Simchat Torah Begins Tonight, Monday, Oct. 8th, at Sundown (Diaspora)

Many years ago I was born on Simchat Torah, a festival which begins tonight.  You can learn about it here.  Also, here's a video:

Visit Jewish.TV for more Jewish videos.

What Did Yeshua Mean "Go and Make Disciples of the Goyim"?

Yeshua said:

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”


But what was a disciple in first-century Judaism?  Perhaps we see a clue in Paul's relationship to his teacher:

"I am verily a man [which am] a Jew, born in Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, [and] taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day."

But to really know for sure we need to explore some historical sources.  So here's a link to a blog post by Jacob Fronzcak that explores this question in more depth:

Link

Yoni Netanyahu: A Hero's Journey

In late June of 1976, Uganda's President Idi Amin orchestrated a terrorist attack on Airbus A300, a airplane carrying 248 passengers, more than 100 of whom were Israeli or Jewish.  Israel responded by sending in an elite assault group, "the unit", led by Lt. Col. Netanyahu (Yoni Netanyahu, brother of Benjamin Netanyahu).

Yoni had a typical Israeli upbringing.  He'd have pillow fights with his brothers, play bows and arrows, and spend entire days roaming the countryside of Israel.

When he grew older, it was evident that he was a natural-born leader.  Just as he had protected his younger brothers as a child, he protected his brothers in arms.  He was injured in the Six Day War as he rescued a fallen comrade--shot in the shoulder.  Later, in the Yom Kippur War, he led a force that defended the Golan Heights.  He was the one who charged into battle, leading by example.  And his troops followed him, heartened by Yoni's fearlessness and determination.

But it was tough for Yoni to kill.  He wrote to his wife about how difficult it was to kill at close range.  Something that never goes away, just sinks in, deeper and deeper.  Writing on the battlefield, he sent her the closest flower he could find, a thistle, a prickly little plant that grows in Israel.  He sent it knowing it'd probably crumble long before reaching her.

The Unit, Sayeret Matkal, went to Uganda under the cover of night and arrived quietly just outside the Entebbe airport where the remaining hostages were being held.  Fearless, Yoni led the charge.  Automatic gunfire erupted as the terrorists realized the Israelis were approaching.  Yoni never hesitated.  His courage emboldened the members of the Unit as the ran into the line of fire.

In the midst of the flashes of gunfire, someone noticed that Yoni had fallen.

The next day, all of the hostages were returned to Israel.  There were no casualties, save one.  The Israeli news reported that a single Israeli officer had died in the rescue operation.

Somewhere, Benjamin Netanyahu was listening to the news and wondered, "Why did they say one officer was killed?"  Later, he'd learn that it was his brother.  And so the duty fell to him to inform his parents.  He says hearing his mother's scream was far worse than when he heard the news of his brother's death.

Thanks to Yoni, Uganda rejected its evil President Idi Amin.  Uganda might now be a radical Islamist state if it wasn't for Yoni.  And the people of Uganda have tried to atone for what happened by sending topsoil to Israel.

As Iran moves now to destroy Israel, just like so many others in the past, perhaps Yoni's brother will be the one to free Iran from its evil leadership.  Perhaps HaShem will use a small group of warriors to bring about immense good for the world.

Here's some clippings from Yoni's personal correspondence (Wikipedia):

Letter to his parents, March 6, 1969:

"In another week I'll be 23. On me, on us, the young men of Israel, rests the duty of keeping our country safe. This is a heavy responsibility, which matures us early... I do not regret what I have done and what I'm about to do. I'm convinced that what I am doing is right. I believe in myself, in my country and in my future"^[3]:121

Letter to his brother Benjamin, Dec. 2, 1973:

"We're preparing for war, and it's hard to know what to expect. What I'm positive of is that there will be a next round, and others after that. But I would rather opt for living here in continual battle than for becoming part of the wandering Jewish people. Any compromise will simply hasten the end. As I don't intend to tell my grandchildren about the Jewish State in the twentieth century as a mere brief and transient episode in thousands of years of wandering, I intend to hold on here with all my might."^[3]:230

Letter to his parents, April 13, 1974:

"I have no real girl friend at the moment. My last romance is over, and as I don't have time to run around anyway, it looks as if I'll remain on my own for the time being. . . On the whole, I've nothing to complain of. I'm up to my neck in my army work, and during leaves I move about a lot in our lovely land.

The whole world marvels at the Inca and Aztec civilizations and such—and they do indeed deserve admiration. Nevertheless almost all of these came into being after the start of the Christian Era (not that this detracts from their value), whereas here it seems that the cradle of world civilization is all around us, everything dating back thousands and thousands of years. A few Saturdays ago I visited the Biblical Gibeon, and saw the remarkable ancient pool there (I'll take you to see it when you come). It's this pool that's mentioned in II Samuelin connection with Abner ben Ner and Joab ben Zeruiah, who 'met together by the pool of Gibeon' and let 'the young men arise and play before them.' And the country is all like that!"^[3]:238

Letter to his girlfriend Bruria, Dec., 1974:

"I told you that I had lost my innocence and my blind faith in the eternity of love. And that's a pity—truly a pity, because I want to believe in it with my whole being. If I'm skeptical, it's not about now, but about the distant future. We are separated for too long at a time for us to be bound together forever. There's something hopeless and very sad about this feeling. You asked me about a child, and I said what I did because I'm not thinking that far ahead—because a child is the most wonderful creation and the final bond between a man and a woman (at least, that's how I see it, or let's say, that's how it should be and how I'd want it to be). And I'm not thinking that far ahead because I'm not convinced it's eternal. I only wish I could free myself of this doubt."^[3]:252

Live Stream of Marty Goetz Concert TONIGHT

Link

The MJRC is Essentially Reform Judaism (but with a New Testament)

You can tell a lot about a branch of Judaism based on how it settles the question of whether women may be ordained as rabbis.  Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein said:

A Chart Showing How All Major Branches of Judaism Approach Torah and Halacha

Here's a little chart I cooked up after Shabbat:

Here's a Link to a Better Organized Shulchan Aruch

Link

How Were Second Temple Era Jews Saved? Was Such Salvation Automatic?

Question 41: Sacrifices and Atonement

In the last post, I talked about how there was a covenantal tradition going back to Adam (Hosea 6:7) and how it had terms (i.e. Torah), instructions for how to live (i.e. mitzvot) and how these terms and instructions commanded a set protocol of sacrifice which we see illustrated in the story of Cain and Abel.

Yet this covenantal protocol for sacrifice evolved over time.  With the creation of the Temple, the protocol became very detailed.

Question 41:  Why can't we just do what Abel did?  Why can't we offer sacrifices right now in order to fulfill the obligation of the covenantal tradition?

Why Did Abel Make Animal Sacrifices?

Christian Congregations Are Going One-Law! You're Not Gonna Believe This Story!

Several things clicked for me just now.  I now understand that the Christian congregations are going to go One Law.  But let me back up...

(Click #1) G-d is working through the Christians.  The people we sat with last night at Grove Avenue Baptist relayed to us the following story that confirmed this to us:

"When Pastor mark Becton of Grove Avenue Baptist Church in Richmond went in for routine surgery in August 2006, he had no idea how the Lord would use him that day or how a man of faith had been praying for the hospital’s staff. he didn’t know the surgical team or their personal struggles. he wasn’t aware of the encouragement they needed, but the Lord knew. the surgeon, Dr. Burton Sundin, had recently been questioning God’s plan for his life, and the surgical nurse, Carol miller, had just told her team the week before that she felt used up and worthless to God. they deeply needed personal encouragement, and neither expected it to come from a fully anesthetized patient.

Dr. Gail heppner, the anesthesiologist on duty that day, recalls the moment she realized something spectacular was taking place. Given her expertise, she knew Pastor Becton was under anesthesia, yet he began to speak. Dr. heppner describes, “[Dr. Becton] was talking, articulate—clear as a bell. Dr. Becton spoke with intensity and a furrowed brow, though his eyes never opened. It was then [that]

I realized it was not a man— rather, this was the holy Spirit [speaking]. the room became very, very quiet, and we listened like sponges, so intently.”

While under anesthesia, Pastor Becton quoted Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans that I have for you...” and Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask...” Dr.

Sundin shares, “the holy Spirit was speaking directly to me. he comforted me, [essentially] saying, ‘God has such great plans for you, Dr. Sundin.’ the Spirit moved through that operating room, and no one could speak. When the operation was over, I went to the bathroom and wept. [They] were tears of joy!” The Lord had given Dr. Sundin the encouragement and confirmation that he so desperately needed.

Just a few moments later, Pastor Becton uttered, “someone here feels used up and worthless...it is not true.” With those words, the Lord spoke straight to the heart of Carol miller, the surgical nurse. he summed up the feelings she had just expressed to her team the week before, and he refuted the lies that Satan had been feeding her. Carol recalls, “Dr. Becton’s lips were moving, but God was telling me he had a purpose for me—[essentially] telling me, ‘Carol, let me have it—all your hurt and pain—just give it up,’ and that’s what I did.” Carol explains that when the Devil knows he can’t have a person’s soul, he goes after his/her mind. that is exactly what he had done to her, convincing her she was no longer of value. the Lord, however, wanted Carol to know that her life had value."

You can actually see the testimony of this surgical team because they were all so moved that they visited the church and spoke during the broadcast service.  You can purchase that video here (it's entitled "G-d Spoke":

https://www.wordsofvictory.net/index.cfm/pageID/725/

Notice anything else on that link?  Grove Avenue's media store sells video series on Passover, Sukkot, etc.  

Anyway, that story shows you that G-d is working with the Christians.

(Click #2) G-d is calling the Christians to follow Torah.  Judah Himango is addressing this in an upcoming series at his blog:

http://judahgabriel.blogspot.com/

We're seeing it wherever we go.  I'm seeing it at Grove Avenue Baptist.  As I mentioned, they're now teaching about the moedim and integrating Messianic-run Shabbat seders on Friday nights.  They're taking their congregants on pilgrimages to Israel:

http://gototheholyland.com/10272011/

They're integrating prayer services with the local Messianic community:

http://groveave.com/events/#prayer

And so I'd say that it's been revealed to me that Christians are going One Law but you'd have to be blind to not see what G-d is doing.

This is extraordinary!

Next week I'm going to start taking my family to non-Messianic synagogue in addition to church.  Pray that that goes as well as the other.  

Shalom,

Peter

References for Statement of Beliefs

So Cajun suggested that I include Scripture references in my statement of beliefs.  I'm just starting to do this.  This is my current list but I'll be adding to it after I review an expanded statement that Cajun sent me.  Maybe you'll look this over and let me know if there's some other good verses to go under the topics:

Shema:

Deuteronomy 6:4

Trinity:

Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14

Divinity of Yeshua:

John 1:1-3; 20:28; Romans 9:5; Phillippians 2:5-7; Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1; Titus 2:13

All of Humanity Needs Atonement:

Psalm 14:3; Romans 3:23

Yeshua Provided Complete Atonement:

1 John 4:10; 1 Peter 2:24

Yeshua Rose From the Dead:

Matthew 28:6-7; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:34; 2 Timothy 2:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Yeshua Will Rule A Messianic Kingdom From Jerusalem:

Zechariah 14:9; Luke 1:32; Acts 2:30; 15:13-16

Inspiration of Scripture:

2 Timothy 3:16

Salvation by Unearned Grace:

Ephesians 2:8; Romans 10:9

Faith Produces Tzedakah (Works of Righteousness):

James 2:14-26

The Ruach is a Torah-Teacher:

John 14:26; Acts 2:1-9; 

Eternal Punishment vs. Eternal Reward:

Matthew 25:31-46

Yeshua Taught the Torah and Tradition:

Matthew 5:17-20

Matthew 23:1-4

Kahal/Ekklesia of Believers:

Colossians 1:18

Gentiles become part of Israel:

Ephesians 2

Great Article About "Politeia" of Ephesians 2 by J.K. McKee

This article is fantastic and a must-read:  link to article.

The Worst Book Ever Written: How the Anti-One Law Bullies Have Now Set a New Record

So I just read this free ebook at Caspari.com because it was linked on Rosh Pina Project.  Big mistake.  It's a bunch of garbage.  Here's my notes on this work of pure garbage:

Neither Fish nor Fowl?  by Kai Kjoer-Hansen

This author literally cites zero exegetical support for the conclusion that the Apostolic Decree discourages non-Jews from following Judaism:

"The apostolic decree about the gentile believers becomes totally meaningless unless the Jewish believers believed that while they retained close links with their Jewish heritage, non-Jewish believers were not bound by these."

This is without a doubt the sloppiest article I've ever read in my life.  Why is it the first article in the entire book?

A New Sect Within Judaism by Reidar Hvalvik

This is another non-academic article (e.g. it talks about "Easter morning" as the morning of the resurrection).

From Jewish Sect to Christian Church by Ray Pritz

This author also gives a sloppy exegesis of Acts 15, referring to the Decree as "ethical requirements":

"In the church, however, the picture was changed forever with the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15, less than 20 years after the resurrection of Jesus. From that point on, non-Jews were welcomed into the new sect – just as gentile converts to Judaism were considered to be fully Jewish – with only a minimum set of ethical requirements. This was a departure from established pharisaic method, and it indicates a clear decision to ignore the authority of the Jewish leadership."

Now, it should be obvious to non-baised, reasonable minds that the Decree, which references only four things and all related to idolatry and the pollutions thereof, is not any way to instruct someone to be ethical.  If its ethics you want to teach then you have to reiterate most of the Ten Commandments.  This is why the newest modern scholarship on Acts 15 rejects the idea that the decree is intended as a compendium of ethical instruction.  Plus, the language used in the decree directly connotes pollutions associated with pagan practices in a specifically ritual context.  

Who Was a Jew? by Richard Robinson

This author uses non-sequiturs such as the following:

"How do we know that Jewishness could not be “lost”? This conclusion 

is made clear in certain rabbinic writings. Thus, for example, we find 

the statement in the Babylonian Talmud, Sanhedrin 44a: “R. Abba b. 

Zabda said: Even though (the people) have sinned,  they are still (called) ‘Israel.’ R. Abba said: Thus people say, A myrtle, though it 

stands among reeds, is still a myrtle, and it is so called.”"

First, suspect anyone who says "clear" in regard to the Talmud.  Second, there's nothing in that statement that defends the full scope of what the author proposed.  It's as though the author takes his the truthfulness of his speculations for granted and needs only to find the loosest support for them to prove that he's correct.  However, to demonstrate that Jewishness could not be lost he would need to cite (1) something authoritative in its own right; (2) something clear; (3) something on point.  He does none of these things.  So that just tells me he's promoting his agenda in disregard of truth.

From Research Object to Living Reality by Kai Kjoer-Hansen

In this article, the author proclaims that gentiles are free from the Law:

"Gentile Christians were hereby challenged to examine why they would not grant Jewish believers in Jesus a liberty corresponding to that which the apostles had won for the gentiles regarding observance of the law (Acts 15)."

Oy.  Vey.  I've never seen such reckless writing before.  Who are these people?  They think that licentiousness is mandated by Acts 15!  

And with that, I'm done reading this book.  Okay, I'll read Dan Juster's (UMJC) article and then that's it.  It's a complete waste of time this book.

Towards a Messianic Jewish Theology by Daniel Juster

Apparently this book is all about taking an unfounded interpretation of Acts 15 for granted as the gospel truth.  Juster cites to Acts 15 as a rule that prohibits gentiles from practicing the Torah of Judaism:

"One of Luke’s purposes in Acts was to put forth a picture of 

the united body of the Messiah  composed of Jews and gentiles 

reconciled together. In this body, Jews continue to live a Jewish life 

and gentiles are not required to live a Jewish life."

He doesn't cite any evidence for this view.  No exegesis.  Just "Here's my view.  My view is like the word of Moses for you."  This is without a doubt the sloppiest book of pseudo-scholarship ever assembled by humans.  And Juster founded the UMJC!  Good grief.

Church or Pagan Temple?

The other day I was reading some random Messianic site that referred to the church as a pagan temple.  I cringed, reminded of the fact that I attend a church (as a visitor).  I sort of took it as a charge against me...I don't want to be guilty of attending a pagan temple by any means.  So I was interested what thoughts you all might have as to the validity of such an accusation, how I might assess my culpability or lack thereof.

I will say in the church's defense, that they've got some great events lined up later this week:  link to events.  The pastor said something about a prayer service where there's supposed to be members of the  local orthodox community.  I must admit to being a little skeptical that they would show.  But I'm now very curious to see whether it will be so.  And there's supposed to be a...this might sound a little strange and it's possible I misheard him...but there's supposed to be a part of the service where a rabbi--I'm guessing Messianic?--who stands in the middle and then ten people gather around to pray, representing the ten nations or something like that.  

They're also screening a movie that same day about Operation Entebbe.  And this Friday they're having a Shabbat dinner.  Didn't get to attend last time because I wasn't signed up.  But this week we're good to go.  I'm guessing it'll be hosted by someone from the local UMJC synagogue.  So I hope it all goes without incident.  For those who don't know, a Rabbi from the UMJC stopped my marriage some years back.  He found out where we were in a separate town and who would be officiating the marriage and somehow found the guy's phone number and spoke lashon hara about me so that the guy wouldn't want to marry us.  

Anyway, I'm wondering about this whole pagan temple accusation.  What constitutes a pagan temple. I don't know...  There was this prayer chapel that I used to visit infrequently back in a different town.  I know about the history of architecture and I wasn't crazy about the churchy look of the place.  Steeples I'm told are ancient pagan symbols.  But I'd go in anyway.  And inside it felt quite serene...as if all the constant prayers had washed the place.  Kind of reminded me of a t.v. show called "The Lost Room" where this guy finds a motel key that when you insert it into any doorknob it creates a portal to this Lost Room, which is a pristine motel room where there's no time, it just sort of exists like the nexus of the universe.  This prayer chapel was like that.  About ten rows of pews, stained glass windows along the sides, a bima at the front with a rough-hewn wooden cross in the middle.  And it's always got the air conditioners running, a soft, white noise sound.  And the vibe in there felt...holy.  

So is holiness something that exists apart from architecture?  But surely there's limits to that.  Perhaps there are grey areas?