Shalom Macon: Messianic Jewish Teachings

Is Messianic Judaism really a bridge between Christianity and Judaism… or have we misunderstood the mission entirely? What if the “bridge” isn’t an institution — but you? What if the valley of doubt, loss, and confusion you walked through wasn’t a mistake… but construction? Why does spiritual growth require descent? Why do some quit in the valley while others come out as builders? And why would that make you “dangerous” to certain voices? This teaching reframes the journey, the struggle, and your calling. You’re not just learning truth. You’re being shaped into a guide. The bridge the world needs may already be built — in you. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Yeshua once said that if people won’t listen to Moses, they won’t be convinced—even if someone rises from the dead. That’s a strange statement… unless Moses plays a far bigger role than we usually admit. What if believing in Yeshua actually requires believing Moses first? What if faith in the Messiah is inseparable from faith in the covenant delivered at Sinai? In this week’s 5 Minute Torah, we explore Parashat Yitro, the wisdom of Jethro, the fearsome holiness of Sinai, and why trust in God’s messenger is foundational to hearing God’s voice. Are we believing the messenger—but missing the message? Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

What if your January goals didn’t fail because you lack discipline… but because you picked the wrong season? Why does the world shout “Start now!” while your body feels tired, slow, and unmotivated? What if growth doesn’t follow Rome’s calendar — but God’s? There’s a reason trees don’t bloom in winter. There’s a reason the sap rises before the fruit appears. And there’s a reason your moment isn’t about instant transformation, but internal awakening. Could it be that you’re not behind… you’re just early? Discover why Tu BiShvat — the New Year for Trees — reveals how real growth actually begins, and why your “later” might finally be… now. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Is it possible to pray at the wrong time? We’re taught to pray about everything—every decision, every crisis, every moment of fear. But what if prayer can actually become a delay tactic? What if, in some situations, praying isn’t spiritual… it’s avoidance? When Israel stood trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Sea of Reeds, they cried out. But God’s response wasn’t, “Pray harder.” It was, “Move.” Are there moments when God has already spoken—and He’s waiting on obedience, not more words? This week’s 5 Minute Torah challenges how we think about prayer, action, and trust. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

What if being “born again” wasn’t the finish line… but the starting line? Why do so many believers stay spiritually safe, stuck in what’s familiar, while God keeps nudging them toward growth? Are you avoiding the hard thing He’s been putting in front of you? The conversation, the change, the obedience, the step into the unknown? Comfort feels secure — but is it quietly shrinking your life? In this teaching, we explore why new life in Messiah is about becoming, not settling… and why the version of you who faces tomorrow’s challenge isn’t the same person sitting there today. So what step have you been putting off? Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Why did God continue His battle with Pharaoh—even after Egypt was already broken? The Torah reveals that this struggle was never just about power, plagues, or freedom. It was about legacy. God tells Moses that these events were meant to be told to sons and grandsons—so that no generation would forget Him. But Pharaoh had another plan: let the adults go, keep the children. That ancient strategy hasn’t disappeared. Who is shaping the faith of the next generation today—and what happens if we don’t take our children with us? Let’s explore why legacy is the real battleground… in this week’s 5 Minute Torah. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Why would anyone bring straw to a city already overflowing with straw? When Moses and Aaron stood before Pharaoh, they weren’t just performing signs — they were challenging Egypt on its own turf. Magic versus power. Illusion versus truth. But why did Pharaoh’s magicians seem able to keep up… at least for a while? What does this strange showdown teach us about faith, confidence, and offering something genuinely better to the world around us? And how do we bring Torah and the good news of Messiah into spaces that think they already have all the answers? Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Why do so many good intentions fall apart right after they begin? Why does motivation collapse just when the work gets real? There’s a moment no one warns you about—the place where excitement fades, resistance grows, and quitting feels justified. This message names that place and explains why you must pass through it to experience real growth. Whether you’re pursuing spiritual maturity, physical health, calling, or faithfulness as a disciple of Yeshua, this teaching will help you recognize the process, silence the inner voice of escape, and learn how to move forward when everything in you wants to stop. You’re not failing—you’re in the Valley. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Genesis ends. Exodus begins. But the story isn’t just about leaving Egypt — it’s about becoming something new. Before Moses ever confronts Pharaoh, he makes a quieter, riskier decision when no one else will act. Was this moment impulsive… or foundational to his calling? What does Torah expect when injustice unfolds right in front of us? And what does it mean to “be a man” when no one else is willing? As God begins forming Israel into His covenant bride, we’re forced to ask an uncomfortable question: would we rise to the occasion — or look the other way? Join me to explore why this moment matters… in this week’s 5 Minute Torah. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Jacob was renamed Israel—but did he ever truly live as Israel? In this teaching, we explore how regret reshapes memory, distorts identity, and quietly becomes the lens through which we tell the story of our lives. Drawing from Parashat Vayechi, the life of Jacob, and the example of Joseph, we confront a haunting question: are we surviving, or are we truly living? Why do we cling to pain even after God has called us forward? And what does it mean to finally let go of Jacob and embrace Israel? Join me as we wrestle with memory, identity, and the courage to live redeemed. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Vayechi begins unlike any other parashah in the Torah—without a break, without a pause, without space to breathe. Our sages insist this detail is anything but accidental. Could blessing itself sometimes conceal danger? Could success, legacy, or even prosperity quietly dull our spiritual awareness? From Jacob’s final words to the haunting end of Genesis, this portion forces us to ask whether every blessing truly leads us toward life—or subtly away from it. What happens when momentum replaces discernment? Let’s explore why not all blessings are equal… in this week’s 5 Minute Torah. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Jacob stood before Pharaoh blessed, chosen, and carrying God’s promises — yet when asked about his life, he spoke with regret. Why do painful memories so often outweigh blessings? Why does loss feel more honest than gratitude? And how can a life marked by God’s faithfulness still feel “few and evil”? This teaching confronts the subtle danger of regret — how replaying the past reshapes memory, distorts identity, and quietly poisons the life we were meant to live. Drawing from Torah, psychology, and lived experience, we explore why regret feels safer than gratitude — and what it’s costing us. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

What happens when the brother you betrayed turns out to be the one who holds your life in his hands? When Joseph says, “Ani Yosef — I am Joseph,” terror fills the room before healing ever begins. Why doesn’t Joseph seek revenge? How does bitterness give way to redemption? And what does Judah’s willingness to step forward teach us about repentance and transformation? In this week’s 5 Minute Torah, we explore Parashat Vayigash and the moment everything changes—for Joseph, for his brothers, and for Israel’s future. Join me to discover why this choice between bitter or better still matters today—in this week’s 5 Minute Torah. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Why did Joseph put his brothers through suffering when God never told him to? Where is the verse that commands Joseph to test them—and what does its absence reveal about forgiveness, trauma, and reconciliation? This teaching wrestles honestly with one of the most emotionally charged moments in the Torah. Is Joseph seeking revenge, justice, or healing? Why does he weep again and again? And what does his story teach us about seeing those who wounded us—not through fear or resentment, but through love? Joseph’s journey forces us to ask a hard question: Are we willing to truly see… and be seen? Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Nearly every year, Parashat Mikeitz is read during the festival of Hanukkah — but is that just a calendar coincidence? Or is there a deeper connection we’re meant to see? Joseph stands before Pharaoh as a lone candle in the darkness of Egypt, refusing to claim credit and shining God’s light instead. Centuries later, Judah Maccabee stands against a crushing empire with the same radical trust in Heaven. What unites these two moments — and what does it reveal about the kind of light we’re called to shine today?Join me to discover why… in this week’s 5 Minute Torah. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Hanukkah isn’t just a winter tradition — it’s a bold declaration of light in a world growing darker by the day. Why did Judaism survive when every empire around it collapsed? What made the Maccabees fight back instead of assimilate? And what does their courage demand from us now, when hostility toward the people of Israel is rising again? In this Hanukkah message, Rabbi Damian uncovers the deeper call of the festival: to resist the pressure to hide, to shine the light we’ve been given, and to awaken hope in a weary world. Join me to discover why the light still matters. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Joseph’s brothers threw him into an empty pit… but the Torah adds a strange detail: “there was no water in it.” If it was already “empty,” why say more? Ancient Jewish commentators insisted this wasn’t just a dry hole — it was filled with snakes and scorpions. But why hide that detail? And how does this surprising insight reshape Joseph’s story and our own spiritual lives? Join me to explore these questions in this week’s 5 Minute Torah. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Jacob isn’t usually imagined as a warrior — yet the Torah reveals a side of him we rarely acknowledge. Why does he prepare for battle? Why does he divide his camp with military precision? And what does his mysterious struggle at Peniel reveal about the kind of strength God calls each of us to walk in? In this teaching, we uncover three surprising insights that reshape not only how we see Jacob, but how we face our own battles. Join me as we explore the night Jacob became a warrior — and why it matters for your spiritual journey. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

Jacob’s reunion with Esau wasn’t the only moment of danger in Vayishlach. Hidden in this portion is a deeper struggle — one that still reaches into our lives today. Why did Dinah stay with Shechem even after the harm he caused? What makes us return to the very things that wound us? And how does temptation disguise itself as love, comfort, or immediate gratification? Discover the subtle seductions that pull us off the path of discipleship and shows how Torah exposes the traps we don’t see coming. Discover the warning — and the hope — in this week’s 5 Minute Torah. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!

A viral message is reshaping how many Christians talk about “Israel” — but is it telling the truth? In this teaching, Rabbi Damian tackles a rising trend that redefines who the children of Abraham really are. Why is this message spreading so quickly? What did our grandparents understand that we’ve forgotten? And how can we stay grounded when popular teachings distort Scripture and identity? If you’ve ever wrestled with questions about Israel, inheritance, or who truly belongs to God’s covenant family, this teaching will challenge, comfort, and clarify. Discover what’s at stake — and why gratitude matters now more than ever. Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!Join Shalom Macon Live! at 11am EST every Saturday (#Shabbat) for uplifting Worship Music and Teachings If you get value from our work, pleaseconsider Supporting Shalom Macon https://www.shalomacon.org/give -- Ways to Support Shalom Macon -- Our Website | https://www.shalomacon.org/giveTithe.ly | https://tithe.ly/give?c=329563PayPal | giving@shalomacon.orgText "GIVE" to (706) 739-5990 God provides for the work of Shalom Macon through the giving of those who benefit from that work and in turn, give generously to allow it to continue. Whether you are an in-person or virtual member, your support is vital to sharing the message. We thank you for joining us, Shabbat Shalom!