walls     Good news! Transcripts of Heaven Shaking the Bear are still coming thanks to a volunteer.   Click here to view Transcript 1. Click here to view Transcript 2. Click here to view Transcript 3. Click here to view Transcript 4. Click here to view Transcript 5. Click here to view Transcript 6. Click here to view Transcript 7. Click here to view Transcript 8. Click here to view Transcript 9. Click here to view Transcript 10. Click here to view Transcript 11. Click here to view Transcript 12. Click here to view Transcript 13. Click here to view Transcript 14. Click here to view Transcript 15.   There is a Heaven Shaking the Bear playlist to make it easier to find the videos. Click if you missed past livestreams: Heaven is Shaking the Bear Playlist   The Shabbat livestream is the next installment of Heaven Shaking the Persian Bear. We’ll take a final look at another Bear kings of the East drawn into the river as well as the cost of the repairs needed to break the walls of the beast kingdoms.   Please join us. Shabbat Shalom! YouTube livestream at 4:00 pm Eastern on Shabbat News, news, news…   Although we have over 1,000 videos on YouTube, recent shenanigans with other “conservative” ministries and news outlets have resulted in removal of channels. We have backed up most of our videos just in case, and the more so since we embarked on Heaven Shaking the Persian Bear. We pray this series will be secreted in an ark for those earnestly seeking The Holy One and His Word for today. Should our YouTube channel ever be suspended, you can continue on another platform. Scroll to the bottom of the page to click on links to other platforms where you can find us, like Podbean, Substack, Odysee, and Hebrew Nation Radio. The website tab for the Arava articles has been improved!   Please SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to get new teachings.

Welcome to Daily Bitachon. We are now winding down Sha'ar HaBechina [The Gate of Reflection], looking at how we realize Hashem created the world, commit to serving Him, and ultimately learn to rely on Him. But never forget that the little bit we see with our physical eyes is just a fraction of reality; there is a much larger picture out there. The Zohar tells us about the existence of entirely different spiritual worlds. We have God's Kissei HaKavod —the Throne of Glory, so to speak—where we perceive His absolute control over the cosmos. Then we have the world of the angels, Olam HaMalachim , where the various holy hosts reside. Among them are angels who do nothing but constantly declare, " Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh ." The Zohar explains that from sunrise to sunset, they are continuously saying " Kadosh ," and from the moment the sun sets until it rises again, they say " Baruch kevod... " There are massive angelic forces up there constantly praising Hashem's Name! Yet, as great and powerful as these angels are, the Gemara in Tractate Chullin (91b) drops that unbelievable line: אין מלאכי השרת אוֹמְרִים שִׁירָה לְמַעְלָה עַד שֶׁיֹּאמְרוּ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְמַטָּה "The ministering angels do not sing praise above until Israel sings below on earth." The angels cannot say Kedushah above until we, the Jewish people, initiate it down here. Think back to our mashal [parable] of the king: with all of his vast empire, the king right now is focused entirely on this one sweet bird. We are Hashem's children, and our voices are sweet to Him. As the verse says, " Hashmi'eni et kolech "—"Let Me hear your voice." If God is literally waiting to hear our voices before listening to the angels, and He has the boundless ability to feed all of those massive heavenly hosts, shouldn't we realize that we can completely rely on Him? The beauty of it is that this exact lesson is built right into our daily prayers. Everything is inside our tefillah . Rav Shlomo Wolbe once said that all the core fundamentals of Judaism are hidden right in our Siddur; we just have to open our eyes and find them. Take a look at how it flows. We start off the blessings before the morning Shema with the words: " Yotzer or u'vorei choshech "—"Who fashions light and creates darkness." We begin by talking about the physical universe and the orbital luminaries. But then, right in the middle of discussing the sun and the moon, we suddenly switch gears. We begin describing God as the Borei Kedoshim —the Fashioner of holy ministering servants. We launch into a breathtaking description of what these angels do: they stand at the summit of the universe and proclaim with awe, together loudly, the words of the living God and King of the universe. We describe them as beloved, flawless, mighty, and holy. They perform the will of their Maker with dread and reverence. They open their mouths in holiness, purity, and song, and they bless, praise, glorify, sanctify, revere, and declare the kingship of Hashem, the great, mighty, and awesome King. The prayer goes on to describe how they accept upon themselves the yoke of heavenly sovereignty from one another, granting permission to each other to sanctify the One who formed them. With tranquility, with clear articulation, and with sweetness, they all proclaim His holiness as one, saying with awe: " Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh... " Then the Ofanim and the Chayot HaKodesh respond with a thunderous noise: " Baruch kevod Hashem mi'mekomo "—"Blessed is the glory of Hashem from His place." Then, right after this intense depiction of the angelic choir, the Siddur switches gears back to the physical universe, concluding the blessing with: " Baruch Ata Hashem, yotzer ha'me'orot "—"Blessed are You Hashem, Creator of the luminaries." Did you ever notice that question? What in the world are angels doing right in the middle of a discussion about the sun, the moon, and the stars? It's a classic question. I was once told an answer in the name of Rabbi Eliyahu Lopian (which he passed on to Rav Wolbe): Hashem is telling us, "Let's learn from the angels." Look at how the angels proclaim God's kingship, and let's emulate them. In fact, there is a custom brought down by the Ben Ish Chai in the name of the great Ashkenazi Kabbalist, Rabbi Nathan Shapira of Krakow. He notes that before we step back and take our three steps forward for the Amidah , we give a slight nod of greeting to those around us. Why? To show signs of peace and friendship to each other, just like the angels do before they praise God. We want to act angelic as we approach prayer. We even hold our feet tightly together during the Amidah to emulate them. Before you emulate the angels, you have to see what they are about. They accept God's kingdom with love and harmony among themselves. That means we have to get along and be unified before we declare Shema Yisrael Hashem Elokeinu Hashem Echad . But there is a second answer to our question, based on the teachings of the Chafetz Chaim. When you talk about the creation of the world—about the sun and the moon—you might think that's the entire story. You look out with your physical eyes and think, "Okay, this is the extent of God's power." And then, if you look at this physical world and see havoc, chaos, and a world running completely wild, you panic and ask, "How can I rely on Him to fix this?" So the Siddur tells us to take a step back. Hold on. You see the sun and the moon? That is not the whole story. The reality is vastly greater. There are layers of angels up there praising God, who see the inner gears of the universe. And for all their immense greatness, they can't utter a single sound until we respond down here. Are you actually worried that the King can't take care of you? Look at how holy and significant we are. All of creation needs sustenance, and God sustains the angels too. The only difference is that we eat physical food and they eat spiritual food. But make no mistake: angels need nourishment. They don't just live on thin air. Nothing exists independently on its own strength except for God. The Tomer Devorah discusses this at length. Every time we do a mitzvah , we create a holy angel. If a person commits an aveira [sin], chas v'shalom , they create a destructive angel. Those angels require spiritual energy to survive. What do they "eat"? They live on the energy of our actions. And what did we eat when we were elevated? We ate the food of angels! How do we know this? King David writes in Tehillim (78:25): " Lechem abirim achal ish "—"Man ate the bread of the mighty ones." Tractate Yoma (75b) explicitly explains that this means the Jewish people literally ate the food of the ministering angels—the Manna—while traveling through the desert. In the wilderness, Hashem treated us exactly like He treats the angels. We didn't need coarse, physical food; we survived on pure spiritual light. Rabbi Eliyahu de Vidas writes in his classic work, Reshit Chochma ( Sha'ar HaKedushah , Chapter 15), that even today, there are elite talmidei chachamim [Torah scholars] who can live primarily on spiritual energy. He explains that this is why certain sages could go two or three days without eating a single thing—because the mazon haTorah (the spiritual nourishment of the Torah itself) kept them physically full. That is how Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son survived in the cave for thirteen years. This brings us right back to the incredible historical account recorded by Rabbi Yisrael of Shklov in his introduction to Pe'at HaShulchan . He describes his master, the Vilna Gaon, and how radically little he ate. The Gaon ate only two tiny meals a day, taking a piece of dry bread no larger than a kezayit [the size of an olive], dipping it in water, and consuming it. That was it! And yet, Rabbi Yisrael records that the Gaon remained physically strong, resilient, and robust. Where did that physical strength come from? It came from the literal application of the verse: "Man does not live by bread alone, but by all that comes from the mouth of Hashem." The Torah itself became his physical fuel. Great tzaddikim tapped directly into that spiritual nourishment, which proves that God can sustain a person in the most wondrous, supernatural ways whenever He wills it. When you think about these concepts—about the sheer scale of God's power and His intimate love for us—how can you not place your ultimate trust in Him? With this profound realization, we officially conclude Sha'ar HaBechina and read the final, beautiful words of the Chovos HaLevavos : והאלהים ישימנו מאנשי עבודתו "May God place us among those who serve Him," המכירים עניני טובתו ברחמיו ובחסדיו אמן "who recognize the matters of His goodness, through His mercy and His kindness. Amen." נשלם השער השני — The second gate is now complete. אל אדני אקרא ויענני — "To Hashem I shall call out, and He will answer me." We see from here that when a person truly identifies God within creation, they are fully prepared to call out and be answered. That recognition is the ultimate runway for our daily Amidah . Now that we have journeyed through Sha'ar HaBechina , stop for a moment, absorb the greatness, and make that prayer. Mabruk and a massive Mazal Tov to all of us on completing this incredible journey of over 100 classes!

Parsha ‘Beha-alotecha’ ends with what Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship has often described as “the Whining.” Which is followed by ‘the Lusting.’ And a lot of people who end up dead as a result. And that leads directly into parsha “Shalach Lekha,” where the words mean “send out men.” It is the story of the infamous “spies” — including Joshua and Caleb — and is also what Mark calls the “first recorded VOTE in history.” And Joshua and Caleb LOST it, 10-2. But, much like ‘votes’ today, the only people that REALLY lost were those who participated. Their “bodies fell in the wilderness,” ultimately, as they were promised. The Erev Shabbat reading of the entire ‘parsha-plus’ clarifies that connection: https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SSM-6-12-26-Beha-alotecha-through-Shalach-Lekha-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3 Did EVERY single man over the age of 20 die in the wilderness because they went along with the “evil report” of those ten spies? Scripture makes it clear that they did. But, other than Joshua and Caleb, weren’t there ANY men above ‘voting age’ that simply didn’t participate with that infamous ‘first vote’? Would God really do that? But it turns out the pattern, and the progression, are clear. First they “murmured,” but perhaps “whined” really is what it would probably be termed today. Then they lusted, and got quail. A LOT of it. And probably wished they hadn’t. But Scripture told us the complaining, and worse, was widespread – but did not use the word “all.” Even if it may have been the vast majority. UNTIL that ‘first recorded vote.’ After which, it says clearly, and repeatedly, “ALL” of ’em. And Joshua and Caleb admonished ALL of ’em, too. And then ALL of them tried to kill them both. After which “ALL” of them got what they deserved. Or had earned. But it may not have been the very first time after all. “Numbers 10 through Shalach-Lekha: “Sodom VOTED to Die! How long will ‘they’ Despise YHVH”? https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WT-CooH-6-13-26-Beha-alotecha-through-Shalach-Lekha-How-Long-will-you-DESPISE-Me-My-Word-podcast-xxxx.mp3 Service information: Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship worship services and teachings are broadcast live every Sabbath, via Paltalk. (www.paltalk.com has both the link, and the app.) The “room name” is “Walking Torah with Shabbat Shalom Mesa,” and can be found via the paltalk search, then bookmarked. Erev Shabbat services begin at 7:00 PM Mountain Time Friday evenings (9 PM Eastern, 8 PM Central) Live Sabbath teachings begin shortly after 11 AM Mountain time on Sabbath day (Saturday). email: mark@markniwot.com The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:

As we close out our “Shema” series, Deuteronomy 6:6-9 gives us the blueprint for HOW to love the Lord with everything we are through normalizing the things of the Spirit in everyday day life. Spirituality cannot be compartmentalized, but rather, it must become a part of every part of our lives.Key Scriptures:Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 30:15-16

6/14/26

Shirley was raised in a non-Jewish home in Texas.  However, her Grandmother was Jewish and Shirley remembers celebrating Shabbat.   She had a desire to learn more about her Jewish roots and she and her husband started attending a Messianic congregation in Austin. The moment she entered, she felt like she was at home. Shirley became a widow five years ago and has remained active in the congregation. Her family knows she is a prayer warrior and Shirley‘s greatest desire is to make a positive impression on others so they will see Yeshua in her.

As discussed in a previous installment, the Ana Be'cho'ah prayer, which consists of 42 words, alludes to the special 42-letter Name of G-d. We conclude this prayer with the exclamation, "Baruch Shem Kebod Malchuto Le'olam Va'ed" – "Blessed is the Name of the Majesty of His Kingship, forever and ever." After reciting the prayer expressing the divine Name, we make this proclamation giving praise to the Name of the Almighty. This proclamation is significant in that the first letters of its six words – Bet, Shem, Kaf, Mem, Lamed and Vav – are the only letters in the Hebrew alphabet that are used as prefixes to G-d's Name. These six letters can be appended to the Name to form the words "B'Hashem" (as in "Ach B'Hashem Al Timrodu" – Bamidbar 14:9), "She'Hashem" (as in "Ashreh Ha'am She'Hashem Elokav" – Tehillim 144:15), "K'Hashem" (as in "K'Hashem Elokenu Be'chol Kore'nu Elav" – Debarim 4:7), "Me'Hashem" (as in "Me'Hashem Yasa Ha'dabar" – Bereishit 24:50), "L'Hashem" (as in "L'Hashem Ha'yeshu'a" – Tehillim 3:9), and "V'Hashem" (as in "V'Hashem Holech Lifnehem" – Shemot 13:21). These letters thus have a special connection to Hashem's Name, and so we proclaim "Baruch Shem…" after making a reference to the divine Name. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in his work Torah Li'shmah, writes that although this proclamation is made silently when it is recited during the Shema reading, in other contexts it may be recited aloud. Accordingly, we do not need to recite "Baruch Shem" silently when we say Ana Be'cho'ah during the Korbanot section each morning. However, Hacham Ovadia Yosef noted that elsewhere in his writings (Od Yosef Hai), the Ben Ish Hai contradicts this ruling, and writes that "Baruch Shem" must be recited silently even in Ana Be'cho'ah. The accepted practice is to recite it silently in Ana Be'cho'ah just as we do during the reading of Shema.

The Shema, Part 1: In Moses' final words to the Israelites in Deuteronomy, he told them, “Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn.” The listening Israelites, already physically circumcised as a mark of the nation's covenant with God, must have been taken aback. But what God intended for His people went far beyond the act ... Read More The post Loving God with Your Whole Heart: The Shema from Deut. 6 (Part 1 of 3) | June 13, 2026 appeared first on The Friends of Israel Today Radio.

THIS PERSECUTION MUST COME FIRST!!!!!!!!!! BEFORE THE FULFILLMENT OF THE PROPHECIES THERE MUST BE A PERSECUTION. https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/persecution1.mp3

Host Mark Call takes a look back at some of the major news stories of the week ending 13 June, 2026. Last week, the question was, “Just how much MORE are Americans going to put up with?” But this week we saw what may have been one of the ‘final straws’ – at least until it is violently suppressed! – in Ireland, where yet another violent attack by Islamic invaders seems to have finally pushed too many people too far. While in the US, the Biggest of the Big Liars just keep doubling down. But it’s impossible to ‘un-see’.

David Justice and Mark Call discuss the news of the week, where it seems that the promise of things hidden being revealed is not only well underway, but so is the long-awaited reaction. But it had better be done right.

So much has happened in just the last few weeks that most Americans probably never believed even COULD happen. Blatant election fraud, long denied, has become so flatulent that even the far left is embarrassed by the stench of LA. When they’re not paid to lie. And two examples of what happens to a dumbed-down, demoralized, and disarmed society when invaders rape, then kill, and finally humiliate them, have – MAYBE – even awakened no-longer-great Britain to how they have been defeated. So, Mark Call asks some questions. Even if it may already be too late for most of those who “reject knowledge,” and are now suffering for it. Not, “what will you do IF,” but what will you do WHEN? James Madison: “It is proper to take alarm at the first experiment on our liberties. We hold this prudent jealousy to be the first duty of citizens and one of the noblest characteristics of the late Revolution. The freemen of America did not wait till usurped power had strengthened itself by exercise and entangled the question in precedents. They saw all the consequences in the principle, and they avoided the consequences by denying the principle. We revere this lesson too much … to forget it.” But AmeriKa did. Before any of us were even born. JFK: “When peaceful revolution is made impossible, violent revolution becomes inevitable.”

News and commentary for Thursday, 11 June, 2026.

One word in Parsha Shelach changes the way we read the whole story: “Lo Sasuru.” We usually hear it as “don't stray after your heart and your eyes,” but the Torah uses that same root earlier for the spies who “scouted” the Land of Canaan. That connection is not just literary, it's a map of how temptation works and why the spy story ends with the mitzvah of tzitzit. We walk through the spies' failure, the nation's panic, and the painful decree of forty years, then zoom in on tzitzit as a visibility based practice. The Torah says to see the fringes and remember every commandment, and that sight is meant to interrupt the inner drift that pulls us toward ego, pleasure, honour, and shortcuts. We also touch the Shema's closing lines and the remembrance of the Exodus, because spiritual freedom starts with what we train ourselves to notice. Rashi lands the punch: the heart and eyes are “meraglim,” spies for the body. The eye sees, the heart covets, and the body acts. But here's the empowering twist: the same scouting system can work in the other direction. When what's deepest in us is service of Hashem, our eyes and heart start scanning the world for kindness, restraint, blessings, charity, and mitzvah opportunities. If you want a sharper lens on Jewish mindfulness, Mussar, and the psychology of desire through Torah, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves Parsha insights, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.Support the showJoin The Motivation Congregation WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content!------------------Check out our other Torah Podcasts and content!SUBSCRIBE to The Motivation Congregation Podcast for daily motivational Mussar!Listen on Spotify or 24six!Find all Torah talks and listen to featured episodes on our website, themotivationcongregation.orgQuestions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com

Armed for Victory – The Sword of the Spirit In this concluding episode of For Zion's Sake, hosts Shelley and June Volk wrap up their weekly theme on the link between the Spirit of God and the Word of God. Moving from foundational principles to practical spiritual warfare, they break down the famous "Armor of God" passage to show how believers can actively live out a victorious life. Key Takeaways The Ultimate Combination (Ephesians 6:17): The episode anchors itself on the final piece of spiritual armor: “the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Shelley notes that if any single scripture perfectly bridges the Holy Spirit with the written Word, it is this one. The Armor as a Way of Life: June reframes how we look at Ephesians 6. Rather than viewing the armor as a physical set of clothes you put on and take off each morning, she explains that it represents an internal, permanent lifestyle. The Helmet of Salvation protects our mindset and feelings. The Breastplate of Righteousness means living inside Christ's righteousness. The Shield of Faith isn't a physical block we hold up, but Christ Himself walking ahead of us to quench the enemy's attacks. God as the Rear Guard: June highlights a unique structural detail about the Armor of God: it offers absolutely no protection for a person's back. However, she reassures listeners that God explicitly promises in His Word to step in and be the believer's "rear guard" against ambush. A Living, Piercing Tool (Hebrews 4:12): The hosts connect the "sword of the Spirit" to Hebrews 4:12, emphasizing that the Word of God is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. Shelley shares how this sword cuts out doubt, fear, and apprehensions to bring people to salvation, while continuing to divide soul and spirit for daily guidance. The Pattern of "It Is Written": To demonstrate the proper use of the Sword, Shelley points to Jesus being led into the wilderness to be tempted. Jesus defeated Satan not with human arguments, but by repeatedly declaring, "It is written." June adds that because the devil tries to twist scripture out of context, believers absolutely require the Holy Spirit's discernment to know exactly how and when to apply the Word. Ministry & Contact Information This program is proudly sponsored by the Psalm 127 Fund. Mailing Address: P.O. Box 244, Kannapolis, NC 28082 Official Website: shellyandjunevolk.com The Friday Fellowship (The Shema): As Jewish believers, Shelley and June conclude their Friday broadcast by uniting with their kinsmen to recite the Shema: “Shema Yisrael adonoi Eloheinu adonoi echad” (Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one). Shelly has served the body of Christ as a Pastor for over 35 years. He is a bible teacher and conference speaker on the subjects of The Kingdom of God, The Mystery of Israel & The Church and for God’s people to be prepared in their hearts for the end of this age. https://shellyandjunevolk.com/Support the show: https://shellyandjunevolk.com/product/partner-with-us-psalm-127-fund/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.13 And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.14 And they found written in the law which the Lord had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:15 And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.16 So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.17 And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.18 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.

="LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD: THE FOUNDATION" Week 1 of "Faith to the Next Generation: Passing the Torch" Deuteronomy 6:4-9 --- You want your kids to love God. You pray for it. You hope for it. You sometimes lie awake at night wondering if you're doing enough to help them embrace faith. But here's what you need to know: The greatest thing you can do for your children's faith isn't found in perfect parenting, impressive youth groups, or the right Christian school. It's found in something much simpler and much harder. It's found in YOUR love for God. In this first week of "Faith to the Next Generation," Matthew unpacks the Shema—that ancient, foundational command to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and might. But here's the key: The command to love God comes FIRST. Only THEN comes the command to teach your children. This sermon explores what that means for you as a parent or grandparent. It addresses: - Why authentic faith matters more than perfection - How kids can detect fake faith (even when we think we're hiding it) - What it actually looks like to love God with ALL your heart - Why giving your own faith that kind of priority is the greatest gift you can give your kids - How to examine your own heart this week This is a challenging sermon—not because Matthew condemns you, but because he calls you to honestly assess: Do you really love God with all your heart? And if not, what would it look like to start? Because your kids don't need a perfect parent. They need a parent whose genuine love for Jesus is real, lived out, and central to everything. Listen in and let this sermon challenge and encourage you.

After we recite in the morning the section of the Ketoret and the passage of "Abayeh Hava Mesader," we recite a very special prayer – Ana Be'cho'ah. This prayer was composed by one of the great Tanna'im – Rabbi Nehunya Ben Ha'kaneh, whom the Hida (Rav Haim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) describes as one of the earliest Kabbalists, preceding even Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai. The Ana Be'cho'ah prayer is so significant that the Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) and many others write that if a person arrives late to Shaharit, and needs to skip the introductory portions of the prayer service, he should not skip Ana Be'cho'ah. This prayer consists of seven lines, each of which with six letters, for a total of 42 letters, and these 42 letters spell the special 42-letter Name of Hashem. This Name is the "elevator," the Name associated with rising to the upper worlds. It is critically important to recite Ana Be'cho'ah as part of our introduction to Shaharit because it elevates us to the heavens so we can present our Tefilot to G-d. By the time we recite the Amida, we want to be standing before the Heavenly Throne, so we can speak directly to the Almighty. The recitation of Ana Be'cho'ah elevates us to the higher spheres so we can speak to Hashem while standing in front of His Throne. It is proper to recite this Tefila slowly and to take note of the first letters of the words. This Name is alluded to also in the first paragraph of Shema, which consists of 42 words (from "Ve'ahabta" through "U'bi'sh'arecha"), corresponding to the 42 letters of this Name. For this reason, some Siddurim feature the letters of this divine Name alongside the words of this paragraph of Shema. Another allusion to this Name is found in Kaddish – specifically, in the phrase "Ve'yishtabah Ve'yitpa'ar Ve'yitromam Ve'yitnaseh Ve'yit'hadar Ve'yit'aleh Ve'yit'halal," which consists of seven words that each contains six letters, for a total of 42. Some have the custom to recite Ana Be'cho'ah each night before going to sleep. The soul departs and rises to the heavens when one sleeps, and so it is appropriate to recite this prayer which, as mentioned, is associated with elevation and ascent. Likewise, it is customary to recite Ana Be'cho'ah at funerals, Heaven forbid, as the coffin is being taken for burial, and the soul is ready to rise to the heavens. In some communities, Ana Be'cho'ah is recited before Lecha Dodi on Friday night, as we elevate ourselves to the higher plane of Shabbat. Likewise, many recite this prayer after counting the Omer, as the Omer counting is intended to elevate us in preparation for Matan Torah on Shabuot. The custom to read Ana Be'cho'ah following the recitation of "Abayeh Hava Mesader" was taught by the Arizal, as brought in Sha'ar Ha'kavanot. This is cited by the Kaf Ha'haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Jerusalem, 1870-1939). The Seder Ha'yom (Rav Moshe Ben Machir, Safed, 16 th century), by contrast, writes that it is better to recite Ana Be'cho'ah later, just before Baruch She'amar. He explains that the world was created with the power of this 42-letter Name, and so it is appropriate to allude to this Name just before reciting "Baruch She'amar Ve'haya Ha'olam," when we give praise to Hashem who created the world. However, we follow the Arizal's teaching, that Ana Be'cho'ah should be recited after the section of "Abayeh Hava Mesader." One possible explanation for the Arizal's custom is that the section of "Abayeh Hava Mesader," which lists the various Abodot (services) performed daily in the Bet Ha'mikdash, omits Birkat Kohaim (the priestly blessing), which was recited each day in the Bet Ha'mikdash. In the Bet Ha'mikdash, the Kohanim reciting Birkat Kohanim would use the Shem Ha'meforash – the divine Name that is normally forbidden to utter, and according to some, this was the 42-letter Name. Perhaps, then, we add Ana Be'cho'ah – which is associated with this Name – after the section of "Abayeh Hava Mesader" to allude to the daily recitation of Birkat Kohanim in the Bet Ha'mikdash. The Ana Be'cho'ah prayer concludes with the pronouncement of "Baruch Shem Kebod Malchuto Le'olam Va'ed," giving praise to the exalted Name of G-d, which this prayer expresses.

News and commentary for Wednesday, 10 June, 2026. Has the world finally had enough?

The Shema (Deut 6:4-5) calls us to love God with everything. In part 2 of our series on the Shema, we learn how it instructs us to cultivates this love for God within ourselves, our home, and community.visit us at: conejochurch.com

News and commentary for Tuesday, 9 June, 2026.

We recite the three paragraphs of the Shema twice a day. The third paragraph contains the mitzvah of placing tzitzis fringes on the corner of our garments, and to wrap the fringes with a cord of blue-dyed wool. In this interesting podcast we share the fascinating and controversial history of the ancient blue dye, and […]

We recite the three paragraphs of the Shema twice a day. The third paragraph contains the mitzvah of placing tzitzis fringes on the corner of our garments, and to wrap the fringes with a cord of blue-dyed wool. In this interesting podcast we share the fascinating and controversial history of the ancient blue dye, and share a profound insight into its power and symbolism.– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –DONATE: Please consider supporting the podcasts by making a donation to help fund our Jewish outreach and educational efforts at https://www.torchweb.org/support.php. Thank you!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –NEW TORCH Mailing Address POBox:TORCHPO BOX 310246HOUSTON, TX 77231-0246– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Email me with questions, comments, and feedback: rabbiwolbe@gmail.com– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to my Newsletterrabbiwolbe.com/newsletter– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –SUBSCRIBE to Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe's PodcastsThe Parsha PodcastThe Jewish History PodcastThe Mitzvah Podcast This Jewish LifeThe Ethics PodcastTORAH 101 ★ Support this podcast ★

Love and Torah – what's love got to do with it? This study series is based on the “Two Great Commands” – love Yahweh and love your neighbor. In this teaching, Rabbi Steve Berkson continues with the second “Great Command” to love your neighbor or each other. He picks up where we left off in James (Ya'akov) chapter 4, then moves into chapter 5, and finally takes us to 1 John chapter 1. • How do your likes or dislikes affect your relationships with others? What does Rabbi mean by saying we have to “learn each other”? • What does “friendship with the world” mean? • What does “subject yourselves to Elohim” mean? • What does “resist the devil” mean? • How do you draw near to Elohim? How does Elohim draw near to you? • When pursuing Torah, whose feelings are you most concerned about protecting – your friends and family or Elohim? • How would you define ‘sin'? • Do you really understand what the first two verses of 1 John are talking about? Rabbi Berkson once again dissects the words in these passages so that you will have a deeper understanding of what Yah expects of you, so that you can do it and receive the blessings. Learn more about MTOI: https://mtoi.org | The MTOI App https://mtoi.org/download-the-mtoi-app Follow MTOI: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide Contact MTOI: admin@mtoi.org | (423) 250-3020 Join us LIVE (all times Eastern): • Torah Study, Fridays 7:30 pm •Shabbat Service, Saturdays 1:15 pm Streaming available on YouTube, Rumble, MTOI App, and mtoi.org

In this week's podcast of Heaven Shaking the Persian Bear, we'll take a look at another Bear king of the East who was drawn into the river as a pattern for the future triumph of the virtuous woman and Messiah Yeshua in Revelation. Hint: the Bear gets torched.

News and commentary for Monday, 8 June, 2026. And, today – even an exercise in understanding, and EXPOSING, propaganda.

Tim & Britany McDonald

A few weeks back, Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa made the decision to spend a bit more time on the last few weeks of regular readings, which included a “double-portion,” separately. Hopefully you saw why that was important. So, this week, we’ll continue to catch up, with a bit more than parsha ‘Naso,’ (Numbers 4:22 through chapter 7) and continue through a section in chapter 10 that seems to fit well. The reading for parsha Naso begins with the remainder of the duties of the tribe of Gershon, and then summarizes the ‘census’ of the Levites, after which the narrative changes, and we again see that those who were “unclean” – for several reasons – were to be “put out,” or “shalach” in the Hebrew, a word we’ve seen before – of the camp. And that is followed up by descriptions of two other ‘processes,’ described in detail, which seem utterly foreign to most of ‘the sun-day church’ today. https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SSM-6-5-26-Naso-plus-thru-ch-10-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3 The Sabbath Day midrash this week begins with a question: What is it about those two, apparently very different, situations, and thus processes, the connects them? And why do they follow immediately after the commandment to “shalach” or put out of the camp, the “unclean?” The process outlined for the “sota” – or the woman whose husband suspects adultery, but has no proof – is said to be the ONLY one of its kind in Scripture, where YHVH actually PROMISES a miracle, one way or another. It’s also misunderstood and mis-taught (witness most of the twisting you’ve probably heard about ‘Jesus and the Woman CAUGHT in adultery’) and yet still at the very heart of so many of the most important events in all of human history! Why does the ‘whore church’ then ignore the real lesson? And that is followed-up immediately by the process surrounding the ‘Nazerite vow.’ Samson was said to be one “from his mother’s womb,’ as perhaps John the Baptist may have been as well. But Shaul, aka “Paul of Tarsus” notably TOOK such a vow, after he came to know Yahushua, notably, and yet most of xtianity has NEVER heard that! For reasons that Mark says, as the discussion unfolds, are obvious now. “Naso-plus: “Put out” the Unclean – but then Other Ignored Commandments That Speak VOLUMES about what we have been MIS-taught” https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/WT-CooH-6-6-26-Naso-plus-thru-ch-10-Shalach-the-unclean-the-Sota-the-Nazerite-and-HOW-MUCH-MORE-so-Es-QQQ-podcast-xxx.mp3 Service information: Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship worship services and teachings are broadcast live every Sabbath, via Paltalk. (www.paltalk.com has both the link, and the app.) The “room name” is “Walking Torah with Shabbat Shalom Mesa,” and can be found via the paltalk search, then bookmarked. Erev Shabbat services begin at 7:00 PM Mountain Time Friday evenings (9 PM Eastern, 8 PM Central) Live Sabbath teachings begin shortly after 11 AM Mountain time on Sabbath day (Saturday). email: mark@markniwot.com The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:

Continuing with our series “Shema”, today Pastor Ira teaches our thoughts are the catalyst for our actions. However, there are many times we are stuck in attitudes and actions  that we know are doing us damage. What does it mean to love God with “all your mind”? Could answering this question by rewiring our minds help us get unstuck? Key Scriptures:Romans 7:20–25a, 1:21,28, Matthew 22:36–40, Romans 8:5–7, 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:3–5, Colossians 3:2, Philippians 4:8, John 8:31–32 

Toni Bogart currently serves as a producer researcher at Sid Roth Ministries, bringing a wealth of insight and experience to her impactful work in media. As a Messianic believer who deeply loves God and people, her life and career are firmly rooted in her faith and a passion for ministry. With over forty years of professional accomplishments, Toni is a gifted worship leader and keyboardist who previously shared her talents as an inspirational PTL singer. She is also a dynamic keynote speaker who uniquely balances her vibrant creative spirit with a sharp acumen for business. Throughout her diverse journey, Toni remains dedicated to using her multi-faceted gifts to inspire others and lead them into the presence of God.

After a rough start, and no shortage of system issues, Mark and David finally discuss a week of news where “hard to believe,” and worse, doesn’t even start to tell the story.

News and commentary for Thursday, 4 June, 2026.

By now the ‘WHY’ we are warned to ‘come out of,’ is crystal clear. And getting more so by the day. Even the WHAT is hard to miss. But it takes continue effort to hang on to that progress. Because the Rulers of the Darkness of this world are still working hard to suck all of us right back in. And the un-informed are helping. “One Step Forward, Two Steps Back”

Host Mark Call takes a look back at some of the major news stories of the week ending 6 June, 2026. And again, the major question seems to be, “Just how much MORE are Americans going to put up with?” But it’s not just in the US, but much of the rest of the world – especially EU and the UK – where people should learn to say “NO!” to tyranny. But if the continued fraud that is Too Big To Hide doesn’t make the case, don’t hold your breath for the Terminally Dumbed Down to wake up.

When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, He didn't quote the Ten Commandments. He quoted the Shema. Discover the meaning of this ancient prayer and why it remains at the heart of biblical faith.visit us at: conejochurch.com

News and commentary for Wednesday, 3 June, 2026.

News and commentary for Tuesday, 2 June, 2026.

News and commentary for Monday, 1 June, 2026.

Please join us for the next installment of Heaven Shaking the Persian Bear, as we discuss "Bear Bones."

Love and Torah – what's love got to do with it? This study series is based on the “Two Great Commands” – love Yahweh and love your neighbor. Rabbi Steve Berkson digs deeper into the book of James (Ya'akov), elaborating on Ya'akov's exhortation to those under his care and guidance in chapters 3 and 4… • Why does Ya'akov say that some should not become teachers? • What does “bridling the body” mean? • Why is the ‘tongue' such a focus in chapter 3? • Are you SNIOP? • What is “Humility and Integrity vs. Hypocrisy”? • How can you be “behaving like a demon”? • How are self-seeking, confusion, and foul deeds related? How can you avoid them? • Why did Ya'akov address some people as “adulterers and adulteresses”? Rabbi Berkson once again dissects the words in these passages to give you a deeper understanding of what Yah expects of you, enabling you to do it and receive the blessings. Learn more about MTOI: https://mtoi.org The MTOI App https://mtoi.org/download-the-mtoi-app Follow MTOI: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide Contact MTOI: admin@mtoi.org (423) 250-3020 Join us LIVE (all times Eastern): • Torah Study, Fridays 7:30 pm • Shabbat Service, Saturdays 1:15 pm Streaming available on YouTube, Rumble, MTOI App, and mtoi.org

Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa made the decision to treat the last few weeks of regular readings, which included a “double-portion,” separately – because there was so much in there that needed to be given more time. So, this week, we will catch up, at least a bit, with a different combination ‘double parsha,’ and see that the combination also fits. Parsha “Bechukotai,” (Leviticus 26 through the end of the Book) from the opening verse, IF you WALK, “IN MY Statutes,” is perhaps the second most dramatic set of “blessings and curses” in Scripture, after Deuteronomy chapter 28. And it includes what Mark has called the set of “seven times seven times seven times seven” — and a litany of curses that any of us would be hard pressed to argue aren’t at least in their initial stages, or worse. The Erev Shabbat reading then continues with parsha “Bemidbar,” (Numbers chapters 1 through 4) and the command to Moshe and Aaron to “lift up the head” or number – take a census – the men of ‘fighting age’ in the mixed multitude. And the details make certain elements of that effort stand out over the millenia: https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/SSM-5-29-26-double-Bechukotai-Bemidbar-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3 The Sabbath Day midrash again begins with a suggestion. Since there is so much emphasis on DOING what YHVH says, ALL of it, and keeping his “statutes, judgments, and commandments, along with the dire promise of what happens if, as it turns out, they did not — the numbers that begin the Book called “Numbers” in English end up telling a stark tale. Because we’ve read ahead. of 603,550 men, all unique, all counted as individuals, it turns out that only TWO (2) – and we know their names – will make it “into the land.” There is also a specific warning in verse 17, that precedes even the multiplied curses. It even has to do with things like data centers, today. And a very specific failure, Mark contends, underlies ALL of those lessons. “Bechukotai, then Bemidbar: Those Who HATE You WILL Rule Over You – and that’s for starters” https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/WT-CooH-5-30-26-double-Bechukotai-Bemidbar-Those-who-HATE-you-DO-Rule-Over-You-podcast-xxxx.mp3 Service information: Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship worship services and teachings are broadcast live every Sabbath, via Paltalk. (www.paltalk.com has both the link, and the app.) The “room name” is “Walking Torah with Shabbat Shalom Mesa,” and can be found via the paltalk search, then bookmarked. Erev Shabbat services begin at 7:00 PM Mountain Time Friday evenings (9 PM Eastern, 8 PM Central) Live Sabbath teachings begin shortly after 11 AM Mountain time on Sabbath day (Saturday). email: mark@markniwot.com The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day. Get your Hosea Scripture Journal now. What if God put your nation on trial… and you were part of the evidence? Listen to our text today, Hosea 4:1: Hear the word of the Lord, O children of Israel, for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. — Hosea 4:1 "Hear the word of the LORD…" Underline that because this chapter isn't a suggestion to hear. It's a summons to hear. God is calling his people to listen because he is about to present a national case against the nation of Israel. For what? "A controversy…" The Hebrew word is rîb. It's not a casual disagreement. It's courtroom language— a legal dispute, a formal charge, a covenant lawsuit being brought against them. God is confronting everyone. Not just their national leaders, or their priests, but the whole land. Everyone is included. This is what makes this chapter so sobering. God is not addressing a single failure. He is addressing the entire culture. A people who have drifted so far from him that their entire way of life is now under review. So chapter 4 is where Hosea's tone shifts. The first three chapters showed us God's heartbreak. The wounded husband (God) pursuing an unfaithful whoring bride (Israel). But now we see something else, someone new. The righteous judge. The One who sees clearly through this national mess. One who speaks truthfully into the whoredom of the land. One who will not ignore what has been done. Because love never cancels justice or ignores injustice. It demands it. And before God lists the charges in this chapter in his courtroom, he calls for attention with the word: "Hear…" This is the Hebrew word shema—the same word from Deuteronomy 6:4, the central confession of Israel: "Hear, O Israel…" It doesn't just mean listen. It means listen with the intent to obey. And don't miss this. These are the same people who recited the Shema daily, who knew the words, who claimed to hear God, and yet—they no longer shema. They heard the words, but stopped obeying the voice. And what God is about to say to Israel isn't just for them. It presses into our time. Because it is possible for a nation to become so comfortable, so distracted, so self-defined that it stops listening to God entirely. So here's the question we all need to sit with today: Are you still listening to God? Not once in a while. Not when it's convenient. Not when things fall apart, and you need help. But consistently. Because before anything else changes in your life, you have to hear what God is saying. So slow down and hear from the great Judge who wants to speak the truth about you in your life today. DO THIS: Set aside five minutes today to read God's Word slowly and ask him to help you truly hear what he is saying. ASK THIS: When was the last time you intentionally listened to God through his Word? What distractions make it difficult for you to hear from God consistently? How can you create space in your life to listen more intentionally? PRAY THIS: Father, help me hear your Word clearly and respond with humility. Keep my heart attentive to your voice. Amen. PLAY THIS: "Speak O Lord"

​1)      I would like to host some non-Jews on Shabbos, 2nd day of Shovuos. May our non-Jewish chef cook for them on Friday, 1st day of Shovuos? [1]2)      My tenant left some children home unattended. The 10-year-old decided to cook something, then forgot to turn off the heat. Due to smoke coming out of the windows the fire brigade was alerted, and they broke down the front door of the home. Thankfully everyone is safe, but who has to pay for the repair to the door? [2]3)      After early Maariv I realized that I hadn't davened Mincha. What should I do now? [3]4)      An elder Chosid lived in a Jewish but modern-orthodox district. The Rebbe requested he organize a Friday night minyan bizmano. Why? “Jews who aren't keeping Shabbos, instead of violating 27 hours, will violate only 26 hours”. Let's check this out: [4]5)      I have a choice: Maariv early with a minyan, or bizmanoalone. Which is preferable? [5]6)      When using boiled eggs to make into a salad, do I need check for blood-spots?[6]7)      Why is lighting candles early on Erev Shovuos not compromising Sefiroh? [7]8)      May I sell kosher non-mevushal wine to Jews who are not Shomer-Shabbos at all?[8]9)      Which name do we write in a kesubah for one who doesn't have a Jewish father? [9]10)  We have a Kohen who is married to a divorced woman. He doesn't duchen. But does he need to leave the room before the Chazan proclaims “Kohanim”?[10]11)  When gathering the Tzitzis for Shema, are we compromising their Mitzva?[11]To sponsor a Shiur – to honour a special occasion -contact: dayan@lubavitchuk.com[1] אסור לבשל לנכריביו"ט (שוע"ר ר"ס תקיב). ע"י נכרי, אולי שבות דשבות, אך איןכאן צורך מצוה. לכן גם העירוב תבשילין אינו מתיר.  [2] מכבי-אש לא חייבים לשלםמה שהזיקו בכדי להציל חיים (פסקי המשפט סי' שפ, א). השוכר-הדייר פטור, אפילו אםהיה נחשב פשיעה, כי אין דין שמירה בקרקעות. פרט אם עשו חוזה בתחלת השכירות שהדיירחייב להחזיר הדירה כפי שקיבל אותה (שם סי' שמ, ז).[3] מבואר בשוע"ר סי' קחסי"ג עפ"ד המג"א שם סק"י. ומשמע קצת שי"ל שעדיין נחשבתתפלתו שיתפלל עתה כתפלת מנחה.  [4] בשוע"ר סי' רסגסי"ט מבואר: א) רוב הקהל – שאינם באים לביהכ"נ – אינם נמשכים אחר המיעוט[שקבלו שבת מוקדם]; ב) בית-כנסת מאוחר אינו נמשך אחר רוב בתי-כנסיות המקדימים; ג)יחיד שבביתו נמשך אחר רוב העיר, לא אחר בית-כנסת שלו. ע"כ. אבל המחצית השקל(שם כ"ד) סבור שנגרר אחר ביכ"נ שהוא רגיל בו. י"ל בכוונת כ"קשכל שאינם באים לביכ"נ נמשכים הם למנין חב"ד המאוחר.[5] חידושי הש"ס של הצמחצדק א, ג.[6] ראה יו"ד סי' סוס"ח. וראה ס' הכשרות פרק יג אות כה.[7] מבואר בשוע"רר"ס תצד. וראה נתיבים בשדה השליחות פ"ג הע' 18.[8] בשו"ת ציץ אליעזר(ח"ח סי' יז-יח) מביא מכמה פוסקים שזה שמח"ש בפרהסיא דינו כעובדע"ז, לא נאמר לגבי מגעו ביין.[9] בס' כתובה כהלכתה(פ"ו סי"א) ג' שיטות: א) שם הפרטי לחוד; ב) שם האם; ג) שם אבי האם. [אךמ"ש בהע' יז על מי שאביו יצא לתרבות רעה, שקראו אותו ע"ש אבי אביו –לענ"ד שאני התם כי הוא באמת מתייחס לאבי-אביו. משא"כ בנדו"ד] לעניןעלי' לתורה – ראה דברינו בנתיבים בשדה השליחות ח"ב פ"ה אות יד. ושאניקריאת התורה מכתובה וגט, כי לא יקראוהו לתורה: "פלוני בן אבי אמופלוני". משא"כ בסדור כתובה וגט, שנעשה בידי יודעי טיב קידושין וגיטין.[10]בשוע"ר סי' קכח סוס"ה כתב שהפסול לנשיאת כפים שלא מחמת פגם יצא מביתהכנסת. אבל במשנ"ב ס"ק יב כתב שאין צריכים לצאת.[11]במדרש אגור משווה קיבוץ גליות מד'כנפות הארץ למצות ציצית בד' כנפות הבגד. בקיבוץ גליות תסתיים מצות ציצית שלהקב"ה.​

Continuing with our series “Shema”, today Pastor Ira teaches The Shema prayer is a guide for life that brings true blessing. At its heart is the concept of devotion. Full devotion is elusive but essential for following Jesus. Today we will look at what gets in the way of this devotion and how it impacts our lives.Key Scriptures:Deuteronomy 6:4–9, 1 Kings 18:21, Psalm 86:11, 42:1-2

David Justice and Mark Call review the major news for the week, from “Tyrants on Parade” and what they are doing, to what we need to know, and do about it.

Does the word echad in the Shema actually rule out God's complex unity? Or does it prove something far more nuanced? Dr. Michael Brown takes you deep into Scripture and Jewish tradition to show why if an exclusive singularity was meant, echad was the wrong word to use. Dr. Brown also discusses why even the Lubavitcher Rebbe and classical rabbis like Ibn Ezra and Rashbam understood echad differently. You'll walk away with a richer understanding of God's oneness, the yachid/echad argument, and why faith in a triune God is not a departure from Jewish monotheism. ~~~FRONTL|NE Newsletter: https://thelineoffire.org/newsletterDonate: https://thelineoffire.org/donate-one-timeX: https://twitter.com/DrMichaelLBrownYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LFTVInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichaelbrownFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASKDrBrownWebsite: https://thelineoffire.orgRadio Broadcast from The Line of Fire Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss some of the differences in belief contemporary Jews and Christians hold. Questions Covered in This Episode: Do Jews and Christians worship the same God? Do modern-day Jews worship the God of the Old Testament? What do orthodox Jews deny that Christians believe? What about The Shema? What is the difference in Triune theology? What about Christians' relationship with Israel? Are Jews members of the family of Christ? What about the Judeo-Christian ethic? Is a Jewish person closer to coming to faith than a Muslim or a Hindu? What is the difference between being in Adam and being in Christ? Do Jews believe the Gospel? What tend to be the gut reactions to this question? Helpful Definitions: Echad (אֶחָד): Unity. Yachid (יָחִיד): Singular one, numerical. Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Romans 5, 10-11, Romans 10:15 Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.