Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue of St. Petersburg, 6000 38th Avenue N, Saint Petersburg, FL (2026)

06/18/2026

Numbers 16:1-18:32 1 Samuel 11:14-12:22 Matthew 26:13-24
Korach – baldness
Shalom, 6/17/26
Anyone who has been the leader of a congregation for any length of time has seen their share of disgruntled congregants.
Someone who becomes unhappy or annoyed by the way things are going.
A lot of times they act as though it is what would be best for all, but it can be just a ruse.
According to the internet, while “dis” often functions as a negative prefix, in disgruntled it actually acts as an intensifier. It derives from the Middle English word gruntle meaning to grunt like a pig, so disgruntled essentially means grunting a lot or being deeply ill-tempered.
And just like today, there was a lot of that going on in this week’s Parasha.
Two groups were involved in the rebellion against Moses and Aaron. The one was Dathan and Abiram from the tribe of Reuben who were trying to dethrone Moses feeling that since they were from the tribe of the first born, the right to lead was theirs.
The other group was Korach. He felt that as a leader of the Levites, he had as much right as Aaron to be high priest. So, both groups rebelled.
In 1 Samuel the Israelites wanted a king to rule them as the other nations had.
This displeased Adonai since He was to be their direct ruler and protector. He allowed them to have a king but warned them of the consequences.
Their demand for a king was considered a grave evil in the eyes of the Lord.
Then in Matthew we saw the betrayal of Judas against Yeshua.
But before we judge Judas too harshly, let us consider the fact that there have been times that we have betrayed Yeshua for free!
All disgruntled people wanting their own agenda and not what is of God.
We can clearly see from these examples that Adonai will not allow the challenging of His authority to go unanswered.
Instead of opposing God’s appointed due to jealousy or self-gain, there must be an awareness of His sovereignty and have a unity of oneness in order to usher in His kingdom.
Ps. 105:15 – “Touch not My anointed ones and do My prophets no harm.”
Blessings in Messiah,
Rabbi Bob

06/10/2026

Numbers 13:1-15:41 Joshua 2:1-24 Matthew 10:1-14
Shlach – to send away
Shalom, 6/10/26
We excitedly tell our friends and family that Adonai has given you the perfect job you have been needing. You just know it’s from Him by a confirmation.
BUT… you feel the need to still go and check things out by investigating the company.
You start wondering, “What will my salary be? Will I get along with the other employees? Will I have to do overtime?
So, you go to spy out the company. Pay it a visit.
You find the employees are great and they are happy there. Good salary and no overtime.
BUT… you go home to your family and start thinking. “I’m sure the people were just putting up a good front. I know the pay won’t meet my needs and I’ll get caught in the cycle of overtime being the new person! I can’t take this job! It’s too much of a risk.”
At the very moment it was decided to investigate the company that’s when your trust in Adonai was broken. At that very moment Satan and self-doubt rushed into to a soul like a flood and thwart God’s plan and direction for your life.
Untrust is sin. We have decided to rely on our own feelings rather than on God’s provision and sovereignty.
So, the job is not taken, our bills pile up and we curse Adonai for the situation we are in. A time of wilderness we didn’t have to endure. This is just one example.
Exactly like the twelve scouts and the “bad” report.
It all boils down to are we going to trust Adonai whole heartly or not? Are we going to lay our lives in His hands or not?
Unlike Abraham who didn’t know where God was sending him, Moses knew Adonai was leading them to the land of milk and honey. The Promised land. There should have been no need for doubt.
But fear too easily replaces faith and doubt replaces trust in God’s word. It is a rebellion against God.
We all have many giants in our lives that try to take our eyes off Adonai’s plan for us. Situations that seem way too insurmountable.
But just as the spies needed to, we also need to keep our eyes on the grapes and not the giants!
As a very old song said, “Trust and obey for there’s no other way.”
Blessings in Messiah,
Rabbi Bob

06/03/2026

Numbers 8:1-12:16 Zechariah 2:14-4:7 Matthew 14:14-21
Beha’alotecha – when you raise
Shalom, 6/3/26
At this point in the Torah readings, we have read how Adonai has taken Bnei-Yisrael out of captivity from Egypt.
He has given them the Ten words concerning how they are to live in order to follow Him, and they have accepted them and said they would do all He has asked.
And now, He is leading them every step of His way.
Not the easiest path. Not a route they would have chosen, but the path He knows they must follow.
The wilderness. Who wants to be there? Maybe a short period of time but certainly not for 40 years!
A place of hardships. A place where familiar comforts are stripped away. A time of worry and doubt and frustration not knowing the outcome or when it will end if ever.
That is how we also view a wilderness as I’m sure they did.
But is that a true description of a wilderness because of all the obstacles or is it something more of a Divine intervention?
Let us view it through Adonai’s all-knowing eyes. For He is a good God that only wants the best for us. He knows the plans He has in mind for us. Plans for shalom, a future and hope. {Jeremiah 29}
When we stop complaining about our wilderness and look at things from His viewpoint, we will see that our comforts were stripped away to strip out distractions.
That it becomes a period of profound preparation and refinement. A learning journey.
A time where our faith may be challenged and temptations arise for us to show us where our relationship with Adonai truly is. For our benefit, not His.
It is a shift from self-reliance to having to lean entirely on Him because everything we have tried thus far has failed.
Rather than a place of punishment, understand that it is used to realign your priorities. To develop our spiritual character and learn to die to self and strip our ego.
So, that cloud you see over your head may not be a cloud of doom and gloom and whoa is me.
It just might be Adonai directing you to be still for now where you are. Whether for a day, a month or years, He knows how long is needed to refine you.
When we arise only when He lifts the cloud, our enemies will be scattered, and we will be in the place He has ordained for us with all the fullness only He can give.
Blessings in Messiah,
Rabbi Bob

05/28/2026

Numbers 4:21-7:89 Judges 13:2-25 Luke 1:11-20
Nasso – uplift
Shalom, 5/27/26
At first glance, the weekly Parasha may seem to contain different teachings between the Torah, Haftarah and the Brit’Hadashah.
But on closer examination we can see that they are all teachings that intertwine comprising of one important theme each week.
And this week’s theme, as the title of the Torah implies is, I believe, to uplift others and to turn to Adonai so He can uplift us as needed for His purpose.
To uplift involves encouragement and support. To elevate someone to a higher position in order to improve something.
It allows the uplifted person the opportunity to have better, happier and sustainable lives.
But it is not just for the person being uplifted but for the community as a whole.
This week’s Torah reading started out with Adonai telling Moses to take a census of the males 30-50 years of age. Work in the Tent of Meeting had to be done. So, now each family was uplifted to a higher standard and responsibility to do their specific job.
The taking of the Nazirite vow is another example. This was a voluntary dedication to Adonai for a specific period of time, usually 30-100 days. But we see in Judges and Luke two individuals that were dedicated and uplifted by Divine command from the womb to the day of their deaths to be a Nazirite. Samson and John the Baptist.
One was to deliver Israel from the hand of the Philistines and the other would be great before Adonai and go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah to make ready for Adonai a prepared people.
We also need to be uplifted by Adonai, and we can see this clearly each Shabbat as we recite the Aaronic Benediction. “Adonai bless you and keep you.” Physical blessing, protection, prosperity and Divine favor.
“Adonai make His face to shine and be gracious to you.” Benevolent Presence and unearned favor.
“Adonai turn His face toward you and give you Shalom.” Intimate attention. Complete wholeness and fulfillment.
Before uplifting comes humility and surrender. A dying to self where a higher position isn’t seen as a reflection of our own accomplishments but rather a humbling that Adonai would choose us.
“Humble yourself in the sight of Adonai, and He shall lift you up!” {James 4:10}
Blessings in Messiah,
Rabbi Bob

05/21/2026

Exodus 19:1-20:23 Ezekiel 1:1-28, 3:12 Acts 2:1-21
Shavuot – Feast of Weeks
Shalom, 5/20/26
Thursday night at sundown starts the feast of Shavuot and ends on Saturday at sundown.
It is one of three major feasts where all Jewish males were commanded to make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem.
Shavuot carries layers of meanings. Both pertaining to the Jewish people receiving physical freedom to spiritual liberation.
And the connection between the Torah and the Brit Hadashah concerning this feast is unsurpassable.
In Exodus19 we read that 50 days after leaving Egypt, the Israelites came to Mount Sinai and received the Torah. This brought the 12 Tribes into one Nation.
Durning those two book ends of time we read in Leviticus that the Israelites were commanded to count seven full weeks starting with the first Sabbat after Passover than bring their first fruits, wheat, to the priests. Thus, the counting of the Omer. {A unit of measurement}
But how did that pertain to the Israelites in the wilderness where there was no field of wheat to be found anywhere? Because it was paving the way prophetically to the future and Yeshua!
Yeshua’s death and resurrection aligned precisely with the three spring feasts! Passover, His crucifixion, Unleavened Bread, His time in the tomb and First Fruits, His resurrection.
Then 50 days later the Ruach fell on the 12 that was in the upper room. As a result, 3000 souls were saved. Is it a coincident that this is the same number that was killed due to the incident of the golden calf?
Shavuot commemorates the moment the Jewish people formed a direct covenant with Adonai and received the blueprint for how to live.
And this most important feast stretches through time and space to us today.
For without the giving of the commandments there would be no way to Adonai. Without law there is chaos and confusion. Without law there are no morals. Without the law there is no peace.
With Shavuot and the giving of the Ruach we also can receive physical freedom from our sins and spiritual liberation to not be controlled by them any longer.
So, during this time, it is a Sabbath rest. It is custom to eat dairy to remember the sweetness of the Torah, to read the ten commandments but more importantly we wear white as a symbol of our marriage and relationship with Adonai. Chag Shavuot Sameach!
Blessings in Messiah,
Rabbi Bob

05/13/2026

Numbers 1:1-4:20 1 Samuel 20:18-42 Matthew 24:29-36
Bamidbar – in the wilderness
Shalom, 5/13/26
Mankind started off in a beautiful Garden. A place that was plentiful and peaceful. A place where there was direct, intimate, and audible interaction with Adonai.
But in Numbers we find them roaming in a desert due to sin which broke their relationship.
For a lot of us it is just the opposite. We seem to wander in the desert of sin and despair until we finally surrender and give our hearts to the Lord.
Only then can we get a taste of the beauty that awaits us in eternity.
Their transition from slavery to Royalty was not reached in a day.
Like our salvation it was a journey. A journey through the wilderness.
No one likes to be in a wilderness situation. The Word describes it as a great and terrible wilderness. A place with fiery serpents and scorpions, and thirsty ground where there is no water.
When in the wilderness we can feel like all these things are coming against us.
We shake our fists at God wondering why He is keeping us there. Wonder if He is hearing our pleas. Many times, it is viewed as a punishment. Our troubles cloud our visions to the truth.
He is a good God in both times we perceive as good or bad. A God who loves His children with an everlasting love. The wilderness experience gives us the opportunity to develop true trust in Adonai.
For trust is not a verbal declaration, but an action of stepping forward when we don’t know where we are going. Entering the tunnel when we can’t see to the other side. Walking under the umbrella of His purpose for our lives even when we do not know what that purpose is.
Trusting in God comes before obedience. True obedience comes from a heart that trusts God’s plans fully.
In the Torah reading this week we saw how Adonai assigned everyone of the Israelites a job. A purpose according to His plan.
Our lives are His to do with as He pleases for His higher purpose. Whether it’s financial, health or whatever it is we are struggling with, His word says, “My God will fulfil EVERY need of yours according to the riches of His glory in Messiah Yeshua.” {Philippians 4:19}
As believers we need to keep our minds on the goal that awaits us. To know that the troubles in this world are only temporary, and Adonai said that He will not let a righteous soul go hungry.
So let us hold on and not grow weary, to the day when His chosen will be gathered together from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other to be with Him forever. {Matthew 24:31}
Blessings in Messiah,
Rabbi Bob

04/22/2026

Leviticus 16:1-20:27 Amos 9:7-15 Mark 12:28-34
Acharei Mot – Kedoshim – after the death - Holy
Shalom, 4/22/26
At first the meaning of the above Hebrew words may seem confusing.
But we need only to look back at Leviticus 10:1-2 to see that the first word, after death, is referring to Aaron’s two sons, Nadab and Abihu who offered unauthorized fire before Adonai which He had not commanded.
There was a price to be paid for their unholiness, and disobedience and Adonai put them to death.
This Torah reading cycle is six months before and six months after Yom Kippur.
It is to align with the Jewish calendar, but I feel the meaning goes much deeper than that.
It points to two distinct areas that we very much need to be reminded of and act as a reset for us.
Springtime redemption {Passover} and autumn judgement/atonement {Yom Kippur.}
The continual cycle of keeping oneself Holy.
Just as the high priest had to atone for himself first before he atoned for Bnei-Yisrael, we too have to make sure our house is in order before we can lead others to Yeshua.
We too must be holy and set apart from the things of this world.
The Israelites were not to do the things they did in Egypt nor act as they did in Canaan. Once we accept the cleansing blood of Yeshua, we also are not to go back to what we left or follow the world. We are to live each day in the present following the commands of Adonai.
The Israelites reaching the Promised Land was not the only point.
After getting there they had to do their part just as we must do today.
For it’s not the Land that is some magical place that will dissolve our failings. It is the people that must change and walk in His commands.
As humans we will either follow His laws or the laws of the land.
Life is in the blood, and the blood of Yeshua brings us to life everlasting.
He promises us so much, He provides for us abundantly, He loves us endlessly.
Is it too difficult for us to accept His promises, worship Him for the abundance of His giving that we cannot return enough love to obey and truly follow Him and let go of this world?
Only you can answer that in your spirit and hearts. I pray it is not too difficult at all for you.
Blessings in Messiah,
Rabbi Bob

04/20/2026

Shabbat Service will be held at Maderia beach 4/24/26. Between 146000 and 14308 Gulf Blvd. Bring your chair, food. We will set up a canopy. Praise, worship, prayer and fellowship. We will be there 5:30 to set up. Service 6:30 PM. See you there!

04/15/2026

Leviticus 12:1-15:33 Isa. 66:1-24 Mark 9:40-50
Tazria - Motzora – she brings forth seed
Shalom, 4/15/26
This week we remember all the victims of the austerities of the Holocaust. And all the victims and their families from October 7th, 2023.
In this week’s Torah we read about Tzara’at, a supernatural skin disease that had to be examined by the kohen to give the proper diagnosis to determine if the person was clean or unclean.
A fairly easy task depending on the color, smell and appearance of the particular area.
But there are some spiritual sores that are more than skin deep. They are the ones that cannot be seen with the naked eye and often go unchecked until it is too late. And this particular disease is spreading at an alarming rate once again.
And just like various diseases of the skin, this too can be easily transmitted.
What I am speaking of is the disease of anti-semitism. A heart infected with hatred and malice with a deliberate desire to cause harm to a group of people because of their race or beliefs.
Many times, it is not easily seen and far too often this disease can only be exposed only after the actions of brutality are carried out.
We can no longer keep our heads in the sand and turn our backs to what is happening.
We can no longer coward and be afraid to say or do anything that shows we support God’s chosen people.
It is our responsibility to stop the transmission of this disease. For if we stand by and do nothing, we are just as guilty as the one with the diseased heart.
Let us take a lesson from what Martin Niemoller wrote during WW 2. They came for the socialists, and he said nothing because he wasn’t a socialist. They came for the trade unionists, he said nothing because he wasn’t a trade unionist. They came for the Jews, and he said nothing because he wasn’t Jewish. Then they came for him, and there was no one left to speak for him.
All through the word of God, He blessed those who stood by Israel.
The armies that attacked them were killed and handed over to the Israelites.
To love the Jewish people deeply is a supernatural gift God instills in all believers. To love is not just a feeling it is a call to take action when action is needed and putting yourself aside.
We don’t need to be put outside the camp because of spiritual uncleanliness. Yeshua already paid that price. We just need to help stop this transmission of hatred.
Blessings in Messiah,
Rabbi Bob

04/09/2026

Leviticus 9:1-11:47 2 Samuel 6:1-7:17 Matthew 3:11-17
Sh’ mini – eighth
Shalom, 4/8/26
The parting of the Red Sea is traditionally believed to have occurred on the seventh day of Passover (the 21st of Nisan) which is tonight. Until this happened, the Israelites were not really free from their captivity.
The Egyptian army was in hot pursuit, and it seemed as if they had them cornered and the Israelites were running for their lives. They could run but unless the Lord intervened, they were at the mercy of their captors.
Exodus 14:21 tells us that Adonai parted the sea with a strong east wind that blew all night, allowing the Israelites to complete their crossing at dawn.
In the morning Adonai caused the waters to come back over the Egyptians and not one of them remained. Adonai had sent Moses, gave them favor with the people in Egypt and saved them from all the plaques but that was only the beginning.
They were only beginning to see how much they needed to trust a God they did not know.
We need to try and put ourselves in their place for a moment. On the very night they were running for their lives. The fear that must have gripped them. The panic and uncertainty of it all. Their choice was to drown, be killed or taken captive once again. We can feel their emotions because every one of us has lived it.
When we accepted Yeshua, His blood was applied to us. Then the process began of having to learn to trust a God we did not know. We try to turn from our bo***ge of sin but until the Lord intervenes, we are at the mercy of its grip.
When sin tries to overtake us, the same fear and uncertainty grips us until we truly know and trust what Isaiah 43:2 tells us. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, or through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flame burn you. For I am Adonai your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
Yes, remember Passover but applying the blood is only the beginning.
For it wasn’t just that the waters parted that night. It was the final act of God delivering His people from bo***ge finalizing their freedom. The ultimate Savior who intervenes in all of human history.
And it is the same for us when we allow His cleansing waters to totally free us.
Even nature recognizes His power. “The waters saw You, O God, the waters saw You and writhed, even the depths shook.” {Ps. 77:17}
Know He is trustworthy and know you can lean on Him in all situations.
Blessings in Messiah,
Rabbi Bob

Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue of St. Petersburg

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