We are a community based in Woking and the surrounding area who meet weekly in groups to study scripture (Genesis to Revelation) from a Hebraic perspective and come together on Shabbat .
We follow primarily, but not exclusively, the Torah reading cycle and seek to understand and live it out.
People can join us either through a midweek group or on a Shabbat or both. You are welcome
This Week
Vaetchanan
וָאֶתְחַנַּן
1. Moses’ Plea and God’s Response (Deut. 3:23–29)
Moses recounts how he pleaded with God to enter the Promised Land, expressing awe at God’s power. However, God denies his request because of the people’s past disobedience. Moses is told to view the land from afar and prepare Joshua to lead Israel in.
> Theme: Moses exemplifies selflessness, recognizing he is part of a larger, generational mission. Personal fulfillment is secondary to the legacy of Israel.
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2. Obedience as the Key to Life (Deut. 4:1–40)
Moses urges Israel to obey God’s laws as they prepare to enter the land. He reminds them of their past sins (like Baal Peor) and how following God’s commands will lead to wisdom, blessing, and life.
He stresses the uniqueness of Israel’s experience: hearing God’s voice at Sinai and receiving divine laws.
Idolatry is strictly forbidden. Moses warns of exile if Israel turns to idols, but promises mercy and restoration if they repent.
> Insight: The commandments are not just divine rules but tools for national resilience and moral clarity. Teaching future generations is vital.
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3. Cities of Refuge (Deut. 4:41–43)
Moses designates three cities east of the Jordan where someone who kills unintentionally may flee, reflecting God’s justice and mercy.
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4. The Ten Commandments Repeated (Deut. 5:1–33)
Moses reaffirms the covenant at Horeb (Sinai) and recounts the Ten Commandments. The people’s fear at the divine revelation led them to request that Moses mediate.
> Focus: God desires obedience from the heart. The commandments remain central to the covenant.
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5. The Shema and the Greatest Commandment (Deut. 6:1–25)
Moses delivers the Shema: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” He instructs Israel to love God with all their heart, soul, and might. God’s words must be taught diligently to children, spoken daily, and visibly integrated into life (mezuzah, tefillin).
> Core Message: Love for God is demonstrated through wholehearted devotion, remembrance, and action.
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6. A Holy and Chosen People (Deut. 7:1–11)
Moses commands Israel to utterly destroy the idolatrous nations in Canaan to avoid spiritual corruption. Israel is reminded that their chosenness is due to God’s love and faithfulness to His covenant, not their merit.
> Final Emphasis: Israel is to be distinct, holy, and faithful, honoring God’s covenant with obedience, humility, and trust in His enduring love.
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Overall Themes:
Leadership and Legacy: Moses gracefully accepts his role in a larger story.
Covenant and Commandments: Obedience to God's word is central to life and blessing.
Idolatry and Identity: Avoiding idolatry preserves Israel’s holiness and purpose.
Love and Loyalty: God's relationship with Israel is rooted in love and covenant faithfulness.
Transmission: The faith must be taught across generations to remain alive.
This portion calls each generation to humility, obedience, and vision beyond themselves, living not just for their own sake, but for the good of the whole.