Torah at Lyell Seminary
Lyell Seminary is a Torah-pursuant seminary. That means we honor תּוֹרָה / Torah as God’s gift to His people—good, wise, and true. We do not hold this as an idea. We live it as a way of life.
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Torah shapes our formation. It anchors our scholarship. It guides our character. It leads us into intimacy with the Father.
What We Mean by "Torah-Pursuant"
We use the word pursuant on purpose.
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We do not mean:
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conversion to Judaism
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rabbinic halakhic identity
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legalism
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empty ritual
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performance
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superiority
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cultural imitation
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None of these belong here.
Torah-pursuant means:
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we take Scripture seriously
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we honor the whole Bible
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we love what God commands
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we value holiness
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we let Torah shape our daily life
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we walk with humility
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we learn from Israel
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we follow Yeshua with both love and obedience
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we grow in compassion, mercy, and justice
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we pursue the Father’s heart through His ways
It is obedience born from love, not pressure.
Why Torah Matters at Lyell
1. Torah shapes the heart
Torah calls us to compassion, justice, integrity, mercy, holy speech, and humility.
These become the soil of spiritual formation.
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2. Torah shapes the scholar
A Torah-rooted scholar writes with accuracy, honesty, clarity, and reverence for the text. This creates scholarship with weight and integrity.
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3. Torah shapes the community
Torah teaches us:
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how to treat others
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how to resolve conflict
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how to guard the tongue
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how to steward time
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how to rest
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how to honor parents
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how to handle money
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how to practice justice
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how to walk gently with the vulnerable
A Seminary becomes healthy only when its people practice these things.
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4. Torah shapes our reading of Scripture
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We teach Scripture through its Jewish world.
This strengthens:
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interpretation
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preaching
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scholarship
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pastoral care
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identity
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community
It is the original context of the Bible.
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5. Torah leads us toward intimacy with the Father
Obedience opens the heart. Holiness creates clarity. Torah makes room for joy.
Torah in Daily Life at Lyell Seminary
We show kindness, patience, and mercy.
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Justice
We do what is right, especially for the vulnerable.
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Generosity
We give with open hands and open hearts.
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Honoring Parents
We practice gratitude and respect.
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Hospitality
We make room for others.
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Integrity
We walk in honesty, humility, and purity.
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These are not assignments; they are rhythms that nourish our inner life.
Torah and Scholarship
We train scholars who can:
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handle Hebrew and Greek with care
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understand the Jewish world of Yeshua
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read Scripture in its ancient context
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engage with serious academic work
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present at societies like AAR/SBL
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write with clarity and integrity
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Torah equips scholars to avoid:
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shallow readings
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cultural anachronism
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casual exegesis
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careless conclusions
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manipulative argumentation
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Torah gives scholarship depth and truth.
Torah and the Seminary Culture
Lyell Seminary is shaped by:
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humility
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reverence
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community
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patience
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honesty
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kindness
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discipline
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respect
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prayer
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We believe Torah forms a community that is safe, stable, and spiritually healthy. We are not trying to build a brand; we are trying to build a people.
Torah for Faculty
Faculty at Lyell…
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live Torah, not just teach it
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mentor students in Torah rhythms
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speak and write with integrity
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model Sabbath rest
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guard their words
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practice generosity
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value humility
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show compassion
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embody holiness
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Faculty must walk the path they guide others through. This creates trust, forms unity, and builds stability.
Torah for Students
Students learn:
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how Torah shapes identity
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how Torah heals wounded places
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how Torah stabilizes the heart
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how Torah guides decisions
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how Torah anchors scholarship
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how Torah deepens prayer
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how Torah opens a life to intimacy with the Father
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Students are not expected to be perfect. They are expected to pursue.
How We Teach Torah
We teach Torah with:
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gentleness
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clarity
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Jewish context
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academic integrity
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spiritual depth
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pastoral care
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We teach students how to read Torah:
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in Hebrew
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through ancient lenses
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with compassion
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with humility
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with attention to detail
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with an obedient heart
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We avoid:
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debates that stir pride
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performance-based obedience
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empty ritual
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dogmatic rigidity
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gatekeeping
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abrasive tone
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Torah is taught in love and practiced in joy.
An Invitation to Walk in Torah
If your heart longs for:
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deeper truth
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a steadier life
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a holier walk
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a closer relationship with the Father
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a Seminary that honors Torah and Yeshua
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a community where Torah shapes every corner of life
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Lyell Seminary welcomes you.
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