Jacob Ben Avraham

Leviticus 19:2 "BE YE HOLY FOR I, THE LORD YOUR GOD AM HOLY" To take an original look at this verse, we need to go back to the Hebrew, which reads; "Kad_shim ti-heyu Ki Kadosh Ani YHVH Eloheikhem" This is Adonai's command to the Children of Israel during their time in the wilderness. It is a strong statement, yet it also is a message and a command to us all. We are all commanded to be HOLY because our LORD and God is HOLY. But what does it mean to be HOLY? The word Holy means "set apart" for a certain reason, the reason being to serve our LORD and God while we are on this planet called earth. Yet firstly, to come into a personal relationship with Adonai through Yeshua/Jesus. From this point, we are commanded to be HOLY, set apart to study his WORD, his TORAH (instructions) and obey them, putting them into action throughout the days of our life. But, there is a difference between the Holiness of God and the holiness of redeemed mankind. In the original Hebrew, the word "Kadoshim" means "holy ones" (us) yet, it is spelled in the original Hebrew without the "o". The letter "o" in Hebrew is called "Vav" It looks like an upside-down hockey stick looking to the left. But when we see the word "Kadosh" meaning "God's Holiness, it DOES have a VAV. Why the missing "Vav" in our holiness? Our holiness is incomplete. It is lacking perfection. Adam was created "perfect" being the "Shadow' (Tzelem) of Elohim. Yet when he sinned, the creation was marred, and now, the creation is imperfect. We are born with a sin nature and therefore, our "holiness" is lacking that which God has. The "Vav" also symbolizes the "nail". Adonai in human form, in the person of Yeshua received the "nails" in his hands and feet. He received the nails in our place. When he lifted himself up as a sacrifice for sin, his holiness was given to us, and our sins given to Him. Yet our holiness can not be complete while on earth, only after we get to Heaven, and in our new bodies can we be beings of perfect holiness. In the meanwhile, we need to live each day perfecting and maturing in our holiness (without the "o') or "h_liness" and become more Christ-like in our daily walk, putting into practice the commandments that YHVH left us. The word "will be" or "be" in the Hebrew is "ti-heyu" it is very interesting that the spelling in Hebrew has 4 letters. "Tav" "Hey" ""Yod" and "Vav" Each letter has symbolism. The "Tav" symbolizes "Covenant" the "Hey" symbolizes "revelation" the "Yod" = hand, and the "Vav" = nail. The infallible name of God has the letters Yod, Hey, and Vav, and the "Tav" is the covenant. What might this tell us? That Adonai wants us to be like HIM, yet He was the one who fulfilled the covenant with his own blood. We are given His holiness through our faith and through the blood of Yeshua. So, "Ti-heyu" can tell us; "Revealed is the covenant of the hand which received the nail" Even though our "holiness" is still full of "holes" Adonai looks upon us as if we had never sinned, being imputed His righteousness. Also, the word "Eloheikhem" means the "God of all of you." Sometimes, the word "Eloheikha" is used meaning "Your God" in which Adonai is speaking to the nation of Israel as ONE unity. Together as ONE. Here, the word "Eloheikhem" means the "God of all of you individually" In Texan it would be "Ya'all" What can we understand by this? God is saying that each and every one of us is responsible for his or her holiness. It is an individual relationship that we have before our creator God. We will each be judged separately. My holiness is different from your holiness. It might be more or less. We each have our own individual spiritual maturity in the faith, which, is our "k_desh" So, let us grow in our holiness, in our spiritual maturity, that is our goal to be more Christ-like. As our days progress, may our "holiness" have fewer "holes" until when we get to the World to Come, when there will not be ANY holes. Shalom Ben Avraham Let our light shine forth so that the whole world will see Yeshua in our life

Parasha: Achrei Mot (After the death of...) Leviticus 16:1-18:30; Amos 9:7-15; Luke 2: 1-52 Sometimes, I just want to lay back and watch pastor Louis on Go Elevate Church, with the praise and worship team. and Rabbi Hershberg too. But then, I need to think, "I've got to get the Torah study out to the Forums." Got to get myself up and wipe the sleep and laziness from my body, get to the PC and start writing. Yeah, when you get up in age, you want to sleep more. Two more years and I'll hit the big 7-0. So, here it is Monday, so, better late than never. This Parashah speaks of the solemn Moed (appointed day) of Yom Kippur. The “Day of Redemption” is also known as the “day of Coverings” (Yom HaKipurim). It was the only day of the year when the High Priest could enter the “Most Holy Place” (Kadosh HaKadoshim) the “Holy of Holies”. This is where the “Aron HaKodesh” (Ark of the Covenant) was kept and where the “Shekinah” (Glory of YHVH) hovered over the “Kaporet” (the covering of the Ark of the Covenant, looking down upon the Mercy Seat. The Parashah starts out with; “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the Ark, lest he die” Was this perhaps the reason why Nadab and Abihu died? Because they went into the Holy of Holies with their own fire? That is another thought. The high priest had to put on a special tunic, all white, of fine linen. Thus, today it is customary during Yom Kippur to wear all white, symbolic of how YHVH views us through Yeshua our Messiah, but ONLY through Yeshua, can we be viewed as “Holy unto the LORD” One might ask; "Why all white?" the regular priestly garment was of gold, blue, scarlet, white, and purple colors. These were colors of kings and royalty. The High Priest would have to come before the KING of Kings, the Creator of the Universe in humbleness, if not, would it not be like a "king before another king?" The gold color might remind the priest and even, YHVH of the rebellion with the "golden calf" so, it would be necessary to come before the Eternal King in humble white, the color of repentance, the color of purity, which is the way YHVH looks at all believers through Yeshua, the Sacrifice Lamb. Today, we can all come before the LORD 24-7, not only once a year on Yom Kippur. Yeshua paid it all, for all of us, once and forever. The High Priest had to sacrifice a bull and a ram for the sin and burnt offering. The bull could signify the “strength” of G-d, representing also Aaron and his family. and the ram, the reminder of the ram sacrificed instead of Isaac on “Mt. Moriah”. The ram symbolizes YESHUA who took our place on the cross of “Mt. Calvary” Two goats were also present; one served as a “scapegoat” and the other the “sacrificial goat”. We see Yeshua symbolized in both goats. One was sacrificed as a sin offering, symbolizing Yeshua as our “sacrifice of sin” because we are sinners. The other goat carried symbolically our sins, and was sent off into the desert, (Azazel) as “Yeshua took our sins away from us”, and as far as the East is from the West, so our sins will be separated from us. Aaron then took a censor of hot coals from the brazen altar, and he took incense and put the incense on the hot coals, then, with the smoking incense, he went into the Holy of Holies and put blood on the Mercy Seat. We see our Messiah Yeshua in all of this. To have fellowship with our creator, we need to start at the cross, where our sins were judged. This is the brazen altar. The incense symbolizes our prayers that go up before our Heavenly Father, through our prayers, we have fellowship with HIM. The blood that is sprinkled on the mercy seat symbolizes the blood of Messiah Yeshua, which was shed for all of our sins. Under the mercy seat are the commandments that were given on Sinai. These were broken by our rebellion, and the blood of Messiah “covers” the sins of us all, BUT, more than that, they have been REMOVED, once and forever. Chapter 17 speaks on the “HaDam Kodesh” The sanctity of blood. Since blood symbolizes life, then, YHVH has prohibited the drinking of blood. One of the reasons that carnivorous animals are not kosher to eat is because they eat flesh, and flesh contains blood. “You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood” 17:14 Chapter 18 deals with sexual sins, there is no need to go over them since they are self-explanatory, much is common sense, yet in today’s societies, there is a perverse sexual expression, and philosophy of “if it feels good, do it” this is a lie straight from the pit of hell, straight from HaSatan! Sex should be expressed in the bond of matrimony and in this sense, it is entirely holy and sacred, because there is a commitment between the husband and wife, which (should) last a lifetime. And this is where the enemy attacks, Satan hates families, that’s a fact. Chapter 19 starts with the words; “Ye shall be Holy for I am Holy”. When we look at the original Hebrew we read; “Amarta Aleichem Kadoshim ti’hiyu Ki Kadosh Ani” But there is something different in the two words; “Kadoshim” (ones who are holy) and Kadosh (Holy ONE). The word “Be ye Holy” in the original Hebrew has 5 letters, and the word “Kadosh” has 4 letters. The biggest difference is that the “o” in “Kadoshim” is not present, but it IS present in “Kadosh”. If we write these words in English, they would be “Kadshim” and “Kadosh” Why? There is a missing letter “Vav” The “vav” is pronounced as either “v” “o” or “u”. It symbolizes the “nail”. Perfect Holiness without sin is only Adonai! He alone has the “vav” He took the “nail” for our sins. Our Holiness is lacking, we are not perfect as we have the sin nature, therefore, our Holiness can not carry the “Vav” "Kadoshim" will be discussed next week, yet we can remind ourselves that our goal as believers is to become more like Messiah Yeshua as each day approaches. "Holiness" is an uncompleted task that extends throughout our lives. It is completed once our souls and spirit depart from our bodies and return to our Creator and Father in Heaven. We will not have to worry about our old sin nature up there. There, we will be just like Messiah Yeshua. AMOS 9:7-15 Amos Ha Navi (Amos the Prophet) speaks through the Ruach HaKodesh (the Holy Spirit) saying that Yes, Adonai will seek out and punish Israel for their sins, and will search out the kingdoms of the earth where they are at, many will and have been destroyed because of their rebellion, HOWEVER, not all, there is always a remnant which is faithful, and true to the God of creation. Amos looks into the future, and sees that Israel, and all of God’s children, both born as Israelis, and born in the Gentile nations will come together as ONE, (Echad), …” Behold, the day is coming says YHVH…” we look into the future millennium and see “paradise restored” and real and eternal peace and Yeshua will be on the throne as KING and LORD of all the world, what a time that will be for ALL of us. LUKE 2:1-52 Do we look forward to the future return of Yeshua? In this chapter, Simeon and Anna looked forward and greatly rejoiced to see Mashiach, even as a baby. He was presented at the Temple and was circumcised, Simeon and Anna recognized him as Mashiach, even before he grew up and performed miracles. Simeon said; “My eyes have seen YESHUAH! Who is a LIGHT (Ha Or) to bring revelation to the Gentiles? It is God’s perfect will that Yeshua be revealed to ALL PEOPLES, both those of Israel and those outside of Israel, so that HIS BODY might be complete, a “Kehilah Kadosh, Kol HaAm” (A holy congregation of all people) Ben Avraham Country music at its best. Praise and Worship Duo in Apopa, El Salvador

Holocaust Remembrance Day. Why? Last week, From April 26 to 27, The world celebrated "Yom HaShoah" (Holocaust Remembrance Day) People celebrated the remembrance of the Holocaust, commonly known as "Shoah". It was (and still is) a time to remember with sadness the time that more than 6,000,000 Jewish men, women, and children were slaughtered without mercy by the Nazi regime under Adolf Hitler between the years 1933 and 1945. We might ask what is 6,000,000 like? Imagine the state of Massachusetts or the country of El Salvador void of people? You walk from North to South, from East to West without finding one living soul. That is what a loss of 6,000,000 people would be like. Both places have a population of a bit over that, but not more than 7,000,000. January 30, 1933, was when Adolf Hitler came to power and already had in his mind to wipe out a certain unwanted and inferior "race" called the "Jews" Interesting to note that there is only "one race" in this world which God created, and that race is the "human race". Within the "human race" there are many, many "people groups" with different physical characteristics like skin color, eye, and nose shapes, language, and social-religious customs, yet still only "one race". May 8th, 1945 we can say was when the Holocaust ended when the allied forces won the war against Nazi Germany and liberated the death camps, and rescued the remaining occupants of those camps. Yet we need to also remember that the Holocaust was not the first time violence had played a cruel role against the "Chosen People." The Inquisition of Europe also took millions of innocent lives, not only Jewish but anyone opposed to the Catholic Church between the years 1184 and 1834. So, how many millions of innocent lives were lost during these times? only God knows for sure the exact number. He maintains an accurate record and will have "payback" during the Great White Throne Judgment of the future. Some may ask; "But why the Jewish people?" Why did God allow this to happen to His chosen people? There is not a simple answer. We might have several answers, but how accurate would those answers be? Whatever the answers, they might stir up hornet nests and high winds with rough seas. One very wrong answer is; "The Jews were punished for crucifying Jesus on the cross!" The reason that this is very wrong is that it was the plan of the Father since the beginning of the world. When Adam sinned, the Creator would have to send a "Second Adam" to pay the price of sin. The only way would be to send a "Second Adam" who would be sinless and perfect. This could only be "God in the flesh" or the "Son of God". He would be the "Lamb of God" who would take away the sin of the world. He would bring "Yeshuah" (Salvation) to the whole world who would trust in His one-time-only sacrifice. Yeshua/Jesus said that "No man takes my life, I give it up freely" (John 10:18) So, no one "Killed Jesus" really. However, we can look at this in the following way; A group of religious Jewish leaders brought false accusations against Yeshua, they brought him to the Roman leaders. The Roman soldiers drove the nails into his hands and feet, yet our SINS held him fast to the cross. So, why have the Jews suffered so much since then? if this was part of the plan of God? The people cried out when Pilate wished to set Yeshua free, "Let his blood be upon us and on our children" (Matt 27:25). We can take this in two ways. Some believe that this statement brought not so much punishment and vengeance, as it brought reconciliation. The blood of Yeshua brought reconciliation, yes, to all who would believe. Yet the shed blood of innocent Abel asked for vengeance. The other belief is that because of rejection and unbelief of Yeshua as chosen Messiah, the departing of the Way of the Torah, of the Truth, and following of ways of the world and sin, this would bring perilous times and "times of trouble" upon the chosen people. A blessed people can not be cursed unless those same people bring a curse upon themselves. Could that be a meaning of Matt 27:25? Satan wanted so much for the Jewish people to be extinguished so that Messiah Yeshua could not be born. Yet he failed, because Yeshua came into the world to pay the price of sin, yet he still instigates the lost world to attack the people of God in many ways. There will come a day when ALL followers of our One True God will suffer persecution. Will we be ready? to endure? We must also understand that there is always a remnant of believers even among the Jewish People, those who accept and embrace Yeshua as Messiah and LORD. Elijah was not alone, God told him that there were still 7000 people who were still faithful to Him, and had not bowed the knee to Ba'al. So, at this time, we should lift up our voices to the KING of kings and LORD of Lords and say: "Never Again should this happen" That there should never again be such a Holocaust against God's chosen people, nor against "any" people group. Shalom Ben Avraham

No Passover, No Resurrection Day. Know Passover, Know Resurrection Day. Play on words you might ask? Well, not really. But can you just imagine if the first Passover had not taken place? What would have happened? Would Messiah Yeshua/Jesus been born? Let's see. If God had not listened to the cries of the Children of Israel. If He had turned a deaf ear to their pleas, He wouldn't have selected Moses to set His people free from the bondage of slavery. Perhaps, Moses would have been thrown into the Nile River with the rest of the Hebrew male infants by order of Pharaoh. He would have perished. The Hebrews would have continued to be enslaved. Would they had been annihilated by the Egyptians? Maybe not. Why would you wipe out your workforce? That wouldn't have made sense. Perhaps, in time, they would have intermingled with the Egyptian populous, and their Hebrew identity would have disappeared. With the disappearance of the Hebrews, would Yeshua/Jesus had been born? if yes, then the prophecy of Him being born in Bethlehem would not have been fulfilled. If He hadn't been born, there would not have been a Savior to pay the price of our sins, and we would ALL be in a world of hurt. No Savior crucified would mean no resurrection, no resurrection would mean the curse of death would still be active. We would be without hope.....So, there we have it...No Passover sacrifice of the Lamb of God would have meant No Resurrection on the 8th day. HOWEVER Since the first Passover DID happen, and the Hebrews were set free from their bondage of slavery, They all eventually got to the promised land, and once in the promised land, they settled in and there, the Nation of Israel thrived (until they were kicked out for a time because of rebellion and idolatry). However, because our God is a God of compassion and has an "I'll give you another chance" attitude. Israel came back with Nehemiah and Ezra. Eventually, Yeshua was born in Beit-Lechem (The House of Bread) only fitting that the "Bread of Life" be born in the "House of Bread." He lived a sinless life as "God-In-The-Flesh" taught Torah, healed the sick, and raised the dead, Took upon himself our sins on the Cross of Calvary, died and was buried. (Kind of hard to imagine our immortal God dying) the third day He arose from the dead, and that means RESURRECTION. The curse of sin dealt with once and for all time. So, if we know the First Passover, that pointed to the Passover Lamb of God giving himself up as a sacrifice for sin on the Passover (Nissan 14) of year 30 C.E. (approx.) and then, we know the Resurrection which occurred three days later (Nissan 17). So, if we Know the Passover, we know the Resurrection. Flat Statement! as our EMT instructor used to say when he taught us anatomy. (Flat statement, this question will be on your state board exam!) Yes, I was a medic in the Army. The death and resurrection of Messiah Yeshua were the most important events in the history of mankind! 12 common and ordinary men were filled with joy, happiness, and hope. This blessed hope continues to be the hope of the whole world PROVIDED that we lay claim to this hope and accept it personally in our lives. It is the hope that awaits us beyond the gates of death (1 Peter 1:3) The Resurrection is a historical fact which is even written about outside the Bible; Flavius Josephus, a Jewish Historian wrote the following: "There was a wise man named Yeshua who was of good conduct and full of virtue. Pontius Pilate condemned him to death by crucifixion. His followers reported that this same Yeshua had appeared to them three days later his crucifixion and was alive. Maybe, according to these events, he was the Messiah." (Antiquities of the Jews 18:63) Cornelius Tacitus, a Roman historian wrote the following: "Nero punished the guilty ones and condemned them to horrible tortures. These were the ones called "Kristianos" and "Kristos" (Christ) was the one who many followed in his doctrine. This one suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius Caesar by one of our procurators, Pontius Pilate. (Crucifixion) and afterwards, a tremendous superstition commenced, not only in Judea, but even here in Rome." Might we ask what the "tremendous superstition" was? Yes, it was the "Resurrection!" Many did not believe in it, as the "rumor" was spread that the disciples stole the body while the guards slept. Really, seriously? sleeping on guard duty had the death penalty! The guards probably fainted with fear once seeing the angel as he took away the stone. NOT to let the Messiah out, but to show that He had already LEFT! He went right through the stone in His resurrected body. (We'll be able to do the same in our new bodies made for eternity) The Apostle Paul gives visual testimony of the resurrected Messiah when he wrote his letter to the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 15:3-55) He gives account of his own conversion, from "persecutor to preacher" in Acts 9:1-6. He had to have seen the resurrected Messiah Jesus, even as a bright light to have made such a change in him. He was thus blinded and was lead to the house of Ananias. The first thing he saw was the "Grace of God" when Ananias touched him. Why is that? The name "Ananias" in Hebrew is "ChananYah" (Chanan or Chanun or Chen) = "Grace, and "Yah" is a shortened version of "YHVH" (the "Ch" is pronounced as a hard "h") like "Bach" so, the "Grace of God" opened Paul's eyes. Yeshua was risen from the dead for our justification and righteousness (Romans 4:24-25) The resurrection of Messiah Jesus brings us hope, because we too will be resurrected from the dead. Once we die, and our bodies buried in the ground, we will go on to be with the LORD, and later, our bodies will be reconstituted and changed from corruptible to incorruptible. This is the blessed hope, that we will have new bodies to join our soul/spirit beings in Heaven. (Maybe in heaven we will have some temporary body until that event happens) (John 11:25) So, be of good cheer, we will live....forever. New bodies, no sin, joy, happiness, no taxes, no cockroaches, no loud stereos with boom boxes, peace, and more shalom...FOREVER. Now, go to sleep with these thoughts. Ben Avraham Summer time in Jaffa

Hello Angels4you, and Shalom Tim Thank you for your comment, and also, thank you Tim for your comment, Of course you may share this Passover message on FB, Yes, get it out to the world!

MESSIAH YESHUA IN THE PASSOVER (Exodus 12:1-13) Vs 2; “THIS MONTH SHALL BE THE BEGINNING OF MONTHS, IT SHALL BE THE FIRST MONTH OF THE YEAR TO YOU” So where does January 1st fit in? It doesn’t! This was an invention of man, to change the calendar that God had already given us. God operates on a lunar calendar, and the Gregorian calendar uses the sun. But if we are going to understand the events and dates that events occur in the Bible, we need to be familiar with the lunar calendar. The month of “Nisan” which usually starts in April, is the “New Year” for us. This year, 2022, “New Year’s Day” was on April 2nd Vss 3-5; ON THE TENTH OF THIS MONTH, EVERY MAN SHALL TAKE FOR HIMSELF A LAMB.... YOUR LAMB WILL BE WITHOUT BLEMISH...FROM THE SHEEP OR FROM THE GOATS. Something tremendous is about to happen, a joyous occasion, an event of “Thanksgiving” sort of speaking. In the USA we are accustomed to celebrate “Thanksgiving” in November, with turkeys, and we invite all family and relatives over to eat. In Egypt, the Israelites were slaves, and were about to be freed. This “Thanksgiving” occasion called for “lambs” perfect lambs without illness, or deformities, one of the names of “Yeshua” our Messiah is the “Lamb of God” who was also, and still is “without blemish” what happened on the 10th day of the month of Nisan two thousand years ago? Yeshua entered Jerusalem on a donkey, to be known as Messiah, to heal the sick, and teach the Torah, to be known by the people, everyone greeted him with palm branches and shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David” and five days later shouted “Crucify him” (well, not all shouted that) many wept and many understood Daniel's prophecy that the “Messiah would be “cut off” (crucified) in Daniel chapter 8. This date is commonly known as “Palm Sunday” in the Christian communities. “Palm Sunday” was on the 10th of April this year. Vss 6-7; YOU SHALL KEEP IT UNTIL THE FOURTEENTH DAY OF THE SAME MONTH, THEN THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY OF THE CONGREGATION OF ISRAEL SHALL KILL IT AT TWILIGHT. AND THEY SHALL TAKE SOME OF THE BLOOD AND PUT IT ON THE TWO DOORPOSTS AND ON THE LINTEL OF THE HOUSES WHERE THEY EAT IT” A day begins at “twilight” when the sun goes down, it is the start of a new day. So, five days after the lamb was in the houses, being inspected to see if it had any blemishes, it was slaughtered at “twilight” and the blood was placed on the two side beams of the houses, and on the top beam. When we see Yeshua in this, we see him in Jerusalem, comes in on the tenth of Nisan, then on the 14th day of Nisan, five days later (ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, and fourteen). When we count from Sunday, we get Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. In the year 30 A.D. the 14th of Nissan was on a Thursday, and he was three days and three nights in the grave, then, he arose from the dead on the first day of the week. It works out. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, to be arisen on Sunday, the first day of the week. Or we could say; from Thursday to Friday, from Friday to Saturday, from Saturday to Resurrection Day Sunday. he is crucified on the cross of Calvary, for our sins, once and for all time, The blood on the doorposts and lintel form a “cross” we can imagine the head of Yeshua at the top, wet with the blood from his head where the crown of thorns was, and the two side posts where his hands were nailed, and the blood ran down to the base of the cross. Vs 8; AND THEY SHALL EAT THE FLESH ON THAT NIGHT, ROASTED WITH FIRE, AND WITH UNLEAVENED BREAD AND WITH BITTER HERBS, THEY SHALL EAT IT” We often see this done in parks, on BBQ pits, families bring hamburgers, hot dogs, fajitas, sausage, etc and roast them over an open fire, well in Goshen, the lambs were roasted over open fires on spits, we look at the symbolism of “fire” and we are reminded of “heat, light, destruction, purification, zeal, and judgment. Yeshua was “roasted” on Calvary's cross in the "fire of judgment", being judged for all of our sins, past, present, and future. Yeshua is also known by the name “The Bread of Life” who was born in the “House of Bread” (Beit-Lechem) or in English “Bethlehem” it is only fitting that the “Bread of Life” would be born in the “House of Bread” Unleavened bread symbolizes “without sin” leaven symbolizes “sin” as “leaven or yeast” puffs up the dough, and so we get bread made with flour and yeast, sin often makes us “swell or puff up with false pride” . The “bitter herbs” remind us of the slavery that the Israelites went through in Egypt for 400 years. We are reminded of the “slavery to sin” being bound to Ha Satan. We don't know exactly what kind of bitter herbs were used back then, but today, we use horse radish. The bitterness of sin is passed when we come to Yeshua and accept Him as LORD and Savior. Yeshua was the "Seh Elohim" (The Lamb of God) that took away the sins of the world. Here there is symbolism in the "Flesh" and the "blood" Yeshua's flesh was ripped apart with the Roman whips, and poured out his blood. In the Last Supper, Yeshua shared the last meal he had with his Talmidim, mentioning his "Blood" and his "flesh" which were illustrated by the "bread" and the "wine". We see "bread" and "wine" also symbolized in the story of Joseph when he was in the prison in Egypt. He interpreted the dreams of the cup-bearer, and the baker. in "Three days" the cup-bearer would regain employment with Pharaoh, while the baker would lose his head (death). What did the cup-bearer bring Pharaoh? WINE of course. What did the baker make for Pharaoh? BREAD of course. Joseph said that the "birds would pick at the bread from the basket on the baker's head" and the baker would die. Just as the bread was "torn apart" by the birds, so was the body of Yeshua "torn apart" by the Roman whips. The baker was put to death in "three days" yet in "three days" Yeshua came back to life! Vss 11-13: …...” YOU SHALL EAT IT IN HASTE, IT IS THE LORD'S PASSOVER, FOR I WILL PASS THROUGH THE LAND OF EGYPT ON THAT NIGHT AND WILL STRIKE ALL THE FIRST BORN OF EGYPT, BOTH MAN AND BEAST, AND AGAINST ALL THE GODS OF EGYPT, I WILL EXECUTE JUDGMENT, I AM YHVH. NOW THE BLOOD WILL BE A SIGN FOR YOU ON THE HOUSES WHERE YOU ARE, AND WHEN I SEE THE BLOOD, I WILL “PASS OVER” YOU, AND THE PLAGUE SHALL NOT BE ON YOU TO DESTROY YOU WHEN I STRIKE THE LAND OF EGYPT” This is the night when the Egyptians get paid back for all their abuse and cruelty. In one night, Egypt was ruined. And a few days later, Egypt's army found itself on the bottom of the Red Sea. Egypt never quite recovered from the blow. Adonai-Elohim was saying to Pharaoh “I AM the LORD God, and YOU are not ME!” nor were the gods, any kind of gods, if anything, demonic entities. Each plague was against one of the many gods. “darkness” came against “Ra” the sun god. The death of the cattle came against “Apis” a god with the head of a bull. The Nile turned to blood, against the Nile goddess, and so forth. But the “Blood Standard” would “save” all who found themselves behind the closed doors of the houses where the blood was. Even the Egyptians who chose to believe. In this way, Adonai is being fair to ALL peoples. There would be no distinction between Hebrew and Egyptian. BOTH PEOPLE groups would be saved if they put the blood of the lambs on their doorposts. Many who “woke up and smelled the coffee” sort of speaking, who realized they were on the losing side, if they put blood on their doors, they would also be saved. This shows that we serve a just God who is not racist. He accepts ALL people of ALL NATIONS who would trust in the shed blood of Messiah Yeshua (Jesus the Christ) that is why we see a “mixed multitude” that left Egypt together with the Israelites, it consisted of Egyptians and Nubians (people from Ethiopia and Sudan) who were living in Egypt at that time. The LORD would PASS OVER those houses where the blood of the lambs was placed. Today when we trust in the one-time sacrifice of Yeshua (Jesus) who shed his blood on Calvary's cross, we are saved from eternal destruction, eternal death, and separation from our creator. Just as the blood standard was in effect back then, it is still in effect NOW, and always will be. VS 14: AND THIS DAY SHALL BECOME TO YOU A REMEMBRANCE. AND YOU SHALL OBSERVE IT AS A FESTIVAL TO YHVH THROUGHOUT YOUR GENERATIONS. OBSERVE IT AS A FESTIVAL, AN EVERLASTING COMMANDMENT. Is the WORD of God is saying that this would be a festival to the Jews? as many believe Passover to be a "Jewish Festival" yet it says a festival to "YHVH" to the LORD!!. It is the LORD's festival, for ALL believers to celebrate. Yes, it started with the Jewish people, the "Ivrim" (the Hebrews) as they were known then, and now, the Community of Israel has opened its doors to receive ALL believers from ALL parts of the world. We ALL have been "grafted in" to the natural olive tree. VS 15: SEVEN DAYS YOU SHALL EAT UNLEAVEN BREAD.... Unleavened bread symbolizes "no sin" or "sinless bread". We should eat this type of bread, being Matzah, you can buy it is some grocery stores, or you can make it yourself at home. Some consider "saltine crackers" unleavened bread. Well, as long as the box doesn't read "yeast" as one of the ingredients. When we eat unleavened bread for 7 days, it symbolizes that we are aware of our sin nature and we are consciously avoiding sin in our lives. For some people, it really takes self-discipline. We look at the unleavened bread and we are reminded of Yeshua who was and is the "Bread of Life" and when we eat the bread, it is like inviting the living Messiah into our bodies, to "check us out" from the inside out. That's one way we can think of it. Shalom Ben Avraham

MATTHEW 9:20-26 These verses relate the story of the woman who had an issue of blood. Probably her menstrual cycle was continuous or very irregular. In such a condition, if she was married, could not have any sexual contact with her husband, had to sleep in a separate bed or even a separate room, and could not go to worship service at the Temple. She saw the opportunity to be healed by Messiah Yeshua/Jesus. Took advantage, and was healed. First, she recognized Yeshua as a healer, who had the power from God. Had she not had this belief or faith, she would not have came close to him. But she did, and she took action. She reached out and touched his "Tzitziot" (the fringes on the four corners of his outer garment). Immediately, her blood flow stopped, healing was achieved. Her inner thoughts: "If I only touch his garment, I shall be healed" Yeshua's response; "Your faith has healed you." Now, How did the writer Matthew know about her inner thoughts? She could have told him afterwards, or the Spirit of God revealed those thoughts to him to write them down . We are reminded of the verse: "Faith without works is dead." The woman illustrated her faith when she reached out and touched the hem of the garment of Yeshua. Not that the tzitsziot had any magic power in themselves, but Yeshua did! and that power went through his body and into the fringes. Had she doubted, she would not have been healed. She might have just watched Yeshua go by without doing anything, she would have continued to have the issue of blood. Imagine if Noah "believed" that God would send the flood, but did not follow through to build the Ark. Today, we would all be either fish or plants. The world would have been destroyed, including Noah, yet he put action behind his faith, and thus, he and his family were saved to repopulate the earth. May we all put action behind our faith so as to receive blessings from above. HEBREWS 13:4 "Let marriage be respected by all, and the bed undefiled. But Elohim shall judge those who commit fornication and adultery ." Many treat marriage as something that can be deleted at will, or a game, or just not take said commitment seriously, but God DOES take it seriously. In a marriage, there are three persons in that covenant; The man, the woman, and God himself. Call it a "three-some" Husbands and wives are to love each other and treat each other with respect. God is an "action" not a "feeling". "For God so loved the world that he GAVE..." "Giving" is an action. In a marriage, both partners give of themselves. They give to each other and they give to God. Just as adultery exists in marriages today, so did it exist in times before, even the people of God went after strange gods, bowing down and worshipping them, thus committing adultery before their "Bridegroom". Let us all, who are part of the "Bride of Messiah Yeshua" be faithful to our "bridegroom" and not let the riches or power of this world take us away from our worship and honor to Adonai, which should come first place, especially on the Sabbath and on Sundays. JAMES 3:2-12 Here the text talks about our tongue, full of venom, full of curses, a tongue can not be tamed, issuing forth blessings and curses alike. Because of our sin nature "Yetzer Hara" in Hebrew, our carnality shows its ugly head. A tree can not produce two kinds of fruit, but the tongue can issue forth both words of blessings and words of curses, gossip, talebearing, slander, etc.. According to the ancient rabbis, a tongue which let loose slander, gossip, untruths, etc brought leprosies of all types. Thus the skin condition of a person told of the person's inner corruption. I know that can't be proven by science, but if you have a skin condition which is abnormal, some skin disease which is noticeable, do an inner self check, maybe you have said things in a rush, hurt feelings, confess before our Heavenly Father, it could be that the skin condition or disease might disappear. Of course, it is not the case all the time, but it is something to think about. The rabbis of old always said to listen carefully, that is why we have two ears, but jut one mouth, and one tongue in our mouth. Listen, then process what we heard in our brains, then, think about how we will respond. Be quick to hear but slow to speak. And when we do speak, weigh our words as if we were purchasing gold. Wouldn't we rather give a piece of gold to someone, rather than a piece of dung? then let our words be like gold and not like dung. Have a blessed week. Ben Avraham Praise and worship in Ashdod, July 4th, 2015

Very interesting, thanks for sharing

Parasha: Metsora (Leviticus 13:47 - 14:57) I just wanted to add a bit more to this parasha, since I sent out a Midrash on both Tazria and Metsora last week. Question! Is your house sick? and your clothes, have they ever been sick? Silly question, but, the answer is interesting; From chapter 13:47 it talks about "leprosy in clothing" Can clothing bear leprosy? Tza-arat? Well, in modern terminology, we call it "mold and mildew." I am sure that we have all smelled that in our clothes from time to time, when clothing is not completely dry and is put away a bit moist, and it is hot and humid in the summer time. Mold and mildew form. I think we can see mold and mildew even in food, yet some mold is beneficial, the green mold in bread is processed into Penicillin, and bleu cheese, well, that's moldy cheese but it tastes good, and that's the way it is prepared. Yet mold in clothing is dangerous, if we put on moldy clothing, and the smell reaches our noses, and we breath it in, it can get us sick. The verses state in some translations; "The woofs and the warps". No, it isn't that a dog is barking at moldy clothing. The "woofs and the warps" are the threading that make up the fabric. Look at your shirt under a magnifying glass and you will see the crisscross pattern of the thread that makes up your garment. When the garment get moldy, the mold sticks to those "woofs and warps" as they are called. Mold existed in Biblical times too. The priest would look at the clothing and isolate the clothing for 7 days, afterwards, if the mold did not spread, the owner would wash it well and let it dry. If there was no more mold, the owner could put it on again, if the mold returned, it was isolated again, and if it would not disappear with washing, it had to be destroyed. God knew the dangers of mold and mildew and wanted to protect his people from disease. One asks, what kind of soap was used back then? The Babylonians used a mixture of animal fat and ashes to make soap as far back as 3000 B.C. seriously? No, not for me. I prefer the modern soap. This parasha also talks about mold on the walls of the houses. Same procedure. The house had to be locked up for 7 days, and then inspected by the Levite priests. If the mold had not spread, then the stones and plaster that made up the walls were scraped and the scrapings were taken outside and dumped far from camp. If the mold and mildew appeared again, then, the stones would have to be removed and replaced, if the mold spread throughout the house, then, the house would have to be demolished. The owner would have to rebuild, (or sleep in a tent). We ask, how does all this apply to us as believers? The clothing we wear tells a lot about us. How should we dress? I would say, "neatly, clean, yet modest. Some people like to dress with so much gold and silver they look like a mobile Fort Knox. This might symbolize pride and arrogance, (but not always). Maybe, just maybe, a moldy shirt could symbolize how the wearer of that shirt is inside. It might be an indicator that an inner change is needed. Just like Tza-arat on the skin is a revelation of corruption inside. Probably not the case for a mildewy shirt, but it is something to think about. The next time you might smell mildew or see mold on your shirt, take it as a reminder to check inside yourself. Are you smelly inside? is something inside not smelling like roses? maybe some hidden sin? How is a person's household? A house is only a structure with 4 walls, a floor and a roof. Once a family moves in, it becomes a home. Could moldy walls in a home indicate a spiritual problem within that home? Something to think about. Might not be the case, but...who knows? Another interesting aspect about this parasha is the method of cleansing of the leper after the infirmity has left, even the clothing and the walls of the house. Two birds are used, cedar wood, scarlet material, and hyssop, and also, "running water". One bird is killed and the living bird is dipped in the blood of the dead bird under running water, then the living bird is set free? And the other materials? Might the scarlet thread be wrapped around the cedar wood and the hyssop? The "Running water" is the "Living Water" (Mayim Chayim) What does the cedar wood remind us of? The doorposts on the Hebrew houses in Goshen? the cross at Calvary? The humanity of Yeshua who was a carpenter and perhaps even a stone worker? The scarlet? the blood of Yeshua which was shed on the cross of Calvary? The blood on the doorposts in Goshen? The hyssop? that which was used to apply the blood on the doorposts in Goshen? Symbolism to think about. Two birds. One was sacrificed, the other let go free. What does this remind us of? Yom Kippur! Where one goat was sacrificed and the other set free. Yeshua bore our sins and our sins were casted away, never to return to us. But why birds? Do birds like to talk? Yes, a lot. At dusk, they sit on telephone wires by the hundreds and just chatter away. Talking about who knows what. Perhaps that is a reminder that as humans, we tend to, at times, talk too much, and this might lead to "Leshon Hara" gossip, idle talk, meaningless talk, Leshon Hara? leading to Tza-arat? I would like to think that birds praise God in their own language, thanking the LORD for their daily provision of food, bread crumbs, left over French Fries, worms, etc. Things to think about, wouldn't you say? Modern day Ashdod (Israel) view from the "Prayer Terrace" at the top of a 14-story building (OK, so what do you expect from a disposable Walmart camera)

2 KINGS 4:42-5:19 We read about “Naaman” the Syrian who was healed of his Tzara-at, whatever kind he had, He was healed, not because of anything he could pay Elisha, but what he did in OBEDIENCE and FAITH. He went and bathed in the River Jordan, when down 7 times, again, “7” is YHVH’s perfect number, it kind of symbolizes baptism in a way. When we came up the seventh time, he was healed of his disease. We also see that Gehezi, Elisha’s servant was stricken with “Tzara-at” because of his selfish motives and because he lied to his master. We can become clean inside when we obey God’s Word, and accept Yeshua as Savior and LORD, Yeshua is the “Living Water” and when we “bathe in Him” we become clean, our “Tamei” becomes “Tahor” We must always speak positive things things so as to bless others, so that the "fire" that comes from our tongues will bring warmth and light and not burning and destruction. LUKE 17:11-17 Not the official Parashah reading, but this deals also with the healing of 10 who suffered with some sort of skin ailment, which made them “Tamei” and “outcasts”. Yeshua healed them all, only for the asking, YET only ONE returned to say “thanks”. Do we take our Salvation for granted? Do we think we deserve it? Remember that only through the grace of YHVH does he allow us into HIS family. Do we really live like “B’nei Malach?” (children of the King) or….do we succumb to the deceiver and lair of all times? Do we praise and thank Him for so great a gift such as YESHUAH (Salvation)? do we thank and praise YESHUA for YESHUAH? Something to think about. Shalom Typical Army breakfast in the Armed Forces of El Salvador, Better is the Living Food of the WORD of God, it lasts for ever.

Parashah: “Tazriah” (she bears seed) and “Metsora” (infected ones). Leviticus 12:1-13:59; Leviticus 14:1-15:33 This week we have a double Torah portion; “Tazriah” which talks about when a woman gives childbirth, and “Metsora” which talks about “Tzara-at” which most Bibles interpret as “leprosy” but in actuality, the word “Tzara-at” covers ALL skin afflictions and diseases. According to Dr. "Google" there are about 3000 skins ailments/diseases today including the dreaded disease called leprosy, medically known as “Hanson’s disease". So, what is the origin of the English word ;"Leprosy" really? The origins come from the classic Greek words: "Lepis" (scale, as a fish scale) and "Lepra" (scaly or scaliness) and "Lepo" (to peel) Then, through English translation (wrongly) the word "leprosy" was introduced and pointed to the worst case scenario (Hanson's disease). Some skin diseases consist of dry and itchy skin and the "peeling" of dead skin after a severe sunburn (summer time at the beach, ouch!). Biblically, the case of "Tza-ra-at" points to ALL kinds of dermatological ailments and maladies. (hey, I already that!) That's the sign of aging (Senior citizen-itis) "Hey, you're repeating yourself rabbi, you're repeating yourself!" Leviticus Chapter 12 covers childbirth, and YHVH deems “unclean” a woman after giving birth, and she has to stay put in her tent, 7 days plus 33 days. All together, “40” days, “40” is the number for testings’ and trials. Why, we might wonder, should a woman be rendered “Tamei” or “Unclean” because of giving birth? Only YHVH has the pure and true answer. It isn’t that she has sinned by giving birth, on the contrary, she has given life! Some rabbinical midrashim (commentaries) state that there is both “death” and “life” during childhood. “Life” is the new baby, yet “death” because the woman loses fluids (blood) which symbolizes life. Not that the woman actually dies, but the “lost blood” however much or little, still symbolizes life. The child is in the womb for 9 months, this is a protected area, a world in itself. Then the child comes out into the world, a new world contrary to where it was. It has life both inside the womb and outside the womb, yet the child comes forth with the sin nature, and the sin nature brings death. For a female child, the purification time is longer, 2 weeks plus 66 days, altogether, “80” days, the number “8” is the number of “new beginning” If we remember when Yeshua was born, Miryam and Yosef brought two turtle doves to be sacrificed after she went through her ritual cleansing, Yosef brought Yeshua to be circumcised on the 8th day. We can look at it this way, when we look at “Remez” being Messiah Yeshua. His blood was lost, causing death, just as a woman who loses blood through childbirth, symbolizes death. Yet Yeshua rose again, from the grave, thus bringing “life” and “hope” to all mankind. The woman brings forth a baby, which is “new life”. New life, but as I mentioned, new life with a sin nature, which brings death. Yet through the death of Messiah, the curse of sin has been broken. Both men and women can be in either the states of "Tumah' (uncleanness, or impure) or "Taharah" (clean, pure) from which the words "Tamei" and "Tahor" are derived. We can be both spiritually and physically either "tamei" or "tahor" Yet Messiah Jesus took all of our "Tumahs" and "Taharahs" with Him on the Cross of Calvary. The cure of sin has been broken so that “spiritually” we will have hope of eternal life, yet physically, we will still die. How fortunate that Adonai prevented Adam and Eve from eating of the tree of life, had not this happened, we would all have to live forever in a state of sin, bodies wearing out, yet still living in them. How horrible that would have been. On the 8th day, the mitzvah of “Brit Milah” (Circumcision) is performed in all males that are born. As we know, this was a sign of the covenant with Abraham. Some Jewish denominations still place high priority on Brit Milah, yet how important is it really? Moshe stresses that which is most important, and that is the “circumcision of the heart” (Brit Milah b’lev). He does not however, state that circumcision is no longer necessary nor important, only that the emphasis should be placed on the heart and not so much in the flesh. Removing the “fore-skin” of the heart is surrendering our fleshly nature to Adonai, that we are to walk more in the spirit and less in the flesh. So, what is the importance today of circumcision? It does have health benefits; it keeps the male genital area cleaner and less prone to infections. Circumcision still joins us with the Abrahamic covenant, yet what joins us even more is our relationship with Messiah Yeshua. The brit which joins us with Yeshuah (Salvation) is our born-again experience with “Yeshua” (kind of play on words). “If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child; then she shall be unclean 7 days.” In the Hebrew, it reads; “Isha Ki Tazria V’yaldah Zakhar V’tamah Shivat Yamim.” Within these 8 words we find the letters that spell out “Yeshua!”(going from left to right) Also, when we take the first letters of the first 5 words; “Isha Ki Tazria V’yalda Zakhar” (Aleph) (Kaf) (Tav) (Vav) (Zayin) summing the gematria value of each letter we get “434”. One of the titles of Yeshua is “Mashiach Ben David” the gematria value of “Mashiach Ben David” = 424. Almost the same, the difference is “10”. What is “”10” in gematria? It is the letter “Yod” (hand). What did Yeshua, who is Messiah Ben David do on Calvary? He stretched forth his hands to receive the nails, to pay in full our sin debt. The number “5” is the number of grace. The woman (Mary) conceived seed, through the Ruach HaKodesh, the seed was Yeshua, the man-child who was “G-d-Man-Child” and through His Grace, we are saved. Symbolically, we might look at the woman as being “Israel” since Mary was Israelite, of the House of David, “Beit David” who bore “Messiah Ben David.” How was Israel unclean? Israel was unclean in that “Bat Zion” went after idols and followed the ways of Baal for a long time. Even during the time of Yeshua, there was corruption, both morally and spiritually. Many rejected Yeshua as Messiah, yet many accepted him too. On the 8th day, Yeshua was circumcised as we read in the gospels. “8” is the number of a “New Beginning.” 7 days is the number which fulfills a complete week. Day 8 is Sunday, the first day of the week. If we count from Sunday to Sunday, we have 8 days. Our Messiah resurrected on the first day of the week, on day “8.” He was “unclean” during the time of hanging on the cross, carrying, baring our sins. He bore our “Metsorat” our “infections” both physical and spiritual. As in the words of Isaiah the Prophet; “he bore our infirmities.” The perfect one “7” was “unclean!” Now, all of Israel, all of the world, has a “New Beginning” through Messiah Yeshua Ben David. That New Beginning is our choice if we so desire. It is a choice. Life is all about choices. We can either accept of reject Mashiach, accept the blessing or accept the curse. Remember, it is about “choices” Chapter 13 deals with two kinds of “Tzara-at” skin diseases (all kinds, both major and minor) and “mold & mildew on clothing. In ancient times, the person with a skin disease had to be isolated outside the camp until he or she got better, and was “healed” there were probably some ointments available then, probably primitive, the priests were not doctors, but acted as “judges” who would “judge” the person “healed” if the disease was temporary, today we have many kinds of skin ailments, Psoriasis, Eczema, simple rashes caused by allergies, scabies, ringworm, etc., were all based under the word “Tzara-at” when the person was well and the disease was no more, the person would offer a sacrifice and return to the camp. Here again, we see a form of “death” (cast out, rejected) and “rebirth” entering into the body of Israel once again after healing. But let’s take a look at this a step further. When talking about symbolism, one could symbolize the “Metsora” (the one infected) as “Yeshua” in the following manner; In the beginning of Chapter 13, “and YHVH spoke unto Moshe and Aaron saying; when a MAN shall have in the skin of his flesh…” Since every word in the Torah is put there for a purpose, the fact that the word “Adam” (man) is used is important. It could have been “Ish” or “Enosh” but it is “Adam”. This also has meaning. If we were to take the acronyms A.D.M (since that is how “Adam” is spelled in Hebrew) and apply a bit of meaning to the letters “Alef” “Dalet” and “Mem” we can see “Adam’ “David” and “Mashiach” two titles of “Mashiach” are “Mashiach HaAdam Sheni” (Messiah Yeshua, the Second Adam) and “Mashiach Ben David” (Messiah Yeshua, Son of David) Also, we can also relate "leprosy" (Tza-ra-at) to "Leshon Hara" (evil speech/tongue) The two words have the symbolism of "having the authority over the fire of our tongue, which is connected to life" What do we mean by that? Well, one way we can look at it is that "fire" can be either positive or negative, it can either burn up and destroy, or, create warmth and give light, destroy or purify. Not controlling our tongues and gossip, speak evil, slander will create a "fire" (the letter "sheen') that can destroy a person's life, but speaking good and speak blessings will create a "fire" that will give off "warmth and light" and will bless a person's life. (Leshon) "tongue" In Hebrew; "lamed" (authority) "Sheen" (fire) "vav" (connect) "nun" (life) (HaRa) "The Evil" Our Messiah accepted and brought upon himself all of our “leprosy” of sinfulness, which affects not only our exterior but also our inner being. He was nailed to the cross “outside” of the city, just as one afflicted with leprosy was cast outside of the city. Then he was made whole once again, arising on the third day. Isaiah 53 says that he bore our grief, carried our sorrows and was stricken and smitten of God, just as a leper is in the same condition, in a state of sorrow and smitten with a deadly disease that consumes the flesh. We remember that the Roman whips “ate up” the flesh of our Messiah, all for our sakes. In another way, the “Metsora” is US! We have been afflicted with “spiritual leprosy” being our “sinful nature” at birth. When the pure soul from Heaven is introduced into the human body, it becomes part of it and partakes of the sin nature. Both the body and the soul suffer, the body ages, contracts diseases, etc. and without the “born-again” experience, we are “cast outside” of the city, we are forbidden entrance into the Kingdom of God. When we become members of the family of God through Yeshua, He acts as the “priest” who “heals” us. In ancient times, the priest had to visit the leper to see if the leprosy had left the body, “leprosy” being “any kind of skin disease. The priest had no power to heal, only to observe and pronounce “tahor” (clean) or declare “Tamei” (unclean). However, Yeshua HAS the power to heal, as Isaiah says, “By His stripes we are healed” of the “Tza-arat Nefesh” (the leprosy of the soul). So, we are the “Metsorat” that are HEALED, and integrated into the body of Messiah, and HIS Kingdom someday soon. This is an eternal promise! Clothing also had to be checked as well. God knew about the dangers of mold and mildew long before man found out. People had to carefully check the fabric of their clothing, the sewing together of the yard was called “woofs” and “warps” and if there was a red or green discoloration, it was “mold and mildew” (also called “tsara-at”) A person’s house could also be affected with “tsara-at” with mold and mildew, if it was, the walls had to be scraped and the affected stones removed and replaced. How does this affect us spiritually? There is a “spiritual leprosy” that is rebellion against YHVH, living in contrary to His Word, doing what is “right in our own eyes” disregarding the commandments as if they were “only for the past” claiming that “Now we are under grace” and not guided by the Torah. Grace and Torah always co-existed, and they still do! Abraham was saved by grace, and this was before the written Torah. Even though many commandments cannot be followed today, there are still many that CAN BE followed, let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater! If we were to analyze our spiritual lives and maturity honestly, how many of us would have to cry out “Tamei” (unclean) and go run and hide? Yet there is forgiveness and a new beginning in our Messiah Yeshua, who paid our sin price and penalty on Calvary’s cross once and for ever. We can “come in the camp again” when we confess of sins before a Holy God, and accept His forgiveness, and accept his inner “healing”. Some rabbinical commentaries claim that “Tzara-at” came upon people’s skin, clothing, and houses because of ‘Leshon Hara” (evil tongue) because of spreading lies, slander, gossip, backbiting, backstabbing, etc. Take in account “Miriam” who was struck with “Tzara-at” when she spoke against Moshe! Yet Moshe interceded on her behalf, and she was healed. The same way Yeshua heals us when he goes on our behalf before the Father. Are we saying that skin diseases come from speaking evil and slander of other? We have no medical proof that this is correct, however, we serve a G-d of creation and he created our bodies and has the right to inflict illnesses upon the guilty parties whenever He wishes. Personally, I think that if he DID do EXACTLY THAT, then, we would ALL be covered with rashes and sores from time to time. We should be careful when speaking and only speak positive things about others, if another is in error, go to that person personally and confront the person in love, not talk about what he or she is doing wrong with others. No wonder we have only ONE mouth, yet two EARS. Listen carefully yet speak little. Have a great Shabbat. (Hey, it's almost over) Oh, By the way; HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! Yes, today is the 1st of Nissan on the Hebrew calendar, the start of a new year according to God; " This month is the beginning of the months for you, it is the first month of the year for you." (Ex 12:2) yours truly The shoe-repairman needs no shop, he carries his wares where ever he walks. Are we walking the "Jesus walk?" are we walking in His Shoes? the shoes of righteousness?

Hello and Shalom Mr. Bear, Thank you for your comment. Having a Bible in the bathroom? as long as it stays dry. In my eBook "God Tales" I wrote a short story about the "Three Bears" (Goldilocks and the Three bears from a Jewish perspective) if you would like a personal copy of my ebook, feel free to send me your email address and I'll send you a copy. Keeping sacred objects is OK, as long as you put them in the right perspective. They are just "objects" but with meaning and a history behind them. I have a small collection of broken pottery pieces from Jaffa and from Capernaum, which I picked up at the beach and along the lake side. Yes, they are part of history, but that's all, they have no hidden power nor should they be "lifted up like on a pedestal" I went to college in Virginia, at "Liberty University" in Lynchburg. from 1985-1990

2 SAMUEL 6:1-7:17 We see another case of “good intentions” which ended up bad. The Aron Ha Kodesh (Ark of the Covenant) had been in the hands of the Philistines for some time, YHVH cursed them (with rats and tumors) and caused them to return it to Israel. David received it with glory and honor, HOWEVER, He did not transport it CORRECTLY, to Yerushalayim. It should have been brought back on the shoulders of the Levites, bearing it on the appropriate staves. Instead, it was on an ox cart being driven by oxen. As we read the story, the oxen stumbled, and in order to keep the Ark from falling off the cart, Uzzah put out his hands and touched the ark, held it to keep it from falling. ZAP! Uzzah was fried! He meant well, he was sincere, but…he was sincerely WRONG. NO ONE was allowed to touch the Ark, NO ONE! Only the Levite priests, and they could only carry it on poles. Today, many might seem to want to come to the LORD on THEIR STANDARDS, doing THEIR OWN THING. If today’s times were like the times back in the old days, back in the old Bible days, we might all have been ZAPPED! Years ago Yet we serve a loving, forgiving God, who will put up with our issues, ways of doing things, our tongues, attitudes, etc., By the death of Yeshua our Mashiach, we have free access to the Throne of Grace. But “Kodesh” (Holiness) still comes ONLY through YESHUA. Let us do things for God in HIS way, and let all honor and glory be toward HIM who sits on the throne. Yes, today we can touch and handle holy objects without being zapped, but let us handle any and all things that belong to God in an honoring way. Let's treat them with respect and keep them safe from harm when not in use. In the case of warn and old Bibles with missing pages, the way to dispose of them is "burial" because the Bible is like the "Living Word" treat it as a person, dig a hole and bury it, if possible in a cemetery. MARK 14:1-72 YESHUA and his talmidim celebrate Passover. (which starts the evening of April 15th this year) The original Passover in Goshen consisted only of roasted lamb or goat, bitter herbs, and unleavened bread. But during this time of fellowship, the “last Supper” a few more elements had been added, the “sop” (Charoseth) which is a mix of apples, nuts, cinnamon, and honey, and wine. He has his twelve together, Y’hudah Ish Kariot, made his exit, the worse mistake a man can do, He lived and followed Messiah for three years and learned nothing. The unleavened bread symbolized his body, which was/would be broken, for THEM and for ALL OF US. The wine symbolized his Blood, which was shed/would be shed for THEM and for ALL OF US. The roasted lamb or goat symbolize Yeshua, the Lamb of God who was lifted up on the cross to bear our iniquities, he was "roasted" in the "fires" of judgment, He bore our sins so that we wouldn't need to bare them ourselves. The Charoseth symbolizes the sweetness of our salvation through Yeshua/Jesus, while the bitter herbs symbolize the bitterness of sin. The shepherd was struck, and the sheep were scattered! Yet 50 days later, the shepherd returned in Spirit form and HE is STILL WITH US. Yeshua rose from the dead, ascended into Heaven, and returned with his Holy Spirit. Indeed, the curse of sin and death had been conquered, Baruch HaShem!! As Yeshua submitted to the will of the FATHER, right there in the Garden, let us also be guided by the perfect will of YHVH, in ALL areas of our life. Shalom… Ben Avraham Looking down at the earth while going up in the Rapture? Well, not yet, but we should ALL be looking forward to that event.

PARASHA: “Shemini” (Eighth) Leviticus 9:1-11:47 We know that a week is seven days, We count starting Sunday, and seven days later, we come to “Yom Shabbat” the 7th day, a day to rest. So, what is the “eighth” day? It is another way of saying “Sunday” the number “8” symbolizes “a new beginning” the beginning of the week, the old week is gone, a new week is before us. So, we begin the week with “Shemini”. Now this word is interesting, within this word “Shemini” we find two words, “Shem’ (name) and “Shemen” (oil) what could these words convey to us as believers? One could say that “HaShem” (The NAME) (Adonai) has just finished anointing Aaron and sons as high priests with oil, and now, they are ready to officiate the office of the priesthood, they are waiting for YHVH to come down and consume the animal offerings. It is a “New Beginning” because Adonai will come to live amongst them all. When a believer is “born again” that believer has a “new beginning” a new life in Messiah Yeshua. We all hold the office of the “priesthood” representing Adonai on this earth. Aaron and his sons had been preparing for the priesthood for seven days. So, we see a period of “7” days, that Aaron and his sons have been in the Mishkan, preparing, praying, being “ordained” by YHVH to take on the ministry of High Priest (Aaron) and “priests” Nadav, Abihu, Elazar, and Ithamar. Is it any surprise that we see the number “7” here, since it is God’s number of perfection? The Hebrew letter “Zayin” has the equivalent of the number “7” in gematria. “Zayin” symbolizes “weapon”. The Holiness of Yeshua is our “weapon” against HaSatan. On the “Eighth” day, the sacrifices begin, the whole ministry begins, and YHVH himself will ignite the first fire on the brazen altar, saying, “I AM HERE, in your presence” Chapter nine tells of the animal sacrifices that the priests offered. They symbolize “Yeshua” who took our place and paid our sin debt. The brazen altar is the “Cross” upon which “Yeshua” was judged for our iniquities. Yet we can also recall that during the Feast of Tabernacles, there was an “eighth day” the day which is called “Shemini Atzeret”      A little more about the animal sacrifices, Yes, they are no longer because Yeshua, the sacrificial Lamb was the ultimate sacrifice, yet the animal sacrifices are meaningful in that they represent Yeshua in different ways.  The bullock = the strength of Adonai, the ram; the atonement for Isaac, Isaac symbolizes us all, and the ram, which took the place of Isaac, Yeshua, who took our place. The lamb = Yeshua, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, the goats on Yom Kippur = One was sacrificed, as Yeshua was sacrificed, the “scapegoat” which took upon itself all of our sins, and led away to the desert, never to return.      The Talmud tells that a Levite would take the scapegoat and take it far away, and push it over a cliff to die, and that way, never return.  But if this did not happen, would the goat follow the Levite back to the camp?  Perhaps it would.  It is like our sin nature, the “Yetzer Hara” we need to take the goat of our sin nature and “push it over a cliff” so it will never follow us home, yet this is easier said than done, it always finds a way to grab hold and follow us home, especially the sin of evil or lustful thought.  It is a constant battle of the mind vs “Yetzer Hara” the sin nature is part of our being; it is the goat that climbs back over the cliff to follow us home. “7” symbolizes the ending of the week, the Sabbath, the “Perfect” Sabbath which Adonai had ordained for man since the beginning. The 7-day week symbolizes a complete unit, and the “eighth” day, is like “starting over at a new level” The Children of Israel have accomplished “leaving Egypt” via “Yad Elohim” (The Hand of G-d), “Receiving the Torah” (At Sinai) “Building the Mishkan” (Per instructions of Elohim via Moshe) and now, “The beginning of offerings” They will come “close” to G-d through the offerings, via the cohenim. For us as believers, we get “Close” to G-d through Yeshua, who is the realization and culmination of ALL the Levitical offerings. Getting “close” to Adonai was what the animal offerings symbolized. But wait a minute, something is about to go wrong! Inauguration day is about to smudged. The football is about to be fumbled. The waiter carrying the wedding cake is about to slip and fall. Vs 10, “Then Nadab and Abihu, “B'nei Aaron” (sons of Aaron) each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane (Tamei) fire before YHVH which He had not commanded them. So, fire went out from YHVH and devoured them, and they died before YHVH” Many Bible students look for a meaning in all of this. What was the “Esh Tamei” (profane fire)? The Torah is not crystal clear on that, so we can only assume, or come to an educated guess taking into account “clues” Perhaps, Nadab and Abihu were not asked or commanded to offer incense PERIOD! Or at least at that time, perhaps they thought, “Yo bro, this might be a good idea! Let’s try this!” well, they got fried! Many believe that they can come to God “their own way” or might think; “there are many ways to get to God” YHVH has set the record straight, the ONLY way is through YESHUA, through simple FAITH. Yeshua said; “I AM the WAY the TRUTH and the LIFE, NO ONE comes to the Father but by ME, (John 14:6) Another thought is that perhaps Nadav and Abihu had too much to drink, that they might have been drunk when they offered the incense, that they were not in their right minds, with clouded reason, so the “incense offering became “profane” their “holiness” was marred, so, being a God of Holiness, HE could not accept the sacrifice, and so, HE burned THEM up! We can understand this concept by God's words: ” By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people, I must be glorified.” We see that the LORD speaks and says; “Do not drink wine or intoxicating drink, you, nor your sons with you when you go into the tabernacle of Meeting, lest you DIE”. This might be the most logical explanation. The other thought is that they made their own “fire” instead of taking the fire from the brazen Altar and placing the incense on IT. This also could be “profane fire” that would symbolize that entrance to the Holiness of YHVH could be from OTHER sources, other than the Brazen Altar, remember, it symbolizes the cross and Yeshua was crucified on it to pay our sin debt. By making their own fire, they were in a way saying, “We can come to God by OUR OWN WAY. Not the “Yeshua” way. This answers the question; Can one come to God in any manner? NO, only through faith in Yeshua. Yet there was already fire on the brazen altar, why look for another source? If this is indeed the meaning, perhaps they erred in their reasoning because they were not in their right mind, because of “strong drink?” so we are back to the “strong drink prohibition” Well, it makes sense, when ministers serve in the pulpit, behind the Bema, and they are teaching Torah, they need to be in their right mind, clear thinking and not have their reasoning clouded because of alcohol or other drugs. It isn’t that alcoholic beverages are prohibited to believers, they are prohibited when we are “Ministering” before the LORD and others. Wine helps the digestion of food; did you know that? But many are of the opinion that it is better to abstain at all times, so as “not to fall” into temptation of “overdoing it” by taking “one cup too many.” Here is another interesting fact. Aaron refused to eat of the offering because of what had befallen him, (losing his two sons in one day). Torah says that “Moshe INQUIRED about the goat of the purification offering” (10:16) the word “Inquired” is written as, in the Hebrew “Derosh, Darash” which mean “inquire, search out, find out” These two words are right in the middle of the Torah!(The Pentateuch) There are 1188 verses before this and 1188 verses after these words. It reminds us of John 5:39 “You SEARCH the scriptures because you think you have everlasting life through them, and these are the ones that bear witness to me” Every single offering/sacrifice symbolizes Yeshua in one way of another, so, when we “Derosh, Darash” the scriptures, they lead us to Messiah Yeshua. When we look at 9:10, we can see a message; …” And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, between unclean and clean, and that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statues which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.” Would not this be the message that every preacher, pastor, rabbi, Sunday school teacher, Torah teacher should direct to the sheep of the fold? Teaching the WHOLE of scripture, which has been passed down to us all, especially, directing the lost to a saving knowledge of Yeshua / Jesus as Savior and LORD? I would say YES. The other aspect of this Parashah is Chapter 11. It talks about the food we are to eat. This is where some believers get upset, start misinterpreting scripture, by saying; “God has cleansed ALL FOOD” so now we can eat “porky the pig” and dive into the seafood restaurants and indulge in lobster, crabs, oysters, clams, crawdads, shrimp, and other marine cockroaches, which God never intended for human consumption. “ALL FOODS” are what HE has ALREADY DEEMED as our FOOD! Which are the animals listed in Lev 11! Not what “man” has come up with to be “food” as if God’s menu is lacking! Many will go to Acts 10 to the vision of Sh’mon Kefa and say, “You see, God told him to eat all those creepy, crawly things!” but Adonai was using food as a “focal point” to get Kefa’s attention, it wasn’t about food at all. Kefa only ate “kosher’ food, from Lev 11, He knew it, God knew it, so, in a way, God is saying to Kefa, “The same way you feel about all these creepy crawly beasts in the sheet, you won’t touch them, you feel that way about the Gentiles! He says, “Don’t call unclean, what I call Clean” in other words, “I have “cleaned” the Gentiles! (it wasn’t about food at all). ALL PEOPLES from ALL OVER THE EARTH, are considered “Tahor” (clean) when we come to Yeshua as LORD and Savior, not just the Israelis from Israel. Another aspect is in Matthew 15. When Yeshua is speaking and he says that it isn't what goes into a man that which contaminates him, but what comes out of a man, is that which defiles a man, for out of his heart come forth wicked thoughts...(Matt 15:10-19). He is talking about SPIRITUAL defilement, not physical. Man can listen to unholy music, things, etc or see things that are not wholesome, and those things can affect man spiritually, but food does not affect man SPIRITUALLY! yet, unwholesome food can defile us PHYSICALLY! by giving us high amounts of cholesterol, accumulation of fat on the arterial walls, high amounts of sugar, diabetes, etc.. This is the reason for the prohibition of many of the popular “food” items we see today; like pork, pork sausage, ham, shellfish, catfish, shrimp, etc.? God made our bodies and our physical makeup, so as our creator, HE KNOWS what should go into our bodies and what needs to stay OUT. Those animals are “scavengers” and will eat almost ANYTHING dead or alive, many have toxins in their fatty flesh, high levels of cholesterol, etc, so, even though all that Italian prosciutto, and hard salami looks and smells great! Resist it! Chose turkey sausage and bacon rather than the pork sausage and bacon. Yeah, Yeah, it doesn’t taste the same, Yo dude, deal with it!! Yes, we are free to eat anything we want to, it is a free world, we are in a free society, and we have free choice So did Adam and Eve, and see where it got them, they ate something they weren’t supposed to have eaten! If we want optimum health, and feel good, stay with God’s diet, if we want something less than God’s best for our health, go for Porky P. Our LORD and God wants the best for our Spiritual health as well as for our physical health, that’s why he gave us his Torah. Read it, study it, and learn from it, put it into practice. Shalom Ben Avraham All ready for take-off, but one day, we will all take-off for Heaven and won't even need a plane. (Fuerza Aerea de El Salvador)

HIDDEN PROPHECY IN THE BOOK OF ESTHER (just wanted to go a bit more into detail) Purim has come and gone (March 16 and 17) . It is considered one of the minor Bible special days or "appointed days' (Moedim) where God is remembered and honored. In the Book of Esther, the name of God is never mentioned but we see His activity and His intervention through King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) Mordechai, and Queen Esther (Hadassah). Many of us know the story, Hadassah is made queen to replace Vashi, who refused to appear before the drunken king. Don't blame her, she would have had to appear without any clothing, only wearing the royal crown. Can't blame her for saying "NO!" Sometimes, we have to, even though it might be costly. Esther finds out the plot of Haman to destroy and obliterate the Jewish population throughout the Persian Empire and intervenes on behalf of her people, to the king. We can see symbolism here, as our LORD and savior Yeshua/Jesus, intervenes before the Father for us all, for the enemy (Satan/Haman) wants to destroy us. The intervention is complete, was completed on Calvary's Cross. It is up to mankind to accept the sacrifice our LORD made. The Jews throughout the empire of Persia were given permission to take up arms to defend themselves against their enemies, and it was up to each and every Jew to either fight or be killed. For us, either to be saved or eternally lost. The prophecy, which is hidden within the original Hebrew letters appears in the names of two of the 10 sons of Haman, who were killed in the Shushan area by the Jewish defenders. Then, the queen asked that their bodies be hung from the gallows as an "exhibition" for all to see the demise of evil. This was also practiced in Jamaica during the pirate years of the late 1600s and 1700s, at Port Royale, pirates were executed at "Execution Dock" and then their bodies placed in cages and "hung" at the entrance of the harbor to warn "would be" pirates" of their demise should they be caught in piracy. In Esther 9:9,10 it mentions the names "Parmashta" and "Vajezatha". In the original Hebrew Bible, (not in the English) there is a big space between the ten names, after each name and a l-o-n-g s-p-a-c-e there is the word "v'et" meaning "and" then follows the next name, then a space, and so-on, until the 10 names are mentioned. But why the space? no other part of the Hebrew Bible is like this. Hebrew letters are written/printed in a standard size, yet there are some letters that, at certain places in the Hebrew Bible, are written very small, (maybe 2 millimeters smaller) and a few larger, maybe 2 millimeters larger than the normal size. In the name "Parmashta" the "sh = sheen" and the "t" = tav are written small, and in the name "Vajezatha" the "V" = vav is written large, and the "z" = zayin" written/printed small. But why? Here is an explanation; In Hebrew gematria, each letter has a numeric value. The "Tav' (t) = 400, the Sheen "sh" = 300, the "Zayin" (z) = 7 and the "Vav' (v) = 6. Three small letters and one large. If we add up the small letters we get 400 + 300 + 7 = 707. Then, because we have a large "V" we use that to add; Adam, we can say was created/made in the year ONE, then we have the year 707 (1) then we have 1000 years later and come to 1707 (2) then 2707 (3) then 3707 (4) then 4707 (5) then finally 5707 (6) "6' is the numeric vale of the large "Vav" The Hebrew year 5707 is 1946, the year of the Nazi war criminal trials in Nuremberg, Germany. This was when and where "10" Nazi war criminals were "hung" on the gallows. coincidence? or prophecy? Esther 9:13; "If it pleases the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do TOMORROW, also according to unto THIS DAY'S decree and let Haman's 10 SONS be hanged on the gallows" But the 10 sons are already dead, they had been slain in verse 12. This is what King Ahasuerus told Esther. The symbolism here is in the title "king" here it refers to "King Ahasuerus" but we can also look at it as a petition to our Heavenly King Adonai. There are the words TOMORROW and THIS DAY. "This day" was way back then on that specific day, the TOMORROW, could also be taken to symbolize the future, namely the year 5707, not only the day after that specific day. That day, the sons of Haman were slain, the next day, they were hung on the gallows. In that year, approx 473 BCE, the sons of Haman were slain and hung on the gallows, in the year 5707 (1946) the 10 Nazi criminals slain and hung on the gallows (same day). The 10 sons of Haman: Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vajezatha The 10 Nazi criminals: Hans Frank, Wilhem Frick, Alfred Jodl, Ernest Kaltenbrunner, Wilhem Keitel, Joachim Von Ribbentrop, Alfred Rosenberg, Fritz Sauckel, Arthur Seyss-Inquart, and Julius Streicher. It is interesting to note that Herman Goering committed suicide by swallowing a cyanide capsule before being taken out and hung on the gallows. There is also an interesting Jewish tale that says that Haman had one daughter, she also committed suicide when she saw her father parading Mordechai on a horse, when it should have been the other way around. Tale says that she dumped a bucket of bathroom waste water/urine out the window and tried to get Mordechai, but it landed on her father's head instead. She felt so bad that she had dishonored her father that she jumped out the window (That's how the story goes as I heard it) might be true, and then, it is only a tale, but it makes sense. The last criminal was Julius Streicher, the notorious publisher of the anti-Semitic newspaper "Der Sturmer " went to the gallows kicking and screaming. His final last words were: "Purim 1946" Now, I wonder why he said that? Prophecy fulfilled? or just coincidence? you decide. Ben Avraham. Info gathered from "Torah Any Time" presented by Rabbi M. Kraft.

JEREMIAH 7:21-8:3; 9:22,23        Adonai speaks to Yirimyahu (Jeremiah) telling Israel to repent and return to God, yet God told him that Israel would not listen to him.  So sad, that was the case.  Sacrifices were continued, but without true repentance.  Kind of like the Mafia big bosses murdering and gunning down people, and then going to mass at church and confess before the priests (if they even did that).      Israel was taken into slavery to live in Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar, only many years later did a remnant return to Israel.  We need to get back to God today (Shoov) through true repentance, from the heart and not just with words.  Adonai did not ask for sacrifices when he took his people out of Egypt, only obedience to his voice and words, yet Israel failed to obey.  The “Korbanot” were HIS way to point his people back to him through Yeshua, the “Emet” (Truth) and the foundation stone from the beginning.  Let us, today, turn from our wicked ways and "return" (Shoov) to our creator supreme, our heavenly Father, through the Son, Jesus Christ, who set us free from the curse of sin and death. Remember, only born-again believers can call God "Father" because we are in a family relationship. The lost can only call God their "creator." One day, we will all appear before our Father/Creator and respond for our ways, both righteous and wicked. May we be counted among the righteous.   MARK 13:1-37        Yeshua tells his Talmidim about the future.  “The end is near” he tells them.  Yet many will say; “Well, that was thousands of years ago, and the end is not in sight!”       We need to remember that our perspective of time is not the same perspective of Adonai’s time.  If one thousand years are like a day, then, in reality, time is of no matter to YHVH.  Yeshua is saying that “Many will come in my name”.  We see that it is true with many false Messiahs, false cults, false doctrines, “adding” to the Word of God saying, “Yeshua isn’t enough, you need…”       Many cults, denominations change God’s Word to fit their beliefs, mis-interpret original words.  When we listen to preachers and teachers, we must ask ourselves, “Is this what God’s Word is really saying?” does it support solid Bible doctrine, if it does not, then it is mere commentary, “man’s opinion, nothing more.       I believe that the best way to understand God’s word is to get back to the original language and culture to understand what the original writers were saying.  Yeshua is coming back, are you ready? We must live and prepare our lives as if Yeshua will return in the far future yet be ready if He returns tomorrow.  It is good to make plans, yet YHVH has the final say.  Have a blessed week. The evening sky reflects the creation of Adonai, "The evening and the morning; Yom Echad (Day ONE)

PARASHAH: “Tzav” (command)   Leviticus 6:8-8:36 Last week we studied Parasha “Vayikra” (and he called) and this week, we read Parasha “Tzav” (command). We are studying the same offerings, yet the titles are different. One is “Called” and this study falls under “command.” What is the relationship here? One way to look at this is that “offering up to Adonai” is a calling. We are called to “offer up to Him” yet not all respond. But for those who DO respond to the calling, there is a set way to offer up to HIM. HaShem is saying in a way; “You are called, but I know that not all you will respond, yet to those who DO respond, THIS is how it is done! Remember that today, there are no more animal offerings/sacrifices, yet the offerings are symbolic in the way we relate to HaShem today, through prayer, mitzvoth, our personal relationship with Messiah Yeshua.         We continue to look at the “Korbanot Shel Mishkan” (the offerings of the Tabernacle) which are…        “The Burnt Offering” (Korban Olah), “The Grain Offering” (Minchah), “The Peace offering” (Zevah Shelamim), the “Sin Offering” (Korban Chatat), “The Trespass or guilt offering” (Korban Asham).  One thing about the burnt, sin, and guilt offerings, there had to be “Teshuvah” (repentance) or “a change of heart”.  A “Turning away from sin” like when Yeshua told the woman who was caught in the act of adultery; “Go and sin no more!” (by the way, I wonder why the crowd didn’t bring the man?) I mean, if the woman was caught in the “act” the man was there too! Yet he was not brought forth.        The burnt offerings symbolized the recognition of our sin nature and a willingness to give oneself to God.  The sin and trespass/guilt offerings symbolized the offeror’s recognition that “I have sinned” in a specific way, unintentionally, and forgiveness was sought.  If the trespass was some property damage or stolen, the person offering the animal has to first “compensate” the person offended, and “restitution” was in order.  Yet it was restitution plus 5 more of the items, plus a fine besides the offering.  Very strict.      It would be good if those tried and imprisoned for theft, would have to pay back the victim the value of said property doing labor in prison, and not be released until the compensation was complete. Or…the state would pay the victim, and the offender would have to pay back the state with said labor. Good idea! Let’s vote on it!      The grain and peace offerings were to “give thanks to God” for blessings received or anticipated. Every time people go to the park and fire-up the BBQ grills and invite guests to eat hamburgers, hot-dogs, sausage, tostadas, grilled peppers, they are, in a way, lifting up a “peace offering”.  These offerings were not without fine flour, olive oil, salt, and Frankincense.  I guess a good outing in the park could not be complete without garlic bread brushed with a bit of olive oil and salt.  Salt in the bible symbolizes “incorruptibility” and what a better way to lay down to rest at night than to light an incense stick of Frankincense.      We can see Yeshua in all of these offerings.  The clean animals symbolize Yeshua as the “perfect sacrificed lamb of God” the grain offerings symbolize “Yeshua the Bread of Life” the peace offerings “Yeshua, the Prince of Peace” (Yeshua Sar Shalom).  The olive oil the “Ruach HaKodesh” (The Holy Spirit) and the Frankincense “Our prayers and supplications” which go “up” like burning incense.      In this Parashah we see “Ner Tamid” or “Esh Tamid” (the eternal flame or fire) the burnt offering roasted all night and the ashes that remained in the morning were removed to a clean place outside the camp.  The fire symbolizes purification, destruction, heat, light, and judgement of sin.  It can also symbolize our zeal and love for God and for the things of God, service to Adonai, I am sure you have heard the expression “being on fire for God!” The things we did yesterday are gone, and the things of today remain to be done.  We can consider the “ashes” the things of yesterday, and the things of today, are being done, and the things of tomorrow, “yet to be done” There were three sources of fire in the Tabernacle. One was taken to light the other, and the other was God himself. The "Esh Tamid" the eternal fire was on the brazen altar, consuming the sacrificial animal. Then, hot coals were taken from the brazen altar to light the incense inside the Holy Place, and finally, the light of the Menorah was the "flame" inside the Holy Place. We could even say that there was a 4th fire, the "Shekinah glory" of God Himself was revealed outside the Tabernacle as a "Pillar of Fire" by night. Now, back to the ashes.      YHVH takes into account ALL things done for His name’s sake, honor, and glory.  The ashes of “yesterday” can be our “future rewards” in Heaven in the world to come.      Chapter 8 in the highlight of the Torah.  The Torah (Genesis – Deuteronomy) has 304,805 Hebrew letters, 79,977 words, and 5845 verses.  Lev 8:15 is the “midpoint” with the word “Yesod” (foundation or base).  It talks about Aaron being anointed as high priest.  He is symbolically a “type of Messiah.” “to anoint” is “m sh k” in Hebrew letters.  The word “Mishkan” (Tabernacle) also has those letters. The Mishkan was anointed for the place of worship.  In the high priest, we have the mediator between man and God, and now “Yeshua” is our “Cohen Gadol” (High Priest)      The blood of the animals used to anoint Aaron and his sons was sprinkled on the horns of the brazen altar and poured out at the “base” or “foundation” of the altar, pointing us to Yeshua who is the “Chief Corner-stone” or the “Foundation Stone” (Yeshua HaYesod) or (HaTzur Yesod)      It is also interesting to see that the first word in the Torah is “B’reisheet” (in the beginning) the middle was now know is “Yesod” (foundation) and the last word in Deuteronomy is “Yisrael” giving us the message that “Yeshua, since the beginning, is the Foundation of Israel” but where is “Yeshua” in Genesis?   If we take the last letters of the first three words of Genesis “B’reisheet Bara Elohim” we get the word “Emet” (truth) and one of Yeshua’s titles is “The Truth” the “Alef” “Mem” and “Tav”.  Yeshua said; “I AM the Way the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6) .      Aaron and his sons were anointed with blood on their right ear lobes, their right thumbs, and the big toe on their right feet.  This can symbolize our “hearing” (Shema) and putting into action what we hear from God’s Word, our “doing” through mitzvoth (good needs, following the commandments) and “walking” according to HIS direction, walking a “Torah based life-style, or “Halacha” as some put it.  This was the ministry of Aaron and his sons, and also our ministry as well. Shalom Ben Avraham These flames will eventually go out, but the fire in our heart for Messiah Yeshua should NEver go out, always stay "On Fire" for Jesus

I still think you look just like my mom, a mirror image, for real!!! Mom was from NYC, but her mom and dad from Napoli, Italia

ISAIAH 43:21-44:23 The Prophet Isaiah and is complaining that Israel has forgotten about God, they no longer bring sacrifices, but are engrossed in sin, He explains that craftsmen will use their skill to make idols, that have no value, what a waste of craftsmanship! They can take iron and make a plowshare, swords, and even an idol. Is the fault in the iron? Or in the craftsman? Iron is just a material from the ground, the craftsman can turn it into something for usefulness or for idolatry. The worker in wood can cut down trees, make perhaps a plow, a wheel, use the wood for fuel for fire, or make a wooden idol. Is it the wood’s fault? or does the fault lie with the craftsman? Even today, we can use money either to buy food for our family, pay our bills, or buy and sell drugs! Does the fault lie in the money? Or the use of it? We can use money to honor or dishonor God and those around us, the choice is ours. God cries out to Israel; “I SHALL WIPE OUT YOUR TRANSGRESSIONS LIKE A CLOUD, AND YOUR SINS LIKE A MIST, RETURN TO ME AND I SHALL REDEEM YOU” (44:22) The promise still stands. If we “shuv” to HIM, HE will save us! MARK 11:1-12:44 There are several themes in these verses. Yeshua is in all of them. One theme is that when he went into the temple in Yerushalayim, he threw over the money tables and chased out the money changers, saying “My house is a House of prayer but you have made it a den of thieves” there are many synagogues and some churches that refuse to conduct business on the Sabbath or on the day of worship because they are reminded of that verse. However, Yeshua called them “thieves” these money changers were exchanging foreign money such as Greek “drachmas” and Roman “Denarii” for Israel “Shekels” in order to buy sacrifice animals. Many times, the money changers would not honor the exchange rate, and would “cheat” the clients. If 12 Mexican pesos equaled 1 US dollar, it would be like accepting the 12 pesos and giving the person 75 cents! Perhaps these money changers were cheating in this way. In 12:29-31 Yeshua quotes the “Shema;” "Hear O Israel YHVH is our Elohim, YHVH is ONE (Echad)" We might wonder what is the heart of this verse, or rather "statement?" "Shema" in Hebrew, "hear" is really "listen to, and obey" "Israel" really means "all of us" since we are part of the extended community of Israel, being grafted in to the first body of Hebraic believers. "O Israel" can mean "O believers near and far, both Jewish and Gentile, both those born in Israel and those born outside of Israel. "YHVH is our Elohim" The only way Elohim can be our God is if we recognize Him as such, and if we acknowledge Him as our God, then, we will follow Him, obey His commandments, and receive Yeshua, who is "God himself in the flesh" as our Savior and LORD. "YHVH is ONE (Echad) means ONE in UNITY. The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit are three entities of God, yet they are still ONE. It is like saying; 1 x 1 x 1 = 1 and at the same time saying; 1 + 1 + 1 = 3 Both are correct and make sense. " Love Elohim with all your heart, being, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself". Yeshua just summed up all the 613 commandments in two verses! Because all the commandments have to do with our relationship with YHVH and our relationship with our fellow man. That is the purpose of Bible study, to learn of these commandments and put them into practice, so as to deepen our relationship with Messiah Yeshua and to be a good witness to our fellow man, and…bring lost mankind to a saving relationship with Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Christ) Shalom: Ben Avraham "Standing Tall before the Troops" Someday, you might teach students and lead those who might follow you. Remember, if you think you're a leader, just look behind you, if no one is following you, you're just taking a walk. Will you teach your students God's WORD faithfully? Will you be a good shepherd and lead them in the Truth? Remember, God sees all. (Escuela Militar Gerardo Barrios, San Salvador, El Salvador. The "West Point" of Central America)

PARASHA: “Vayikra” (and he called) LEVITICUS 1:1-6:7 The word “VaYikra” is interesting, as it occurs 3 times. It means “called to (and a person’s name) In others words, Adonai called Moshe from where “he was” to where “Adonai is”. So as to “bridge the gap of distance” The first “VaYikra” was when Moshe was in the desert attending Yitro’s flock of sheep. Moshe sees the “burning bush” and then, Adonai “Calls to” Moshe to come “closer”, thus, bridging the gap of distance. The second time it occurs is when Adonai “calls to” Moshe to go up Har Sinai, to receive the Torah commandments, and thus, to teach those to HIS people. In both occasions, “fire” is what separated Moshe from Adonai, yet Adonai still “called to” and said to “come near” This is the third time, at the beginning of Leviticus, the Mishkan is finished, and the glory cloud rests on it, and then, Adonai “calls to” Moshe, to “come near”. The tabernacle has been built according to Adonai’s instructions, it is HIS home, and now, He invites Moshe and the priests into HIS home. Leviticus starts with "and" (in Hebrew) meaning that it is a continuation of Exodus 40:38 "VaYikra" (Va) = and "Yikra" called. Adonai is in the Mishkan, inside the glory cloud, now, He calls and invites Moshe to enter. It is like a king who ordered an architect to build his house. He built his house and to honor the king, he carved the king's name on each of the walls and on the support beams. The king was so impressed that upon seeing that the architect honored his name, he invited the architect to enter and live with him in his house. The Mishkan has the "name" of Adonai symbolized in all of the pieces of furniture inside the tent, and now, Adonai invites Moshe to come inside, and later, the whole of the Levitical priesthood to do service on behalf of Israel. Today, Adonai “calls to us all” to come near his glory, through our relationship with Messiah Yeshua, who bridges that “gap” of distance, through his own blood, He is the “Korban” that brings us near, we are sinful, and He is holy. We responded to His call, because He calls us by name! We start the book of Leviticus, this part of the Torah has to do with the Mishkan (the tabernacle) now ready to be used, and the sacrificial system that will be instituted within the Mishkan. All the sacrifices point to and illustrate MESIAH YESHUA (Jesus the Christ) who he is and what his one-time sacrifice means to us as believers. Even though the sacrificial system was completed with Messiahs’ death on Calvary, it is still worth while studying the meaning of it all, since it is a very integral part of the Torah. One interesting part of the word; “Vayikra” is that in the Hebrew, there is a small “Aleph” at the end of the word. Some ask as to why? Why is the “Aleph” small and a bit elevated? One answer is that it reminds us that we must approach God in a humble way, we must humble ourselves when we look up to HIM. The other answer is that Adonai “humbled” himself when He came to earth as man, in the form of Yeshua, exposing himself to heat, cold, happiness, sadness, getting tired, and finally, feeling the pain of the nails and the whips, all for our sakes. Also, He was "Lifted Up" on Calvary's cross, just as the small "aleph" is "lifted up" Also, Adonai "calls" us with a still, small voice, not shouting nor intimidating, but a still, small voice, little a soft wind, like when He "called" and spoke to Elihayu (Elijah) when he was in the cave, running from Jezebel. The letter “Alef” is really made up of one “Vav” and two “yods” one on one side of the “Vav” and the other on the other side, one on top and one on the bottom. One can see the symbolism, two “hands” and the “nail”. Two “Yods” and one “Vav” sum “26” and also the sacred name YHVH also sums “26” in gematria. The first thing you must do is read over the scripture verses, from Chapter 1:1 through 6:7. Now we are ready for a discussion. The whole idea of a “Korban” (offering) is to generate the idea of “substitution”. Also, the word “Korban” symbolizes “coming close to God.” Our sin separates us from God, yet through the blood, in our case, the blood of Yeshua, we come “close” to God. The sacrificial system involves; a gift, a death, a substitute, a renewed “close” relationship. “The gift (HaMatanah)” comes from the person offering, which is an animal. The animal, which would be a goat, a lamb, a bull, or a bird, would be killed and the blood splattered on the altar (Mizbeach), the animal would be a “substitute” for the person who offers it. The sins of the person “transfer” to the animal. Through the sacrifice, the relationship between the offeror and YHVH is renewed. But remember that the “sacrifices” are just symbolic of what they really mean, Which is Messiah Yeshua taking on ALL of our sins and him being nailed to the cross, and shedding his blood for our sins, giving us a “renewed” relationship with Him, through a “born-again” experience. There were 5 kinds of “korbanot” (offerings); 1. The burnt offering (Olah) 2. The sin offering, 3. The guilt or trespass offering; 4. The Peace offering (Korban Shelamim) 5. The grain or meat offering (Minchah). Each one identifies our relationship with Messiah Yeshua. THE BURNT OFFERING (Olah) This involved an animal sacrifice, the animal was completely burned on the altar and the ashes taken away and buried “outside the camp” the head, the inner organs, and the legs were burned as well. The pieces of the animal were arranged on the altar and burned. The head could symbolize our “thoughts” the inner organs could represent our “inner being, the heart, and the legs, our “walk” all of these were “offered up” to YHVH, thus symbolizing our “complete surrender to God in all that we are and have. The altar as you remember was made of hard wood overlaid with bronze and had a grill in the middle, and under the grill was earth and stones. Wood was laid on the grill and the animals were cut up and laid on the grill and burned. This reminds us of Yeshua who was “sacrificed” by his own free will on a WOODEN cross and was consumed by the “fires of judgment” He was judged for OUR SINS. The animal’s throat was cut and the blood was poured out and splashed on the altar. The person offering the animal showed that he/his family was “offering themselves to the LORD”. It also symbolizes our awareness of our sin nature. This sacrifice originated in Genesis, with Adam and Eve, Abel offered an “Olah Korban” so did Abraham, when he offered up the ram instead of his son Isaac, so did Noah, when he left the ark. THE SIN OFFERING (korban chatat) This also involved an animal sacrifice. It symbolized our specific sins that we commit by mistake, (active) or something we do not do, or forget to do (passive). In this korban, the person would offer the animal as a sacrifice, the person would place his hands on the head of the animal, transferring his “sins” into the animal, which would be the “substitute. The animal’s throat would be cut and the blood splattered on the altar. The priest would offer on the altar the fat, the liver, and the kidneys of the animal. These could symbolize our inner being. In this, the person confessed their sins and they did it by free will, and the animal symbolized Yeshua who paid our sin price in full. THE TRESPASS OR GUILT OFFERING; This involved the same process, only that the person who committed an offense against another would also have to bring compensation for the wrong doing, either in payment in silver or gold, or payment with animals. When we offend another person, be the person a brother or sister in Messiah or an unbeliever, we need to “compensate” the sin, if we can do it, sometimes, we cannot, if the sin is against the person’s character, no amount of money can repay the damage done, only a sincere confession in humbleness. So, we need to watch our “walk”. THE PEACE OFFERING (Shelamim). The word “Shelamim” comes from “Shalom” (peace) this was an enjoyable sacrifice in which both the priest and the offeror and his family would enjoy “roast beef, goat, or lamb” This was a “thankfulness” offering for blessings received. The animal was offered in the same way, only the meat was shared between the priest and his family, and the offeror and his family. We see this kind of “korban” even today in the parks, when families go out and BBQ ribs (hopefully beef and not pork) chicken, beef sausage, steaks, etc., many times they invite friends and family to enjoy in the “grilling and BBQ” they also have bread, or tostadas, tortillas, drinks, salad, etc. to accompany the meal. THE MEAL OR MEAT OFFERING (Minchah) this was a non-blood offering on the altar, in this korban, fine flour was offered, mixed with olive oil, frankincense, and also, the flour was made into cakes, rolls of bread, or flat breads (tortillas) but made without leaven or honey. These usually accompanied the peace offerings, to make the meal a “feast”. The fine flour symbolizes “YESHUA THE BREAD OF LIFE” the oil THE RUACH HA KODESH (The holy Spirit) the frankincense, OUR FELLOWSHIP THROUGH PRAYER. The animal itself represented Yeshua who gave his life for us, and took upon himself ALL of our sins, past, present, and future. The word “KORBAN” (sacrifice) comes from the Hebrew verb KARAV which means; “to come near” The meal offering was not offered without an animal offering. Also, there was a "drink" offering, it was "wine" which of course symbolizes "HaDam Yeshua" (The blood of Yeshua) The "drink" offering was poured on top of the roasted animal being offered. We can only come near to YHVH through the shed blood of Messiah Yeshua, who was the “sacrificed lamb” the Bible says that “without the shedding of blood, there can be no remission of sins” Our sins were “atoned for once and forever. That is why the “new covenant” or “renewed” covenant is a BETTER covenant, because there is no more need for animal sacrifices, because YESHUA took their place. Shalom.....Ben Avraham This bird will fly no more (relic of the Viet Nam war) yet we will all fly away when the trumpet sounds

Parasha "Pikudei" (accountings of) Exodus 38:21-40:38 We are ALL ACCOUNTABLE before the LORD. We will all have to give an account of what HE has given us in order to serve and worship HIM. Be it money, things, spiritual gifts, etc.. We are HIS living tabernacles, What are we doing with what HE has entrusted us with? Continuing in a midrash over Parashah “P’Kudei” (accountings of) in Exodus 38, the tabernacle seems to be mentioned/referred to in three ways; HaMishkan (The Tabernacle) HaMishkan, HaOhel Moed (The Tabernacle, Tent of Meeting) HaMishkan, HaEidut (The Tabernacle of the Testimony). In reality, there are ALL the same, yet referred to by different names. Why is that? Why does Moshe 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” 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 there are only two believers 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. “Aleph” “Hey” “Lamed” and then; “Mem” “Vav” “Ayin’ “Dalet” Again, going back to the ancient Hebrew understanding of the symbolism in the letters, we could understand these two words in the following manner: “Behold the God of Instruction and Teaching (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 the 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 letter “Ayin and Dalet” (ED) yet here they are reversed, yet they are still present, the “Witness” The Tabernacle was all about where Adonai came to dwell amongst his people to dwell with them, teach them his word, his ordinances, 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. From here, we can look at "Pikudei" from another aspect. The "pikudei" has a few word meanings, in accordance to how it is used. It not only means "accountings" but also "deposits" and even "inventories". The chosen workers among the Israelites were given tasks in the building of the Tabernacle. With the tasks, HaShem endowed them with knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. We can remember these words by the acronym K.U.W. or "Da'at" "Binah" and "Chokhmah" or "Chabad" (the other way around) or even "DaBiCh" (which ever way is easier for you) . Those who were not directly involved in the building, brought the materials as "freewill offerings", the gold, silver, bronze, fabric, the precious stones, etc... There was something for everyone, so no one was left out. "Pikudei" summarizes all that was brought and it is mentioned quite a few times that they "did as they were commanded by Moshe." We see obedience to the Word of Moshe, because Moshe was God's spokesman. He was a "Messiah type" Everything was "brought to Moses" and I am sure that he inspected everything to see that all was in accordance to the instructions of God. Then, the last part of Exodus says that the Mishkan was set up on the First of Nissan, on the second year after they had left Egypt. So, On New Year's Day, the "Kavod Adonai" (the Glory of Adonai) came to rest on the Mishkan in the form of a cloud. Moshe could only enter when he was CALLED. So, what does that have to do with you and me? We are the temple of the Ruach HaKodesh. As born-again believers, we are endowed with different gifts of the Holy Spirit. We serve the body of believers with these gifts. We contribute with the three "T"s; Time, Talent, and Treasure. Just as the Israelites contributed all three, "Time" (The mishkan was not build in a day) Talent; (knowledge, understanding, and wisdom) and Treasure (all the materials). We perform with our gifts and we "lay them down" at the feet of Mashiach for inspection, for approval. If we do our best, we will be approved, but only through the power of the Holy Spirit can we perform our duties to the body. Just as the Glory of Adonai came to rest on the Tabernacle, so the Holy Spirit comes to rest on us all. His indwelling is real. He will not leave us nor forsake us. Yes, the Spirit of God DID leave the temple because of all the corruption later on. When Titus destroyed the Temple in A.D. 70, he destroyed a lifeless, empty building. A building can have material treasure, yet still be lifeless, if the Spirit of God does not live there. The Spirit of God will NEVER leave the believer. We may fall out of fellowship with God from time to time, yet He is always there awaiting our return. In the World to Come, we will have "accountings" to deal with. God will measure our deeds, works, inventories, deposits, and we will either receive rewards or lose rewards. So, be diligent, We are His Mishkan on earth. Let's work together and glorify His NAME. Ben Avraham Countryside in the region of Galilee

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 ( 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. Something else should be noted. During the building of the Mishkan, people gave freely and workers were chosen by God. In the building of the temple, it was forced labor and the people were taxed. Quite a difference. 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; Kefa, Jacob, and Yochanan (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 Moshe and Eliyahu. 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? We also remember that Moshe wanted to go into the promised land with his people, but because of the sin of striking the ROCK twice, he was forbidden to enter the promised land, since the ROCK symbolized Yeshua who was "struck only once" (the stroke of death). Moses died there on the Mountain and Adonai himself buried him there. Yet, he finally entered the promised land, right there, at the Mt. of Transfiguration. Better late than never. In Mark 10, Yeshua teaches on divorce. This is a big subject, and a sad subject because many couples do not take marriage seriously any more. “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 in order to “make a commitment of love” . We can see the true meaning of "love" in John 3:16; "For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE His only begotten son...." True love is about "giving" the "giving" and "sharing" of one's life with another. The scripture does not say that "God felt like sacrificing his own son.." because it hurt Him to his heart, but there wasn't any other way to atone for mankind's sins. God's commitment of love caused him to "give" up his son to a cruel death on the cross of Calvary, to feel the pain of iron nails being driven into his wrists. He didn't give up on mankind, He provided a solution. The marriage covenant was made on Mt. Sinai with the giving of the commandments, the wedding ceremony is get to come, we are the bride and soon to be the "Wife of Messiah" Divorce? no such animal. We will be the "eternal wife" (Ha Ishah HaOlam) 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 a “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” Shavua Tov Have a good week Ben Avraham A small Messianic congregation's back yard "Shabbat" service (La Herradura, El Salvador)

Go to: https://hebrew4christians.com/ to help you learn Hebrew. The pic I included at the top is of my wife wife Judy when she was only 17 years old (1966)

EX 35:1-38:20 and EX 38:21-40:38 Parasha "VaYekel" Before embarking on this Parasha, there is one point from last week that I would like to bring to light. It is in Exodus 34:7 “Keeping mercy” (Notzer Chesed). In the Hebrew Bible, the first letter of the word “Notzer” is enlarged, a large “Nun”. Yet why? Some rabbis say that it is the first time that this word is used. If we were to look at the word “Notzer” in Paleo-Hebrew symbolism, would could see the word as; “The first righteous one who gives life”. Since the “Nun” is enlarged, perhaps we could look at it as “life-eternal” something “bigger” than our life on earth. Who is it that “keeps mercy” for many thousands, if not millions who trust in Him? Is it not Yeshua who was raised in “Nazareth” (Natzeret) as a (Notzri) a Nazarene. In both words, we have the same three letters, “Nun” “Tzadik” and “Resh” “N” “TZ” “R”. Can we say that Exodus 34:7 is a shadow of “Yeshua” who is the one who “keeps mercy” reserved for all who trust and believe in Him? I would say so! These are the final chapters of Exodus (Shemot) and Moshe talks about honoring the Sabbath day, the prohibition of lighting a fire on the Sabbath, gathering an offering to build the tabernacle and it’s furnishings, the appointment of persons to make certain items, and finally, the building project in detail and the outcome. All these are worth talking about. ” Work shall be done for six days, but the seventh day shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of rest to YHVH” ” You shall kindle no fire throughout your dwellings on the Sabbath day.” These are very important statements, commandments repeated from before. Even before the building project begins, YHVH wants his people to know the work days, rules, and regulations. In this “work-a-cholic” world in which we live, the believer should know when to stop and rest. YHVH commands it, for our own good and mental soundness. Too many people work all seven days a week, perhaps 10 or more hours each day to make a “lot-of-money” only to spend the extra money at the hospital when they have a nervous breakdown because of all the extra work hours. The Sabbath is a day to spend with the family, at the family’s place of worship., be it at a synagogue or at a church. It is a time to spend with the LORD, to worship, learn from HIS WORD, and fellowship with other believers. It is a time to leave the things of the house alone, perhaps eat out, and return home at the end of Sabbath. It is intended as a “day of rest” so, “rest” means exactly that, “rest”. When we look at the commandment; “Thou shalt kindle no fire throughout your dwellings on the Sabbath” we need to ask ourselves, what was fire used mainly for? Probably for cooking! To boil water, prepare food in different ways. Manna fell from the sky and the Israelites perhaps ate it as is, or boiled it, made it into bread, they probably roasted goats or lambs from the flocks, heated ovens for “Manna flat bread” It was a task and a half to start and maintain a fire, cooking, preparing and all that. So, YHVH is saying STOP! just for the Sabbath, and take a break from it all. Stop slaving over the hot stove and rest, prepare something on Friday, that is why HE gave a “double-portion” of Manna on Friday. Today, how can we put that “mitzvah” into good use without “overdoing it” as some Jewish sects do, not, turning on a light switch, not driving a car, etc. Well, to start, we can prepare meals for Saturday on Friday, and on the Sabbath, just heat them up. Another idea, eat something light like salad and sandwiches. Many churches and synagogues have the custom of eating out or eating “in”. Some Jewish synagogues have “Oneg” a lunch prepared for the members and guests after service. Some church Sunday school classes go out to eat as families after services on Sundays. Why not? Give the house-wife or house-husband a break from kitchen duty! Don’t they deserve it? Anyway, the Sabbath was made for man and woman, to “rest” and take it easy, and mediate on YHVH. Another way we can look at this commandment is that “kindling a fire” could also refer to our “tempers” many have very hot tempers which flare up. The Sabbath is a time of peace, not to sow arguments over this and that, just take it easy and relax, let our temperaments be cool and calm. If someone wants to start an argument on the Sabbath, just walk away and leave it alone. It can wait for another day. The rest of these two Parashot have to do with the Tabernacle. The order to build it, to take up an offering of materials, to assign workers, to “build it” to “put it all together” and finally, to invite YHVH to come down and dwell in it, which he DID, at the close of the book of Exodus. So, go ahead and read the chapters. How can we look at this in light of our lives as born-again believers in Messiah Yeshua? The “tabernacle” today is YHVH’s dwelling place which is each and every “Kehilah” (congregation) where born-again believers meet to worship the LORD, singing praises and teaching his WORD. The tabernacle is also the bodies of all believers, with the Ruach HaKodesh dwelling inside of us! YHVH has given each and every believer some gift and talent to “maintain” the “Mishkan of Believers” as YHVH chose different individuals to build the furniture of the Mishkan, so HE has selected different believers with different talents to maintain the Kehilah. The root word of “Mishkan” are the letters SH+K+N, (Shaken) meaning to “dwell with” or one could say “to live among” This is the Hebrew word for “Tabernacle” (Mishkan). If we are to look at this word from an ancient Hebraic view, the letters would be “Sheen” (the all-consuming fire) “Kaph” (anointing), and “Nun” (life). We can see the symbolism in these three letters; “The All-consuming fire (Adonai) wants to anoint the lives (of all believers) through HIS presence and ministry of teaching from his Torah, through his chosen teachers, preachers, rabbis, etc. He inhabited the Tabernacle with HIS divine presence and ministered to the People of Israel through the Levites and the priests. When we look at the gematria for the letters “Sheen” “kaph” and “Nun” we get 300+20+50 = 370. We can look at this sum through symbolism seeing; Elohim (300) who is perfect (7) is eternal (0). 3+7+0=10. 10 is the number of the Law (Torah) His Word is Perfect, for all eternity. So, what does every article of tabernacle furniture symbolize in relationship with Yeshua and believers? 1. The Mishkan itself with the curtains, poles, staves, etc. = A “fence” to keep holiness in and ungodliness out! Once inside, you are in the holy place, where YHVH dwells, and where the priests minister. Our Kehilot are “holy places” where the LORD dwells and where we join for fellowship with other believers. 2. “Aron HaKodesh” (The Ark of the Covenant) the “heart” of the Mishkan, where the tablets of the commandments are kept, together with a pot of Manna, and Aron’s rod. It symbolizes the believer who “should” shine like “gold” both inwardly as well as outwardly. We should be mindful of the commandments to put them into action as “unto good works” Yeshua is our “Manna” the “Bread of Life” and the Rod of Aron as our “Rod of authority, our high priesthood of believers” the “Shekinah glory” which rested above the mercy seat is the everlasting presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 3. “The Table of Incense” it symbolizes our prayers as they go up “like smoke” unto the heavenlies, even to the Throne of Grace. One thing to point out, all the furniture with the exception of the Menorah, was made of Acacia wood overlaid with gold, the wood symbolizes the humanity of Yeshua, and the gold “purity”. The incense was made of various ingredients but making an exact replica of the original substance is forbidden, most worshippers today that use incense use a mixture of Frankincense and Myrrh, which is readily available. It is a relaxing aroma that helps one to go to sleep at night. 4. “The Golden Menorah” was made of one solid piece of gold, hammered and formed into a seven-branch candlestick. It had seven lamps which were filled with olive oil and burned all night. In the morning, the priest would come into the Holy Place and trim the wicks and re-fill the lamps with olive oil. We look at the Menorah as “Yeshua Ha Or Olam” (Yeshua who is the light of the world, the Eternal Light) we are the 6 branches that are on either side of the “Shamash” the helper lamp which is in the middle, Yeshua said, “Ye are the light of the world” that means “every believer is a light in dark places” but our light comes from Yeshua” we have no light of our own, like the moon, moon light is sun light reflected off the lunar surface. The oil symbolizes the Ruach Ha Kodesh, (The Holy Spirit) and the wicks are “us” we need to be in contact with the “oil” in order to have brightness. 5. “The Table of Shewbread” made of hard wood overlaid with gold. Had 12 loaves of bread, symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel. The table and bread symbolize “Yeshua Ha lechem Chayim” (Yeshua the Bread of Life) Even the “unleavened bread” of Passover which symbolizes “Yeshua” who is the unleavened bread” 6. Outside the holy place are two items, the bronze laver and the Brazen Altar. The bronze laver was a huge bronze bowl filled with water. The priests would wash their hands and feet after offering blood sacrifices. It was made of bronze which symbolizes “judgment” when the water was still, the priest would see his reflection in the water. When we look in still water, or in a mirror, we see our reflection, we see who we are, sinners saved by grace, yet we still have the sin nature, and Yeshua went through “judgment” in our place, we have been “washed” in his blood and made clean. Remember that Yeshua washed the feet of his talmidim. 7. “the Bronze Altar” (Mizbeach) (pronunciation = “ach” like Yohann Sebastian Bach) not “beach” which is by the ocean. It was made of hard wood overlaid with bronze, symbolizing the humanity of Yeshua who was judged in the “fires of our sin”. The animal sacrifices were performed on this altar, the blood was poured out at the base of the altar and the animals roasted on a grill. Think of the Mizbeach as a big BBQ pit. The brazen altar symbolizes the cross of Messiah Yeshua, the animals symbolizing Yeshua himself who poured out his blood for us sinners, who incurred “our judgment” in his own body. We see the materials that went into building the tabernacle; gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, wood, blue, purple, scarlet, and animal skins, They all have symbolic meanings; Gold=purity (of Messiah) and the goal of every follower of Mashiach, Silver=redemption (Yeshua redeemed us from the curse of sin) bronze=Judgment (Yeshua was judged for our sins, Fine linen= our new nature and our walk with the LORD, wood=Humanity of Messiah. Blue=Heaven, Purple=Royalty, (we are royalty in Messiah Yeshua, part of his royal family) Scarlet=blood. Animal skins=the covering of our sins before, but now, our sins have been erased, not just covered. At the end of Exodus, in 40:38 it says that YHVH settled upon the Mishkan in a cloud. Now his presence is visible. Messiah is still with us in the form of the Holy Spirit, WE are the living Tabernacles and the Spirit of God lives in our heart, as well as within the “Kehilot” of believers who come together for worship. We read that “Betzaleel” was chosen by Adonai to build many pieces of the furniture that went into the Mishkan. He was filled with the “Ruach Elohim” (The Spirit of God) so as to fulfill this tremendous task. He was given “Knowledge” (da’at) “Understanding” (binah) and “Wisdom” or skill (Chochma). Today, we acquire knowledge from books, or through listening to others, we can read the WORD and acquire knowledge, but hopefully, it will not stop there. From knowledge we get “understanding” and from there, we put those to use in the form of “wisdom” or “skills”. “Bezaleel” is introduced as “Bezaleel Ben Huri Ben Hur of the tribe of Y’hudah” the rabbis say that he is given three names, or three identities, Bezaleel, Son of Uri, Son of Hur. Even though we know that it is the same person. In a way, we have three names or three identities. One name is the name that our parents gave us. Another name, could be how the community around us may call us, like “teacher” or “helper” or “counselor” “pastor” “rabbi” etc, the third name is that name that Adonai will give us in the World to Come. We will have an “eternal name” that perhaps, may reflect on the kind of life we lived on earth. We may also have our equivalent Hebrew name which some of us use. Some may use the title "Ben Avraham" which means "Son of Abraham" or "Son of the faith" it just means that we are following the faith of Father Abraham. The name "Betzelel" means "Under the shadow of EL (God) " “B’tzel’el” means “in the shadow of EL” (God). So, we walked in HIS shadow, an obedient servant, and was given the blessing of making a great part of the Mishkan. His companion "Oholiav" has the letters which spell "Tent of Father" or "My tent of Father" or one might even say carries the meaning "the tent of my father" As believers, we are all under the shadow of God, walking in His shadow, being His reflection in light. As the Israelites gave freely to build the tabernacle in the desert, we must all do our part to build up and support our local "tabernacle" (church or synagogue) with our tithes, offerings, and talents which the LORD has given us under the power of the Holy Spirit. Shavua tov Have a good and blessed week Ben Avraham Getting into Torah Study (El Salvador) a small kehilah near the ocean.

A midrash on the Parable of the marriage feast (Matt 22:1-14) Just need to share this. It has been on my mind since yesterday. We all know, and some might not know, this parable that Yeshua told, about a king that gave an invitation to a marriage feast. We read in Matthew (Matityahu) that a certain king gave a marriage feast. Doesn't say who was getting married, maybe the king himself. Would like to think that because it would fit the main gist of the story. He invited many and sent out his servants to tell those who were invited to come. Yet they didn't come, they weren't interested, they were more involved in their own things and activities. He even offered them the best of cooking, the fatted calves, a roasted ox, many more. But we can be sure that the king showed no stinginess. He went all out and prepared all the tasty foods (no roast pork nor shellfish, nor pepperoni pizza we can be sure of). Still the guests didn't come, what's more, they even mistreated and even murdered the king's servants. The king sent out his armies to destroy those murderers, and then, sent more servants out to invite all the riff-raff, hobos, ragamuffins, schlemihls,. Commoners, low-income wage earners, welfare recipients, muggers, bandits, and even good, simple folk. Well, they all came, ye there was one who came and didn't have a wedding garment. The king asked the fellow why he didn't have a wedding garment, and the fellow was "speechless" (vs 12). Couldn't say a word, no excuse. guilty as charged. Here comes the sentencing by the king: "Bind him hand and foot and cast him into outer darkness where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth." then it is added; "Many are called but few are chosen" Now, the explanation. A marriage feast was an important feast and the wealthy didn't mind spending a fortune on it. Even today, the expenses may go into many thousands of dollars. It was customary that back then, the master of ceremonies would provide the guests with special wedding garments to use, and afterwards, they would return them. In this parable, the king invited many to come, yet they did not respond, and the kings servants were murdered. Adonai has sent out his prophets to tell the world about repentance, to "Shoov" back to God (turn back) to forsake their sins and rebellion and accept the forgiveness that God would offer, yet, they "murdered the prophets" and, in a way, "spat on the Torah" Adonai sent judgment, he sent the Babylonians to conquer Israel, and later, Titus of Rome. Israel would have to answer to their rebellion against Adonai and his precepts. Today, the invitation is still sent out. There is a wedding feast awaiting those who have been called by the Lamb. The bridegroom is awaiting his bride. The invitation is for many and all who will respond, those who are poor and meek and those who are rich and famous, doesn't matter, we are ALL the same in God's eyes. Yet to get into the wedding feast we all need a special garment, a wedding garment, and we all need the same garment. It is the "Beged Yeshuah" (The Garment of Salvation). The garment is Yeshua himself who stained it with his own blood. Those who have accepted the invitation accept Yeshua as their LORD and Savior. That is the garment that covers them. But those who try to get into heaven without the "garment of Salvation" can only expect the wrath of the King, of King Yeshua. What else could this garment (in the parable) mean? if that guy that did not have on this garment, and had no excuse, because it was provided him yet he rejected it. Those who reject the "Beged Yeshuah" will be cast into "outer darkness" where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. "darkness" is the opposite of "light" the absence of love, the absence of the presence of God. There will be pain and suffering, the memory of the invitation and the rejection of the "wedding garment" the rejection of Yeshuah by the same King Yeshua (play on words?) who offered it up with his own blood. Sounds like Sheol, Gehenna, hell, to me. But how can fire not be seen? if there is outer darkness? is it both literal and spiritual? this outer darkness? Where in the universe is "outer darkness" yet intense heat at the same time? Could it be a "black hole?" a neutron star that has imploded and collapsed into itself? so much gravity and heat yet no light. Could this be the outer darkness? Time will tell, time will tell. The wedding feast is being prepared, the the invitation is being sent out. We hear it on the radio, the TV, by word of mouth, on the printed pages of His WORD. Many are called, but many are not interested. They are only interested in the here-and-now, and not the here-after. They don't want the "Beged Yeshuah" they think they can make it on their own. Get to the wedding feast on their own accord. "A few are chosen" Yeshua wants a "good few men (and women)" those who will accept the garment of salvation, stained with His blood. The wedding feast is being prepared, the marriage will take place soon. Soon, all believers will be the "Wife of Yeshua" the Wife of Adonai" what better position could we ask for? Ben Avraham