Why does Moshe have Israel pronounce curses over a seemingly random list of sins? Drawing on an insight from Rabbi Mordechai Druk, we discover that many of these transgressions share something in common. As Elul draws us toward teshuvah, Ki Tavo challenges us to look honestly into the mirror of God’s Word, confront the hidden places of our lives, and allow what we know to be true to become part of who we actually are.

Why does Ki Teitzei begin with going out to war, move through dozens of commandments about everyday life, and then conclude with the command to remember Amalek? Beneath these seemingly disconnected instructions is an important reminder about what it means to live with a mission. In this week’s teaching, we consider Israel’s calling, the place of the nations through Messiah Yeshua, and the danger of Amalek. As Elul calls us to return, perhaps one of the most important questions we can ask is not simply, “What have I done wrong?” but, “Have I forgotten why I am here?”

Parashat Shoftim opens with the command to appoint judges and pursue justice, making it a fitting reading for the month of Elul—the season of spiritual accounting before Rosh Hashanah. This teaching explores Yeshua’s warning to “settle matters quickly” before reaching the judge and applies it to the work of teshuvah: examining ourselves honestly, refusing to justify our failures, repairing damaged relationships, and returning to HaShem while He is near. Before the heavenly court convenes, we still have time to put the case on the table, make amends, and seek the mercy of the King.

In Parashat Re’eh, Moshe repeatedly calls Israel to simcha—to rejoice before HaShem as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. But biblical joy is more than happiness when life is going well. This teaching explores a deeper kind of joy: the joy of knowing HaShem, walking in His ways, and recognizing His goodness even in the ordinary rhythms of life.

In Parashat Eikev, Moses calls Israel to "serve HaShem with all your heart," prompting the rabbis to ask: What is the service of the heart? Their answer is simple yet profound: prayer. This teaching explores the Jewish understanding of prayer as an act of worship, dependence, and relationship with God. Drawing from the Torah, the sages, and the teachings of Yeshua, we discover why prayer is more than asking for what we need, it is the daily service through which we draw near to HaShem, entrust our lives to Him, and cultivate a living relationship with our Creator.

In Parashat Va'etchanan, Moshe tells Israel that the nations will one day recognize the wisdom of God's Torah and draw near to the God of Israel. This teaching explores how that ancient promise is being fulfilled through Messiah Yeshua, as people from the nations are brought near to Israel's covenants and learn to walk in God's ways. "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD."

In Parashat Devarim, Moshe begins his final words to Israel not with condemnation, but with loving rebuke. Drawing from Rashi, Maimonides, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, and the Talmud, Dr. Rick explores the difficult but necessary role of correction within a community of faith. What makes rebuke life-giving instead of destructive? Moshe shows us that truth is best received when it is spoken with humility, compassion, and genuine love for the other person.

In this teaching, we explore Yeshua’s difficult words, “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword,” through the lens of Parashat Pinchas and the covenant of peace given to Pinchas. Peace that ignores sin, falsehood, or injustice is only an illusion. True peace comes when God's truth is revealed, repentance takes root, and righteousness is restored.