Parasha Vayishelach – Year 2 – An altar of His presence
Shabbat Shalom, Nazarene family.
This week we bring the activity of parasha Vayishelach, portion of year 2, where we will see the story between Shechem, Dinah daughter of Ya’akov and Leah, and her brothers Shimon and Levi. In addition, we will see the blessing that Yahweh Elohim gave Ya’akov, along with the change of his name to Israel, reaffirming His promise to multiply his descendants and inherit the land promised to his father Abraham and Isaac.
B’reisheet (Genesis) 35:11-12
11 Also Yahweh said to him: “I am Elohim Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body.
12 The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land.”
This week corresponds to the reading of the texts (in bold):
- B’reisheet (Genesis) 32:3-33:20 / 34:1-35:15 / 35:16-36:43
- Hoshea (Hosea) 11 / 12 / Obadiah 1
- Yochanan (John) 1:1-28 / 1:29-51 / 2
Summary of the weekly study, Year two:
B’reisheet (Genesis) 34:1-35:15
These verses teach about the importance of justice, vengeance and obedience to Yahweh. The story of Dinah shows the consequences of violence and deception, as well as the responsibility to protect the vulnerable. Ya’akov’s reaction demonstrates the concern for retaliation and the need to consider the consequences of our actions. Elohim’s intervention in Ya’akov’s life highlights the importance of maintaining faith and trust in the covenant of the Creator Yahweh, even in the midst of challenges.
Hoshea (Hosea) 12
These verses speak about the importance of faithfulness to Yahweh and righteousness. The prophet rebukes Israel for their hypocrisy and their pursuit of wealth and power instead of trusting in Elohim. Ya’akov’s role as an example of humility and dependence on Yahweh is highlighted. Hoshea (Hosea) urges repentance and a return to true worship, recalling Elohim’s past faithfulness to His people. The main lesson is the call to a life of integrity, trust in Elohim and the rejection of idolatry and injustice.
Yochanan (John) 1:29-51
These verses present Yochanan the immerser (John the Baptist) testifying about Yeshua as the Lamb of Elohim who takes away the sin of the world. Yeshua calls His first disciples, including Andrew, who then brings his brother Shimon (Kepha) to Yeshua. He also meets Philip and Nathanael, whom Yeshua amazes with His knowledge. This passage teaches us about Yeshua’s identity and mission as the awaited Messiah and the Son of Yahweh Elohim. It also highlights the importance of responding to Yeshua’s call and following Him in faith, as well as the divine revelation in His encounter with the disciples.
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Enjoy this fun activity with the whole family. Inside you will find development questions for the three weekly sections (Torah, Haftarah and Brit Chadashah). While the older ones discuss the questions and their answers, the younger ones can color the picture related to the teaching, solve a maze, find the 7 differences and much more. We encourage you to do it week by week and instill in your children the habit of studying Yahweh’s word as a family.
We hope you and especially your sons and daughters enjoy this effort. For it is through the study of the Scriptures that we can come to understand the love and care that Yahweh has always had for us. And also to perceive that He has been taking care of even the smallest detail, so that we can take care and enjoy all that He gives us. That is why it is so important that our children learn and grow up knowing that they are loved by the Creator of all that exists.
Shalom.
