why?

Knowing and following Torah has transformed my understanding of God and deepened my relationship with Him. It’s more than a set of ancient laws—it’s His heart revealed, showing us how to live in a way that reflects His holiness, love, and wisdom. When I study Torah, I see God’s consistency from the beginning, His desire for His people to walk in obedience and blessing, and how Yeshua lived it out perfectly. Yeshua didn’t come to abolish

it, but to fulfill it, showing us how to apply it in our lives today (Matthew 5:17-19). The more I embrace Torah, the more I see how it draws me closer to God, shapes my character, and teaches me how to love others the way He intended. It’s not about legalism—it’s about relationship, identity, and walking in the footsteps of our Messiah.

On this page you will find my musings about the truths of Torah. As I add more, it will appear at the top of the page, just under the first image.

Torah

The Beauty of Order: Lessons from Creation for Homesteaders on Simplicity, Structure, and Setting Boundaries

For homesteaders, the concept of order is foundational to the lifestyle we choose. Whether it’s organizing our gardens, planning our livestock care, or just managing the daily tasks that keep everything running smoothly, order is what brings structure and peace to the homestead. Interestingly, the Bible’s creation story in Genesis gives us a powerful model for creating this kind of harmony, rooted in simplicity, separation, and intention.

The Bible begins with a scene of total chaos—a dark, empty void where nothing yet has form or purpose. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep” (Genesis 1:1-2). From that raw, unshaped space, God brings order step by step, transforming the void into a balanced, purposeful world. And as He does so, He establishes a guiding principle that every homesteader can appreciate: true order is achieved not by adding more but by focusing on what’s necessary, simplifying, and setting clear boundaries.

Separating for Purpose: The Foundation of Order on the Homestead

In Genesis, the first thing God does to bring order is separate light from darkness. This simple act isn’t just about adding light; it’s about introducing a rhythm to creation, establishing the pattern of day and night. For us as homesteaders, this principle of separating different parts of our lives and routines is crucial. Just as God gave the light its own time and the darkness its own space, we can create a rhythm in our daily lives by separating work time from rest time, field tasks from household chores, and planting from harvesting. By designating clear spaces for each task, we bring a sense of order to our homestead and make room for each part to thrive.

The theme of separation continues as God divides the waters from the sky and then the water from the dry land. Each separation adds structure, creating different environments where specific types of life can flourish. On a homestead, we see this need for separation in everything from garden planning to animal care. We create separate spaces for vegetable plots, herb gardens, chicken coops, and grazing areas, giving each resource the environment it needs to flourish without overcrowding others. These boundaries allow each part of the homestead to fulfill its purpose without getting in the way of another—a small but vital example of how separating space creates harmony.

Simplifying Through Intentional Boundaries

Throughout the creation story, God demonstrates that order comes from knowing what’s essential and allowing each part of creation to serve its purpose without interference. Rather than piling on endless additions, each day of creation builds on the previous one, establishing boundaries and refining spaces. This simplicity is something that every homesteader understands intuitively. A well-managed homestead isn’t crammed with more than it can handle; instead, it’s about creating an efficient, balanced system.

Take the vegetable garden as an example. The success of

a garden often depends on planting only what you need, keeping things well-organized, and setting clear boundaries for each type of plant. By laying out paths, marking rows, and choosing crops that complement each other, you reduce chaos and increase productivity. Similarly, God’s creation wasn’t cluttered with unnecessary elements but focused on a few essential components. In the same way, keeping our homesteads simple and well-structured allows us to focus on what matters most, creating a sense of order and purpose.

Human Roles and Responsibilities in the Garden

The creation story doesn’t just outline how nature is organized; it also speaks to the role of humans in keeping it that way. After creating the earth, God places Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and gives them the responsibility of tending it. For homesteaders, this part of the story resonates deeply. We’re not just working the land; we’re stewards, responsible for maintaining the balance and order that allows everything to flourish. This stewardship requires us to respect the boundaries we set and make choices that support the long-term health of the land.

On the homestead, respecting boundaries means creating designated spaces and roles for each part of our operation, whether that’s separating livestock areas from crops, setting aside composting zones, or rotating pasture for healthy grazing. Just as God established order by dividing land from water and sky, we contribute to harmony by setting boundaries that keep each part of the homestead balanced and thriving. It’s a reminder that order isn’t about control; it’s about creating a sustainable environment where each resource has space to grow and fulfill its purpose.

Order Through Boundaries: Lessons from the Ten Commandments

The Bible continues to develop this theme of order and boundaries in the Ten Commandments, which give clear guidelines for living in peace with one another. These rules aren’t about piling on restrictions—they’re about setting boundaries that prevent chaos, protect relationships, and create harmony. On the homestead, boundaries play a similar role, helping us structure our time, respect each other’s roles, and prioritize what matters.

For instance, setting boundaries around work and rest can make all the difference in maintaining energy and avoiding burnout. Just as God set aside the Sabbath for rest, we can choose times to rest, enjoying the fruits of our labor and reconnecting with why we chose this lifestyle. The Ten Commandments remind us that boundaries are life-giving; they allow us to enjoy life’s blessings without overloading ourselves.

Finding Balance in Homesteading Through Simplification

As homesteaders, we often face a mountain of tasks that can feel overwhelming—there’s always something that needs attention, whether it’s fixing a fence, planting a new crop, or tending to the animals. The creation story reminds us that order comes from setting priorities and simplifying. Just as God created by focusing on one step at a time, we can approach our homesteads with intention, breaking things down into manageable parts and letting go of what doesn’t serve our purpose.

For example, rather than planting every vegetable, consider focusing on crops that will genuinely feed your family or support your local community. Instead of overcrowding the barn with animals, focus on those you can care for well and that meet the needs of your land. Simplifying doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means being intentional, choosing quality over quantity, and respecting the limits of your resources.

Embracing Freedom in Living an Ordered Life

The creation story is ultimately about freedom—freedom through order, through simplicity, and through the space created by boundaries. When each part of creation has its own role, everything flows together in harmony, and life flourishes. This is what we strive for on the homestead: a balanced, ordered life where each piece fits together, where our crops grow, animals thrive, and we find joy in the work.

On the homestead, embracing this freedom means recognizing that order isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a system that works with nature, not against it. It’s a life of rhythm, from planting in the spring to harvest in the fall, to resting in winter and preparing for the next season. When we follow these rhythms, respecting boundaries, and keeping things simple, we find a deep sense of fulfillment and peace.

The lesson from creation is clear: order isn’t just about organization; it’s about creating space, establishing priorities, and separating what’s essential from what’s not. By embracing boundaries and simplifying our lives, we create a homestead that reflects the beauty of creation—a place where everything has a purpose, every role is respected, and life can flourish in harmony. Just as God’s first act of creation was to bring light into darkness, our acts of separation and order bring clarity and peace to our lives, helping us appreciate the gifts of simplicity and intentional living on the homestead.

In our home, I am a Gentile and my husband is a Jew. We both follow Yeshua (Jesus), the Son of God and Messiah. We are Messianic Believers. We follow the Torah and keep the biblical Feasts of God, living as closely to the biblical mandate as is possible. But we are not legalistic, because we know we are saved through grace by faith—and that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8).

We enjoy sharing our home and our faith, and it’s hard to enter our home without knowing about our faith: the evidence of it is seen everywhere! Our home decor reflects our beliefs and creates a peaceful, meaningful space.

The Messianic-Inspired Home

How Studying Torah Opened My Under-standing
of Yeshua

Photo by Pascal Claivas

Where to Find Messianic Home Decor

You can find messianic home decor in many places. There are online places like Judaica.com, a source for lots of Jewish items, and Judaicawebstore.com that has lots of home decor. Of course, you can find amazing Jewish/Messianic art at Etsy, or you can subscribe to a subscription box like Lev HaOlam, where you get products directly from Israel every month. 

I’d love for you to check out our Farm & Faith Store, too, where we have many messianic products as well.

And one more idea is to visit thrift shops. I enjoy finding things with biblical themes that can be repurposed into pieces that reflect our own personalities along with our beliefs.

So what do you think? Are you ready to transform your own place into a shalom space?

Reaping and Sowing in the Old Testament: A Personal Reflection

The principle of reaping and sowing is one of the most powerful truths found in the Old Testament, and it has shaped my understanding of how my actions, choices, and faithfulness impact my life. This biblical concept isn’t just about farming—it’s about the way we live, the way we love, and the way we walk with God.

When I think about reaping and sowing, I picture the ancient Israelites working the land, trusting that what they planted would grow in due time. They knew that their harvest depended on their labor, but they also knew it depended on God’s blessing. The Torah is full of commands that tie faith to the land—offering the firstfruits to God, leaving portions of the harvest for the poor, and allowing the soil to rest every seventh year. These weren’t just agricultural practices; they were acts of trust and obedience.

I can’t help but see the spiritual parallel in my own life. If I want to see growth in my relationship with God, I have to plant seeds of faithfulness—spending time in prayer, studying Scripture, and aligning my actions with His will. And just like with farming, the harvest doesn’t appear overnight. It takes patience, care, and persistence.

selfishness take root in my heart, it doesn’t just affect me—it affects my family, my relationships, and my spiritual walk. It’s a painful reminder that sin doesn’t just disappear; it grows if I allow it to.

Still, there is so much hope in this truth. The beautiful thing about God is that He allows us to plant new seeds. Joel 2:25 says, “I will restore to you the years that the locusts have eaten.” That promise reminds me that no matter what my past harvest has been, God can redeem and restore. If I start sowing in faith, even today, He can bring a new season of blessing.

So, I ask myself—and maybe you can ask yourself too—what am I planting right now? Am I sowing faith, generosity, love, and obedience? Or am I sowing doubt, fear, and selfishness? Because one thing is certain—the harvest is coming. And when it does, I want to stand before God knowing that I planted seeds that honor Him.

Maybe today is the day to start sowing something new.

The Bible makes it clear that what we sow, we will reap, whether for good or for harm. I’m reminded of Hosea 10:12, where God says, “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love.” That verse speaks to me so deeply because I’ve seen it happen in my own life. When I choose kindness over resentment, faith over fear, and obedience over compromise, I experience peace and joy that only God can give.

But I’ve also learned the hard way that sowing bad seed leads to painful consequences. The Israelites turned from God many times, and they reaped destruction, famine, and exile. That same principle applies today. When I let pride, bitterness, or

For much of my life, I read the New Testament with a deep love for Yeshua, but there were things I didn’t fully understand. I knew He was the promised Messiah, but certain passages—His teachings, His actions, even His fulfillment of prophecy—felt like pieces of a puzzle I couldn’t quite see clearly. That changed when I began studying Torah.

As I dove into the first five books of the Bible, I started to see that Yeshua’s words and mission weren’t separate from the Old Testament—they were deeply rooted in it. He didn’t come to abolish Torah but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). Every law, every feast, every sacrifice pointed forward to Him in ways I had never fully grasped before.

When I read about Passover, I saw Yeshua as the Lamb of God whose blood brings deliverance, just as the blood on the doorposts saved Israel in Egypt (Exodus 12, John 1:29). The Day of Atonement took on new meaning when I realized that He is both our High Priest and our sacrifice, making atonement once and for all (Leviticus 16, Hebrews 9:11-12). The Manna in the Wilderness wasn’t just ancient history—it was a foreshadowing of Yeshua, the true Bread of Life (Exodus 16, John 6:35).

Even Yeshua’s teachings made more sense in the light of Torah. When He summarized the greatest commandments—to love God and love your neighbor—I realized He was quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. His words weren’t introducing something new, but rather revealing the heart of God’s instructions from the beginning.

Studying Torah has deepened my faith, not by replacing the New Testament, but by illuminating it. It has shown me that Yeshua didn’t just appear out of nowhere—He is the very fulfillment of God’s promises, woven through every page of Scripture. Now, when I read His words, I hear them in the context of the Torah, and it brings me closer to Him than ever before.

Thanksgiving and Torah

What does Thanksgiving have to do with Torah?

Here in America, we are taught in elementary school that Thanksgiving is a day set apart to give thanks to God for His abundance. We are told that the first Thanksgiving was spent with the local Indians, who shared their food with us.

Today, we celebrate a huge meal with friends, catch up with family we may not have see since last year, and watch football.

But did you know that Thanksgiving actually began ‘way back some 3,000 years ago, long before America was a nation? In fact, it is ordained by God Himself!

Let’s go back to the Torah Scriptures in Leviticus (6:1 - 8:36) where we learn about offerings. Let’s start by noticing that when the Israelites made offerings, they were made in the light of day.

The pagan nations around them served “gods” that controlled them by fear. The sacrifices were to appease these so-called gods who otherwise would blight their crops, cause illness, or even bring death. Their minds were filled with darkness and they wanted their deities to stay away from them. These gods were gods of darkness who victimized man

But God, Yahweh, the One True God, asked for the sacrifices made to Him to be done by day. He was gentle, lucid, and perfectly clear that the sacrifices made by the Israelites were to draw His people near to Him.

The Hebrew word translated sacrifice in most English translations of the Bible would be better translated as “closeness offerings.” It comes from the Hebrew root קָרַב verb come near, approach. It is most often referred to in Hebrew today as a korban offering.

Shlamim offerings, translated as peace offerings, are unique. Part of it is burnt on the altar, part is given to the priests and their families, and part of it is given to the individual making the offering.

The korban todah

Today let’s take a look at only one of the shlamim offerings. It is called the korban todah, or thanksgiving offering. Psalm 107 gives four examples of reasons for making this offering. Let’s look at the verses.

Psalm 107

1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
    whom he has redeemed from trouble
3 and gathered in from the lands,
    from the east and from the west,
    from the north and from the south.

4 Some wandered in desert wastes,
    finding no way to a city to dwell in;
5 hungry and thirsty,
    their soul fainted within them.
6 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
7 He led them by a straight way
    till they reached a city to dwell in.
8 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!
9 For he satisfies the longing soul,
    and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

10 Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    prisoners in affliction and in irons,
11 for they had rebelled against the words of God,
    and spurned the counsel of the Most High.
12 So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor;
    they fell down, with none to help.
13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
    and burst their bonds apart.
15 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!
16 For he shatters the doors of bronze
    and cuts in two the bars of iron.

17 Some were fools through their sinful ways,
    and because of their iniquities suffered affliction;
18 they loathed any kind of food,
    and they drew near to the gates of death.
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them,
    and delivered them from their destruction.
21 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!
22 And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving,
    and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!

23 Some went down to the sea in ships,
    doing business on the great waters;
24 they saw the deeds of the Lord,
    his wondrous works in the deep.
25 For he commanded and raised the stormy wind,
    which lifted up the waves of the sea.
26 They mounted up to heaven; they went down to the depths;
    their courage melted away in their evil plight;
27 they reeled and staggered like drunken men
    and were at their wits' end.
28 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he delivered them from their distress.
29 He made the storm be still,
    and the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 Then they were glad that the waters were quiet,
    and he brought them to their desired haven.
31 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
    for his wondrous works to the children of man!
32 Let them extol him in the congregation of the people,
    and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

ESV

This is the offering, according to the Midrash (an ancient commentary on the Torah) that pleases God the most, because it is an offering made for no other reason than a felt need to express thanks to God.

As with all animal sacrifices, the person making the offering takes the animal taken from the flock or the herd and places his hand on its head. He then recites Psalm 100, written by King David, a psalm of thanksgiving.

As mentioned before, the shlamim offerings are unique in that a third is burned up, a third given to the priests, and a third returned to the giver. This offering, the korban todah, has an additional part, an offering of various kinds of bread. Only a very small part is given to the priest and the rest is returned to the one who makes the offering. His part is so big that it requires inviting family and friends to consume it all. Normally, there is a window of the day, a night, and another day to eat all of the offering. But the korban todah offering must be eaten by that night. This is because there is a certain urgency to offer immediate thanks for the deliverance received. So the one making the offering makes a joyous feast and invites everyone to celebrate with him. By doing this, the offering brings all those in attendance into a closer connection to the act of thanksgiving. (Notice no leftovers! Thankfulness should be total, complete, and immediate, not held over for another day.)

Another unique characteristic of the korban todah is that it includes both unleavened bread and leavened bread. The gift of bread that accompanies the offering was the equivalent of 26 kg. or 57.3 lbs. of flour! Since it is the rare person who could eat that much bread in a single day, it is meant to be shared in a communal setting as a joyful meal together. Others therefore share in the thanksgiving for the deliverance of the one who made the offering. Thanksgiving is meant to be shared!

Since leaven symbolizes haughtiness (it puffs up), why is it included in such an offering?

Although the korban todah is presented by a single individual who is overjoyed at his deliverance from adversity or just because he sees God’s amazing abundant blessings in his own life, there is a larger context.

It is an acknowledgment of God’s care and provision for all of humanity.

And that brings us full circle back to Thanksgiving Day. Just don’t wait until November!

four reasons:

1 Deliverance from wandering in the wilderness (not only physical)

2 Deliverance from illness
3 Deliverance from captivity (not only physical)

4 Deliverance from a dangerous situation

our thankfulness is what powers the universe

- Chaim Richman

psalm 100: For giving grateful praise.

1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.

NIV

the uniqueness of the korban todah

UNLEAVENED BREAD

LEAVENED BREAD

It is because when we can provide an entire festive feast for a communal meal, we might be prone to pride. Offering the leavened bread reminds us that all we have is due to God’s abundant blessings. It is a reminder to remain humble in the face of immense, undeserved blessing.

the truth of thanksgiving

Meaning in our home decor

While we do have art work on our walls that doesn’t specifically relate to our faith, it nonetheless showcases God’s amazing handiwork.

Mountains are among our favorite motifs, so we have paintings that reflect the mountains around us as well as one very large photograph of local Mt. Garfield taken by our son. Lots of pictures of our children are placed on a photo rail as well.

And then we have other decor. Some of it is from Israel. Jeff collects medals from Israel that represent historical events in the Holy Land. I handcraft other art. Menorahs, the Star of David, and Hebrew Scriptures feature prominently among them. We blend traditional and modern styles to reflect our personal beliefs.

Key Elements of Messianic Inspired Decor

Like many Christian homes, scripture wall art is prominent in many messianic homes. I enjoy putting Hebrew verses, blessings, and messianic prophecies on all kinds of things. Paint, joint compound, textiles, and found materials all get transformed into wall art.

Use a bread board and stencil a scripture about the Messiah on it as a decorative piece (make sure you use food-safe colorants if you will use the board for food after decorating). You don’t have to write in Hebrew, either. Buy kitchen towels and other pieces that include prophecy or scripture to decorate your space.

Sabbath and Holiday Decor

Shabbat

During the spring and fall months, our home is decorated to celebrate the Feasts of God. And the Queen of all Feasts, the Sabbath (Shabbat) deserves beautiful dishes, candles, and of course, and handmade challah cover!

Hanukkah is my favorite to decorate. Eight days to bring out the traditional blue, white and silver or gold (or both). Dreidels of all kinds along with trays, dishes, and table ware as well as napkins and tablecloths or runners.

Sukkot in the fall is not usually a time we decorate, because we are living outside in a sukkah with our friends and family, “camping” as it were for the last warm days of fall. But we do decorate the sukkah!

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah has us sporting apples and honey in all our designs, from placemats to dish towels and even aprons. Time for rams’ horns and round, braided loaves of sweet loaves of challah.

Symbolic and Functional

Incorporating traditional colors, mixing them with natural, neutral colors of earth and sky, makes a palette that is welcoming and warm. And to add an authentic biblical feel, we use natural materials like wood and linen. 

There are mezuzot (plural form of mezuzah) on all our external doorposts. Our front door also has a brass cross with a descending dove. We have prayer shawls and kippahs on display, reminding us that this is a house of prayer. And our large kudu horn shofar is on display all the time, a great conversation starter.

Tips for a Cozy, Faith-Filled Atmosphere

Do you want a warm, inviting space that encourages peace and prayerfulness? Here are some tips for how to achieve that in your home decor.

  1. Use textiles. The softness of fabrics is soothing, quieting, and calming.

  2. Scented candles or essential oils create an atmosphere of welcome. Keep it light, not overpowering.

  3. Warm lighting, in yellow hues rather than bright white or blue.

  4. Hand paint some scripture signs. Use your favorite scriptures. All scripture is God-breathed!

  5. Personalize a prayer space. Mine is an old leather recliner, next to my bookcase where my Bible and study aids are kept. It’s near a south-facing window for soft light, and I have a few pillows and a couple of throws to make things really cozy. (Since I arise well before dawn, I’m normally done before the sun is up, so good lighting for reading is important here.)

  6. Encourage hospitality with home baked goodies in the freezer that you can pop in the oven for a few minutes to serve guests. In our house, there are no “unexpected” guests, because we have an open door policy, and anyone is welcome to visit anytime.