High Holy Days (2011)

The High Holy Days have arrived and begin on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishri which occurs on September 28 this year on the Gregorian calendar.  At sundown on September 28 the Feast of Yom Teruah (or Trumpets) kicks-off the high holy days season.  Yom Teruah is followed by Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Sukkot (Tabernacles), and Shimeni Atzereth (Great Eighth Day).  These feasts, in addition to Pesach (Passover), Chag Matzoth (Unleavened Bread), Bikkurim (Firstfruits-Omer Count), and Shavout (Feast of Weeks or Pentecost) that occurred earlier in the year, are the biblical feasts appointed by Abba for our observance throughout all of our generations.  See Leviticus 23. 

If Yahshua (Jesus) observed these feasts appointed by the Father should we not do the same?  Is it disobedience to not observe these times appointed by Abba?  In addition to Leviticus 23 which instructs the Israelites to observe Pesach, Sukkot, and Shavout throughout all of our generations, Zechariah 14:16-21 indicates that Sukkot ushers in the Kingdom and will be observed by all nations in perpetuity after Abba renews the earth.  This understanding was exhibited by Peter, James, and John as they attempted to build three booths (tabernacles) for Yahshua, Moshe (Moses), and Eli-Yahu (Elijah) in Matthew 17:4.  They had the right idea but it was not yet the appointed time to usher in the Kingdom–the Millennial Kingdom.  See Acts 1:6-7. 

This year I will be taking another step in learning how to properly observe the biblical feasts appointed by Abba Yahweh by attending the Yom Kippur ‘kol nidre’ (all night) service at the Baruch Hashem Messianic congregation in Dallas, Texas.  This will be my first time to attend a ‘kol nidre’ service and I cannot think of a better time to fast, pray, and seek atonement as the pressure is increasing on Israel by the day. 

I’m thankful that Abba has shown both mercy and patience by continuing to draw us out of the traditions of men.  This is not an easy process—not only is this transformation difficult for the one being drawn out but also for the family members and friends who bear witness to the change.  Despite these difficulties, the words spoken by the prophet are ringing louder and louder: 

“O Yahweh, my strength, and my stronghold, and my refuge in the Yom (Day) of Tribulation, the gentiles shall come to You from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our ahvot (fathers) have inherited only lies, only vanity, and things in which there is no profit.”  (Jeremiah 16:19). 

Below is a schedule of the upcoming High Holy Days that occur during the Hebrew calendar month of Tishri.  The schedule is in Hebrew with English translation. 

Ethanim-Tishri Moadim/Fall Feasts (2011) 

Tishri 1/Sept 28 (sundown) — Yom Teruah/Trumpets 

Tishri 10/Oct 7 (sundown) — Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement 

Tishri 15/Oct 12 (sundown Full Moon) — Sukkot/Tabernacles-First Day 

Tishri 21/Oct 18 (sundown) — Sukkot/Tabernacles-Last Day 

Tishri 22/Oct 19 (sundown) – Shimeni Atzereth/Great 8^th Day

Ramble On…

It has already been over a year since I left Washington D.C. and moved to Dallas, Texas – my hometown.  The past year has been somewhat of a radical departure from my previous life in Washington with the revisiting of early life experiences.  I came to Texas still walking in what had been poured out in the Spirit years earlier, but ten years gone before leaving behind a former identity and stepping into what had been understood many years ago sort of turns a person inside out.  Transitions like these are not easy, but knowing that the Holy One of Israel is ordering my footsteps provides the Peace necessary to continue the journey. 

“When Yahshua (Jesus) had finished these parables, He departed from there.  He came to His hometown and began teaching them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?  Is not this the carpenter’s son?  Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?  And His sisters, are they not all with us?  Where then did this man get all these things?’  And they took offense at Him.  But Yahshua said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.’  And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.  (Matthew 13:53-58) 

Even while winding down from the Washington experience through reconnection with family and friends, Abba was fulfilling His purpose through my hometown return at the congregation Baruch HaShem.  Baruch HaShem, one of the largest and most influential Messianic Jewish assemblies in the country, has a wonderful mix of Jews and non-Jews who come together every Sabbath to worship the Holy One of Israel.  I learned about Baruch HaShem while attending a Messianic Israel Hanukkah celebration in Tennessee a few years ago.  So when I moved to the Dallas area I couldn’t wait to check out this Messianic Jewish synagogue.  The three hours spent at the synagogue on Saturdays has not only become a spiritual lifeline of sorts but apparently the primary reason for my return to Dallas. 

When I first received the two-houses of Israel (Judah and Ephraim) understanding through a literal mountaintop experience in a small town called of all names Hirzel located just outside of Zurich in Switzerland, I have been on fire ever since sharing this understanding with others.  But I soon learned that just like the reaction Joseph got from his brothers when he shared his dreams with them so also some of those with whom I have shared the House of Ephraim understanding have not been too receptive.  I’ve experienced this backlash in both Messianic Jewish and Church congregations.  Because of those experiences, I determined to not proclaim the two-house restoration of Judah and Ephraim at any congregation that I might visit. 

In fact, I went to my new congregation Baruch HaShem with no intent to share with the leadership or anyone else anything about this subject, but the Holy One of Israel had other plans.  I never cease to be amazed how the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) manifests Himself for the glory of YHWH and the fulfillment of His Word!  Through a move of His Ruach (Spirit), that is, not by might nor by power, Abba has once again confirmed the truth of the two houses of Israel by delivering this message in a manner that only He could accomplish and only for the glory of His Name!  But the question still remains, although the message has been delivered has it been received? 

The answer to this question is not for me to pursue.  While Abba blinded me to His true reason for returning me to my hometown, all throughout the distractions of life during the past year behind the scenes He was fulfilling His purpose.  Who am I to question His ways?  They are truly outside the realm of human understanding.  But what I do know is that it is time to Ramble On!  Just like the words say from the famous Led Zeppelin song:  

“Leaves are fallin’ all around, time I was on my way

Thanks to you, I’m much obliged for such a pleasant stay

but now it’s time for me to go, the autumn moon lights my way

for now I smell the rain, and with it, pain

and it’s headed my way

Aw, sometimes I grow so tired

but I know I got one thing I got to do

A-ramble on, and now’s the time, the time is now

Sing my song, I’m goin’ ‘round the world, I gotta find my girl

On my way, I’ve been this way ten years to the day

Ramble on, gotta find the (Sabbath) queen of all my dreams”

Aviv-Nisan Moadim/Feasts (2011)

The spring festival days have arrived with the Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) Aviv having already occurred at sundown on April 4 (Aviv 1).  The Feast of Pesach (Passover), Chag Matzoth (Unleavened Bread), Bikkurim (Firstfruits Omer Count), and Shavout (Feast of Weeks or Pentecost) begin next week.  These feasts, in addition to Yom Teruah (Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Sukkot (Tabernacles), and Shimeni Atzereth (Great Eighth Day) that occur later in the year, are the biblical feasts appointed for our observance. 

If Yahshua (Jesus) observed and fulfilled these feasts appointed by Abba should we not do the same?  Is it disobedience to not observe these Elohim (G-d) ordained feasts?  In addition to Leviticus 23 which instructs the Israelites to observe Pesach, Sukkot, and Shavout throughout all our generations, Zechariah 14:16-21 indicates that Sukkot ushers in the Kingdom and will be observed by all nations.  This understanding was exhibited by Peter, James, and John as they attempted to build three booths (tabernacles) for Yahshua, Moshe (Moses), and Eli-Yahu (Elijah) in Matthew 17:4.  They had the right idea but it was not yet the appointed time to usher in the Kingdom – the Millennial Kingdom. 

I admit that I do not fully understand nor am I properly observing all of these feasts as of yet, but coming out of the traditions of men (easter, christmas, Gregorian sun-calendar) is a process that requires both a repentant heart and time (see Jeremiah 16:19).  Below is a schedule of the upcoming holy days that occur during the Hebrew calendar months of Aviv-Nisan and Sivan.  The schedule is in Hebrew with English translation. 

Aviv-Nisan Moadim/Feasts 

 

Aviv 1/April 4 – Rosh Chodesh Aviv (sundown) 

Aviv 14/April 18 – Pesach/Passover (sundown) 

Aviv 15/April 19 (sundown Full Moon) – Chag Matzoth/Unleavened Bread 

Aviv 16/April 20 – Bikkurim/Firstfruits Omer Count Begins 

Aviv 21/April 24 – Last Day Chag Matzoth/Unleavened Bread (sundown) 

Sivan (3^rd month)/June 7 – Day 6 Shavout/Feast of Weeks (sundown) 

 

Return to Torah

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you have probably noticed that the events of the past year, when closely examined along with those of the previous two years, reveal a central emerging theme – Return.  In Hebrew, the word for ‘return’ is shuvah which is the root of teshuvah or repentance.  For the past three plus years I have been on my own journey of return that has been unmistakably characterized by repentance.  Before elaborating on this repentance though, let me first explain the return.  The object of our return is the commandments, statutes, precepts, and judgments as written in the first five books of the Bible, often referred to as ‘The Law’ in Christian circles, but more accurately understood as the Torah (Instructions) or Pentateuch (The Five Books of Moses).  I believe Yahshua (Jesus), the promised Messiah from the tribe of Judah, is calling us to walk-in those same commandments, statutes, precepts, and judgments – these actions constitute our Return to Torah. 

But this return must be preceded by repentance.  Without repentance the return is not possible.  So what does this repentance look like or how can one know what to repent for?  The First Letter of John in the King James Version of the Brit Chadasha (Renewed Covenant) clarifies this for us: 

1 John 3:4  (parenthetical mine) 

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law (Torah), for sin is the transgression of the law (Torah).” 

If sin is the transgression of the law (Torah), then repentance of sin must involve turning away from lawlessness or anti-Torah ways and practices. 

I’m sure some of you are asking, “I thought people only needed to receive Yahshua (Jesus) as their savior for repentance of sin?”  It is true that one must receive the Blood of the Lamb (Yahshua) as atonement for sins so that he can be restored back into right relationship with Abba.  Yahshua says, “No one comes to Abba (the Father) but through me.”  But Yahshua came not only to reconcile a broken world to Abba our Creator; He also came to teach us the correct understanding of His ways – or Torah.  Yahshua is not only a bridge (or latter) back to Abba He also is the Word of Elohim (G-d) as stated in the Gospel of John.  John begins by telling us that ‘In the beginning (or Genesis)’ was the Word and that Yahshua is the Word of G-d.  All things came into being through the Word as Elohim spoke all things into existence (as described in Genesis), and then the Word became flesh and dwelt (tabernacled) among us (John 1:14).  For me, it is impossible to separate the Word of G-d (Torah) from Yahshua who is the Living Torah – they are one in the same.  So to repent of our sins, that is, the lawlessness that results from transgression of the Torah, by receiving the Word of G-d (Yahshua) must ultimately result in our Return to Torah – if His Spirit is in fact dwelling within us.  Torah observance reflects lawfulness not lawlessness. 

Speaking of lawlessness, I cannot help but notice that a growing segment of the American public increasingly rejects the U.S. Constitution and the principle that our society is governed by the ‘Rule of Law.’  The Constitution and the Rule of Law are the foundation of our Republic and ensure our liberty.  As the governing principle of the ‘rule of law’ is made increasingly irrelevant or removed altogether then tyranny surely fills the void.  As I’ve considered this societal collapse into lawlessness, I’ve tried to distinguish the rejection of G-d’s commandments, statutes, precepts, and judgments (Torah) from the recent rejection of the ‘rule of law’ in my own country – but I cannot do it.  I believe they are intricately related as what is sown in the spiritual is reaped in the natural – to reject G-d’s Torah (law) is to plant a spiritual seed that ultimately bears the fruit of lawlessness within our own ‘rule of law’ based system regardless of how much it might have been divinely inspired at its inception – the tares truly do mix with the wheat.  Of course, grace might free us from having to respect, honor, and abide by the Constitution and the Rule of Law just like grace frees from having to respect, honor, and abide by the Torah (law) established by G-d, right??  May it never be! 

The good news is that a growing remnant of Believers is returning to Torah.  This remnant is aware that the ‘man of lawlessness’ as prophesied in the Second Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians will come before the return of Yahshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) and, in fact, the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) who now restrains will do so until He is taken away.  Then that lawless one will be revealed whom Adonai will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness (lawlessness) for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:1-10). 

This prophecy from 2 Thessalonians is daunting, but I’m encouraged by the prophet Jeremiah who addresses our repentance in the midst of a great return: 

Jeremiah 16:19 

“O Yahweh, my strength and my stronghold, And my refuge in the day of distress, to You the nations will come from the ends of the earth and say, “Our fathers have inherited nothing but falsehood, futility and things of no profit.” 

May the Holy One of Israel bless you and yours with the revelation of His Torah as central to knowing Him and His only begotten.  As Yahshua says, “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”  Amein.

Homecoming: What is that to thee?

As the sun-calendar year 2010 begins to wind-down and the season of Thanksgiving is upon us, I can honestly say ‘Thank-You’ to a holy Elohim (G-d) who continues to reveal Himself and His ways despite my desire to do, even with the best of intentions, what I perceive as the correct thing.  This year has been a bit of a roller-coaster as I left my job of 20 years in February, traveled to Israel on two separate month-long trips, and moved from Washington, D.C. to Texas.  The move back to Texas has been the most enduring ‘shoulder-to-the-grindstone’ challenge as I came home to a grandmother who was nearing the end of her life and a brother who is nearing the end of life as he knows and understands it.  In the case of my brother, I came with the willingness and what I believed Elohim-ordained responsibility to help him get back on his feet and lead a fulfilling life. 

Five months later I stand physically, spiritually, and even financially exhausted having been obstructed, denied, and even at times what has seemed cursed in my desire to do “good” unto my brother.  Having just returned last week from my second trip to Israel, I learned about something that occurred during my absence that essentially qualifies as “the last straw” in my desire to provide any kind of support or counsel.  For all intents and purposes, this last straw has brought me to the end of my “good” intentions.  This must have been what Elohim intended all along. 

For the past several months I have been reflecting on why this problem is so intractable.  I often considered that Elohim was humbling me for trying to bring about a result through my own strength, and that possibility cannot be discounted, but the more likely or primary reason was brought to my attention earlier this week.  I received a phone call from Kelly McCullough, a friend and spiritual confidante, who is not only intimately aware of this problem but has been somewhat sucked into the quagmire along with a few other friends.  I give praise and thanks to Elohim for my friends who have been such a support throughout this ordeal.  Kelly, who reads Oswald Chambers’ “My Utmost for His Highest” journal each morning, mentioned a recent entry that he thought applied to my situation.  The entry below from “My Utmost for His Highest” was posted on November 15^th: 

John 21:21,2 

“Lord, what shall this man do? . . What is that to thee? Follow thou Me.” 

Chambers… 

“One of our severest lessons comes from the stubborn refusal to see that we must not interfere in other people’s lives. It takes a long time to realize the danger of being an amateur providence, that is, interfering with God’s order for others. You see a certain person suffering, and you say – He shall not suffer, and I will see that he does not. You put your hand straight in front of God’s permissive will to prevent it, and God says – “What is that to thee?” If there is stagnation spiritually, never allow it to go on, but get into God’s presence and find out the reason for it. Possibly you will find it is because you have been interfering in the life of another; proposing things you had no right to propose; advising when you had no right to advise. When you do have to give advice to another, God will advise through you with the direct understanding of His Spirit; your part is to be so rightly related to God that His discernment comes through you all the time for the blessing of another soul.  

Most of us live on the borders of consciousness – consciously serving, consciously devoted to God. All this is immature, it is not the real life yet. The mature stage is the life of a child which is never conscious; we become so abandoned to God that the consciousness of being used never enters in. When we are consciously being used as broken bread and poured-out wine, there is another stage to be reached, where all consciousness of ourselves and of what God is doing through us is eliminated. A saint is never consciously a saint; a saint is consciously dependent on God.” 

These words that Kelly shared from Oswald Chambers’ journal entry “What is that to Thee” rang true and penetrated my spirit.  Immediately I realized that I had been interfering with Elohim’s (G-d’s) plans and purposes for my brother.  I have now repented and removed myself from the equation.  My brother’s life is in His hands and He doesn’t need my help.  As I further reflect on this ordeal, I recall a saying by Mark Batterson, pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C.  Pastor Mark would often say, “Let God be as creative with others as He is with you.”  I thought this to be a profound saying and it has stuck with me.  But I always understood the saying in a “positive” light, that is, the creative part referred only to the actions that God might be doing through someone not what He might be doing to someone!  This understanding is part of the journey of becoming a fully-orbed Believer in Yahshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Christ), and I’m especially thankful for this revelation during this season of Thanksgiving.

Son of Ephraim

It has already been three weeks since I arrived in Israel and while this visit has been just as unique as the other trips I have hardly been able to write anything other than a few brief posts on Facebook and some journal entries.  I spent my first night at Hotel Gilgal in Tel Aviv where I had the opportunity to greet Yaakov and Elisheva Damkani before leaving for Afula located in northern Israel.  My friend Jiries drove from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv then drove both of us through the heavy week-end traffic to Afula.  The time spent in Afula was truly a blessing as I met people from various parts of the world who were waking-up to their Hebrew identity whether it be Jew (Judah) or non-Jew (Ephraim).  It is not only interesting but also very encouraging to hear the stories of others who are receiving the revelation of the restoration of the whole House of Israel—the Tabernacle of David. 

They were coming to Afula, some intentionally and others unintentionally, to learn more about this ‘new thing’ that was opening their eyes to a deeper understanding of the Bible and their own personal identity in relationship with Yahshua HaMashiach.  While glorious this eye-opening revelation seriously challenges some commonly held traditional beliefs, whether biblical or not biblical, that have been passed down through the generations.  As these sojourners shared some of their own challenges in walking-out their newly discovered destiny their concerns and frustrations were falling on empathetic ears.  By the grace of Yah, many pilgrims passing through Afula have been encouraged through fellowship with other fellow travelers passing-through like themselves.  Many discover something unexpected and walk away affirmed in their own Abrahamic journey. 

After spending a week in Afula, I hitched a ride with people who were going to Jerusalem for a weekly meeting.  The weekly meetings are held at the Anglican School located on HaNeviim St. (The Prophets).  Miguel Demelli joined us on the ride to Jerusalem.  Miguel lives in Florida and is of Puerto Rican descent.  He recently wrote a book called “Recognizing the Real Enemy” that deals with spiritual warfare and cleansing within individual Believers and more specifically within those who call themselves Ephraim.  Along the way to Jerusalem we met Avi Ben Mordechai and his wife Dina.  Avi and Dina are Messianic Jews who made Aliyah to Israel from the States and have a ministry to all of Israel but especially to returning Ephraim.  Miguel ministered to Avi and his wife about spiritual warfare and all of us were blessed. 

After a short drive from Avi’s home to Jerusalem, Miguel and I were dropped off in the center of the city near Mamila.  Miguel flagged a taxi to see me off to the Israel Museum where Jiries works.  I asked the taxi driver if he was Arab or Jewish and he replied, “I’m Christian.”  His name was Joseph and he provided excellent service.  While waiting on Jiries I marveled at the new design of the museum.  Jiries arranged a security clearance then took me to a small cafeteria where the museum employees dine.  After he finished his work for the day he took me to see his new flat where his family would be moving to in the next few weeks.  We then drove to Lloyd George Street in German Colony located just outside the Old City.  Rami was standing on the porch as Jiries and I walked up to the entrance on the side of the house. 

Greetings were exchanged and Rami announced to Gil his daughter that I had arrived.  Ayelet was away and wouldn’t return for a few hours.  Rami showed the way to the familiar downstairs apartment or ‘zimmer’ as they call it in Israel where I had stayed nearly two years ago.  I dropped-off my bags then went back outside to join Rami and Jiries in the crisp Jerusalem night air.  It is hard to describe the feeling of being back on Lloyd George Street standing and talking with Rami and Jiries as we watched the one-way traffic make its way to Emek Refaiim—the main road that runs through German Colony.  Rami asked where the meeting was going to be held that night and when I told him HaNeviim Street he smiled and asked, “Do you know what HaNeviim means?”  I replied “Yes” while smiling back at him.

South Carolina, Sukkot, and the Gates to Zion

Since I left Washington DC at the end of June of this year, I have been on a journey back to and through my beginning, that is, the places and people where I grew-up.  I have had no other choice but to take this path as Elohim (G-d) declares the end from the beginning.  I could not possibly take another step forward into the vision that He has placed before me without first returning to the starting point of my own life-cycle. 

Isaiah the prophet states this heavenly principle, that Elohim declares the end from the beginning, seven times where the number seven indicates perfection or completion.  One of the most prominent scriptures in the Bible is Isaiah 46:8-10: 

“(8) Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. (9) Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am Elohim (G-d), and there is no other; I am Elohim, and there is none like me. (10) I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.  I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” 

While I have had my own plans on how my time would be spent back in my hometown, Abba has had something else in mind.  I intended to do what I thought was ‘good’ and in accordance with the will and Word of my heavenly Father but, while this intention may have been true in word and deed, Elohim has been using the events of this summer to test my heart in areas that I did not anticipate.  I do not even know if I passed the test but at least I now recognize that it was a test!  As I prepare to take the next steps in this faith journey, a couple of passages from Proverbs come to mind.  

Proverbs 16:9; 21:2: 

“The mind of man plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”  “Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.” 

As I look back on the summer of 2010, I’m thankful for the family and friends with whom I have had the opportunity to re-connect.  I’m amazed at how much has been packed into these three months and to see the Hand of Elohim work through those close to me and even through complete strangers.  If I had to sum this summer up in one word that word would be – preparation. 

I’m now making final preparations to return to Israel this week.  Yah has enlarged the vision for this third trip to Israel in the past two years by expanding my network to the Gates to Zion (GTZ) congregation located in Columbia, South Carolina.  I was privileged to spend the Sukkot fall harvest festival with GTZ this year.  Through my association with GTZ, I will be spending a week in the northern part of Israel at the Israel Discovery Center.  The IDC is located in the Jezreel Valley on the plains of Megiddo.  I’m looking forward to visiting the IDC, and the teachings and fellowship. 

This trip to Israel is different as I am truly entering through the Gates to Zion!  I’m thankful for the friendships that have been made with GTZ at the last two MIA conferences and especially at Sukkot this year.  For those of you from GTZ who will be visiting Israel in November, I look forward to seeing you in the Land!

High Holy Days (2010)

The High Holy Days have arrived and begin on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishri which occurs on September 8 this year on the Gregorian calendar.  At sundown on September 8 the Feast of Yom Teruah (or Trumpets) kicks-off the holy days season.  Yom Teruah is followed by Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), Sukkot (Tabernacles), and Shimeni Atzereth (Great Eighth Day).  These feasts, in addition to Pesach (Passover), Chag Matzoth (Unleavened Bread), Bikkurim (Firstfruits-Omer Count), and Shavout (Feast of Weeks or Pentecost) that occurred earlier in the year, are the biblical feasts appointed by Abba for our observance throughout all of our generations.  See Leviticus 23. 

If Yahshua (Jesus) observed and fulfilled these feasts appointed by the Father should we not do the same?  Is it disobedience to not observe these times appointed by Abba?  In addition to Leviticus 23 which instructs the Israelites to observe Pesach, Sukkot, and Shavout throughout all their generations, Zechariah 14:16-21 indicates that Sukkot ushers in the Kingdom and will be observed by all nations after Abba renews the earth.  This understanding was exhibited by Peter, James, and John as they attempted to build three booths (tabernacles) for Yahshua, Moshe (Moses), and Eli-Yahu (Elijah) in Matthew 17:4.  They had the right idea but it was not yet the appointed time to usher in the Kingdom–the Millennial Kingdom.  See Acts 1:6-7. 

This year I will be taking another step in learning how to properly observe the biblical feasts appointed by Abba Yahweh by joining the Gates to Zion congregation in South Carolina for Sukkot.  I’ve had the opportunity to get to know members from this congregation at the last two Messianic Israel Alliance national conferences and have been very blessed by this relationship.  I’m looking forward to joining them later this month to spend seven or eight days living in booths (tabernacles) constructed of palm branches and other good tree materials such as willows. 

I’m thankful that Abba has shown both mercy and patience by continuing to draw me out of the traditions of men.  This is not an easy process—not only is this transformation difficult for the one being drawn out but also for the family members and friends who bear witness to the change.  Despite these difficulties, the words spoken by the prophet are ringing louder with each passing day: 

“O Yahweh, my strength, and my stronghold, and my refuge in the Yom (Day) of Tribulation, the gentiles shall come to You from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our ahvot (fathers) have inherited only lies, only vanity, and things in which there is no profit.”  (Jeremiah 16:19) 

Below is a schedule of the upcoming High Holy Days that occur during the Hebrew calendar month of Tishri.  The schedule is in Hebrew with English translation. 

Ethanim-Tishri Moadim/Fall Feasts (2010) 

Tishri 1/Sept 8 (sundown) — Yom Teruah/Trumpets 

Tishri 10/Sept 17 (sundown) — Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement 

Tishri 15/Sept 22 (sundown Full Moon) — Sukkot/Tabernacles-First Day 

Tishri 21/Sept 28 (sundown) — Sukkot/Tabernacles-Last Day 

Tishri 22/Sept 29 (sundown) – Shimeni Atzereth/Great 8^th Day

A Guesthouse and a Cemetery: Next Steps

In February of this year I posted a blog entry called “Flee to the Mountains” to provide an account of a journey taken by my friend Jiries and I to the other side of the Jordan River.  In actuality, we were walking-out the verses in Luke 21:20-22 by literally leaving Jerusalem to flee to the mountains in Pella, Jordan.  Our itinerary not only included Pella but also a visit to the ruins in Jerash as well as many sites in Amman the capital.  Our last night in Jordan we ate at a very fine Lebanese restaurant in Amman where I broke a cardinal-rule of travel by drinking a yogurt concoction that was mixed with water – hence the onset that night of a very serious case of Montezuma’s Revenge.  The name Montezuma’s Revenge is well known to those who have travelled to Mexico.  The parasite that I acquired knocked me off my game during the last week and a half in Israel, and would continue to “bug” me for over a month after returning to the states.  The drive back to Israel the next day after eating at the Lebanese restaurant, that included a stop at Har Nevo (Mount Nebo), was one of the toughest rides I have ever endured.  All I can say is that I am thankful that I was riding in a car and not on a camel! 

After returning to Washington D.C., the combination of my poor health and dealing with life after work distracted my focus from properly managing the many details necessary to acquire the guesthouse.  I needed to act quickly because Anita, the owner who lived in Virginia, wanted to sell the house as soon as possible.  I had hoped to arrange a meeting with Anita in Virginia but she directed me to contact her representative who lived in Wisconsin.  The representative in Wisconsin directed me to the real estate agent in Jerusalem.  Ayelet and Rami, my friends who live in German Colony in Jerusalem, provided important information and many questions to ask the realtor.  While I was learning much about the process, time was dragging-on and, evidently, Anita was becoming impatient.  She finally decided to go to Israel with the intention of selling the house during her stay there.  Sensing that I might be running out of time, I sent an email to the realtor in Jerusalem with an offer to buy the guesthouse.  Almost immediately he responded that the house had sold that morning. 

I called Meir Cohen to let him know that the guesthouse had sold and that I had missed the opportunity to buy it.  Meir was deeply disappointed.  Both he and Irene Levy were sure that the house was meant for me and, to my surprise, Meir told me that he and Irene had been praying that I would get the house and that Irene even tried to convince Anita to sell it to me.  But while Anita was a few years younger than Irene, she did not have the same energy and spiritual fervor as Irene and she seemed motivated more by immediate personal needs.  Both Irene and Meir commented that this was not the same Anita that they had known many years ago.  Regardless, I believe that the will of Elohim (G-d) had been done.  Yes…this three-story guesthouse that over-looked the Hinnom Valley into the Old City of Jerusalem would have been a magnificent place to conduct a ministry of reconciliation between the House of Ephraim and the House of Judah, but Oved Street #8 would not be the place to do that. 

Despite the loss, I am unbelievably thankful for the journey.  I went to Israel believing that the Holy One of Israel would reveal my next steps and He did in a wonderful way, but at the same time He is teaching me a deeper-level of patience and waiting on His timing.  Yah has placed the idea of operating a guesthouse deep into my spirit.  Before I went to Israel in January, I had no idea what my next steps would be in this vision of reconciliation between these two faith communities (Christians and Jews).  This is why I have titled this last post in the ‘Guesthouse and a Cemetery’ series ‘Next Steps.’  I went to Israel looking to Yah to clarify my next steps in walking-out this vision and, while He did just that, I left Israel once again looking to Yah to clarify my next next steps.  Do you suppose that this has something to do with learning to walk in daily dependence on Him?  This walk seems like a series of never-ending ‘next steps’ in pursuit of fulfilling the vision that has been casted and received.  Honestly though, I wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Amazingly, I’m here again preparing to return to Israel.  I’ve completed my move from Washington D.C. to Texas.  It has been great to re-connect with family and friends in the state where I spent the first half of my life, Yah does declare the end out from the beginning, and I’m thankful for this opportunity to revisit the places and people who played such an important role in the formation of who I am.  Todah Raba Yahweh!

Boot Camp — M.I.A. 2010

Last week I was at Maryville College in Maryville, TN for the annual Messianic Israel Alliance (MIA) conference.  This year the MIA leadership team decided to augment the traditional week-end celebration with a Boot Camp to provide participants intensive learning sessions as well as opportunities to build stronger relationships while living in community.  The Boot Camp started on Monday morning at 9am and lasted through Thursday with the final class wrapping-up at 9pm that evening.  The daily curriculum included a primary, secondary, and elective course.  The talmidim (students) chose from a variety of courses for each part of the curriculum.  Each day included five primary course hours, two secondary course hours, and one and a half hours of an elective choice. 

In keeping with the ongoing discovery of my Hebraic identity I chose the Hebrew Roots course led by Daniel Botkin as my primary course selection.  The Hebrew Roots course began each morning with one and a half to two hours of Hebrew language training.  These morning sessions were accompanied by Boaz Dreyer who came from Israel with his wife Rina.  Boaz provided many helpful insights into understanding the Hebrew language and culture from a Jewish perspective.  Daniel completed each morning session with an interesting explanation of the Bible from an Hebraic viewpoint.  For example, he created an outline of the exile of both houses, Israel (Ephraim) and Judah, that included the prophets who were raised-up by Elohim (G-d) to address each stage of the exile.  See the outline below: 

1. Pre-exile 
   1. To Nineveh – Jonah 
   2. To the 10 “Lost” Tribes (Israel) – Amos, Hosea, Obadiah (also to Esau), Joel 
   3. To Judah – Isaiah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Jeremiah 
2. In-exile – Ezekiel, Daniel 
3. Post-exile – Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi 

The last two hours of the Hebrew Roots primary course was taught by Frank Houtz each afternoon.  Frank has a passion for helping people learn how to more effectively present the Messianic Israel understanding to others – especially to our Christian and Jewish brothers and sisters.  He provided a number of useful tools and concepts that can help us move from a sub-conscious mapping mode he called “Primo-Osmosian” to a transforming mode that answers ‘Why’ – he called this stage the Galilean as in Galileo.  Do you suppose that the name Galileo is just coincidentally related to the region known as the Galilee? 

I split my time in the secondary course between One New Man by Hale Harris and The Tabernacle by John Conrad.  The two electives that I enjoyed the most were Life in Israel by Boaz and Rina Dryer and Hebrew Word Pictures by Brad Scott.  In Life in Israel Boaz spoke about the importance of bonding with the Land, that is, the Promised Land not the holy land.  He emphasized the importance of this distinction.  Boaz also provided some useful information regarding life as a pioneer in the Land such as credit policies, government assistance, buying land, and how to live in the land. 

The always dynamic Brad Scott presented Hebrew Word Pictures.  An interesting take away from his presentation is that each Hebrew letter represents a thought or whole picture.  The three-letter word in Hebrew is designed like a person (the Parent Root) – the first two letters correspond to men (x, y) and the last letter to women (x).  For example, kal = ‘all, every’ where kal is the two-letter particle.  See kalah = complete, kalal = finish, kallah = bride.  By adding the 3^rd letter (consonant) we now have some context (Parent Root).  In Hebrew, the word ‘all’ is a contextual word that does not necessarily mean everything.  Also, in Hebrew proper nouns get transliterated (sound similar) and common nouns get translated.  An interesting translation from the Bible is when Yahshua (Jesus) says, “take up your cross and follow me” in the Hebrew (original context) this phrase actually means “take up your tree and put it into mine.” 

The week-end sessions provided an opportunity to catch-up on the latest from the Bible tool Bible Works 8 with Frank Houtz and it was a great pleasure to hear Rico Cortez speak on The Covenant of the Pieces – great stuff!  I’m looking forward to hearing more from Rico in the future.  The week-end celebration also included several general sessions, Shabbat service, and worship every night.  Also, I had a wonderful time re-connecting with folks from the South Carolina delegation during the week-end celebration.  The week spent in Maryville definitely refreshed my spirit and set-in-motion the necessary preparations for my return trip to Israel later this year.