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Shalom chevrei! This episode reflects on the Hebrew month of Av, exploring its spiritual significance and rituals. The month is marked by both mourning, due to the destruction of the Temples on the 9th of Av, and hope for redemption, symbolized by the 15th of Av, a day of joy and love. The month of Menachem Av is associated with themes of destruction and rebuilding, with the letter Tet and the tribe of Shimon playing symbolic roles. Av's astrological sign, Leo, signifies divine will and the potential for renewal. The episode also discusses observances, such as mourning practices and the significance of Rosh Chodesh, emphasizing the importance of ritual observance in preparing for the future rebuilding of the Temple. The host encourages listeners to explore and practice Jewish customs as part of spiritual growth and connection to God. Incidentally since this is the last episode, we will summarize the months and tribes here: In Jewish tradition, each month of the Hebrew calendar is associated with a specific tribe of Israel. Here is a list of the tribes and the Hebrew months they correspond to:

1. Nisan (1st month) – Tribe of Judah
   Nisan is associated with the tribe of Judah, which led the march in the desert and is connected to leadership and kingship, as Judah was the royal tribe.

2. Iyar (2nd month) – Tribe of Issachar
   Issachar is associated with wisdom and understanding, and Iyar is a month of spiritual reflection, often linked to the counting of the Omer.

3. Sivan (3rd month) – Tribe of Zebulun Zebulun, the tribe associated with commerce and trade, is linked to Sivan, the month of the giving of the Torah on Shavuot, when a connection to both spiritual and material prosperity is emphasized.

4. Tammuz (4th month) – Tribe of Reuben Reuben, the firstborn, is associated with Tammuz, which falls during the period of mourning leading up to Tisha B'Av, a time of reflection on spiritual and historical losses.

5. Av (5th month) – Tribe of Shimon Shimon, associated with hearing and listening, corresponds to Av, a month of mourning and also the anticipation of redemption, as represented by Tu B'Av.

6. Elul (6th month) – Tribe of Gad
   Gad, symbolizing strength and resolve, is linked to Elul, a time of introspection, repentance, and preparation for the High Holy Days.

7. Tishrei (7th month) – Tribe of Ephraim Ephraim is associated with Tishrei, the month of the High Holy Days (Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot), representing both the beginning of the Jewish year and a time of spiritual renewal.

8. Cheshvan (8th month) – Tribe of Manasseh Manasseh, connected to the concept of remembrance, is linked to Cheshvan, a month with no major holidays, representing a time for spiritual work and reflection.

9. Kislev (9th month) – Tribe of Benjamin Benjamin is associated with Kislev, a month of joy and celebration, especially with the holiday of Hanukkah.

10. Tevet (10th month) – Tribe of Dan Dan, associated with judgment and resolve, is connected to Tevet, a month of reflection on the destruction of the First Temple and the time of mourning leading up to the fast of the 10th of Tevet.

11. Shevat (11th month) – Tribe of Asher Asher, symbolizing abundance and blessings, corresponds to Shevat, the month of Tu B'Shevat, the New Year for trees, a time to reflect on nature and renewal.

12. Adar (12th month) – Tribe of Naphtali Naphtali, associated with joy and happiness, is connected to Adar, the month of Purim, a time of celebration and redemption.

    This system reflects a deeper spiritual and symbolic connection between the months and the tribes of Israel, enhancing the significance of each month within the Jewish calendar.

Welcome friends to this PENULTIMATE episode of the Footsteps of The Messiah, 5784 edition of A YEAR OF MONTHS! We cover all things Tammuz this month and will explain where the name comes from, why and what it means. Also we share all the dates of importance and the season that Tammuz includes and how it prophesies about the future! Tammuz is strongly connected to the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and the city of Yerushalayim, past, present and FUTURE! Into the Messianic Age, Tammuz will become a new starting holiday for an entire 3 week festival season! [See Zechariah 8]

So said the Lord of Hosts: The fast of the fourth [month], the fast of the fifth [month], the fast of the seventh [month], and the fast of the tenth [month] shall be for the house of Judah for joy and happiness and for happy holidays-but love truth and peace. יט כֹּֽה־אָמַ֞ר יְהֹוָ֣ה צְבָא֗וֹת צ֣וֹם הָֽרְבִיעִ֡י וְצ֣וֹם הַֽחֲמִישִׁי֩ וְצ֨וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֜י וְצ֣וֹם הָֽעֲשִׂירִ֗י יִֽהְיֶ֚ה לְבֵית־יְהוּדָה֙ לְשָׂשׂ֣וֹן וּלְשִׂמְחָ֔ה וּֽלְמֹֽעֲדִ֖ים טוֹבִ֑ים וְהָֽאֱמֶ֥ת וְהַשָּׁל֖וֹם אֱהָֽבוּ:

Please tell us how you think we are doing and send ?'s or suggestions to FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com. Shalom! Romans 9:1-5

Welcome to the third to last of this year's episodes of a year of months! This year we have been delving into each of the months one at a time. Before Rosh Hashanah, our goal is to finish the year strong and complete the cycle! This month covers SIVAN and new insights, ideas and deeper understandings of the month as well as the major holiday that occurs! Join us for this episode just under one hour. And we look forward to bringing you more soon! G-d bless you and shalom!

The month of Iyar in Judaism is the second month of the Hebrew calendar, counting from the calendar order established in Exodus ch 12. It falls between Nisan and Sivan and typically corresponds to April-May in the Gregorian calendar. Some of the observances we cover are...The Counting of the Omer! The most prominent observance during Iyar is the counting of the Omer, which begins on the second night of Passover and continues for 49 days until Shavuot. This period is a time of semi-mourning, traditionally observed by refraining from joyous activities such as weddings and parties. Yom HaZikaron: On the 4th of Iyar, Israel observes the Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. Yom HaAtzmaut occurs immediately following Yom HaZikaron. Iyar 5 is when Israel celebrates Yom HaAtzmaut, Independence Day, commemorating the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Also, the 33rd day of the Omer the 18th of Iyar is Lag BaOmer, a minor holiday celebrating a break in the mourning period of the Omer. It is traditionally associated with the cessation of a plague during the time of Rabbi Akiva and marks various events in Jewish history. These holidays and observances make the month of Iyar a time of remembrance, celebration, and spiritual introspection in the Jewish calendar. All this and more on this month's podcast of Footsteps of the Messiah! Please write to us at FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com with ideas or questions! Shalom, Shalom!

It is NISAN 5784! We finally made it to the first of the year! Our quest is to do one podcast about the month, its mazal, its tribe and all the things that make it unique plus bring you a new insight or practice that is particular to the month, called "chodesh" in Hebrew. So this month we will also cover the idea of "The Nasi". We will look into the concept of tribalism within Judaism, particularly focusing on the twelve tribes of Israel. We look at the significance of tefillin and the declaration of the oneness of God, paralleling it with the unity and uniqueness of the Jewish people.

From the narrative of Jacob's twelve sons to the dedication of the Sanctuary, the article discusses how each tribe had its own identity, role, and blessings. Despite the dispersion and loss of tribal identity over time, the unity of the Jewish people remains through shared customs, traditions, and mutual support.

We elaborate on the dedication of the Sanctuary by the twelve tribal heads, where each tribe brought identical offerings on different days. It explains the symbolism behind these offerings, emphasizing both the unity and diversity within the Jewish nation.

Furthermore, the article explores two dimensions of Jewish unity: interdependence, where different tribes complement each other to achieve a common goal, and intrinsic oneness, where diverse vocations and personalities are expressions of a singular essence.

Ultimately, it suggests that while the Jewish people may have different paths and approaches, they are united by a shared purpose of serving God and fulfilling their mission, making their lives a sanctuary for the divine presence. Please send feedback or questions to FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com. Shalom!

Adar Alef, Bet: Pisces & Purim! This is a leap year or also called a SHANA ME'UBERET, a pregnant year. The Biblical calendar rotates through a cycle of 19 years and seven of these years in the 19 yr cycle has an ADDITIONAL month and it is called Adar Sheni! We will discuss the "mazal" of the month along with all six of the major characteristics that every Hebrew or Biblical month possesses. Adar is connected to the tribe of Naftali and has special qualities as well as the quality of doubling in size from 30 days to 60 days when it is a leap year! All this and more on this month's episode of FOOTSTEPS OF THE MESSIAH! Write to us with any ideas or feedback at FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com! Be blessed and shalom! By the way if you are still reading, the Hebrew in the picture that accompanies this episode is Kuf Gimel and at the bottom of it says "k'ra satan" meaning tear the satan. It is associated with the second verse of the Ana B'koach prayer. Shalom!

So happy new year as we have almost finished the cycle of 5783 and this very short parashah this week is bumping the schedule of the normally scheduled program of Ha'azinu to next week. Welcome to this High Holiday and New Year addition of Footsteps of the Messiah! It is approaching! Tishri 1 is near...I am recording this in the week leading up to Sept 15/16, Friday-Sat, which is the first day of RHS. Since there are special readings for this Shabbat as it is RHS, I will tell you what they are but I am not going to go into them or recap since there is alot and it is beyond the scope of what I plan to cover. The first day of RHS is Genesis 21:1-34 from parashat VaYera and has to do with Sarah and the L-rd promising the birth of a son when she cannot have son. I think this is prophetic of Yeshua's birth. His mother, Miryam, was not allowed to have kids yet b/c it took place prior to being married to Yosef. It is a similar miracle of childbirth meant to draw your attention to HaShem going above nature and bringing a first born son where none should have happened. In Sarah's instance she was past the time of childbearing. In other words, pretty late in life...and in Miryam's instance it was too early to be having a baby. I like the way G-d does bookends and polar opposites sometimes!

All this and more on this week's episode of Footsteps of The Messiah, special edition for Rosh Hashana! Please write to FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com with questions, comments or suggestions. Shanah Tovah!

The month of Shevat is the 11th month in the Biblical calendar counting from Nisan, or the religious calendar, as opposed to the civil calendar. According to Sefaria.org, "the New Year for Trees is described in the Mishnah in tractate Rosh Hashanah, located in Seder Moed (“The Order of Festivals”) opens with the statement that there are four days of the calendar, each of which is a New Year for its own purpose. The bulk of the tractate's discussion is elaboration of the laws concerning the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, its religious significance, and the details of the sounding of the shofar." The new year beginning in Shevat is tied to the timing of when to bring fruits for tithing to the Temple in Jerusalem. We also cover the middah and the zodiac sign or mazal for the month, and as always, show where in the Bible the month is mentioned. As a special bonus, we will also go over or through a TU BiShvat Seder and explain where the idea of a seder comes from. Also interestingly, the seder is held EXACTLY 60 or 90 days before the seder for Pesach. 90 days away if you are in a leap year, with two months of Adar. Please write to us with comments or questions and ideas at FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com. Shalom and Shavua Tov!

Welcome to the TEVET episode of our cycle of monthly insights on the Biblical months this year 2023-24 or the Biblical month of 5784! Tevet spelled differently means in Hebrew GOOD THINGS so how do we draw light out of our darkness? Well, we look in to the winter month of Tevet and learn from the events that occurred as well as the MAZAL or Zodiac sign of the month. Take a look with us at all 12 months briefly as well and we take a brief look at where Tevet pops up in the Bible. What does the prophet Zechariah say about the month of TEVET as well? Join us to learn this and more! Please write to us with ideas or feedback at FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com. Shalom!

Shalom Chevre and welcome to this months' episode of Footsteps of the Messiah! We are bringing you a special monthly edition this year and our hope is to release it the week of ROSH CHODESH KISLEV! This way you can enjoy an absorb and listen again if you wish to capture the whole SHEFA of the month. Shefa means flow and can also mean ABUNDANCE. So let's talk about Kislev 5784. Kislev is the 9th month from Nisan and the 3rd month from Tishri. The tribe of the month is Benyamin,

the letter of the month is SAMECH and the MIDAH or the emotion or quality of the month is sleep. The body part of the month is the womb. Each month has a new energy or ambience to it. We're going to go over the deeper nuances of the month of Kislev and the ideas that make Kislev special! Also we'll cover the many important dates and events that occurred from Genesis to the time of the Maccabees. May you be blessed and encouraged with this and all our podcasts. And remember if you'd like to read more about Yeshua and the one place where he celebrated Hannukah, take a look at John 10. It is called the Festival of Dedication and Yeshua Himself observed it too! Have a blessed day and may Yeshua our Messiah come soon and quickly and speedily in our days! Shalom! Feel free to contact us at FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com!

Welcome Chevre to this 4th installment of Footsteps of the Messiah in this new year or 5784. We'll be talking about all the parashot briefly that fall in Cheshvan as well as the important dates that occur in this month, the lack of holidays and the place of Cheshvan in the Zodiac, as well as what tribe it connects to.

And we also look at all of the names of this month, which is unique, as most months just have one name. We discuss the essence of Cheshvan, the zodiac and what its place is in Judaism and for Believers in Yeshua. We then go over briefly, the parashot that land in this month. May your Cheshvan and all of 5784 be blessed, fulfilling and prosperous! May the Light of Yeshua our Messiah guide your way! Please write to us with ideas or questions to FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com

Shalom chevre and welcome to this special end of one year, 5783 and beginning of the NEW YEAR 5784 edition of Footsteps of the Messiah. This episode truly represents an end of another cycle and beginning of a new one for our Podcast. We did a Sukkot edition last year on the first two days of Sukkot but we left off the Haftarot portions for the Shabbat Chol HaMoed, meaning the Shabbat that falls during the week of Sukkot and we did not cover the Haftarah portions that are read for both Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. So we'll make sure we do all that and maybe a little more in this episode. This year in the Jewish Year 5784: Sukkot begins on Friday at Sunset September 29, 2023 – and ends on Friday night at Nightfall October 6, 2023. We cover all parts of Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret and even get into the calendar and what and when is Simchat Torah. All this and more on this week's episode of Footsteps of the Messiah! Please write with any ideas or questions to FootStepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com. Shalom!

Shalom friends and welcome to a double special edition of this week's podcast! Shabbat Shuva and Yom Kippur are connected so join us as we cover an overview briefly of the Torah portions for Shabbat Shuvah and Yom Kippur and then delve into the HAFTAROT for both special days! We cover their connections to the time and season as well as insights and connections to why the book of Yonah is read at Yom Kippur and what Yeshua the Messiah has to say about Yonah and Nineveh. All these prophetic observations and some insights to fasting and why it makes us more spiritual on this week's episode! Please write with questions, insights or ideas to FootStepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com. Chag Sameach 5784!

Parashat Matot Ma-asei is set for this Shabbat of the week of July 14-15, 2023, or Tammuz 26 5783. The parasha is a double parasha and the last one for the book of Numbers/Bamidbar. Matot means Tribes and is in Numbers 30:2. The name of the second parasha is Ma-sei meaning Journeys, & appears in Numbers 33:1. The haftarah this week is the second in a series of three haftarot that pertain to the three weeks of negativity, aka, the three weeks of admonition or b'Ivrit, Bein HaMetzarim. Specifically the three weeks are tied to an important pair of dates, bookends if you will. These two dates are two of four dates that are found in Zecharya 8, and all four are fast days that are connected to Jerusalem and the Temple. Those dates being Tammuz 17, carrying on for 3 weeks until Tisha b'Av [Av 9].

The Haftarah passage for this week is a combo of Jeremiah 2:4-28, 3:4 + 4: 1-2. It is read on the second Shabbat after the 17th of Tammuz, which this year fell on July 6th, 2023. The bulk of this portion is a long list of offenses against Israel for unfaithfulness and lack of gratitude and general rebellion. The attachment to Assyria & Egypt is mentioned about Judea attempting to run to foreign nations, during its final stages of inhabiting the land, prior to the Churban, the destruction of the city of Jerusalem and the Beit HaMikdash. Judah went to Assyria and Egypt for help against the approaching Babylonians. The intense judgement is balanced with affirmation and encouragement to not lose hope! Join us as we go through Jeremiah's connection to this week and this season! Please write with comments or questions to FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com. Shalom!

The week of Elul 17-23, and Sept 3-9, we read parashat Nitzavim and Vayalech. This covers from Devarim 29:9 to 31:30, a shorter parasha of only 70 verses [the average parasha I believe is about 105 verses]. The haftarah is very interesting so we will do a brief brief recap of the Torah, a short overview and move in to the last Haftarah of the year. Of course it is from Isaiah, as the last 9 have been. These 10 final haftarahs of the year are all from Isaiah, finishing the 7 weeks of consolation from Tisha b'Av. I'll be covering an extended portion that is not read traditionally and cover why I believe they don't read it in most synagogues. It is Isaiah 61:10 to 63:9 traditionally, but as believers in Yeshua we prefer to read from 61:1 all the way to 63:9. But we'll share more about that in a bit. So we want to finish the year and this marathon through the haftarot strong so let's get started! Please write to us with comments, ideas or questions at FootStepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com. L'SHANAH TOVAH U'MTUKAH!

Welcome to this weeks episode of FOOTSTEPS OF THE MESSIAH, for the week of Elul 10 to 16, with Shabbat falling of course on the 16th, just three full weeks from the beginning of this week or two more Shabbats away from ....any guesses...I'm sure you know by know...ROSH HASHANAH!

So this week we will be reading parashat Ki Tavo. This parasha is 122 verses going from Devarim 26:1 to chapter 29: 8. KI TAVO means "When you come" and opens with a description of the Bikkurim ceremony and the declaration of the conclusion of tithing. It ends with all of the blessings that are given by The Almighty for obeying his Torah and the consequential curses that are given for disobedience. This and more on the parasha and then we move to the haftarah, Isaiah 60, the whole chapter, which discusses the redemption and return from exile of the nation of Israel. We see the who, what, when and where about how Israel, and the nations will be redeemed. Isaiah brings them from sorrow to gladness and tells them to ARISE b/c Zion will have a radiant glory and become truly "THE CITY OF THE LORD", verse 14. An interesting note, I don't get into in the broadcast, but I'm not sure how, but the ancient sanctuary will be adorned by the majestic trees of Levanon in v.13. Please write to us at FoorstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com. Shalom and G-d bless you!

Parashat Ki Tetze is read this week of August 20, 2023 and on the Biblical calendar, it is Elul 9, on Shabbat. In Ki Tetze is containted the highest # of mitzvot out of all 54 Torah parshiyot of the whole entire year! There are 74 Mitzvot. Some of the highlights are the Shtei Nashim, rules for two wives, The Ben Sorer, the stubborn/rebellious son, the hanging of a man on a tree, and the prohibition of taking him down before nightfall...and many other mitzvot. Including, and this is an interesting one, the bird's nest which is considered one of the lightest, or least of all the commandments or mitzvot. This is a direct quote or connection to Matthew 5:17-20, one of the most pivotal and foundational passages in all of the Gospels and Epistles. Ki Tetze spans from Devarim 21:10 to 25:19. This and much more on this week's episode! Please send any comments or questions or bright ideas to FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com. Shalom, Shalom! This episode is for the birds!

Welcome Chevre to another episode of the Footsteps of The Messiah Podcast! This week is the week of August 13-20, 2023 and it is the week of Rosh Chodesh ELUL. Shabbos falls this week on Elul Bet, or the 2nd as we enter into parashat Shoftim. It is the only parasha to coincide with an actual BOOK of the Bible with the same name. Sefer Shoftim is found right after the book of Yehoshua.

We are exactly four weeks away from Rosh HaShana come Friday or Yom Shishi. This week, Thursday & Friday was Rosh Chodesh Elul. Technically Rosh Chodesh begins with Av 30 on Thursday and the forty days of Teshuvah have to begin on Av 30 to have the full forty days as Elul is only 29 days long on our modern calendar. It coincides this year with the 4th week of consolation. The haftarah is from Isaiah 51:12 to 52:12, haha, easy to remember. And all we'll be seeing and reading from the rest of the year will be ISAIAH in terms of the haftarah. It won't be until RHS that we move to another book for the haftarah. In the parasha, Devarim 16:18-21:9, there are three mitzvot that Israel have to do upon coming into the land. According to Talmud Sanhedrin 20a, they are to appoint a king, they have to wipe out the memory of Amalek and they have to build the Bet HaMikdash. We go over even more of the parashah as well. I forgot to mention...we see a famous line from the first few lines of the parasha, TZEDEK, TZEDEK TIRDOF...Justice Justice you will pursue. That's also in this week's parasha.

We then go into the Haftarah and see many portents and images of G-d and His Messiah Yeshua and even some famous liturgy that appears in the passage and we say in our Kabbalat Shabbat service. Plus we see a great deal about the Heavenly and Earthly Yerushalayim & take a look at what Rav Shaul has to say about it. Lots of Hebrew this week and jumping all around the Tanakh and New Testament so watch out, it's going to be a bumpy ride! We invite you to write to us at FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com. Let us know how we can improve and stir up more interesting topics and ideas and bring them to you our people, our chevre, our friends! SHALOM!

Parashat Re'eh is the 47th parasha of the Torah and this year is read the week of August 6th through the 12th and on Shabbat of Av 25.

This will also be the last Shabbat where the monthly blessing is recited as we do NOT recite it in the month of Elul to make the approaching

holiday of Rosh HaShana, and maybe it is because Tishri has its own pomp and circumstance and majesty! Re'eh means See, as in the imperative, and it begins in Devarim 11:26 and goes to 16:17. It details a series of Torah commandments in advance of the tribes entering into Aretz HaKodesh and incudes instruction and obligation to destroy idolatry, the mitzvot of tithing and charity, then kashrut and the chagim. Finally it tells about the prohibition of offerings to HaShem that are outside of the place where HaShem will put His name, namely Yerushalayim. It is about 131 verses. And this year is partnered with the Haftarah of Isaiah 54:11 thru Isaiah 55:5. The haftarah of Re'eh is the third in the seven Haftarot of Consolation. Not directly tied to RE-EH, these 7 haftarot started the Shabbat after Av 9 and will take us thru RHS. We'll discuss some Hebrew, some deeper insights, the connection to the Messianic Age, Moshe, Yeshua, Sukkot and water! Please write to us any time at FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com!

Shabbat Shalom!

This week on Footsteps of the Messiah we will cover the haftarah and it's relation to the season. We are in the homestretch of a few things this week, the week of July 23-29, 2023. This portion is usually if not always read the same week that Tisha B'av occurs. So why do I say the homestretch? Well the three weeks of negativity or also called Bein HaMetzarim end on Thursday, Av 9. On Shabbos we begin the SEVEN WEEKS OR HAFTAROT OF CONSOLATION also called SHIVA D'NECHEMTA in Aramaic. From this point, this Shabbat until the end of the year, in particular 5783, we read this plus 6 more haftarot of peace restoration and affirmation, comforting words to Am Israel all from the prophet Isaiah...by the way if you count it up, Isaiah is the premier PROPHET OF THE HAFTARAH portions throughout the year! We seem to see more haftarot portions from him than any other Prophet. All this and more on this week's episode! Please write us at FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com with ideas, questions or comments. G-d bless you! Shalom!

Yishayahu, or Isaiah in English is the book we read from on this special Shabbat, called Shabbat Chazon, because of the first word from Isaiah 1:1. Chazon means "VISION" or "REVELATION". I don't speak about it in the episode but we used the graphic to connect to the BOOK OF REVELATION, when Yeshua returns. So, the parsha itself, Parashat Devarim is read the week of Rosh Chodesh Av, and falls on Av 4 5783, July 22, 2023. This parasha is 105 verses and is the first of the last...meaning it is the first parasha of the last book and is also read right around the first week of Av. Our haftarah is from Isaiah verse one of chapter one to verse 27. The haftarah is not very long and this is a special Shabbat that is not discussed enough in my opinion! But it should be!!!...especially because it relates to the book of Revelation in the New Testament and so many Yeshua Believers have never even heard of this special shabbat b/c they have never heard of the Haftarah or read it in most Congregations of Believers in Yeshua. Meet us or greet us or ask us by writing to FootstepsofTheMessiah@gmail.com. Shalom! B'hatzlachah!

Parashat Pinchas this year 5783 or 2023 on the Gregorian calendar is the first shabbat of the three weeks of admonition. Also called Bein HaM'tzarim, between the straits is the literal translation. In this Parashah, it picks up with an incident that actually happened in Last week's parasha, in Numbers 25, where Pinchas skewered two people copulating in the open, a disgusting wanton brazen act that needed expiation. The rabbis discuss this event alone at great length and Pinchas is eventually compared to Eliyahu and the zeal that Eliyah had for HaShem at the altar where he proved HaShem was the one true God with the pagan worshippers of Baal. Coming onto the scene to meet Eliyah is both The Word of the L-rd and The L-rd Himself. What's the difference? Who is "The Word of The L-rd"? And why are there two different haftarot for this week? What are the connections to the Parasha itself? All this and more on this week's edition of Footsteps of The Messiah. Please send questions, feedback or ideas to FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com Shalom! שׁלום

[special thanks to Kol HaSeridim for the photo from https://kolhaseridim.blogspot.com/2015/07/haftaras-parashas-pinchas-how-eliyahu.html]

Micah, HaNavi (the prophet) is the star of this week's haftarah. Parashat Chukat Balak lands on the 2nd week of Tammuz 5783 and we enter into another double portion! It also is one of the six unique Torah portions named after a character. Interestingly enough, it is another pagan non-Israeli character, or Israelite. So Chukat and Balak are read together both in Non Leap years and leap years. And when Shavuot falls on a Thursday-Friday in the diaspora, meaning outside of Israel, we fall behind by one week, whereas Israel treats the Shabbat of Shavuot as a normal Shabbat. A few weeks ago we discussed the special parashot that are combined in the 19 year cycle, that includes 7 leap years every 19 years. This is NOT a leap year, this year 5783, aka 2022-2023. Mainly I will focus on Micah 5-6 and what connections are here. This haftarah shows K'lal Israel as a restored nation. Dew is a picture and prophetic of a gift of G-d and ultimately, the resurrection of the dead and the Messiah as well. Much focus is given to Micah 6:4-8!!! It summarizes the meaning of the entire Torah but Micah wasn't the first to attempt such an encapsulation! Come see why! All this and more on this week's episode of Footsteps of The Messiah! Please send feedback or questions or ideas to FootStepsofTheMessiah@gmail.com. Blessings and Shalom!

This year Parashat Korach is read the week of Tammuz 5 5783 or June 24 2023. The parasha takes place from Num 16:1-18: 32. The haftarah is from 1 Samuel 11:14 to 12:22. The overview is that Shmuel who is descended from Korah brings Am Israel together for the coronation of Shaul over Israel as King. There are the Hebrew connections that the Chazal found, the Sages linked the Torah parshiyot to the prophets readings. The connection to the prophets portion in first Shmuel connects to the rebels Dathan and Aviram who were arrogant to Moshe and insulted him. It is almost the same verbiage we see in 1 Samuael 12:3 where Shmuel is faced with being rejected by the people as their leader when they plead for a King. Now Moshe and Shmuel are connected in early Bible tradition. We will see how and where in the Tanakh. Moshe and Shmuel are ultimate examples of Tzaddikim and Judges who are beyond reproach. Please send questions or comments to FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com. May you be blessed and encouraged! John 3:16 Shalom!

PARASHAT SHELACH 5783: This year parashat Shelach also happens to be the announcement of Rosh Chodesh Tamuz and we find ourselves in the 13th chapter of Numbers, just having left Sinai in last week's parasha, Be'ha'alotcha. Parashat Shelach spans from Numbers 13:1 to Numbers 15:41. The 12 Shli'chim or emissaries or "apostles" also called scouts, go to explore the Aretz HaKodesh. They return with excessive supernatural fruit and tell the people it is a land flowing with milk and honey but the positivitiy stops there. They start adding their fear based perceptions of the people and the cities. This does not go well, as a matter of fact it goes downhill from here sadly. The spies say we even saw giants and the convince the majority of Bnei Israel that the land would be too hard to invade and succeed. How is this related to the mission at hand in the book of Yehoshua/Joshua chapter 2? I propose it is about a wayward woman, owner of a place of ill repute, and two anonymous characters of whom we will discover their true identities and righteous lies perpetrated by a woman who becomes the wife of Yehoshua! Lots of intrigue this week in this edition of Footsteps of the Messiah! Please send feedback or questions to FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com. Shalom!

Years ago our rabbi asked where some story was located in Scripture and someone exclaimed without thinking, "The book of Samson!" Well, as you probably know, there is no "book of Samson" but there is a Book of Judges, or Shoftim, where the story of Samson, Hebrew: Shimshon, can be found. We look at the connection between the Parashat HaShavua, Numbers 4:21-7:89 and this passage in Judges. The parasha is called Naso נשׂא. It means "lift" but in this sense it is "lifting" the heads in order to take a count commanded by HaShem. A total of 8580 Levites from 30 to 50 are counted to do the work of moving the Mishkan. In this week's parasha, we hear about the enigmatic procedure of a strange potion and the rules of Sotah, the mitzvot about being a Nazir, and a list of the 12 Heads of the Tribes, each one called a "Nasi" which is the same root as "naso". A נשׂיא "nasi" is one who is lifted up to lead, so we get the translation, "chieftan". Also in this parasha, we see the famous blessing of the Kohanim. Then the leaders of the twelve tribes bring offerings for the inauguration of the altar. What this podcast is mostly about is Judges 1:13-25, the brief haftarah that connects to the weekly parashah. It shows the implementation of the Nazir vow and how it actually looks in practice. Our Messiah Yeshua was separated and also born of a woman who was not supposed to be pregnant, similar to the mother of Shimshon/Samson. We also take a look at what his name means and why it is important. As well as his parents' names and their prophetic meanings. Shalom and please write with any feedback or questions to FootStepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com.

So the two haftarah portions read for this week of Shavuot are from the book of Ezekiel and the day two reading is from Habbakuk. We'll look at a couple of customs, but mainly the haftarah for both days 1 and 2. So if there is a holiday to celebrate in honor of Israel and it's gift to the world, it is SHAVUOT. Israel became G-d's bride and was betrothed at Shavuot. Vows were exchanged, and this is seen in a variation of the vowels in the word Shavout when changed to "Shev-uot", it becomes the word "VOWS" as in Promises. The Torah portion is Exodus 19:1-20:23 and a small section from Numbers 28:26-31; if you never heard these passages sung or chanted in Hebrew it is beautiful and extremely important to hear them in the Lashon kodesh, but definitely read them in Hebrew and of course in English to help you get into the mood and energy of the season, prior to Shavuot.

It's nice to be familiar with what's being read at services, before you get there. Kind of like a warm up and familiarization and a refresher since it's been a year since we heard it. Of course the Sefirat HaOmer period is a great time to do these things since we are counting the omer and counting UP to this time, for 7 weeks from Pesach. The Haftarah is Ezekiel 1:1-28 and an added verse from Ezekiel 3:12; we will hopefully discover why shortly.

The readings for Yom Sheni, the diaspora mandated 2nd day for every festival, is also done for Shavuot, and the portion is Devarim 14: 22 -16:17 and the maftir, the extra portion used to say the blessings for the person who'll be reading the haftarah, is also connected to Shavuot, it is Numbers, Bamidbar 7:87-89, just 3 verses about the offerings for Shavuot. The Haftarah for day two is Habbakuk 2:20-3:19. We'll speak about why this is read and it's connections and Messianic implications and prophecies. I think the goal of this reading and of Shavuot as a whole, is to see HaShem in Creation and I believe this is what HaShem wants us to accomplish daily. This leads

us to understand we are nothing without Him and His Messiah Yeshua. Be blessed and thank you for listening! Be BLESSED AND ENCOURAGED! SHALOM!

So for Tazria-Metzora, this week's Haftarah falls at a very unique time and it only happens twice this year during the Biblical year and cycle of the Torah readings. The 2nd day of Rosh Chodesh falls on SHABBAT. This year Rosh Chodesh day one or two only falls on Shabbat 2 times, it already happened in Tevet, I believe, and this is the second time it will happen for the year and not again will we have a New Moon occurring on Shabbat. Therefore we discuss the 2 haftarahs that are read depending on whether Tazria and Metzorah are read together or separately, but I want to focus on the Messianic view and the Olam HaBa vision of Isaiah 66 which is read on this special occasion since Rosh Chodesh falls on Shabbat. Specifically Day Two of Rosh Chodesh and it falls on Iyar 1. Please like, share and send any feedback or ideas or questions to FootStepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com. Thank you and may you be blessed and encouraged always!

So wow! This week's Parasha includes the beginning of the "Kehuna" the Priestly Service, the short-lived careers of Nadav and Avihu, their unique deaths and then the kosher mitzvot and finally the laws/teachings about ritual purity. Incidentally, Kosher and Taharot [purity] are considered "chukim", decrees that are difficult or impossible to completely understand or derive the meaning behind their observance. And these are not obviously connected to the haftarah but offer fascinating study on their own in the parasha. We look at the number 8 and do I really love a good study on numbers! We'll see a connection to the parasha using the 8th day and King David's reign in Hevron and then Jerusalem and the number 8. And was Uzzah's death merited as it seems the deaths of Nadav and Avihu were? We'll look at the fire of HaShem and see how we need to be consumed with His fire, but with boundaries and order. And WHY was Uzzah killed? I mean wasn't he just helping out? We look at the connection between the Torah portion and the Prophets portion, as we attempt to do every week and hope to share insights that you find encouraging and edifying!

The letter MEM in the word מוֹקְדָ֨ה in this week's parasha, TZAV, in Leviticus 6:2, is diminished when you look at an authentic Torah Scroll and in most publications, that honor the original text. I was not able to recreate or copy and past the diminished MEM here but you can see it if you look up the original text, for instance on Sefaria.org. We look into the letter being small and reasons why, plus why is it small in the word for "pyre" or "hearth" in particular. Find out more about MEM's gematria/numerical value and many connections to other MEM words in Judaism, the Bible and of course...MASHIACH! Which also starts with a MEM in case you were wondering! And...find out where in the Bible ONE word, and ONE word only, has a FINAL MEM...in the MIDDLE of the word!!! Please send any feedback, questions, comments or complaints or insights to FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com. Your friend, Kevin Baksh

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH THE SMALL ALEF?  We cover that and a whole lot more on this edition of Footsteps of the Messiah! Why would Moshe, who wrote the Torah for HaShem, from His mouth to Moshe’s hand, use a small letter here in the very first word of the very first verse of the entire book? Also how does this translate?  What does the word “LEVITICUS” even mean and why is it used?  Who is a priest and who is a Levite?  Why does it matter?  And what were their jobs? Do all of these things only pertain to the Mishkan or is it for The Temple as well? And how does the priesthood and all the mitzvot about offerings connect with the haftarah of Isaiah 43-44? We cover all this and more on this week’s broadcast of Footsteps of the Messiah! Happy New Year as well!  It’s Nisan! Your friend Kevin Baksh, FootStepsoftheMessiah@gmail.com

P.s. please send any ideas or questions or controversies to us so we can discuss them and dialogue with you further!  Shalom chevre!

This is the third of four special Shabbats leading up to Pesach 5783! Well, actually it happens every year but these four special Shabbats spanning from Adar into Nisan and right up to Pesach, do not ALWAYS coincide with the same Torah and Haftarah portions. We also see a double parashah this year since it is not a "shanah m'uberet" or a "pregnant" year, i.e. a Jewish leap year. These two portions of Vayakhel & Pekudei are split into individual portions in leap years because we have an extra month, Adar Sheni or Adar II. By the way, in case you were wondering, in actuality, Adar I in a leap year is the "extra" or added month. Adar II is the normal Adar that always occurs. But I digress... So, Shabbat HaChodesh is the Shabbat preceding or landing on Rosh Chodesh Nisan. We read from an extra Sefer Torah, turned to Exodus 12:1-20 where the New Moon, Rosh Chodesh is given to Israel by HaShem as the 1st mitzvah or commandment of the 613 mitzvot to Israel. Among other reasons, Shabbat HaChodesh honors the anniversary of the original Nisan [or Aviv as this month is called in the Tanakh] being changed to the FIRST of all of the months and the redemption from Egypt and the miracle at the Reed Sea. The Haftarah is from Ezekiel 45:18-46:15, describing the Pesach offering and the Beit HaMikdash [the Holy Temple]. Listen in to see more about this passage from Ezekiel and its connection to Parashat HaChodesh! We hope you are blessed and edified by this broadcast! Chag Pesach kasher v'sameach! [May you have a kosher and joyful Pesach festival!] Shalom! Your friends @ Footsteps of the Messiah! Please send any ideas, issues, questions or arguments to FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com

Shabbat Parah includes a special additional reading from Numbers 19 and a substitute haftarah is read from Ezekiel! Normally a passage from 1 Kings 18 is read but when it falls on Shabbat Parah, we read a different haftarah, more in tune with the season and the additional Torah portion from Numbers 19. Find out why and what the connection is to this portion from Ezekiel HaNavi [the prophet] and the prophetic potential and additional future redemption that is connected to Pesach. We also discuss a very interesting passage from Mark 12 about Yeshua's discussion with The Sadducees about the Resurrection. Parallel passages are in Matthew 22:23–33; Luke 20:27–40. We pray you are edified and blessed with this study! Shabbat shalom!

What's the deal with Samuel & Saul?  Why can they NOT get along???  Does obedience come at the price of doing offerings?  Is an offering bad or good or is it something that draws the offerer near to HaShem?  What about hearing from HaShem?  Should we be doing both?  Well, we can't b/c there is no Temple but the sacrifices/offerings of our hearts are super important aren't they? Learn more about Shmu'el HaNavi and Shaul the first King of Israel and why this special portion appears for Shabbat Zachor in this unique year of 5783 when the normal haftarah is NOT read due to where this Shabbat falls on the calendar.  And BONUS!!! Learn about the 13 or more SPECIAL SHABBATS during the Bibical Cycle of the year!!!  Shabbat Shalom! שבּתּ שלום חברי Your friend, Kevin

What would a parashah about the Mishkan/Tabernacle have to do with a passage about King Shlomo/Solomon? Well, they both built structures commanded...yes chevre, COMMANDED by HaShem...and they followed them perfectly. How do we know...?  The Bible tells us they did and The Almighty, HaKadosh, B"H [Baruch Hu], fulfilled His promises to Moshe, the tribes of Israel in the desert as well as to Shlomo HaMelech and the people of Israel 480 years later! Also, we don't cover this but both Moshe, in Devarim 18:18 and Shlomo in his stories, are BOTH symbols/pictures/tavni'ot of Yeshua The Messiah. Be blessed and send any feedback or questions to Kevin Baksh by email to FootstepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com שׁלום

Mishpatim is kin to the word "shoftim" which is the name of the book of Judges...interestingly the Haftarah WAS from JUDGES just 2 weeks ago in Beshallach.  But that's beside the point!  We cover the parasha with a brief overview, take a parasha quiz and see how you do with 10 KEY QUESTIONS about PARASHAT MISHPATIM.  Then we come to the Haftarah and its interesting connection to the Siege of Jerusalem, the 1st Churban/Destruction of the Temple and how this connects to the New Testament book of Philemon, possibly the shortest book next to 3 John.  Join us and may you be blessed and encouraged!  Shalom!

Moshe brings Israel out of Egypt to meet G-d but lo and behold, they run into his father in law and his family.  Yitro may have made the most impactful contribution to Israel and its organizational development of any non-Israelite, although the Sages say he converted to belief in The G-d of Israel.  This is very believable and Jewish Tradition tells us Yitro went through an experience much like Avraham Avinu, from idolatry to monotheism.

The haftarah connects to the parsha by way of the great and mighty appearance of HaShem to Isaiah, similar to The L-rd's appearance to Israel at Sinai.

We cover an "Aliyah Summary" and read Rashi's input on the Haftarah.  It's brief and concise this week friends!  Be blessed and encouraged!

Shalom, shalom!

The Haftarah for Beshallach is Judges/Shoftim 4:4-5:31.  It tells about the defeat of a general named Sisera and his Cananite army, and Devorah whose name means bumblebee, incidentally, who sings a prophetic song of triumph.

The main connection to the Torah portion itself is how the Egyptians drowned at the Reed Sea and and the subsequent songs led by Moses and Miriam.  May you be blessed and encouraged and please let us hear any feedback, questions or comments at

FootStepsOfTheMessiah@gmail.com.  May you be blessed and encouraged chevre! 

Romans 10:8-10

The haftarah and Torah portion are connected b/c Egypt again is being punished and HaShem calls for the release of captives out of Egypt...AGAIN!

The final three plagues of ten appear in Parashat Bo and similarly we see the locusts appear but in the form of people: the Babylonian Army, coming against Egypt, who Israel had tried to rely on for defense, but they did not come through for Israel.  Had they fulfilled their promise, Egypt may have looked like a very different nation both in the past and also in the present.

Jeremiah speaks of a promise of redemption for Israel but they still must be punished for their faithlessness, similar to the 40 year wandering.

You will see the picture used for this episode is a Fresco of Ezekiel, Daniel, Jeremiah and Isaiah. They didn't all fit so I need to learn how to re-scale pictures.

They all were prophets against Israel prior to or during the Babylonian invasion and subsequent exile.

For other insights to this parasha and haftarah see more @ https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/haftarah-for-bo/

We hope you enjoy "Again with LOCUSTS in Egypt?!? Haftarah Bo 5783"

The plagues!  The impending departure from Egypt!  Pharaoh and The Nile!  What does it all have to do with the coming redemption?  And why would Ezekiel be speaking about Pharaoh hundreds of years after the Exodus?  And how does this prophesy the Messianic Redemption?  And what about the mysterious, marvelous past and future HAIL?!?  All these questions will be answered my friends in this episode!  Please like and share!  And send comments questions or ideas to FootStepsOfThe Messiah@gmail.com

As we enter the book of Shemot/Exodus, we see Israel "coming" into the land but it's a land of EXILE...NOT a land of promise...or promises PLURAL, like the promises to the Patriarchs.  But here comes the redeemer, many decades later to "draw them out" just as he was drawn out of the Nile.  Hear a brief survey of Parashat Shemot and see why the sages chose the portion from Isaiah for the Haftarah this week.  PLUS, as we continue through this year of analysis of the Haftarot, discover why it was chosen and how it preaches MESSIANIC redemption and the mystery of THE GREAT SHOFAR!  TEKIAH! TERUAH!  SHEVARIM!!!

Ya'akov, aka ISRAEL is dying at his bed and beside him are the 12 sons and his grandsons.  He switches the blessings on his grandsons like he switched birthrights and blessings with his brother Esav and elevates his grandsons to full tribes under him, essentially displacing Yosef.  Connected to this in the Prophets/Nevi'im portion, the haftarah, is the death of David Melech, but NOT before he passes on commands and wisdom and explanations to Shlomo, his son who was called to succeed him.

We find out about prophetic insights into David's reign from Hevron for 7 years and the passing of the Messianic Torch to Shlomo and how they prophetically forecast things Yeshua did in the Gospels and will do in the future Redemption and at the inauguration of the Messianic Age, the Olam HaBa!

This is a speedier version of our year of focus on the haftarah of the week.  Sorry we're a bit late but we're getting caught up!  So Joseph and Yehudah have a stand off but we really see how Ezekiel foretells the coming of both Messiahs, or both Messianic comings by one man, Yeshua.  Listen to the significance of the phrase "Son of Man" and why Yeshua referred to himself as that.  Shalom!  Thanks for your support and listening!

Miketz is an interesting portion as it sometimes falls during Chanukah and if so, as it did this year, 5783/2022, we read from Zechariah 2:14-4:7.  We read about Yehoshua, the high priest, but he is also given a crown and is possibly the one to whom the Angel of the L-rd refers to as "The Branch"!  This is a code word for the Messiah Himself!  What's so fascinating is that our Messiah is named "Yeshua" which is a derivative of "Yehoshua", which very well could mean that this is a prophecy, and possibly the only one I've ever found, that the Messiah's name would be "Yehoshua" or a "branch" off of this name that also means "salvation".  And that is the exact meaning of Yeshua...SALVATION.

FYI, on years that Miketz falls outside of Chanukah, the haftarah is from the story of 1 Kings 3:15-4:1, where King Shlomo has to make a judgement about who the proper mother is of an infant. 

So what's the deal with the 8th night?  Why is it special?  Why is tonight NOT LIKE ALL OTHER NIGHTS???  So in addition to extra "fire power" we have an infusion of extra spiritual energy and with all 8 lights burning, the "spiritual ignition" of extra prayer potency and an auspicious time, a time for this one day that is unique and presents favorable circumstances, showing signs of a favorable outcome!  How??? Come listen and let us learn together!

So what kind of menorah or Chanukiah can you use?  What is the background of the heroes of the story?

How does the calendar work?  How many candles do we light and why does it matter?

Learn the answers to these and other questions on Chanukah Night 7!  Chag Hanukah Sameach!

How does Yehudit bring about the victory and how does HaKadosh Barukh Hu make His mighty hand known?  Tune in and see for this final episode of the 3 part series heralding Yehudit, one of the finest names in Jewish History, yet rarely spoken of.  

What happens to Yehudit when she attempts to go to the Syrian Greek camp and seduce Holofernes?  It is alot of intrigue, lies and deception, but is she staying faithful to her mission?  Find out more in this follow up episode to yesterday's cliffhanger!

Part 1 of this famous story shows the bravery of one Jewish woman in a mysterious town whose identity is uncertain.  Learn the famous story of this one woman saved a city during the Maccabean revolt against the Syrian Greeks!

Continuing our mini-series for 8 nights of Chanukah, we cover the three major blessings and more about the details of the Chanukah story and how we ended up with this amazing holiday and the military history.