Roots of Faith

In this week’s Torah portion, Ross tells the story of the generations of Isaac. He begins by showing that Isaac was unique among the patriarchs in many ways. And yet, while the reading is named for Isaac, it is his wife Rivkah (traditionally known as Rebbecca that is center stage. She is the one in whom YHVH trusts with the information that “the older son will serve the younger.” Ross shows from the texts that there is more to the story than meets the eye. In fact he reveals several important teaching points from this week’s reading that are relevant for us today. He focuses in on the ancient idea of the birthright or the right of the firstborn. This lesson is worth listening to and sharing. Check it out and share it with others.

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By the end of this week’s Torah portion, Sarah, Abraham and Ishmael are all dead. Ross begins with the words of Isaiah 51, where the pursuers of righteousness and those who seek Yehovah are told to look to Abraham and Sarah. What can we learn by looking to the first patriarch and matriarch? After Sarah’s death, Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac. Ross expounds on the idea expressed throughout this text of “biblical prosperity”. His teaching helps us to understand what is meant by the Hebrew word often translated as prosperity – and it has nothing to do with monetary wealth! When Abraham seeks to purchase a parcel of land from the sons of Cheth, he describes himself as a stranger and a sojourner. Ross covers this in an attempt to illustrate the importance of these words throughout the Bible. You will not want to miss this teaching. Listen and share it with others who love the Bible.

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In this week’s Torah reading, we cover several well known stories. Abraham is visited by three mysterious guests, one of whom is called YHVH. We read of the story of Sodom. What was the sin of Sodom? We read the story of Lot and of two sons born to him. We read of the birth of Isaac, the sending away of Hagar, Abraham’s Egyptian wife and of a final test for Abraham. Ross touches on each of these stories and reveals some common threads and draws out some points that many have missed in their reading of these stories. You will not want to miss this teaching.

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In this week’s teaching, Ross covers the story of Noah. He begins by showing that the Torah reading named for Noah, presents two distinct pictures; one – of the heart of man and the other, of the heart of God. By exploring these, Ross illustrates some important points about God and man. Does God “test” man? Are there any righteous among mankind? These questions and more are answered from the texts of the Scriptures. The answers may not be what you have been taught to believe. Ross shows that it truly comes down to a matter of the heart. He also compares the “waters of Noah” to the exile of the House of Israel based upon the reading of the prophet Isaiah. Ross also introduces the idea of “covenant”, a major concept in Biblical studies and one which will be expanded in coming weeks. You will not want to miss this teaching. Share it with others who may be interested.

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