Rabbi's Teaching

It gives me great pleasure to have our website available to convey thoughts understanding and concepts. I do hope that in the months ahead, if nothing else, this page will provoke thought and interaction. The V’hafta, that is the statement that follows the Shma, will be the basis for our lives. ’You shall love the L-rd, your G-d, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your resources. Let these matters that I command you today be upon your heart. Teach them thoroughly to your children and speak of them while you sit in your home, while you walk on the way, when you retire and when you arise. Bind them as a sign upon your arm and let them be frontlets [tefilin] between your ayes. And write them on the doorposts of your house and upon your gates. (Artscroll translation)

Those who are a part of Ohr Yeshua know that the main aim of the congregation is to re-establish the Historic person of Yeshua M’Natzeret, the Messiah. This is important for the world in order that the misconceptions, lies and the historic record may be reassessed. A great debt is owed to scholars of the past forty or so years who have devoted their lives to bring the true messiah to the world. These scholars who are primarily Christian, have not tried to put any theological twist on their work but have shown the absolute Jewish teaching, lifestyle and interpretation of the scriptures. It is also important to recognize that scholarship has not been solely in the hands of non-Jewish scholars, but scholars and academics from the Jewish world. I was fortunate to have studied with some of them whilst living and studying in Jerusalem.

In order to reestablish the historical Yeshua, myths, bad scholarship, supersessionist (replacement theology), and simple anti-Semitism amongst other things need to be dealt with. I have no doubt that the articles will have the affect of standing on some toes! If we maintain integrity and look at what is being stated and not allow our emotions and ingrained (non) truths to mess with our understanding, we may find that, the historical Yeshua will start appearing.

In many congregations today, be they churches or messianic congregations, the emotions counterfeit the move of the Ruach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit). We also hear sermons that keep telling us that we must be saved, but what happens once we are saved? We hear that we need to have faith; in fact, all that one need is faith! The Hebrew concepts that gird the very life and teachings of scripture, of the messiah are somehow rendered irrelevant. However, the very concept of faith (emunah) is that of action. James quoting Jewish wisdom says that faith without works is dead, is irrelevant. Every man of faith within scripture was a man of faith because he believed enough in order that the will of Hashem be carried out, Let me put it another way; his faith showed faithfulness to Hashem through the visible actions in his life.

In the coming weeks we will examine the fallacies that have thwarted a true understanding of what is known as the Brit Chadashah (New Testament.) These fallacies have caused great wrongs to the entire world, Jewish and non-Jewish alike. It caused the greatest Jew to become the greatest non-Jew, to cause the Halachah (scriptural interpretation) to become something so far from its milieu that it has no bearing on what Yeshua was teaching. Thus, we eagerly await the Historical Yeshua

Scripture must have a foundation upon which to build, interpret and apply. The foundation of all scripture is and always will be the Torah, the five books of Moses. There is no prophet and no wisdom literature that would expressly negate the Torah. What is the Torah? Firstly, the impression many people have of the Torah is, a group of laws given to the Israelites [Jews], who could not keep them because the Torah was far beyond what any person could keep in its entirety.

What is the Torah? We just asked that question! Most bibles will translate the word Torah as 'law'.
Well is not this true? The answer is not cut and dried. The Torah is many things. It is the terms of the covenant with G-d made at mount Sinai [Exodus], it is marriage contract between G-d and his (chosen) people, Israel. It is the constitution of Israel. It is the way of holy living that G-d expected of His people, and according to not least of all, Shaul the shaliach (Paul the apostle) recorded in Romans 2:13 "For it is not merely the hearers of Torah whom G-d considers righteous; rather, it is the doers of what Torah says who will be made righteous in G-d's sight.." a people without law are lawless [see Mad Max, the movie], they are or are on the verge of anarchy. What could be more perfect than the word of G-d from the mouth of G-d. The translators of the Septuagint, the first translation of the TENACH (Jewish bible) into a language other than Hebrew. The translators known as The Seventy translated the word Torah into the Greek nomos, law. The word really means instructions in the Hebrew.

The next question, in light of what many have done in interpreting the 'New Covenant' writings, is, how did the word of G-d become negated and obsolete when we read that the word of G-d stands (lasts) forever? Isaiah 40:8? Likewise, we read in Isaiah 59: 16-21 which is a great messianic passage, if not the greatest. Verse 21 reads "And as for me," says Adonai, 'this is my covenant with them: my Spirit, who rests rests on you, and my words which I put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth or from the mouth of your children, or from the mouth of children's children, now or ever," says Adonai. Yeshua says in Matthew 5:17,18 "Don't think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete. Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a YUD (the smallest sized letter in the Hebrew alphabet) or a stroke (decorative stylist penmanship of a scribe) will pass from the Torah -- not until everything that must happen has happened."

What happened to the scriptures that tell us that G-d's standard of righteousness will never pass away. How can we say the contrary to what we are told. The answer is not overly simple but not overly difficult either. It all depends where you are spiritually. Whether Jew or Christian in religion. Many in the Jewish world would say that the Torah has very little meaning in light of the distance in time and science since the Torah was given, therefore there is little of relevance for us today. The Christian might say that Jesus came to fulfill the law therefore once we are in Jesus and he did it all, now we just have to believe in Him. The Law is only for the Jews because they don't believe in Christ. Is any of this true? We need to pursue this again next time.

What is the Torah? That was our question in article #2. Let me say from the start that a very poor job has been done in both the Jewish world as well as the Christian world regarding the importance of Torah.

For those that seek to be disciples of Yeshua, the situation regarding the observance of Torah is not optional. The very call that Yeshua gave to his disciples was to be disciples and then they are instructed to go to the nations and make disciples of them (the nations.) In the Messianic world as well as the Christian world, the thinking is that all we have to do is call on His name repent of our sins and then avoid gross sin. Is this what Yeshua meant? Those who are of an inquiring mind would say how different was Yeshua's teaching in relation to the rest of the contemporary world of the Messiah. The answer is to those who have researched, not a great deal. Yes, there are some areas where he hade some original statements, but, bye and large He was well within Jewish thinking of the period. The Pirkei Avot, the "Ethics of the Fathers," also known as the "Sayings of the Fathers." In chapter 1:1 we read (paraphrasing), there are three things that you (probably a disciple of the word or a disciple of the sages) need to do ensure righteous judgment, make a fence around the Torah and raise up many disciples.

Can we see this in Yeshua's teaching? The answer is yes! Yeshua called for mercy in judgment, and practiced it. Just one example is found in Matthew 7:1-12. He built a fence around Torah, in Matthew 5:21; 27:31. In fact, the fence that Yeshua constructed was far beyond anything that other contemporary teachers of His day taught. Then we get to make disciples of nations. The areas that most of the messianic world and the church gravitate to, are the signs and miracles. These are important, but are only part of His teaching and lifestyle. When we say that He was sinless we say that he did not contravene the Torah, otherwise He would have sin. We are to emulate His lifestyle as well as practice His Halachah (oral interpretation of the written Torah.) He went to synagogue every Shabbat, as was His lifestyle; He went to the Temple every pilgrim feast as instructed by Torah. There is not one teaching that contravenes the written Torah, that is on record.

Therefore part of our discipleship and that of the nations that we are to disciple must include the Torah as a lifestyle. Did Hashem not say be holy as I am holy? I think there is a movie or book that is entitled 'An inconvenient truth,' and that is what Torah is for those that shun it! It is certainly much easier to say that it is too inconvenient for my western lifestyle. After all the Lord will understand.

There is a very interesting Proverb in chapter 28:9 which reads (CJB*) "If a person will not listen to Torah, even his prayer is an abomination." Why do so many skip over areas in scripture that demand action other than doing what is spiritual to us. Everything that G-d gives us is not only physical but also spiritual. From keeping the Sabbath on the seventh day and not on the first day of the week, observing the High Holy days on the appointed dates according to the biblical calendar. These are not optional dates nor arbitrary MITZVOT (commandments).

* = Complete Jewish Bible

As we look back at this years Passover and Chag HaMatzot (Festival of Matzah), I have had so many people tell me that they celebrated the Passover Seder on such and such a date, that they did not eat bread but the pastries were delicious at such and such restaurant. Of course, in this world today one can do, virtually, whatever one wants to do.

There is of course the question of whether one is a follower of scripture or more importantly the disciple of Yeshua HaMeshiach (Yeshua the Messiah), who is the Torah personified. We say that we Love G-d, we love Yeshua for what he did for us, but when it comes to doing what he asks of us, we find all kinds of reasons why we should not. It reminds me of the ’Holy Name’ people, as long as they say the name of HaShem in its Tetragrammaton form, not to much else matters as to what scripture requires.

As disciples of the Lord, of scripture, having the fear of Heaven, why would we have the mindset to change the word of G-d? This is not the way of true disciples! There is an arrogance that comes into play, which causes people to place themselves above G-d, above His Word. When we call any other day but the 14th of Nissan and the 15th of Nissan (twilight of the 14th is the time when the Pesach lamb was originally roasted and the 15th when we begin to eat unleavened bread, Matzah) as being the Seder night. There is a mindset that is not Jewish, that says as long as I am keeping the ‘spirit of the Pesach’, I can do whenever it is convenient to me. This is arrogance personified.

The other problem is that of not knowing the historical and may I say ancient and correct interpretation of what is ’Chumetz’. This is not only bread but anything that swells when water or moisture is mixed with certain grains and similar products. Many think that it’s crazy that we can use baking soda or baking powder, however if one understands how this rising agents work, they cannot be identified with leavening agents. This is another issue which I will not address here. It is frightening that for a week we are so incapable of refraining from Chumetz. Does this perhaps show us that if we are losing over this small issue are we succumbing to greater spiritual weaknesses? For the Jew and those that have made a decision to be grafted into Israel, we are told that if we eat Chumetz, we will be ejected from Israel. I believe that if one makes a mistake the Lord is ready to forgive when we repent (promise not to do it again), however, if we do not repent nor see anything wrong in breaking a statute of G-d, we put ourselves outside of the Olam HaBah (the World to Come), read Hebrews 10:23-31.

Do we think that the year, month, day and time that Yeshua was hung on a tree was arbitrary. When G-d created the heavens and the earth and created plants and animals and human beings, that there was no order in His creativity? That G-d desisted from creating on the seventh day, was because He ran out of things to make! G-d is a G-d of order that is why we have a Seder, an order of service during the Passover Seder, that is why we have a Siddur that is used every day to follow an order of worship. We are called to emulate G-d in a microcosm that is man’s ability, but that is what we are called to. When we do our own thing we are in fact saying we know better.

This week saw a great tragedy on Holocaust Memorial day. The massacre of thirty-two students, professors and lecturers at Virginia Tech, was overwhelming in its impact on the country. Immediately, we think that an Islamic terrorist was involved.

The reality is in fact more frightening than an outside force trying to impose its will on us. This is especially frightening in light of the senseless act of this very disturbed individual. When the courts are faced with a plea of insanity, it has to determine whether that individual knows right from wrong. If the answer is yes, he or she must stand trial and be subject to the verdict and sentence of that court of peers.

The problem that we face today in this country, as well as virtually all free democratic states, is one of knowing what is right and what is wrong. The true Biblical Jewish understanding is one of truth or falsehood. To put it clearly we are to determine things based not on subjectivity but objectivity. This world has thrown out absolutes in favor of degree. Listening to an internationally renowned pastor on television, he said, and I am not giving this verbatim but as I recollect, that we need Jesus, and that His love will get us through this tragedy. It is, I believe partially correct, however, he missed the point. What is the point? I believe that since we have removed G-d from this country, which includes scripture, especially Torah, and have become passive, we have seen a continuous growth in violence in every shape and form from child, spousal and abuse of the elderly. Parents are living G-dless, drug and alcoholic misted lives. Integrity has very little place in today’s society, and saying sorry, really means I am sorry that I was caught, and not that I repent will do my level best not to repeat the act. Parents are by and large ignoring religious instruction, going to a house of worship and applying the Judeo-Christian standards that have been applied in past. Does this mean society will be free of all crime and sin, the answer is no. What will the affect be? A society that will see a reduction in its vast social problems that it faces and will increase if we as a society wait for someone other than us to do something. The liberal left has thrown reason out the door, as has so many of the Christian and Jewish religious institutions of this country. The spiritual leaders are more concerned in getting sufficient numbers to be card-carrying, tithe giving congregational members than making DISCIPLES OF ALL PEOPLES. There is a fear that some how the word of G-d will be offensive or divisive. They forget to realize that the Word of G-d is a two edged sword that will divide between bone and flesh, or truth and falsehood. Unless we are prepared to hold people accountable, we will see senseless acts of violence by both individuals and gangs of adults and children. The fear of G-d is not instilled into humankind, instead we have portrayed a weak, always forgiving G-d, who is really just your friend. Call on the name of the L-rd and you will have life after death insurance, never to loose your insurance policy (salvation.) The question should not one of death, but of life. I have made a point of listened a couple of times to a pastor of a very large church. My first thought was, why is he so successful? How does he get so many people into this huge church? I made an effort on a couple of Sunday mornings to forgo early shachrit prayers in order to hear the words of this successful young preacher. What I got was self-actualization that was being preached in the name of Jesus. One can by these kinds of books from any bookstore around the country, unfortunately, most people have lost the art of reading, comprehending and studying. Therefore, they go to some body that will tell them what they want to hear. This is the new mega church. Preach only that which tickles the ear; do not tell us that we are sinners, that we need to apply G-d and especially His word to our lives 24/7. Tell us how to succeed in this society, that we may rise above the rest of the nation. For those that will read this article, as we are in the period of counting the Omer, it would be a positive act to start working on the different character traits that are keeping us from being complete disciples of G-d. We have to start somewhere; we have to start with ourselves then our immediate family. Do not look at your neighbor look at yourself that is the best place to start Tikkun Olam, (Restoring the World).

It has been a while since I have written an article for our website, and I apologize. My wife and I went to minister in St. Thomas U.S.V.I. I know that most people think that is where preachers go to vacation and call it ministry. The reality is that we were there for ten days and ministered every day except one. It was fascinating and I pray that the time spent ministering both at congregations and on radio will have a positive impact on the islands that were able to hear the broadcasts.

We arrived back in the U.S. and as I literally stepped off the plane in Charlotte my cell phone rang only to hear that my mother, who lives in the U. K., fell and broke her hip and elbow. I immediately started to prepare to leave for England after spending a little time at our congregation. There is a saying “it never rains but it pours” and this is what happened to me, when I got home, my power pack and hard drive in my computer crashed. The hardware to repair it was ordered but Shirley and I went to England to take care of my mother’s affairs and to ensure she was being taken care of in hospital. I was going to write several lines about the national health care system in the U. K., but I won't, Suffice to say that it is terrible, with very poor and in many cases antiquated methods. It is one thing to look at something from the outside; it is a different thing when you see it on the inside! I personally don't think much of the insights of a particular film director, especially the one that produced ‘Sicko.’

Having returned from the U. K., we had to prepare for the Messiah conference, in Grantham, PA. I was however able to eventually get the computer running, minus all my info on my crashed hard drive. O’ the joys of modern technology!

It is only with the presence of the L-rd in ones life that these things can take place, yet find the wisdom and peace to deal with them. Many people have said that the only reason that we need Yeshua in our lives are because he is a crutch that we need due to our weakness. When I was going through a horrible period in my life. This was many years ago and without the L-rd, I lacked wisdom and direction. There was nobody nor books that could have changed the situation. I did not have G-d in my life, nor did I know that I could have G-d in my life. The situation passed but not without repercussions. My life changed for the better, I married Shirley went to Zimbabwe, had a good position was at the top of the world and at that very point through a set of circumstances came to realize and believe in Yeshua as Messiah. This changed my life radically and was able to deal with situations and circumstances in ways that could only have been the spirit of G-d in my life. I learnt to truly forgive and to relate to people in a new and positive way. Not that I was mean, but each person represented G-d, as he created mankind in His image. My expectations changed my life’s direction changed. What was important before was unimportant and what I was in fact ignorant of became food for my soul. I am of course referring to scripture, mitzvot (commandments) and study of the Master Himself, Yeshua HaMeshiach. I am a disciple of my Rebbe!

As I write this article we are in the home straight as we lean forward to Tishrey, the seventh month in the Biblical calendar. Tishrey like Chesvan, Kislev, Tammuz etc., were names given to the Biblical months whilst the Jews were in captivity in Babylon. The Torah calls the month of Tishrey hachodesh hashvi'i (the seventh month), in accordance with the numerical order of the months beginning with Nissan.
No other month has as many commandments ( mitzvot ) as Tishrey. No other month has as many festival days and rites. In Israel, Tishrey is also the ingathering season for fruit. It is also the time that the Israeli's see the material plenitude HaShem has blessed them with. These qualities are alluded, according to our sages, by the similarity in sound between sheva ( seven ) and sova ( satiety ).
I believe that the sages have hit the nail on the head with this concept of seven or satiety. We read in Parashat Ki Tavo ( Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8 )

     1. all the blessings and curses that will befall the nation of Israel depending on their attitude after they have come into the Promised Land, and have reaped and harvested of its bounty. Likewise we can look at this from a spiritual standpoint. Once we have received the gift of the promised Olam Habah ( world to come or in non-Jewish terms, salvation ), how do we relate to G-d to the Messiah to the Ruach Hakodesh ( Holy Spirit ). Do we take for granted the blessings that the Lord pours out upon us? Do start believing that it is in and of ourselves that we have blessings in so many areas of our lives. When we say yes to the beckoning of the Ruach Hakodesh and accept the reality that G-d wants to be G-d in our lives and to take us and turn us into the likeness of His unique Son, do we say yes but not in the long-term sense!
    We are like the Israelites, about to cross the Jordan into the Land of Promise, eager to be at peace without wandering about almost aimlessly in a wilderness. The thought of being in one place, eating what we sow enjoying a land flowing with milk and honey and having either a dismissal or demise of our enemies. Peace and prosperity! The desert kept us lean and mean but very dependent on the Lord. Now we have the long sort out of peace and tranquility mixed together with a little prosperity. The tendency is to grow cold and distant from the G-d we had to depend on, we have been delivered from our enemies. The need and reliance on G-d, wanes, after all did He not want to bless us with comfort!
    This comfort and ease with very little time for G-d is in my opinion a test. This test is either recognized at this time of year, the time for repentance a time to realize that we failed the test, yet we still have recognized that we still have the Spirit of HaShem within us to draw us back to G-d. As Isaiah tells us that G-d is married to the backslider, these are words of comfort. It is, however, up to us to say yes to HaShem and not say, I am to busy. The season of repentance and judgement is a time of joy as well, for it says G-d loves us that He set aside a special time for his children to come back into the arms of their Father.
     Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are also the two appointed times and season that the greatest of the two utterances or as is commonly called the commandments are placed squarely before humanity. The greatest as Yeshua our Messiah and Rebbe taught is to love the Lord your G-d with all your heart, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as your self. It is on these two commandments that the whole Torah hangs. It is up to us to obey our loving G-d and make restitution with our brother ( neighbor ) and with our G-d, who is a very loving father. Let us take this time to remember that our sages taught that three books are opened on Rosh Hashanah; one of the iniquitous ( resha'im gemurim), one of the just ( tzadikuim gemurim ) and one for those who are in the middle ( benonim ). The just are immediately inscribed and sealed for life: the iniquitous are immediately inscribed and sealed for death. The middle person is held over from Rosh Hashanah till Yom Kippur. If they merit it - and repent, they are inscribed for life. If not - they are inscribed for death. As G-d told Moses to tell the Israelites and all those that were with Israel - choose life! ' Leshanah tovah vetechatem l'alter lechayim tovim ( May you be inscribed and sealed immediately for a good life ).

1 ) 29:9 in non Jewish Bibles

We are but a few days away from the Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. The past few weeks I have mentioned to the congregation of the difficulty that faces us. What am I speaking about? The reality of Yeshua HaMeshiach and the teachings of our Sages and Rabbis. There at times what seem to be possible contradictions as to what we believe Yeshua taught and what the sages of old taught. The most important aspect to all the teaching, whether we see one set of teachings as being more accurate than another, is for the sake of heaven.
The days that lay ahead are days that have been given to Israel and all who have, as Rabban Sha'ul, become part of the national life of Israel. Thus when we read the Sages statement that he (or she) that take upon themselves the Torah (without becoming a Jew in the fullest sense of the meaning) that one’s righteousness exceeds that of the (earthly) High Priest.
The Sages teach that each person is judged on Rosh HaShanah – does not refer to one’s meriting Gan Edan (the Garden of Eden) and life in the World-to-Come, or his being condemned to Gehinom (literally the garbage dump, hell) and to perish. For man is judged on Rosh HaShanah only concerning matters of this world – whether he is worthy of life and well being or of anguish and death. Thus did our Sages say in Tractate Rosh HaShanash (Talmud): “This is the day on which your works began; it is a remembrance of the first day (Genesis); it is a statute unto Israel, a judgment unto the G-d of Ya’akov (Jacob). And concerning countries it is stated thereon – which is for the sword and which fir peace, which for famine and which is to be sated – and creatures will be visited thereon for remembrance unto life or death.” Such then is the measure of the matter: On Rosh HaShanah a person’s actions are weighed, and he is inscribed and sealed for merit or guilt in this world.
When a person departs to his or her final abode, they (that one’s actions) are weighed and his or her portion in the world of souls is prescribed, in accord with what that one deserves (Ramban)
Even if a person has sinned all year he ought not lose hope in his capacity for repentance; let him rather return to the way of righteousness before he comes to judgment. Let him believe at heart that he is always capable of tipping the scale of merit for himself and the entire world. Sin can not only affect him but his sinful attitude can cause pain, hurt and suffering to others that have partaken that the one’s sin. It is not uncommon to hear of tragedies to 'believers' due to someone's reckless behavior or blatant disregard for the law. How many families have suffered the consequences of sin by parents. These children go into adulthood either bearing the scars and doing the same to their children because the sin was not repented of and the healing that comes from true repentance brings renewed life.
We cannot hide behind Yeshua and continue to sin, the Lord is not asleep, for He that watches over Israel neither slumber nor sleeps.

As we draw close to Pesach we are also drawing close to Easter which this year 5769 (2009) falls on the second day of Pesach. In many ways, this was the turning point in the relationship that in the forty years after the crucifixion of the Messiah caused the gentile Christian world to turn on the Jewish world. In turning against even the very teachings of the apostle to the gentiles, Shaul (Paul). In there effort to distance themselves, although this was primarily done by what we today call the early church fathers. This distancing was a distancing not only from much of the Hebrew bible (Tenach) but also a distancing of the historical reality that Yeshua the Messiah was a Jew. A rabbi totally observant (of all the laws and commandments) and taught In rabbinical/pharisaic style using the Hebrew scriptures and alluding to various sects and streams within the Jewish world of his day.
The result has been to remove all Jewish expressions of his life on earth and especially his teachings. This has caused a distorted picture of this totally observant messiah and rabbi. In these, perhaps, last days we have a wonderful move of G-d in the lives of many Christians and to some extent Jews within the religious academic world to restore the truth about who Yeshua really is and what he actually taught.
    There are now numerous scholars that have taken the time to mine the depth of rabbinical and pharisaic teachings to restore a correct understanding of the life and teachings of our Rabbi and Messiah. Today even many lay people have taken to research some of the mistranslation and Incorrect use of words used to convey what the scriptures are intending to be understood. Unfortunately due to the misuse of certain terms by the church fathers, and continued by what became the established theologians we have a tradition of inaccuracies. The use of 'Old Testament' and 'New Testament', are in reality totally false. We speak about the New Testament we automatically think of that corpus of writings that start with the Gospel of Matthew and end with the revelation of John.
     We have a problem that has been with us for centuries, although we can perhaps make excuses for those that lived a hundred plus years ago, In that within the last fifty years there is available research, fulfilled prophecies, e.g. the Land of Israel being returned to Jewish rule. The evidence of G-d fighting for Israel in her three major wars, especially the War of Independence In 1948. In the last forty years there has been a veritable gold strike in the insights of Yeshua's life and teachings. We have today wonderful research by outstanding Christian scholars who are returning the messiah to his Jewish world. To be Ignorant today of this Jewish messiah Is In my opinion a willful act. Am I being nasty and harsh? Why am I speaking in such a judgmental way? Earlier I spoke of incorrect traditions that become through time the truth. Tradition will not bring light and salvation to live our lives as He told us to, and showed how, by His example. Many so-called believers are looking for an Insurance policy to 'heaven'. They do not take the time to study and educate themselves in the truth. The so-called teachers in many instances end up being the blind leading the blind. The congregational leaders most of the time are interested in numbers and not in making what is understood to be a true disciple of Rabbi Yeshua of Natzeret. A dear man of G-d a true student and gifted man In teaching Is Dr. Brad H. Young of the Oral Roberts university. Dr. Young dean of the Graduate School of Theology, and a Ph.D. obtained at the Hebrew University, Is one of many who have written easy to read and easy to understand books on Rabbi Yeshua. Dr. Young made a wonderful statement, he said we need "master teachers," not "master preachers." Dr. Young reminds us that when Yeshua said, "go Into the world and make disciples" (Matt 28:19), the teaching of the Ethics of the Fathers (1:1) parallels this command with a similar statement, "...raise up many disciples." He adds, "For disciplines to be made, there is firs a need for master teachers."
     May I add that there has to be a desire in those who have accepted Yeshua's atonement, as we are reminded every Pesach, and not make Him into an insurance policy. We are called to be disciples of His. It is time to return to the real Messiah of history and not simply the traditions; it is time to worship in spirit and in truth. Chag Pesach semeach, may you have a joyous Pesach.

As we head into the summer months we are expecting the days to be long and hot. Our thoughts are on a vacation swimming playing golf. Perhaps the worldwide recession has so adversely affected us that we are thinking about paying our mortgage, car payments or even buying food. In other words the cares of this world have consumed our thinking, living and for those that pray, our prayer time. This is a time when our minds turn to ifs, if this was to happen if this was to materialize. There is an old English saying, “if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.”

For those that seek answers, you will turn on PDS TV to watch someone tell us how we can become wealthy, some will turn on Christian TV to watch some preacher tell you the same and at the end or beginning tack on a scripture to make it kosher. For those that have some education regarding self actualization, will realize that all that is given is a repacked ear tickling self motivating, transforming, as we are lead to believe, sermon. The only problem is that is not what our Rabbi and Messiah taught us. It was not his lifestyle. Does G-d want to bless us, yes. The only problem is that there are tribulations as well. John 16: 33 “I have said these things to you so that, united with me, you may have peace. In the world, you have troubles. But be brave! I have conquered the world!” Even Shaul (Paul) says “…strengthening the disciples, encouraging them to remain true to the faith, and reminding them that it is through many hardships that we must enter the kingdom of G-d.” Acts 14: 22. These are unpopular let alone what it takes to be a disciple of the Master. “Then Yeshua told his disciples, “If anyone wants to come after me (to be a follower), let him say ‘No’ to himself (deny himself), take up his execution- stake (cross), and keep following me.”” Matthew 16: 24

What we are so often not told is to “seek first the Kingdom of G-d..” why is this so important? Because “then all else will be added unto us.” We are told that once we believe we have eternal life. This is typically a Greek/Hellenistic mindset, where mental acceptance is all that is needed. In Hebraic minds it means if you believe, especially in a rabbi and more importantly the Messiah, your belief turns you into a disciple. It is not a static acceptance! Your declaration of belief is a declaration that you have become a follower.

For so long we have been manipulated by unscrupulous “preachers” to believe that the spirit of G-d has started performing miracles through some preacher or church. Scripture says that “ And these signs will accompany those who do trust: in my name they will drive out demons, speak with new tongues (languages), not be injured if they handle snakes or drink poison, and heal the sick by laying hands on them.” Mark 16: 17 It is vital from this point on to seek the kingdom of G-d, draw close to Him so that He will draw close to us. Get our lives in order, as the days are growing dark. The earth is seeing a spiritual darkness creep across its face and enter the hearts of man. When the Son of man returns to this earth will he find (those of) faith(fulness).

It sounds as if all is negative, well G-d is still on the throne and is still doing amazing things. There are today churches that are staring to see the importance of Israel, the torah and the paganism that has infiltrated the Christian church. These churches are starting to identify with Israel and the Torah. People, especially from Latin America are starting to return to their lost Jewish roots (I am speaking about the annusim), the Jews that were forced to convert to Catholicism and due to pressures in South American counties were afraid to tell there descendants about their history. G-d is, I believe, starting to set aside the wheat and the chaff the sheep and the goats. Those churches that are going to return to there roots and those that are happy in there own world. We are seeing people that were lost to the Jewish people return to their roots and the Jews of Europe almost forced to leave and return to Israel. Yes, G-d is definitely on the throne. Fear not for I am with you to the end of the age! (Says the lord).

	#1	It gives me great pleasure to have our website available to convey thoughts understanding and concepts. I do hope that in the months ahead, if nothing else, this page will provoke thought and interaction. The V’hafta, that is the statement that follows the Shma, will be the basis for our lives. ’You shall love the L-rd, your G-d, with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your resources. Let these matters that I command you today be upon your heart. Teach them thoroughly to your children and speak of them while you sit in your home, while you walk on the way, when you retire and when you arise. Bind them as a sign upon your arm and let them be frontlets [tefilin] between your ayes. And write them on the doorposts of your house and upon your gates. (Artscroll translation) Those who are a part of Ohr Yeshua know that the main aim of the congregation is to re-establish the Historic person of Yeshua M’Natzeret, the Messiah. This is important for the world in order that the misconceptions, lies and the historic record may be reassessed. A great debt is owed to scholars of the past forty or so years who have devoted their lives to bring the true messiah to the world. These scholars who are primarily Christian, have not tried to put any theological twist on their work but have shown the absolute Jewish teaching, lifestyle and interpretation of the scriptures. It is also important to recognize that scholarship has not been solely in the hands of non-Jewish scholars, but scholars and academics from the Jewish world. I was fortunate to have studied with some of them whilst living and studying in Jerusalem. In order to reestablish the historical Yeshua, myths, bad scholarship, supersessionist (replacement theology), and simple anti-Semitism amongst other things need to be dealt with. I have no doubt that the articles will have the affect of standing on some toes! If we maintain integrity and look at what is being stated and not allow our emotions and ingrained (non) truths to mess with our understanding, we may find that, the historical Yeshua will start appearing. In many congregations today, be they churches or messianic congregations, the emotions counterfeit the move of the Ruach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit). We also hear sermons that keep telling us that we must be saved, but what happens once we are saved? We hear that we need to have faith; in fact, all that one need is faith! The Hebrew concepts that gird the very life and teachings of scripture, of the messiah are somehow rendered irrelevant. However, the very concept of faith (emunah) is that of action. James quoting Jewish wisdom says that faith without works is dead, is irrelevant. Every man of faith within scripture was a man of faith because he believed enough in order that the will of Hashem be carried out, Let me put it another way; his faith showed faithfulness to Hashem through the visible actions in his life. In the coming weeks we will examine the fallacies that have thwarted a true understanding of what is known as the Brit Chadashah (New Testament.) These fallacies have caused great wrongs to the entire world, Jewish and non-Jewish alike. It caused the greatest Jew to become the greatest non-Jew, to cause the Halachah (scriptural interpretation) to become something so far from its milieu that it has no bearing on what Yeshua was teaching. Thus, we eagerly await the Historical Yeshua
	#2	Scripture must have a foundation upon which to build, interpret and apply. The foundation of all scripture is and always will be the Torah, the five books of Moses. There is no prophet and no wisdom literature that would expressly negate the Torah. What is the Torah? Firstly, the impression many people have of the Torah is, a group of laws given to the Israelites [Jews], who could not keep them because the Torah was far beyond what any person could keep in its entirety. What is the Torah? We just asked that question! Most bibles will translate the word Torah as 'law'. Well is not this true? The answer is not cut and dried. The Torah is many things. It is the terms of the covenant with G-d made at mount Sinai [Exodus], it is marriage contract between G-d and his (chosen) people, Israel. It is the constitution of Israel. It is the way of holy living that G-d expected of His people, and according to not least of all, Shaul the shaliach (Paul the apostle) recorded in Romans 2:13 "For it is not merely the hearers of Torah whom G-d considers righteous; rather, it is the doers of what Torah says who will be made righteous in G-d's sight.." a people without law are lawless [see Mad Max, the movie], they are or are on the verge of anarchy. What could be more perfect than the word of G-d from the mouth of G-d. The translators of the Septuagint, the first translation of the TENACH (Jewish bible) into a language other than Hebrew. The translators known as The Seventy translated the word Torah into the Greek nomos, law. The word really means instructions in the Hebrew. The next question, in light of what many have done in interpreting the 'New Covenant' writings, is, how did the word of G-d become negated and obsolete when we read that the word of G-d stands (lasts) forever? Isaiah 40:8? Likewise, we read in Isaiah 59: 16-21 which is a great messianic passage, if not the greatest. Verse 21 reads "And as for me," says Adonai, 'this is my covenant with them: my Spirit, who rests rests on you, and my words which I put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth or from the mouth of your children, or from the mouth of children's children, now or ever," says Adonai. Yeshua says in Matthew 5:17,18 "Don't think that I have come to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete. Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a YUD (the smallest sized letter in the Hebrew alphabet) or a stroke (decorative stylist penmanship of a scribe) will pass from the Torah -- not until everything that must happen has happened." What happened to the scriptures that tell us that G-d's standard of righteousness will never pass away. How can we say the contrary to what we are told. The answer is not overly simple but not overly difficult either. It all depends where you are spiritually. Whether Jew or Christian in religion. Many in the Jewish world would say that the Torah has very little meaning in light of the distance in time and science since the Torah was given, therefore there is little of relevance for us today. The Christian might say that Jesus came to fulfill the law therefore once we are in Jesus and he did it all, now we just have to believe in Him. The Law is only for the Jews because they don't believe in Christ. Is any of this true? We need to pursue this again next time.
04/07/2007	#3	What is the Torah? That was our question in article #2. Let me say from the start that a very poor job has been done in both the Jewish world as well as the Christian world regarding the importance of Torah. For those that seek to be disciples of Yeshua, the situation regarding the observance of Torah is not optional. The very call that Yeshua gave to his disciples was to be disciples and then they are instructed to go to the nations and make disciples of them (the nations.) In the Messianic world as well as the Christian world, the thinking is that all we have to do is call on His name repent of our sins and then avoid gross sin. Is this what Yeshua meant? Those who are of an inquiring mind would say how different was Yeshua's teaching in relation to the rest of the contemporary world of the Messiah. The answer is to those who have researched, not a great deal. Yes, there are some areas where he hade some original statements, but, bye and large He was well within Jewish thinking of the period. The Pirkei Avot, the "Ethics of the Fathers," also known as the "Sayings of the Fathers." In chapter 1:1 we read (paraphrasing), there are three things that you (probably a disciple of the word or a disciple of the sages) need to do ensure righteous judgment, make a fence around the Torah and raise up many disciples. Can we see this in Yeshua's teaching? The answer is yes! Yeshua called for mercy in judgment, and practiced it. Just one example is found in Matthew 7:1-12. He built a fence around Torah, in Matthew 5:21; 27:31. In fact, the fence that Yeshua constructed was far beyond anything that other contemporary teachers of His day taught. Then we get to make disciples of nations. The areas that most of the messianic world and the church gravitate to, are the signs and miracles. These are important, but are only part of His teaching and lifestyle. When we say that He was sinless we say that he did not contravene the Torah, otherwise He would have sin. We are to emulate His lifestyle as well as practice His Halachah (oral interpretation of the written Torah.) He went to synagogue every Shabbat, as was His lifestyle; He went to the Temple every pilgrim feast as instructed by Torah. There is not one teaching that contravenes the written Torah, that is on record. Therefore part of our discipleship and that of the nations that we are to disciple must include the Torah as a lifestyle. Did Hashem not say be holy as I am holy? I think there is a movie or book that is entitled 'An inconvenient truth,' and that is what Torah is for those that shun it! It is certainly much easier to say that it is too inconvenient for my western lifestyle. After all the Lord will understand. There is a very interesting Proverb in chapter 28:9 which reads (CJB) "If a person will not listen to Torah, even his prayer is an abomination." Why do so many skip over areas in scripture that demand action other than doing what is spiritual to us. Everything that G-d gives us is not only physical but also spiritual. From keeping the Sabbath on the seventh day and not on the first day of the week, observing the High Holy days on the appointed dates according to the biblical calendar. These are not optional dates nor arbitrary MITZVOT (commandments). = Complete Jewish Bible
04/14/2007	#4	As we look back at this years Passover and Chag HaMatzot (Festival of Matzah), I have had so many people tell me that they celebrated the Passover Seder on such and such a date, that they did not eat bread but the pastries were delicious at such and such restaurant. Of course, in this world today one can do, virtually, whatever one wants to do. There is of course the question of whether one is a follower of scripture or more importantly the disciple of Yeshua HaMeshiach (Yeshua the Messiah), who is the Torah personified. We say that we Love G-d, we love Yeshua for what he did for us, but when it comes to doing what he asks of us, we find all kinds of reasons why we should not. It reminds me of the ’Holy Name’ people, as long as they say the name of HaShem in its Tetragrammaton form, not to much else matters as to what scripture requires. As disciples of the Lord, of scripture, having the fear of Heaven, why would we have the mindset to change the word of G-d? This is not the way of true disciples! There is an arrogance that comes into play, which causes people to place themselves above G-d, above His Word. When we call any other day but the 14th of Nissan and the 15th of Nissan (twilight of the 14th is the time when the Pesach lamb was originally roasted and the 15th when we begin to eat unleavened bread, Matzah) as being the Seder night. There is a mindset that is not Jewish, that says as long as I am keeping the ‘spirit of the Pesach’, I can do whenever it is convenient to me. This is arrogance personified. The other problem is that of not knowing the historical and may I say ancient and correct interpretation of what is ’Chumetz’. This is not only bread but anything that swells when water or moisture is mixed with certain grains and similar products. Many think that it’s crazy that we can use baking soda or baking powder, however if one understands how this rising agents work, they cannot be identified with leavening agents. This is another issue which I will not address here. It is frightening that for a week we are so incapable of refraining from Chumetz. Does this perhaps show us that if we are losing over this small issue are we succumbing to greater spiritual weaknesses? For the Jew and those that have made a decision to be grafted into Israel, we are told that if we eat Chumetz, we will be ejected from Israel. I believe that if one makes a mistake the Lord is ready to forgive when we repent (promise not to do it again), however, if we do not repent nor see anything wrong in breaking a statute of G-d, we put ourselves outside of the Olam HaBah (the World to Come), read Hebrews 10:23-31. Do we think that the year, month, day and time that Yeshua was hung on a tree was arbitrary. When G-d created the heavens and the earth and created plants and animals and human beings, that there was no order in His creativity? That G-d desisted from creating on the seventh day, was because He ran out of things to make! G-d is a G-d of order that is why we have a Seder, an order of service during the Passover Seder, that is why we have a Siddur that is used every day to follow an order of worship. We are called to emulate G-d in a microcosm that is man’s ability, but that is what we are called to. When we do our own thing we are in fact saying we know better.
04/20/2007	#5	This week saw a great tragedy on Holocaust Memorial day. The massacre of thirty-two students, professors and lecturers at Virginia Tech, was overwhelming in its impact on the country. Immediately, we think that an Islamic terrorist was involved. The reality is in fact more frightening than an outside force trying to impose its will on us. This is especially frightening in light of the senseless act of this very disturbed individual. When the courts are faced with a plea of insanity, it has to determine whether that individual knows right from wrong. If the answer is yes, he or she must stand trial and be subject to the verdict and sentence of that court of peers. The problem that we face today in this country, as well as virtually all free democratic states, is one of knowing what is right and what is wrong. The true Biblical Jewish understanding is one of truth or falsehood. To put it clearly we are to determine things based not on subjectivity but objectivity. This world has thrown out absolutes in favor of degree. Listening to an internationally renowned pastor on television, he said, and I am not giving this verbatim but as I recollect, that we need Jesus, and that His love will get us through this tragedy. It is, I believe partially correct, however, he missed the point. What is the point? I believe that since we have removed G-d from this country, which includes scripture, especially Torah, and have become passive, we have seen a continuous growth in violence in every shape and form from child, spousal and abuse of the elderly. Parents are living G-dless, drug and alcoholic misted lives. Integrity has very little place in today’s society, and saying sorry, really means I am sorry that I was caught, and not that I repent will do my level best not to repeat the act. Parents are by and large ignoring religious instruction, going to a house of worship and applying the Judeo-Christian standards that have been applied in past. Does this mean society will be free of all crime and sin, the answer is no. What will the affect be? A society that will see a reduction in its vast social problems that it faces and will increase if we as a society wait for someone other than us to do something. The liberal left has thrown reason out the door, as has so many of the Christian and Jewish religious institutions of this country. The spiritual leaders are more concerned in getting sufficient numbers to be card-carrying, tithe giving congregational members than making DISCIPLES OF ALL PEOPLES. There is a fear that some how the word of G-d will be offensive or divisive. They forget to realize that the Word of G-d is a two edged sword that will divide between bone and flesh, or truth and falsehood. Unless we are prepared to hold people accountable, we will see senseless acts of violence by both individuals and gangs of adults and children. The fear of G-d is not instilled into humankind, instead we have portrayed a weak, always forgiving G-d, who is really just your friend. Call on the name of the L-rd and you will have life after death insurance, never to loose your insurance policy (salvation.) The question should not one of death, but of life. I have made a point of listened a couple of times to a pastor of a very large church. My first thought was, why is he so successful? How does he get so many people into this huge church? I made an effort on a couple of Sunday mornings to forgo early shachrit prayers in order to hear the words of this successful young preacher. What I got was self-actualization that was being preached in the name of Jesus. One can by these kinds of books from any bookstore around the country, unfortunately, most people have lost the art of reading, comprehending and studying. Therefore, they go to some body that will tell them what they want to hear. This is the new mega church. Preach only that which tickles the ear; do not tell us that we are sinners, that we need to apply G-d and especially His word to our lives 24/7. Tell us how to succeed in this society, that we may rise above the rest of the nation. For those that will read this article, as we are in the period of counting the Omer, it would be a positive act to start working on the different character traits that are keeping us from being complete disciples of G-d. We have to start somewhere; we have to start with ourselves then our immediate family. Do not look at your neighbor look at yourself that is the best place to start Tikkun Olam, (Restoring the World).
07/12/2007	#6	It has been a while since I have written an article for our website, and I apologize. My wife and I went to minister in St. Thomas U.S.V.I. I know that most people think that is where preachers go to vacation and call it ministry. The reality is that we were there for ten days and ministered every day except one. It was fascinating and I pray that the time spent ministering both at congregations and on radio will have a positive impact on the islands that were able to hear the broadcasts. We arrived back in the U.S. and as I literally stepped off the plane in Charlotte my cell phone rang only to hear that my mother, who lives in the U. K., fell and broke her hip and elbow. I immediately started to prepare to leave for England after spending a little time at our congregation. There is a saying “it never rains but it pours” and this is what happened to me, when I got home, my power pack and hard drive in my computer crashed. The hardware to repair it was ordered but Shirley and I went to England to take care of my mother’s affairs and to ensure she was being taken care of in hospital. I was going to write several lines about the national health care system in the U. K., but I won't, Suffice to say that it is terrible, with very poor and in many cases antiquated methods. It is one thing to look at something from the outside; it is a different thing when you see it on the inside! I personally don't think much of the insights of a particular film director, especially the one that produced ‘Sicko.’ Having returned from the U. K., we had to prepare for the Messiah conference, in Grantham, PA. I was however able to eventually get the computer running, minus all my info on my crashed hard drive. O’ the joys of modern technology! It is only with the presence of the L-rd in ones life that these things can take place, yet find the wisdom and peace to deal with them. Many people have said that the only reason that we need Yeshua in our lives are because he is a crutch that we need due to our weakness. When I was going through a horrible period in my life. This was many years ago and without the L-rd, I lacked wisdom and direction. There was nobody nor books that could have changed the situation. I did not have G-d in my life, nor did I know that I could have G-d in my life. The situation passed but not without repercussions. My life changed for the better, I married Shirley went to Zimbabwe, had a good position was at the top of the world and at that very point through a set of circumstances came to realize and believe in Yeshua as Messiah. This changed my life radically and was able to deal with situations and circumstances in ways that could only have been the spirit of G-d in my life. I learnt to truly forgive and to relate to people in a new and positive way. Not that I was mean, but each person represented G-d, as he created mankind in His image. My expectations changed my life’s direction changed. What was important before was unimportant and what I was in fact ignorant of became food for my soul. I am of course referring to scripture, mitzvot (commandments) and study of the Master Himself, Yeshua HaMeshiach. I am a disciple of my Rebbe!
08/06/2007	#7	This week's Parashah Re'eh which is the first in three consecutive Parashot in Deuteronomy that contain the majority of mitzvot (commandments). Interesting is the opening statement of Moses, who sets before the people what the result will be for those who will either keep the 'WORD of G-D' or rejects it. It is a choice between blessing and curse! We progress to chapter 13, that is the litmus test of a true prophet of G-d. This as I have been saying for many years is the separating chapter between the two oldest sister religions. It is such a great catastrophe that a stream of legitimate Torah observant Judaism was turned into something barely recognizable from its historical reality. Today it is as if we have two prophets standing facing each other. One is saying one thing and the other contradicting what is being said. This is similar to what is recorded in Jeremiah 28:5 where the false prophet Hananiah the son of Azzur contradicts the true prophet. Close to nineteen hundred years have passed since Yeshua was turned into a false prophet. It appears that it started with Ignatius of Antioch soon after the destruction of the Second Temple. The gentile believers in Yeshua the Messiah began a process of stripping this Jewish born, 'Israeli' native who attended shul (synagogue) and Temple services kept Torah impeccably (how else could he be called sinless). His mother was a Jewish maiden from the Galilee. Yeshua was obviously well educated in torah according to the pharisaic tradition. It is fascinating that Yeshua, perhaps anticipating that his raison de etra will be misinterpreted, states "Don’t think that I have to abolish the Torah or the Prophets. I have come not to abolish but to complete. Yes indeed! I tell you that until heaven and earth pass away, not so much as a yud or stroke will pass from the Torah - not until everything that must happen has happened." Matthew 5:17-18 (CJB). Starting with the early Church Fathers anti-Judaic biases that more often than not turned into anti-Semitic diatribes (e.g. John Chrysostom). The problem was and is that every effort has been made to dejudaize the Rabbi from Galilee and gentalize his teachings. Once his teachings were made to mean something else, the next step is ready, which is to construct a religion based on these reinterpreted and misinterpreted anti-Torah teachings. Follow this up with a non-Biblical calendar and hey presto we have another religion presided over by a messiah – god (in theory). This may sound harsh and judgmental, but facts are facts. In Acts we read the problem confronting the "council of Messianic leaders in Jerusalem," whether gentiles having accepted Yeshua as Messiah need to convert to Judaism. We all know that the answer is no! The new gentile followers have to abstain from the basic elements of pagan religious observance and attend synagogue in order to become as Sha'ul (Paul the Apostle), grafted into the domesticated Olive Tree vis-a-vis Israel and the Covenant. This way they like Israel will be fellow heirs by adoption as sons into the commonwealth of Israel. Part of attending synagogue was to learn what mitzvot applied to whom. Obviously there are mitzvot that can apply only to certain people i.e. males, females, Levites and Priests. There are ceremonial, land specific, and moral mitzvot to name a few. So we see the historical biblical messiah standing before the false messiah with the two camps of followers arguing for and against which is the true messiah sent from Heaven. Our only litmus test is the Word of Scripture, as we are instructed to test every spirit (against the Word). The followers of the false messiah have had to negate the very scripture, the Torah, otherwise it will be patently clear that the one who has done away with Torah, destroyed it, must be the false messiah. In reality the false messiah in this case is nothing but a scarecrow, which its followers like a marionette have dancing to their tune and desires.
09/05/2007	#8	As I write this article we are in the home straight as we lean forward to Tishrey, the seventh month in the Biblical calendar. Tishrey like Chesvan, Kislev, Tammuz etc., were names given to the Biblical months whilst the Jews were in captivity in Babylon. The Torah calls the month of Tishrey hachodesh hashvi'i (the seventh month), in accordance with the numerical order of the months beginning with Nissan. No other month has as many commandments ( mitzvot ) as Tishrey. No other month has as many festival days and rites. In Israel, Tishrey is also the ingathering season for fruit. It is also the time that the Israeli's see the material plenitude HaShem has blessed them with. These qualities are alluded, according to our sages, by the similarity in sound between sheva ( seven ) and sova ( satiety ). I believe that the sages have hit the nail on the head with this concept of seven or satiety. We read in Parashat Ki Tavo ( Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8 ) 1. all the blessings and curses that will befall the nation of Israel depending on their attitude after they have come into the Promised Land, and have reaped and harvested of its bounty. Likewise we can look at this from a spiritual standpoint. Once we have received the gift of the promised Olam Habah ( world to come or in non-Jewish terms, salvation ), how do we relate to G-d to the Messiah to the Ruach Hakodesh ( Holy Spirit ). Do we take for granted the blessings that the Lord pours out upon us? Do start believing that it is in and of ourselves that we have blessings in so many areas of our lives. When we say yes to the beckoning of the Ruach Hakodesh and accept the reality that G-d wants to be G-d in our lives and to take us and turn us into the likeness of His unique Son, do we say yes but not in the long-term sense! We are like the Israelites, about to cross the Jordan into the Land of Promise, eager to be at peace without wandering about almost aimlessly in a wilderness. The thought of being in one place, eating what we sow enjoying a land flowing with milk and honey and having either a dismissal or demise of our enemies. Peace and prosperity! The desert kept us lean and mean but very dependent on the Lord. Now we have the long sort out of peace and tranquility mixed together with a little prosperity. The tendency is to grow cold and distant from the G-d we had to depend on, we have been delivered from our enemies. The need and reliance on G-d, wanes, after all did He not want to bless us with comfort! This comfort and ease with very little time for G-d is in my opinion a test. This test is either recognized at this time of year, the time for repentance a time to realize that we failed the test, yet we still have recognized that we still have the Spirit of HaShem within us to draw us back to G-d. As Isaiah tells us that G-d is married to the backslider, these are words of comfort. It is, however, up to us to say yes to HaShem and not say, I am to busy. The season of repentance and judgement is a time of joy as well, for it says G-d loves us that He set aside a special time for his children to come back into the arms of their Father. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are also the two appointed times and season that the greatest of the two utterances or as is commonly called the commandments are placed squarely before humanity. The greatest as Yeshua our Messiah and Rebbe taught is to love the Lord your G-d with all your heart, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as your self. It is on these two commandments that the whole Torah hangs. It is up to us to obey our loving G-d and make restitution with our brother ( neighbor ) and with our G-d, who is a very loving father. Let us take this time to remember that our sages taught that three books are opened on Rosh Hashanah; one of the iniquitous ( resha'im gemurim), one of the just ( tzadikuim gemurim ) and one for those who are in the middle ( benonim ). The just are immediately inscribed and sealed for life: the iniquitous are immediately inscribed and sealed for death. The middle person is held over from Rosh Hashanah till Yom Kippur. If they merit it - and repent, they are inscribed for life. If not - they are inscribed for death. As G-d told Moses to tell the Israelites and all those that were with Israel - choose life! ' Leshanah tovah vetechatem l'alter lechayim tovim ( May you be inscribed and sealed immediately for a good life ). 1 ) 29:9 in non Jewish Bibles
08/07/2008	#9	We are now in the month of Av, which is the fifth in the number of months counting from Nisan, and it is therefore called in the Torah: The fifth month. "At Adonai's order Aharon the cohen went up on Mount Hor, and he died there on the first day of the fifth month of the fortieth year after the people of Israel had left the land of Egypt." (Numbers 33:38) The name Av is of Babylonian origin, and it is also called Menachim-Av in anticipation of the consolation for which we hope, ever since the calamities, which befell us during this month. Some people follow the practice of mentioning only the name Av till the ninth of the month, whereas after the ninth they refer to Menachim-Av. The name Menachim means comforter in Hebrew. Menachim was the son of Gadi: (see 2 kings 15:14.) Within Orthodox Judaism, the month of Av especially the first nine days of the month have strict prohibitions, culminating with a fast on the Tisha B'Av, the ninth day.For those who are unaware why this fifth month of G-d's calendar has such an important reality in the lives and collective historical memory of the people of Israel, let me quickly enlighten you. The first and second Temples were destroyed in this month, on the ninth to be exact. Many other disasters befell the Jewish people including the expulsion of Jews from Spain, which coincided with Christopher Columbus setting out from Spain on the last day given for the Jews to leave Spain, the ninth of Av. The destruction of the first Sanctuary (Temple) in the days of King Tzidkiyahu (Zedekiah) occurred in 3338 BCE. The second destruction occurred in the days of Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai in the year 3828 CE. It is written in 2 kings 25:8 "In the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which was also the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, Nebuzaradan, the commander of the guard and an officer of the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem. He burned down the house of the Lord, the royal palace and all the houses in Jerusalem ' every notable person's house he burned to the ground. Judaism understands that the destruction did not take place the very day that the commander entered Jerusalem but the two days after his entry. It was a combination of disrespect that turned into baseless hatred that caused both of the Temples to be destroyed as well as mankind hating each other but especially hating the Jews to the point of seeking their physical demise. Yet we know that the Messiah will return and bring about righteous judgement as well as deliverance. Rabbi Itzchak said: "During the year in which the Messiah will appear, the kings of the nations will quarrel with one another. The king of Persia (Iran) will quarrel with king of Arabia (Saudi Arabia), and the king of Arabia will go to Aram (Syria) to seek council. The king of Persia (Iran) will destroy the whole world and all nations of the world will be agitated and confused, they will fall on their faces and pains will seize them like birth-pangs. And Israel will be agitated and confused, and they will say: 'What shall become of us, what shall become of us? And God will say to them: 'My children have no fear. All that I have done I have done only for your sake' The time of your redemption has come! And the final redemption will not be like the first redemption. For the first redemption you knew grief and bondage from nations. Whereas after the final redemption you will not again know suffering and bondage. The rabbis have expounded: "When the Messiah will come, he will stand on the roof of the Temple and will proclaim to Israel: 'Modest ones! The time of your redemption has come! And if you have no faith, see my light, which shines, on you. As it is said: 'Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the Glory of the Lord has shone upon you.' And upon you alone has it shone and not upon the idolators, as it is said, 'For behold the darkness shall cover the land.' That hour God will cause the light of Messiah and of Israel to shine brightly. And all will go by the light of the Messiah and of Israel. As it is said: 'And nations shall go by your light and kings by the brightness of your shining light.'Rabban Sha'ul (Apostle Paul) wrote in regards to Israel "For if their casting Yeshua (the Messiah) aside means reconciliation for the world, what will their accepting him mean? It will be life from the dead!" Romans 11:15
08/23/2008	#10	As the United States draws ever closer to the presidential elections and the Prime Minister of Israel prepares to relinquish his post, I cannot help but wonder how those running for election here in the States can say that they are “Christians.” Listening to a debate on television the subject got around to abortion. The first candidate was asked when life begins. His reply was that he was not able to say and it is a scientific question. The second candidate answered immediately that it was from conception. It is strange that a person who confesses that they believe in G-d and the scriptures has a problem with scripture. A couple of weeks or so a go the BBC news interviewed to members of the Anglican Church during the Lamberth conference in England. Some of you know that there is a serious rift in the Anglican/Episcopalian Church regarding allowing practicing homosexual ministers to minister in office. The lady that was interviewed was pro practicing homosexual, and said that love was the most important aspect of the Christian faith. The gentleman opposing her point of view said that it was irreconcilable with church teaching (doctrine.) Neither turned to scripture but gave their and what they believed was the church point of view. You may feel that I have been attacking Christianity, the truth is that the majority of Jewish people as represented by Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist as well as various off shoots do not see scripture as being authoritative. If scripture is not authoritative what do base our lives upon? How do we know what evil is and what G-d expects of us. We also have to ask if G-d is the master and supreme architect of this universe who has laid down plans for mankind to not only exist but to have a blessed life why do we not take notice of His instructions? The answer is simple, if mankind really believed in the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob there would be fear, that is reverence of G-d and His word. Mankind stands at the brink of new exciting advances in all aspects of science, technology, and medicine. Yet we have not mastered the art of peace, respect and tolerance. Why? The answer is that nobody takes the scriptures seriously. Yeshua the Messiah said to his disciples to go into the world and make disciples of the nations. What have we made but nations who believe in their god who does not resemble the G-d of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We have not made nations disciples of the Word of G-d. Why? Probably because those who went to make disciples did not and still do not understand that the Word of G-d is G-d. There is so much emphasis placed on the “Spirit” that the word often left to be interpreted by those who run on emotion and self-interest. Today Islam is spiritually overshadowing us. It has taken an aggressive stance in dealing with those who have no direction in life, especially those who are sitting in prison. It is reaching out to the poor neighborhoods where traditional Christianity has had no effect. Why? Perhaps Islam offers not only belief in their god but also a disciplined way of life, with the belief that living this lifestyle brings rewards, earthly and spiritually. It is a crying shame that the original scriptural lifestyle given by HaShem to Moses and then transmitted to Israel and ultimately the majority of the world has been ignored. When Judaism and Christianity that claims its deep connection to the faith of Messiah (who is and remains Jewish) return to the commandments, rulings and statutes of scripture then we will see the beginning of victory nationally and individually.
9/27/2008	#11	We are but a few days away from the Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. The past few weeks I have mentioned to the congregation of the difficulty that faces us. What am I speaking about? The reality of Yeshua HaMeshiach and the teachings of our Sages and Rabbis. There at times what seem to be possible contradictions as to what we believe Yeshua taught and what the sages of old taught. The most important aspect to all the teaching, whether we see one set of teachings as being more accurate than another, is for the sake of heaven. The days that lay ahead are days that have been given to Israel and all who have, as Rabban Sha'ul, become part of the national life of Israel. Thus when we read the Sages statement that he (or she) that take upon themselves the Torah (without becoming a Jew in the fullest sense of the meaning) that one’s righteousness exceeds that of the (earthly) High Priest. The Sages teach that each person is judged on Rosh HaShanah – does not refer to one’s meriting Gan Edan (the Garden of Eden) and life in the World-to-Come, or his being condemned to Gehinom (literally the garbage dump, hell) and to perish. For man is judged on Rosh HaShanah only concerning matters of this world – whether he is worthy of life and well being or of anguish and death. Thus did our Sages say in Tractate Rosh HaShanash (Talmud): “This is the day on which your works began; it is a remembrance of the first day (Genesis); it is a statute unto Israel, a judgment unto the G-d of Ya’akov (Jacob). And concerning countries it is stated thereon – which is for the sword and which fir peace, which for famine and which is to be sated – and creatures will be visited thereon for remembrance unto life or death.” Such then is the measure of the matter: On Rosh HaShanah a person’s actions are weighed, and he is inscribed and sealed for merit or guilt in this world. When a person departs to his or her final abode, they (that one’s actions) are weighed and his or her portion in the world of souls is prescribed, in accord with what that one deserves (Ramban) Even if a person has sinned all year he ought not lose hope in his capacity for repentance; let him rather return to the way of righteousness before he comes to judgment. Let him believe at heart that he is always capable of tipping the scale of merit for himself and the entire world. Sin can not only affect him but his sinful attitude can cause pain, hurt and suffering to others that have partaken that the one’s sin. It is not uncommon to hear of tragedies to 'believers' due to someone's reckless behavior or blatant disregard for the law. How many families have suffered the consequences of sin by parents. These children go into adulthood either bearing the scars and doing the same to their children because the sin was not repented of and the healing that comes from true repentance brings renewed life. We cannot hide behind Yeshua and continue to sin, the Lord is not asleep, for He that watches over Israel neither slumber nor sleeps.
1/13/2009	#12	Israel has been in the forefront of the news for the past couple of weeks. It is interesting to note that even the most biased European and American news networks seem to be less interested in making Israel and the Gaza situation as predominant as they usually do. Israel must be applauded for restricting the media. We will when the conflict has ended that we will get a clearer picture of the anti-terrorist campaign. Gone are the networks that fabricated anti-Israel news like the French network who engineered the so called shooting of a Palestinian boy who amazingly resurrected in order for the film crew to get another take. Another area of some comfort has been the some of the Christian world showing solidarity with Israel. There is, however, some head scratching statements from European leaders lead by Sarkozy, the French Prime minister, who suggested that Israel’s reply to Hamas rocket attacks was disproportionate. The Europeans, especially the French seem to live outside of reality. Did it start with Napoleon who decided to invade Russia? The French do not seem to have learnt any lessons from the First and Second World Wars let alone from Napoleon. The Israelis, and I am one, are in many ways like the French and some other European countries. When will they learn what is the driving force behind the culture of death. How do you deal with a people who rejoice in martyrdom as long as it takes the lives of the innocent. Most people do not know that Hitler’s Nazis created the underlying spirit behind Hamas, Hezbollah and so many other anti-Israel groups. The grand Mufti of Jerusalem in the 1930’s was one of Hitler’s closest friends and ally. Hajj Amin Al Husseini was told by Hitler what he had in mind for the “Jewish Problem” in Europe. The grand Mufti was only to eager to participate. William Ziff’s book ‘The rape of Palestine’ clearly records the known statements of this man. The Moslem Brotherhood spawned the Hamas group. The Moslem Brotherhood which is a Egyptian group was a spin-off from the grand Mufti. The sole purpose is to destroy not just Israel but Jews and all that do not proscribe to their form of Islam. There is no appeasement there is no rational, there is no compromise. Egypt has been playing the game of the Middle East. Allowing low-grade weapons to cross the border, as if they are unaware of the smuggling taking place via the tunnels between Gaza and Egypt. They want to appease the fundamentalists whilst not allow the higher tech weapons into Gaza. Just enough to keep Israel unsettled and the Hamas occupied with a low grade war. The West continues to play the game as well. The United States gives Egypt a huge amount of aid second only to Israel. Europe and the East have only self interest in the situation. Ever concerned that there vast Moslem population in many of these countries could cause untold havoc. Unfortunately there are very few that understand the reality of kind of spiritual war-fair that is behind the actions of the Moslem terrorists. I don’t believe most of the terrorists have contemplated what is driving them to blood lust! We have to stand firm and remember what Amalek did on our way to the Holy-Land. May we find a leader like Moses again for Israel and may Israel find Messiah.
3/29/2009	#13	As we draw close to Pesach we are also drawing close to Easter which this year 5769 (2009) falls on the second day of Pesach. In many ways, this was the turning point in the relationship that in the forty years after the crucifixion of the Messiah caused the gentile Christian world to turn on the Jewish world. In turning against even the very teachings of the apostle to the gentiles, Shaul (Paul). In there effort to distance themselves, although this was primarily done by what we today call the early church fathers. This distancing was a distancing not only from much of the Hebrew bible (Tenach) but also a distancing of the historical reality that Yeshua the Messiah was a Jew. A rabbi totally observant (of all the laws and commandments) and taught In rabbinical/pharisaic style using the Hebrew scriptures and alluding to various sects and streams within the Jewish world of his day. The result has been to remove all Jewish expressions of his life on earth and especially his teachings. This has caused a distorted picture of this totally observant messiah and rabbi. In these, perhaps, last days we have a wonderful move of G-d in the lives of many Christians and to some extent Jews within the religious academic world to restore the truth about who Yeshua really is and what he actually taught. There are now numerous scholars that have taken the time to mine the depth of rabbinical and pharisaic teachings to restore a correct understanding of the life and teachings of our Rabbi and Messiah. Today even many lay people have taken to research some of the mistranslation and Incorrect use of words used to convey what the scriptures are intending to be understood. Unfortunately due to the misuse of certain terms by the church fathers, and continued by what became the established theologians we have a tradition of inaccuracies. The use of 'Old Testament' and 'New Testament', are in reality totally false. We speak about the New Testament we automatically think of that corpus of writings that start with the Gospel of Matthew and end with the revelation of John. We have a problem that has been with us for centuries, although we can perhaps make excuses for those that lived a hundred plus years ago, In that within the last fifty years there is available research, fulfilled prophecies, e.g. the Land of Israel being returned to Jewish rule. The evidence of G-d fighting for Israel in her three major wars, especially the War of Independence In 1948. In the last forty years there has been a veritable gold strike in the insights of Yeshua's life and teachings. We have today wonderful research by outstanding Christian scholars who are returning the messiah to his Jewish world. To be Ignorant today of this Jewish messiah Is In my opinion a willful act. Am I being nasty and harsh? Why am I speaking in such a judgmental way? Earlier I spoke of incorrect traditions that become through time the truth. Tradition will not bring light and salvation to live our lives as He told us to, and showed how, by His example. Many so-called believers are looking for an Insurance policy to 'heaven'. They do not take the time to study and educate themselves in the truth. The so-called teachers in many instances end up being the blind leading the blind. The congregational leaders most of the time are interested in numbers and not in making what is understood to be a true disciple of Rabbi Yeshua of Natzeret. A dear man of G-d a true student and gifted man In teaching Is Dr. Brad H. Young of the Oral Roberts university. Dr. Young dean of the Graduate School of Theology, and a Ph.D. obtained at the Hebrew University, Is one of many who have written easy to read and easy to understand books on Rabbi Yeshua. Dr. Young made a wonderful statement, he said we need "master teachers," not "master preachers." Dr. Young reminds us that when Yeshua said, "go Into the world and make disciples" (Matt 28:19), the teaching of the Ethics of the Fathers (1:1) parallels this command with a similar statement, "...raise up many disciples." He adds, "For disciplines to be made, there is firs a need for master teachers." May I add that there has to be a desire in those who have accepted Yeshua's atonement, as we are reminded every Pesach, and not make Him into an insurance policy. We are called to be disciples of His. It is time to return to the real Messiah of history and not simply the traditions; it is time to worship in spirit and in truth. Chag Pesach semeach, may you have a joyous Pesach.
06/13/2009	#14	As we head into the summer months we are expecting the days to be long and hot. Our thoughts are on a vacation swimming playing golf. Perhaps the worldwide recession has so adversely affected us that we are thinking about paying our mortgage, car payments or even buying food. In other words the cares of this world have consumed our thinking, living and for those that pray, our prayer time. This is a time when our minds turn to ifs, if this was to happen if this was to materialize. There is an old English saying, “if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.” For those that seek answers, you will turn on PDS TV to watch someone tell us how we can become wealthy, some will turn on Christian TV to watch some preacher tell you the same and at the end or beginning tack on a scripture to make it kosher. For those that have some education regarding self actualization, will realize that all that is given is a repacked ear tickling self motivating, transforming, as we are lead to believe, sermon. The only problem is that is not what our Rabbi and Messiah taught us. It was not his lifestyle. Does G-d want to bless us, yes. The only problem is that there are tribulations as well. John 16: 33 “I have said these things to you so that, united with me, you may have peace. In the world, you have troubles. But be brave! I have conquered the world!” Even Shaul (Paul) says “…strengthening the disciples, encouraging them to remain true to the faith, and reminding them that it is through many hardships that we must enter the kingdom of G-d.” Acts 14: 22. These are unpopular let alone what it takes to be a disciple of the Master. “Then Yeshua told his disciples, “If anyone wants to come after me (to be a follower), let him say ‘No’ to himself (deny himself), take up his execution- stake (cross), and keep following me.”” Matthew 16: 24 What we are so often not told is to “seek first the Kingdom of G-d..” why is this so important? Because “then all else will be added unto us.” We are told that once we believe we have eternal life. This is typically a Greek/Hellenistic mindset, where mental acceptance is all that is needed. In Hebraic minds it means if you believe, especially in a rabbi and more importantly the Messiah, your belief turns you into a disciple. It is not a static acceptance! Your declaration of belief is a declaration that you have become a follower. For so long we have been manipulated by unscrupulous “preachers” to believe that the spirit of G-d has started performing miracles through some preacher or church. Scripture says that “ And these signs will accompany those who do trust: in my name they will drive out demons, speak with new tongues (languages), not be injured if they handle snakes or drink poison, and heal the sick by laying hands on them.” Mark 16: 17 It is vital from this point on to seek the kingdom of G-d, draw close to Him so that He will draw close to us. Get our lives in order, as the days are growing dark. The earth is seeing a spiritual darkness creep across its face and enter the hearts of man. When the Son of man returns to this earth will he find (those of) faith(fulness). It sounds as if all is negative, well G-d is still on the throne and is still doing amazing things. There are today churches that are staring to see the importance of Israel, the torah and the paganism that has infiltrated the Christian church. These churches are starting to identify with Israel and the Torah. People, especially from Latin America are starting to return to their lost Jewish roots (I am speaking about the annusim), the Jews that were forced to convert to Catholicism and due to pressures in South American counties were afraid to tell there descendants about their history. G-d is, I believe, starting to set aside the wheat and the chaff the sheep and the goats. Those churches that are going to return to there roots and those that are happy in there own world. We are seeing people that were lost to the Jewish people return to their roots and the Jews of Europe almost forced to leave and return to Israel. Yes, G-d is definitely on the throne. Fear not for I am with you to the end of the age! (Says the lord).