Jacob Ben Avraham

PARASHA: “B’Midbar” (in the wilderness) NUMBERS 1:1-4:20 We start the Book of “Numbers” in English because it talks about “numbering” the tribes of Israel. In Hebrew, the name is "B'Midbar (In The desert). This is the book that tells about the journeys of Israel in the desert. Traveling under the watchful eye of Adonai, being led always by his "Shekinah" presence. Now, We wonder why the reason for “numbering the people?” for this reason, we need to go back to the beginning to see. In Egypt, Israel was a hodge-podge of undisciplined slaves working for Pharaoh, In Adonai’s timing, He sent Moshe, a “Messiah Type” to lead the people out of slavery to freedom. Once out of Egypt, came the task of taking Egypt out of the Israelites. They came to Mt. Sinai, ready to become a nation united under YHVH. The Ten Commandments served as the document in stone, a “Ketubah” to solidify the covenant. Now, the United Tribes of Israel under YHVH is established. But this is only the first part. Each Shavuot, (Pentecost) we remember the giving of the “Torah in Stone” amid thunder and fire. Now that the nation is established, YHVH takes a count, why the count? As a nation, as every nation in the world has, the Nation of Israel needs an army! So, the count is taken to form the very first IDF (Israel Defense Force). I am sure that many of you who are reading this have served in one of the branches of the Armed Forces of the USA, or other countries. I served in the US Army from 1972-1984. I met many people and learned many things. It was a great experience and a special time in my life. Quite a few of my family members also served in the Armed Forces, the first being an ancestor of mine, Richard Ellis, who served in the Massachusetts Militia in 1640. YHVH takes up the count and “enlists” every man who is 20 years old and older. They will serve in the armies of Israel. All those who are …”20 years old and upward who can go to war.” After the numbering, part of daily life would have been practicing and learning how to use different combat weapons, back then would have been swords, spears, bows and arrows, and slingshots. Every soldier has a job to do. Today we call these jobs MOS, (Military Occupation Specialties) One of mine was that of chaplain assistant. I was to assist a catholic chaplain who everyone called; “Father McCarthy” who had a bulldog named “Gus” who also went to chapel with him. 11 of the 12 tribes were called to be fighting men yet the tribe of Levi, was called to be the “chaplain tribe” They were exempt from combat duty, they would attend the Tabernacle and services. There were the kohanim (the priests) who would be the “chaplains” and the “Levites” who would serve as the “chaplain assistants” So, you are thinking, what does this numbering have to do with us as born-again believers in Messiah Yeshua? We are all soldiers in God’s army of believers. He’s got us all numbered. Yes, he has your number! We need to again, go back and look at our lives before and after Messiah Yeshua. Before, we were just a bunch of “hodge-podge lost sinners in the camp of HaSatan, until Yeshua took us out of that camp by shedding his blood on the cross of Calvary, when we accepted his sacrifice, we were officially “out” of the camp. Yet, there would still be a lot of “HaSatan and worldly influence” still in us, so, like the Israelites, “Egypt” was still in us. When we accepted Messiah Yeshua as our Mashiach and Goel (Redeemer) we were added to the Commonwealth of Israel, now part of the Community, the “Adat” which began at Sinai 3500 years ago. We are the “olive branches” that have been “grafted into” the Olive Tree. Now that we are members and citizens of “HIS People” we also are considered “soldiers” in the LORD’s Army. However, we fight a different type of war. In this world, armies fight with RPGs, M-16s, Kalashnikovs, Berettas, M-60s, etc. We fight against, “spirits and principalities of darkness” it is a spiritual war against HaSatan and his demons. Only through the Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit) and the power of His WORD can we overcome the onslaughts of the enemy. He realizes he has lost the war, yet still continues to fight a losing battle, which was won at the cross 2000 years ago. As the Kohenim (the priesthood) ministered and had jobs to do, and also the soldiers had their jobs to do, we believers also have jobs within our “Kehilot” and “Adat” (congregations). That is why the Holy Spirit has given gifts of the Spirit so that we might all serve in different capacities in the body of Messiah. In this way, the body grows and prospers. Some of us are rabbis, pastors, who also serve as teachers, also we have ministers in music and praise, finances, maintenance, prayer intercessors, counselors, and the list can go on. The twelve tribes of Israel encircled the Tabernacle, with the tribe of Levi next to it. The “Mishkan” was at the center of the People. So also, YHVH should be the “Center” of our life. The whole purpose of our life is to serve our God and Creator, while loving and supporting our brothers and sisters in the faith, reaching out to others who are lost, and teaching Torah to those who have ears to hear and learn. We are “numbered” in the eyes of Elohim, HE knows who we are, He has numbered the hairs on our head, and there is no such thing as “retirement” in the work of YHVH, well, there is…. It is called d-e-a-t-h. Another detail which I would like to add to this midrash. When Adonai numbered the people, he chose leaders out of each tribe. In all groups of “chosen” there are “leaders”. They can be pastors, rabbis, Sunday school teachers, Torah teachers, counselors, etc. But every group needs a leader or leaders. If not, we have a lot of sheep running around without shepherds. We see the names of the leaders. Many ask about the meanings of the names. Well, here they are as follows. Starting with chapter 1, verse 5; “Elizur’ = My God is the rock;” Shelumiel” = At peace with God. (I know, it sounds like “Schlemiel” but it isn’t. “Zurishaddai” = My Rock is Shaddai; “Nahshon” = Serpent, “Amminadab” = The (Divine) kinsman is generous ; “Nethaniel” = God hath given; “Eliab” = God is Father; “Elishama” = God hath heard, or God hears; “Ammihud” = The (Divine) kinsman is glorious; “Gammaliel” = God is my reward. In later times, it was the name of many famous rabbis, like the rabbi of Apostle Paul; “Pedahzur” = The Rock hath redeemed; “Abidan” = The Father hath judged; “Ahiezer” = The (divine) Brother is a help; “Ammishaddai” = The People of Shaddai; “Pagiel” = The lot (or fate) is given by God; “Eliasaph” = God has added; “Deuel” or “Reuel” = God is a friend; “Ahira” the (divine) brother is a friend. One other interesting aspect of the word "B'Midbar" (in the desert) that I would like to mention, is that within that, there is another word "D'bar" (Word) So, we can conclude that during the wanderings of the Children of Israel in the vast desert, they were not alone, they had the "WORD" God's promise that they would inherit the land of Canaan and that they are a "special and chosen people. All believers are part of that chosen people. We have been grafted into that covenant, the covenant renewed in the person of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus our Messiah). So, as we walk our journeys in life, (which are many) examples: childhood, teen years, adulthood, marriage, job and career, social life, etc. we need to remember that we need to keep the WORD in our journeys, the "Living WORD" (Yeshua) needs to be part of every aspect of our life's journeys. After our journeys are over, we will face a journey that will never end. Where will you spend that journey? Each journey we walk will take us to a different destination

PARASHA: “B’Midbar” (in the wilderness) NUMBERS 1:1-4:20 We start the Book of “Numbers” in English because it talks about “numbering” the tribes of Israel. In Hebrew, the name is "B'Midbar (In The desert). This is the book that tells about the journeys of Israel in the desert. Traveling under the watchful eye of Adonai, being led always by his "Shekinah" presence. Now, We wonder why the reason for “numbering the people?” for this reason, we need to go back to the beginning to see. In Egypt, Israel was a hodge-podge of undisciplined slaves working for Pharaoh, In Adonai’s timing, He sent Moshe, a “Messiah Type” to lead the people out of slavery to freedom. Once out of Egypt, came the task of taking Egypt out of the Israelites. They came to Mt. Sinai, ready to become a nation united under YHVH. The Ten Commandments served as the document in stone, a “Ketubah” to solidify the covenant. Now, the United Tribes of Israel under YHVH is established. But this is only the first part. Each Shavuot, (Pentecost) we remember the giving of the “Torah in Stone” amid thunder and fire. Now that the nation is established, YHVH takes a count, why the count? As a nation, as every nation in the world has, the Nation of Israel needs an army! So, the count is taken to form the very first IDF (Israel Defense Force). I am sure that many of you who are reading this have served in one of the branches of the Armed Forces of the USA, or other countries. I served in the US Army from 1972-1984. I met many people and learned many things. It was a great experience and a special time in my life. Quite a few of my family members also served in the Armed Forces, the first being an ancestor of mine, Richard Ellis, who served in the Massachusetts Militia in 1640. YHVH takes up the count and “enlists” every man who is 20 years old and older. They will serve in the armies of Israel. All those who are …”20 years old and upward who can go to war.” After the numbering, part of daily life would have been practicing and learning how to use different combat weapons, back then would have been swords, spears, bows and arrows, and slingshots. Every soldier has a job to do. Today we call these jobs MOS, (Military Occupation Specialties) One of mine was that of chaplain assistant. I was to assist a catholic chaplain who everyone called; “Father McCarthy” who had a bulldog named “Gus” who also went to chapel with him. 11 of the 12 tribes were called to be fighting men yet the tribe of Levi, was called to be the “chaplain tribe” They were exempt from combat duty, they would attend the Tabernacle and services. There were the kohanim (the priests) who would be the “chaplains” and the “Levites” who would serve as the “chaplain assistants” So, you are thinking, what does this numbering have to do with us as born-again believers in Messiah Yeshua? We are all soldiers in God’s army of believers. He’s got us all numbered. Yes, he has your number! We need to again, go back and look at our lives before and after Messiah Yeshua. Before, we were just a bunch of “hodge-podge lost sinners in the camp of HaSatan, until Yeshua took us out of that camp by shedding his blood on the cross of Calvary, when we accepted his sacrifice, we were officially “out” of the camp. Yet, there would still be a lot of “HaSatan and worldly influence” still in us, so, like the Israelites, “Egypt” was still in us. When we accepted Messiah Yeshua as our Mashiach and Goel (Redeemer) we were added to the Commonwealth of Israel, now part of the Community, the “Adat” which began at Sinai 3500 years ago. We are the “olive branches” that have been “grafted into” the Olive Tree. Now that we are members and citizens of “HIS People” we also are considered “soldiers” in the LORD’s Army. However, we fight a different type of war. In this world, armies fight with RPGs, M-16s, Kalashnikovs, Berettas, M-60s, etc. We fight against, “spirits and principalities of darkness” it is a spiritual war against HaSatan and his demons. Only through the Ruach HaKodesh (The Holy Spirit) and the power of His WORD can we overcome the onslaughts of the enemy. He realizes he has lost the war, yet still continues to fight a losing battle, which was won at the cross 2000 years ago. As the Kohenim (the priesthood) ministered and had jobs to do, and also the soldiers had their jobs to do, we believers also have jobs within our “Kehilot” and “Adat” (congregations). That is why the Holy Spirit has given gifts of the Spirit so that we might all serve in different capacities in the body of Messiah. In this way, the body grows and prospers. Some of us are rabbis, pastors, who also serve as teachers, also we have ministers in music and praise, finances, maintenance, prayer intercessors, counselors, and the list can go on. The twelve tribes of Israel encircled the Tabernacle, with the tribe of Levi next to it. The “Mishkan” was at the center of the People. So also, YHVH should be the “Center” of our life. The whole purpose of our life is to serve our God and Creator, while loving and supporting our brothers and sisters in the faith, reaching out to others who are lost, and teaching Torah to those who have ears to hear and learn. We are “numbered” in the eyes of Elohim, HE knows who we are, He has numbered the hairs on our head, and there is no such thing as “retirement” in the work of YHVH, well, there is…. It is called d-e-a-t-h. Another detail which I would like to add to this midrash. When Adonai numbered the people, he chose leaders out of each tribe. In all groups of “chosen” there are “leaders”. They can be pastors, rabbis, Sunday school teachers, Torah teachers, counselors, etc. But every group needs a leader or leaders. If not, we have a lot of sheep running around without shepherds. We see the names of the leaders. Many ask about the meanings of the names. Well, here they are as follows. Starting with chapter 1, verse 5; “Elizur’ = My God is the rock;” Shelumiel” = At peace with God. (I know, it sounds like “Schlemiel” but it isn’t. “Zurishaddai” = My Rock is Shaddai; “Nahshon” = Serpent, “Amminadab” = The (Divine) kinsman is generous ; “Nethaniel” = God hath given; “Eliab” = God is Father; “Elishama” = God hath heard, or God hears; “Ammihud” = The (Divine) kinsman is glorious; “Gammaliel” = God is my reward. In later times, it was the name of many famous rabbis, like the rabbi of Apostle Paul; “Pedahzur” = The Rock hath redeemed; “Abidan” = The Father hath judged; “Ahiezer” = The (divine) Brother is a help; “Ammishaddai” = The People of Shaddai; “Pagiel” = The lot (or fate) is given by God; “Eliasaph” = God has added; “Deuel” or “Reuel” = God is a friend; “Ahira” the (divine) brother is a friend. One other interesting aspect of the word "B'Midbar" (in the desert) that I would like to mention, is that within that, there is another word "D'bar" (Word) So, we can conclude that during the wanderings of the Children of Israel in the vast desert, they were not alone, they had the "WORD" God's promise that they would inherit the land of Canaan and that they are a "special and chosen people. All believers are part of that chosen people. We have been grafted into that covenant, the covenant renewed in the person of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus our Messiah). So, as we walk our journeys in life, (which are many) examples: childhood, teen years, adulthood, marriage, job and career, social life, etc. we need to remember that we need to keep the WORD in our journeys, the "Living WORD" (Yeshua) needs to be part of every aspect of our life's journeys. After our journeys are over, we will face a journey that will never end. Where will you spend that journey? Each journey we walk will take us to a different destination

Chapters 26 and 27 are the final chapters in the Book of Leviticus. When we read these final chapters, what the LORD is saying is; IF…you follow my torat (teachings, laws) and faithfully observe my mitzvoth (commandments) I WILL…. It is ALL CONDITIONAL, there is nothing without a condition. If we want God’s blessings and good favor, we will follow HIS WORD, and accept HIS LIVING WORD (Yeshua) into our life. Yeshua said; “If you love me, ye will obey my commandments” not only the commandments that he spoke about during his life on earth, but also, the ones which he gave to Moshe when HE was with the FATHER as part of ELOHIM. I must repeat this to avoid confusion and negative comments. We are NOT saved by obeying God's commandments, we are saved by FAITH and not by WORKS (which are the commandments) by the shed blood of Messiah Yeshua/Jesus Christ our LORD and Redeemer. However, we are saved UNTO good works, to obey and follow what God has written down in His Book by His chosen prophets. Of course, not all the 613 commandments can be followed today, But if we study and let the Holy Spirit guide us, we will learn what can be observed and what can not be followed Blessings and curses are a part of life. The world calls them “good luck and bad luck” there is no such animal! All things that happen in our lives are a result of blessings, curses, and tests. Do we love our LORD and Savior, Messiah Yeshua? Then, follow HIS commandments (He even stated this) , not to bring us salvation, that we already have, but as a RESULT OF our salvation (Yeshuah) And if you haven’t accepted Yeshua (Jesus) as your LORD and Savior, and Messiah, NOW is the perfect time, remember, we are NOT promised tomorrow, we are only one HEART BEAT away from eternity. Let’s look at the beginning of Chapter 26: “Do not make idols for yourselves and do not put up a carved image or a pillar for yourselves, and do not place a stone image in your land to bow down to it, for I am YHVH you Elohim. Guard my Shabbats and reverence (respect) my sanctuary, I am YHVH. This is a repetition of two of the most important commandments that were given to us on Sinai. “us” being that all believers are part of the extended community of Israel which had its beginning there at the foot of Mt. Sinai about 3000 years ago. Do we really go out and make ourselves idols? To bow down and worship? We would probably say “no”, yet what is an “idol”? It is anything that comes before our worship, service, and dedication to our ONE and Only God, Adonai-Elohim. Many people cease going to church or synagogue because “they don’t have time” or there are other distractions. One can put so much importance on things like sports, jobs, making money, leisure, and relatives, that the things of God are left behind, if this is the case, then we ARE making for ourselves idols, and indirectly, we are bowing down and worshipping them. Better cease or our heavenly father just might “remove” that obstacle from our midst! Like it or not. Another reason for not making idols and statutes of the so-called “likeness” of God is because that would be like reducing our LORD God, who is “everywhere” to fit inside of that “thing” that is made in that “so-called” likeness. We see all over, pictures of Yeshua (Jesus) in different forms, some have him knocking at the door, others have him as the “good shepherd” holding a lamb, and others just show a portrait. Others still have him hanging from the cross. Even though we might not bow down and worship these images, they are still “images” indeed, or so-called “likenesses” of what is supposed to be our “Messiah”. No, they are not carved images, yet they are still images, is it a good idea to have them? Only you can decide. “Guard/keep my sabbaths” When we “guard” something, we make sure that the thing we are guarding is protected from violation. The sabbath day is a day to rest and come to worship our LORD and Savior. As Messianic believers we come to worship on Saturdays, The Sabbath day was never changed, it was and still is Saturday. Yeshua's followers got together the first day of the week to break bread (fellowship with a meal) as stated in Acts, but that doesn't mean that the Sabbath was changed. Sunday, the first day of the week is celebrated to remember the resurrection of the LORD, and to fellowship with other believers. Two important days to get together and study the WORD and worship with other believers. We can come to worship on Saturday or Sunday, or even “both” days, (which is even better). Many families go out to eat on the weekends, so as to give the wife a day off, or two days off from cooking in the kitchen. That is a good thing. Another good thing to do is to visit others and share God’s word with them, especially with those who are bedridden and can not leave home. “Reverence my sanctuary” How is that done? When we go to worship, how do we go? In what frame of mind? Are the cell phones turned off? Are we dressed for the occasion? If the president of your country invited you to dine with him, how would you go dressed? In beach clothes or in a suit and tie? I am sure you would dress with the best you have. You are going to meet with the KING of kings and LORD of Lords, with “your creator” the one you will spend eternity with. Are your kids in check? Or are they running up and down the hallway looking for the bathroom? Is there idle conversation while the message is being taught? Or are all eyes and ears on the pastor/teacher/rabbi? We can either “show reverence/respect/honor” to our place of worship, or we can show “lack of” the choice is ours. The end of chapter 27 is on vows and promises. What is God saying here through Moses? If we vow something to the LORD, or promise something, like ourselves for a certain period, or some "thing" like a car, bus, or truck, for the LORD's work, we should make good on our promise. Yet Yeshua says that we should NOT vow, being that we do not know the future. That our YES be YES or NO be NO, or "If God allows me... I would like to...." In these two final chapters, we see that there are more "curses" than "blessings" These affected Israel. We know the story, Israel turned to idolatry, and thus, received the curses and was cast out of the promised land. Yet God did NOT forget HIS people, He received them again, forgave their transgression, and, as Isaiah put it; "Who ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Is a country born in one day? Is a nation brought forth all at once? For as soon as Tziyon went into labor, she brought forth her children." (66:3) May 14th, 1948. Israel became a nation once again. We can see that the blessings and curses were directed towards Israel and Israel's way of life; agriculture, livestock, living in the land, being guarded against the enemies, physical and emotional health, etc... Yet we can see even in simple things, obedience to God's laws or even man's laws, can bring blessings, and disobedience, can bring curses. Stop at the red light, and be blessed. Go through a red light, receive the curse, and either get hit or get fined. So, to obey or disobey, that decision is ours. So, obey the LORD, honor His WORD, and love the LIVING WORD, and reap blessings. For some people, not even a blessed sunny day at the beach can separate them from cell phones Hey, Hey, Hey, put those things away, just for a while. Naples Beach, Naples, FL

Chapters 26 and 27 are the final chapters in the Book of Leviticus. When we read these final chapters, what the LORD is saying is; IF…you follow my torat (teachings, laws) and faithfully observe my mitzvoth (commandments) I WILL…. It is ALL CONDITIONAL, there is nothing without a condition. If we want God’s blessings and good favor, we will follow HIS WORD, and accept HIS LIVING WORD (Yeshua) into our life. Yeshua said; “If you love me, ye will obey my commandments” not only the commandments that he spoke about during his life on earth, but also, the ones which he gave to Moshe when HE was with the FATHER as part of ELOHIM. I must repeat this to avoid confusion and negative comments. We are NOT saved by obeying God's commandments, we are saved by FAITH and not by WORKS (which are the commandments) by the shed blood of Messiah Yeshua/Jesus Christ our LORD and Redeemer. However, we are saved UNTO good works, to obey and follow what God has written down in His Book by His chosen prophets. Of course, not all the 613 commandments can be followed today, But if we study and let the Holy Spirit guide us, we will learn what can be observed and what can not be followed Blessings and curses are a part of life. The world calls them “good luck and bad luck” there is no such animal! All things that happen in our lives are a result of blessings, curses, and tests. Do we love our LORD and Savior, Messiah Yeshua? Then, follow HIS commandments (He even stated this) , not to bring us salvation, that we already have, but as a RESULT OF our salvation (Yeshuah) And if you haven’t accepted Yeshua (Jesus) as your LORD and Savior, and Messiah, NOW is the perfect time, remember, we are NOT promised tomorrow, we are only one HEART BEAT away from eternity. Let’s look at the beginning of Chapter 26: “Do not make idols for yourselves and do not put up a carved image or a pillar for yourselves, and do not place a stone image in your land to bow down to it, for I am YHVH you Elohim. Guard my Shabbats and reverence (respect) my sanctuary, I am YHVH. This is a repetition of two of the most important commandments that were given to us on Sinai. “us” being that all believers are part of the extended community of Israel which had its beginning there at the foot of Mt. Sinai about 3000 years ago. Do we really go out and make ourselves idols? To bow down and worship? We would probably say “no”, yet what is an “idol”? It is anything that comes before our worship, service, and dedication to our ONE and Only God, Adonai-Elohim. Many people cease going to church or synagogue because “they don’t have time” or there are other distractions. One can put so much importance on things like sports, jobs, making money, leisure, and relatives, that the things of God are left behind, if this is the case, then we ARE making for ourselves idols, and indirectly, we are bowing down and worshipping them. Better cease or our heavenly father just might “remove” that obstacle from our midst! Like it or not. Another reason for not making idols and statutes of the so-called “likeness” of God is because that would be like reducing our LORD God, who is “everywhere” to fit inside of that “thing” that is made in that “so-called” likeness. We see all over, pictures of Yeshua (Jesus) in different forms, some have him knocking at the door, others have him as the “good shepherd” holding a lamb, and others just show a portrait. Others still have him hanging from the cross. Even though we might not bow down and worship these images, they are still “images” indeed, or so-called “likenesses” of what is supposed to be our “Messiah”. No, they are not carved images, yet they are still images, is it a good idea to have them? Only you can decide. “Guard/keep my sabbaths” When we “guard” something, we make sure that the thing we are guarding is protected from violation. The sabbath day is a day to rest and come to worship our LORD and Savior. As Messianic believers we come to worship on Saturdays, The Sabbath day was never changed, it was and still is Saturday. Yeshua's followers got together the first day of the week to break bread (fellowship with a meal) as stated in Acts, but that doesn't mean that the Sabbath was changed. Sunday, the first day of the week is celebrated to remember the resurrection of the LORD, and to fellowship with other believers. Two important days to get together and study the WORD and worship with other believers. We can come to worship on Saturday or Sunday, or even “both” days, (which is even better). Many families go out to eat on the weekends, so as to give the wife a day off, or two days off from cooking in the kitchen. That is a good thing. Another good thing to do is to visit others and share God’s word with them, especially with those who are bedridden and can not leave home. “Reverence my sanctuary” How is that done? When we go to worship, how do we go? In what frame of mind? Are the cell phones turned off? Are we dressed for the occasion? If the president of your country invited you to dine with him, how would you go dressed? In beach clothes or in a suit and tie? I am sure you would dress with the best you have. You are going to meet with the KING of kings and LORD of Lords, with “your creator” the one you will spend eternity with. Are your kids in check? Or are they running up and down the hallway looking for the bathroom? Is there idle conversation while the message is being taught? Or are all eyes and ears on the pastor/teacher/rabbi? We can either “show reverence/respect/honor” to our place of worship, or we can show “lack of” the choice is ours. The end of chapter 27 is on vows and promises. What is God saying here through Moses? If we vow something to the LORD, or promise something, like ourselves for a certain period, or some "thing" like a car, bus, or truck, for the LORD's work, we should make good on our promise. Yet Yeshua says that we should NOT vow, being that we do not know the future. That our YES be YES or NO be NO, or "If God allows me... I would like to...." In these two final chapters, we see that there are more "curses" than "blessings" These affected Israel. We know the story, Israel turned to idolatry, and thus, received the curses and was cast out of the promised land. Yet God did NOT forget HIS people, He received them again, forgave their transgression, and, as Isaiah put it; "Who ever heard of such a thing? Who has ever seen such things? Is a country born in one day? Is a nation brought forth all at once? For as soon as Tziyon went into labor, she brought forth her children." (66:3) May 14th, 1948. Israel became a nation once again. We can see that the blessings and curses were directed towards Israel and Israel's way of life; agriculture, livestock, living in the land, being guarded against the enemies, physical and emotional health, etc... Yet we can see even in simple things, obedience to God's laws or even man's laws, can bring blessings, and disobedience, can bring curses. Stop at the red light, and be blessed. Go through a red light, receive the curse, and either get hit or get fined. So, to obey or disobey, that decision is ours. So, obey the LORD, honor His WORD, and love the LIVING WORD, and reap blessings. A sunny day at Naples' Beach is a blessing. R & R big time, Naples, FL. but some people just can't put down the cell phones, not even for a moment.

Torah/Bible study : "BHar“(on the Mountain) LEVITICUS 25:1-26:2 “Give it a rest! Will ya?” I am sure you have heard that expression before, or “Give it a rest already!” People tend to say that when one continues in some theme or argues over a point that is not worth it, HOWEVER, this is what God is saying when He sees the earth, soil, and ground being over-worked; “Give it a rest!” just as people need to rest and take their “Shabbat rest” so does the land which really belongs to HIM, we are just using it. Does not Psalm 24:1 state just that? "The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; This Bible/Torah deals with giving the land a rest after six years of planting and harvesting, on the seventh year the land shall rest. This, agriculturally, is very sound and comes from the mouth of the creator of all the earth. The reason is quite simple to understand. Crops, such as corn, wheat, barley, vegetables, etc., when they grow in the soil, take in nutrients, quite like us, when we eat, we absorb nutrients from the food we eat. Imagine the land after 6 years of planting and harvesting, all those nutrients, minerals, and chemicals from the soil, are being absorbed by the crops sown, if the land does not have a chance to rest and renew itself, it will soon become useless, quite void of nutrients…so… a year’s rest will give the soil enough time to replenish itself. We can apply this commandment today, to allow the land to rest after six years of planting and harvesting, even families that have little vegetable gardens in the back of their houses. May they enjoy six years of vegetables and then in the seventh year, just dump compost in the soil, food that goes bad, moldy bread, etc., don’t put it in the garbage, bury it in the garden, do that in that seventh year, and then the next year, plant and harvest again. We can similarly look at ourselves. How do we count our lives? By a 365-day year? Or by sabbaticals? If we were to count our years by the day, we could say we have many days and years ahead of us! Really? Do we know tomorrow? (didn’t think so). However, if we were to count our years on earth by counting by sevens? How many “sabbaticals” have we lived? How many “might” be left? If I were to count my sabbaticals, I would have to count starting in 1954. 1954-1960 first seven years, 1961-67, the second sabbatical. I would have to ask myself, what have I done or accomplished in each of these periods of seven years? Anything of importance? Have I influenced other lives? If we count by sabbaticals, we will find that we don’t have many sabbaticals to live. This commandment was given to the Children of Israel when they were at Mt. Sinai. They would put this into practice once they got into the Promised Land, the Land of Canaan, (40 years later). Yet we can also apply the wisdom and instruction from God to our own fields, gardens, and so on. On a smaller scale. All in all, Parasha "B'Har"(On the mountain) deals with giving the land a physical rest after 6 years, and also, the "Year of Yovel" or the "Year of Jubilee" where on the 50th Year, all properties and personnel in service of others, go free, it is a time of "Liberty" for those in service for debts or land that is "rented out" Again, we see that "GOD OWNS ALL" including us. Were we not made from the dust of the earth? so, if the earth is the LORD's so are we. We can look at this in the spiritual realm as well. We are like the crops, which are planted, by Adonai, on this earth, to grow in HIM, and reach maturity, yet there comes a harvest time, when we will be harvested to go back home, to our eternal Sabbath’s rest, to enjoy our “Yovel” our time of “Jubilee” to reap what we have sown, souls that have come to YESHUA through our testimonies, believers who have grown to maturity through “teachers of the WORD” it is not enough to give out the WORD of God, there must be the ones who teach it, like seeds that are planted and watered. For this reason, spiritual gifts are given, and among those are the “teachers of the WORD” the ones who water the seeds so that they may grow, mature, and in the end, be harvested. From a Hebraic perspective, we can look at the word "Yovel" (Jubilee) as "Liberty" or "freedom" in year 50. "50" from a Hebraic perspective, we can see "grace eternal" The number "5" in Hebrew signifies "grace" and "0" like the number "8" has no beginning nor end, so it is something "eternal" the name "HaAdam" in Hebrew means "The Man" or "Humanity" This word also sums "50" when we use Hebrew gematria. So, is there a connection? One way we can look at this is; "At the time of harvest, at the time of "Yovel" (liberty) we will leave our bodies and return to Him who gave us life. We will be FREE of the sin which we are born with, inherited from Adam, yet we will become like "HaAdam" who was made perfect and sinless before he disobeyed and brought sin into the world. "Liberated" from our sinful tabernacle, we will rejoice in our "Yovel" and become like Messiah Yeshua/Jesus. pure and without sin. The parashah also talks about slaves and servants. An Israelite could not be considered a slave, but a servant, yet a foreigner could be considered a slave. Yet both treatments of the slave or servant had to be humane, and they had to be released during the time of Jubilee, every 50 years. Normally, a slave or servant would be released at the end of 6 years, however, if the slave or servant wished to remain with the master, the time with the master ended at the time of Jubilee. What this portion of Torah is saying is that ALL possessions, both material, animal, and human, belong to Adonai. We have each other, our material blessings for only a season. We should enjoy each other and the blessings that the LORD has given us, for a season, employers should treat their employees with respect and with honor (they would be like the slaves and servants in Biblical times) Employers have their employees, just for a season. I would repeat Psalm 24:1 again. Someday, when we stand before our Heavenly Father, we will be accountable for all the things we have been given, both human, animal, and material things. For the season in which they were given to us, how did we treat them? In the time of Jubilee, how will be stand before Yeshua? Something to think about. He has liberated us from the curse of sin by His death on Calvary's cross. His "Yovel" made us free, free to follow HIM and follow his commandments. There might be clouds in the afternoon, but we can always look forward to the SONshine tomorrow. (Key Largo, FL; 5/12/2025)

Torah/Bible study : "BHar“(on the Mountain) LEVITICUS 25:1-26:2 “Give it a rest! Will ya?” I am sure you have heard that expression before, or “Give it a rest already!” People tend to say that when one continues in some theme or argues over a point that is not worth it, HOWEVER, this is what God is saying when He sees the earth, soil, and ground being over-worked; “Give it a rest!” just as people need to rest and take their “Shabbat rest” so does the land which really belongs to HIM, we are just using it. Does not Psalm 24:1 state just that? "The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; This Bible/Torah deals with giving the land a rest after six years of planting and harvesting, on the seventh year the land shall rest. This, agriculturally, is very sound and comes from the mouth of the creator of all the earth. The reason is quite simple to understand. Crops, such as corn, wheat, barley, vegetables, etc., when they grow in the soil, take in nutrients, quite like us, when we eat, we absorb nutrients from the food we eat. Imagine the land after 6 years of planting and harvesting, all those nutrients, minerals, and chemicals from the soil, are being absorbed by the crops sown, if the land does not have a chance to rest and renew itself, it will soon become useless, quite void of nutrients…so… a year’s rest will give the soil enough time to replenish itself. We can apply this commandment today, to allow the land to rest after six years of planting and harvesting, even families that have little vegetable gardens in the back of their houses. May they enjoy six years of vegetables and then in the seventh year, just dump compost in the soil, food that goes bad, moldy bread, etc., don’t put it in the garbage, bury it in the garden, do that in that seventh year, and then the next year, plant and harvest again. We can similarly look at ourselves. How do we count our lives? By a 365-day year? Or by sabbaticals? If we were to count our years by the day, we could say we have many days and years ahead of us! Really? Do we know tomorrow? (didn’t think so). However, if we were to count our years on earth by counting by sevens? How many “sabbaticals” have we lived? How many “might” be left? If I were to count my sabbaticals, I would have to count starting in 1954. 1954-1960 first seven years, 1961-67, the second sabbatical. I would have to ask myself, what have I done or accomplished in each of these periods of seven years? Anything of importance? Have I influenced other lives? If we count by sabbaticals, we will find that we don’t have many sabbaticals to live. This commandment was given to the Children of Israel when they were at Mt. Sinai. They would put this into practice once they got into the Promised Land, the Land of Canaan, (40 years later). Yet we can also apply the wisdom and instruction from God to our own fields, gardens, and so on. On a smaller scale. All in all, Parasha "B'Har"(On the mountain) deals with giving the land a physical rest after 6 years, and also, the "Year of Yovel" or the "Year of Jubilee" where on the 50th Year, all properties and personnel in service of others, go free, it is a time of "Liberty" for those in service for debts or land that is "rented out" Again, we see that "GOD OWNS ALL" including us. Were we not made from the dust of the earth? so, if the earth is the LORD's so are we. We can look at this in the spiritual realm as well. We are like the crops, which are planted, by Adonai, on this earth, to grow in HIM, and reach maturity, yet there comes a harvest time, when we will be harvested to go back home, to our eternal Sabbath’s rest, to enjoy our “Yovel” our time of “Jubilee” to reap what we have sown, souls that have come to YESHUA through our testimonies, believers who have grown to maturity through “teachers of the WORD” it is not enough to give out the WORD of God, there must be the ones who teach it, like seeds that are planted and watered. For this reason, spiritual gifts are given, and among those are the “teachers of the WORD” the ones who water the seeds so that they may grow, mature, and in the end, be harvested. From a Hebraic perspective, we can look at the word "Yovel" (Jubilee) as "Liberty" or "freedom" in year 50. "50" from a Hebraic perspective, we can see "grace eternal" The number "5" in Hebrew signifies "grace" and "0" like the number "8" has no beginning nor end, so it is something "eternal" the name "HaAdam" in Hebrew means "The Man" or "Humanity" This word also sums "50" when we use Hebrew gematria. So, is there a connection? One way we can look at this is; "At the time of harvest, at the time of "Yovel" (liberty) we will leave our bodies and return to Him who gave us life. We will be FREE of the sin which we are born with, inherited from Adam, yet we will become like "HaAdam" who was made pefect and sinless before he disobeyed and brought sin into the world. "Liberated" from our sinful tabernacle, we will rejoice in our "Yovel" and become like Messiah Yeshua/Jesus. pure and without sin. The parashah also talks about slaves and servants. An Israelite could not be considered a slave, but a servant, yet a foreigner could be considered a slave. Yet both treatments of the slave or servant had to be humane, and they had to be released during the time of Jubilee, every 50 years. Normally, a slave or servant would be released at the end of 6 years, however, if the slave or servant wished to remain with the master, the time with the master ended at the time of Jubilee. What this portion of Torah is saying is that ALL possessions, both material, animal, and human, belong to Adonai. We have each other, our material blessings for only a season. We should enjoy each other and the blessings that the LORD has given us, for a season, employers should treat their employees with respect and with honor (they would be like the slaves and servants in Biblical times) Employers have their employees, just for a season. I would repeat Psalm 24:1 again. Someday, when we stand before our Heavenly Father, we will be accountable for all the things we have been given, both human, animal, and material things. For the season in which they were given to us, how did we treat them? In the time of Jubilee, how will be stand before Yeshua? Something to think about. He has liberated us from the curse of sin by His death on Calvary's cross. His "Yovel" made us free, free to follow HIM and follow his commandments. It might seem a bit cloudy, but the sun will shine tomorrow. Clouds are part of life, and so is the SON shine! Key Largo, FL

EZEKIEL 44:15-31 In this prophetic book, the Prophets see into the future, the future priests of the third temple, (to be built in the near future) the descendants of “Zadok” will be the priests in the millennium, and the same high standards are for these priests as well. It also states the job of the priest: “And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and unholy, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean” This should also be the goal of every Torah teacher, rabbi, minister, pastor, etc. to teach the WHOLE TORAH, the WHOLE BIBLE in their place of worship and study, so that their sheep might follow their shepherd wholeheartedly and secure. LUKE 5:1-6:49 Yeshua speaks to the people from a boat. After teaching, He and Kefa go out on the lake, and the result is a boatload of fish. Kefa hears, yet protests, “We fished all night and caught nothing.” Yet he still obeys and “reaps the harvest.” Many fish are taken home to sell and eat. With simple obedience through faith, we can all reap the blessings that YHVH has in store for us. A little bit of faith, trust, and obedience, will bring in a big catch. Now, Kefa is promoted to be a “fisher-of-MEN” rescuing men’s souls from the grasp of HaSatan and bringing them into the Kingdom. Are you a fisher of men (and women) or are you still content with the small “fishy” things of life? You decide! Yeshua also, after the blessing of many fish, healed three people; one who had a skin disease, a person who was paralyzed, and a person who was “worldly-minded.” To the first He said; “be cleansed” To the second one He said; “Your sins are forgiven you” To the third, (Who was Matthew) He just said; “Follow me!” In all three cases, we have changed lives. When our sins are forgiven us, through repentance and accepting Yeshua as Messiah and LORD, we are “cleansed” (internally) and even at times, physically. And then, we “follow Him” which should be the logical reaction. “I have not called the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32) We must understand that everyone who is “righteous” (in right standing) similar to “Kadosh” was at one time “a sinner” (living a lifestyle of sin and rebellion). So, it is a change for the better, from a lost sinner to a “righteous” one who has been “born again.” The lost sinner needs to be instructed by the Torah unto righteousness, and the righteous need to be instructed by the Torah to “stay guided in the Path of Righteousness” We have all been called to minister unto those who need to know the LORD, to those who know the LORD yet need guidance, instruction, counsel, But be aware that the enemy, Satan, will attack, and turn people against you, even some in your own household. Perhaps not the case with everyone, yet, the enemy is aware of you, and if you are serious in ministering, you are a threat to the kingdom of Satan. Count it as a blessing that life on Earth is short and that before you know it, you will be standing before the LORD, to reap your reward, hopefully hear the Master's words; "Well done my faithful servant, welcome into the House of your LORD and Savior" Which Way do I go? Jesus said: I AM the WAY the Truth, and the Life, No one comes to the Father but by Me!

EZEKIEL 44:15-31 In this prophetic book, the Prophets see into the future, the future priests of the third temple, (to be built in the near future) the descendants of “Zadok” will be the priests in the millennium, and the same high standards are for these priests as well. It also states the job of the priest: “And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and unholy, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean” This should also be the goal of every Torah teacher, rabbi, minister, pastor, etc. to teach the WHOLE TORAH, the WHOLE BIBLE in their place of worship and study, so that their sheep might follow their shepherd wholeheartedly and secure. LUKE 5:1-6:49 Yeshua speaks to the people from a boat. After teaching, He and Kefa go out on the lake, and the result is a boatload of fish. Kefa hears, yet protests, “We fished all night and caught nothing.” Yet he still obeys and “reaps the harvest.” Many fish are taken home to sell and eat. With simple obedience through faith, we can all reap the blessings that YHVH has in store for us. A little bit of faith, trust, and obedience, will bring in a big catch. Now, Kefa is promoted to be a “fisher-of-MEN” rescuing men’s souls from the grasp of HaSatan and bringing them into the Kingdom. Are you a fisher of men (and women) or are you still content with the small “fishy” things of life? You decide! Yeshua also, after the blessing of many fish, healed three people; one who had a skin disease, a person who was paralyzed, and a person who was “worldly-minded.” To the first He said; “be cleansed” To the second one He said; “Your sins are forgiven you” To the third, (Who was Matthew) He just said; “Follow me!” In all three cases, we have changed lives. When our sins are forgiven us, through repentance and accepting Yeshua as Messiah and LORD, we are “cleansed” (internally) and even at times, physically. And then, we “follow Him” which should be the logical reaction. “I have not called the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32) We must understand that everyone who is “righteous” (in right standing) similar to “Kadosh” was at one time “a sinner” (living a lifestyle of sin and rebellion). So, it is a change for the better, from a lost sinner to a “righteous” one who has been “born again.” The lost sinner needs to be instructed by the Torah unto righteousness, and the righteous need to be instructed by the Torah to “stay guided in the Path of Righteousness” We have all been called to minister unto those who need to know the LORD, to those who know the LORD yet need guidance, instruction, counsel, But be aware that the enemy, Satan, will attack, and turn people against you, even some in your own household. Perhaps not the case with everyone, yet, the enemy is aware of you, and if you are serious in ministering, you are a threat to the kingdom of Satan. Count it as a blessing that life on Earth is short and that before you know it, you will be standing before the LORD, to reap your reward, hopefully hear the Master's words; "Well done my faithful servant, welcome into the House of your LORD and Savior" Which Way do I go? Which Way do I go? Yeshua said: I AM the WAY, the Truth, and the Life!

PARASHAH: “Emor” (say.) First of all. I want to thank God for 6 weeks of family time and fellowship with other believers in Miami, Florida and in Orlando. I went fishing and diving with my son David. Well, he's the fisherman and I am the swimmer and diver. He always seems to get the mangrove snappers under the bridge in the Florida Keys. I got to fellowship with Beth Hesed Messianic Congregation in Miami and with Shema Israel Yeshiva, where I graduated. In Orlando, I spent the weekend with "Shalom International Ministries "Casa de Israel." Miami is too expensive, but a wonderful place to live if you can afford the prices. Well, it is back to my PC and sending out these studies in God's Word. Brought back with me a lot of cheese! Even the airport drug dogs can sniff the cheese. Returned to El Salvador May 16th, in the evening. LEVITICUS 21:1-24:23 In this parashah study, we see more details on the sanctity, Holiness, and comportment of priests. When we read in chapter 21, we read that YHVH is very particular and pays much attention to the physical. We might think that God only looks upon the heart, but thousands of years ago, physical appearance was important, some with any imperfection; like a broken foot, blind in one eye, hunchback, dwarf…It doesn’t say that they could not serve in the Tabernacle or later on, the temple, but they couldn’t offer sacrifices. We must remember that the priest was a kind of mediator between the people and YHVH, Today, YESHUA the Messiah is our mediator, between us and the Father, and Yeshua was/IS without sin, perfect in all ways, both inside and outside. We may not know what he looked like physically, but we can know that he didn’t have any physical deformities, being God in the flesh. We read about the priest; “offering the food to Adonai” and many regulations in reference to “food”. It is talking about the animal offerings that were offered on the altar, yet the Hebrew word for “food” in this case is “Lechem” (bread). The priest had to be in perfect physical condition because he represented a perfect G-d. To be any less than “perfect” would have probably been a distraction. Today, Adonai does not look at our physical bodily conditions, as many people are born with physical defects. Adonai looks at the heart and into our spirit being. Before, the priests would offer up the “lechem” (food, bread) to Adonai, 2000 years ago, the “Bread of Life” was offered up for US! Today, what could be the “bread” that we could “offer to Adonai?” One could say that we offer up our service and spiritual gifts to HIM, through exercising the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit, by teaching others, preaching the Word, evangelizing, giving to others, etc…we are in a way, giving back “bread” to HaShem. He has given to us, and we give back to HIM through serving others and being faithful “priests” on earth. We can take note of Leviticus 22:31 and apply this to our lives as “Yeshua’s priests.” Therefore, you shall keep my commandments and perform them: I AM the LORD. You shall not profane my Holy Name, but I will be sanctified among “the Children of Israel (B’nei Yisrael)” I AM Adonai who sanctified you.” Of course, we can not keep ALL of the commandments set down in ancient times, yet many still apply to today’s life. We should learn them and take heed to them, and teach others HIS Torah! In doing this, we ARE hallowing HIS Holy Name. We also see regulations on marriage, touching dead things, etc.…the priest was in a class of his own. The priest was “God’s man” his “representative” on earth, so, as the priests had a higher calling, their expectations were much higher than the regular “Joe Israelite” There is a repeated phrase: “You shall not profane my Holy Name, I am YHVH (Yod Hey Vav Hey) “ when we act contrary to His commandments,and expectations as “B’nei Elohim” (children of God) we ARE profaning HIS Holy name, be it in words, or deeds. If the Israelites were observed by God through a looking glass, then the priests were observed by God through a microscope! If you get my drift! How are WE seen by our HOLY, SINLESS, GOD? Our standards are based on the Torah of Adonai. HIS standards should be OURS as well, yet we always come up lacking, because of our inborn sin nature. Thank Adonai for YESHUA, who bridged the gap caused by sin, to be our “high priest” before a Holy God, although our sin in dark and ugly, and we should see ourselves as such, because it is reality, through YESHUA, Our Heavenly Father sees us as “white as snow” or “white a wool” and now, under the new covenant, we are all “high priests” in his eyes, should not our expectations be as a “higher calling” just like the priests of old? We must also take into thought the phrase “Kiddush HaShem” which is “honoring/blessing/Holiness to the Name of Adonai” There are two Hebrew words that are almost the same; “Halel” and “Chilul” “Bless/praise” and “profane” in Hebrew, they are just three letters. The difference is the first letter; the “Hey” and the Chet” The difference between the two is just a line which is about one millimeter. What can we say? There is just a fine line between “blessing” the name of God, or “profaning” the name of God. We must be careful of our words, and deeds, least we “bless” with one breath, and then take another breath and “profane”. The idea of the “priests being holy, for I AM Holy” is there in this parashah. The difference in the words, “Kadosh” (Holy) and “Kadoshim” (holy ones) is that when YHVH talks about HIS Holiness, the word “Kadosh” has the “vav”, the letter “o” that letter symbolizes the “nail” whereas our “holiness” lacks the “vav” since we did NOT receive the “nails” only YESHUA did, who received them in our place! We can see a case of “profaning the Name of God” in Leviticus 24:11 when the son of a “mixed marriage” (An Israelite woman married to an Egyptian man) had a fight in the camp and cursed, or profaned, blasphemed the Name of Adonai. He was put to death by stoning. We see the name of the woman though, it was “Shelomith” daughter of “Dibri” The name “Shelomith” can be considered the feminine version of “Shalom’ (peace) and the name “Dibri” can be considered “My Word” from the word “Debar” Almost the same as “Dibrei” (words of) Together, “My words of Peace” yet just the opposite was seen, the son was fighting and profaned the Name of Adonai, so far away from “peace” Could the Egyptian father have had some negative influence on the son? Whenever there is a mixed marriage, a believer with an unbeliever, there is bound to be strife and lack of peace, since the couple are like “pulling against each other on a rope” and sooner or later, the rope is going to break. Chap 23: “HaMoedim of YHVH” (The feasts of the LORD). Here the special days of worship and assembly are mentioned, the first being the “Sabbath Day” it is a “day of Rest” a time of worship and coming together to worship Adonai and learn from HIS Word through His teachers, pastors, rabbis, evangelists, etc. The Sabbath day was NEVER changed to Sunday. Not that it was bad to come together on Sundays, any day of the week is a good time to come together. It just became customary for the believers in the first century to come together on the “first day of the week” like it is mentioned in Acts, to fellowship and eat together, but the believers ALWAYS considered Saturday, the Sabbath, the special and the official appointed day for rest, worship, and Bible study. For me, the sabbath and Sunday are both special days to worship God and study his word with other believers. The Passover and days of unleavened bread, symbolize Messiah Yeshua in our lives as the “Lamb of God” who took away the sin of the world, and who is also, the “Bread of Life”, who was “roasted in the fires of judgment for our sins, whose blood was shed for our sins, once and forever. The “matzah” bread without leaven symbolizes Yeshua as the Bread of Life, without sin (leaven). And his blood is symbolized by the wine. The Feast of First Fruits and Shavuot; counting 50 days from the time of Passover, to celebrate the blessing of a good and fruitful harvest of grains, (wheat and barley, the main crops). On Shavuot or “Pentecost” two leavened loaves of bread were made, each weighing about 5 pounds, and were “waved” by the priest before the LORD in a special ceremony. These loaves symbolize the blessings of YHVH, they could also represent Israel and the Nations, “2” is the number of “unity” and “division” we are all “united” to YHVH by Messiah Yeshua and have been “divided” or “separated” from the lost world of sin, YET, we still have our sin nature, noted by the leaven in the loaves of bread. It was also on “Shavuot” that the Torah was given on Mt. Sinai The Feast of Trumpets, “Yom Teruah” symbolizes the start of the “days of Awe” when we reflect on our own relationship with Adonai. How do we measure up to God’s standards? Lacking? Fall short? I would say YES. 10 days later, comes “Yom Kippur” the day of “covering” or “Atonement” which was when the high priest came into the Holy of Holies, once a year, to commune with Adonai. This day points to Calvary, when Yeshua’s blood “atoned” for our sins, past, present, and future. It is a day of fasting, repentance, and soul searching. It is a day when we are accustomed to dress in white. Feast of Tabernacles, or “Sukkot” is a joyous festival, when the “harvest” is in, kind of like “Thanksgiving” in the US of A. The time when God came to earth in human form as Yeshua, born in Beit Lechem, being raised learning carpentry and Torah, a teacher of Torah, healer of diseases, a raiser of the dead, and a sacrifice for our sins. This festivity was for 7 days, “7” the perfect number, and a special “8th” day “Hoshanah Raba” when the customary reading of the Torah starts over again from Genesis. It also symbolizes when the Israelites lived in tents, “temporary dwellings” as our bodies are “temporary dwellings” for our souls and for the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Chapter 24: The Menorah, the lamps were lit from dusk to morning, and the menorah was made of gold, which symbolizes perfection. The flame/light symbolizes Yeshua who is the “Light of the World” and the “all-consuming fire” and also, all believers are the “lights of the world” reflecting the SON light! “Table of Shewbread” which was in the Holy place across from the Menorah. Has 12 loaves of unleavened bread, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, again, Yeshua the “Bread of Life” Hey, maybe that was where the idea of the “bagel” came from, bread with a hole in middle, who knows! Maybe! This bread was for Aaron and his sons. May you trust in the "Bread of Life" our "High Priest" as your LORD and Savior. Yeshua/Jesus paid it all on the Cross of Calvary. Let's not profane His Name, neither by word nor deed, May His holiness show in our lives. Twilight at 27,000 feet, from Miami to El Salvador (5/16/2025)

PARASHAH: “Emor” (say.) First of all. I want to thank God for 6 weeks of family time and fellowship with other believers in Miami, Florida and in Orlando. I went fishing and diving with my son David. Well, he's the fisherman and I am the swimmer and diver. He always seems to get the mangrove snappers under the bridge in the Florida Keys. I got to fellowship with Beth Hesed Messianic Congregation in Miami and with Shema Israel Yeshiva, where I graduated. In Orlando, I spent the weekend with "Shalom International Ministries "Casa de Israel." Miami is too expensive, but a wonderful place to live if you can afford the prices. Well, it is back to my PC and sending out these studies in God's Word. Brought back with me a lot of cheese! Even the airport drug dogs can sniff the cheese. Returned to El Salvador May 16th, in the evening. LEVITICUS 21:1-24:23 In this parashah study, we see more details on the sanctity, Holiness, and comportment of priests. When we read in chapter 21, we read that YHVH is very particular and pays much attention to the physical. We might think that God only looks upon the heart, but thousands of years ago, physical appearance was important, some with any imperfection; like a broken foot, blind in one eye, hunchback, dwarf…It doesn’t say that they could not serve in the Tabernacle or later on, the temple, but they couldn’t offer sacrifices. We must remember that the priest was a kind of mediator between the people and YHVH, Today, YESHUA the Messiah is our mediator, between us and the Father, and Yeshua was/IS without sin, perfect in all ways, both inside and outside. We may not know what he looked like physically, but we can know that he didn’t have any physical deformities, being God in the flesh. We read about the priest; “offering the food to Adonai” and many regulations in reference to “food”. It is talking about the animal offerings that were offered on the altar, yet the Hebrew word for “food” in this case is “Lechem” (bread). The priest had to be in perfect physical condition because he represented a perfect G-d. To be any less than “perfect” would have probably been a distraction. Today, Adonai does not look at our physical bodily conditions, as many people are born with physical defects. Adonai looks at the heart and into our spirit being. Before, the priests would offer up the “lechem” (food, bread) to Adonai, 2000 years ago, the “Bread of Life” was offered up for US! Today, what could be the “bread” that we could “offer to Adonai?” One could say that we offer up our service and spiritual gifts to HIM, through exercising the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit, by teaching others, preaching the Word, evangelizing, giving to others, etc…we are in a way, giving back “bread” to HaShem. He has given to us, and we give back to HIM through serving others and being faithful “priests” on earth. We can take note of Leviticus 22:31 and apply this to our lives as “Yeshua’s priests.” Therefore, you shall keep my commandments and perform them: I AM the LORD. You shall not profane my Holy Name, but I will be sanctified among “the Children of Israel (B’nei Yisrael)” I AM Adonai who sanctified you.” Of course, we can not keep ALL of the commandments set down in ancient times, yet many still apply to today’s life. We should learn them and take heed to them, and teach others HIS Torah! In doing this, we ARE hallowing HIS Holy Name. We also see regulations on marriage, touching dead things, etc.…the priest was in a class of his own. The priest was “God’s man” his “representative” on earth, so, as the priests had a higher calling, their expectations were much higher than the regular “Joe Israelite” There is a repeated phrase: “You shall not profane my Holy Name, I am YHVH (Yod Hey Vav Hey) “ when we act contrary to His commandments,and expectations as “B’nei Elohim” (children of God) we ARE profaning HIS Holy name, be it in words, or deeds. If the Israelites were observed by God through a looking glass, then the priests were observed by God through a microscope! If you get my drift! How are WE seen by our HOLY, SINLESS, GOD? Our standards are based on the Torah of Adonai. HIS standards should be OURS as well, yet we always come up lacking, because of our inborn sin nature. Thank Adonai for YESHUA, who bridged the gap caused by sin, to be our “high priest” before a Holy God, although our sin in dark and ugly, and we should see ourselves as such, because it is reality, through YESHUA, Our Heavenly Father sees us as “white as snow” or “white a wool” and now, under the new covenant, we are all “high priests” in his eyes, should not our expectations be as a “higher calling” just like the priests of old? We must also take into thought the phrase “Kiddush HaShem” which is “honoring/blessing/Holiness to the Name of Adonai” There are two Hebrew words that are almost the same; “Halel” and “Chilul” “Bless/praise” and “profane” in Hebrew, they are just three letters. The difference is the first letter; the “Hey” and the Chet” The difference between the two is just a line which is about one millimeter. What can we say? There is just a fine line between “blessing” the name of God, or “profaning” the name of God. We must be careful of our words, and deeds, least we “bless” with one breath, and then take another breath and “profane”. The idea of the “priests being holy, for I AM Holy” is there in this parashah. The difference in the words, “Kadosh” (Holy) and “Kadoshim” (holy ones) is that when YHVH talks about HIS Holiness, the word “Kadosh” has the “vav”, the letter “o” that letter symbolizes the “nail” whereas our “holiness” lacks the “vav” since we did NOT receive the “nails” only YESHUA did, who received them in our place! We can see a case of “profaning the Name of God” in Leviticus 24:11 when the son of a “mixed marriage” (An Israelite woman married to an Egyptian man) had a fight in the camp and cursed, or profaned, blasphemed the Name of Adonai. He was put to death by stoning. We see the name of the woman though, it was “Shelomith” daughter of “Dibri” The name “Shelomith” can be considered the feminine version of “Shalom’ (peace) and the name “Dibri” can be considered “My Word” from the word “Debar” Almost the same as “Dibrei” (words of) Together, “My words of Peace” yet just the opposite was seen, the son was fighting and profaned the Name of Adonai, so far away from “peace” Could the Egyptian father have had some negative influence on the son? Whenever there is a mixed marriage, a believer with an unbeliever, there is bound to be strife and lack of peace, since the couple are like “pulling against each other on a rope” and sooner or later, the rope is going to break. Chap 23: “HaMoedim of YHVH” (The feasts of the LORD). Here the special days of worship and assembly are mentioned, the first being the “Sabbath Day” it is a “day of Rest” a time of worship and coming together to worship Adonai and learn from HIS Word through His teachers, pastors, rabbis, evangelists, etc. The Sabbath day was NEVER changed to Sunday. Not that it was bad to come together on Sundays, any day of the week is a good time to come together. It just became customary for the believers in the first century to come together on the “first day of the week” like it is mentioned in Acts, to fellowship and eat together, but the believers ALWAYS considered Saturday, the Sabbath, the special and the official appointed day for rest, worship, and Bible study. For me, the sabbath and Sunday are both special days to worship God and study his word with other believers. The Passover and days of unleavened bread, symbolize Messiah Yeshua in our lives as the “Lamb of God” who took away the sin of the world, and who is also, the “Bread of Life”, who was “roasted in the fires of judgment for our sins, whose blood was shed for our sins, once and forever. The “matzah” bread without leaven symbolizes Yeshua as the Bread of Life, without sin (leaven). And his blood is symbolized by the wine. The Feast of First Fruits and Shavuot; counting 50 days from the time of Passover, to celebrate the blessing of a good and fruitful harvest of grains, (wheat and barley, the main crops). On Shavuot or “Pentecost” two leavened loaves of bread were made, each weighing about 5 pounds, and were “waved” by the priest before the LORD in a special ceremony. These loaves symbolize the blessings of YHVH, they could also represent Israel and the Nations, “2” is the number of “unity” and “division” we are all “united” to YHVH by Messiah Yeshua and have been “divided” or “separated” from the lost world of sin, YET, we still have our sin nature, noted by the leaven in the loaves of bread. It was also on “Shavuot” that the Torah was given on Mt. Sinai The Feast of Trumpets, “Yom Teruah” symbolizes the start of the “days of Awe” when we reflect on our own relationship with Adonai. How do we measure up to God’s standards? Lacking? Fall short? I would say YES. 10 days later, comes “Yom Kippur” the day of “covering” or “Atonement” which was when the high priest came into the Holy of Holies, once a year, to commune with Adonai. This day points to Calvary, when Yeshua’s blood “atoned” for our sins, past, present, and future. It is a day of fasting, repentance, and soul searching. It is a day when we are accustomed to dress in white. Feast of Tabernacles, or “Sukkot” is a joyous festival, when the “harvest” is in, kind of like “Thanksgiving” in the US of A. The time when God came to earth in human form as Yeshua, born in Beit Lechem, being raised learning carpentry and Torah, a teacher of Torah, healer of diseases, a raiser of the dead, and a sacrifice for our sins. This festivity was for 7 days, “7” the perfect number, and a special “8th” day “Hoshanah Raba” when the customary reading of the Torah starts over again from Genesis. It also symbolizes when the Israelites lived in tents, “temporary dwellings” as our bodies are “temporary dwellings” for our souls and for the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Chapter 24: The Menorah, the lamps were lit from dusk to morning, and the menorah was made of gold, which symbolizes perfection. The flame/light symbolizes Yeshua who is the “Light of the World” and the “all-consuming fire” and also, all believers are the “lights of the world” reflecting the SON light! “Table of Shewbread” which was in the Holy place across from the Menorah. Has 12 loaves of unleavened bread, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, again, Yeshua the “Bread of Life” Hey, maybe that was where the idea of the “bagel” came from, bread with a hole in middle, who knows! Maybe! This bread was for Aaron and his sons. May you trust in the "Bread of Life" our "High Priest" as your LORD and Savior. Yeshua/Jesus paid it all on the Cross of Calvary. Let's not profane His Name, neither by word nor deed, May His holiness show in our lives. Twilight at 27,000 feet. Miami to El Salvador (5/16/2025)

THREE TABERNACLES? OR THREE IN ONE? EXODUS 38-40 Continuing in our commentary in Exodus 38-40, the Tabernacle in the desert seems to be mentioned/referred to in three ways; 1. HaMishkan (The Tabernacle) 2. HaMishkan, HaOhel Moed (The Tabernacle, Tent of Meeting) 3. HaMishkan, HaEidut (The Tabernacle of the Testimony). In reality, they are ALL the same, yet referred to by different names. Why is that? Why does Moses refer to them in different ways? Perhaps we can see the ministry of Adonai in different ways. “HaMishkan” If we go back to the ancient Hebrew spelling of the word “Mishkan” It is spelled with 4 Hebrew letters. “Mem” “Sheen” “Kaph” and “Nun” (M+SH+K+N) It comes from the verb “Sh’ken” which is “to dwell”. The reason that Adonai ordered Moshe to build the Tabernacle was so that HE could dwell amongst HIS people. One can look at the letters from the ancient Hebrew perspective and say; “The Living Water who is the All-Consuming Fire anoints (his people) with life” … or … “Our lives became anointed when the presence of the All-Consuming Fire /the Living Water is amongst us” “HaOhel Moed” (The Tent of Meeting) Why do we go to the synagogue/church? Because it is the meeting place where we meet with Elohim. His spirit is there! Even if only two believers are present in some place, HE is in the midst! So, Adonai dwells with his people so that we can “meet” with HIM. “Ohel Moed” has 7 letters, “7” is the number of perfection. If we look at the Ancient Hebrew spelling of these words we could see the following: “Behold the God of Instruction and Teaching and (gives his people/us) the “living water (of the word) which connects us with insight, which is at the door” When we meet with Adonai, we are taught His Word through his chosen teachers, we are taught about Yeshua who is the “Living Water” who gives “insight’ (or understanding). The understanding is there at the door, all we have to do is open the door (of our mind and heart) to receive it. It is interesting that the last word “Moed” has the letters “Ayin and Dalet” which spell “Witness” There are witnesses when we meet with Adonai, Adonai himself and his holy angels besides those who are there to receive the Word of God. “HaEidut” (Testimony or Pact) The Mishkan was also known as the “Eidut” the Tabernacle of Testimony. What is the testimony? The testimony is the presence of the “Tables of the Torah” The tablets of the Commandments which were placed in the Ark of the Covenant. The word “Eidut” spelled in Hebrew consists of three letters; “Ayin’ “Dalet” and “Tav”. When we see these from the ancient Hebraic perspective, we can see this message; “Insight is at the door of the Covenant” or we could also understand it as; “The covenant gives insight, and that is at the door”. The letter “Tav” in the ancient spelling looks like a cross leaning to one side. It speaks of the New Covenant under Yeshua, and when we understand (insight) the message of “Yeshuah” (Salvation) then that “Yeshuah” is at the “door”. All that we need to do is open the door and receive “Yeshuah” that comes from “Yeshua” (seems like a play on words). Again, we see the two letters “Ayin and Dalet” (ED) yet here they are reversed, yet they are still present, the “Witness” In conclusion, the Tabernacle was all about where Adonai came to dwell amongst his people to dwell with them, teach them his word, his ordinances, and his commandments, to direct them to a new life style other than the life they had in Egypt. We meet with Adonai in HIS place of worship to receive his word, and to allow HIM to dwell inside of us through His Holy Spirit. We learn His Word and His Word directs ALL to YESHUA, who is the New Covenant. Now, we will look at another building project. King David had it in his mind to "Build a House for God" yet his son Solomon constructed it. 1 KINGS 7:51-8:21 We see here a repetition of the same building project, but on a larger scale. Solomon builds the first “Temple” for the presence of YHVH. Wherein the tabernacle was a mobile structure (kinda like a mobile home) the Temple was a fixed place. He employed thousands of workers, so there wasn’t much unemployment in Israel during that time. It took many years to build whereas the Tabernacle was finished in a matter of months. It takes time to build a ministry, many years sometimes. But if the goal is to share/teach the Word of God to others, to minister HIS word, then the LORD will bless that work, no matter how small or how big, whether a “mobile” ministry or a “fixed-in-one-place ministry, Adonai will bless and it will last. MARK 9:1-50; 10:1-52 Yeshua takes his three chosen disciples; Peter, James, and John to witness a special event. We know this as the “Transfiguration.” They went up a mountain and the clothing of Yeshua was transformed into dazzling white. He then talked with Moses and Elijah. The scripture does not say what they talked about. We can only imagine. Perhaps, it was the following; Moses represents the Torah, (the first 5 books) and Elijah, the Prophets and writings, and Yeshua, the New Covenant. Altogether, we have the complete Torah, the Complete Word of God! Perhaps Yeshua told the two how He was the one that they wrote about and how all of their prophecies would be complete in HIM. Well, that is just an idea. What do you think they talked about if not that? In Mark 10, Yeshua teaches about divorce. This is a big subject, and a sad subject because many couples do not take marriage seriously anymore. “Love” is a “commitment” it is a “conscious choice” to care for a person, it has nothing to do with “feelings”, yet “feelings” can lead two people together to “make a “love” commitment” Divorce was allowed out of the “hardness of man’s heart” in biblical times, it was instituted by the man, never the woman, all is different now, get tired of your mate? Bored? Run to the lawyer and get a divorce, look for a new mate, someone more exciting and fuller of life. This is the mentality of the world, but not the mentality of God. The only biblical reason for allowing divorce is adultery, and for unbelief, if there is a mixed marriage and the unbeliever refuses to live with the believer, “let him (or her) depart” for we are not called to strife. All the more reason to be “equally yoked together, believers with other believers” Personally, divorce should be a last choice if one is living in a “hell hole” and the mate is an “unholy terror” but let’s not even go there now, we need to lift up our mates in prayer and pray for understanding one with the other. We are all different, and our mates complement our weaknesses, and through our mates, our weaknesses become “strong” Have a blessed week. We leave for the States on the 28th, coming back? Maybe in May. Will write again then. Ben Avraham (Does anyone here live in Houston or Miami?) Nice memories. Bringing a Bible Study to the cadets of "Gerardo Barrios Military Academy" in San Salvador, El Salvador 2016

THREE TABERNACLES? OR THREE IN ONE? EXODUS 38-40 Continuing in our commentary in Exodus 38-40, the Tabernacle in the desert seems to be mentioned/referred to in three ways; 1. HaMishkan (The Tabernacle) 2. HaMishkan, HaOhel Moed (The Tabernacle, Tent of Meeting) 3. HaMishkan, HaEidut (The Tabernacle of the Testimony). In reality, they are ALL the same, yet referred to by different names. Why is that? Why does Moses refer to them in different ways? Perhaps we can see the ministry of Adonai in different ways. “HaMishkan” If we go back to the ancient Hebrew spelling of the word “Mishkan” It is spelled with 4 Hebrew letters. “Mem” “Sheen” “Kaph” and “Nun” (M+SH+K+N) It comes from the verb “Sh’ken” which is “to dwell”. The reason that Adonai ordered Moshe to build the Tabernacle was so that HE could dwell amongst HIS people. One can look at the letters from the ancient Hebrew perspective and say; “The Living Water who is the All-Consuming Fire anoints (his people) with life” … or … “Our lives became anointed when the presence of the All-Consuming Fire /the Living Water is amongst us” “HaOhel Moed” (The Tent of Meeting) Why do we go to the synagogue/church? Because it is the meeting place where we meet with Elohim. His spirit is there! Even if only two believers are present in some place, HE is in the midst! So, Adonai dwells with his people so that we can “meet” with HIM. “Ohel Moed” has 7 letters, “7” is the number of perfection. If we look at the Ancient Hebrew spelling of these words we could see the following: “Behold the God of Instruction and Teaching and (gives his people/us) the “living water (of the word) which connects us with insight, which is at the door” When we meet with Adonai, we are taught His Word through his chosen teachers, we are taught about Yeshua who is the “Living Water” who gives “insight’ (or understanding). The understanding is there at the door, all we have to do is open the door (of our mind and heart) to receive it. It is interesting that the last word “Moed” has the letters “Ayin and Dalet” which spell “Witness” There are witnesses when we meet with Adonai, Adonai himself and his holy angels besides those who are there to receive the Word of God. “HaEidut” (Testimony or Pact) The Mishkan was also known as the “Eidut” the Tabernacle of Testimony. What is the testimony? The testimony is the presence of the “Tables of the Torah” The tablets of the Commandments which were placed in the Ark of the Covenant. The word “Eidut” spelled in Hebrew consists of three letters; “Ayin’ “Dalet” and “Tav”. When we see these from the ancient Hebraic perspective, we can see this message; “Insight is at the door of the Covenant” or we could also understand it as; “The covenant gives insight, and that is at the door”. The letter “Tav” in the ancient spelling looks like a cross leaning to one side. It speaks of the New Covenant under Yeshua, and when we understand (insight) the message of “Yeshuah” (Salvation) then that “Yeshuah” is at the “door”. All that we need to do is open the door and receive “Yeshuah” that comes from “Yeshua” (seems like a play on words). Again, we see the two letters “Ayin and Dalet” (ED) yet here they are reversed, yet they are still present, the “Witness” In conclusion, the Tabernacle was all about where Adonai came to dwell amongst his people to dwell with them, teach them his word, his ordinances, and his commandments, to direct them to a new life style other than the life they had in Egypt. We meet with Adonai in HIS place of worship to receive his word, and to allow HIM to dwell inside of us through His Holy Spirit. We learn His Word and His Word directs ALL to YESHUA, who is the New Covenant. Now, we will look at another building project. King David had it in his mind to "Build a House for God" yet his son Solomon constructed it. 1 KINGS 7:51-8:21 We see here a repetition of the same building project, but on a larger scale. Solomon builds the first “Temple” for the presence of YHVH. Wherein the tabernacle was a mobile structure (kinda like a mobile home) the Temple was a fixed place. He employed thousands of workers, so there wasn’t much unemployment in Israel during that time. It took many years to build whereas the Tabernacle was finished in a matter of months. It takes time to build a ministry, many years sometimes. But if the goal is to share/teach the Word of God to others, to minister HIS word, then the LORD will bless that work, no matter how small or how big, whether a “mobile” ministry or a “fixed-in-one-place ministry, Adonai will bless and it will last. MARK 9:1-50; 10:1-52 Yeshua takes his three chosen disciples; Peter, James, and John to witness a special event. We know this as the “Transfiguration.” They went up a mountain and the clothing of Yeshua was transformed into dazzling white. He then talked with Moses and Elijah. The scripture does not say what they talked about. We can only imagine. Perhaps, it was the following; Moses represents the Torah, (the first 5 books) and Elijah, the Prophets and writings, and Yeshua, the New Covenant. Altogether, we have the complete Torah, the Complete Word of God! Perhaps Yeshua told the two how He was the one that they wrote about and how all of their prophecies would be complete in HIM. Well, that is just an idea. What do you think they talked about if not that? In Mark 10, Yeshua teaches about divorce. This is a big subject, and a sad subject because many couples do not take marriage seriously anymore. “Love” is a “commitment” it is a “conscious choice” to care for a person, it has nothing to do with “feelings”, yet “feelings” can lead two people together to “make a “love” commitment” Divorce was allowed out of the “hardness of man’s heart” in biblical times, it was instituted by the man, never the woman, all is different now, get tired of your mate? Bored? Run to the lawyer and get a divorce, look for a new mate, someone more exciting and fuller of life. This is the mentality of the world, but not the mentality of God. The only biblical reason for allowing divorce is adultery, and for unbelief, if there is a mixed marriage and the unbeliever refuses to live with the believer, “let him (or her) depart” for we are not called to strife. All the more reason to be “equally yoked together, believers with other believers” Personally, divorce should be a last choice if one is living in a “hell hole” and the mate is an “unholy terror” but let’s not even go there now, we need to lift up our mates in prayer and pray for understanding one with the other. We are all different, and our mates complement our weaknesses, and through our mates, our weaknesses become “strong” Have a blessed week. We leave for the States on the 28th, coming back? Maybe in May. Will write again then. Ben Avraham (Does anyone here live in Houston or Miami?) Nice memories. Bringing a Bible study to the cadets of "Escuela Militar Gerardo Barrios, in San Salvador, El Salvador 2016

Bible Portion: "VaYekel" ( and he assembled) and "Pikudei" (accountings of) EXODUS 35:1-40:38 The original commentary for this portion of study is very long. I sent it to our Messianic congregation members, but for the sake of those in the Forum groups, I will shorten it a bit, and concentrate on the basic meanings of this portion of God's inspired Word. The main point of this study is the construction of the Tabernacle, or in Hebrew, "Mishkan," which comes from three Hebrew letters: "Sh+k+n," which form the verb " to dwell, to live with or among." It isn't that God needs a place to live, He lives everywhere, from the farthest and remote parts of the universe to the deepest part of the oceans. It is "Man" who needs to "meet" with God, so God will meet with mankind in this place called the Mishkan. God gives Moses the building plans while on Mt. Sinai in Exodus Chapter 25. This was a "God to Moses" conversation and instructions. Now, ten chapters later, it is the "Moses to the People" conversation. "This is what God wants." The first thing that is mentioned in Exodus 35 is the "Shabbat." Even before the building project starts, God is ordering a day of rest, do nothing, just rest in your tents Israelites, and meditate on the goodness you have received from me! in a manner of speaking. Even when the building starts, they are to rest and stop work every Sabbath, which is every "Saturday." It is the 7th day, and God gives the example back in Genesis. "He rested on the 7th day from all his work" This works for us too. We can work 6 days a week then rest on the 7th day. Most of us have 5-day work weeks, then on Saturday and Sunday, we rest and either attend Synagogue services or Sunday services. Some believe that the Sabbath day was changed to Sunday. Yet nothing was changed really. In Acts, it mentions that the disciples and other believers got together the "First Day of the week to break bread" (Acts 20:7) this was when Paul met with them and preached until midnight. The "First day of the week, or Sunday" starts when the sun goes down on Saturday afternoon-evening. Bible study, food fellowship, and communion were at this time too. So, Sunday, the first day of the week is also a blessing to get together and study God's Word at congregations. Now for every building project, there are supervisors and workers appointed by the "Big Boss Man." We might say that Moses was the "Boss Man" and God himself was the "Big Boss Man." In this project, there were two supervisors; B'Tzal'el and "Aholiav" Intereresting names. B'Tzal'El means "In the Shadow of God" and "Aholi-Av" "In My Father's Tent" or "My tent of the Father" According to the Talmud, B'tzal'El was only 13 years old. So, these guys worked under the "shadow of God" to build "Father's Tent." He was to build the furniture for the Tabernacle and AholiAv was to teach others how to do the work. They were supernaturally gifted with the understanding and wisdom to do this work. Imagine going to sleep one night and waking up knowing all about electrical engineering and the night before you were just a common day laborer. The Israelites in Egypt were just that, laborers for Pharoah. God has gifted all believers with the "gifts of the Spirit" To some he has given the gift of teaching, and pastoring, and being a rabbi (a teacher) Some he has given the gift of administration, finances, music, singing, prayer warriors, and intercessors, some can speak different languages (tongues) in the Greek (Glossa) all for the Body of Messiah. God told Moses to "collect a free-will offering" from the people. This is important because it had to come from their "hearts." All the materials would come from the people. Where did the Israelites get all the material to build the Mishkan? From the Egyptians of course. Egypt went into bankruptcy. The Egyptians gave them all their gold, silver, copper, bronze, fabric, fine wood, etc...just to get them "out of there" (and take your God with you!) The people started bringing all that was needed to build the Mishkan. Even "too much" as they were commanded to "stop giving". Can you imagine a pastor telling his congregation to "stop giving, hey, we have too much already" That will never happen. God wants us to be "cheerful givers" with a glad heart, not with a sour face as if you were sucking on a lemon. There are three ways to give, the three "T"s, Time, Talent, and Treasure" Some have a lot of "treasure" (money) but little available time, while others have not so much treasure (like me) yet a lot of time and talent to give. Especially retired folks such as myself. Not enough treasure to keep living in the USA, but enough to live South of the Border. Now, the furnishings that were built by the construction crews were; The Tabernacle itself, with the boards and the tenting fabric, and then 6 main items, all of which point to and illustrate YESHUA! The Ark of the Covenant, The Incense Altar, the Table of Shewbread, the Menorah, the Bronze Basin, and the Brazen Altar. So, how do these items point to Yeshua or illustrate the person of Yeshua/Jesus? THE ARK OF THE COVENANT: Made of gold and hardwood. The humanity of Yeshua (wood) and the purity of His sinless person (gold) Inside the Ark of the Covenant were: The Tablets of the Commandments (Yeshua, the Living Torah) Aaron's Rod that budded (The Authority and Leadership of Yeshua The container of Manna (Yeshua, the Bread of Life) His provision for us all, both physically and spiritually, both physical food and food for the soul. The two cherubim on top of the covering of the Ark invited the High Priest to minister and come close to YHVH in the Shekinah glory that was between them. Remember, there were two Cherubim at the entrance of the Garden of Eden to keep man from "returning" to the Garden, now, there is an invitation to "come back" into fellowship with God. THE INCENSE ALTAR: Made of hardwood and gold. (The humanity of God in Yeshua, and his pure sinless self) The incense that went up towards heaven, our prayers, and the intercession of Yeshua on our behalf as our "High Priest" (Cohen HaGadol) THE ALTAR OF SHEWBREAD: Made of hardwood and gold. (The humanity of God in Yeshua, and his pure sinless self) the 12 loaves of unleavened bread, "Yeshua, The Bread of Life" who sustains us with his Living Word, and our daily bread (rice, beans, etc) The priests would eat the bread on the Sabbath and place more for that week. THE GOLDEN MENORAH: Made of pure gold, seven branches and on top of each branch, a lamp with oil and wicks. Yeshua is the "Light of the World" and so are we "lights of the world" to reflect the light of Yeshua. We are the wicks and need to be connected to the oil in order to "shine brightly" THE BRONZE BASIN: Made of bronze (which is a mixture of iron and copper). Bronze symbolizes judgment. It held water which the priests used to wash their hands and feet after performing the animal sacrifices. Yeshua is the "Living Water" He explained this to the Samaritan woman at the well. We also identify water with the believer's baptism, and continuing fellowship with Messiah Yeshua, as when Yeshua washed the disciple's feet after Passover supper. When we look at still water, we can see our reflection, so, we must "judge ourselves" where we come up short. THE BRAZEN ALTAR: Made of Hardwood overlaid with bronze. (The Humanity of Yeshua who went through judgment by the Father, to pay the price of sin in our place. This is where all the animal sacrifices were performed, they pointed to "Yeshua, The Lamb of God" who was "roasted in the fires of judgment" on the Cross of Calvary. This was the first place at the entrance of the Tabernacle. We could say that the "Tabernacle" is the community of believers worldwide. The first step is accepting Yeshua's sacrifice for sin, once and forever. Chapter 38:21 until the end of chapter 40 is all about "accountability" and the "finished product" (putting it all together). The Tabernacle is finished and erected on New Year's Day (Nisan 1) which would be March 30th this year. Like in any building project, the expenses are listed and recorded and the finished product is presented to the public. The tabernacle was put together and the Glory of God filled it. One day, we will give an account of all that we have done for the glory of God, what we did with our Time Talent, and Treasure. All will be revealed at the Judgment Seat of Messiah (The Bema) and rewards or loss of rewards will be revealed. Are you ready for that time? We only have this one earthly life to live, we don't know when our "clocks will stop ticking." Our rewards for eternity depend on what we do in the HERE and NOW. Please pray for traveling mercies, as we will be going back to Texas then to Florida for family time and ministry on the 28th of this month, so, I probably won't be back writing until mid May. Shalom / Shabbat Shalom Ben Avraham Kehilah Salem San Salvador, El Salvador

Bible Portion: "VaYekel" ( and he assembled) and "Pikudei" (accountings of) EXODUS 35:1-40:38 The original commentary for this portion of study is very long. I sent it to our Messianic congregation members, but for the sake of those in the Forum groups, I will shorten it a bit, and concentrate on the basic meanings of this portion of God's inspired Word. The main point of this study is the construction of the Tabernacle, or in Hebrew, "Mishkan," which comes from three Hebrew letters: "Sh+k+n," which form the verb " to dwell, to live with or among." It isn't that God needs a place to live, He lives everywhere, from the farthest and remote parts of the universe to the deepest part of the oceans. It is "Man" who needs to "meet" with God, so God will meet with mankind in this place called the Mishkan. God gives Moses the building plans while on Mt. Sinai in Exodus Chapter 25. This was a "God to Moses" conversation and instructions. Now, ten chapters later, it is the "Moses to the People" conversation. "This is what God wants." The first thing that is mentioned in Exodus 35 is the "Shabbat." Even before the building project starts, God is ordering a day of rest, do nothing, just rest in your tents Israelites, and meditate on the goodness you have received from me! in a manner of speaking. Even when the building starts, they are to rest and stop work every Sabbath, which is every "Saturday." It is the 7th day, and God gives the example back in Genesis. "He rested on the 7th day from all his work" This works for us too. We can work 6 days a week then rest on the 7th day. Most of us have 5-day work weeks, then on Saturday and Sunday, we rest and either attend Synagogue services or Sunday services. Some believe that the Sabbath day was changed to Sunday. Yet nothing was changed really. In Acts, it mentions that the disciples and other believers got together the "First Day of the week to break bread" (Acts 20:7) this was when Paul met with them and preached until midnight. The "First day of the week, or Sunday" starts when the sun goes down on Saturday afternoon-evening. Bible study, food fellowship, and communion were at this time too. So, Sunday, the first day of the week is also a blessing to get together and study God's Word at congregations. Now for every building project, there are supervisors and workers appointed by the "Big Boss Man." We might say that Moses was the "Boss Man" and God himself was the "Big Boss Man." In this project, there were two supervisors; B'Tzal'el and "Aholiav" Intereresting names. B'Tzal'El means "In the Shadow of God" and "Aholi-Av" "In My Father's Tent" or "My tent of the Father" According to the Talmud, B'tzal'El was only 13 years old. So, these guys worked under the "shadow of God" to build "Father's Tent." He was to build the furniture for the Tabernacle and AholiAv was to teach others how to do the work. They were supernaturally gifted with the understanding and wisdom to do this work. Imagine going to sleep one night and waking up knowing all about electrical engineering and the night before you were just a common day laborer. The Israelites in Egypt were just that, laborers for Pharoah. God has gifted all believers with the "gifts of the Spirit" To some he has given the gift of teaching, and pastoring, and being a rabbi (a teacher) Some he has given the gift of administration, finances, music, singing, prayer warriors, and intercessors, some can speak different languages (tongues) in the Greek (Glossa) all for the Body of Messiah. God told Moses to "collect a free-will offering" from the people. This is important because it had to come from their "hearts." All the materials would come from the people. Where did the Israelites get all the material to build the Mishkan? From the Egyptians of course. Egypt went into bankruptcy. The Egyptians gave them all their gold, silver, copper, bronze, fabric, fine wood, etc...just to get them "out of there" (and take your God with you!) The people started bringing all that was needed to build the Mishkan. Even "too much" as they were commanded to "stop giving". Can you imagine a pastor telling his congregation to "stop giving, hey, we have too much already" That will never happen. God wants us to be "cheerful givers" with a glad heart, not with a sour face as if you were sucking on a lemon. There are three ways to give, the three "T"s, Time, Talent, and Treasure" Some have a lot of "treasure" (money) but little available time, while others have not so much treasure (like me) yet a lot of time and talent to give. Especially retired folks such as myself. Not enough treasure to keep living in the USA, but enough to live South of the Border. Now, the furnishings that were built by the construction crews were; The Tabernacle itself, with the boards and the tenting fabric, and then 6 main items, all of which point to and illustrate YESHUA! The Ark of the Covenant, The Incense Altar, the Table of Shewbread, the Menorah, the Bronze Basin, and the Brazen Altar. So, how do these items point to Yeshua or illustrate the person of Yeshua/Jesus? THE ARK OF THE COVENANT: Made of gold and hardwood. The humanity of Yeshua (wood) and the purity of His sinless person (gold) Inside the Ark of the Covenant were: The Tablets of the Commandments (Yeshua, the Living Torah) Aaron's Rod that budded (The Authority and Leadership of Yeshua The container of Manna (Yeshua, the Bread of Life) His provision for us all, both physically and spiritually, both physical food and food for the soul. The two cherubim on top of the covering of the Ark invited the High Priest to minister and come close to YHVH in the Shekinah glory that was between them. Remember, there were two Cherubim at the entrance of the Garden of Eden to keep man from "returning" to the Garden, now, there is an invitation to "come back" into fellowship with God. THE INCENSE ALTAR: Made of hardwood and gold. (The humanity of God in Yeshua, and his pure sinless self) The incense that went up towards heaven, our prayers, and the intercession of Yeshua on our behalf as our "High Priest" (Cohen HaGadol) THE ALTAR OF SHEWBREAD: Made of hardwood and gold. (The humanity of God in Yeshua, and his pure sinless self) the 12 loaves of unleavened bread, "Yeshua, The Bread of Life" who sustains us with his Living Word, and our daily bread (rice, beans, etc) The priests would eat the bread on the Sabbath and place more for that week. THE GOLDEN MENORAH: Made of pure gold, seven branches and on top of each branch, a lamp with oil and wicks. Yeshua is the "Light of the World" and so are we "lights of the world" to reflect the light of Yeshua. We are the wicks and need to be connected to the oil in order to "shine brightly" THE BRONZE BASIN: Made of bronze (which is a mixture of iron and copper). Bronze symbolizes judgment. It held water which the priests used to wash their hands and feet after performing the animal sacrifices. Yeshua is the "Living Water" He explained this to the Samaritan woman at the well. We also identify water with the believer's baptism, and continuing fellowship with Messiah Yeshua, as when Yeshua washed the disciple's feet after Passover supper. When we look at still water, we can see our reflection, so, we must "judge ourselves" where we come up short. THE BRAZEN ALTAR: Made of Hardwood overlaid with bronze. (The Humanity of Yeshua who went through judgment by the Father, to pay the price of sin in our place. This is where all the animal sacrifices were performed, they pointed to "Yeshua, The Lamb of God" who was "roasted in the fires of judgment" on the Cross of Calvary. This was the first place at the entrance of the Tabernacle. We could say that the "Tabernacle" is the community of believers worldwide. The first step is accepting Yeshua's sacrifice for sin, once and forever. Chapter 38:21 until the end of chapter 40 is all about "accountability" and the "finished product" (putting it all together). The Tabernacle is finished and erected on New Year's Day (Nisan 1) which would be March 30th this year. Like in any building project, the expenses are listed and recorded and the finished product is presented to the public. The tabernacle was put together and the Glory of God filled it. One day, we will give an account of all that we have done for the glory of God, what we did with our Time Talent, and Treasure. All will be revealed at the Judgment Seat of Messiah (The Bema) and rewards or loss of rewards will be revealed. Are you ready for that time? We only have this one earthly life to live, we don't know when our "clocks will stop ticking." Our rewards for eternity depend on what we do in the HERE and NOW. Please pray for traveling mercies, as we will be going back to Texas then to Florida for family time and ministry on the 28th of this month, so, I probably won't be back writing until mid May. Shalom / Shabbat Shalom Ben Avraham Kehilah Salem San Salvador, El Salvador

1 KINGS 18:1-39 …. This relates to the time when there is a contest, sponsored by Eliyahu Ha Navi, (Elijah the prophet). He calls for a contest between “Baal” and “YHVH” It is time to take action and clear up the error that Baal even exists. So, it is Baal vs YHVH, Elijah against 450 false prophets of Baal. Sacrifices are ready, all that is needed is fire, but fire not kindled by man, only by the true God, We all know who won the contest, Elijah called upon YHVH; …..”ATAH YHVH HaELOHIM” (you are YHVH you are God) and fire fell from heaven and consumed EVERYTHING, the sacrifice, altar, stones, and water, The people now had proof, and the false prophets were still crying out and dancing around. Judgment; death for all false prophets. The people repented and returned to YHVH …..Are we worshiping and serving our true God? Or are we chasing after idols, idols of money, fame, popularity, jobs, fast cars, lust, avarice, etc.? We can only serve one master, who is it going to be? Do we serve YHVH? Or the world? The choice is ours. MARK 7: 1-8:38 …..In this portion of scripture, we see Yeshua rebuking the Pharisees. They are pointing out that the disciples did not wash their hands before eating. It is true that one of the rites of the priests was to wash their hands and feet before entering the Holy Place, yet this was never stated as a commandment. It has health benefits though as we all know. …. Today, we see many religious practices that are stressed and done as if they were commandments. There is a big difference between “commandments” and “tradition” Many traditions stem from commandments, but we need to differentiate between the two. Wearing a Kippa is a tradition, but wearing Tzitziot (fringes on garments) is a commandment, and putting a mezuzah on the doorpost is a commandment. But one should not judge one another in these cases. One can point out different scripture verses, but we must leave everything in the hands of God. …..”It is not what goes into a person that which defiles, but what comes out of a person that which defiles, for out of the HEART comes forth …..So as not to confuse one thing with another, eating certain kinds of food does not defile a person SPIRITUALLY!, it may defile one physically, eating what is not considered biblically kosher, like pork, shellfish, etc.. But other things can defile a person spiritually, like listening to unholy music, doing things, watching things, movies, etc. that are unholy, satanic, occultic, etc. …..Physical defilement is different from spiritual defilement. In this passage of scripture, Yeshua is performing many miracles, opening the ears of a deaf man, healing the eyes of a blind man, and casting out demons. How are our eyes, ears, and hearts? Can we see the truth in scripture? Can we hear the WORD of God? Is our heart open to receive his word? We come against Satan and his demons through the power of the Holy Spirit. Is Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ) your savior and LORD?