Ark In The Wilderness

06/03/2026

This Week’s Torah Portion: Beha’alotcha (בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ) — “When You Raise Up”

Torah: Numbers 8:1–12:16
Haftarah: Zechariah 2:10–4:7
B’rit Hadashah: John 6:1–71; Hebrews 3:1–6

This week’s portion, Beha’alotcha, begins with a simple yet profound instruction: Aaron is commanded to raise up and light the lamps of the Menorah in the Tabernacle. The name Beha’alotcha means “when you raise up,” reminding us that G~d calls His people not only to receive His light but also to reflect it into the world around them.

The Menorah served as a continual testimony of G~d’s presence among His people. Just as its lamps were kept burning, we are called to be lights in a dark world, allowing the presence and truth of haShem to shine through our lives.

This portion also recounts the celebration of the second Passover (Pesach Sheni), given to those who were unable to participate in the original Passover. Through this provision, we see the mercy and compassion of G~d. He desires that all who seek Him have an opportunity to draw near and participate in His covenant promises.

As Israel journeys through the wilderness, the cloud of G~d’s presence guides them. When the cloud moved, they moved. When it rested, they rested. This teaches us the importance of following G~d’s timing rather than our own. Faith often requires trusting His direction even when we do not see the entire path ahead.

Beha’alotcha also reveals the struggles of the people as complaints and dissatisfaction begin to arise. Instead of focusing on G~d’s provision, many longed for what they had left behind in Egypt. Their grumbling serves as a warning that gratitude strengthens faith, while discontentment can blind us to the blessings already before us.

Moses himself experiences the burden of leadership and cries out to G~d for help. In response, haShem appoints seventy elders to share the responsibility. This reminds us that G~d never intended us to carry every burden alone. He provides support, community, and strength for the tasks He calls us to fulfill.

The portion concludes with Miriam speaking against Moses and experiencing discipline from G~d. Yet even in correction, we see mercy as Moses intercedes for her healing. This powerful moment reminds us of the importance of humility, guarding our speech, and extending grace to others.

Key Themes & Highlights:

• Being a light that reflects the presence of G~d
• The significance of the Menorah and spiritual illumination
• G~d’s mercy through the provision of the second Passover
• Following G~d’s timing and direction in life
• Gratitude versus complaint in the wilderness journey
• Sharing burdens within the community of faith
• The importance of humility and honoring others
• G~d’s discipline is always accompanied by mercy

Beha’alotcha reminds us that G~d calls His people to shine brightly, trust His leading, and walk faithfully even through seasons of uncertainty. As He guided Israel through the wilderness, He continues to guide His people today.

Challenge for the Week:

Take time this week to consider where G~d may be calling you to shine His light. Is there someone who needs encouragement, kindness, or truth spoken into their life?

Also examine your heart for areas of complaint or discouragement. Ask haShem to replace dissatisfaction with gratitude and to help you trust His timing even when the journey feels uncertain.

May you walk closely with Him, follow His leading, and allow His light to shine through every area of your life.

Shalom from Ark in the Wilderness

05/30/2026

05/30/2026

We are live streaming now. Anyone who would like to join you are welcome to join. We hopefully plan to continue doing this in the future from now on.

05/28/2026

This Week’s Torah Portion: Nasso (נָשֹׂא) — “Lift Up”

Torah: Numbers 4:21–7:89
Haftarah: Judges 13:2–25
B’rit Hadashah: Acts 21:17–26; Hebrews 13:10–16

This week’s portion, Nasso, is the longest parashah in the Torah and continues Israel’s journey through the wilderness. The word Nasso means “lift up” or “take account,” and throughout this portion we see a powerful theme emerge: G~d not only counts His people—He calls them higher.

In Nasso (Numbers 4–7), the responsibilities of the Levites are expanded as each family is assigned specific duties related to transporting and caring for the Tabernacle. Every task mattered, whether visible or unseen. This reminds us that in the Kingdom of G~d, there are no insignificant assignments. Faithfulness in what seems small is precious before haShem.

The portion also includes laws concerning purity, restitution, marriage faithfulness, and the Nazirite vow—a special commitment of separation and devotion unto G~d. The Nazirite vow reflects a life set apart, showing that holiness is not simply external behavior but wholehearted dedication to haShem.

One of the most beautiful moments in Nasso is the priestly blessing (Birkat Kohanim) found in Numbers 6:24–26:

“May the LORD bless you and keep you; May the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; May the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”

This blessing reveals the heart of G~d toward His people: protection, grace, presence, and shalom. His desire is not only to lead His people—but to dwell among them and bless them.

The portion concludes with the leaders of each tribe bringing offerings before the Tabernacle. Though each offering was identical, every tribe and every leader is individually named. This shows us that G~d sees each act of obedience and worship personally. What may look repetitive or unnoticed to others is still valuable to Him.

Key Themes & Highlights:

• G~d calls His people to holiness and devotion
• Every assignment and responsibility matters• Faithfulness in unseen service is important to haShem
• Living a life set apart for G~d
• The power and beauty of the priestly blessing
• G~d’s desire to bless, keep, and give peace to His people
• Worship and obedience are seen and remembered by Him
• Being “lifted up” by walking in purpose and covenant

Nasso reminds us that holiness is not reserved for a select few—it is a daily calling for all who seek to walk closely with G~d. Whether through service, worship, integrity, or devotion, haShem invites us to live lives that reflect His presence.

Challenge for the Week:

Take time this week to examine what areas of your life need deeper dedication to G~d. Are there distractions, compromises, or habits pulling your focus away from Him?

Also, consider the responsibilities haShem has entrusted to you. Even if your role feels unnoticed, serve faithfully and wholeheartedly. G~d sees every act of obedience, every quiet sacrifice, and every offering brought before Him with sincerity.

Walk in holiness, receive His blessing, and allow Him to “lift up” your life for His purpose

Shalom from Ark in the Wilderness

05/13/2026

This Week’s Torah Portion: Bamidbar (בְּמִדְבַּר) — “In the Wilderness”

Torah: Numbers 1:1–4:20
Haftarah: Hosea 2:1–22 (1:10–2:20 in some traditions)
B’rit Hadashah: John 1:1–18; Hebrews 3:1–6

This week’s portion, Bamidbar, begins the book of Numbers and takes us into the wilderness—a place of testing, preparation, and deep dependence on G~d.

In Bamidbar (Numbers 1–4), G~d commands a census of the tribes of Israel. Each tribe is counted, named, and assigned a place within the camp. At first glance, this may seem like simple organization—but it reveals something much deeper: every individual matters, and G~d is a G~d of order, purpose, and identity.

The camp is arranged with precision, with the Tabernacle at the center, surrounded by the Levites, and then the tribes positioned on every side. This picture is powerful—G~d’s presence is meant to be central, not peripheral, in the life of His people.

The Levites are given a special role: to serve, guard, and carry the Tabernacle. Within them, specific משפחות (families) are assigned distinct responsibilities. This reminds us that while we are all part of the same body, we each have unique callings and assignments from haShem.

The wilderness itself is significant. It is not just a place of wandering—it is a place where identity is formed, trust is refined, and dependence on G~d is learned daily. There are no distractions of comfort or excess—only the provision of G~d, day by day.

Key Themes & Highlights:

• G~d knows each of us by name—we are counted and valued
• Order and structure reflect G~d’s character and purpose
• Keeping G~d at the center of our lives
• Each person has a unique role and calling
• The wilderness as a place of growth, not just struggle
• Learning daily dependence on haShem
• Faithfulness in both visible and unseen responsibilities

Bamidbar reminds us that even in seasons that feel like wilderness—uncertain, uncomfortable, or unclear—G~d is present, purposeful, and at work. He is not distant in the desert; He is forming His people there.

Challenge for the Week:

Take a moment to evaluate what is at the center of your life. Is it truly G~d, or have other things taken that place?

Also, reflect on your role—where has haShem placed you right now? Instead of resisting the “wilderness,” lean into it. Seek Him daily, trust His leading, and walk faithfully in the assignment He has given you—whether it feels big or small.

05/11/2026

Here is last Shabbats sermon by Jason Schwark. He gave a great message. We hope you can take some time to sit and listen to what he preached on.

Title of the Message: It All Belongs To God

We should have sermons from the past couple of weeks posted within the next couple of days posted and plan to continue posting more sermons in the future.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/06/2026

Behar-Bechukotai (בְּהַר–בְּחֻקֹּתַי) — “On the Mountain / In My Statutes”

Torah: Leviticus 25:1–27:34
Haftarah: Jeremiah 16:19–17:14
B’rit Hadashah: Luke 4:16–21; Romans 8:1–11

This week’s double portion, Behar–Bechukotai, brings us to the close of the book of Leviticus and calls us to reflect on trust, obedience, and the blessings that flow from walking in covenant with G~d.

In Behar (Leviticus 25), we are introduced to the Shemittah (Sabbatical year) and the Yovel (Jubilee). Every seventh year, the land is to rest—no sowing or harvesting—reminding us that the land ultimately belongs to G~d. Then, after seven cycles of seven years, the Jubilee year proclaims freedom: debts are released, land is returned, and people are restored. It is a radical picture of reset, mercy, and trust in G~d’s provision.

These commands challenge us to loosen our grip on control, wealth, and ownership, recognizing that everything we have is entrusted to us by haShem.

In Bechukotai (Leviticus 26–27), we see the blessings for obedience and the consequences for disobedience. When Israel walks in G~d’s statutes, there is peace, provision, and His presence dwelling among them. But turning away brings hardship and exile—not as punishment without purpose, but as correction meant to bring repentance and restoration.

Even in the warnings, G~d’s covenant faithfulness shines through. He promises that if His people humble themselves and return to Him, He will remember His covenant and not abandon them.

The portion closes with laws about vows and dedication, reminding us that what we commit to G~d is sacred and should be honored with integrity.

Key Themes & Highlights:
• Trusting G~d through the Sabbatical and Jubilee years
• The land belongs to G~d-we are stewards, not owners
• Freedom, restoration, and release through Jubilee
• Blessings that flow from obedience
• Discipline as a pathway back to covenant relationship
• G~d’s enduring faithfulness, even when we fall short
• Honoring what we dedicate to haShem

Behar–Bechukotai reminds us that true security is not found in what we store up, but in trusting the One who provides. It calls us to live with open hands—resting in His provision, walking in His ways, and returning to Him when we stray.

Challenge for the Week:
Consider where you may be holding too tightly—whether it’s finances, control, or plans for the future. Practice trusting haShem in a tangible way this week. Release something into His hands and choose obedience, believing that His provision and promises are enough.

Shalom from Ark in the Wilderness.

04/21/2026

This Week’s Torah Portion: Achrei Mot (אַחֲרֵי מוֹת) — “After the Death”

Torah: Leviticus 16:1–18:30
Haftarah: Ezekiel 22:1–19
B’rit Hadashah: Hebrews 9:11–28; 1 Corinthians 6:12–20

This week’s portion, Achrei Mot, follows the death of Aaron’s sons and brings us into some of the most sacred instructions in the Torah—the service of the Day of Atonement and the call to live lives set apart for holiness.

In Leviticus 16, we are given the detailed instructions for the Yom Kippur service, where the high priest enters the Holy of Holies once a year to make atonement for the nation. This powerful moment highlights both the seriousness of sin and the mercy of G~d, who provides a way for cleansing and reconciliation.

We also see the two goats—one offered as a sin offering, and the other (the scapegoat) carrying the sins of the people into the wilderness. Together, they paint a picture of both atonement and removal of sin from the community.

Leviticus 17 emphasizes that life is in the blood, and that sacrifice is central to approaching G~d. It reminds us that holiness is not casual—it is intentional, reverent, and life-centered.

In Leviticus 18, we shift into instructions about living differently from the surrounding nations. G~d calls His people to walk in purity in relationships and lifestyle, showing that holiness is not just in the sanctuary, but in everyday conduct.

Key Themes & Highlights:
• The sacred role of the high priest on Yom Kippur
• Atonement, covering, and the removal of sin
• “The life is in the blood” — the weight of sacrifice
• Living set apart from the ways of the world
• Holiness expressed in daily relationships and choices
• G~d making a way for both cleansing and consecration

Achrei Mot reminds us that after death, failure, and sin—G~d still provides a way forward. He is both holy and merciful, calling His people not only to be forgiven, but to live differently because of that forgiveness.

Challenge for the Week:
Take time to reflect on what it means to truly live set apart. Ask haShem to reveal areas where compromise may have crept in, and commit to walking in greater holiness—not out of fear, but out of gratitude for His atonement and mercy.

Shalom from Ark in the Wilderness.

04/18/2026

Earlier this week, we observed Yom HaShoah as a congregation, taking time to remember the six million Jewish lives—and millions of others—lost during the Shoah.

Though the day has passed, we wanted to share what we did together. We gathered in prayer, lit memorial candles, and reflected on the stories of those who suffered and those who endured. It was a sacred time of remembrance, mourning, and unity.

As a Messianic Jewish community, we stand in both grief and hope—grief for the lives lost, and hope in God’s enduring faithfulness and the promise we hold in Messiah.

May we never forget. May we continue to teach and remember. And may we be a light in the world, standing against hatred and proclaiming “Never Again.”

May their memory be a blessing. May we walk in faithful remembrance and enduring hope.

04/14/2026

This Week’s Torah Portion: Tazria–Metzora (תזריע–מצורע) — “She Conceives / One Afflicted”

Torah: Leviticus 12:1–15:33
Haftarah: 2 Kings 7:3–20
B’rit Hadashah: Mark 1:40–45; Luke 5:12–16; Acts 10:34–38

This week’s double portion, Tazria–Metzora, focuses on themes of purity, impurity, and restoration. While many of the instructions may seem distant from our modern lives, they reveal deep spiritual truths about holiness, community, and drawing near to G~d.

In Leviticus 12, we see instructions concerning purification after childbirth. This highlights that even in life’s most natural and joyful moments, there is an awareness of approaching the holiness of the L~RD with intentionality.

Leviticus 13–14 introduces tzara’at, a condition often translated as leprosy, though it encompasses more than a physical disease. The kohen (priest) is responsible for examining and determining whether someone is clean or unclean. If declared unclean, the person is separated from the community—but if healed, there is a detailed process for restoration.

This shows us both the seriousness of impurity and the hope of being brought back into fellowship.

Leviticus 15 continues with instructions regarding bodily discharges, again emphasizing that holiness touches every part of life—not just moments of worship, but even the physical and unseen aspects of our daily existence.

Key Themes & Highlights:• G~d’s holiness extends into every area of life• The role of the priest in discernment and restoration• Separation due to impurity and the importance of community• The process of cleansing and being made whole again• Living with awareness of what is clean and unclean• The hope of restoration after separation

Tazria–Metzora reminds us that G~d is not only concerned with outward actions, but with the condition of our lives as a whole. He provides a way not only to identify what is unclean, but also a path toward restoration.

Challenge for the Week:Take time to reflect on areas in your life that may need cleansing or renewal. Ask the L~RD to reveal anything that may be separating you from deeper fellowship with Him. Then take intentional steps toward restoration—through prayer, obedience, and drawing near to G~d.

Shalom from Ark in the Wilderness.