WHY?

We are deeply grieved over the departure, yesterday, of a very dear brother from the German community of Bet El. Gerhard was one of the elders and very respected in the town of Zichron Yaacov (which is where the Bet El kibbutz is located), as well as by thousands of other Israelis who have come to visit this Christian community and hear a testimony of the Father’s faithfulness. Those of you who visited Bet El most likely have met Gerhard, as he did the conducting of tour groups through the factory, sharing the testimony of how the Father brought a group of German Christians to Israel some 40 years ago. Gerhard was also the one whom YHVH used to open the door for others, who were not directly affiliated with this community, to come and serve Judah in a very practical way. We grieve with those who knew and loved him, and we will miss him greatly. I think if he were here to speak he would quote the following scripture:

“This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it”.

This is one scripture, among many others, of course, that we need to take in daily as we walk through trials and individual tribulations. Just like the weather in its extremes, it seems our lives are also subject to great and unbelievable blessings, but then sudden changes bring difficulties that we had not had to face in the past. Sometimes I feel as if I have just gotten into a boat, going with the Master on a journey that will see the lame walk, the blind see, and the dead raised. Excitement fills my soul as I wait to get to the other side, where the multitudes will be waiting to clutch on to Yeshua’s garments or perchance to have Him touch them with a healing touch. There is such a wonderful feeling of pride to be His disciple, to stand near Him while He ministers to the people, or to take the bread that He has blessed and to be able to give it to a hungry crowd.

For me to be with Yeshua in the boat, as we journey to the next experience, is the ultimate of my excitement and expectation. However, right in the midst of this heavenly voyage a storm rises with such magnitude that my heart fails within me, and I feel as if I’m about to go down with the ship. I cry out to my Heavenly Father to rescue me, but no answer comes. I grab the handle of the rudder and attempt to steer, but to no avail. Perhaps I can steady things with the oars, I reason, but I get thrown down with a large wave that collapses upon the boat. Anger arises within me to the point that I shout a rebuke against the devil, binding the strongman and casting him out. But the storm continues. Finally, at my weakest point, I look and see Yeshua resting peaceably in the very same vessel. But, do I awaken my beloved before it is time?

These past couple of weeks we have been on such a journey, greatly blessed by our visitors who came to stay with us, and by traveling with them around the country. We had experiences where we were able to see YHVH fulfilling restoration scriptures and bringing us into new relationships that truly were divine appointments, with hopes for future involvements. But in the midst of all this were the unexpected experiences that brought us before our Redeemer with a plea for deliverance. Most of us (including me) tend to ask: “Why”? “Why must Gerhard die at such an important time as this?”

I just got off the phone with our orthodox friend Nir, from the settlement of Har Bracha, whom I called to inform about the time of the funeral, as he too was very close to Gerhard. Afterwards he asked me if I had heard the news on the radio, to which I replied that I hadn’t. His report was one of those “stings” that I had made reference to in the previous week’s letter. Last night a couple picked up a hitchhiker here in Samaria (just east of us), who turned out to be a terrorist dressed up like an orthodox Jew. He blew himself up in their car killing four people (and by the way, today the Israeli news media seems to be totally silent about this affair… after all the deceased were “only” settlers). A little later I called Boaz (Chris Dreyer) with whom we stayed on Tuesday night at his and Rina’s house in kibbutz Kerem Shalom, to also let him know about the funeral. When he answered he asked me the same question that Nir did: “did you hear the news?” When I said which news, he elaborated: “The bird flu hit our kibbutz last night; 22,000 birds will have to be destroyed.”

I know by now that it is our Creator who orchestrates our circumstances before we even know what they will be. However, it is how we interpret those experiences, which will either bring on victory, or will allow the enemy to step in and interject thoughts that are not from our Elohim. Concerning such situations James the Apostle wrote: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4). This is much more easily read than applied. But why does our loving Heavenly Father create these storms?

Perhaps part of the answer lies in the fact that we are His children. “For whom YHVH loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, Elohim deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see YHVH” (Heb 12: 6-14).

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of Elohim, you may receive the promise: For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry” (Heb. 10:35-37).

Ephraim

HAMAN AND SONS

This past week we celebrated Purim and read the story of Esther. But this year was different from others in that it seemed that the Spirit of Holiness was not messing around anymore, but wanted us to “get our act together”; that is “to hang” our Haman on Yeshua’s gallows and finish with these spirits once and for all. In light of this, I was asking what my Haman was and the Ruach came back rather quickly and suddenly with one word: “disobedience”. That led to a number of other insights that I would like to share with you.

Since Haman had ten sons, they too were to be incorporated into the “deal”. And if disobedience is the father, who are the sons? Since YHVH’s Spirit is working sanctification and purification in my spirit and soul, I knew it was no problem for Him to reveal areas that I needed to repent of. But beyond repentance, I needed to learn to be obedient and practice the repentant heart, so that His righteousness may be established in my innermost being. No sooner did the Spirit whisper that answer to my question, than the Father began to create my daily circumstances in order to bring to light my programmed patterns of behavior that would reveal Haman and sons. A scriptural directive that He brought to my remembrance was: “be faithful/obedient in the little things”. In other words, YHVH wants to guide us even in what would appear to be insignificant matters. Sometimes we pray and pray to seek His will in major decisions, while not listening to His directives in the small daily matters, especially those that “tap” into some of our heart’s conditions.

One of the many situations I had to face this past week was a money matter. I was concerned, or fearful, that our expenditures might put us into debt and therefore decided to run to the bank. One of Haman’s sons, called “fear”, was governing this state of affairs, even though at that point it was at the level of “mere” concern. In addition to taking care of the finances, I also needed to attend to other matters. In order to make the best use of my time I devised a strategy that would, so I thought, help me accomplish my tasks efficiently.

Driving through town, confident of my ideas and well-organized plans, I was suddenly “interrupted” by a still small thought: “pull in here and park”. There it was, near my bank, a free parking area but one that is usually full. So, taking a quick glance at it I assumed that there would be no room, and continued on my way to another appointment. That small act of assumption leading to disobedience, in that split moment, opened the door to another of Haman’s sons, “confusion”. From then on all my decisions were going to cost me time and energy, and additionally, "concern", that was there at the outset, mushroomed into "fear" that I wouldn’t make it in time back to the bank. I eventually parked in a paid parking lot and even though I had a parking pass, "confusion" blocked my mind and I failed to display it. I then proceeded to go to the office where I had to take care of some business. After about half an hour I remembered that I hadn’t put the ticket in the window. However “fear” and “doubt” spoke to me that if I were to leave my spot someone else would take my turn. Eventually I took a chance and run out, only to find a ticket with a fine attached to my window. Fortunately when I returned from the parking lot, the person ahead of me had not come out yet. Finally it was my turn, but to my dismay I did not have one of the forms that were required for finishing the process, even though I had enquired several weeks beforehand as to the needed paperwork. “Frustration” and “anger” were now holding hands and doing their dance, to be followed by “bitterness” and “criticism” which joined in the celebration. But if that were not enough, “self condemnation” and “unforgiveness” had to have their expression as well. I was not doing well in “casting down all thoughts and imaginations that were exalting themselves above the knowledge” of His Holy presence in me. Haman’s sons were partying inside my mind tossing junk all over the place, although on the outside I appeared to be “holding my cool”.

In last week’s article mention was made of separating the holy from the profane. Haman and his sons are profane entities that can work in our hearts and minds if we succumb to their desires to manifest their nature in and through us. Like Haman, these spiritual culprits are out to steal, kill and destroy our peace, joy and righteousness. The Ruach Hakodesh, on the other hand, has already restored us to the garden of YHVH’s delight ("Eden") and is enabling us to reach up and partake of the Tree of Life (Yeshua) who is always full of the fruit of the Spirit. Once we partake of that fruit we also become “trees of righteousness the planting of YHVH, so that He may be glorified” in us (ref. Isa 61:3).

Yeshua showed us what the profane/disobedient heart looks like. It is the heart that has the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil: "What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a man" (Mark 7:20-23). But the fruit of the Tree of Life is “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law,” (Gal 5: 22-23).

YHVH is gathering the “trees of righteousness” to build a temple in the land, but it will take obedience of faith to become a part of this latter day restoration.

"Even those from afar shall come and build in the temple of YHVH. Then you shall know that YHVH of hosts has sent Me to you. And this shall come to pass if you diligently obey the voice of YHVH your Elohim” (Zech 6:15). “Do you not know that you are the temple of Elohim and that the Spirit of Elohim dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of Elohim, Elohim will destroy him. For the temple of Elohim is holy, which temple you are” (Cor. 3:16-17). “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Spirit of Holiness who is in you, whom you have from Elohim, and you are not your own?” (1 Cor 6:19).


Ephraim

A DIVINE APPOINTMENT

Genuine love goes a long way in restoring relationships. And this of course is also true about the relationship of Ephraim and Judah. A few weeks ago I received a letter with just such an account, to which was also added a touch of “divine irony”. I have omitted the names of the Messianic couple (mentioned below) that has been living in Israel for many years, and the name of the Ephraimite fellowship and its leaders who extended love and blessings to the said couple. In addition, the following also incorporates a very sound teaching, much of which was actually demonstrated and put into action, as you will see, in the Ephraimite-Judahite encounter.

"They [the Messianic couple] found us [the Ephraimite Messianic fellowship] on the Internet after praying where the Father wanted them to go. Out of many other messianic groups the Father directed them to us. We had not posted our information on the Internet. The funny thing is, the MJAA (Messianic Jewish Alliance of America) posted us and did not know that we were affiliated with the MIA (Messianic Israel Alliance)! The couple loved this and was totally thrilled, as they knew God had directed their path to us.

We could see that this couple was exhausted and we knew they had turned their renewing visa time into a ministering time for the church…but it was obvious that they just had not had a break. He shared on the trip to our house some of the persecution stories like having his tires slashed 11 times in 3 months…etc. They chose our place for a Shabbat messianic fellowship and a place of rest before continuing to minister to the churches during the week. Knowing this background we welcomed them warmly and made them feel like this was their home.

We really wanted to minister to them, but allowed them the freedom to express what God had placed on their hearts for us first. He taught on the Tabernacle and we all loved his insights and gleanings. After we had a midrash and that was where the ministering for them took place…. God had His hand on these people!!! We prayed for them and shared some insights to bless them, to strengthen them and give them hope.

Some of the points covered were: One of them brought up the fact that he did not know who the two trees represented in his teaching. When we shared scriptures from Zech 4 and Rev re: two trees / two witness of Messiah/ Two houses of Israel, his wife agreed and he was interested in looking into the House of Israel and the House of Judah as the two olive trees and the two witnesses of the Messiah. This led us through other scriptures and illuminations about the two houses.

They mentioned all the ministry and prayer they do with the congregation and other projects they have in Israel. Very impressive, but [yet] we saw two very depleted people. They have passion for God and His people but lacked "fire". We wanted to share and impart some key scriptures that keep us from draining our oil and keep oil restored in the lives of others as well.

We quoted from the scriptures, the difference between a false and true prophet and priest:
Ezekiel 22:26 "Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and unholy, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them." Ezekiel 44: 23-24 "And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean… They shall keep My laws and My statutes in all My appointed meetings, and they shall hallow My Sabbaths."

We also shared on the Mikvah, generational curses and the washing process.

We found that if we taught people this [type of material] that there were less prayer needs, and as they came to understand and learn God’s ways, they had fewer problems in their lives and experienced blessings, not curses. As the people were learning the difference between clean and unclean, holy and unholy they could choose life …not death. When they chose life they got blessings not curses. This alleviated so much stress in our lives and set the people free. No longer were they dependent on the Pastor, but sought eagerly after the Father’s heart for their lives. People started to change here in the fellowship and a peace came over the people like we have never seen before. We no longer had to teach the people, as they all know and are learning the ways of God as they are now understanding the difference between clean and unclean, holy and unholy.

The people here also know who they are. They are part of Israel. We are no longer Gentiles (pagan, confused and without God). We know we are a royal priesthood and a holy Nation before YHVH and we are learning through progressive revelation how to walk in a redeemed lifestyle and walk in our inheritance, with the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…in Yeshua’s footsteps as taught by Moses (John 5:46-47).

We know the Jews are trying to hold the land. We also know there are too few in number. We told this Jewish couple that they need Joseph to come home. As the people are selling God’s land, Joseph’s rightful property, Joseph is preparing to come home. Joseph is being formed in the wilderness and all TWELVE tribes will come into the Land as a mighty army.

We need to teach the people who they are and teach them how to walk in God’s ways choosing to walk in clean/holy ways, and then we can keep the land…. If not taught properly, the land will spew us out as no unclean people can "keep" the land. They will just be visitors in the land…coming in and going out…never staying. The enemy will always be at your doorstep and harassing you…you have that now. The enemy is only in your camp to let us know we need to fix something in us. Once we come into Godly order in our own lives, the enemy moves on to infect another camp. The secret is we need to teach our people "God’s truth". That is the job of the true priest and prophet of the Messiah.

The second message was 2 Chronicles 30:9 "If you return to YHVH, then your brothers and your children will be shown compassion by their captors and will come back to this land, for the LORD your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn his face from you if you return to him."

Understanding this passage we started to really see that what we were doing here in our home and by teaching others (the difference between clean and unclean/holy and unholy) was going to have an effect in the land of Israel today. Not only would we be set free but our brothers and families who were held by their captors would also be set free and come back to YHVH and the land.

This was so huge to us. We told this lovely couple that what we are doing here today in…., is helping them. By our actions it was bringing freedom in their land.

There were many more things discussed but by the time we finished they were very touched. I think they were very humbled by our hospitality and gifts of midrash and love. We ministered to a needy people and hopefully the fruit will produce a wealth in the land a hundred fold.

At the end of the day, our Ephraimite friend took this couple back to their lodging. The Ephraimite gave the Judahite a hug good-bye. In return, the Judahite hugged the Ephraimite back very long and hard. The Ephraimite said, "We love you," and the Judahite acknowledged that but could not look at the Ephraimite as he had tears in his eyes.

It is sooooo good for brothers to come together (Psalm 133), and we look forward to blessing more from Judah. It was a very special Sabbath - one we will always remember. It's amazing how much the Parsha studies match where we are...the study last week was Y'thro teaching Moses this very thing...

End quote.


We want to extend our gratitude to the brothers and sisters for what they have demonstrated, as well as for allowing us to share their experience and teaching.

Ephraim

PRIDE AND HONOR

I’m sure that most of you have heard about the controversy that arose over the Danish cartoon of Mohammed, and the riots that are still in progress in Moslem communities throughout the world. Taking his cues from this conflagration, someone decided to scribble degrading words against Islam’s prophet on the outside walls of a mosque, most likely with the hope that it would start an Arab uprising in Israel and against Jews all over the world.

The little town where this took place happens to lie just below us, and is about a half mile north east of our town. The village of Nabi Elias (“Prophet Elijah”) is known for its friendliness, with the road connecting us to other Israeli towns (settlements), to the northeast, passing right through it. But two days ago a shot rang out and a resident of one of the Israeli communities was seriously wounded in the neck. Another was killed in a drive by shooting further into Samaria. Was there a connection between the graffiti and the cost of a life?

Due to the circumstances that Islam has launched the world into, much is being written about Islam, the Arab world, and the Koran. There is one factor that controls this religion and unites its devotees, and that is Pride which demands honor, respect, and compliance – Karameh is the Arabic term. This concept is at the center of its worldview and the prime cause and motivator of actions, both individual and corporate. A word or deed that is construed as an offense to Karameh, will be met by retaliation and revenge. There was no question in anyone’s mind that after those words were scribbled, it would be only a matter of time before something would happen. Pride never forgives nor forgets and is never satisfied. In yesterday’s paper, an Israeli military officer said that we should expect the Palestinians to return to the days of the stone throwing. “Stone throwing,” means war not strictly with adults, but also with a child of any age who can pick up a stone and hurl it. In the Gaza Strip, for example, our soldiers were psychologically challenged because they had to deal day after day with young children throwing stones while their older brothers were standing behind them with weapons. Almost everyone knew that this method would win the war for the Palestinians. Thus we have given in time after time to these little Palestinian “Davids”. Hamas has used its little ones, trained by their mothers to hate, to step out with sticks and stones and stand in front of Israeli tanks and soldiers. Some, who year after year have cultivated this brave attitude, are now strapping explosives belts and sacrificing themselves to Islam’s god of Karameh.

The spirit of pride will not be satisfied until all of its objectives are completed, and that is the elimination of anything that stands in its way. Pride has no value on life, it will “steal, kill and destroy”, it also has no political or religious bounds, nor does it take age into account, it has one objective and that is to satisfy ITS SELF. This is the picture of the Anti-Messiah’s rule on earth, not only in our generation, but ever since Man ate of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Satan was in that tree, and it was the fruit of his nature of pride that Man received into the soil of his heart. We are all victims of this sinister plan. However, Elohim, the Creator, has a full proof plan to destroy the works of Satan. He began this work when He made a covenant with a very old man called Abraham and intervened in the dead and barren womb of his elderly wife Sarah. Elohim did it again in two other wombs of barren women. And so, when the time came for the conception of His only begotten Son, in the womb of a virgin, the Creator, who had already demonstrated His ability to bring life out of death, had no problem accomplishing it.

Thus the words that Elohim spoke to Satan in the beginning (Genesis 3:15): “and I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed; He [the seed of woman] shall crush your head, and you will bruise his heel” (the name “Jacob” comes from the word heel), are fulfilled. For out of a virgin woman from the seed Jacob came YHVH’s only begotten Son to redeem the House of Jacob and to set up His heavenly Father’s Kingdom in that house. His rule and dominion here on earth will crush the head of pride in the hearts of men and thus end Satan’s rule on earth.

Satan is being allowed to express himself fully at this time, but only to be destroyed once and for all. Therefore "Elohim resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of Elohim, that He may honor you in due time” (1 Peter 5:5-6). “But the humble shall inherit the earth, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace” (Psalm 37:11).

Ephraim

PICTURE OF AN ALMOND AND OLIVE TREE

ALMONDS AND OLIVES

February 24, 2006

We want to thank all who have responded with prayers and condolences in the last couple of weeks in the aftermath of my mother's death. It was also at this time of year, back in 2000, that two very close friends (believers) and former residents of our town, a mother and her pregnant daughter, were killed in a car accident in Ireland and then buried here in Alfe Menashe. Now with the passing over of my mother, I was reminded of an article that I had written back then. The following is a modification of that letter.

Thus, again, our sorrow and grief have been mingled with joy and excitement, a state so typical of the “mixed” human condition here on earth. All the same, we must return to the work that each of us has been given while we remain on this side of YHVH's eternal plan, and that is to be a part of the manifestation and restoration of His kingdom to one nation - Israel. It was for this task that Messiah came, as was foretold by the angel Gabriel: "He [Yeshua] will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and YHVH Elohim will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Ya’acov forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end" (Luke 1:32-33). We, being a part of that remnant, must pay close attention to the word of YHVH through His holy prophets from of old, as it is written that “the heavens must retain Him [Messiah] until the restoration of all things spoken through the mouth of [these] holy prophets” (Acts 3:21).

Those of you who have visited Israel during this season of the year, are most likely familiar with the beautiful blossoms of the almond tree. On the hills of Samaria especially there are thousands of olive trees, among which are scattered these lovely almond trees. The white and pink blossoms of the almond trees' slender branches, juxtaposed with the somber silvery green of the olive trees and their gnarled trunks, form a delightful and memorable sight. The delicate and graceful “shkey’diya” standing among the olive trees is much like a young bride surrounded by a crowd of stately sages.

The word for almond in Hebrew is “sha’ked”, the root verb of which is “to watch diligently”. This is well illustrated in Jeremiah 1:11-12 which reads: “Moreover the word of YHVH came to me, saying, ‘Yirmiyahu (Jeremiah), what do you see?’ And I said, ‘I see a branch of an almond tree’. Then YHVH said to me, ‘you have seen well, for I am watching [persistently and with diligence] over My word to perform it.’" The olive tree, on the other hand, is the known symbol of the House of Jacob (ref. Jer. 11:16).

This relationship of olive and almond can also be seen in the Menorah, as the cups that hold the olive oil are shaped in the form of the flower of the almond tree. Thus, when lit, the pressed oil in the basin of the “flower” lights up the Holy Place. The olive oil for the Menorah came from the first fruit of the tree, and some claim that only the first drop of oil from each of those olives could be used for that lamp.

The almond tree is the first to demonstrate the budding of life at the end of winter, even before springtime. At the same time, its blossoms are the sign for the husbandman to prune the olive trees, and so, at this time of year the branches are seen lying on the ground around the olive tree ready to be gathered and burned. It is worth noting that the branches that get pruned are the ones in the interior of the tree, those hidden from sunlight; those that are sapping the tree of its life-giving energy, and while producing little fruit they also prevent the tree from breathing. The branches that are left will then bear larger and juicier olives. Added to the beautiful sight of the olive trees and the flowering almond trees are the carpets of violet and yellow flowers, interspersed with the red (poppy-like) anemones.

Our hearts are grieved over the many things that are taking place in the land of our inheritance, but yet YHVH will remain faithful to watch (almond = sha’ked - to be diligent) over His Word and promises to Israel, the olive tree. We find that our hearts are experiencing the same sort of feelings that Yeshua had as He wept over Jerusalem, or like those of Paul recorded in Romans 9:2-4: “I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Messiah for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh… who are Israelites.”

King David erected a tent, as a temporary covering until the time of the construction of the Temple, and brought into it the Ark of the Covenant. On that day he composed a prayer, excerpts of which I would like to quote, with the remnant of the seed of Israel in mind: “O, give thanks to YHVH, Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! O seed of Yisrael His servant, you children of Ya’acov, His chosen ones! He is YHVH our Elohim; His judgments are in all the earth… Remember His covenant forever, the word that He commanded, for a thousand generations; The covenant which He made with Avraham, and His oath to Yitzchak, and confirmed it to Ya’acov for a statute, to Yisrael for an everlasting covenant, saying, ‘To you I will give the land of Canaan as the allotment of your inheritance'" (1 Chronicles 16:8-9; 13-18).

We, in this generation, are still far from the thousandth generation of our forefathers’ seed. It therefore behooves us to pay heed to David’s word, exhorting us to remember the land. The greater Son of David (Yeshua) is not interested in uniting Church and Synagogue; this is not what He is diligent in performing. Ezekiel tells us that He is interested in uniting two trees, two houses, two kingdoms, two nations and a people, to their Elohim, to each other, and to their land (Ezekiel 37). The Messiah came to restore the government of His Father to Israel, His firstborn nation. He will perform it and bring it to pass, but He will also prune the olive tree of Israel. “You will say then, ‘branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.' Well said, because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear, for if YHVH did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. Therefore consider the goodness and severity of YHVH” (Romans 11:19-22).

Please pray and ask what you might do to help in restoring the relationship between the two houses, as you can be like those almond trees blossoming in early spring amongst the olive trees on the hills of Samaria.
Ephraim

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity (Psa. 133)

AN ISRAELITE'S PRAYER

February 17, 2006

YHVH - Ribon Olam (Sovereign of the Universe), You have created the heavens and stretched them out, You spread out the earth and all that comes out of it; You, Bor’eynu (our Creator), give breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it” (Isa 42:5). You are YHVH, that is Your name! You said that You will not give Your glory to another or Your praise to idols.

We see, Avinu Ba’sha’ma’yim (our Father in Heaven), that the former things have taken place, and now new things You are declaring; before they even spring into being You have announced them to us (Isa 42:8-9). You have told us about them and declared these things long ago; before they even happened You announced them to us; we have heard these things and looked at them all, so that we would not say that our idols did them, our wooden images, and metal gods ordained them.

You, Elohey Emet (G-d of Truth), will tell us of new things, of hidden things unknown to us. They are created now, and not long ago; we have not heard of them before today. So we cannot say, `Yes, we knew of them.' We have neither heard nor understood from of old, for our ears have not been open. Well do You, Elohey Tzedek (G-d of Righteousness), know how treacherous we are; we were called rebels from birth. For Your own name's sake You delayed Your wrath; for the sake of Your praise You have held it back from us, so as not to cut us off. You have refined us, though not as silver; but You - Shofet Tzedek (Righteous Judge), have tested us in the furnace of affliction. For Your own sake, Elohey Chesed (G-d of Mercy), for Your own sake, You do this. For how can You let Yourself be defamed? You will not yield Your glory to another” (Isa 48:5-11).

Therefore we must tell our people, what You, YHVH - Elohey Yisrael (G-d of Israel), are saying to us. You are bidding us to return to You, so that You will also return to us. We are not to be like our forefathers, to whom the earlier prophets spoke. For You, YHVH - Elohey Yisrael (G-d of Israel), asked them to turn from their evil ways and their evil practices, but they would not listen or pay attention to You. You have therefore asked us to learn from our forefathers, and their prophets. You, Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov (G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), have made us to understand that Your words and Your decrees, which You commanded Your servants the prophets to speak to our forefathers, finally overtook our forefathers and as a result they repented and said, `YHVH Shof’teynu (our Judge) has done to us what our ways and practices deserve, just as He determined to do'" (Zech 1:3-6).

We, of the house of Ya'acov and all of us who remain of the house of Yisrael, need to listen to You, for You have upheld us since we were conceived, and You have carried us since our birth. Even to our old age and gray hairs You are YHVH - Ro’yenu (our Shepherd). You are the One that will sustain us. You have made us and You will carry us; You, M’gee’neynu (our Protector/Shield) will sustain us; for You are YHVH - Mephal’teynu (our Rescuer) (Isa. 46:3-4). You have only asked us to acknowledge our guilt, for we have rebelled against You, YHVH - Mal’keynu (our King). We have scattered Your favors to the foreign gods under every spreading tree and have not obeyed You.

Therefore we, Your faithless people, must repent and return. For You, YHVH are Ba’layenu (our Master). You have chosen us, even one from a town and two from a clan and are bringing us to Tzyion. There You will give us shepherds after Your own heart, who will lead us with knowledge and understanding (Jer. 3:13-15).

You have promised and have declared to us, El Ne’eman (Faithful G-d), that we should not to be afraid, for You Go’aleynu (our Redeemer), are with us; You will bring our children from the east and gather us from the west. You will say to the north, ”Give them up”, and to the south, “Do not hold them back”. You will bring your sons, from afar and Your daughters from the ends of the earth-- everyone who is called by Your name, YHVH – Yeshua’teynu (our salvation), whom You have created for Your own glory, whom You have formed and made" (Isa 43:5-7). For You – Elohey Tziyon (G-d of Zion) will take us out of the nations; You will gather us from all the countries and will bring us back into our own land (Eze. 36:24).

Amen!

Ephraim

STATE OF AFFAIRS

February 3, 2006

The world, waiting with abated breath for the salvation of mankind in the form of a forthcoming Palestinian state, has now to face Hamas' overwhelming victory. The god of democracy has given his verdict, and has helped the Palestinian people make the leaders of Hamas their (future) governing body. This new situation leaves, of course, room for much speculation as to the future of Israel, the Middle East, and even the entire world. Thus scenarios of Biblical proportions may come to mind. But one thing is sure; the Elohim of Israel is not oblivious of these events and will make use of them in a way that will fulfill His plans and purposes, albeit with most of the participants' ignorance as to who is the prime Mover, Cause, and Originator of their circumstances. This latter statement can be equally applied not only to the episode at hand, but also to the many earth changing and world shattering events that have taken place in this part of the world for the past 120 years, or so and to the individuals who have been involved in them. In the Christian and Bible believing world there was and is expectancy that the Jews, during the early Zionist endeavors and later, when the State was being formed, and now, would have had some awareness of fulfilling Biblical prophecy. This supposition, however, calls for an explanation so that those who communicate with members of the household of Judah may be aware of how the Tanach ("Old Testament") is perceived among the Jews, religious and secular respectively, both now and in the earlier and formative years of Zionism, and in the beginning days of the State of Israel.

Up until sometime in the 19th century, Jews by and large, in all of their places of dispersion, had been practicing (orthodox) Judaism. One fact which may be stated about Judaism's attitude toward the Tanach, is that it is only secondary to the "Oral Law", which is a compilation of commentaries on the Tanach with added rulings, laws, parables and stories that, in turn, are interpreted some more and supplemented by further rabbinical writings. Thus, this massive literary body is revered and taught in religious circles more than the Tanach, this being especially so since the explicit instructions contained therein are also useful visa vie daily conduct, as well as religious practices. At the same time, these complex directives can exempt one from having to seek YHVH and His Spirit for guidance, and what's more they also demand expertise that only rabbinical authorities can render. This makes the orthodox person dependent on rabbis and teachers more than on the Holy One Blessed Be He. For many centuries this was basically what the Jewish nation relied on, as do religious Jews all over today. The Tanach gets their attention mostly by way of the weekly reading of the Torah portions ("parasha" singular – "parashot" or "parshiot" - plural), and the short passages from the Prophets ("haftara" – singular, "haftarot" – plural), that are read in the synagogue.

Political Zionism came into being in Europe of the 19th century. At the time, educational "enlightenment" had been sweeping the continent, influencing also its Jewry and the Zionist movement. Thus, many of the early settlers to the Holy Land were secular, and quite a few socialists. Here they developed the ideal of the "new Jew", who had to renounce his Disapora ways by rejecting his religion and traditions. Search for a "model" for this "healthy", "strong", and "emancipated" individual, who had become a farmer attached to his land, turned the spotlight on some Biblical characters and scenes, but was devoid of spirituality and of the Author of that source of inspiration. Thus in the era of the pioneers, the Tanach and some of its characters were romanticized and served the emerging national ethos, much like national mythology. But further into the twentieth century, with materialism fast making its way into Israeli society, disfranchising it from its ideologies, this secular view point of the Tanach faded, and with it interest in what is called here the Book of Books, while in the religious circles the Tanach continued to maintain its secondary position, trailing behind the "Oral Law". The mandatory teaching of Tanach in the Israeli school system doesn't help either. As with all mandatory subjects, especially if not taught with conviction, as soon as the test is over the material sinks into the realms of oblivion. In the Jewish world, outside of Israel, the same attitudes prevail. Hence it should not surprise you that those who approach the Bible differently, believing and applying it literally, are looked upon as religious (sometime pathetic) fanatics, who fall into the category of Protestant Christian Fundamentalists/Evangelicals, whose main center is "religious Bible Belt" United States. And although some in the Zionist-religious circles in Israel are willing now to dialog with "Bible believers" and to receive their support, mainly for the settlement movement, others (the ultra orthodox and secular) view the Bible believers as dangerous because of their evangelistic aspirations and their supposedly conditional love (for the Jews and Israelis) aimed at hurrying up world events with predictions of horrific circumstances for the Jews, so as to pave the way for their own (Christian) Messiah.

And so, ironically, the very faith in the Tanach, which should have bonded you to your brother Judah, is actually what marks you as being so different from him, much more so than if you were practicing pagan customs and ceremonies.


Note: To the several sweeping generalizations made here, there are, of course, notable exceptions.

Rimona