Ark In The Wilderness

06/16/2026

This Week’s Torah Portion: Korach (קֹרַח) — “Korach”

Torah: Numbers 16:1–18:32
Haftarah: 1 Samuel 11:14–12:22
B’rit Hadashah: Luke 22:24–30; Jude 1:11

This week’s portion, Korach, tells one of the most sobering accounts of rebellion and the importance of recognizing the authority that haShem establishes. Korach, a Levite from the family of Kohath, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 leaders of Israel, rise up against Moses and Aaron, questioning why they have been set apart to lead the people.

Their argument sounds spiritual on the surface: “All the congregation is holy.” They claim to be defending equality among the people, yet beneath their words is a heart of pride, jealousy, and a desire for authority that haShem had not given them. Instead of trusting G~d’s appointed order, they seek a position for themselves.

Moses responds by reminding the people that leadership and calling come from haShem, not from human ambition. He does not defend himself out of personal pride, but entrusts the matter to G~d, knowing that the One who calls also has the authority to confirm His servants.

In a dramatic display of G~d’s judgment, the ground opens and swallows Korach, Dathan, and Abiram, while fire consumes the 250 men who offered unauthorized incense. This moment reveals the seriousness of approaching haShem with a heart that is not submitted to His ways.

Yet even within this account of judgment, we see haShem’s mercy and desire to preserve His people. After the rebellion, Aaron’s staff miraculously blossoms, producing buds, flowers, and almonds. This sign confirms the priesthood that haShem had established and reminds Israel that true spiritual authority comes from Him alone.

Korach also teaches us about the danger of comparison and discontentment. Instead of being grateful for the role haShem had given him, Korach looked at what others had and allowed pride to take root in his heart. His rebellion was not simply against Moses and Aaron—it was ultimately against the One who appointed them.

The portion concludes with instructions regarding the responsibilities of the priests and Levites, showing that every calling within the community of G~d has purpose and value. Not everyone has the same role, but every role matters when it is faithfully lived out according to haShem’s design.

Key Themes & Highlights:

• The danger of pride, jealousy, and self-exaltation
• Trusting the authority and calling established by haShem
• The difference between holy service and personal ambition
• The consequences of rebellion against G~d’s order
• The importance of humility and contentment
• Aaron’s staff as a sign of G~d’s chosen priesthood
• Recognizing that every person has a unique purpose in G~d’s plan
• Serving faithfully in the role haShem has given us

Korach reminds us that the greatest threat to spiritual growth is often not opposition from outside, but pride that grows within the heart. We must be careful not to seek recognition, position, or influence for ourselves, but instead faithfully serve where haShem has placed us.

True greatness in the Kingdom of G~d is not found in elevating ourselves, but in humbly submitting to His will and serving others with a faithful heart.

Challenge for the Week:

Take time this week to examine your heart before haShem. Are there areas where comparison, jealousy, or the desire for recognition have taken root?

Ask haShem to cultivate humility, gratitude, and a servant’s heart within you. Seek to faithfully fulfill the calling He has placed before you rather than longing for a role He has given to someone else.

May we walk in humility, honor haShem’s ways, and remember that true authority and purpose come only from Him.

Shalom from Ark in the Wilderness

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

We plan to live stream our sermon today between 12:00-12:30 pm. We invite all to join. 

06/08/2026

This Week’s Torah Portion: Shelach (שְׁלַח־לְךָ) — “Send Forth”

Torah: Numbers 13:1–15:41
Haftarah: Joshua 2:1–24
B’rit Hadashah: Hebrews 3:7–19; Jude 1:3–5

This week’s portion, Shelach, recounts one of the most significant moments in Israel’s wilderness journey. At haShem’s instruction, twelve spies are sent to explore the Promised Land. After forty days, they return with evidence of the land’s abundance, carrying a cluster of grapes so large it must be carried on a pole between two men.

Yet despite witnessing the goodness of the land, ten of the spies focus on the obstacles rather than the promises of G~d. They see fortified cities, powerful armies, and giants in the land. Fear spreads throughout the camp, and the people begin to doubt the One who had faithfully delivered them from Egypt, parted the sea, and provided for them in the wilderness.

Only Joshua and Caleb stand firm in faith. They recognize the challenges before them, but they trust that haShem is greater than any obstacle. Their confidence is not in their own strength but in the faithfulness of G~d and His promises.

Shelach reminds us that faith is often tested when we stand on the edge of the promises G~d has prepared for us. We can choose to view our circumstances through the lens of fear, or we can view them through the lens of trust in haShem’s power and provision.

The portion also teaches the serious consequences of unbelief. Because the people rejected Gd’s promise and gave in to fear, an entire generation would wander in the wilderness. Yet even in judgment, we see G~d’s mercy as He preserves His covenant and prepares a future generation to enter the land.

Toward the end of the portion, haShem instructs Israel regarding the tassels (tzitzit) to be worn on their garments. These visible reminders were given to help His people remember His commandments and remain faithful to Him. They serve as a powerful symbol that our hearts and minds should continually be directed toward His ways.

Key Themes & Highlights:

• Faith versus fear when facing challenges
• Trusting G~d’s promises over human circumstances
• The courage and faithfulness of Joshua and Caleb
• The consequences of unbelief and disobedience
• G~d’s mercy even in times of discipline
• The importance of remembering and obeying Gd’s commands
• Living with confidence in G~d’s provision and faithfulness
• The symbolism and purpose of the tzitzit

Shelach reminds us that the greatest obstacles are often not the giants before us, but the fears within us. When we trust in haShem rather than our circumstances, we can move forward in faith and confidence, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill His promises.

Challenge for the Week:

Take time this week to identify an area of your life where fear may be keeping you from fully trusting haShem. Are you focusing more on the obstacles than on His promises?

Ask haShem to strengthen your faith and give you the courage of Joshua and Caleb. Choose gratitude over anxiety, trust over doubt, and obedience over hesitation.

May you see your challenges through the eyes of faith, walk confidently in His promises, and remember that no obstacle is greater than the One who goes before you.

Shalom from 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

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.