The Darchei Noam Congregation Podcast

Wisdom from Kohelet

On Sukkot Shabbat Chol HaMoed, we explore the timeless wisdom of Ecclesiastes — a book that dares to ask the hardest questions of human existence. What gives meaning to our work, our pleasure, our wisdom, our faith?
Across generations, Kohelet — the Teacher — has wrestled with the paradox of life’s beauty and futility, inviting us to see that even amidst vanity and uncertainty, God’s purpose endures.

Jerusalem, the Mother of Us All

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In this edition of the Darchei Noam Monthly Seminars, we explore Rav Shaul’s powerful words:
“But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.” — Galatians 4:26 (TLV)
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Parashat Ha’azinu: The Song of Witness

In this week’s parasha, Ha’azinu (Deuteronomy 32), Moshe delivers a song unlike any other—a prophetic poem that summons heaven and earth as witnesses to Israel’s covenant with G-d. This “Song of Witness” exposes rebellion but also reveals divine mercy: the Rock who judges is also the Rock who redeems. Join us as we explore how this timeless melody echoes through Israel’s history, points to the Messiah as HaTzur—the Rock of our salvation—and anticipates the day when all nations will sing with Israel, “Rejoice, O nations, with His people!”

Neilah: When the Gates Close, Mercy Remains Open

As Neilah closes Yom Kippur, we hear Adonai's final words to Jonah: “And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” This message reminds us that G-d’s compassion reaches far beyond what we imagine — embracing not only Israel but the nations, the vulnerable, and even creation itself. At the sealing of the day, we are called to align our hearts with His mercy and extend His concern to the needy around us.

Yom Kippur Shacharit: The Cry of the Needy

Vayikra 16 reveals the holiness of Yom Kippur — a day of atonement, cleansing, and restoration. Yet God’s expectation goes beyond ritual: the forgiveness we receive must overflow into compassion for the vulnerable. In this teaching we explore how the Day of Atonement calls us not only to draw near to Adonai, but also to lift up the needy, reflecting His mercy in tangible ways.

Kol Nidrei: Renouncing False Vows, Reclaiming True Identity

Kol Nidrei is more than a legal prayer — it is a covenantal cry before the G-d of Israel. In this teaching we reflect on vows, identity, and the enduring promises of Adonai. As Jewish believers reclaim covenant heritage and Gentile believers rediscover their rootedness in Israel, Messiah is restoring the One New Man — a people joined together, ish echad b’lev echad — one family of G-d with one heart.

Shabbat Shuva – Return While He May Be Found

In Parashat Vayeilech, we reflect on Moshe’s final acts of devotion alongside the Haftarah’s urgent call through the prophet Isaiah to teshuvah — to return to the God of Israel with all our heart, soul, and strength. Isaiah not only calls Israel back but also extends an invitation to the nations to join themselves to Adonai, to love His Name, and to honor His Shabbat.  We see how Yeshua, the Living Torah, embodies this return, drawing both Israel and the nations into covenant faithfulness and the mercy of God.

The Voice of the Shofar: Repentance, Renewal, and Hope

This short episode can be used as a resource throughout the Yamim Nora’im—the Days of Awe. We’ll explore the meaning of the four shofar blasts, pronounce the blessings, and hear the voice of the shofar from the Darchei Noam Congregation Rosh HaShanah ~ Yom Teruah Shacharit service 5786. From the royal proclamation of Tekiah to the broken cry of Shevarim, from the urgent Teruah to the triumphant Tekiah Gedolah, each sound carries a message that awakens the soul.
The Yamim Nora’im include the Ten Days of Repentance (Aseret Yemei Teshuvah), the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur—set aside for self-examination, making amends, and turning back to G-d. They culminate in Yom Kippur (10th of Tishrei), the holiest day of the year—a day of fasting, prayer, and seeking forgiveness. The day concludes with the Tekiah Gedolah, the great shofar blast.
You can also share this with friends and family who may not be able to hear the shofar in person. May the voice of the shofar call all of us to repentance, renewal, and the hope of redemption in Messiah during these holy days.

The Shofar of the Akedah: Hope for Israel Today – Yom Teruah 5786

On this Yom Teruah, as the shofar is lifted and its cry resounds, we remember the Akedah—the binding of Isaac. Abraham’s faith and Isaac’s surrender still speak to us today: a ram was provided, and life was preserved. The sound of the shofar recalls that moment of testing, of substitution, and of covenant faithfulness.
In our own day, Israel again walks through a season of testing, facing threats, violence, and deep uncertainty. Yet the message of the Akedah calls us to trust in the God who provides, even on the mountain of trial. Just as He spared Isaac and sealed His covenant promises, so we can believe that He will preserve Israel and bring forth redemption.

Parashat Nitzavim: Returning to G-d, Land, and Covenant

In Parashat Nitzavim, Moshe gathers every person—leaders, elders, children, strangers, from the woodcutter to the water drawer—and calls them to renew the covenant. His timeless words still resound: “Choose life!” This parasha reveals three great returns promised in Devarim 30: Israel’s return to Adonai, Israel’s return to the Land, and Israel’s return to the Covenant. And because His Word is not far off but already near—in our mouth and in our heart—we find in Yeshua the true hope and restoration that Moshe foresaw.