Vayeshev, The Messianic Israel Alliance

Can we do תפילות prayers for: 

The Messianic Israel Alliance

That also through them The האור Light,  רפואה The Healing and The ואהבה Love of ישועת יהוה Yeshuath YHWH may come back to הארץ The Land of Israel?

 

Upcoming Events Congregation Leadership Workshop March 22-25 Watertown, Tennessee Boot Camp 2 June 28 - July 3 Knoxville, Tennessee January 28-30 Henderson, Nevada Join teachers Daniel Botkin, John Conrad, Rico Cortes, Scott Diffenderfer, Hale Harris, Wally Smith, local worship teams, and other believers for our first southwestern regional conference! [Learn More]		Vayeshev Genesis 37:1 to 40:23 Celebrate Hanukkah The MIA is blessed to be able to celebrate Hanukkah focused upon the lampstand, Yeshua - the Light of the World! Dr. Holisa Alewine will lead us through her awesome and deep study on The Creation Gospel over two days with a bonus offering of The Spirit Filled Family on day three. We will have times of praise and worship, presentation dances, Torah readings, and good fellowship as well. Come and join us for the Feast of Dedication as we lift up the Light of the World and bask in His goodness. [Discover More] Vayeshev | Genesis 37:1 to 40:23 Sheepfold Gleanings | Español by Carl & Julie Parker Waters in the Wilderness | Torah Explorers by Natan Lawrence Torah and Glory School by Hutch Church Click Titles To Read! About The Commentaries Traditional Judaism follows a yearly Torah and Haftarah reading cycle in which the Torah (the First Five Books of Scripture) is divided into weekly portions that have an accompanying excerpt from one of the Prophetic books that relates to the theme being presented. As Believers in Messiah Yeshua, we also include portions from the New Testament, so that we will be reading form the whole counsel of our Father's Holy Word. Each of these portions contain several chapters. Since each parashah contains untold numbers of nuggets of truth, it is impossible for any one person to present all of the truths in one weekly volume. As we go through the annual cycle, we find new, encouraging, and inspiring bits of truth. Each commentator brings different aspects to light, and we encourage open discussion on biblical passages, and thus the views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Messianic Israel Alliance or its members and affiliates.
PO Box 3263, Lebanon, TN 37088 | (800) 829-8777 | www.messianicisrael.com

 

Shabbat Shalom - Generations of Guilt for the Sale of Joseph

Can we do תפילות prayers for: 

Sondra Oster Baras and CFOIC Heartland

That also through them The האור Light,  רפואה The Healing and The ואהבה Love of ישועת יהוה Yeshuath YHWH may come back to הארץ The Land of Israel?

 

Shabbat Shalom Want to listen and watch a teaching on the Torah Portion?  Click below to watch Sondra speaking about this week's Vayeshev Torah portion.   If you have difficulties watching the video, pause it for a few minutes to let it download and spool the video. When you push "play" again it should play smoothly for you. Make a Donation to help CFOIC Heartland in Israel!
November 26, 2010
What is Shabbat Shalom?   Jews all over the world read a portion of the Torah, the Five Books of Moses, in the synagogue every Shabbat morning.  The cycle begins right after the Feast of Tabernacles and concludes the following year at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles.  Traditionally, Jewish families discuss the Torah portion at their Shabbat Table, bringing new insights, each year, to the same inspirational words and stories that they have been reading for years. In this weekly column, Sondra Oster Baras, CFOIC Heartland's Israel Director, shares her personal reflections on the weekly Torah portion. *** Visit the Heartland Heartbeat Blog... Join Email List... If you have friends who would enjoy reading this weekly Biblical thought, please use the link below to send it to your friends...  If you would like to support the brave men and women who have made their home in Biblical Israel; you can make a contribution to the ongoing work of CFOIC... Support CFOIC... Bet Yatir Say YES! to Israel Samaria Trees	Vayeshev (and He (Jacob) Settled) Genesis 37:1 - 40:23 This week's portion begins the story of Joseph, beginning with Genesis chapter 37. We learn that Jacob favors Joseph and buys him a striped coat, which results in the brothers' terrible jealousy of him. Joseph is introduced to us as a dreamer and as he interprets his dreams, it becomes clear that he sees himself as superior to his brothers. The story progresses, or actually regresses, until the brothers plot to kill Joseph, then sell him to a caravan of traders instead. Joseph is brought to Egypt, sold as a slave and the portion ends with him in prison. The resolution of this story will play itself out in subsequent chapters, but it is the sale of Joseph by his brothers that lies at the core of all that happens in this portion. In the middle of the portion, clearly interrupting the flow of the story, is the story of Judah and Tamar. But this story is carefully placed in order to present a different Judah, a man who has clearly strayed from righteousness, and is suffering for it. His sons have been killed by G-d, he visits a prostitute (or so he thinks) and is willing to have his daughter-in-law killed. Following the sale of his brother Joseph, a horrendous crime in which he played a central role, Judah is a troubled man. The unity of the brothers is unraveling. How is it that these jealous, warring brothers will become a unified nation able to serve G-d and receive His commandments at Sinai? The bondage in Egypt will play a critical role in forging the nation. The nation of Israel will not emerge from slavery a perfect nation. But they will have become a nation and will leave Egypt as one. Perhaps it is Pharaoh who helps this process along - for when he enslaves the children of Israel and then decrees that all Jewish boys must be put to death, he creates a common destiny for all of the children of Israel. Centuries later, in the second century of the common era, there were 10 martyrs of Israel, scholars and rabbis who were put to death by the Romans for their insistence on maintaining their faith, teaching the Torah and keeping G-d's commandments. These were very righteous men and their wisdom and teachings are studied to this very day. On Yom Kippur, there is a portion of the prayer service that tells the story of these 10 martyrs and states a curious reason for their horrible suffering - the sale of Joseph by his brothers. Clearly, these 10 martyrs, living so many centuries after the sale could not be held responsible for that event. Also, by ascribing their suffering to such a distant event, it is clear that these men were righteous and their personal deeds did not bring such a terrible fate upon them. I can't begin to give an answer as to why these 10 men were killed. But I believe the prayer service is making a profound connection between the sale of Joseph and centuries of Jewish history. The sale of Joseph is the epitome of civil war, of sibling rivalry at its ugliest and most dangerous. The second Temple period, the last centuries before the common era and the first century of the common era was rife with division and downright hatred within the Jewish people. Our sages consider this to be the primary reason for the destruction of the Temple. The sale of Joseph was a terrible crime and forshadows the worst times in our history, when Jew fought against Jew. Since the destruction of the Second Temple, the Jewish people have been united in their absolute refusal to fight against one another. We are vociferous and often argue loudly and vehemently, but we will not resort to violence or civil war. It took centuries, but we finally did learn the lesson of the sale of Joseph. Perhaps the death of the 10 martyrs actually sealed the chapter on this issue and forever seared the idea in our collective consciousness that we will never resort to civil war. Perhaps, like the bondage in Egypt, it was the hatred directed against us as a nation that helped to solidify this consciousness. Many wondered why the Jews of Gush Katif were not violent - did not use weapons to defend their homes and property. Thank G-d, the lesson of Joseph's sale remains strong. Shabbat Shalom from Samaria, Sondra Sondra Baras Director, Israel Office Did you enjoy hearing Sondra's insights? If so you can:Join our email list to have them delivered to your inbox every Friday morningForward to a Friend so they too can enjoyDonate to help the brave settlers of Judea and Samaria! May 23 - June 2, 2011 Israel Tour With Pastor Gary Cristofaro, First Assembly of God, Melbourne, FL May 23rd - June 2nd, 2011 Eilat Extension June 3rd- June 6th Israel Host for the Tour: Sondra Oster Baras, Director, CFOIC Heartland - Israel Only CFOIC Heartland gives you the inside story of Israel! Meet the people who are settling the Land of Israel.  Listen to stories of faith and courage.  Experience the Heartland of Biblical Israel like never before! Click here for details! Request your brochure today!  today! The Choosing of a Chosen People   A 5 part series on Genesis by Sondra Oster Baras Watch the trailer here!   Sondra Oster Baras, director of CFOIC Heartland's Israel office, takes you on a journey through the Book of Genesis, which lays the foundation for the creation of God's chosen people. Order the DVD set...    Each purchase of this DVD series goes 100% to support the Israel Office!

 

Joined To HaShem Newsletter, November 26 2010

Can we do תפילות prayers for: 

Mike Clayton

That also through them The האור Light,  רפואה The Healing and The ואהבה Love of ישועת יהוה Yeshuath YHWH may come back to הארץ The Land of Israel?

 

		November 25 2010
	Joined To Hashem Newsletter
	In this issue...   Streaming Video Happy Thanksgiving Torah Commentary Quick Links... Mike's Itinerary Resources Torah Is Life Web Site Links Kingdom Paths Linen Hebraic Woodworking Join our mailing list!	TEACHING THE HEBRAIC PERSPECTIVE OF FAITH IN AND OBEDIENCE TO THE ONE TRUE GOD Streaming Video Live Update! At least it was live when I recorded it Wednesday morning! Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, current events and a family update are a few of the subjects covered this week. VIDEO Happy Thanksgiving From our family to yours, we wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. Torah Commentary Vayeshev "And he dwelt" Genesis 37:1-40:23 Amos 2:6-3:8 Zechariah 2:14 - 4:7 Judges 1-3 A Time Of Preparation As a young boy watching his father's sheep, Joseph had no idea of the great destiny to which he was called. Even after his infamous dreams he did not realize. Though he did not understand at the time and would not for many years, Elohim was directing his life in a very unique way. Along the way Joseph would have to endure rejection, hardships, being misunderstood and most every emotion and trial one man could ever expect to endure in a lifetime. All the while, though I am sure he did not understand it, his life was on track for a purpose. That purpose would eventually be realized after a time of plenty followed by a time of famine, a famine that would bring his family under one roof. It would be a time in which healing could occur between brothers who had grown up with mistreatment, division, anger, jealousy and a whole list of negatives. Joseph would endure much on his road from the prison of a water cistern to the palace of the king. All the while he would have to learn to walk his life, step by step, with faith in the God of his forefathers. Along Joseph's walk there would be dreams, visions and encounters he would have to interpret. There would be no way to know at the moment if his decisions were right or wrong in a natural sense. He would have to learn to trust an inward voice, a voice, which would speak so softly that Joseph would at times wonder if he had heard correctly. There would be times when everything around him would say the decisions he had made were wrong. People would criticize and mock him for his convictions and principles, yet he would have to continue to walk, one day at a time, trusting in One whom he had never seen, One whom he had only heard of from his forefathers. We today have the convenience of reading ahead a few chapters in Genesis to find out that everything did turn out well and they all lived happily ever after. We can read through the story, smiling all the while because we have read it many times before and we already know the outcome is a sweet one. We then close the book, lay it on the nightstand, turn on the news and fall asleep, not stopping to realize the account of Joseph is more than a story, it is also a prophecy. Yes, the life of Joseph as well as many others have fulfillment in that day as well as a day to come. Joseph speaks of a time of plenty upon the earth, followed by a time of famine, a time of hardship even for the family of Joseph. Most believe his story also speaks of a time of plenty upon the earth, which will be followed by a time called "the time of Jacob's trouble." The book of Amos tells us that HaShem will do nothing unless He reveals it to His servants the prophets. I can tell you that from one corner of the earth to another people tell me of a very soft voice inside that tells them the world is about to change and change fast. People are saying to me that hard times are coming. They are asking what they should do to prepare for these times. So how do we prepare? Here are a few suggestions I have that each of us should be doing on a daily basis. 1. Get to know His Word. Don't just read it, looking to confirm what we think we already know, but really read it praying that old doctrines which may be wrong will be corrected. It is a day to repent and turn to Torah. This is the message of all of scripture. It is in Torah that we find the foundation of our relationship with Him. 2. Get to know His voice. But how do we know His voice in a world of so many voices? His voice will always line up with His Word. 3. Look at the people He is bringing into your life as well as the ones He is trying to take out of your life. If we allow Him, He will surround us with people who will complement the destiny He is calling us to. Letting go of the past will allow you to be set free while holding on will on serve as an anchor. 4. Don't be afraid to let go of what seems secure in the natural to take hold of what is secure in the spiritual. Remember, His Kingdom is unshakeable and is truly the only thing secure. Joseph in his day held on to a dream. Today, we hold on His Word. It is His Word that reminds us that in the midst of turmoil, He will never leave us or forsake us. No matter if our destiny becomes one of betrayal and hardship like Joseph, the end of the story reminds us that those who stand fast may in the beginning be called heretics, but in the end, the heretics become the heroes. Soon we begin Hanukah, a time to remember those who stood fast and did not waiver. Look at the scriptures of Hebrews 11. Who is it that is mentioned? It is Joseph. I just wonder if there are others today who through living life in the pattern of Joseph are still being added to the list of the Hall of Faith. Now that is a question to ponder for a while. Shabbat Shalom, Mike PRINT VERSION
	email: hineni@mac.com phone: 405 257 6277 web: http://www.joinedtohashem.org

 

Can we do תפילות prayers for: 

The Messianic Israel Alliance

That also through them The האור Light,  רפואה The Healing and The ואהבה Love of ישועת יהוה Yeshuath YHWH may come back to הארץ The Land of Israel?

 

Upcoming Events December 3-5 Watertown, Tennessee The MIA is blessed to be able to celebrate Hanukkah focused upon the lampstand, Yeshua - the Light of the World! Dr. Holisa Alewine will lead us through her awesome and deep study on The Creation Gospel over two days with a bonus offering of The Spirit Filled Family on day three. We will have times of praise and worship, presentation dances, Torah readings, and good fellowship as well. Come and join us for the Feast of Dedication as we lift up the Light of the World and bask in His goodness. [Learn More]		Hodu! Here in the US, we are heading into Thanksgiving. There has been a great deal of chatter from analysts and commentators over the last several months and years about the future, most painting a gloomier future and some even predicting a wave of chaos across the globe. A little closer to home there has been increasing antagonism over the beliefs of the MIA and other groups that wish to unite Messianic believers and some of our Messianic Jewish brothers, who wish to divide God's people into two camps. It seems as though pressure is mounting in all facets of the world we live. Sometimes pressure leads some to panic, while some others become profiteers. But pressure is also used to purify. Increasing pressure should therefore only concern those who do not pursue the purity of righteousness. Rather, the focus of those being purified by the pressure should not panic, but praise. Therefore, this Thanksgiving may we praise the God of Israel for: Providing for all of our needs and even some of our wants. Being faithful to carry out His promises to His people. Increasing the pressure to build character in His people. Perfect timing for a perfect plan. The great awakening that is currently underway. Our family near and far. Having His hand upon all that swirls around us. Providing His Son to guide us through the pressure still to come. At this wonderful season of Thanksgiving, may His people remember to give thanks as never before. The Hebrew word for giving thanks is hodu and it is also the Hebrew word for turkey. The US has a connection with Israel on this Thanksgiving day as we feast upon turkey while giving thanks! We have a choice - to look around and succumb to the pressure of a world that cannot contain us, or to look up and give Him praise! Let us praise Him for the awesome time in which we live. When pressure within the world increases, we will see mighty events occur within the Body of Messiah. In the end times, our discomfort will increase throughout the world until we are miraculously standing firmly in the Land of Promise. Man’s manipulations and ignorance cannot stop the Hand of our God. Hold on, we shall be delivered. So, hodu Israel hodu! We here at the MIA hodu for you!
PO Box 3263, Lebanon, TN 37088 | (800) 829-8777 | www.messianicisrael.com

 

Mikra - Mitzvat Hanukkah (II)

Can we do תפילות prayers for: 

Rabbi Yitz Etshalom and Torah.org

That also through them The האור Light,  רפואה The Healing and The ואהבה Love of ישועת יהוה Yeshuath YHWH may come back to הארץ The Land of Israel?

 

Mikra         by Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom         Print Version
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Parshat Vayeishev Mitzvat Hanukkah (II) I THE SUGYA In last week's shiur, we analyzed the central sugya in the Gemara which presents the various levels of performing the Mitzvah of Hadlakat Ner Hanukkah: Our Rabbis taught: The Mitzvah of Hanukkah is: 1) one *Ner* for a man and his household; 2) the *M'hadrin* (zealous - those who wish to beautify and enhance the Mitzvah) [kindle] a light for each member [of the household]; 3) and the *M'hadrin min haM'hadrin*: a) Beit Shammai maintain: On the first day eight lights are lit and thereafter they are gradually reduced; b) but Beit Hillel say: On the first day one is lit and thereafter they are progressively increased. (BT Shabbat 21b) As promised, this week we will share some insights of Rav Avraham Yitzchak haKohen Kook zt"l relating to this sugya. First, a few words of introduction to the writings of Rav Kook. II RAV KOOK AND THE 'EIN AYAH Rav Kook, born in 1865 in Grieve, Latvia, made Aliyah at the beginning of this century to serve as Chief Rabbi of Tel-Aviv/Yaffo. He later ascended to the position of Chief Rabbi of Eretz Yisrael, a position he served with distinction until his passing in 1935. Among his many achievements as Halakhist ,theologian and communal leader, Rav Kook's greatest legacy is likely his prodigious literary output. Among the many works already published (there are many more still in manuscript form), "Ein Ayah", his commentary on the Aggadot of the Gemara (the collection known as Ein Ya'akov) is among the most insightful and profound. To date, only three volumes of the Ein Ayah commentary have seen the light of day. Fortunately for us, the third volume includes the discussion relating to Hanukkah in Massechet Shabbat - and it is from this work that we will quote Rav Kook's analysis on our sugya. Rav Kook's many contributions to Jewish thought in this century are often overlooked, as he is the ideological father of modern Religious Zionism and most of his fame outside of the world of those Yeshivot which are guided and inspired by his weltanschauung is limited to this politically-oriented and hotly debated ideological position. Nonetheless, for those of us who have had the opportunity to be exposed to some of the breadth and depth of his writings, Rav Kook never fails to challenge, stimulate and inspire; engaging the mind as well as speaking to the heart. It was Rav Kook who, while decrying the blatantly anti-religious sentiment present among the early Zionist leaders, understood the "Divine Spark" which motivated their zeal on behalf of the People and the Land. In a sense, he was the father of modern-day Outreach in that he was able to illuminate the glory in every Jewish soul, regardless of how far from tradition that person had strayed. Most of the Ein Ayah was composed before Rav Kook made Aliyah, during his tenure as the Rav in Boisk, Lithuania. During that time, the ferment of political Zionism was felt throughout Europe and engaged the rabbinate - most of whom were ardent opponents of the nascent political movement. I believe that much of the commentary presented below (in abridged form - due to space limitations) reflects some of the divisions felt within the Orthodox community at the time. I will comment on this towards the end of this shiur. One word about this presentation: Rav Kook's writing is among the most difficult to translate, due to his lofty language and the many allusions and double-entendres which he employs. Instead of translating "loosely", this presentation will include a literal rendering (as much as is possible) of his essay, followed by an explanation and commentary. Although it would be easier to translate his frequent use of "Yisra'el" and "Yisra'eli" as "Jew" and "Jewish", respectively, I prefer to keep greater fidelity to the original. Now…to the Ein Ayah. III NER ISH UVEITO "The victory which God granted through His servants, the Kohanim [Hashmonaim] who overcame the Greeks - who desired not only to uproot Am Yisra'el from their material position but also to uproot the character of life which Yisra'el impact upon the world, which must be rooted in Torah, that purity and dignity should be the chief goal in family life and from there will follow all of the other Yisra'eli attitudes and traits. This is what the Greek nation abhorred, seeing in it an enemy and foe to their culture, wherein they raised the banner the enjoyment of life and the many physical and imaginary pleasures; therefore the hatred of the Greeks for Torat Yisra'el was very great. In the moderate way by which a Yisra'eli comports himself, even if he is not an extraordinary individual, nonetheless within family life, we recognize the 'Ivri' light, the purity and dignity, trustworthiness and all of the character traits which branch out from this for the good; these are easily see n in all of their glory in every Yisra'eli house which follows the way of Torah and Mitzvot - therefore, the obligation of Mitzvat Ner Hanukkah is 'Ner Ish uVeito.' " Comment and Analysis: The attempted Hellinization of Judea was the first time in our history that we had encountered a deliberate attempt to sway us from our national ethos - from the value system which informs the life of Torah commitment. Whereas we had fought wars against enemies who desired our land - or even our demise - this was the first real kulturkampf which we fought. The Greeks were not interested (for the most part) in Judaicide - rather in the Hellenization of all of the "barbaric peoples of the East". Rav Kook sees the fundamental celebration of Hanukkah as marking the cultural/spiritual defense against the onslaught of Hellenes. One of the hallmarks of Hellenistic culture was the focus on personal excellence - in a word, you were only as good as the latest achievement you had demonstrated. This performance could be athletic in nature, or in the marketplace of ideas and wisdom. Whether in art, science, battle or philosophy, the Greeks introduced us to the notion of personal excellence. This focus was rooted, however, in a fundamental lack of respect for the human being per se - you were nothing if you had not achieved, in a measurable way, something grand and impressive. Much as we hail the achievements of great individuals (especially in the battleground of the Beit Midrash, but also in the laboratory and on the battlefield), this does not diminish our regard for every person, even those who are far from excellent. The Greeks used to "dispose" of disabled children and send their invalid old away to die (an approach adopted by our tormentors of two generations past). The innate dignity which we, contradistinctively, accord each person, is the product of our recognition of the image of God which is the stamp of each human. Greek excellence was an external demonstration, in the arena, marketplace and theater. Jewish excellence begins, first and foremost and most critically, within the four walls of our homes. We recognize bravery as being proved in restraint as much - if not more - than in conquest. "Who is mighty?" ask Haza"l, "He who conquers his own urges". (Avot 4:1). The respect which we show towards each of our loved ones, the intense care we have for family is a reflection of that understanding of sanctity. The concentration of Jewish excellence is found in the private, personal lives of regular people, restraining their anger when a loved one errs, restraining their passions when a loved one requests privacy and controlling their appetites when consumption is outside of the bounds of sanctity. All of this said, it was the Jewish home - i.e. the way that Jewish families demonstrated courage and sanctity in the private domain of average individuals - that irked the Greeks and was a thorn in their side. It challenged the entire Hellenistic enterprise. As such, the first and most fundamental battleground in the kulturkampf was the Jewish home. That being the case, it is the Jewish family upon whom the most fundamental celebration of this victory devolves - hences, the basic Mitzvah is "Ner Ish uVeito." By the way, although far from the original intent of Rav Kook's words, we can even see this phenomenon among relatively non-observant Jews today. Many of our brothers and sisters who are not scrupulous about Kashrut in their own lives, insist on maintaining a Kosher home. So many "lines in the sand" drawn in contemporary Jewish life are defenses of the Jewish home and family - even among those who are still far from personal observance. A note on Rav Kook's very sensitive use of words.. Although he usually uses "Yisra'el" here, when describing the "light" which emanates from the Jewish home, Rav Kook refers to "the Ivri light". As we pointed out in an earlier shiur (in the Yonah series), the word "Ivri" is always used in T'nakh to describe us from the perspective of our separateness from pagan nations and our affiliation with the universal God. Since Rav Kook is referring to this light as it permeates the outside (more on this later), he makes mention of the "Ivri" light. IV MEHADRIN "The extraordinary individuals in Yisra'el, whose lives themselves stand ready to experience the Divine sanctity which the complete Torah has imprinted on them - it is appropriate that such people be of the 'Mehadrin - [that have] one candle per person'. Even in the individual life, the glow, splendor and light of Torah which accompanies him in all of his paths will be recognized, as long as he is very careful to guard his ways according to the Torah, then he will experience the fulfillment of 'and all of the peoples of the earth shall see that Hashem's Name has been proclaimed over you and they shall stand in fear of you.' (D'varim 28:10)." Comment and Analysis: Whereas every Jewish home, regardless of the stature of its constituent members, reflects the light of Torah (as long as it operates according to the ethos of Torah), by dint of the holiness expressed in the mode of interpersonal relationships therein - the extraordinary individual carries this light with him wherever he goes. Although individual sanctity may have its drawbacks, from a perspective of cultural interaction and social impact, the person who can carry the light with him at all times is clearly positioned to impact more intensely and consistently on his surroundings. Thus, such a person should be represented by his own individual light. V MEHADRIN MIN HAMEHADRIN (I) "Among those extraordinary individuals whose every step is weighed "B'Shekel haKodesh" (lit. "with a holy weight" - meaning, always considered against the measure of holiness which will be brought into the world as a result), to the point where not only their family lives exude Godly holiness but also their personal lives, there are found saintly people whose entire focus in their lives is not for their own benefit - even spiritual (i.e. the World to Come), rather their entire desire is to bring about God's will in His world. "In analyzing how the miracle of Hanukkah can arouse the hearts of such holy people to bring about this noble desire, there are two general approaches, each of which divides into two particular paths: "There are great people who look deeply at God's will in this world; and since they recognize that the Master of all Souls created Man as a general being in His image and all creatures in the image of God, He certainly intended to benefit them in their end, that they should rise above the depth of evil and foolishness which surrounds them until they are worthy of the level of the righteous who delight in God and His good. It is true that God prepared Yisra'el to be the recipients of the of Godly light in the world; but only then will the goal which elates the heart of all who are upright be realized, when the goal is completed by Yisra'el to bring all citizens of the world to the light of God and a holy life. "From the perspective of this approach, the internal tendency which guides the hearts of the upright will be to walk in the path of God according to the Torah not only because it brings goodness to Yisra'el specifically, but rather because of this ultimate and most enlightened purpose, since the good of Yisra'el will eventually bring goodness to all of Mankind. Such a tendency, which is passionate, could lead one to believe that an orientation which singles out the goal of Toraic actions on account of the general welfare of Yisra'el is not the loftiest of tendencies and should be raised even higher to overcome the tendency of love of Yisra'el. "For such people, national fellowship cannot be the source of their lives, rather the love of God and His Torah - since this ultimate goal can be found within the Torah; a goal which is so lofty that they could only appropriate national fellowship as a means to this end." Comments and Analysis: [Although this selection does not conclude Rav Kook's analysis of the Mehadrin min haMehadrin, the language and ideas are abstruse and recondite and it is probably advisable to intersperse a few observations here. ] Rav Kook is pointing out that although the "Mehadrin" may represent those excellent individuals, whose very lives exude holiness and promote Torah wherever they go, they are usually motivated by self-interest (albeit, of the noblest form). The desire to "grow in Torah", to become an authentic "Talmid Hakham", to increase ones measure of kindness and to develop ever finer character traits is usually motivated by the ambition of personal greatness. There is no question that this is a necessary and praiseworthy ambition - but it is still "self-centered" and lacks the idealistic purity of the "Mehadrin min haMehadrin". The "elite" described here, who may engage in the same behavior as the "extraordinary", are motivated by a wholly different set of concerns. As opposed to asking "how can I become closer to God?", "how can I become more knowledgeable in Torah?" etc., the question asked is "How can God's Name be enhanced in this world - and what can I do to promote that?". This ideologically driven person can fall into one of two categories - and only the first has been adumbrated in this paragraph. Such a person accepts several postulates about the world - that God is good, that He created all creatures in His image and that, therefore, God desires to bring all of them (since He is good) to a realization of their potential (being in His image).. As such, the ultimate goal - the idyllic vision - of creation is to bring all of creation and all of Mankind to a level of awareness of God and sensitivity to the values by which His world can thrive. Such a person views the life of Torah, the fulfillment of Mizvot etc. as oriented towards this great goal. That being the case, any nationalistic ties we have, any special allegiance we carry for fellow members of Yisra'el, are ultimately a hindrance to reaching this goal and can only be seen in a positive light as a means to achieving this end. The reason that this fellowship is a valid means is beca use Am Yisra'el, as the recipients of the Torah, are uniquely positioned to demonstrate to the rest of the world how a holy people should comport themselves - but that is, again, merely a vehicle for the ultimate goal. Rav Kook is defending/explaining a school of thought which was very popular in the nineteenth century in Europe (a school most often associated with R. Shimshon Raphael Hirsch - although it has roots which reach back much earlier in Jewish literary history). This school views Am Yisra'el chiefly in its role as teachers of the world, who are situated throughout the Diaspora in order to inspire, instruct and illuminate the non-Jewish world around us. This school is fond of the adage of Haza"l: "R. Elazar says: HaKadosh Barukh Hu only exiled Yisra'el among the nations in order that converts should be added to their ranks." (BT Pesahim 87b) One final note: Rav Kook does an exquisite job of shedding light on the curious title: Mehadrin MIN haMehadrin. Instead of understanding this as a hierarchical title (i.e. "greater" than the Mehadrin), he uses the language to identify this as an elite sub-group within the Mehadrin. VI MEHADRIN MIN HAMEHADRIN (II) "There is another approach, in which the heart of an extraordinary person will contemplate and reach the conclusion that it is indeed true that self-love is not fitting for the greatest level of profundity, even if it is expanded to include a love for the whole nation. Nonetheless it is appropriate to love the good on its own merit - therefore it is right to accord to the goal of public life the greatest content possible in life. Since the Divine treasure is hidden within Yisra'el, therefore they are certainly qualified to become completed to this degree such that their life should be the desire of any upright person, not because of the self-love of "a man is prejudiced regarding himself"; rather because of the truth and uprightness itself. "Therefore, the treasure of Yisra'el should be the focus of all spiritual life, and it is upon this that the objective of all of Torah should be built. It follows that there is room in the simple sensitive heart of national fellowship, to make it an appropriate trait in the paths of Torah., since even according to the depth of Divine justice the final objective will remain the purpose of Yisr'ael. [This is] because the final goal should not be based upon the quantity of lives, rather their quality, and the most wondrous quality will e'er remain the legacy of Yisra'el as testimony of the Divine choice and their treasure."     Mikra, Copyright &copy 2010 by Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom and Torah.org. The author is Educational Coordinator of the Jewish Studies Institute of the Yeshiva of Los Angeles. Questions or comments? Email feedback@torah.org. Join the Jewish Learning Revolution! Torah.org: The Judaism Site brings this and a host of other classes to you every week. Visit http://torah.org or email learn@torah.org to get your own free copy of this mailing. Permission is granted to redistribute, but please give proper attribution and copyright to the author and Torah.org. Both the author and Torah.org reserve certain rights. Email copyrights@torah.org for full information.

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Time To Come Home!

Can we do תפילות prayers for: 

Kad-Esh MAP Ministries

That also through them The האור Light,  רפואה The Healing and The ואהבה Love of ישועת יהוה Yeshuath YHWH may come back to הארץ The Land of Israel?

27th of November 2010 Parasha- VAYESHEV Bereshit (Genesis) 40
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TIME TO COME HOME!   These are the journeys of the sons of Israel, by which they came out from the land of Egypt by their armies, under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Numbers 33:2 Shabbat shalom dearly beloved! Did you know that the People of Israel set up camp 42 times during their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness? Sometimes they stayed a year or two and other times they dismantled the camp and the Mishkan (Tabernacle) only after a few months.  This is very encouraging to me! I was counting a few months ago, how many times I had moved house in life and after 40, I stopped counting! Then our Ministry Tour Group was visiting a replica of the Mishkan (Wilderness Tabernacle) in the Araba near Eilat. The Messianic lady that guides over there mentioned that the  Mishkan was dismantled 42 times! As she said that a light bulb went inside of me. I have preached many times that we are the MISHKAN, the Tabernacle, the Dwelling Place of YHVH on earth. One time I remember the Ruakh HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) expressly sending me to Switzerland as “The Mercy Seat” which is the “LID” of the Ark of the Covenant representing Yah’s Throne on Earth.  We are the Temple of the Holy Spirit and also the Ark of the Covenant that houses His Word and Commandments! You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to Elohim through Yeshua HaMashiach. 1 Peter 2:5 I have always felt strange when someone told me, “I have lived in this house for the last 40 years, 20 years or whatever! And I have never moved anywhere”.  I would think to myself how is it to live in ONE place for that long and why have I been MOVING so much? Am I just a “Wandering Jew?” Or is there a true value behind so much MOVING? The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, travelling from place to place as YHVH commanded. Exodus 17:1 Since my salvation experience 22 years ago, I have been living a prophetic picture in my own life as an act of intercession for the Salvation of Israel and for the Restoration of the True Bride of Messiah. So what does this MOVING means? There is no doubt that Israel spiritually speaking is still “wandering in the wilderness”. Though we have returned from EXILE and yet we are not totally “Home” yet. We are back to the Land but now it is time to return to the Elohim of the Land. It is TIME for our eyes to be opened to Yeshua! For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery--so that you will not be wise in your own estimation--that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and so all Israel will be saved; just as it is written. Romans 11:25,26a It is also time for the Bride of Messiah to RETURN from the exile of Replacement Theology Christianity to the Gospel made in Zion and to be re-grafted back into the Olive Tree. Also the Kehila (Church) has been wandering in an endless desert of theology trying to find the Truth and the Truth is “sticking out” “like a sore thumb”, There is no Gospel, New Covenant, Bible or Messiah without Israel! So, why is it so difficult to understand? Because in the midst of the wanderings of the Church throughout the endless theologies of men, she became blinded to the ONE truth that would solve it all and cause her “to come home”. Y’shua is Jewish! And there is no New Covenant with the Gentiles, only with the Jews and Israel! Behold, days are coming," declares the YHVH, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, Jeremiah 31:31 Why is it that there is no New Covenant with the Gentiles? It is because there is no Old Covenant with the Gentiles. It is as simple as that! And if this New Covenant with the Jew First and THROUGH the Jews then with the nations, why are we celebrating Babylonian, Greek Festivals like Ishtar  (Easter)and Christmas instead of Jewish/Biblical Festivals such as Pesach, Shavuot and Succoth? Why do we carry on with a “Greek kind of jargon” and insist on calling the Messiah by a Greek name rather than by His original, Hebrew, Eternal name YESHUA which means Salvation, Deliverance, Healing and so on? And you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree. Romans 11:17b I will tell you why, because the Kehila (Church) has been in exile, in the wilderness moving from one “Christian camp” to another and it is time to go home and stop wandering! The Gospel is Jewish, the Messiah is Jewish, the whole Bible was written by mostly Jews and Israelites, it gathers that the End Time Kehila (Church) will be looking quite “Jewish” or Hebrew herself!  The New Jerusalem’s gates are Israelis are the Foundation Stones, the 12 Jewish Apostles of the Lamb! And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God Her brilliance was like a very costly stone, as a stone of crystal-clear jasper. It had a great and high wall, with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. Revelation 21:10-12 When the Tribes of Israel crossed the Jordan River they set up camp for in Gilgal across Jericho and there they went through circumcision before possessing the Land and coming HOME! Gilgal means to “roll over” or “roll over the reproach of Egypt. (Joshua 5:9) At that time the YHVH said to Joshua, "Make for yourself flint knives and circumcise again the sons of Israel the second time. Joshua 5:3 In the same way the End Time Bride is going through a Heart Circumcision removing the reproach of Egypt/ Babylon and Babylonian traditions. This is the reason why Joshua circumcised them: all the people who came out of Egypt who were males, all the men of war, died in the wilderness along the way after they came out of Egypt. Joshua 5:4 It is time to “come home” and end the “Desert wanderings” with a Heart Circumcision that will enable us to possess all that Yah has promised! It is time to roll the reproach of Babylonian Christianity and Replacement Theology! Then YHVH said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you." So the name of that place is called Gilgal to this day. Joshua 5:9 PURIM 2011 PRAYER MISSION AND ESTHER TOUR OF ISRAEL         “For such a time as this” Esther 4:4 MARCH 7-13     MARATHON OF PRAYER IN EILAT AND THE NEGEV FOR THE REVIVAL OF ISRAEL 1 week in Eilat with occasional prayer field trips into the surrounding areas, Arava and Negev. The purpose is to pray on site, over the Red Sea for the Revival of Israel for protection for its borders with Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. This is the Biblical area where the Tribes of Israel wandered for 40 years en route to the Promised Land Land package only $850 USD includes simple hotels and breakfast in double room occupancy and field trips in Eilat, Negev and Araba. Flights not included. MARCH 14-21 REVIVAL TOUR OF ISRAEL From Eilat, Red Sea to Jerusalem, Dead Sea and Galilee Land package only $1280 USD includes deluxe hotels breakfast And dinner in double room occupancy, all tours, transportation And entrance fees. Flights not included. (Minimum of 20 participants) You can participate in any one of these events or in both! Expect miracles!!! Guided and led By Bishop Dominiquae and Rabbi Baruch Bierman Register today to GRM Bible School by correspondence or study in Israel for 3month www.globalrevivalmap.org     From Israel to your home! For more on this I invite you to read my book “Grafted In” and to join the scores of GRM students on our video Bible School from Israel to your home! www.globalrevivalmap.com or email is at karenmap@msn.com for more information on this life changing opportunity! See these awesome testimonies that have arrived this week from two of our GRM students! I am happy and sincere to confirm ones more that these teachings are just amazing and they blow my mind; have been celebrating YHVH and laughing throughout the teaching for they blew out my understanding of the holy and sacred writings, as now more than before I can really give the same value to the Old and New testament, and spend even more time with ‘’ old testament to even get closer and deeper the very insight of the laws and prophets! And joyfully, I can loudly announce that I’m getting change and change and change. Reverend Eli Mafuta, Ivory Coast The Lord is revealing sooo much through your GRM teachings. 12 years of questions are being answered including one big one tonight. How to make people hungry for the Lord....show them your passion for Yeshua. It will rub off on them. Bro. Kenneth Newkirk, USA Thus says the YHVH,"Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths,  Where the good way is, and walk in it;and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16 We invite you to “COME HOME” “For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent” Isaiah 62:1 You friends in Israel (YOUR home as well!) Bishop Dominiquae and Rabbi Baruch Bierman To purchase the life changing books of Bishop Dominiquae Bierman click here  PARTNERSHIP WITH US! Thank you for your love, partnership and support. And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed. Genesis 12:3 You can send your offering via Bank transfer, paypal, credit card or Western Union. For PayPal click here http://www.kad-esh.org/onetime.html For credit card you can fax us your credit card details to Israel at +972-8-6330270 or call us at +972-52-3781553 or email karenmap@msn.com For Western Union send to Baruch Bierman, PO Box 590, Jerusalem 91004, Israel.  Then  send us the 10 digit code and details that the western union was sent from For bank Transfer email us at karenmap@msn.com and we will send you the details.  For  CHECK send it to Kad-Esh MAP Ministries, P.O. Box 8893, Fayetteville, AR  72703-8893 Contact Information Kad-Esh MAP Ministries  E-mail: karenmap@netvision.net.il      www.kad-esh.org USA: PO. Box 8893, Fayetteville, AR  72703-8893 Israel: PO Box 590,  Jerusalem 91004, Israel  Phone +972 523 781 553,  Fax +972 8 633 0270 © Bishop Dr Dominiquae Bierman 2010 - Permission is granted (and we encourage you) to distribute these writings.  You may reprint in hard copy form, send to your e-mail lists and post them on your website.  You must not alter any writings and you must keep all the author information on the writings, including the following: Kad-Esh MAP Ministries, www.kad-esh.org. This copyright notice must also remain.  For all other permissions and enquires including publishing, please contact karenmap@netvision.net.il *Note all scripture is from New American Standard Bible unless otherwise stated.