Weekly Parasha: Parasha Vayishlach

Shalom & Blessings;

I would like to report on what is happening with the government in Israel but I do not think they even know what is happening. One day we are having new elections, the next day we are not, then the next day we are again. One day we are getting the Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer the next day from Moderna and the next from Astra Zeneca. We are hearing such conflicting reports it is hard to keep up with them. Once again however, we are glad and comforted that God knows what is happening and He has everything under control; all we need to do is trust and obey.

GOOD NEWS!! We received our registration certificate for the new congregation name in Nairobi and our satellites. Etz Chaim was officially born November 30th, 2020; all Glory to God! Now we will be able to proceed with setting up our banking, an MPesa (digital wallet) account and a link to PayPal so as to accept out of country donations. We will also get working on a website, as funds allow. Please continue to pray for the groups in Kenya; there is: Nairobi, Karatina, Chaka, Nyeri and Migori. We are all still meeting together over Zoom both because of Covid and Nairobi not having a venue to meet, as yet, also the congregations are, as with Migori, large distances apart.

Hi Ellen here….Yay!!! Chanukah is here. In the midst of this confusing and tumultuous time …Jewish holidays prevail! I remember when I was in school my non-Jewish friends would comment on how many holidays and days off I had. As a child Chanukah was chocolate coins, potato latkas (pancakes), soufganyot (jelly doughnuts) and gifts for each of the eight days of the haggit (minor holiday), but when I become a Believer in Yeshua in my 30's this changed. Chanukah became a time of introspection and release, a time for deliverance and transformation…in short a time to draw nearer to our Lord and Savior. Next Friday evening, right before we light the Shabbat candles we kindle the first candle for the first night of Chanukah…

In the days prior I would like you to consider the following. Chanukah is also known as the Feast of Dedication. Please pray to rededicate your commitment to Yeshua, your family, your home and giving thanks each day for God's provision, protection and blessings. We at Etz Chaim Kenya are so blessed as we dedicate this new name, this new beginning as we serve Messiah Yeshua. Please don't look at what is NOT but look at what IS and find shalom in the Sar Shalom, the Prince of Peace our Messiah, our King!

HAPPY CHANUKAH!!

Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Shabbat Shalom,

Yours in Messiah Yeshua; our Lord, our God, our soon coming King;

Rabbi Jack & Ellen