Jacob Ben Avraham

EREV PESACH (First Night of Passover) Tonight is April 22nd, The First night of Passover. It must have been a night like this about 3500 years ago that thousands of lambs were sacrificed, and their blood placed on the doorposts of those houses. This was done per instructions via Moses, and Moses received these instructions directly from God. That night would be the night of all nights. A night to remember. Freedom from slavery was at the door. God himself would pay a visit to the Egyptians, a visit of death. Death to the firstborn of Egypt. A debt would be collected. Lives would be demanded. Yet there would be a substitute. Or rather, substitutes. Those were the lambs and goats that were sacrificed. Their blood on the doorposts of the houses in Goshen would be a reminder that "blood was already shed in this house." That household was obedient to the instructions. That household was redeemed by the blood of that lamb. So, on to the next house. Would that household be obedient? That Passover night a cry went out in all the land of Egypt. Judgment was dished out to Pharaoh's household and all the Egyptians. Were there Egyptians who put blood on their doorposts? Perhaps a few since a "mixed multitude" left Egypt in the morning. There were some Egyptians who placed their trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of Israel. The final plague gave the death blow to Egypt. Egypt was defeated and humiliated, and God's people were set free, free from the bondage of slavery, free to follow a new master, a master who would love them and who would, someday, give up his own life for them. About 1500 years later, another scene was taking place on a night like this, the first night of Passover. Our Messiah was in a large room and was gathered with his disciples. It would be the final Passover supper with them. They would have roasted lamb with bitter herbs and a sweet mixture of fruit and nuts with honey. Unleavened bread of course was there along with wine. The Unleavened bread spoke of Yeshua the Bread of Life. All participated, all but one, the betrayer, Y'hudah, a man from Kariot, who learned nothing from the Master, who placed more importance in pocket change than a change of heart. The bread was broken to symbolize Messiah's body which would soon be broken and torn apart by Roman fists and a flagellum. Wine was drunk to symbolize the blood of Messiah which would be spilled. The blood that brought back memories of the blood of lambs and goats 1500 years before on the first Passover night in Egypt. Yeshua would be those Passover lambs. As the Passover lambs were the substitutes for death back then, Yeshua would be the one and only Passover lamb to be our substitute in death. He would take the curse of sin and death upon himself, and by His sacrifice, we would gain eternal life. Is the Passover Lamb part of your life? Have you invited the Passover Lamb to live inside you? If not, Passover would be the perfect time for such an invitation. Happy Passover. If you have never celebrated Passover, it's not too late.

EREV PESACH (First Night of Passover) Tonight is April 22nd, The First night of Passover. It must have been a night like this about 3500 years ago that thousands of lambs were sacrificed, and their blood placed on the doorposts of those houses. This was done per instructions via Moses, and Moses received these instructions directly from God. That night would be the night of all nights. A night to remember. Freedom from slavery was at the door. God himself would pay a visit to the Egyptians, a visit of death. Death to the firstborn of Egypt. A debt would be collected. Lives would be demanded. Yet there would be a substitute. Or rather, substitutes. Those were the lambs and goats that were sacrificed. Their blood on the doorposts of the houses in Goshen would be a reminder that "blood was already shed in this house." That household was obedient to the instructions. That household was redeemed by the blood of that lamb. So, on to the next house. Would that household be obedient? That Passover night a cry went out in all the land of Egypt. Judgment was dished out to Pharaoh's household and all the Egyptians. Were there Egyptians who put blood on their doorposts? Perhaps a few since a "mixed multitude" left Egypt in the morning. There were some Egyptians who placed their trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of Israel. The final plague gave the death blow to Egypt. Egypt was defeated and humiliated, and God's people were set free, free from the bondage of slavery, free to follow a new master, a master who would love them and who would, someday, give up his own life for them. About 1500 years later, another scene was taking place on a night like this, the first night of Passover. Our Messiah was in a large room and was gathered with his disciples. It would be the final Passover supper with them. They would have roasted lamb with bitter herbs and a sweet mixture of fruit and nuts with honey. Unleavened bread of course was there along with wine. The Unleavened bread spoke of Yeshua the Bread of Life. All participated, all but one, the betrayer, Y'hudah, a man from Kariot, who learned nothing from the Master, who placed more importance in pocket change than a change of heart. The bread was broken to symbolize Messiah's body which would soon be broken and torn apart by Roman fists and a flagellum. Wine was drunk to symbolize the blood of Messiah which would be spilled. The blood that brought back memories of the blood of lambs and goats 1500 years before on the first Passover night in Egypt. Yeshua would be those Passover lambs. As the Passover lambs were the substitutes for death back then, Yeshua would be the one and only Passover lamb to be our substitute in death. He would take the curse of sin and death upon himself, and by His sacrifice, we would gain eternal life. Is the Passover Lamb part of your life? Have you invited the Passover Lamb to live inside you? If not, Passover would be the perfect time for such an invitation. Happy Passover. If you have never celebrated Passover, it's not too late.

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 because of 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, symbolizing baptism in a way. When he 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. So, what do we see in the motives of Gehezi? Outwardly, he was clean, with no disease, yet he was selfish and greedy inside. When he approached Namaan and asked for gifts, Namaan gave him clothes and 132 pounds of silver.(2 talents, 66 pounds = one talent) Perhaps this made Namaan think that his healing cost him that, or that this was an "offering petitioned." (By Gehezi, not by Elisha). God's healings are always free, and never should a servant of God ask someone for money in exchange for prayer, for healing, or for favors, for helping out a needy person. Namaan, who was sincere, was now clean inside and outside. Gehezi, who appeared clean on the outside, was now diseased on the outside as well as inside. One can have spiritual leprosy which can be worse than the physical malady. 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” LUKE 17:11-17 Not the official Parashah reading, but this deals also with the healing of 10 who suffered from some 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 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. Being children of the KING is an honor. If we are HIS kids, then, are we following his family rules and regulations? Yeshua said; "If ye love me, obey my commandments." Have a blessed week, Ben Avraham

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 because of 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, symbolizing baptism in a way. When he 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. So, what do we see in the motives of Gehezi? Outwardly, he was clean, with no disease, yet he was selfish and greedy inside. When he approached Namaan and asked for gifts, Namaan gave him clothes and 132 pounds of silver.(2 talents, 66 pounds = one talent) Perhaps this made Namaan think that his healing cost him that, or that this was an "offering petitioned." (By Gehezi, not by Elisha). God's healings are always free, and never should a servant of God ask someone for money in exchange for prayer, for healing, or for favors, for helping out a needy person. Namaan, who was sincere, was now clean inside and outside. Gehezi, who appeared clean on the outside, was now diseased on the outside as well as inside. One can have spiritual leprosy which can be worse than the physical malady. 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” LUKE 17:11-17 Not the official Parashah reading, but this deals also with the healing of 10 who suffered from some 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 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. Being children of the KING is an honor. If we are HIS kids, then, are we following his family rules and regulations? Yeshua said; "If ye love me, obey my commandments." Have a blessed week, Ben Avraham

PARASHOT: “Tazriah” Lev 12:1-13:59 (she bears seed) and “Metsora” Lev 14:1-15:33 (infected ones). 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, including the dreaded disease called leprosy, medically known as “Hanson’s disease. Go to google “images” and see it, but be sure you don’t eat anything beforehand, it is quite horrible. Leviticus Chapter 12 covers childbirth, and YHVH deems “unclean” a woman after giving birth, and she has to stay put in her tent, for 7 days plus 33 days. Altogether, “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 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 enters 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. There is another explanation, but you need to go to the website: "Sefaria" and look at "The Book of Jubilees 3:12-21" Here, An explanation is given of why the time frame of being unclean for a woman for a male child and for a female child. In other words; 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: "Remez” (symbolism) 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. It 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 born males. As we know, this was a sign of the covenant with Abraham. Some Jewish denominations still place a high priority on Brit Milah, yet how important is it? 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). 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”(Daughter of Zion went after idols and followed the ways of Baal for a long time. Even during Yeshua's time, there was moral and spiritual corruption. 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 that 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 was resurrected on the first day of the week, on day “8.” He was “unclean” during the time of hanging on the cross, carrying, and bearing our sins. (He was made sin on our behalf) 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, and all of the world, have 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 accept or reject Messiah Jesus, the blessing, or the curse. Remember, it is about “choices” Chapter 13 "Metzora" (from 2 words; Motzi-Ra meaning; One who speaks slander or evil against another. This section 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) 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 forever. 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 slandering 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. 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 say 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. We are "born of woman" into this world, to fulfill our destiny; to get "right with God" so that HE becomes our "Heavenly Father" and not just our "creator" through Jesus our LORD and Savior, who bore all of our leprosies of sin, in one afternoon on the Cross of Calvary. How can some people reject such love? but many do, and "die in their sins" don't you do that! Ben Avraham "Rio Caluco" where our congregation went last Sunday for baptisms and fellowship (Caluco, El Salvador)

PARASHOT: “Tazriah” Lev 12:1-13:59 (she bears seed) and “Metsora” Lev 14:1-15:33 (infected ones). This week we have a double Bible study; “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, including the dreaded disease called leprosy, medically known as “Hanson’s disease. Go to google “images” and see it, but be sure you don’t eat anything beforehand, it is quite horrible. Leviticus Chapter 12 covers childbirth, and YHVH deems “unclean” a woman after giving birth, and she has to stay put in her tent, for 7 days plus 33 days. Altogether, “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 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 enters 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. There is another explanation, but you need to go to the website: "Sefaria" and look at "The Book of Jubilees 3:12-21" Here, An explanation is given of why the time frame of being unclean for a woman for a male child and for a female child. In other words; 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: Looking at Messiah Yeshua/Jesus. 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. It 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 born males. As we know, this was a sign of the covenant with Abraham. Some Jewish denominations still place a 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 has conceived seed, and born a man child; then she shall be unclean 7 days.” In 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!” 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 Yeshua's time, there was moral and spiritual corruption. 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 that 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 was resurrected on the first day of the week, on day “8.” He was “unclean” during the time of hanging on the cross, carrying, and bearing 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, and all of the world, have 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 or reject Mashiach, accept the blessing, or accept the curse. Remember, it is about “choices” Chapter 13 "Metzora" (from 2 words; Motzi-Ra meaning; One who speaks slander or evil against another. This section 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) 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 forever. 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 slandering 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. 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 say 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. Our congregation went to this river last Sunday for baptism and fellowship (Rio Caluco)

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 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 to keep the Ark from falling off the cart, Uzzah put out his hands and touched the ark, holding 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 could carry it on poles. Today, many might want to come to the LORD on THEIR STANDARDS, doing THEIR OWN THING. If today’s times were like 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. The grace of God is longlasting and longsuffering. When we deserve death, he gives us life. No wonder Paul said the New Covenant was better than the Old Covenant. In the Old Covenant, sins were only covered, in the New Covenant, our sins were blotted out completely by Yeshua/Jesus on the Cross of Calvary. In the days of the Old Covenant, the punishment of sin was strict. In the New Covenant, Yeshua/Jesus took all that punishment upon himself once and forever. MARK 14:1-72 YESHUA and his talmidim celebrate Passover. 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, honey, and wine. He has his twelve together, and Y’hudah Ish Kariot, made his exit, the worst mistake a man can make, 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 ALL OF US. The wine symbolized his Blood, which was shed/would be shed for THEM and ALL OF US. 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. Shavua Tov Have a good week.

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 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 to keep the Ark from falling off the cart, Uzzah put out his hands and touched the ark, holding 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 could carry it on poles. Today, many might want to come to the LORD on THEIR STANDARDS, doing THEIR OWN THING. If today’s times were like 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. The grace of God is longlasting and longsuffering. When we deserve death, he gives us life. No wonder Paul said the New Covenant was better than the Old Covenant. In the Old Covenant, sins were only covered, in the New Covenant, our sins were blotted out completely by Yeshua/Jesus on the Cross of Calvary. In the days of the Old Covenant, the punishment of sin was strict. In the New Covenant, Yeshua/Jesus took all that punishment upon himself once and forever. MARK 14:1-72 YESHUA and his talmidim celebrate Passover. 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, honey, and wine. He has his twelve together, and Y’hudah Ish Kariot, made his exit, the worst mistake a man can make, 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 ALL OF US. The wine symbolized his Blood, which was shed/would be shed for THEM and ALL OF US. 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. Shavua Tov Have a good week.

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 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 to keep the Ark from falling off the cart, Uzzah put out his hands and touched the ark, holding 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 could carry it on poles. Today, many might want to come to the LORD on THEIR STANDARDS, doing THEIR OWN THING. If today’s times were like 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. The grace of God is longlasting and longsuffering. When we deserve death, he gives us life. No wonder Paul said the New Covenant was better than the Old Covenant. In the Old Covenant, sins were only covered, in the New Covenant, our sins were blotted out completely by Yeshua/Jesus on the Cross of Calvary. In the days of the Old Covenant, the punishment of sin was strict. In the New Covenant, Yeshua/Jesus took all that punishment upon himself once and forever. MARK 14:1-72 YESHUA and his talmidim celebrate Passover. 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, honey, and wine. He has his twelve together, and Y’hudah Ish Kariot, made his exit, the worst mistake a man can make, 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 ALL OF US. The wine symbolized his Blood, which was shed/would be shed for THEM and ALL OF US. 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. Shavua Tov Have a good week.

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, and 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, and being “ordained” by YHVH to take on the ministry of High Priest (Aaron) and “priests” Nadav, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Is it surprising that we see the number “7” here since it is God’s number of perfection? The Hebrew letter “Zayin” is the number 7 in Gematria” and 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 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 us that a Levite would take the scapegoat 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. As believers, we get “Close” to G-d through Yeshua/Jesus, 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 smudge. 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 Moshe’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”. 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 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. 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 believe that it is better to abstain at all times, so as “not to fall” into the 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 means “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 or another, so, when we “derosh, derash” 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, and 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, and 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 consider the Gentiles clean! (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. So why 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! Choose turkey sausage and Turkey bacon rather than pork sausage and pork bacon. Yeah, Yeah, it doesn’t taste the same. 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. Have a blessed week.

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, and 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, and being “ordained” by YHVH to take on the ministry of High Priest (Aaron) and “priests” Nadav, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. Is it surprising that we see the number “7” here since it is God’s number of perfection? The Hebrew letter “Zayin” is the number 7 in Gematria” and 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 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 us that a Levite would take the scapegoat 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. As believers, we get “Close” to G-d through Yeshua/Jesus, 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 smudge. 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 Moshe’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”. 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 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. 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 believe that it is better to abstain at all times, so as “not to fall” into the 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 means “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 or another, so, when we “derosh, derash” 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, and 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, and 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 consider the Gentiles clean! (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. So why 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! Choose turkey sausage and Turkey bacon rather than pork sausage and pork bacon. Yeah, Yeah, it doesn’t taste the same. 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. Have a blessed week. (I don't know how to get rid of the shade around the text, if someone out there can do it for me, I'll send you a gift) Study to show thyself approved, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, but rightfully dividing the WORD of Truth.

But what little black box are you talking about? if you could send me a pic I could click it on and get rid of the shade

JEREMIAH 7:21-8:3; 9:22,23 Adonai states that "In the beginning" when Israel left Egypt, he did not talk about animal sacrifices when the 10 Commandments were given. There is not one single commandment in the "Decalog" which required animal sacrifices. The only animal sacrifice before arriving at Sinai was in Egypt. The sacrificial lambs and goats at Passover. The reason for the animal sacrifices/offerings was that there had to be a "substitute" for the payment of sin. Since the "wages of sin is death" then, the animals would be those "substitutes" and instead of the offerer being judged guilty of sin, the penalty was passed on to the animal. The animal's throat was cut and the blood spilled on the Brazen Altar. This was symbolic of Messiah Yeshua's death on the Cross of Calvary, the "Passover Lamb" who was slain on our behalf. So, the whole idea of the animal sacrificial system was to "shadow" the coming of Messiah Yeshua/Jesus who would "fulfill" all those sacrifices in one day, on the day of Passover 2000 years ago. 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 confessing before the priests (if they even did that). Israel was taken into slavery to live in Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar, and only many years later did a remnant return to Israel. We need to get back to God today 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. MARK 13:1-37 Yeshua tells his Talmidim/disciples 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 and denominations change God’s Word to fit their beliefs and 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 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. Shavua tov...Have a blessed week.

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 of 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 how we relate to HaShem today, through prayer, mitzvoth, and our 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?) If the woman was caught in the “act” the man was there too! Yet he was not brought forth. The burnt offerings symbolized recognizing 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 property damage or stolen, the person offering the animal has to first “compensate” the person offended, and “restitution” was in order. I The grain and peace offerings were to “thank 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, and 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 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” and 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” go “up” like burning incense. In this Parashah we see “Esh Tamid” (the eternal 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 judgment of sin. It can also symbolize our zeal and love for God and 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” YHVH considers 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 is 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 the high priest. He is symbolically a “type of Messiah.” The blood from the offering was sprinkled onto the 4 horns of the altar, and the rest was poured out at the "Base" (Yesod) of the altar. This gives us imagery of Yeshua/Jesus who was nailed to the Cross of Calvary, the blood from his extended hands marked the two ends of the cross, the blood from his head marking the top part, and the blood from his feet marking the bottom part or "base" of the cross. His blood marked all 4 parts of the cross, just as his redemption and atonement affected all 4 corners of the earth, ALL people of the earth can receive his atoning redemption, (if they choose to receive it). “to anoint” is “m sh k” (Mashakh) in Hebrew letters. We get the Word "Mashiach" or "Messiah" from those 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) It is also interesting to see that the first word in the Torah is “B’reisheet” (in the beginning) the middle was now known is “Yesod” (foundation) and the last word in Deuteronomy is “Yisrael” giving us the message that “Yeshua 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 lifestyle, or “Halacha” as some put it. This was the ministry of Aaron and his sons, and also our ministry as well. The end of the day begins the next, to continue to serve the LORD

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 of 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 how we relate to HaShem today, through prayer, mitzvoth, and our 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?) If the woman was caught in the “act” the man was there too! Yet he was not brought forth. The burnt offerings symbolized recognizing 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 property damage or stolen, the person offering the animal has to first “compensate” the person offended, and “restitution” was in order. I The grain and peace offerings were to “thank 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, and 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 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” and 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” go “up” like burning incense. In this Parashah we see “Esh Tamid” (the eternal 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 judgment of sin. It can also symbolize our zeal and love for God and 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” YHVH considers 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 is 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 the high priest. He is symbolically a “type of Messiah.” The blood from the offering was sprinkled onto the 4 horns of the altar, and the rest was poured out at the "Base" (Yesod) of the altar. This gives us imagery of Yeshua/Jesus who was nailed to the Cross of Calvary, the blood from his extended hands marked the two ends of the cross, the blood from his head marking the top part, and the blood from his feet marking the bottom part or "base" of the cross. His blood marked all 4 parts of the cross, just as his redemption and atonement affected all 4 corners of the earth, ALL people of the earth can receive his atoning redemption, (if they choose to receive it). “to anoint” is “m sh k” (Mashakh) in Hebrew letters. We get the Word "Mashiach" or "Messiah" from those 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) It is also interesting to see that the first word in the Torah is “B’reisheet” (in the beginning) the middle was now known is “Yesod” (foundation) and the last word in Deuteronomy is “Yisrael” giving us the message that “Yeshua 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 lifestyle, or “Halacha” as some put it. This was the ministry of Aaron and his sons, and also our ministry as well. One day ends only to start a new day to serve the LORD.

NO PASSOVER, NO RESURRECTION DAY……. KNOW PASSOVER, KNOW RESURRECTION DAY Play on words you might say, but let’s look at these words in detail. “NO PASSOVER= NO RESURRECTION DAY” Had there not been a first Passover in Egypt, had not the Israelites been freed from Egyptian slavery through “HaYad HaShem” (The Hand of God), had not Elohim struck the first-born of Pharaoh, then Pharaoh would not have let the people go. Had not “Am Yisrael” (The people of Israel) left Egypt, in Egypt they would have remained. Had they remained in Egypt, they would have continued being slaves. Perhaps, little by little, the Israelites might have intermarried with the Egyptians, thus, dissipating the Seed of Abraham into a pagan society. Then, Messiah could not have been born from the line of Judah, since Judah, along with the other tribes, would have been interbred with Egypt. Had not Messiah been born, there would be no crucifixion on Passover eve, and no crucifixion would mean no death, and without death, there would be no resurrection and the conquering of sin and death. If there had not been the conquering of sin and death, it would mean we would still bear the guilt of sin. And if no Messiah had bore the guilt of sin and death, where would that leave US? (in a very bad state!) (without hope, lost, being separated from a Holy and Awesome God). But…if we KNOW PASSOVER, then we KNOW RESURRECTION DAY. Since we “know” the meaning of Passover, since Passover happened for the first time nearly 3500 years ago, then we know that Israel was freed from Egyptian slavery. Since Israel was freed from slavery, they had a new start. Since they had a new start, they became a Holy Nation, of which we are a part of. And since we know that out of that Holy Nation, came the Messiah Ben David, Son of God, Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus Christ our LORD, the Bread of Life. And the Bread of Life became the Passover Lamb, and since the Passover Lamb gave up his own life as a sacrifice for our sins, then the curse of sin and death was paid in full on Calvary’s Cross. And since the Father planned to raise His Son from the dead, it happened so! And thus, conquering death with life, at the “resurrection”. And since we “know” the “Passover Lamb” we “know” the risen Savior, and since we “know” the risen Savior, “We know we have eternal life” (1 John 5:13) These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that ye may KNOW that you have eternal life!” God had all of this planned since the beginning of time. He knows the past, present, and future. We serve an awesome God who was willing to come to earth dressed in human flesh, to bear the curse of sin, die a sinner's death, but rise to live again on the third day, on the first day of the week. Happy Resurrection Day ( according to the Gregorian calendar)

NO PASSOVER, NO RESURRECTION DAY……. KNOW PASSOVER, KNOW RESURRECTION DAY Play on words you might say, but let’s look at these words in detail. “NO PASSOVER= NO RESURRECTION DAY” Had there not been a first Passover in Egypt, had not the Israelites been freed from Egyptian slavery through “HaYad HaShem” (The Hand of God), had not Elohim struck the first-born of Pharaoh, then Pharaoh would not have let the people go. Had not “Am Yisrael” (The people of Israel) left Egypt, in Egypt they would have remained. Had they remained in Egypt, they would have continued being slaves. Perhaps, little by little, the Israelites might have intermarried with the Egyptians, thus, dissipating the Seed of Abraham into a pagan society. Then, Messiah could not have been born from the line of Judah, since Judah, along with the other tribes, would have been interbred with Egypt. Had not Messiah been born, there would be no crucifixion on Passover eve, and no crucifixion would mean no death, and without death, there would be no resurrection and the conquering of sin and death. If there had not been the conquering of sin and death, it would mean we would still bear the guilt of sin. And if no Messiah had bore the guilt of sin and death, where would that leave US? (in a very bad state!) (without hope, lost, being separated from a Holy and Awesome God). But…if we KNOW PASSOVER, then we KNOW RESURRECTION DAY. Since we “know” the meaning of Passover, since Passover happened for the first time nearly 3500 years ago, then we know that Israel was freed from Egyptian slavery. Since Israel was freed from slavery, they had a new start. Since they had a new start, they became a Holy Nation, of which we are a part of. And since we know that out of that Holy Nation, came the Messiah Ben David, Son of God, Yeshua HaMashiach, Jesus Christ our LORD, the Bread of Life. And the Bread of Life became the Passover Lamb, and since the Passover Lamb gave up his own life as a sacrifice for our sins, then the curse of sin and death was paid in full on Calvary’s Cross. And since the Father planned to raise His Son from the dead, it happened so! And thus, conquering death with life, at the “resurrection”. And since we “know” the “Passover Lamb” we “know” the risen Savior, and since we “know” the risen Savior, “We know we have eternal life” (1 John 5:13) These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that ye may KNOW that you have eternal life!” God had all of this planned since the beginning of time. He knows the past, present, and future. We serve an awesome God who was willing to come to earth dressed in human flesh, to bear the curse of sin, die a sinner's death, but rise to live again on the third day, on the first day of the week. Happy Resurrection Day ( according to the Gregorian calendar) (Jewish calendar, April 24th)

ISAIAH 43:21-44:23 YHVH speaks through the Prophet Yeshayahu and complains 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 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. What are we doing with the resources that God has given us? Everything belongs to God. He owns it all. We just use HIS resources. Someday, we will ALL be held accountable for how we have used what HE has given us "on loan" We can use what He has given to us for HIS glory and honor, or to satisfy greed and self. 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 “shoov” (return) to HIM, HE will save us! That's what the name "Yeshuah" means. "Salvation is of YAH" 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 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” to buy sacrificial 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. Are there ways that we are thieves? If God has set aside the Sabbath to attend HIS house, to visit with Him and show HIM due honor, are we there? be it on Shabbat or on Sunday? or both? Or are we at the park, at a ball game, or just in the "I don't want to go to church today" mode? Either way, we are "stealing" from God! Our time belongs to the LORD. Tithes and offerings also belong to Him. Let us honor the LORD with our time and with our resources, and not be thieves. In 12:29-31 Yeshua quotes the “Shema” Hear O Israel YHVH is our Elohim, YHVH is ONE (Echad) and he continues, 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 these commandments and put them into practice, to deepen our relationship with Messiah Yeshua to be a good witness to our fellow man, and to bring lost mankind to a saving relationship with Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Christ). Messiah Yeshua, the Bread of Life, who paid our sin price with his body and blood

ISAIAH 43:21-44:23 YHVH speaks through the Prophet Yeshayahu and complains 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 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. What are we doing with the resources that God has given us? Everything belongs to God. He owns it all. We just use HIS resources. Someday, we will ALL be held accountable for how we have used what HE has given us "on loan" We can use what He has given to us for HIS glory and honor, or to satisfy greed and self. 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 “shoov” (return) to HIM, HE will save us! That's what the name "Yeshuah" means. "Salvation is of YAH" 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 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” to buy sacrificial 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. Are there ways that we are thieves? If God has set aside the Sabbath to attend HIS house, to visit with Him and show HIM due honor, are we there? be it on Shabbat or on Sunday? or both? Or are we at the park, at a ball game, or just in the "I don't want to go to church today" mode? Either way, we are "stealing" from God! Our time belongs to the LORD. Tithes and offerings also belong to Him. Let us honor the LORD with our time and with our resources, and not be thieves. In 12:29-31 Yeshua quotes the “Shema” Hear O Israel YHVH is our Elohim, YHVH is ONE (Echad) and he continues, 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 these commandments and put them into practice, to deepen our relationship with Messiah Yeshua to be a good witness to our fellow man, and to bring lost mankind to a saving relationship with Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Christ). Messiah Yeshua, the Bread of Life, who paid our sin price with his body and blood

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 other words, Adonai called Moshe from where “he was” to where “Adonai is”. 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, 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. 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 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 Messiah’s death on Calvary, studying its meaning is worthwhile since it is an integral part of the Torah. One interesting part of the word; “Vayikra” is that in Hebrew, there is a small “Aleph” at the end of the word. Some ask why. Why is the “Aleph” small and a bit elevated? One answer is that it reminds us that we must humbly approach God, 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. The letter “Alef” is 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 the sacred name YHVH also sums “26” in gematria. You must first 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” or "offerings" are just symbolic of what they mean, which is Messiah Yeshua taking on ALL of our sins and 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 were 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” and 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 hardwood overlaid with bronze and had a grill in the middle, and under the grill were 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, and so did Noah, when he left the ark. THE SIN OFFERING (korban chatat) This also involved an animal sacrifice. It symbolizes our 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, placing 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 wrongdoing, 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, and frankincense, and also, the flour was made into cakes, rolls of bread, or flatbreads (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 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” 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. Full moon during the Festival of Purim (Adar 13 and 14)

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 other words, Adonai called Moshe from where “he was” to where “Adonai is”. 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, 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. 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 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 Messiah’s death on Calvary, studying its meaning is worthwhile since it is an integral part of the Torah. One interesting part of the word; “Vayikra” is that in Hebrew, there is a small “Aleph” at the end of the word. Some ask why. Why is the “Aleph” small and a bit elevated? One answer is that it reminds us that we must humbly approach God, 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. The letter “Alef” is 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 the sacred name YHVH also sums “26” in gematria. You must first 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” or "offerings" are just symbolic of what they mean, which is Messiah Yeshua taking on ALL of our sins and 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 were 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” and 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 hardwood overlaid with bronze and had a grill in the middle, and under the grill were 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, and so did Noah, when he left the ark. THE SIN OFFERING (korban chatat) This also involved an animal sacrifice. It symbolizes our 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, placing 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 wrongdoing, 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, and frankincense, and also, the flour was made into cakes, rolls of bread, or flatbreads (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 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” 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. Full moon during the Festival of Purim (Adar 13 and 14)

THREE TABERNACLES? OR THREE IN ONE? (Pikudei: Exodus 38:21-40:38) "accountings of" The Tabernacle is finished, and the congregation brings the finished product to Moshe for inspection. Giving an account of one's work, contribution, offerings, tithes, etc is very Biblical. The LORD expects nothing less from his people. Giving an account of what one has done. It is being accountable for what we have been given and what we have done with it all. That is why there are "accountants" in every business. Even though Moshe probably didn't do any of the physical building (or perhaps he did) he was in charge of the building project as he received the instructions of how the Tabernacle was to be made directly from Adonai. We have the same method today. "Ronald MacDonald" himself doesn't make hamburgers, but all of his managers have to give an "account" to him of how the businesses are going, The gains and the losses, etc. Once everything had been placed inside the Tabernacle, the "Anan HaKavod" (The Glory Cloud) came and surrounded the Tabernacle. The Torah states that Moshe could not enter the Tabernacle because of the Glory Cloud of YHVH, yet on other occasions, he went into the cloud (example, on Mt. Sinai). Why couldn't he go into the Tabernacle on that occasion? One good answer might be; "He was invited by God to enter the Glory Cloud while on Sinai." This time, the invitation was not given. We might say this also. YHVH came down to inspect His house where He will dwell among His people. He wanted to see that all was done under His instructions. The Tabernacle was finished and Adonai came in to dwell with His people on the 1st of Nissan, (April 9th this year) So, April 9th is "New Year's Day" There is only one way to approach YHVH, and that is through Yeshua. The Tabernacle reflected the person of Yeshua in all ways. It is like if you had a house designed and built according to your specifications. Upon finishing the house, you will want to go in and inspect it to see if all is as you wanted it to be. After that, then you will want others to come in. In this Torah portion, the Tabernacle is mentioned/referred to in three ways: 1. HaMishkan (The Tabernacle) 2. HaMishkan, HaOhel Moed (The Tabernacle, Tent of Meeting) 3. HaMishkan, HaEidut (The Tabernacle of the Testimony). In reality, they are ALL the same, yet referred to by different names. Why is that? Why does 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”. Adonai ordered Moshe to build the Tabernacle so that HE could dwell amongst HIS people. One can look at the letters from the ancient Hebrew perspective and say; “The Living Water who is the All-Consuming Fire anoints (his people) with life” … or … “Our lives became anointed when the presence of the All-Consuming Fire /the Living Water is amongst us” “HaOhel Moed” (The Tent of Meeting) Why do we go to the synagogue/church? Because it is the meeting place where we meet with Elohim. His spirit is there! Even if only two believers are present in some place, HE is in the midst! So, Adonai dwells with his people so we can “meet” with HIM. “Ohel Moed” has 7 letters, “7” is the number of perfection. “Aleph” “Hey” “Lamed” and then; “Mem” “Vav” “Ayin’ “Tav” 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 placed in the Ark of the Covenant. The word “Eidut” spelled in Hebrew consists of three letters; “Ayin’ “Dalet” and “Tav”. When we see these from the ancient Hebraic perspective, we can see this message; “Insight is at the door of the Covenant” or we could also understand it as; “The covenant gives insight, and that is at the door”. The letter “Tav” in the ancient spelling looks like a cross leaning to one side. It speaks of the New Covenant under Yeshua, and when we understand (insight) the message of “Yeshuah” (Salvation) then “Yeshuah” is at the “door”. All that we need to do is open the door and receive “Yeshuah” which comes from “Yeshua” (which seems like a play on words). Again, we see the two letters “Ayin and Dalet” (ED) yet here they are reversed, yet they are still present, the “Witness” Inside the Ark of the Covenant were the tablets of the Commandments which YHVH made anew after Moshe broke the original ones, and the broken pieces of the first tablets. We might ask why. It might be to remind us that we broke the law, and we are guilty and we have the sin nature, yet we have been renewed by Yeshua, who made us "anew" through His Holy Spirit. He is the one who fulfilled the Torah in full, without breaking it. In conclusion, the Tabernacle was all about where Adonai came to dwell amongst his people to dwell with them, teach them his word, his ordinances, and his commandments, to direct them to a new lifestyle 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/JESUS, who is the Messiah in the New Covenant. "Chazak, Chazak, v'nitchazek" (Be strong, hold fast, let us strengthen one another) We say this when we come to the end of each book in the Bible. Have a blessed week.

THREE TABERNACLES? OR THREE IN ONE? (Pikudei: Exodus 38:21-40:38) "accountings of" The Tabernacle is finished, and the congregation brings the finished product to Moshe for inspection. Giving an account of one's work, contribution, offerings, tithes, etc is very Biblical. The LORD expects nothing less from his people. Giving an account of what one has done. It is being accountable for what we have been given and what we have done with it all. That is why there are "accountants" in every business. Even though Moshe probably didn't do any of the physical building (or perhaps he did) he was in charge of the building project as he received the instructions of how the Tabernacle was to be made directly from Adonai. We have the same method today. "Ronald MacDonald" himself doesn't make hamburgers, but all of his managers have to give an "account" to him of how the businesses are going, The gains and the losses, etc. Once everything had been placed inside the Tabernacle, the "Anan HaKavod" (The Glory Cloud) came and surrounded the Tabernacle. The Torah states that Moshe could not enter the Tabernacle because of the Glory Cloud of YHVH, yet on other occasions, he went into the cloud (example, on Mt. Sinai). Why couldn't he go into the Tabernacle on that occasion? One good answer might be; "He was invited by God to enter the Glory Cloud while on Sinai." This time, the invitation was not given. We might say this also. YHVH came down to inspect His house where He will dwell among His people. He wanted to see that all was done under His instructions. The Tabernacle was finished and Adonai came in to dwell with His people on the 1st of Nissan, (April 9th this year) So, April 9th is "New Year's Day" There is only one way to approach YHVH, and that is through Yeshua. The Tabernacle reflected the person of Yeshua in all ways. It is like if you had a house designed and built according to your specifications. Upon finishing the house, you will want to go in and inspect it to see if all is as you wanted it to be. After that, then you will want others to come in. In this Torah portion, the Tabernacle is mentioned/referred to in three ways: 1. HaMishkan (The Tabernacle) 2. HaMishkan, HaOhel Moed (The Tabernacle, Tent of Meeting) 3. HaMishkan, HaEidut (The Tabernacle of the Testimony). In reality, they are ALL the same, yet referred to by different names. Why is that? Why does 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”. Adonai ordered Moshe to build the Tabernacle so that HE could dwell amongst HIS people. One can look at the letters from the ancient Hebrew perspective and say; “The Living Water who is the All-Consuming Fire anoints (his people) with life” … or … “Our lives became anointed when the presence of the All-Consuming Fire /the Living Water is amongst us” “HaOhel Moed” (The Tent of Meeting) Why do we go to the synagogue/church? Because it is the meeting place where we meet with Elohim. His spirit is there! Even if only two believers are present in some place, HE is in the midst! So, Adonai dwells with his people so we can “meet” with HIM. “Ohel Moed” has 7 letters, “7” is the number of perfection. “Aleph” “Hey” “Lamed” and then; “Mem” “Vav” “Ayin’ “Tav” 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 placed in the Ark of the Covenant. The word “Eidut” spelled in Hebrew consists of three letters; “Ayin’ “Dalet” and “Tav”. When we see these from the ancient Hebraic perspective, we can see this message; “Insight is at the door of the Covenant” or we could also understand it as; “The covenant gives insight, and that is at the door”. The letter “Tav” in the ancient spelling looks like a cross leaning to one side. It speaks of the New Covenant under Yeshua, and when we understand (insight) the message of “Yeshuah” (Salvation) then “Yeshuah” is at the “door”. All that we need to do is open the door and receive “Yeshuah” which comes from “Yeshua” (which seems like a play on words). Again, we see the two letters “Ayin and Dalet” (ED) yet here they are reversed, yet they are still present, the “Witness” Inside the Ark of the Covenant were the tablets of the Commandments which YHVH made anew after Moshe broke the original ones, and the broken pieces of the first tablets. We might ask why. It might be to remind us that we broke the law, and we are guilty and we have the sin nature, yet we have been renewed by Yeshua, who made us "anew" through His Holy Spirit. He is the one who fulfilled the Torah in full, without breaking it. In conclusion, the Tabernacle was all about where Adonai came to dwell amongst his people to dwell with them, teach them his word, his ordinances, and his commandments, to direct them to a new lifestyle 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/JESUS, who is the Messiah in the New Covenant. "Chazak, Chazak, v'nitchazek" (Be strong, hold fast, let us strengthen one another) We say this when we come to the end of each book in the Bible. Have a blessed week.

EX 35:1-38:20 I was not able to write in the past three weeks. I had to return to Houston, TX for paperwork for immigration and doctor visits. I'm OK, Just returned home to El Salvador this afternoon. I need to catch up on the Bible study portions. This is this week's. 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 its 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-holic” 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 at a synagogue or 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, or 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. 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 housewife 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. Now we need to look at 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? (Jesus Christ?) The “tabernacle” today is YHVH’s dwelling place which is every “Kehilah” (congregation) where born-again believers meet to worship the LORD, singing praises and teaching his WORD. The tabernacle is also the body of all believers, with the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) dwelling inside of us! YHVH has given each and every believer some gift and talent to “maintain” the “Body of Believers” as YHVH chose different individuals to build the furniture of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) , so HE has selected different believers with different talents to maintain the many congregations in this world. 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). 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 and 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 except 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 who use incense use a mixture of Frankincense and Myrrh, which is readily available. It is a relaxing aroma that helps one 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 filled with olive oil and burned all night. In the morning, the priest would come into the Holy Place, 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, moonlight is sunlight 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” to have brightness. 5. “The Table of Shewbread” was made of hardwood overlaid with gold. Had 12 loaves of bread, symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel. The table and bread symbolize “Yeshua HaLechem Chayim” (Yeshua the Bread of Life) Even the “unleavened bread” of Passover 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 Johann Sebastian Bach) not “beach” which is by the ocean, NO! It was made of hardwood 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 were roasted on a grill. Think of the Mizbeach as a big BBQ pit. The brazen altar symbolizes the cross of Messiah Yeshua, and the animals symbolize 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 “Bezaleel” 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, son of Uri, son of 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. “B’tzel’el” means “in the shadow of EL” (God). So, he walked in HIS shadow, as an obedient servant, and was given the blessing of building a great part of the Mishkan. Remember that YOU are the Tabernacle of God where the Holy Spirit resides. Take care of yourself. Keep yourself in service for HIM! Ben Avraham

EX 35:1-38:20 I was not able to write in the past three weeks. I had to return to Houston, TX for paperwork for immigration and doctor visits. I'm OK, Just returned home to El Salvador this afternoon. I need to catch up on the Bible study portions. This is this week's. 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 its 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-holic” 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 at a synagogue or 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, or 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. 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 housewife 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. Now we need to look at 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? (Jesus Christ?) The “tabernacle” today is YHVH’s dwelling place which is every “Kehilah” (congregation) where born-again believers meet to worship the LORD, singing praises and teaching his WORD. The tabernacle is also the body of all believers, with the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) dwelling inside of us! YHVH has given each and every believer some gift and talent to “maintain” the “Body of Believers” as YHVH chose different individuals to build the furniture of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) , so HE has selected different believers with different talents to maintain the many congregations in this world. 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). 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 except 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 filled with olive oil and burned all night. In the morning, the priest would come into the Holy Place, 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, moonlight is sunlight 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” to have brightness. 5. “The Table of Shewbread” made of hardwood overlaid with gold. Had 12 loaves of bread, symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel. The table and bread symbolize “Yeshua HaLechem 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, NO! 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 were roasted on a grill. Think of the Mizbeach as a big BBQ pit. The brazen altar symbolizes the cross of Messiah Yeshua, and the animals symbolize 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 “Bezaleel” 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, son of Uri, son of 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. “B’tzel’el” means “in the shadow of EL” (God). So, he walked in HIS shadow, as an obedient servant, and was given the blessing of making a great part of the Mishkan. Remember that YOU are the Tabernacle of God where the Holy Spirit resides. Take care of yourself. Keep yourself in service for HIM! Ben Avraham