In this week’s teaching Ross begins to cover the story of Joseph. These stories are among the most cherished in the history of writing. The story of Joseph has a way of connecting people to the Bible as no other story does. In fact, Ross begins this week to show that we may be connected to these stories in a deeper way than many might think. Ross takes a slightly different approach in this week’s class, carefully working through the texts and pointing out interesting connections. We can learn a great deal by following these patriarchal narratives. You will not want to miss this teaching as it sets the stage for the next several weeks.

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In this week’s Torah portion, Jacob prepares to meet his brother Esau as he begins his journey home to the land of promise. The one who has struggled from the womb faces his greatest fears as well as his past. He divides his household into two camps and prepares to fulfill the command to go home. On his way, he faces the struggle of his life with a mysterious opponent. Who is this with whom he wrestles? Ross shows that the events described in this week’s reading point beyond the historical to a prophetic glimpse of Israel’s future return to the land. He takes the listener through several prophetic texts that shed light on what is to come. You will not want to miss this class.

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This week, Ross formally announces the long awaited Roots of Faith Tour to the Holy Land. In his teaching today he began to teach on the subject of the return of Israel to the land promised to the Children of Israel. Basing his teaching on the famed “Dream of Jacob”, he covers the departure of Jacob from his father’s house to find a wife for himself (Hosea 12:12) and of the subsequent years working for Laban. This week’s lesson is written in such a way to show that the twenty years covered in this reading went by at a fast pace. This is the only Torah Reading with no breaks in the texts (from Genesis 28:10-32:3). With the exception of Benjamin, all of Israel’s sons are born in this portion. The focus of the Dream was to assure Jacob that YHVH would be with him while he was away and that He would be faithful to bring him back to the land. Bringing Jacob home to the promised land is the one thing that YHVH promises to do with “all His heart and soul” (Jeremiah 32:36-41) You will not want to miss this class.

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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 lesson, Ross begins to explore the life of Abram – one who is called the “friend of God”. What was it about Abram that caused YHVH to chose him? From this point on in our journey through the Torah, the Biblical plan shifts from a universal plan to the story of a single man and his “seed”. What does the Bible mean when it speaks of the “seed of Abraham?” Does this point to a single figure or to a group? Isaiah tells us to look to Abraham. What will we see when we look to him? What are the promises to Abraham? The call begins with a charge to Abram to “walk for yourself.” What does this imply? You will not want to miss this class as it serves as a foundation for the upcoming Patriarchal narratives.

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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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This week, Ross begins again with the regular cycle of Torah readings. He concentrates on some fundamental points from the reading this week; namely, the Creator’s identity, the role of Man and the consequences of sin. In order to fully grasp the Torah’s message we must look at it on its own terms. Many errors in theology are based upon misunderstandings of the initial stories in the Bible. Ross explains that we must begin on a solid and clear understanding to avoid doctrinal pitfalls as we continue through the Scriptures. You will not want to miss this class. Listen to it and share it with others.

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Shalom,

On October 22nd, 2011, the Roots of Faith Congregation will begin again in Genesis on their annual trek through the Torah of Moses. This is an excellent opportunity to join up with us for a year of Scriptural study that will change your life!

Every Saturday morning, people from literally around the world join with us for a unique religious service that is aimed at inspiring people to live a more biblically authentic lifestyle. Services are broadcast live over the internet at www.shma.tv. Class begins at 10:30 AM CST. Viewers can log in and participate in a live chat session before and during the class.

Our services begin with a stimulating, engaging and educational class on the reading from the Law of Moses (the Torah) for that particular week. This part of the service lasts about an hour. These teachings are available for download through iTunes or directly from our site each week and are enjoyed and shared by hundreds.

After the conclusion of the class, the local congregation reads the designated reading from the Law of Moses (Genesis though Deuteronomy). These weekly readings are identical with those read in most synagogues around the world and thus participants find themselves in sync with the Jewish people. It typically takes about 30 minutes to read the weekly portion of Scripture.

After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the local congregation assembles on camera at a table where we discuss elements of the weekly reading. The internet audience participates in the discussion through an interactive chat feature.

In addition to the weekly services, Roots of Faith also celebrates the Biblical Festivals and broadcasts these services over the internet.

If you are looking for spiritual nourishment and an environment where you can learn and share your views with others, then perhaps Roots of Faith is for you. We are making efforts to fully utilize technology to convey an ancient and relevant message to the modern world.

Non-Jews as well as Jews are welcomed and encouraged to participate as we seek to learn to live a more Biblically authentic lifestyle! Anyone who believes in the One God of Israel and seeks to live according to the principles of His words will find this outreach quite refreshing.

Please join us and tell others about us. Thanks for your continued interest in Roots of Faith!

Shalom,
Ross

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