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 In this week’s sermon Rabi Rich explores the question, “Why are animal sacrifices so emphasized in the Torah?” This is a real challenge for modern Jews. Learn the powerful secrets for understanding and appreciating this ancient practice – all in light of Yeshua the... Read More →

 This particular Shabbat, lodged between our Seders and the day before the worldwide celebration of the resurrection of the Yeshua the Messiah, carries great symbolic weight for us. It is providential poetry…in time. Listen and find out why! By Rabbi Emeritus Rich Nichol... Read More →

 In preparation for the celebration of Purim, Rabbi Rich notes that not once in the Megillat Esther is God mentioned explicitly. Yet, despite this unique feature of a book of Scripture, He is present, attentive and working by his providence for the sake of the Jewish... Read More →

 In our parashah this week we read about how a powerful angel assisted in protecting Israel as Pharaoh’s armies “closed in for the kill.” But what of these strange creatures mentioned so often in the Torah and Besorah (New Testament)? In his drash Rabbi Rich enlightens us... Read More →

 In his drash this week, Rabbi Rich calls our attention to a seldom noticed passage in the Torah’s description of the eighth plague – the plague of hail. He explores what may be the single most far reaching difference between one person and another – the... Read More →

 This is the season of light – Chanukah and the celebration of the birth of the Messiah. It is also the season of heroes. In this Shabbat’s drash (sermon) Rabbi Rich will look at the lives of a Jewish hero and heroine – Judah Maccabee and Miriam the mother of... Read More →

 Thanksgiving is not a specifically Jewish holy day. But, it’s resonance with Sukkot has been noticed by many. In his Shabbat drash delivered just after the joyful American. holiday, Rabbi Rich explores the Amidah prayer‘s Moadim Anachnu – the prayer of thanksgiving.... Read More →

 This week’s Torah portion is Bereshit – “In the Beginning.” As we start this year’s schedule of Torah readings, we begin with a prior question: Given the fact that the Bible was written so long ago and under circumstances so different than our own, is it really... Read More →

 Why do we make it a priority to attend High Holy Services? In the week’s drash Rabbi Rich presents a surprising reason rooted in God’s purposes for our Jewish people and for the world. By Rabbi Emeritus Rich Nichol at Ruach Israel, on September 24, 2022 Direct Link to... Read More →

 In this week’s drash (sermon) Rabbi Rich takes us deeper into the powerful role joy can play in the Messianic Jew’s life. His focus are the powerful reflections of two biblical luminaries   – Habbakuk and Ezra) –  and some of the final words of Messiah Yeshua... Read More →

 Rabbi Rich continues his Simcha (Joy) series. He will explore the great poignant moment during the rebuilding of Jerusalem under Nehemiah when the assembled people hear these words: “Don’t cry. The joy of Adonai is your strength.” Find out how these profound words can make... Read More →

 In this drash, Rabbi Rich explores how Israel best heard the word of G-d in the wilderness – not in the distracting city, but at the remote Mt. Sinai. His message has great practical meaning for each of us, too, as we journey through life. Don’t miss it!   Delivered... Read More →

 In his Shabbat drash, Rabbi Rich continues to explore the all-important subject of joy. Relying on the teaching of Yeshua, on insights offered by the Baal Shem Tov and a remarkable scene from the movie Prince of Egypt, he explores a key element in the “joy equation”... Read More →

 In his drash Rabbi Rich discusses the most critical element in all spiritual growth – JOY! Based on the teachings of Scripture and the most recent revelations of neuroscience, the Simcha (joy) Factor can make all the difference, especially as we all navigate this... Read More →

 In this concluding drash on the most powerful prophetic picture of Messiah, Rabbi Rich brings together themes which point to one fabulous conclusion – the self-sacrificial love of the God of Israel.Don’t miss it! As Isaiah the Prophet noted elsewhere “In all their... Read More →

 “Often, the rabbis of old make connections which are not obvious, but when explored, demonstrate profound spiritual insight. In this week’s sermon, Rabbi Rich will explore an example: the relationship between the karpas – the greens dipped in salt water and eaten... Read More →

 In this second of a two part drash offered by Rabbi Rich on February 26th and March 19th. he first explains the larger context of the most profound messianic prophecy found in Scripture – Isaiah 53. Then, he explores the essence of its message: As Isaiah the Prophet... Read More →

 In this first of a two part drash offered by Rabbi Rich on February 26th and March 19th. he first explains the larger context of the most profound messianic prophecy found in Scripture – Isaiah 53. Then, he explores the essence of its message: As Isaiah the Prophet... Read More →

 Rabbi Rich offers 10 observations about Messiah Yeshua uniqueness and how these can motivate us to make decisions for the next calendar year which can bring joy and blessing to us and to the important people in our lives. Don’t miss it! By Rabbi Emeritus Rich Nichol at Ruach... Read More →

 A Thanksgiving Drash – In our Shabbat Besorah (New Testament) passage read on Shabbat Vayashev, Rabbi Rich explores how John 4:43-54 reveals the complex, personally powerful and deeply caring character of our Messiah Yeshua. “There is just no one like him,” notes our... Read More →

 Rabbi Rich’s drash (sermon) concerns a subject which has proved important to both the Jewish and Christian communities throughout the centuries: “Will God again stoke the flames of tishuvah and commitment among his people?”” Rabbi Rich thinks the answer is a resounding “yes”... Read More →

   Dr. Seuss’ Horton the Elephant is quoted to have repeated, “I meant what I said and I said what I meant…An elephant faithful 100%.” In this sermon on the power and importance of “covenant,” Rabbi Rich builds on the giant mammal’s mantra to explain the essence of Abraham... Read More →

 Devakut by Rabbi Rich In his sermon Rabbi Rich introduces a key word for our growth -“Devakut.” The Chasidic concept of “cleaving to God” is an important strategy, rooted in Torah, which can help us stay emotionally and spiritually strong during these challenging... Read More →

 A Lesson From A Gutsy, Elderly Jewish Lady by Rabbi Rich This week’s Besorah (New Testament) reading reveals an important truth about our spiritual lives: We must be, first and foremost…lovers of truth. Follow Rabbi Rich’s thinking and enjoy the surprising real-life... Read More →

In this week’s Torah reading Acherei Mot, Aaron, the brother of Moses and father of two deceased sons, needed help. Thinking midrashically about how G-d met his need for healing from his tragic loss, Rabbi Rich focuses on the Yom Kippur liturgy performed by Aaron as carrying the... Read More →

The Resurrection of Yeshua – Up Close and Personal by Rabbi Rich Direct Link to Youtube video of message. As Messianic Jews we are keenly aware of the central role the idea of resurrection has had in Jewish thinking. And, we celebrate continually the expectation that a... Read More →

In his drash this morning – the last he will bring us until after his three month sabbatical – Rabbi Rich explores the amazing ways God takes our Jewish people to higher levels of awareness of his purposes. Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers and by doing... Read More →

The time we live in seems unique…never since the Viet Nam war has there been such division and uncertainty in the United States. Where is our point of referance in all this? How do set our feet so we can navigate these troubled waters? When we consider the history of... Read More →

This week Rabbi Rich explores the vital role of reconciliation in human affairs. We consider a defining moment in the life of Jacob as he prepares to meet his estranged brother Esau and the wonderful conclusion which speaks to us even today.   Direct Link to Youtube video of... Read More →

Embrace the Sadness, Embrace the Joy – preparing for תִּשְׁעָה בְּאָב Rabbi Rich’s message from a virtual gathering… Listen and enjoy. . Julie Lavender’s Bikhat HaTorah is the introduction and closing music. The complete song or the album “The Siddur... Read More →