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Volume 2, #3 NL
Nov 14, 2023
Kislev 1, 5784
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ROSH CHODESH MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | |
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Rabbi Ken Maccabees MacNeil
UMJA PRESIDENT
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Shalom shalom mishpucha v chaverim,
Here we are, embarking on Hanukkah and Thanksgiving, an original Jewish gathering dedicated to our Lord. Ironically, we are entering into this Hanukkah season where we recount G-d’s deliverance of His people from their enemies, while Israel is at war.
Should we let the war in Israel detour us from exalting our Lord? May it never be! There is no better time to come before our Lord with prayer and thanksgiving. His Word assures us that all will end well! He assures us of Israel’s future deliverance and final world peace, so we still have much to rejoice over. He is our strong defense.
Baruch HaShem, the promises of rest and deliverance from our enemies will take place, as it is written:
"I will plant them on their own soil, no more to be uprooted from their land, which I gave them,” says Adonai our G-d. Amos 9:15 CJB
"Then Adonai gave them rest all around, according to everything he had sworn to their ancestors. Not a man from all their enemies stood against them; Adonai handed all their enemies over to them. Not one good thing that Adonai had spoken of to the household of Israel failed to happen; it all took place." Joshua 21:42-43 CJB
Amen! What a faithful G-d we serve. May we imitate the steadfast trust and cheerfulness of the IDF. They continue to celebrate the Torah, weddings, etc., even from the battlefield! May this be the best Hanukkah season that we have ever experienced. We not only get to read about
G-d’s mercies and miraculous interventions, but we get to see it unfolding right before our eyes!
In this issue, we have Scripture, teaching, some history, holidays, some reflection, and a list of ways to support Israel. May we continue to stand united for Israel and faithful in prayer, and may your Thanksgiving and Hanukkah holidays be blessed.
Shalom shalom, am Yisrael Chai!
Rabbi Maccabees.
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The Truth about Israel and Gaza
Rabbi Richard Chaimberlin
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The news media in the USA has been quite good about the war that Hamas launched against Israel on Shemini Atzeret / Yom Kippur (Oct 7). However, apparently attempting to sound even handed, they allow a Palestinian Arab spokesperson to give a Palestinian perspective of the war. This would be fine, however, the Palestinian spokesperson spews forth lies which are never questioned or refuted by the interviewer.
What is the truth? Consider these things…
History:
Israel conquered Gaza when Israel fought against a coalition of Arab nations seeking to destroy Israel in the Six-Day War of 1967. Eventually, Israeli settlers moved into Gaza. Israel’s former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon withdrew every Israeli man, woman, soldier, and child from Gaza in 2005. Ariel Sharon assumed that his peace gesture of withdrawing from Gaza would help bring about peace. He was horribly wrong.
Occupation:
The spokespeople of Gaza are claiming that Gaza has been under continuous Israeli occupation since 1948. The “occupation” didn’t begin until 1967 and ended in 2005, lasting 38 years. Prior to 1967, Gaza was controlled by Egypt, not Israel. The Israeli occupation between 1967 and 2005 benefited the people of Gaza, bringing them employment and much greater prosperity than they ever had under Egyptian occupation.
Oppression:
Two years after Israel withdrew from Gaza, Hamas came to power in Gaza. All the oppression that the people of Gaza are experiencing is under their control. Human rights are sorely lacking in this Islamist government. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been poured into Gaza from Europe and the USA. But, instead of investing this money into housing or schools, Hamas uses this money to import weapons, build bomb factories, and dig tunnels.
Initiation:
Every few years, Hamas has launched a new war against Israel. Hamas lost each war but has won in the court of world opinion when the world sees the damage done to Gaza. They start each war.
Humanitarian:
Israel fights the most humane wars possible, even dropping leaflets warning of bombing attacks in advance. Meanwhile, Hamas builds bomb factories and missile launching sites beside or beneath schools, mosques, apartment buildings, or hospitals. This results in unwanted collateral damage, and Hamas is responsible.
Israel is also accused of causing a humanitarian crisis, while being pressured to continue to supply electricity, fuel, water, and food to the residents of Gaza. I don’t remember hearing that the United States ever supplied electricity, water, and food to the residents of Imperial Japan or Nazi Germany during World War II. The latest Gaza war was launched by Hamas, not Israel. Meanwhile, Gaza has an estimated 240 hostages. Israel should withhold all aid to Gaza until the hostages are returned.
Sub-Human:
Much of the world seems to have already forgotten the horrible bloodbath that was launched on Israel by the surprise attack by Hamas on Oct 7, 2023. Almost 2000 Hamas terrorists rampaged through SW Israel, killing over 1400 Israelis, including dozens of babies, many of whom were beheaded. Children and adults were bound with hands behind their backs and then murdered. Women and girls were raped. The terrorists were celebrating their crimes. There was no shame.
These terrorists even produced videos of their crimes and uploaded them to Tic Tok and other social websites. Many of the 240 hostages, including a survivor of the Holocaust, were bloodied, and paraded through the streets of Gaza to cheering crowds. I won’t call the perpetrators of these crimes, animals. These blood-thirsty beasts were far worse than animals.
Negotiations:
There is another lie we hear from Palestinian spokespeople. They claim that Israel should enter negotiations with Hamas, not war. They ignore the fact that Hamas refuses negotiations with Israel. The goal of the Hamas charter is the complete elimination of Israel. Anyone who is willing to negotiate with Israel is considered a traitor.
I’m sure that there are also good people in Gaza. There were also good Germans during World War II. Unfortunately, the good suffer with the bad. However, the blame for their suffering is Hamas, not Israel.
Peace:
Israel has every right to defend herself from her enemies. Hamas must be eliminated, every single member of Hamas. Peace will come when Arabs seek mutually beneficial relations with Israel.
“We wrestle not against flesh and blood,
but against powers and principalities…
against the spiritual forces of wickedness.”
Ephesians 6:12
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Psalm 37
A Psalm of David.
1
Do not fret because of evildoers,
nor be jealous of those who do injustice.
2
For they will quickly wither like the grass,
and fade like the green herbs.
3
Trust in the Lord, and do good;
dwell in the land, and practice faithfulness.
7
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;
do not fret because of those who prosper in their way,
because of those who make wicked schemes.
8
Let go of anger, and forsake wrath;
do not fret—it surely leads to evil deeds.
9
For evildoers will be cut off,
but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the earth.
10
For yet a little while, and the wicked will not be;
you will look diligently for their place, and it will not be.
29
The righteous will inherit the land,
and dwell on it forever.
40
The Lord will help them and deliver them;
He will deliver them from the wicked,
and save them, because they take refuge in Him.
Modern English Version
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To the Disciples of Yeshua
an excerpt from Rabbi Gabriel Lumbroso
(posted last month but worth repeating)
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"Finally, if you intend to fight this war with us, remember
that the best weapon against baseless hatred is love.
Show yourself to be a disciple of Yeshua by adding
an additional mitzvah of chesed (an act of lovingkindness)
to your daily routine.
Show kindness to strangers, treat everyone with dignity,
encourage one another to persevere in the faith,
and pray also for your enemies.
Bless, and do not curse. In this manner, we, too,
go to war on behalf of all Israel."
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SCAMS AND A SOCIAL EXPERIMENT
Morah Karen Low Deloge
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I’ve carried this photo of soldiers praying at the Kotel in my Bible since 1997. It is creased and frayed but its message is unchanging. G-d fights our battles, and all strength comes from Him. G-d help us to stand in the gap, uphold what is true, and do what is right in these times.
Part of the struggle in doing this today is understanding the truth, since there are so many lies being propagated around us. Anyone can get a megaphone on a street corner and rally a crowd to holler slogans. Anybody can be whipped into a frenzy over a cause or an issue, but the question we need to ask is this: Are you standing on the right side? Are you fighting for, or against, the Almighty? If you oppose Him, G-d of heaven and earth, you are doomed to fail.
I wonder how many people understand the policies and true agenda of the groups they support? Just as we saw with the BLM campaign, they profited greatly without true representation of what they were doing as "trained Marxists," in their own words. In fact, they raised $90 million in a year, spent most of it on real estate and investments, pocketed millions for themselves, and now are bankrupt! It was a horrible and disingenuous scam that capitalized on the anger we felt at a terrible injustice. As always, there was so much more to the story. Their true mission was fairly hidden to the masses who gave to support "the cause" they assumed to be racial justice. What was accomplished?
So today, I wonder how many of the college kids who are chanting, "Free Palestine!" understand the reality of what Hamas represents, believes, and practices? Sure, freedom to Palestine sounds wonderful on the surface (although oblivious to history) but why aren't they chanting, FREE THE HOSTAGES! and, FREE ISRAEL! STOP HATE AND ABUSE OF INNOCENTS! STOP THE ROCKETS! MAKE PEACE NOT WAR!
Here's an interesting clip of a poll that illustrates my point.
Facts for Peace: Briilliant Social Experiment
We pray that eyes will be opened, and hearts enlightened to the truth. We need to see beneath the surface of all the ranting and raving... behind the debris and the anger and beneath the headlines.
Adonai is working according to his calendar like clockwork, demonstrating the perfect orchestration of all his purposes on earth. He will surely do what He promised, and He will do it at the perfect time! We must hang on to what we know and speak out with courage and conviction.
The Lord owns the land, and He instituted the original plans for blessing, as covenanted with Avraham. He will carry Israel on eagles' wings, and we will hear the miracle stories someday. Let's not lose heart. His Word is forever true! HE WILL REIGN and to Him belongs the glory forever, amen?
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Do Jews Celebrate Thanksgiving?
by Rabbi Tuly Weisz
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"As a Jew, I am thankful that when America was discovered, America discovered the Bible."
When I used to live in the United States, my curious non-Jewish friends would ask me at this time of year whether I, an Orthodox Jewish rabbi, celebrated Thanksgiving? The mere question reminds me that we still have much to learn about each other, because the answer is so obvious once you understand what Thanksgiving is about.
Every American kindergartner knows the story how the Pilgrims on the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620 and gave thanks for their survival and successes. What most people don't know, however, was that the Pilgrims looked deeply towards the Bible for inspiration which established the Book of Books as the foundation for the New World.
Unlike any other group before them, the Pilgrims were fleeing from religious oppression in Europe. They looked to the Bible for guidance and even studied Biblical Hebrew in order to read it in the original. The Pilgrims saw themselves as the chosen people fleeing from the brutal King James I, whom they referred to as Pharaoh, thereby casting off their yoke of bondage and oppression. They referred to their voyage on the Mayflower as passing through the Red Sea into the wilderness and when they arrived in what they referred to as the "Promised Land," they offered thanks and prayer to God, like the Biblical Feast of Tabernacles.
We must not take for granted the fact that no other group in history had ever felt that they were reenacting and fulfilling the experience of the Israelites as did America's first settlers. For centuries, European explorers had set sail for new lands without referring to the Bible, seeing themselves as God's chosen people, or searching for the Promised Land.
Furthermore, the history of early Americans who looked towards the Biblical narrative for inspiration doesn't end with the first Thanksgiving. In fact, that's only where the story begins.
At the first presidential inauguration in 1789, George Washington held up the procedures until a Bible was found, insisting upon swearing his oath of office upon it, a tradition that has continued to this day. Every American president has referred to the Hebrew Bible in his inauguration address, comparing his generation to Israel in the wilderness, confronted with challenges, yet on the verge of the Promised Land. Former British Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks has pointed out that not only does every American president look to the Biblical narrative for inspiration, but the United States is the only country in the world where this occurs.
The Jewish people have always claimed to have a divine mission to promote the universal values of peace, freedom and hope, but unfortunately, for the last 2,000 years, no one was listening. From its inception, however, America was different. Despite pockets of anti-Semitism, there has always been a distinct appreciation for the Jewish people in the United States. The "American Dream" was built upon a Biblical foundation, and we refer regularly to America's "Judeo-Christian values," which is one of the principle reasons for America's strong support for the Jewish State.
Even now that I live in Israel, my family celebrates Thanksgiving because it is the day that celebrates a proud fact, that the lessons from our Torah have been ingrained into the American soul from its very inception. As a Jew, I am thankful that when America was discovered, America discovered the Bible.
Note from the editor: Did you know?
The original Thanksgiving as celebrated by the Pilgrims was patterned after Sukkot - the Biblical Feast of Tabernacles, and roughly coincided with Sukkot in October. In Canada, Thanksgiving is still celebrated in October. The Pilgrims were also called Puritans, as they sought to observe the Bible literally. Christmas wasn't in the Bible, so the celebration of Christmas was banned in the Massachusetts colony in 1659 as a pagan holiday. However, it was later legalized in 1686 when the Anglican Sir Edmund Andros took over the colony. RAC
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The Story of George Washington and Hanukkah
From the Jerusalem Post
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The winter of 1777 was harsh, almost unbearable for the soldiers stationed in Valley Forge. In their midst, one solitary Jewish soldier remembered the first night of Hanukkah. When all of the soldiers in the tent were fast asleep, he took out his menorah and lit one candle, recited the blessings, and sat down to watch the small flame burn in the night. It fired his imagination and brought back a flood of memories.
General George Washington stood by his side and asked gently, "Why are you weeping? Are you cold, my friend?"
Surprised, the soldier jumped to his feet and saluted. Then he answered, "I’m weeping before my Father in Heaven, sir. Everyone's fate lies in His hands. He controls the fate of millions, the world over. And, I was praying for your success, General. I came to this country because I was fleeing the persecution of tyrants who oppressed my family and my nation. The despots will fall, sir, but I believe you will be victorious!"
"Thank you, soldier!" the General replied heartily, and sat himself on the ground before the menorah. “And what have we here?" he asked, full of curiosity.
“This is a Candelabra. Jews all over the world are lighting the first candle of Hanukkah tonight. This commemorates a great miracle that occurred to our ancestors. There were only a handful compared to the massive armies against them, but they held out, and thanks to their faith in God they experienced a miracle."
The bright flame ignited a flame of hope in the weary general's eyes and he cried out joyfully, "You are a Jew? Then you are descended from a people of Prophets! And you say that we will win the war?"
"Yes, sir!" he replied confidently.
The General rose, his face glowing with renewed hope, and they shook hands heartily. Washington asked the soldier for his name and address and went back into the night.
Years later, on the first night of Hanukkah, this same Jewish veteran was sitting in his home on Broome Street in New York. The first Hanukkah light was burning brightly on his windowsill. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and his wife rose to open it wide. To her astonishment, there stood President Washington.
"There is that fabulous light, the Hanukkah light," he cried out happily, spotting the candle by the window. "That flame, and your remarkable words, kindled a light in my heart on that dark and bitter night," he reminisced. "We were in a tight situation then, and your words encouraged me so! They spurred me on with new hope. You are going to be awarded a Medal of Honor from the United States of America for your bravery in Valley Forge, but tonight I have a more personal memento for you."
With these words, he placed on the table a gold medal upon which was engraved a Hanukah menorah with one light burning. Inscribed on the menorah were the words:
“As a sign of thanks for the light of your candle.
George Washington."
“May the Father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness,
upon our paths, and make us all in our vocations
useful here, and in His own due time and way,
everlastingly happy.”
George Washington
Letter to the Hebrew Congregation
in Newport, Rhode Island, 1790
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A Dichotomy of Circumstances
Morah Karen Low Deloge
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We are living on the back side of the week-long festival of Sukkot, a time of communion and great joy in the Hebrew calendar. We are also making plans and looking forward to a season of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah; a time of family gatherings, harvest meals, pumpkin pie and candle-lighting. All this is warm and wonderful, like two scrumptious sides of an Oreo cookie.
The foliage has changed colors and now litters the ground like a shag carpet, gathering around our houses and lining the streets. Perhaps we are visited with a few early snowflakes, and it’s time to light the fireplace and dig out warmer gloves and hats. This special season is marked with the appearance of all sorts of decorations and twinkle lights, gift buying, and travel plans.
If I were to pick one word to describe it all, I’d have to choose JOY. I cherish the happy childhood memories of the growing anticipation with each passing week.
This year though, sandwiched in between, we are seeing Israel under attack, the land we love at war with barbarians! The extra weight of care and unresolved injustices looms like a silent thief at the door threatening to steal our joy. We are living in the gulf of all these jagged emotions as we wait for answers to our prayers and yearn for the release of the captives. How much longer, Father?
Dear God, like passing kidney stones, or childbirth, or the formation of pearls, there is pain in this process. Whether you are producing a precious child or a gemstone, or whether your people are called simply to endure trials and tribulation to make us toughen up, there is no way around it. You warned us. It’s going to get harder before you return.
The collision of forces around us requires it. Like waves of the sea against the rocks, there will always be storms and turmoil, opposing views, and the clash of good and evil. These are our training wheels reminding us that this world isn’t our final home. We shouldn’t be surprised when the ugly rears its head; but let’s not forget, we’re passing through!
Hebrews reminds us, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful… let us spur one another on toward love and good deeds... let us encourage one another–and all the more as we see the Day approaching.”
And then again, “don’t throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he promised. For in just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay.” Heb 10:23-25, 35-37
So we will light our candles. We will gather with our loved ones. We will continue to thank God that we belong to Him and we can keep trusting in the righteous outcomes that are in the works.
We live in this dichotomy of circumstances, but we will not lose heart. We will not let the enemy consume our joy or rob our peace.
Psalm 10
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A Festive Dish
SUBMITTED BY RABBI GARY BERESFORD
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The Talmud tells a story about the (rededicated) Menorah having only enough oil for one day. The Books of the Maccabees, which are part of the Apocrypha, do not have that account, but the reason we celebrate for eight days is because the Maccabees were not able to keep Sukkot due to the war. Although the set time had passed, they decided to celebrate it anyway. Hence Hannukah has and is still kept for eight days. The idea of gifts was a result of the Christian tradition of giving gifts at Christmas. So those that keep Hannukah give eight gifts to children during this period.
As we approach this Festival of Hannukah, traditional foods include Latkes (fritters) and Sufganiot (doughnuts without holes) filled with jelly.
Potato Latkes
Ingredients:
3 medium-sized potatoes
Small grated onion
1 teaspoon salt
Dash of pepper
½ teaspoon sugar (or substitute)
2 eggs
Flour (as required)
1 teaspoon baking powder
Oil for frying
Method: Grate potatoes and onion on fine side of grater, and drain off liquid. Add salt, pepper and sugar (or substitute). Add beaten eggs. Add flour and baking powder. Drop by tablespoons into deep hot oil to which a small piece of onion has been added. Fry to golden brown on each side. Serve immediately. Serve with cold apple sauce, or sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
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SOME WAYS TO SUPPORT ISRAEL
(This list compiled by the Editor.
Let us know if you have other referrals.)
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PETAH TIKVAH CALENDAR 5784
IS NOW AVAILABLE!
Payments in US currency can be sent to Petah Tikvah,
165 Doncaster Rd, Rochester NY 14623
or on the website www.petahtikvah.com.
Subscriptions to Petah Tikvah Magazine are
available for a suggested donation of $20.
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Yeshivat Rabban Gamaliel
Here's an opportunity to increase in knowledge of Torah. We're offering a variety of courses and most are free to UMJA members.
Click here and go to our Resources and Education page at umja.net
for an enrollment form and other course details.
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Associates of the UMJA for $25
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GO TO OUR MEMBERS PAGE TO DOWNLOAD
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This is DAY 39 of the War against Hamas and we hear of preparations for this Winter War. Certainly we are all extremely heavy hearted and much in prayer for ISRAEL and the ongoing battle of IRON SWORDS. We join together to storm heaven's gates for swift justice, release of all hostages, protection for the innocent, and victory for the IDF. Pray for wisdom for the leaders, divine guidance and tactics, unity in the ranks, and strength. Pray that they are amply supplied with funds for much needed munitions, finances, medical services, food, and housing for displaced victims. May G-d bare his mighty arm in defending his people and his land! Bo Yeshua, bo!
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Pray against anti-Semitism in this country and around the world. Rabbi Mark Yehuda called to ask prayer for the PRO ISRAEL rally in DC today from 1-3. Pray their message is seen and heard by gov't officials and the message of PM Netanyahu is also received with the respect it deserves.
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Pray for continued revival in this needy broken world. May we all come to our knees for the final harvest in these last days. It is time for global repentance. Your kingdom come Father!
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Thanks to G-d for the safe return of the Oteros after several flight cancellations and much waiting in Jerusalem after this historic Sukkot 2023, they are safely home now. Our prayers were answered.
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Let's continue prayers for all our members around the world and in all the challenges we face. Pray for Rabbi Mitchell Chapman for divine guidance establishing and nurturing relationships in Africa across several countries.
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Pray for publication of the textbook, “Writings of the Messiah,” our UMJA YESHIVA, Rabban Gamaliel, and for the growth of our outreach and impact around the world as we labor to make Him known.
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Pray the Lord to guide every aspect of the UMJA, that we reflect his heart, fulfill his purposes, and bring joy to the kingdom! May G-d richly bless us with His favor as we grow around the world.
Email prayer requests and praises to:
prayer requests. James 5:17-18
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A Note from the Editor
This letter is intended for all believers interested in learning Torah and sharing the journey
as followers of Yeshua.
Our goal is to build connections and edify
one another in Yeshua's Name.
Please share and invite friends and
congregants to subscribe at info@umja.net.
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Has the Lord been moving? We need to learn from one another.
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Are you new to our UMJA family? We want to support one another.
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Do you have a story or testimony to share? Let's encourage one another.
Please send to the editor for a future issue.
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IN THE CALENDAR
Kislev 4: Zechariah receives fasts of mourning prophecy, Zech 7:1-14
Kislev 5: TOLDOT "Generations" Gen 25-28
Kislev 12: VAYETZE "And He Went Out" Gen 28-32
Kislev 19: VAYISHLACH "And He Sent" Gen 32-36
Kislev 25: HANUKKAH, Festival of Dedication; Jesus in the Temple Jn 10:22-3
Kislev 26: VAYESHEV "And He Dwelt" Gen 37-40
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