|
Volume 2, #5 NL #18
January 11, 2024
Shevat 1, 5784
| |
ROSH CHODESH MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | |
|
Rabbi Ken Maccabees MacNeil
UMJA PRESIDENT
| |
|
Shalom mishpucha v chaverim. (family and friends).
We are now in the month of Shevat. The Hebrew meaning of Shevat is tribes which is depicted by a stick or staff. Interestingly on shevat 15 Judaism celebrates the new year of the trees, where the staff was taken. As a child in Hebrew school, all of us kids donated a dollar on Tu Bishvat for the planting trees in Israel. This was uniform across world Jewry as everyone participated in the replenishing of trees in Israel! In Bereshit (Genesis) 49:10 we are encouraged that the staff will not depart from Judah, aka the Messiah!
Contrary to this commemorative time recognizing the new life of trees and the staff of our deliverance, on Shevat 17 we remember the Holocaust. A sad time of grief and destruction that came upon our nation and our people. On Shevat 24 we recount the vision of a rider on a brown horse in Myrtle trees (Zechariah 1:7). A vision of Myrtle trees just following Tu Bishvat the celebrating trees! How appropriate. But what is the symbolism of this vision by Zechariah? The L-rd reveals the meaning of the vision to an angel that is standing in the myrtle trees in verses 11-14. Could this angel be standing next to a myrtle tree that may have been purchased by a child in Hebrew school?
The angels report that G-d is extremely Jealous for Jerusalem, and is also fiercely angry with the nations over the destruction of Jerusalem. This sorrow and anger felt by G-d is likened to the sorrow that we experience during the Holocaust memorial. But we are not left in this sorrow. The angel goes on to say that G-d will return to His people and rebuild His temple! B”H! This prophecy occurred once after the Babylonian exile when the 2nd Temple was rebuilt. And this prophecy occurs again when HaShem returns to His people and rebuilds the 3rd Temple and ushers in an age of Shalom.
At that time G-d says: “My cities will again overflow with prosperity; the Lord will once more comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.” Zech 1:14.
Similar to the planting of trees, the UMJA recently celebrated the planting of a Synagogue in San Paulo, Brazil! The UMJA is partnering with G-d and planting his Kingdom on earth. Mazel Tov to Rabbi Yehoshua Shlomo Medeiros (mentored by Rabbi Yosef Baruch) at Beit Emunah Sh’lemah in São Paulo, Brazil. We pray that you spread much seed in the fertile ground of Brazil.
In the month of Shevat we see much symbolism. We recognize the replenishing of the trees in the State of Israel. We recognize Yeshua who is the Staff/Shevat of Judah, who sprung forth from the root of Yishai/Jesse. The branch that will bear fruit and who will ultimately deliver us from our enemies as we commemorate the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It will all culminate with the returning of G-d to Israel, the building of His temple, comforting His people, and bringing peace to the earth.
Shalom, shalom,
Rabbi Ken
| |
Beit Emunah Shlemah's opening
by Rabbi Ken
| |
Rabbi Yehoshua Shlomo Medeiros and Rabbi Ken/Yehudah ben Avraham | Preparing for Beit Emunah Shlemah's opening Sabbath! | Rabbi’s daughter/Chazan and her fiancée | |
Rabbi and his interpreters/chaperons
| |
Remnants of Chanukah at Beit Emunah Shlemah | |
|
I recently had the great pleasure of visiting Beit Emanah Shlemah Synagogue in São Paulo, Brazil for their grand opening. They have just joined the UMJA, and we welcome them in with open arms! What a wonderful experience it was getting to know the newest addition to our mishpucha in Brazil! In addition to their opening of a truly beautiful shul there was a well-deserved semikhah ceremony for Rabbi Yehoshua Shlomo Medeiros.
After undertaking years of yeshiva training under Rabbi Yosef Baruch and running a synagogue as a Rosh (head) of the synagogue, he was brought into the rabbinate, undergoing an arduous questioning session before the Beit Din. Seated before the whole congregation he demonstrated his abilities and readiness for becoming a rabbi. He was thoroughly tested about Sofer Torah, scribe applications (such as the spacing of the words and the crowns on the letters) and all the elements of Jewish life including the marriage ceremony, Brit-Milah, death, and burial practices. He passed with flying colors displaying great knowledge, and with confidence, B”H!
What a tear jerking, emotional, and joyous time was had by all! According to our friends in Brazil they have been experiencing phenomenal growth! They are planning to open more synagogues in the future, as congregants are coming from far and wide to experience Shabbat at Beit Emunah Shlemah. Please keep our Brazilian brothers and sisters in your prayers, as they are poised to make a huge difference for our Lord, and in the lives of many. The Brazilians are hungry to know Yeshua and to worship in a Jewish context.
At Beit Emunah they worship in a very Orthodox Sephardic Style. If you are looking for a short, punch the clock style service, Beit Emunah is not for you. If you long for an atmosphere where you can worship our Lord alongside focused, devoted, heartfelt worshippers, Beit Emunah may be for you! If you enjoy dancing around the sanctuary with a beautiful sephardic Torah with joyful singing, Beit Emunah may be for you! The focus and compassion for G-d and for each other is unmistakable!
That said, an orthodox style may not always be appropriate for all of our communities. But a Messianic Orthodox style does seem appropriate and a clear direction HaShem is taking others. Not too long ago, I was a guest at our Colorado congregation Shammash Ariel Messianic Synagogue. They too have an excellent Orthodox Jewish flavor to their worship. B”H! This is a growing theme within Messianic Judaism which is problematic for opponents of Yeshua.
Anti-missionaries first alleged that Messianics were not being Jewish enough, like Christians wearing a tallis and masquerading as Jews. Unfortunately, they weren’t too far off thinking that way. Years ago, a Jew had to go to a church to learn about Yeshua. When in Rome… well, it could also have been said, when in church… But that is not the case today! In Messianic synagogues, many are able to seek and worship the Lord in a Jewish context and in a Yeshua would have worshipped his Father. Believers in Yeshua are now able to imitate Yeshua just as Shaul did.
“Try to imitate me, even as I myself try to imitate the Messiah. Now I praise you because you have remembered everything I told you and observe the traditions just the way I passed them on to you.” 1 Corinthians 11:1-2 CJB
Shaul taught that Gentiles should observe the Jewish traditions (but not the traditions of men). This is happening more and more today among the Gentiles. Shouldn’t this be heralded by our Jewish counterparts? Why is it not? One word “Yeshua.” The truth is that Yeshua is fulfilling prophecy and bringing all people to the G-d of Israel.
In the beginning of the Messianic movement, Messianics weren’t thought to be Jewish enough. Now the Jewish opponents to Yeshua say that Messianics are being too Jewish! Oy veheshmere (enough already)! Gentiles are coming to Judaism through Yeshua, and their worship is wonderfully Jewish! This may be problematic to some, but it is also very prophetic! It should be welcomed, but instead it has become a threat. But this too was foretold by Shaul.
“In that case, I say, isn’t it that they have stumbled with the result that they have permanently fallen away?” Heaven forbid! Quite the contrary, it is by means of their stumbling that the deliverance has come to the Gentiles, in order to provoke them to jealousy.” Romans 11:11 CJB
How does the Gentile make the Jew jealous, one might ask? One way is that the Gentile (those from the nations) pray in a Jewish style just as good or better than the Jew! “Hey, I thought that you were Christians! Now what can we complain about?”
Isaiah spoke of the collaboration between the Jew and the Gentile.
Isaiah 2:3 CJB
3 Many peoples will go and say, “Come, let’s go up to the mountain of Adonai, to the house of the G-d of Ya‘akov! He will teach us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.” For out of Tziyon will go forth Torah, the word of Adonai from Yerushalayim.
Isaiah 56:7 CJB
7 I will bring them to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”
Today our Messianic brothers and sisters in Brazil are in a battle. Not too long ago the anti-missionaries found these Messianic congregations that worship in an Orthodox style so threatening, that they came at them full force. In one case, a rabbi friend of the UMJA in Brazil led 152 congregations. They were attacked by anti-missionaries so badly, that approximately 25 synagogues remain.
The good thing is that Messianic Judaism is rebounding and spreading like holy fire! Rabbi Yehoshua has that burning passion and desire to spread the besora tova (good news) through Brazil. He has a large following and we want to encourage him to continue this G-d given mission. As we all have our own missions to serve our Lord, may we grow closer in prayer and in person and strive to build the Kingdom!
Mazel tov to our new Brazilian family.
| |
|
Psalm 130
A Psalm of Ascents by David
1
Adonai, I call to you from the depths;
2
hear my cry, Adonai!
Let your ears pay attention
to the sound of my pleading.
3
Yah, if you kept a record of sins,
who, Adonai, could stand?
4
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that you will be feared.
5
I wait longingly for Adonai;
I put my hope in his word.
6
Everything in me waits for Adonai
more than guards on watch wait for morning,
more than guards on watch wait for morning.
7
Isra’el, put your hope in Adonai!
For grace is found with Adonai,
and with him is unlimited redemption.
8
He will redeem Isra’el
| |
|
It's 2024: How Far
Have We Come on Planet Earth?
Morah Karen Low Deloge
| |
|
It’s been nearly 6000 years since a man named Adam began his life in the Middle East. And now, the way world events are unfolding, theologians are speculating about how many years we have left. So, with this New Year before us, it's a great time to think about our progress as a society, and for humanity in general. I wonder, how far have we really come on planet earth?
THE PROBLEM
If we stacked all the books that have been written, they would reach the moon and back, but the majority don’t know how to apply information to real life, and the rest don’t care to try.
Literacy is more widespread than in any previous generation, but understanding has withered.
Knowledge has increased, but common sense and the ability to reason have declined. Wisdom has nearly vanished.
We are collectively more educated, but we have a famine of truth.
Technology has advanced beyond our wildest dreams, but society has regressed.
Trillions of dollars spent on medical research have not eliminated disease.
Military might and weaponry has achieved Star Wars proportions, but we have no peace.
Philosophers, psychologists, pastors, and priests, have been offering lifetimes of instruction over thousands of years, but we are still replete with racism and plagued with problems.
We have spent billions on higher education, but we haven’t solved our problems. We cannot irradicate hate or eliminate selfishness and sin.
Though we have a greater abundance of food and wealth and live largely with more creature comforts and conveniences than the world has ever known, we remain depressed, selfish, and suicidal.
We are overloaded with benefits, but we are not content. We should be generous and charitable, but we are more self-centered and complacent than ever. We are gluttonous.
We are inundated with FaceBook, FaceTime, virtual screens, and automated speakers, yet we are increasingly isolated, relationally broken, and unable to communicate.
We would rather attack and condemn, rant and curse, than listen or reason, or try to converse. We know how to scream and holler, but not how to ask questions.
We can get laser surgery to correct our vision, but we remain blind to what is all around us.
Our politicians are liars who don’t lead or protect us. Our government passes laws that harm us, rob our freedoms, and put us at greater risk.
Violence is on the rise and common theft is legal, up to nearly $1000 per person, per day! are breaking the backs of good honest business, forcing hard-working citizens to lose every day.
Chaos rules and ignorance is rampant, but genuine compassion for our fellow man is lacking.
We tell ourselves that we are great, advanced, and powerful, but we are weak, broken, and dying.
Where did we go wrong? More importantly, how can we get back on track?
The root of all our problems goes deeper than intelligence, wealth, or
circumstances. It lies deeper than the color of our skin, our gender, or
occupation.
If we don’t look inside and examine the human heart and the values we espouse, we will NEVER find the peace we yearn for, or the joy that life can bring.
We must return to some basic guidelines to restore a right order and align our behaviors with the way it was meant to be.
The good news is that it’s not too late. However old you are or whatever you’ve done in the past, you can still find peace and joy. You can still know truth.
THE QUESTION
How? What does God say about all this? Let’s go back to the very beginning, to Beresheet, the book of beginnings, GENESIS.
As early as chapter 4, when the very first brothers on the planet were old enough to work, the first sibling rivalry arose. Cain, the first son born on earth, murdered his younger brother out of jealousy even after the Lord warned him to master his problems and do what is right.
The Lord Adonai then appeared to the elder brother and asked, “Where is your brother?”
We can learn a lot from the questions God asks, always straight to the heart of the matter. He asked what he had done to someone he should have protected and cared about.
But in his sassy response, Cain poses a question for the ages.
“I don’t know, [he lied], Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis
4:9)
I’ve heard it said that the entire Bible is God’s answer to that question.
THE ANSWER
Now, if we skip ahead to the next book of Shemot, the book of Exodus, God tells us how. He lays out all the instructions for his people in the Commandments. Jesus famously summarized the entire teaching of the Bible with 2 simple points:
1. Love God with all your heart and soul and strength.
2. Love your neighbor AS yourself. (Do unto others, the golden rule.)
Like our two hands with five digits on each, the Ten Commandments offer a perfect set of instructions to pave the way for a life of peace, not to mention, great reward from God.
We need to come back to this solid foundation, and a life of Faith.
Take time to study these TEN WORDS given through Moses nearly 3500 years ago [1] and you’ll come to appreciate how perfectly resplendent and all-encompassing they are. They give a plumbline for all of life and for all time.
And it’s as simple as holding up your two hands.
| |
|
ON ONE HAND
Part One is represented by the first five Commandments.
Love GOD and Follow His Word. Put Him first.
1. Worship God alone. There is no other.
2. Do not make or bow down to a cheap imitation, a man-made religion, or anything false.
3. Do not misuse or disrespect His Name. Represent him honorably and reverently.
4. Keep the Sabbath on the 7th Day. Spend this sacred time with him,
doing no regular work. It is the sign of the Covenant for all time. (Ezekiel
20:19-21)
5. Honor your father and mother, your God-given authority, so you will live long, this is the only command with such a promise!
Like the engine of a train, all the other cars will follow right up to the caboose, and your whole life will be established and on track.
ON THE OTHER HAND
Part Two is spelled out in the last five Commandments, summed up in the love and respect for your fellow man. Young or
old, friend or foe—everyone!
6. Do not murder. Human life is sacred. All human life, regardless of
gender, race, even the unborn, is a gift of God.
7. Do not commit adultery. Marriage is sacred. Keep your body for good, not evil.
8. Do not lie. Truth and truth-telling are sacred. (The devil is the father
of lies.)
9. Do not steal. God will not honor dishonest gain.
10. Do not covet anything that belongs to anyone else. Respect boundaries.
THE CHALLENGE
Let’s go back to the beginning and think about the condition of our world today. If these Ten Words were followed in society, everyone would live in security and enjoy total peace. Can you imagine?
When you drive in traffic, you know the importance of red lights and speed limits. It’s bad enough as it is in some cities and countries. Imagine if there were no rules to guide us, we’d collide at every intersection! No one would yield. No one would wait for anyone else to pass. EVERYONE would go his own way as fast as he possibly could, and we'd crash at every merging of lanes. It would be complete chaos and death at a phenomenal pace.
Why else would the Holy Spirit write the Law on our minds and hearts if it doesn't matter that I adhere to it? Dear believer, we better have the Law in our heart! If there’s anything else written in there, you need to ask yourself, whose handwriting is it? (Jeremiah 31:33) Then, get rid of it!
Jesus was very clear when he said that He didn't come to put an end to the Law. As long as heaven and earth are here, not one punctuation mark will be deleted. (Matt 5:17-19) His brother Ya’akov (James) also taught us, “live as those who will be judged by the law.” (James 2:8-12)
Rabbi Shaul/Paul agreed. The Law has a perfect and essential role to
play. It defines sin. (Romans 7:11-14)
No, there’s nothing wrong with the Commandments. It’s us.
THE CONCLUSION: A CALL TO HOLINESS
As God warned Cain, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it." (Genesis 4:7)
We need to come back to an understanding of practical holiness and turn around our attitudes toward sin. We must come into agreement with the Father. As Peter warned, "But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” (I Peter 1:15-16)
He quoted Leviticus where this statement was given four times, reminding us of the extreme importance of keeping focus on holiness, decades after Calvary. In other words, the rules didn't change.
Just as we drive down the highway and watch for yellow lights and speed limits, we need to pay attention to all the little things. Attitudes. Words. How we treat people. Truth telling. All of it. Every step, every mile of the journey. Please don’t wait until you see blue lights in the rear view!
Ease off the gas and enjoy a sabbath to review the course of your life. Pull over and get some refreshment. Check your directions. Obey the Law.
The Commandments are meant to be cherished, valued, and passed on. The promised result is life and peace, and all the wisdom we need to make the world a better place.
God said, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you this day, so that you may command your children to obey carefully all the words of this law. They are not just idle words for you—they are your life.” (Deuteronomy 32:46-47)
“Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing makes them stumble.” (Psalm 119:165)
_________________________________________________________________________________
[1] The date 1446 BC is commonly understood, so 1446 + 2024 =
3470 years ago.
| |
OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT ISRAEL
| |
|
|
UMJA CONFERENCE
JULY 19-21, 2024
To be hosted in Columbus, GA, at a new facility.
More to come.
| | | |
|
PETAH TIKVAH CALENDAR 5784
IS NOW AVAILABLE!
Calendars cost $6 per copy, no extra for P&H.
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.
| |
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.
| |
|
Annual Membership
fees are due
by January 31, 2024.
$100 for Congregational Leaders plus
$100 FOR CHARTER RENEWAL
$25 for Associates
| |
|
If interested in becoming a member, DOWNLOAD
AN APPLICATION
on the
Members Page
of the website
| | | |
|
-
Praise the Lord for our newest UMJA member synagogue in Brazil! We are celebrating with Rabbi Josh Merdeiros and our brothers and sisters in Sao Paolo for what Adonai is doing there. Pray for continued growth and blessing in South America as they stand with Israel.
-
For Rabbi Mitch, in Uganda, Adonai has answered prayers for improved health as he's been released from the ER Wednesday morning and all blood tests are back to normal! B'H! He needs to put on some weight but is happy to be back and now is in the 6th week of ministry in another region. Pray for a permanent location to accommodate those who come a great distance for teaching.
-
Today is DAY 96 of the Gaza War and we join together to storm heaven's gates for swift justice, release of every hostage, protection for the innocent, and total sweeping victory for the IDF. Let's pray for divine protection, 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! Your kingdom come Father!
- Pray for many thousands more to come to salvation and the realization that they are fighting on the wrong team. Just as the chariot wheels were falling off in the Red Sea, may the rockets and weapons of the enemy be broken, and eyes opened to the true God. May we all come to our knees for the final harvest in these last days.
-
Pray the Lord to guide every aspect of the UMJA, and in every congregation, that we reflect his heart, fulfill his purposes, and increase the kingdom! Right now we are seeing an influx of new applicants from around the world--places like Paris, France, Panama, Texas, and Suriname, South America. May G-d richly bless us with His favor in 2024.
- Please let us know how we can pray and join you in praise to the G-d who hears.
Email prayer requests and praises to:
prayer requests. James 5:17-18
| |
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.
| |
|
-
Has the Lord been moving? We need to learn from one another.
-
Are you new to our UMJA family? We want to support one another.
-
Do you have a story or testimony to share? Let's encourage one another.
Please send to the editor for a future issue.
| | |
|
IN THE CALENDAR
Shevat 3: Parsha Va'Era "And I appeared" Ex 6-9:35
Shevat 10: Parsha Bo "Come" Ex 10-13:16
Shevat 15: Tu Bishvat - New Year of the Trees
Shevat 17: Parsha Beshalach "When He sent" Ex 13:17-17:16
Shevat 24: Parsha Yitro "Jethro" Ex 18:1-20:23
| | | | |
