Be fruitful and multiply ...

(Gen 1:28; 8:17; 9:1, 7).

According to ancient Jewish interpretation (with which I agree), "fruitful and multiply" requires at minimum three children from the couple who is capable of fulfilling this commandment. Having only one child is depleting yourselves by one (Husband plus the wife, plus the child, then the parents die, leaving only the child). Two children is merely replacing yourselves (Husband plus the wife, plus the two children, then the parents die, leaving only two children). Three or more children is replacing yourselves plus adding more (Husband plus the wife, plus the three or more children, then the parents die, leaving thee or more children), thus being "fruitful and multiply[ing]."

-Michael Millier

The Temptation of Joseph

The problem with sexual temptation is that it's so tempting. Learn a lesson from Joseph and say "no" to the impurity of the world.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Vayeshev (וישב | He settled)

Torah: Genesis 37:1-40:23

Haftarah: Amos 2:6-3:8

Gospel: John 2:13-4:42

Birth Pains of Messiah

Before the coming of the Messiah, the earth will go through a time of trouble, tribulation, and calamity that can be compared to the labor pains of a woman about to give birth.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Vayishlach (וישלח | He sent)

Torah: Genesis 32:3-36:43

Haftarah: Hosea 11:7-12:12, Obadiah 1:1-21

Gospel: John 1:19-2:12

The Incomparable Name of Yeshua

“Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name.”  (Philippians 2:9)

Recently, some of our readers have asked us why we use the name Yeshua in the place of Jesus.

Other readers challenge us to use Yahshua instead of Yeshua, believing that Yah more accurately reflects the divine nature of Yeshua and is the correct way to pronounce the name of the Jewish Messiah.

Still others think the real name of Yeshua is the derogatory Yeshu.

Which is correct?

Paul demonstrates that "the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully"

Please compare the following two passages from the same letter:

"... the Law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, kidnapping-enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine" (1Tim 1:9-11).

Then:

"Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses" (1Tim 5:19).

Anointing from Heaven

The story of Jacob's mysterious dream about a ladder between heaven and earth and the story of Jacob anointing the pillar contain hints and clues about the Messiah.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Vayetze (ויצא | He went out)

Torah: Genesis 28:10-32:2

Haftarah: Hosea 12:12-14:10

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-4:11

THERE IS NO "CHRISTIAN CULTURE"

- ONLY JEWISH AND GENTILE CULTURES

In 135 A.D. or so, the second Jewish war against Rome ended with the lead general crucified, the head rabbi killed by having his skin and muscles scraped raw by iron combs, and the already distrusted empire wide Jewish people -- still paying reparations for the 67-71 A.D. war -- now paying for this one as well.