Can we do תפילות prayers for:
Rabbi Naphtali Weisz ?
That also through them The האור Light, רפואה The Healing and The ואהבה Love of ישועת יהוהYeshuath YHWH may come back to הארץ The Land of Israel?
| |
|
| |
| |
Dear,
Rabbi Naphtali Weisz had become involved in recent months with CFOIC Heartland, volunteering to reach out to Christians in Ohio and wherever there is an interest, on behalf of the people of Judea and Samaria. Just a few weeks ago, Rabbi Naphtali and his wife made a dramatic decision to move to Israel, the reasons for which he shares with us below. Please take the time to read Rabbi Naphtali's article and pray for his family as they embark upon the adventure of a lifetime. Rabbi Naphtali will continue to be available to speak to your congregation -- please contact us if you are interested in meeting him.
Shalom,
Sondra Oster Baras
Director, Israel Office
CFOIC Heartland |
|
Two weeks ago, I addressed the Board of Trustees at the Orthodox synagogue where I have served as rabbi for the past five years, "After a long period of serious deliberation and soul searching, I have decided not to renew my contract when it expires this summer," I announced to their great surprise. Why was I giving up my dream job - serving the congregation that I grew up in and where my grandfather was rabbi for 47 years? "Abby and I feel that this is the best time for our family to pursue our dream of making Aliyah to Israel."
The Lord's very first words to Abraham, "Go for yourself, from your homeland, your birthplace and your father's home unto the land that I will show you," have always resonated loudly in my soul, so many generations later. I certainly bear no hostility towards my homeland, animosity towards my birthplace or resentment towards my father's home. On the contrary, I consider myself to be a proud, patriotic American. However, I am also a Jew who believes that the Land of Israel is G-d's great gift to our people, one of the few essentials that make the Jewish people Jewish. The Torah doesn't ever talk about America, Hashem never promised the United States to the descendants of Abraham. While I am fond of our wonderful Jewish community in Columbus, it is the rebuilding of Zion that is at the heart and soul of our national existence, and perhaps the existence of the entire world.
The Zionist pioneers in the first half of the twentieth century were up against overwhelming odds on all fronts, yet the Jewish people not only survived in Israel, we thrived there. Repeatedly we were attacked by our neighbors, yet despite all the dangers and external threats, the State of Israel can boast of incredible accomplishments, a sure sign of divine favor and of what we are capable of when allowed to flourish on our own soil. For 2,000 years, the Jewish people were the object of history. Now we are the subject of history but we still have a long way to go. If only more Jews would chose the Promised Land we would certainly be contributing even greater innovations to the world while achieving spiritual perfection as the Chosen People.
Our generation has been blessed; I don't know why. Perhaps it is due to the suffering of my grandparents' generation during the Holocaust as alluded to by our ancient biblical prophets. "Refrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for there is a reward for your labor says the Lord, and they shall return from the land of the enemy. And there is hope for your end, and your children shall return to their borders," promised Jeremiah. What I do know, is that we have been holding on to Judaism for centuries precisely for this moment when the Lord decided to grant us His great gift. For most of our history, aliyah, 'ascending' to the land of Israel, has been nearly impossible due to numerous inherent dangers, and while still a challenge, has never been as accessible as it is today.
Will it be hard to be so far from family? Undoubtedly. Would life be easier with quicker access to all our modern conveniences? By far. However, I believe deeply that life is about more than being fine and getting by and we must sometimes be courageous in order to listen to G-d's word and make the most of our limited time on this earth. Why settle for good when you can strive for great?
As I looked around the board meeting, at my close friends and congregants, I concluded, "We hope that you will join in our excitement to fulfill the destiny of the Jewish people. For thousands of years, Jews have prayed for the opportunity to return to the Land promised to us in the Torah. Moving to Israel is a privilege Hashem has granted to our generation and Abby and I are eager to raise our children in the land of our ancestors."
As a Christian Zionist, you have a special role to play in the rebirth of the Land of Israel and the prophetic fulfillment of Isaiah 49:22, "This is what the Sovereign Lord says: "See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders." Through your support of Christian Friends of Israeli Communities, you are enabling Jews like me to live the dream and return home.
Rabbi Naphtali Weisz
Beth Jacob Congregation
1223 College Avenue
Columbus, OH 43209
614-237-8641
www.BJCOLUMBUS.org
|
|
Thanks for sharing your valuable thoughts. israel gifts
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your valuable thoughts. israel gifts
ReplyDelete