Torah Teaching for Parsha “Shemot”

Posted on 11 January, 2026 by mark

The weekly Torah portion reading this week is the first in the story of the Exodus, aka “Shemot” in the Hebrew, which also begins the story of the life of Moses (Moshe) — Exodus/Shemot 1:1 through 6:2. And these few chapters seem to cover a period of over two centuries, a descent into “cruel bondage” from a life of plenty in the land of Goshen, and fully two-thirds of the life of the man “drawn from the water.”

Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship, in the Sabbath Day midrash, notes up front that this story picks up after what is generally recognized as at least two centuries of silence from Scripture. And the story hinges on the advent of a new king, who “knew NOT Joseph.” And even after some genealogy, the stunning (to some, certainly!) story of midwives who didn’t read Romans 13, and a few verses about the birth of Moses, and his salvation by being “drawn out of the water,” it’s also true that the first eighty years of his life are given only a little ink in the Book, compared to the detail about what follows, in just the final third of his life.

So it’s fascinating to examine just WHAT Scripture has us focus on during those years. There are things said, things that have a startlingly similar pattern, and things UNSAID, but which still resonate, because we can arguably see the concerning parallels right now.

And there’s a question that emerges, too.

Shemot: Where are the MEN?

The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Torah Teaching for Parsha “VaYechi”

Posted on 4 January, 2026 by mark

Torah parsha ‘Vayechi’ (Genesis/Bereshiet 47:28 – End) this week is the final reading in the Book of Genesis, and not only concludes the stories of the life of Yakov, and his son Joseph in particular, but sets the stage for the Exodus to come.

The Erev Shabbat reading lays out the story, and also the final adoption – literally – of Ephraim and Manasseh, and the structure of the ‘twelve tribes’ that underlie the rest of Scripture, both historically and prophetically:

The Sabbath Day midrash this week addresses the ‘elephant in the room,’ that follows so many of the aspects of this story of Genesis as it concludes:

  • Yakov/Jacob “adopts” the two sons of Joseph, not only giving him their ‘double-portion’ in the inheritance, and replacing Reuben in that place, but setting up the second (after Judah) in what will be the line of kings, in this case of the Northern Kingdom, and so much of what seems to follow in later history.
  • After the death of Jacob, the brothers STILL don’t seem to “get it,” and understand that Joseph did not intend to punish them for their treachery so many years earlier. But that theme also resonates later – in that “there arose another king in Egypt,” who “did not know Joseph.”

And Mark Call, of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship, outlines why THAT is still ever so true!

VaYechi: They STILL Don’t ‘Know Him’

ADDENDUM:
The normal Q&A that largely follows the midrash is a bit different this week, since the stunning attack on Venezuela and capture of the communist dictator Maduro happened overnight, and was largely complete by the time the Sabbath session took place. It doesn’t ‘flow’ with the majority of the Torah reading, but is important, and will be of interest, as it was to those in the room, and so is included here. There are also MAJOR aspects most Americans have NOT been informed about:

The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Torah Teaching for Parsha “VaYigash”

Posted on 28 December, 2025 by mark

The Torah reading this week is the final installment in the ‘cliffhanger’ series, of the story of Yosef, or Joseph, where he reveals himself to his brothers, afterJudah ‘mans up.’

Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “VaYigash,” Genesis chapters 44:18 – 47:27:

The Sabbath Day midrash begins with the climax of that historic test. But Judah seems to complete it in a way that astounded even Joseph. And Mark suggests that is what is so significant here. Neither of them, nor the other brothers, knew how it would turn out, or even what was expected. Only YHVH, Who brought it all together, in His time.

But that is one way of understanding what a “double-blind test” is: If any of the direct participants really know what is going on, that might affect the behavior, and thus the outcome of the test.

How’s that for a metaphor?

And, if you think about it, that is the very OPPOSITE of the concept of Chess!

But it’s “part and parcel” of the Spiritual War in progress, and clearly a vital understanding on the path ahead.

VaYigash: Double-blind tests Outright War’

The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Torah Teaching for Parsha “Miketz”

Posted on 21 December, 2025 by mark

The Torah reading this week continues the story of Yosef, or Joseph, where it picks up in prison, after he has interpreted two dreams, for Pharaoh’s chief butler, and baker. Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “Miketz,” Genesis chapter 41 through 44:17, where, after two full years, the story begins with a pair of dreams that Pharaoh himself has.

The Erev Shabbat reading:

The Sabbath Midrash explores the nature of ‘tests’. The parsha starts with “after two full years,” suggesting that Joseph was required to wait on YHVH, and the rest of the story is replete with tests.

Which is where we are now.

Miketz: Tests – of Faith, of Leadership, and Those Who Would Be His

The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Torah Teaching for Parsha “Vayeshev”

Posted on 14 December, 2025 by mark

The Torah reading this week begins the story of Yosef, or Joseph, favored son of Yaakov. Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “Vayeshev,” Genesis chapters 37 through 40, where the story begins, and builds on dreams.

The Erev Shabbat reading:

While this parsha contains a number of ‘nuggets’, or memorable elements, images, and component lessons, the midrash suggests that even the structure of the story is all about a ‘long-term’ plan of YHVH. This reading itself is only just the beginning of a series of what might be called “cliff-hangers,” where we see, as do Yosef and his brothers, that structure being put in place for what is to come. In any number of ways…

Vayeshev: ‘Two Dreams, Two Witnesses – Who can BUT Prophesy’

The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Torah Teaching for Parsha “Vayishlach”

Posted on 7 December, 2025 by mark

Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “Vayishlach,” Genesis 32:4 through chapter 36) the story of Yakov/Jacob as he finally returns to Beit El, and a ‘reunion’ with his estranged brother, Esau.

The Erev Shabbat reading:

That story has lessons enough, but there is an extended genealogy of Esau’s side of the family that might seem out of place, given the reminder that “Yakov I have loved, Esau I have hated,” says YHVH. And there are certainly a number of prophecies – arguably yet to be fulfilled – about the ultimate demise of the descendants of that line.

So who, or what, is Esau? As Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa documents in the midrash, there are no shortages of opinions on that score. But we have certainly been warned.

Vayishlach: ‘The Long Genealogy of Esau – and Two Houses’

The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Torah Teaching for Parsha “Vayetzi”

Posted on 29 November, 2025 by mark

Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “Vayetzi,” Genesis 28:10-32:3) the story of Yakov/Jacob as he journeys to the land of his father’s family, is told first-hand of his birthright and the promises, and acquires his own wives and family.

The Erev Shabbat reading:

Mark’s Sabbath Day midrash probably raises more questions than it answers. Most of which are, at best, ambiguous from what we are told in the story. But these are human beings, of course — flawed people, who make mistakes — and thus more interesting and even relevant to where we find ourselves today. Yakov married daughters of Laban. While certainly not Canaanites, Laban himself is hardly a saint. And why did Raqel/Rachel steal his teraphim, fake gods?

There is a lot of setup here: The man who is forced to leave home to escape his own brother’s wrath soon comes to a place he’s almost certainly HEARD about, but suddenly – He sees first hand and KNOWS about those promises. What was hypothetical is Real. And yet there are still struggles ahead, and the man who asked for, and received, the place of the firstborn is deceived himself, because “it is not done so here,” to put the younger in place of the first-born.

Ultimately, Laban seems to take advantage of his son-in-law. There is animosity. He is, after all is said and done, still a pagan.

And that, too, is just as relevant now as ever.

Vayetzi: ‘Flawed people and Hard Questions: Do you Love Messiah more than Bacon?’

The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Torah Teaching for Parsha “Toldot”

Posted on 23 November, 2025 by mark

Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “Toldot,” Genesis 25:19-28:9)…

The Erev Shabbat reading – and thus the title of the parsha – begins with “These are to ‘toldot’, or generations, of Isaac…”
…but it is really the beginning of the story of Yakov, or Jacob, and the father of the nations, Israel:

Mark’s Sabbath Day midrash is a deeper look at what has been called “enigmatic.” There are certainly elements, of this story in particular, that have been regarded as “problematic,” even, in terms of things done by characters we might be inclined to emulate. For example, why does Rivkah (Rebeccah) decide to deceive her husband? Why does Yiztak/Isaac apparently FALL for it? Or even merit possibly BEING deceived? And, why is Yakov accused to being a ‘supplanter,’ or even “stealing” the birthright?

Some of those questions are certainly easier with the benefit of hindsight.

But there are others that, even in being asked, give us a greater insight into what is REALLY happening than we might otherwise imagine.

“Toldot: What’s With Isaac?

The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Torah Teaching for Parsha “Chayei Sarah”

Posted on 16 November, 2025 by mark

Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “Chayei Sarah,” Genesis 23:1-25:18)…

The Erev Shabbat parsha reading begins with two of the most important precedent stories of original principles that form the very backbone of English Common Law. First, Abraham buys the first plot of land recorded for all time in human history, and outlines the elements of ‘Contract.’ And immediately after that, Scripture show not only what “agency” is, or what it really means to “come in the Name of” a Master, but even what a “good and faithful servant” looks like:

Mark takes a different approach to the Sabbath Day midrash this time. Since the principles are literally ancient, and so clearly formed the basis for the Common Law in England, and then were understood, likewise, by the Founders in the united States as the basis for the most fundamental elements of the Constitution — why are they no longer even taught? Why do the lawyers liars in the DC Swamp evidently disregard their contracts, their duties as supposed servants of THEIR masters, the American people, and even their oaths?

And that lack of trust – based on failure – now pervades virtually every institution.

We see where it has led.

But there is more to this story, in particular. Abraham, while he was literally blessed in “all things,” and live a long life, ‘full of days,’ and is literally regarded as the Father of our Faith, did not see the fulfillment of the primary promises YHVH gave him. He was told they would spend time in ‘bondage,’ but did not see them multiply as the stars in the heavens. And the only land he actually owned during his own life was that burial ground. And yet he KNEW, and saw – just as clearly as he saw the Son of Promise – that those promises would come to pass.

So do we. But from a different perspective, that of knowing all of this has been reserved, put in place, and, yes, done, for us.

Which gives us an obligation. Because ALL of these fundamental principles that underlie ALL of society, are based on Trust. In ourselves, to obey, in others, to do as they agree, and in Yahuah, to carry out His will, “on earth, as it is in heaven.”

As a world which has failed to honor that promise falls apart, the Remnant MUST keep it.

“Chayei Sarah: It’s ALL about Trust”

The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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Torah Teaching for Parsha “Vayera”

Posted on 9 November, 2025 by mark

Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “Vayera,” Genesis chapters 18 through 22) and the central part of the story of the first Patriarch, Abraham, from his storied ‘dickering’ with YHVH Himself concerning the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, to the ‘binding of Isaac,’ known as ‘the Akieda,’ that prefigures another parallel act on that very same spot, many centuries later.

It is perhaps THE “Biblical-level” Act of Faith.

First, the Erev Shabbat reading:

The Sabbath Day Midrash is about not only that “Act of Faith,” but what it says to BOTH of those two houses, still in exile, who each believe the story prophecies the Messiah Himself, but can’t seem to recognize His character in the process!

“Vayera: ‘Your son, your only son…Who?”

The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash, via Hebrew Nation Radio.

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