The Fall Holy Days are almost upon us!  Next month we will celebrate Rosh HaShanah, which is also called Yom Teruah or “Feast of Trumpets”.  Rosh HaShanah is the first of the Fall Holy Days and also the most mysterious.  Consider the passage in Leviticus:

“Tell the people of Isra’el, ‘In the seventh month, the first of the month is to be for you a day of complete rest for remembering, a holy convocation announced with blasts on the shofar.  (Lev 23:24 CJB)

What is being memorialized by our observance?  The word translated “shofar” here is t’ruah, which can also be translated as a shout of joy or alarm, a battle cry, or a noise put out by an instrument.  The meanings of this word are significant, but in order to understand why we first we need to take a step back and look at the Holy Day calendar.

Earlier this year we discussed how the Holy Days in the Torah provide us with a prophetic timeline of Messiah’s ministry and plan of salvation.  The Spring Holy Days have already been fulfilled by Yeshua’s self-sacrifice (Pesach), His resurrection and ascention to the Father (Firstfruits), and the giving of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost).   However, the Fall Holy Days are still unfulfilled, awaiting and foretelling the second coming of Messiah.

Many people believe that Yeshua will return to Earth on Rosh HaShanah, and there are several reasons why we can be persuaded that this is true.  But  others will argue that it’s nonsense to get involved with any sort of date-setting, because Yeshua tells us plainly in Matt 24:36 that “…when that day and hour will come, no one knows - not the angels in heaven, not the Son, only the Father.”

With that clear instruction, why do some persist in believing it will be this Holy Day?   It is a good question, which brings up another interesting fact about Rosh HaShanah: it is the only Holy Day that falls on a New Moon.  This is significant because the only way to truly know the timing of the new moon in Biblical times was to observe the thin crescent appear in the sky.  By that time, it had already passed.  No one could truly predict “the day or the hour” when the moon was perfectly new.  In the same way, Matt 24:36 could actually be a reference to Rosh HaShanah, in that we cannot predict the “day or the hour” of Yeshua’s coming.

There are passages which describe Yeshua’s return to Earth being accompanied by a trumpet such as Matt 24:31 and 1Cor 15:52.  1Thes 4:16 goes even farther in explaining that this will be the “last trumpet”. This refers to the last of the seven trumpets mentioned in Revelation 11:15, which ends the Tribulation and ushers in the “Millenium Reign” of Messiah on Earth.  If we are to blow the shofar on Rosh HaShanah in “remembrance”, does it not make sense that this would be in remembrance of Messiah Yeshua and the fact that He will return with the sound of the shofar?  How likely will it be then that he returns on Rosh HaShanah, just as the time of His self-sacrifice mirrored the death of the Pesach Lamb?

Whether you agree with this theory or not, the importance of the date that He comes on pales in comparison with the importance of the event itself.  The world will be forever changed when Messiah returns!  He will establish his kingdom on Earth (Rev 11:15), supplanting HaSatan (Rev 20:2) for a thousand years (Rev 20:6).   We can now see the significance of the definition of T’ruah: upon seeing Yeshua and his army coming in the clouds, there will be shouts of joy (from His believers), shouts of alarm (from his enemies), and a battle cry calling out against HaSatan.  It is in expectation of all of this that we pray as He instructed us:  “Your Kingdom Come”! 

Let us celebrate Rosh HaShanah this year with this expectation in mind, and blow the shofar in remembrance of the King of Kings who was, who is, and who is to come.

Please plan to join us on August 14th for a picnic at Lake Thurmond’s Pine Point.  We will use the lake as a mikvah for anyone that desires to do so.  Please bring some food to share and something tasty to throw onto the grill!  If you would like to attend, please contact Rabbi Don Lansing at the synagogue office.

Parashah

August 6 D’varim (Words) 
Torah: D’varim (Deuteronomy) 1:1 thru 3:22
Haftarah: Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 1:1-27
B’rit Hadashah: Yochanan (John) 15:1-11; Hebrews 3:7 thru 4:11

August 13 Va’etchanan (I pleaded)
Torah: D’varim (Deuteronomy) 3:23 thru 7:11
Haftarah: Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 40:1-26
B’rit Hadashah: Mattisyahu (Matthew) 4:1-11; 22:33-40; Mark 12:28-34; Luke 4:1-13; 10:25-37; Acts 13:13-43; Romans 3:27-31;1 Timothy 2:4-6; Ya’akov (James) 2:14-26

August 20 Eikev (Because)
Torah: D’varim (Deuteronomy) 7:12 thru 11:25
Haftarah: Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 49:14 thru 51:3
B’rit Hadashah: Mattisyahu (Matthew) 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13; Ya’akov (James) 5:7-11

August 27 Re’eh (Behold)
Torah: D’varim (Deuteronomy) 11:26 thru 16:17
Haftarah: Yesha’yahu (Isaiah) 54:11 thru 55:5
B’rit Hadashah: 1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 1 Yochanan (1 John) 4:1-6

Upcoming Events

Aug 14th: Lake Picnic

Sept 28th: Rosh Hashanah Evening Service @ 7pm

Oct 7th: Kol Nidre Service @7pm

Oct 8th: Yom Kippur Torah Service @ 11am

Oct 8th: BREAK THE FAST with CBS @ 7:30pm

Immersion in water is an important ritual that both Juaism and Christianity have in common.  Mikvah literally means a “collection”, specifically a collection of running water.  In a physical sense it cleanses the body, but in s spiritual sense it represents purity and holiness.  Jewish women are required to be fully immersed in “living” water after menstruation or childbirth.  Jewish men must use it to obtain ritual purity.  It is also used in the process of conversion to Judaism.

Natural, flowing bodies of water such as rivers, wells and spring-fed lakes can be used as mikvahs.  Since these sources may not be available or permitted to be used for bathing, a mikvah is often constructed as a part of a synagogue.  Orthodox Jews consider the mikvah so important that they require it to be built before the synagogue itself, and if necessary should even sell their Torah scrolls to pay for its construction! 

When Jochanan the Immerser (John the Baptist) arrives on the scene in the B’rit Chadashah (New Testament), he begins preaching repentance and purification via immersion in preparation for the coming of Messiah (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 13:24; 19:4).  This was not something overly unusual; in fact it is common practice by some Jews today to enter the mikvah before the Sabbath in anticipation that the Messiah will come.  The great numbers of people that flocked to Jochanan is evidence of the expectation and fervor of that time that Messiah would indeed come and rescue Israel from their Roman rulers.    

 

Johannan was then surprised to find that Yeshua, whom he knew to be the Messiah, came to present himself to undergo a mikvah.  Jochanan protested by saying “You are coming to me?  I ought to be immersed by you!”  But Yeshua replied “Let it be this way now, because we should do everything that righteousness requires.”  If Yeshua was the Messiah, and was already without sin, why is it that he felt it necessary to undergo a mikvah? 

We know that Yeshua is our Cohen Gadol (High Priest) according to Heb 2:7 and 3:1.  In order to become a priest, Yeshua needed to fulfill the requirements of being washed with water and anointed (Ex 29:4, Lev 8:6, 12).  He fulfilled these mitzvot by being immersed by Jochanan and subsequently anointed not by oil but  by the Ruach HaKodesh, or Holy Spirit (Matt 3:16, Mar 1:10, Luk 3:22, Joh 1:32).  Although Aharon and his sons were washed by the “living water” of the laver, Yeshua underwent a mikvah just as the priests of that time did in order to serve in the temple.

We know from Rev 1:6 that when we accept Yeshua as Messiah and repent, we are also to be cohanim for HaShem.  Therefore, in order to demonstrate our purity from the sins that we have repented of, and to also fulfill the mitzvot of the priesthood, we follow Yeshua’s example and enter the mikvah in order to be immersed and receive the anointing of the Ruach HaKodesh.

Lake Picnic and Mikvah

Please plan to join us on August 14th for a picnic at Lake Thurmond’s Pine Point.  We will use the lake as a mikvah for anyone that desires to do so.  Please bring some food to share and something tasty to throw onto the grill!  If you would like to attend, please contact Rabbi Don Lansing at the synagogue office.

Scripture Readings

July 2: Chukkat (Regulation)
Torah: B’midbar (Numbers) 19:1 thru 22:1
Haftarah: Shof’tim (Judges) 11:1-33
B’rit Hadashah: Yochanan (John) 3:9-21; 4:3-30; 12:27-50

July 9: Balak (Destroyer)
Torah: B’midbar (Numbers) 22:2 thru 25:9
Haftarah: Mikhah (Micah) 5:6 thru 6:8
B’rit Hadashah: 2 Kefa (2 Peter) 2:1-22; Y’hudah (Jude) 11; Revelation 2:14-15

July 16: Pinchas (Phinehas)
Torah: B’midbar (Numbers) 25:10 thru 30:1
Haftarah: M’lakhim Alef (1 Kings) 18:46 thru 19:21
B’rit Hadashah: Mattisyahu (Matthew) 26:1-30; Mark 14:1-26; Luke 22:1-20;
Yochanan (John) 2:13-22; 7:1-13, 37-39; 11:55 thru 12:1; 13:1; 18:28, 39; 19:14;
Acts 2:1-21; 12:3-4; 20:5-6; 16; 27:9-11; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; 16:8; Hebrews 11:28

July 23: Matot (Tribes)
Torah:B’midbar (Numbers) 30:2(1) thru 32:42
Haftarah: Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 1:1 thru 2:3
B’rit Hadashah: Mattisyahu (Matthew) 5:33-37

July 30: Masei (Stages)
Torah: B’midbar (Numbers) 33:1 thru 36:13
Haftarah: Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 2:4-28; 3:4 (A); 2:4-28; 4:1-2 (S)
B’rit Hadashah: Ya’akov (James) 4:1-12

The “Feast of Weeks” is upon us already, after counting the Omer daily for fifty days since the Shabbat after Passover.  It is one of the most important Holy Days that we celebrate.  Besides being one of the seven High Holy Days on the calendar, it is also one of the three “Pilgrimage Feasts” that required all men of Israel to travel to Jerusalem and celebrate together. 

From an agricultural standpoint, the timing of Shavuot is linked to the seven-week grain harvest in Israel.  The harvest begins during Passover with the barley and concludes at Shavuot with the harvesting of the wheat.  The “first fruits” or Bikkurim of the harvest were offered on Shavuot, and the offering included the Seven Species of wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives and dates.  The Bikkurim offering conveyed each farmer’s gratitude for the bountiful harvest that Adonai had blessed him with.

Shavuot also has a deep spiritual meaning for both traditional Jews and Messianic Believers.  It is traditionally believed that this is the day when the Torah was given to Moses, and is therefore referred to as Mattan HaTorah or the time of giving of the Torah.  The counting of the Omer then represents the transition time between when the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt and when they received the Torah at Sinai and became the Nation of Israel.

The significance of Shavuot from a Messianic perspective can be explained by first examining Jeremiah 31, beginning at verse 31:

“Here, the days are coming,” says Adonai, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Isra’el and with the house of Y’hudah.  It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers on the day I took them by their hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt; because they, for their part, violated my covenant, even though I, for my part, was a husband to them,” says Adonai. “For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Isra’el after those days,” says Adonai: “I will put my Torah within them and write it on their hearts; I will be their God, and they will be my people.  No longer will any of them teach his fellow community member or his brother, ‘Know Adonai’; for all will know me, from the least of them to the greatest; because I will forgive their wickednesses and remember their sins no more.” (Jer 31:31-34 CJB)

Adonai promises Israel, through Jeremiah, that a new covenant will be made with them and that the Torah, given to Moses on Shavuot, would now be written upon their hearts.  We see this prophecy, as well as the prophecy of Ezekiel 36:27, fulfilled in Acts 2, when the believers in Messiah were gathered together on Shavuot and received the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) into their hearts.   That day about three thousand Judeans received this gift from Adonai, and so the Messianic Jewish movement began!   

 So we celebrate Shavuot with an understanding of several perspectives: gratitude for Adonai’s establishment of Israel at Sinai after redeeming His people from Egypt, gratitude for the blessings that He has given us from a physical perspective, and gratitude for the Ruach HaKodesh that blesses us in a spiritual perspective, enabling us to live as His people and spread the Good News throughout our community.   Praise be to Adonai!  

Please join us Tuesday night on June 7th as we celebrate Shavuot together as a congregation!  We will have a potluck dinner in our sanctuary, traditionally decorated in white with red roses at each table.  It is traditional to wear white on High Holy days, and it is a special tradition on Shavuot to eat dairy foods such as cheesecakes, cheese blintzes and kelsonnes (cheese raviolis).  All are welcome!

Prayer Needs

Pray for all who are sick, homebound, or in financial need.  

Pray for all those traveling this month.  

Pray for our President, our nation, and all fighters of terrorism. 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, Israel’s new government and the return of the Jewish people to Israel. 

And lastly, please pray for Congregation Beth Shalom, that we can continue to bless Jews and Gentiles alike with the gift of salvation in Messiah Yeshua. 

Learning Biblical Hebrew

I’ve often heard it said that reading the B’rit Chadashah (New Testament) in English instead of Greek is like watching  television in black and white instead of color.  We could carry that analogy one step further and say that reading the  Torah in English is like watching TV in black and white instead of 3D HD!  Not only do you lose the “color” of the original language in its own words, but without reading the Hebrew you also lose a spiritual dimension.  This is because most Hebrew words are formed by “root words” whose individual meanings together describe the word that they form.  Nuances in the root words used in a Hebrew word can indicate both a grammatical and spiritual linkage to another passage or idea that would otherwise be lost in translation.

Are you interested in learning what some people believe is the “language of G-d”, first given to Adam in the Garden of Eden?  If so, then plan to join us beginning June 14th for a Biblical Hebrew class being taught bi-weekly by Assistant Rabbi Chris Koch.  No experience is required, as we will be learning to read Biblical Hebrew together!  For more information, or to register for the class, please contact call the synagogue office at 706-796-3797 or visit our website at http://www.congregationbethshalom.org/hebrew-class/

Scripture Readings

Saturday, June 4  

Naso  (Elevate)  

B’midbar (Numbers) 4:21-7:89

Shof’tim (Judges) 13:2-25

Yochanan (John) 7:53-8:11; Acts 21:17-32

Saturday, June 11   

Beha’alotcha (When you set up)

B’midbar (Numbers) 8:1-12:16

Z’kharyah (Zechariah) 2:14-4:7

Yochanan (John) 19:31-37; Hebrews 3:1-6

Saturday, June 18 

Shelach Lecha (Send on your behalf)

B’midbar (Numbers) 13:1-15:41

Y’hoshua (Joshua) 2:1-24; Hebrews 3:7-19

Saturday, June 25    

Korach (Korah)

B’midbar (Numbers) 16:1-18:32

Sh’mu’el Alef (1 Samuel) 11:14 -12:22;

2 Timothy 2:8-21; Y’hudah (Jude) 1-25

Scripture of the Month

Ezekiel 36:26-28

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit inside you; I will take the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  I will put my Spirit inside you and cause you to live by my laws, respect my rulings and obey them.  You will live in the land I gave to your ancestors. You will be my people, and I will be your God.

The magazine Christianity Today asked this question in its April 2010 issue and again this year on its website.  It is a very good question: if the work of salvation was accomplished by Messiah’s sacrifice as our Passover Lamb, then why was it necessary for him to be resurrected?  Unfortunately, the author falls short of answering his own question, because the real answer lies not in the “New Testament”, where most Christian authors focus, but in the Torah. 

As Messianic Believers, we know that the Holy Days paint a prophetic picture of Messiah Yeshua’s timeline, both past and future.  We recognize that His death fulfilled the Holy Day of Passover, but what about His resurrection?  As you might suspect, His resurrection and subsequent ascention to HaShem fulfilled another significant day on the Hebrew calendar that is not widely observed today.

The day after the Sabbath following the First Day of Unleavened Bread is called Reishit Katzir, or the “Beginning of the Harvest”.  Traditional Judaism teaches that this day follows the First Day of Unleavened Bread (also a sabbath), but this is hotly debated in the Messianic community due to the significance that we are about to discuss.  Reishit Katzir is the day that the first sheaf of barley (the first crop to ripen) is waved before HaShem to dedicate the harvest to Him and to mark the beginning of the Counting of the Omer (see Lev 23:9-14).  Waving the firstfruits of barley before HaShem as an offering recognizes and thanks Him as the one responsible for the bountiful harvest- not the farmer, the priest or anyone else.  Until this ceremony is performed, no bread or grain from the new harvest can be eaten.  The ceremony is known as the Wave Sheaf Offering.  The grain harvest in ancient Israel lasted for seven weeks, beginning with the barley harvest on Reishit Katzir.  The harvest ended with the completion of the wheat harvest on Shavuot (Pentecost), when a Firstfruits offering of seven species of crops was offered by each farmer at the Temple. 

Rav Shaul (Paul) explains in 1Cor 15 that Yeshua’s death and resurrection mirrored the planting and harvesting of the barley harvest on Reshit Katzir, while the coming resurrection of Yeshua’s followers will be as the wheat harvest at Shavuot:

“But the fact is that the Messiah has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have died.  For since death came through a man, also the resurrection of the dead has come through a man.  For just as in connection with Adam all die, so in connection with the Messiah all will be made alive. But each in his own order: the Messiah is the firstfruits; then those who belong to the Messiah, at the time of his coming; then the culmination, when he hands over the Kingdom to God the Father, after having put an end to every rulership, yes, to every authority and power. (1Cor15:20-24 CJB)

Yeshua himself also referred to His coming death and the future resurrection of his followers as a harvesting cycle when he explained in Yochanan (John) 12:24 that “I tell you that unless a grain of wheat that falls to the ground dies, it stays just a grain; but if it dies, it produces a big harvest.”

So if Yeshua’s resurrection is a picture of the barley harvest on Reshit Katzir, his tomb represents the field after harvest: empty!  Just as the barley harvest foreshadows the wheat harvest yet to come on Shavuot, so His resurrection foreshadows a greater one that is yet to come. 

But what about the Wave Sheaf Offering?  We find in Yochanan (John) 20 the scene where Miryiam came upon Yeshua outside of his tomb.  After realizing who he was, he tells her in verse 17:

 “Stop holding onto me…because I haven’t yet gone back to the Father.  But go to my brothers, and tell them that I am going back to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”  

He says this because he had not yet fulfilled the mitzvot of appearing before HaShem and offering Him the glory, thanks and praise due Him for Yeshua’s resurrection.  Just as no one could partake of the grain until the Wave Sheaf Offering, no one could partake in the joy of his resurrection until he appeared before his Father.

What’s the point of an empty tomb?  It is a fulfillment, a prophecy and a promise.  It is a fulfillment of Reshit Katzir, a prophecy of a future harvest when Yeshua returns, and a promise that the dry bones of Ezekiel 37, as well as ours, will be resurrected and assembled together in the Promised Land of Israel.  We eagerly await that day, just as we eagerly await the bountiful harvest sure to come on Shavuot!  

Learning Biblical Hebrew

I’ve often heard it said that reading the B’rit Chadashah (New Testament) in English instead of Greek is like watching  television in black and white instead of color.  We could carry that analogy one step further and say that reading the  Torah in English is like watching TV in black and white instead of 3D HD!  Not only do you lose the “color” of the original language in its own words, but without reading the Hebrew you also lose a spiritual dimension.  This is because most Hebrew words are formed by “root words” whose individual meanings together describe the word that they form.  Nuances in the root words used in a Hebrew word can indicate both a grammatical and spiritual linkage to another passage or idea that would otherwise be lost in translation.

Are you interested in learning what some people believe is the “language of G-d”, first given to Adam in the Garden of Eden?  If so, then plan to join us beginning June 14th for a Biblical Hebrew class being taught bi-weekly by Assistant Rabbi Chris Koch.  No experience is required, as we will be learning to read Biblical Hebrew together!  For more information, or to register for the class, please contact call the synagogue office at 706-796-3797 or visit our website at http://www.congregationbethshalom.org/hebrew-class/

Scripture Readings

Saturday, May 7: Emor  (Speak)

Vayikra (Leviticus) 21:1-24:23

Yechezk’el (Ezekiel) 44:15-31

Mattityahu (Matthew) 5:38-42; Galatians 3:26-29

Saturday, May 14th: B’Har  (On the Mount)

Vayikra (Leviticus) 25:1-26:2

Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 32:6-27

Luke 4:16-21; 1 Corinthians 7:21-24; Galatians 6:7-10

Saturday, May 21st: B’chukkotai  (By My Regulations)

Vayikra (Leviticus) 26:3-27:34

Yirmeyahu (Jeremiah) 16:19-17:14

Yochanan (John) 14:15-21; 15:10-12; 1 Yochanan (1 John )

Saturday, May 28th: B’midbar  (In The Desert)

B’midbar (Numbers) 1:1-4:20

Hoshea (Hosea) 2:1-22

Luke 2:1-7; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

Scripture of the Month

Revelation 14:14-16

Then I looked, and there before me was a white cloud. Sitting on the cloud was someone like a Son of Man with a gold crown on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand.  Another angel came out of the Temple and shouted to the one sitting on the cloud, “Start using your sickle to reap, because the time to reap has come - the earth’s harvest is ripe!”  The one sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.

Prayer Needs

 

 

 

 

Annual Passover Seder    

For those who would like to observe Passover with Congregation Beth Shalom, we will host our annual Messianic Passover Seder

on Monday April 18th at 7pm.  Come and experience this rich evening of tradition, celebration, music and learning along with great food and great people.  All are welcome!

 

Tickets for our Messianic Passover Seder are only $15 and include a wonderful meal with traditional dishes as well as a few surprises.

Tickets are available at www.congregationbethshalom.org or by contacting Rabbi Lansing at 706-796-3797.  It is customary to wear white on Holy Days such as Passover, so please dress accordingly if you can!

 

Scripture Readings

Scripture of the Month

Saturday, Apr 2: Tazria (She conceives)

Leviticus 12:1-13:59, 2 Kings 4:42-5:19, Matthew 8:1-4, 11:2-6; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 2:22-24; 5:12-16; 7:18-23

Saturday, Apr 9: M’tzora (Infected one)

Leviticus 14:1-15:33; 2 Kings 7:3-20; Matthew 9:20-26; Mark 5:24b-34;  Luke 8:42b-48; Hebrews 13:4

 Saturday, Apr 16: Acharei Mot (After the death)

Leviticus 16:1-18:30, Ezekiel 22:1-19, Romans 3:19-28; 9:30-10:13;  1 Corinthians 5:1-13 with 2 Corinthians 2:1-11; Galatians 3:10-14; Hebrews 7:23-10:25 

 Tuesday April 19^: Pesach  (Feast of Passover) 

Exodus 12:21-51; Numbers 28:19-25; Joshua 3:5-7, 5:2-6:1, 6:27; Matthew 26-28; Mark 14-16; Luke 22-24; John 13-21; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8

Saturday, Apr 30: K’doshim (Holy people)

Leviticus 19:1-20:27; Amos 9:7-15; Ezekiel 20:2-20; Matthew 5:33-37; 5:43-48; 15:1-11; 19:16-30; 22:33-40; Mark 7:1-23; 12:28-34; Luke 10:25-39; Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:13-26; James 2:1-9; 1 1 Peter 1:13-21

Scripture of the Month

Galatians 5:13-14

For, brothers, you were called to be free. Only do not let that freedom become an excuse for allowing your old nature to have its way. Instead, serve one another in love.
For the whole of the Torah is summed up in this one sentence: “Love your neighbor as yourself”;

The end time prophecy in Daniel 11 describes two kings, or kingdoms, at war with each other and battling over Israel.  The “King of the North” has long been speculated to be Russia or a revival of the Roman Empire (perhaps the European Union), while the “King of the South” will likely be a coalition of Arab countries.  Psalm 83 names the members of the Arab coalition, which can be interpreted (based on geographical location) to include Turkey (Edom), Saudi Arabia (Ishmaelites), Jordan (Moab), Syria (Hagarenes), Lebanon (Gebal) and Jordan (Ammon).  Daniel 11:42 suggests that Egypt will be an ally of the King of the South, and be conquered by the King of the North.

Just a few months ago this prophecy seemed far away in time, given the status of diplomatic relations in the Middle East with dictators in place in many Arab countries.  What we are seeing now is an amazing transformation of Middle Eastern governments and politics.  Revolutions in Tunisian, Egypt and Lebanon are beginning to topple regimes that have existed for decades, and by the time that you read this there may be even more underway. 

These revolutions are being reported as “democratic” in the media, but in reality there are only two types of governments in the Middle East:  dictatorships that are friendly to Israel and the United States, and dictatorships that oppose Israel and the United States.  Iran is a perfect example of how a “democratic” revolution in an Islamic country can lead to an Islamic Republic, a theocracy rather than a democracy, and the adoption of Sharia Law.

The end result of these changes will likely surround Israel on all sides by countries hostile to its existence.  Iran has already become so emboldened that it has sent two warships to Syria.  That marks the first time in 30 years that Iranian warships have crossed the Suez Canal.  Egypt’s peace treaty with Israel is also feared to be in jeopardy, with the Muslim Brotherhood calling for its repeal. 

Now, more than ever, we need to pray for Israel.  We also need to do recognize that true peace will only come to Israel when Messiah returns, and that the “birth pains” leading up to that time will be severe.  That is why Yeshua instructed us to “keep watch” (Mat 24, Mk 13, 24, 25), for we do not know the day or the hour of His return.  We can keep watch by paying attention to what is happening in the world each day.  Just as we can know the season of the year by watching the fig tree, we can watch worldly events unfold and recognize how they relate to  Biblical prophecy.  We can then be on guard for the deceptions sure to come (Mat 24:24, Rev 13:13-14) and remain strong in our faith.

Prayer Needs

Most people are thankful to be a member of the Body of Believers in Messiah.  For those that live within driving distance of a Messianic Jewish Synagogue, they consider attending Shabbat services a great blessing. 

Just as we look forward to Shabbat as a day of peace and rest from our worldly concerns, we look forward to attending services on Shabbat in order to recharge spiritually through praise and worship, learn more about Adonai and His Word found in the Torah and “schmooze” with like-minded brethren. 

Besides the personal benefits that we get out of regular synagogue attendance, we find throughout the Bible that Adonai stresses the importance of assembling as a congregation.  In fact, He commands us to do so on a weekly basis!  In Lev 23:3, He commands that there be a “Holy Convocation” on each Sabbath.  A “convocation” or מְקָרא  (miqra) is an assembly or public meeting.  In this case it is a “holy” convocation, one that is set apart for Him.  Like all commandments, this is a commandment of love intended for us to strengthen our relationship with Him and with each other.  It is a time for us to come together and worship and praise Him as the one true G-d,and  to support and encourage each other through prayer and fellowship.  This in turn fulfills what Yeshua proclaimed as the two most important mitzvot in the Torah: “to love Adonai with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength”, and “to love your neighbor as yourself.”  (Matt 27:37, 39) 

There are also many references in scripture to the joys of brethren being together as a congregation.  In Psalm 133, David exclaims “Oh, how good, how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!”   Paul expresses his desire for this same unity in messianic congregations when he exhorts them in Hebrews 10 to “… keep paying attention to one another, in order to spur each other on to love and good deeds,  not neglecting our own congregational meetings, as some have made a practice of doing, but, rather, encouraging each other. And let us do this all the more as you see the Day approaching. “ 

Certainly there is joy and purpose in attending Synagogue services, but what if we have sin in our lives and do not feel that we are worthy to attend?  If you are in such a state of mind, then this may be the time that you most need to attend.  Do sick people feel unworthy to go to a hospital until after they’re healed?  Remember that Yeshua did not seek out those “worthy” enough to eat with him, but instead chose tax collectors and other sinners (Matt 9:11-13).  We should take the advice of James, who counsels us in Jas 5:16 to “openly acknowledge your sins to one another, and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”  What better place for this to happen than in Synagogue?

Regular attendance does have its blessings: drawing close to G-d, fellowship with our brethren, spiritual healing and growing in knowledge and inspiration by hearing the Word of Adonai.  Are you receiving all of the blessings that Adonai has set aside for you?

Time For a Makeover!

We are in the process of developing a new logo for Congregation Beth Shalom.  It is a difficult challenge, as there are many requirements that we want to meet.  We would like it to incorporate a Star of David to project our Jewish identity, yet keep the logo simple enough that it can be reproduced in print, online and in letterhead.  If you have ideas that we can incorporate, please contact us!

Scripture Readings

Saturday, Feb 5:  T’rumah (“Heave Offering”)  Exodus 25:1-27:19, 1 Kings 5:26-6:13, Hebrews 8:1-6, 9:23-24, 10:1

Saturday, Feb 12:  Tetzaveh  (“You Shall Command”)  Exodus 27:20-30:10, Ezekiel 43:10-27, Philippians 4:10-20

Saturday, Feb 19th: Ki Tissa  (“When you number”)  Exodus 30:11-34:35, 1 Kings 18:1-39, Luke 11:14-20, Act 7:35-8:1, 1 Cor 10:1-13, 2 Cor 3:1-18

Saturday, Feb 26:  Vayak’hel  (“And Assembled”)  Exodus 35:1-38:20, 1 Kings 7:40-50, 2 Cor 9:1-15, Heb 9:1-14, Rev 11:1-13

Scripture of the Month

1 Corinthians 12:12-14

For just as the body is one but has many parts; and all the parts of the body, though many, constitute one body; so it is with the Messiah.   For it was by one Spirit that we were all immersed into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free; and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.   For indeed the body is not one part but many.

The beginning of the year is often a time that people resolve to make a change for the better in their lives.  Often people will resolve to lose weight by going on a diet or exercising regularly.  Others may resolve to quit a bad habit such as smoking, or to do better with their finances.  These resolutions actually do make a difference in people’s lives: research shows that 46% of people that make these resolutions are able to keep them for over six months.

What does it mean to keep a resolution?  The Hebrew word for “keep” is שָׁמַר, pronounced šāmar.  This word has several meanings, each of them complimentary to the subject of resolutions or promises.  It means to watch, guard or care for, just as Adam and Eve were to keep the Garden of Eden (Gen 2:15).  It also means to do something for a purpose, as Israel was to keep and do God’s laws (Deut 4:6).  So when we vow to keep a resolution, we are vowing to do more than just uphold it: we are vowing to do it for a purpose and to actively watch and guard ourselves in the process.

With that in mind, what sort of resolution should we make this year?  Vowing to lose weight or reduce debt is great for improving the health of your body or your finances, but what about your spiritual health?  How can you improve your relationship with God?  The most effective thing to do is resolve to set aside daily devotional time for prayer and Bible study.

To get started, first set aside a time each day for devotional time.  Some people prefer to do it early in the morning, others late at night.  Find what works best for you, and schedule this as your daily appointment with God that you will keep.

Secondly, you need to find a place where you can effectively pray and study.  It should be a place that is comfortable and without the distractions of work or family.  This might be a peaceful room in your house, or even a public place such as the library.

The third step is to decide how to use your devotional time.  It should include Bible study, prayer, personal worship and quiet meditation.  Adhering to the Scripture Reading schedule in this newsletter is a great way for you to complete a reading of the entire Torah each year and to be familiar with the texts that we will discuss each Shabbat.

This year, make a resolution worth keeping: make a daily appointment with God and begin your daily devotional time.  Your spiritual life, and your relationship with God will be strengthened and enriched as a result.

 Prayer Needs

Rabbi Don Lansing

We are told that the prophet Amos ministered during the reigns of King Uzziah of Judah and King Jeroboam II of Israel (767-753 BCE). This was a time of great idolatry and social sins. Some thirty years later, God allowed the Assyrians to conquer the kingdom of Israel and carry away its inhabitants in the Diaspora.

Later the kingdom of Judah fell into the same sins. This time, God allowed the Babylonians to conquer and take the residents of Judea into captivity around 589 BCE. While the Jews were in captivity, the Persians defeated the Babylonians. Then Cyrus the king of Persia allowed the Jews to return to their land and begin the rebuilding of the Temple in 510 BCE.

During or around the years 332-300 BCE, Alexander the Great conquered this part of the world. In 167-160 BCE, the Jews led by the Maccabees rebelled against the Seleucids (Greeks who controlled the Jewish part of the world with a Syrian army). The Seleucids and their king, Antiochus Epiphanes, were defeated in battle by the Jews under the leadership of the Maccabees. The Jews rededicated the Temple in Jerusalem; therefore, we now celebrate this great victory with the Feast of Dedication (Chanukah).

Hobart E. Freeman, in his book An Introduction to the Old Testament Prophets, said, “The principle which Amos insists upon is that the external practice of religion divorced from right ethical conduct is unacceptable to God” (pages 184-185).

I agree with Freeman. One must walk out his beliefs. Therefore, let us rededicate ourselves to the Lord and walk in His footsteps. What does Adonai want?

Scripture Readings

Saturday, Dec. 4, Miketz (“At the end of”)
Genesis 41:1—44:17
1 Kings 3:15—4:1
1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Saturday, Dec. 11, VaYigash (“And he drew near”)
Genesis 44:18—47:27
Ezekiel 37:15-28
Luke 6:9-16

Saturday, Dec. 18, VaYechi (“And he lived”)
Genesis 47:28—50:26
1 Kings 2:1-12
1 Peter 1:3-9

Saturday, Dec. 25, Sh’mot (“Names”)
Exodus 1:1—6:1
Isaiah 27:6—28:13; 29:22-23
Acts 7:17-29

Prayer Needs

We pray for all who are sick, homebound, or in financial need. Pray for all those traveling this month. Pray for our President, our nation, all fighters of terrorism, and the peace of Jerusalem. Pray for Israel’s new government and the return of the Jewish people to Israel. Also pray for Congregation Beth Shalom.

Scriptures

John 10

Yiddish

Asher yotser papir—toilet paper 
Ashires—wealth 

Rabbi Don Lansing

Making the decision.

The psychology of having a child doesn’t begin or end with the considerations of parental responsibilities toward the new addition. It is a rational decision for which everyone must be completely prepared. Take advantage of being a couple and savor the memories; then be ready to give that condition up for a long time … in exchange for other joys, satisfactions, schedules, trials, redefined relationships with each other, and “THE KID,” and dirty diapers –all of which are the least of the day-to-day practical problems. Don’t be afraid to study other families, take an active interest in their methods, and read books. Also talk with grandparents. Talk it out, make decisions …“We’re going to do it this way”… and know that you’ll change your minds.

Become familiar with agencies that can be helpful: Augusta Care Pregnancy Center, etc. Consult trustworthy sources on pregnancy, childbirth, and so forth. Face the issues. For halakhic views and information, the Rabbi may be good to talk to. Above all, for God’s sake, learn about Jewish genetic diseases. Take the Tay-Sachs test. There is no excuse for ignorance, especially when a child’s life may be at stake.

Some pointers:

1. Choose either a good hospital (it’s good because someone you know/trust says so) and/or a good obstetrician (same criterion); either way you’ll get from one to the other—AND PUT YOURSELVES (yes, both of you) in his/her hands. You’ll have plenty of questions; so, at physician’s prices, ASK!

2. Check your medical insurance at least a year before you hope for/want the baby.

3. Nurses can frequently be more helpful than doctors, and always more helpful and useful than “Tante Shuske,” either mother (in-law) or the girl next door in the hospital (who invariably has a phonograph in her room blasting out Mozart to “start my child out early with the finer things”). There are years of their advice ahead, most of it interesting, some useful - but only when you’re able to weigh it rationally.

Always remember, children are a blessing from God. He equipped you to have and carry your baby, and He will see you through it all. (Some references are from The Second Jewish Catalog, pp. 11 - 12, Jewish Publication Society.)

Scripture Readings

Saturday, Nov. 6, Toldot (“Generations”)
Genesis 25:19—28:9
Malachi 1:1—2:7
Romans 9:6-13

Saturday, Nov. 13, VaYetze (“And he went out”)
Genesis 28:10—32:2 (3)
Hosea 12:13—14:9
John 1:43-51

Saturday, Nov. 20, VaYishlach (“And he sent”)
Genesis 32:3 (4)—36:43
Obadiah 1:1-21
Matthew 26:36-46

Saturday, Nov. 27, VaYeshev (“And he settled”)
Genesis 37:1—40:23
Amos 2:6—3:8
Acts 7:9-16

Prayer Needs

We pray for all who are sick, homebound, or in financial need. Pray for all those traveling this month. Pray for our President, our nation, all fighters of terrorism, and the peace of Jerusalem. Pray for Israel’s new government and the return of the Jewish people to Israel. Also pray for Congregation Beth Shalom.

Scriptures

Psalm 139:4

Yiddish

Aliye—being called up to the reading of the Torah in the synagogue, to immigrate to Israel
Alt—Old