Since beginning to investigate Messianic Judaism I have found many Jewish traditions that I like. I find that there is something that works about the methodical practices of the Jews which are so full of meaning. One instance being the tradition of reading the Torah, over and over, on a schedule. Having started out with it being a 3-year undertaking, it has been observed in recent years on a 1-year schedule. About this tradition, I find structure which is lacking from many Christian churches, and purpose- a purpose better and deeper than what any ol’ Christian-sensation-book is being hyped at the moment for us to study. (Can that really be called purpose?)
Right about two years ago I learned of this tradition of the Weekly Parasha and had obviously missed Simchat Torah. But not by too far, I reasoned, and decided I would subscribe to year one of the Torah Club by FFOZ and play catch-up. Little did I know how much was packed in each parasha! I managed for a while, but never caught up completely and eventually fell off the bandwagon completely. Last year I waited for Simchat Torah and tried again. And failed again, making it only about 2-3 weeks in. Of course my marriage was awful and surviving it was an all-day, every day, event. But so it was. This year, though, I decided that I would not only do it, but include my children in the process since they are older now. (And they will bug me– I mean, hold me accountable! lol)
And again I waited for Simchat Torah this year. Single mom now, much on my plate, we didn’t even make week one. I knew catching up was not even a realistic hope. And I don’t like the notion of jumping in somewhere in the middle. Too much to miss out on. Mainly: perspective! Yet, am I to wait a whole year so I can start again?? I think not. Obviously it’s more important to read the word, period. But I like having whatever scripture my Rabbi picks for Shabbat reading already be familiar because I read it earlier in the week. And the ability to follow along with newsletters. But meanwhile, I’m not able to do any of those things anyway because I’m constantly behind.
So this week I will start. My kids and I. We will start with Beresheit and work our way through. And if we miss a week for whatever reason, at least there will not be pressure to catch-up-or-quit. We will just pick up where we left off and move forward in our learning, and understanding, and love of God. And if I really need to read more or find the need to read those Weekly Parasha newsletters, clutterbug that I am, I’m sure I’ve got them all saved somewhere! 
