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This week, Rabbi Lawrence Hirsch will inspire and challenge us, drawing insights from both the Torah portion Ki Tavo ('When you enter', Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8) and Yeshua’s teachings in Matthew 25:31-46.
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As we are in the Jewish month of Elul, a time of preparation and personal introspection before the coming of the seventh and holiest month of the year, the month of Tishri, Rabbi Lawrence will share a message from this week’s parashat Ki Tetze (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19). Today’s message is titled, "Living Out Justice and Compassion in Everyday Life.” This drash will challenge us all to reflect on how we use our resources, treat others in the community, and act justly in all areas of life, aligning our behaviour with God’s righteous standards of justice as reflected in God’s Word, in the Tanach and Brit Chadashah. A key verse is Deuteronomy 24:18 (TLV) - "But you are to remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and Adonai your God redeemed you from there. Therefore I am commanding you to do this thing.”
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Join Rabbi Lawrence Hirsch as he delves into this week's parashah, Shoftim ('Judges'; Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9), revealing how Yeshua fulfills the prophecy of a prophet like Moses from Deuteronomy 18:15-19. In this compelling drash, Rabbi Hirsch uncovers the profound parallels between Moses and Yeshua, spotlighting Yeshua's role as the ultimate mediator, His divine authority in revealing God’s will, and the crucial importance of heeding His words. Discover how Yeshua not only meets but exceeds the mission as the promised Messiah and the initiator of the New Covenant. A key verse, Acts 3:22 (TLV), captures this beautifully: "Moses said, 'Adonai your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your brothers. Hear and obey Him in all that He shall say to you.'" Don't miss this inspiring exploration of Yeshua's greater mission!
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This week, Rabbi Lawrence Hirsch delves into the message, "Who is My Neighbour?" as we explore Parashah Va’Etchanan (Deuteronomy 3:23–7:11) and Shabbat Nachamu (Isaiah 40:1-26). We’ll discuss the significance of the Shema, found in this portion, and uncover why Yeshua declared it the most important commandment, alongside the profound teaching to "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:30-31).
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In the latest episode, Rabbi Lawrence shares a timely message from the Haftarah portion from Isaiah 1:1-27. His message is titled “Shabbat Chazon - The Sabbath of Vision” as we explore one of the most solemn days of mourning in the Jewish calendar, Tisha B’Av. Rabbi Lawrence will answer the question, "Can true Judaism exist without a Temple?”
“'Come now, let us reason together," says the Lord: 'though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.'” (Isaiah 1:18, ESV) -
From this week’s parashah Matot-Masei (Tribes-Travels, Numbers 30:2-36:13), Rabbi Lawrence will deliver a message titled, “Idolatry Doesn’t Pay.” Last week, we learned about the very tragic results of immorality and idolatry. This week’s parashah and haftarah readings continue to emphasise the importance of faithfulness to God, the dangers of idolatry, and the inevitable consequences of rejecting God’s truth. Rejecting God and worshipping idols inevitably leads humanity down a path of moral and spiritual decay.
A key verse is, "Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit.” (Jeremiah 2:11, ESV) -
Rabbi Lawrence will deliver this message from this week’s Parashah Pinchas (Numbers 25:10-30:1). This parashah commends Pinchas, a righteous and zealous priest who acted to defend God’s holiness. How does his zeal differ from the religious fanaticism that plagues our world today? A key verse is, “So now say: See, I am making with him a covenant of shalom! It will be for him and his descendants after him a covenant of an everlasting priesthood—because he was zealous for his God and atoned for Bnei-Yisrael.”” (Numbers 25:12–13, TLV)
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In this talk given at Eltham Presbyterian Church, Lawrence explores the Jewishness of Jesus (Yeshua), his didactic methods, his power and authority and his call to discipleship. It will help Christians understand Jesus from a Jewish perspective, exploring the original context of the Gospels and encouraging active discipleship. Lawrence will teach from Matt 4: 18-22 and John 1: 35-51.
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Rabbi Lawrence will deliver this message from this week’s Parashah Chukat (Statute), covering Numbers 19:1-22:1. This parashah teaches us many lessons about faith, obedience, leadership trials and failures, and the victories and provisions granted by God as the Israelites journey towards the Promised Land. This morning, the focus will be on the story of the fiery serpents in the wilderness, which highlights the importance of faith and the transformative power of looking to God for healing and salvation. “Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life!” (John 3:14–15, TLV)
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Rabbi Lawrence will share this message on this week’s Parashah Korach. Today we will learn some very important lessons about the consequences of sin and rebellion. But we will also learn about God’s grace and mercy and his power to redeem. Key verses: “And let’s not grumble, as some of them did—and were destroyed by the destroying angel. Now these things happened to them as an example, and it was written down as a warning to us—on whom the ends of the ages have come.” (1 Corinthians 10:10-11, TLV)
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Lawrence and Louise will provide an in-depth report on their recent mission trip to Israel, a nation grappling with the aftermath of the events of October 7, 2023, and ongoing conflict. This presentation will feature photos and videos, offering firsthand accounts of the current situation in Israel. Amidst the trauma and war, they will share how God is working to bring hope and peace to many Israelis, despite the pain and suffering.
"Pray for the peace of Jerusalem - May those who love you be at peace!" (Psalm 122:6, TLV) -
Rabbi Lawrence will share a message on the meaning and significance of the Tallit, the Jewish Prayer Shawl, in a message titled “The Hem of His Garment.” Be ready to learn about tassels, snails, authority and wings and how this applies to our lives today. A key verse is “Just then a woman, losing blood for twelve years, came from behind and touched the tzitzit of His garment. For she kept saying to herself, “If only I touch His garment, I will be healed.”” (Matthew 9:20–21, TLV)
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On sundown on Sunday, the 5th of May, begins Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day as we commemorate the mass murder of 6 million European Jews by the Nazis during the Second World War. During our Shabbat Service today, we will light 6 candles in memory of those killed and Rabbi Lawrence will share a message “Finding Hope in the Midst of Darkness” as we reflect on Psalm 102.
“But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever; you are remembered throughout all generations. You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come.” (Psalm 102:12–13, ESV) -
Today is Shabbat Chol HaMoed Pesach (Shabbat and the Intermediate Days of Passover) and Rabbi Lawrence is going to explain to us what that means and share a message, “Can These Bones Live?” We will also have a special reading from the Torah from this week’s Parashah, and you’ll find out why we read Ezekiel 37:1-14 on this day and how it fits in with the Resurrection of the Messiah.
A key verse is, “Then He (Messiah Yeshua) said to them (His talmadim/disciples), “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you—everything written concerning Me in the Torah of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” (Luke 24:44, TLV) -
Today is Shabbat HaGadol, the Great Sabbath, which is the sabbath before the Feast of Passover which begins on Monday night next week, the 22nd of April. So, today Rabbi Lawrence is going to share a message titled, “Behold the Lamb of God,” as we focus on the fulfilment of prophecy through Yeshua our Passover Lamb. This is a great way to prepare ourselves for the coming of Passover, understanding all the Yeshua the Messiah has accomplished for us through his Death, Burial and Resurrection.
“The next day, John sees Yeshua coming to him and says, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is the One about whom I told you, ‘He who comes after me is above me, because He was before me.’ I didn’t know Him, but I came immersing with water so that He might be revealed to Israel.”” (John 1:29–31, TLV) -
Today Rabbi Lawrence will share a message titled, "Lord, If You Are Willing", based on Parashah Tazria (Leviticus 12:1-3:59). This week's Torah portion delves into intricate instructions concerning individuals afflicted with tzara'at, encompassing various skin diseases. Such ailments brought about isolation and instilled fear in those affected. Thankfully, we know that Yeshua, our King Messiah, possesses the power, authority and willingness to cleanse us from all impurities.
A key verse is, "A man with tzara'at comes to Him, begging Him and falling on his knees, saying, "If you are willing, You can make me clean." Moved with compassion, Yeshua stretched out His hand and touched him. He said, "I am willing. Be cleansed."" (Mark 1:40-41, TLV). -
This week, Rabbi Lawrence will share a message titled, "Sacred Fire - How We Approach God Matters” from this week’s parashah Shemini, meaning Eighth. This week we look at the difference between "Sacred Fire" and "Fake Fire." This week’s lesson from Parashah Shemini teaches us that in our quest for spiritual encounters and manifestations of God's presence in our lives, we must tread thoughtfully, mindful of God's holiness and sovereignty. While the fire of God's presence evokes wonder and transformation, it does not manifest on demand. Instead, we are called to worship the Lord faithfully, following His prescribed way through Yeshua our Messiah.
Key verses are “Moses and Aaron then went into the Tent of Meeting. When they came back out and blessed the people, the glory of Adonai appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of Adonai, and devoured the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.” (Leviticus 9:23–24, TLV) -
In today's service, Sharon Dingjan will read from the Torah portion for this week, Parashat Tzav ('Command', Leviticus 6:1-8:36), and also from the Haftarah portion (Ezekiel 36:16-38).
And Rabbi Lawrence will share a message which will answer the question, "Why is Passover almost a month after Easter this year?". -
Today we will celebrate the Festival of Purim which actually begins this evening at sunset. Purim recalls God’s deliverance of the Jewish people of Persia from the hands of the wicked Haman during the reign of King Ahasuerus (486-465 BC). Today we celebrate this great deliverance even as Israel and the Jewish people worldwide face alarming levels of hatred and anti-semitism. We know that God is faithful and will delivery us today, as he did many times before. Today’s message is titled, “The Spirit of Amalek in the Story of Purim.”
Key verses are: “...celebrate the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar every year as the days when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into celebration. These were to be days of feasting, celebration and sending presents of food to one another and giving gifts to the poor.” (Esther 9:21–22, TLV) - Se mer
