Delrifkah: HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY.

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!

BREASTPIECE OF DECISION (Part 1 of 2)
"You shall make a Breastpiece of Decision (Judgment), worked into a design; make it in the style of the ephod; make it of gold, blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen. The stones shall correspond in number to the names of the sons of Israel : twelve, corresponding to their names. They shall be engraved like seals, each with its name, for the twelve tribes. Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel on the Breastpiece of Decision over his heart, when he enters the Sanctuary, for remembrance before the LORD at all times." [Exodus (Shemot) 28. 15, 21, 29 Tanakh, Torah]

Aaron wore the names of the Israelites upon his BREAST as he went into the presence of the ALMIGHTY ONE. MESSIAH YESHUA, our GREAT HIGH PRIEST, bears our names on HIS HEART continually before HIS FATHER. [Hebrews 7. 25; 8. 3-4]

The precious stones in the Breastpiece of the High Priest (Hebrew: choshen — priestly breastplate) are the same as those spoken of by John in the Revelation on Patmos regarding the foundation walls of the Heavenly City . [Revelation 21. 19] As the names of the Twelve Tribes of Israel were engraved on the stones in the Priest's garments, so the names of the Twelve Apostles are inscribed on the wall gems of the New Jerusalem. The heavens and the earth are expressions of the ETERNAL HOLY GOD, HIS attributes and power. Out of the dust of the earth (the fine earth, ready to be cultivated), CREATOR GOD formed man. And, out of the earth, from the same materials which make up the earth, also come the stones which shine forth in the garments of Aaron and in the Holy New Jerusalem! They reflect the glory, power and nature of OMNIPOTENT GOD HIMSELF.

Most of the stones listed in the "glory garments" of Aaron and in the New Jerusalem are of a very hard substance, colourful and glittering in appearance. They are common earth particles cut and polished, precious, brilliant, beautiful, transparent and without flaw. The LORD YESHUA is THE STONE (Hebrew: Pinnah) "hewn from the mountain, not by hands." [Daniel (Danyel) 2. 45 Tanakh, Nevi'im] HE came from the earth. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 53. 2 — "a ROOT out of a dry ground."] YESHUA came from ALMIGHTY GOD; HE was cut out of the mountain and set in HIS honored place; HE is the TRIED STONE [Isaiah/Yeshayah 28. 16], the CHOSEN, ELECT and PRECIOUS STONE. [1 Peter 2. 4, 6] CHRIST JESUS is "the STONE with the Seven Eyes" [Zechariah/Zecharyah 3. 9 w/4. 10; Revelation 5. 6], the PERFECT, ALL-SEEING, ALL-KNOWING GOD.

In the High Priest's Breastpiece, the Sardis gem is mentioned first and in order; and the jasper, last. But, in Revelation 4:3 where GOD'S GLORIOUS SHEKINAH APPEARANCE is described, this order is reversed. The first and last of anything includes all in between. Therefore, these two stones incorporate all the precious gems of the New Jerusalem in describing our WONDERFUL GOD & SAVIOR, as well as describing HIS people who have been given all things in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH!

The precious stones of the "glory garments" and in the New Jerusalem represent the LORD YESHUA OF NAZARETH in every phase of HIS life, power, and ministry. And they are applicable to each believer who are partakers of the DIVINE nature. The stones were set into the Breastpiece, each one surrounded by gold. [Exodus/Shemot 28. 20] These represent the redeemed children of GOD filled with the same wisdom from above and endued with HIS power and glory. We are identified with the LORD YESHUA . . . HE is the LIVING STONE, we are living stones. MESSIAH is the PRECIOUS STONE, we are precious stones. The SON OF MAN is the REJECTED STONE, we are rejected stones. The LORD JESUS CHRIST is the CHOSEN, ELECT STONE; we are chosen stones, the elect of our HOLY, AWESOME, WONDERFUL ETERNAL LORD GOD!

. . . to be continued

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
May the HOLY ONE OF JACOB ever be praised for HIS mercy and loving kindness to us as we await to be in HIS PRESENCE in the Promised Land.
Keep watching and praying.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If you're not living on the edge, you're taking up too much space!

BREASTPIECE OF DECISION (Part 1 of 2)
"You shall make a Breastpiece of Decision (Judgment), worked into a design; make it in the style of the ephod; make it of gold, blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen. The stones shall correspond in number to the names of the sons of Israel : twelve, corresponding to their names. They shall be engraved like seals, each with its name, for the twelve tribes. Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel on the Breastpiece of Decision over his heart, when he enters the Sanctuary, for remembrance before the LORD at all times." [Exodus (Shemot) 28. 15, 21, 29 Tanakh, Torah]

Aaron wore the names of the Israelites upon his BREAST as he went into the presence of the ALMIGHTY ONE. MESSIAH YESHUA, our GREAT HIGH PRIEST, bears our names on HIS HEART continually before HIS FATHER. [Hebrews 7. 25; 8. 3-4]

The precious stones in the Breastpiece of the High Priest (Hebrew: choshen — priestly breastplate) are the same as those spoken of by John in the Revelation on Patmos regarding the foundation walls of the Heavenly City . [Revelation 21. 19] As the names of the Twelve Tribes of Israel were engraved on the stones in the Priest's garments, so the names of the Twelve Apostles are inscribed on the wall gems of the New Jerusalem. The heavens and the earth are expressions of the ETERNAL HOLY GOD, HIS attributes and power. Out of the dust of the earth (the fine earth, ready to be cultivated), CREATOR GOD formed man. And, out of the earth, from the same materials which make up the earth, also come the stones which shine forth in the garments of Aaron and in the Holy New Jerusalem! They reflect the glory, power and nature of OMNIPOTENT GOD HIMSELF.

Most of the stones listed in the "glory garments" of Aaron and in the New Jerusalem are of a very hard substance, colourful and glittering in appearance. They are common earth particles cut and polished, precious, brilliant, beautiful, transparent and without flaw. The LORD YESHUA is THE STONE (Hebrew: Pinnah) "hewn from the mountain, not by hands." [Daniel (Danyel) 2. 45 Tanakh, Nevi'im] HE came from the earth. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 53. 2 — "a ROOT out of a dry ground."] YESHUA came from ALMIGHTY GOD; HE was cut out of the mountain and set in HIS honored place; HE is the TRIED STONE [Isaiah/Yeshayah 28. 16], the CHOSEN, ELECT and PRECIOUS STONE. [1 Peter 2. 4, 6] CHRIST JESUS is "the STONE with the Seven Eyes" [Zechariah/Zecharyah 3. 9 w/4. 10; Revelation 5. 6], the PERFECT, ALL-SEEING, ALL-KNOWING GOD.

In the High Priest's Breastpiece, the Sardis gem is mentioned first and in order; and the jasper, last. But, in Revelation 4:3 where GOD'S GLORIOUS SHEKINAH APPEARANCE is described, this order is reversed. The first and last of anything includes all in between. Therefore, these two stones incorporate all the precious gems of the New Jerusalem in describing our WONDERFUL GOD & SAVIOR, as well as describing HIS people who have been given all things in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH!

The precious stones of the "glory garments" and in the New Jerusalem represent the LORD YESHUA OF NAZARETH in every phase of HIS life, power, and ministry. And they are applicable to each believer who are partakers of the DIVINE nature. The stones were set into the Breastpiece, each one surrounded by gold. [Exodus/Shemot 28. 20] These represent the redeemed children of GOD filled with the same wisdom from above and endued with HIS power and glory. We are identified with the LORD YESHUA . . . HE is the LIVING STONE, we are living stones. MESSIAH is the PRECIOUS STONE, we are precious stones. The SON OF MAN is the REJECTED STONE, we are rejected stones. The LORD JESUS CHRIST is the CHOSEN, ELECT STONE; we are chosen stones, the elect of our HOLY, AWESOME, WONDERFUL ETERNAL LORD GOD!

. . . to be continued

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
May the HOLY ONE OF JACOB ever be praised for HIS mercy and loving kindness to us as we await to be in HIS PRESENCE in the Promised Land.
Keep watching and praying.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
While making a living, be sure to leave room for life.

BREASTPIECE OF DECISION (Part 2 – Conclusion)
"You shall make a Breastpiece of Decision (Judgment), worked into a design; make it in the style of the ephod; make it of gold, blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen. The stones shall correspond in number to the names of the sons of Israel : twelve, corresponding to their names. They shall be engraved like seals, each with its name, for the twelve tribes. Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel on the Breastpiece of Decision over his heart, when he enters the Sanctuary, for remembrance before the LORD at all times." [Exodus (Shemot) 28. 15, 21, 29 Tanakh, Torah]

Different and various-colored stones were on the Breastpiece with the names of Israel according to their tribes. Here we see unity combined with diversity. Each name had its own particular stone. Each stone had its own peculiar colour, glory, and beauty. The redeemed of the MESSIAH YESHUA all are set within "the body" — each one having his own particular beauty and function, yet each one reflecting some ministry of the LORD JESUS. The names were engraved on the stones in the same arrangement as that of the Camps of Israel around the Tabernacle and the order of the march through the wilderness…according to their tribes. The names engraved on them were associated with that particular stone as though descriptive of that tribe. Being engraved tells us of permanency and faithfulness of our LOVING GOD to all of HIS promises involving each tribe.

The first gem was Sardis . Its colour is red and engraved on it was the tribal name " Judah " which means "praise of YEHOWAH." ALMIGHTY GOD always puts praise first. YESHUA partook of flesh and blood (color red) by becoming a MAN. HE came from the tribe of Judah, the personified PRAISE OF GOD. The redeemed of the LORD, first of all come to GOD with praise because they are born of HIM WHO is from the Tribe of Judah. Judah 's camp was located on the East side of the Tabernacle, near to the Gate of the Court. The East is where the sun rose toward which the Tabernacle faced. The redeemed of the LORD enter the Gate into salvation's court with praise to HIM WHO is "the SUN WHO rises with healing in HIS wings." [Malachi (Malakhi) 4. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The last stone on the Breastpiece was jasper and on it the name "Naphtali" written which means "wrestling." {This wrestling was for certain rest and victory.} The story in this name, as it is associated with the stone in which it is engraved, is likened to MESSIAH in HIS wrestling's on the earth to destroy the work of the enemy for the rest and victory promised to HIS people. It tells of the children of GOD WHO wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness, the wickedness of the Devil, and who have overcome him in the glorious and mighty "NAME OF JESUS."

It is striking to notice that the appearance of the MOST HIGH in Revelation 4:3 is likened to the first and last stones of the Breastpiece of Judgment, in reverse. Since names are to be engraved on each stone telling of permanency as well as describing "the precious gem of Heaven and HIS people." This reversed order of the gems, as John saw them, present another glorious truth: "NAPHTALI (engraved on jasper)" — we have WRESTLED and have the victory because of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. "Judah (on Sardis)" — we are entered into REST. . . home at last to PRAISE HIM forevermore!

On Aaron's garments, represented in the stones, we see a double function of the redeemed people as they served in the priesthood; theirs was a shoulder as well as a heart ministry. The shoulder, which is the place of strength, courage and leadership is open. . . public. The breast, being over the heart, signifies love and affection and is secret. . . private. This was how YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, our GREAT HIGH PRIEST served, and how believer-priests should function today. . . with a Heart & Shoulder Ministry.

The office of the High Priest called for compassion on the ignorant and on them that are out of "THE WAY." [Hebrews 5. 1 - 6, 10] The fulfillment of this was in the BELOVED REDEEMER, the LORD YESHUA WHO was "moved with compassion" on innumerable times in HIS earthly ministry. The PERFECT ONE is continuing this incredible compassion through HIS sons, believer-priests, in the NEW COVENANT who minister with HIM in the priest's office.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Rejoice and honor the wonders of the ALMIGHTY ONE and HIS HOLY WORD. Remember, HE WHO keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

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A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Life’s problems would not be called "hurdles" if there wasn’t a way to get over them

YINNON — THE SUN
"And you, O Bethlehem of Ephrath, least among the clans of Judah , from you ONE shall come forth to rule Israel for ME — ONE WHOSE origin is from of old, from ancient times." [Micah (Michah) 5. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

According to the prophet Micah, the MESSIAH was to be born in the city of Bethlehem . HE was to be KING of the Jews, WHOSE goings forth have been from of old from everlasting indicating HE existed before HE came to earth in a human body. "Before the sun was, HIS NAME "YINNON (one of the names-attributes of MESSIAH YESHUA) "had been prepared and all nations will be blessed in HIS merits." [Psalms (Tehillym) 72. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This statement also implies pre-existence. From this passage on YINNON the word " Shiloh " or "Sheloi" comes to which many Jewish scholars admit as referring to MESSIAH.

"Shiloh" means "the exact image and reflection of GOD." "In HIM dwells all the FULLNESS of the GODhead BODILY." [Colossians 2. 9] "Shelot" is an acrostic meaning "HIS NAME shall be continued as long as the sun."

"Thus says the LORD GOD — Remove the turban and take off the crown! Nothing shall remain the same! Exalt the humble, and disgrace the exalted. Ruin, an utter ruin I will make it overthrown! It shall be no longer, until HE COMES TO WHOM IT RIGHTFULLY BELONGS; and I will give it to HIM." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 21. 26-27 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "The scepter (a symbol of kingship) shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between HIS feet; until SHILOH comes, so that tribute shall come to HIM and the homage of peoples be HIS." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 10 Tanakh, Torah] "In that time, tribute shall be brought to the LORD OF HOSTS from a people far and remote, from a people thrust forth and away — a nation of gibber and chatter, whose land is cut off by streams — at the place where the NAME OF THE LORD OF HOSTS abides, at Mount Zion." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 18. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Yes, to YINNON, SHILOH , LAWGIVER, MESSIAH, SAVIOR, REDEEMER, ALMIGHTY GOD, KING YESHUA "all kings shall bow down to HIM and all nations shall serve HIM." [Psalms (Tehillym) 72. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] How can one help but serve the LORD JESUS in awe, and rejoice with trembling; all those who put their trust in HIM are eternally most blessed.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
O GOD, keep my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking guile. Be my SUPPORT when grief silences my voice, and my COMFORT when woe bends my spirit. Plant humility in my soul, and strengthen my heart with perfect faith in YOU. Help me to be strong in trials and temptations and to be humble always before YOU, my STRONG-TOWER. Guide me by the PURE LIGHT of YOUR counsel, and let me ever find rest in YOU, my ROCK and my REDEEMER. Praised be the LORD GOD ETERNAL to WHOM all praise is due for ever and ever. Amen

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Duty is a matter of the mind. Commitment is a matter of the heart.

THEIR OWN DEVISES
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot; but because you are lukewarm I will vomit you out of MY mouth. Because you say — I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing — and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked." [Revelation 3. 14 - 17]

The AMEN, THE FAITHFUL & TRUE WITNESS spoke these words to the angel of the church of Laodicea. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA wants us to know that just because we are attending a church or belong to a church group does not mean that we are doing HIS commands and that we belong to HIM! JESUS, the ANOINTED ONE, counseled the who-so-ever will to come to HIM for cleansing and acquire HIS riches. "I counsel you to buy from ME gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see." [Revelation 3. 18] "Ho! All who are thirsty, come for water, even if you have no money, Come, buy food and eat! Yes, come! buy wine and milk without cost, without price." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 55. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Man's nature, however, is to go their own way instead of believing and obeying the MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE. Then, they blame and curse the SOVEREIGN ONE for not rescuing them from a situation. However, the warning has always been given, for HE has already said, "Obey MY VOICE that I may be your GOD, and you may be MY people; walk only in the way that I have commanded you, that it may go well with you. Yet they did not listen or gave ear; they followed their own counsels, the willfulness of their evil hearts. They have gone backward, not forward." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 7. 23 - 24 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

GOD MOST HOLY does not and will not force anyone to follow HIM. HE gives freedom of choice and allows everyone to make their own choice, allowing them go after their willful heart, and follow their own desires. "For they are a nation void of sense, lacking in all discernment. Were they wise, they would think upon this, that they would consider their latter end!" [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 32. 28 - 29 Tanakh, Torah] "But MY people would not hear MY VOICE, Israel would not obey ME. So I let them go after their own stubborn heart, that they might follow their own devices." Yet, the hearts cry of the HOLY ONE is still — "Oh, that MY people would listen to ME, that Israel would follow in MY paths!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 81. 11 - 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear ME and always keep all MY commandments!" [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 5. 29 Tanakh, Torah]

It would do well to remember that "many are called, but few are chosen" [Matthew 22. 14] and "all the ways of a man seem right to his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts. To do what is right and just is more desired by the LORD than sacrifice." [Proverbs (Mishle) 21. 2 - 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] True followers of the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH are empowered with RUWACH ha'QODESH (the HOLY SPIRIT) and are HIS "called, chosen and faithful." [Revelation 17. 14] And the BLESSED COMFORTER OF GOD HIMSELF bears witness with our spirit that we are children of GOD, "and if children, then heirs — heirs of GOD and joint heirs with CHRIST." [Romans 8. 16 - 17]

Obedience leads to righteousness. "Sow righteousness for yourselves; reap in mercy according to goodness; break up your fallow ground for it is time to seek the LORD so that you may obtain a teacher (the fruits) of righteousness." [Hosea (Hoshea) 10. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Since, the ALMIGHTY OMNISCIENT CREATOR knows our heart, we must be real with HIM and not given to do our own hypocritical inclinations, tendencies and preferences. . . the MASTER’S is first!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Man is given choices to act out in this world; but the junctions and highways have been set in place by the CREATOR. We have an AWESOME GOD, and HE is on the Throne ruling over the affairs of men. HE is worthy of all our praise and worship, even in these difficult times.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Create the kind of self that you will be happy with all your life. [Golda Meir]

CUSTOMS — TALLITH / PRAYER SHAWL (Part 2 of 2)
"Speak to the Israelite people and instruct them to make for themselves fringes on the corners of their garments throughout their ages; let them attach a cord of blue to the fringe at each corner. That shall be your fringe; look at it and recall all the commandments of the LORD and observe them, so that you do not follow your heart and eyes in your lustful urge. Thus you shall be reminded to observe all MY commandments and to be holy to your GOD." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 15. 38 - 40 Tanakh, Torah]

Since the Jewish religious responsibilities of the home and synagogue are upheld by the man, he feels highly honored of the ALMIGHTY ONE and in his daily devotions voices his appreciation in the following prayer (founded by the Talmudic Rabbis) while he wears the Tallith (prayer shawl), T'fillin (phylacteries—frontlets—prayer boxes), and Yarmalkah (karpah—skull cap— dome of heaven): "Blessed are YOU, O LORD our GOD, KING of the Universe, WHO has not created me a slave. Blessed are YOU, O LORD our GOD, KING of the Universe, WHO has not created me a heathen. Blessed are YOU, O LORD our GOD, KING of the Universe, WHO has not created me a woman." But in MESSIAH YESHUA, there is no distinction between the sexes with regard to salvation. Both male and female come through the DOOR into the sheepfold, receive the same commandments and inherit the same promises. Thank GOD, HE created us in the MESSIAH to be ONE in HIM.

The LORD YESHUA also rebuked the religious leaders for "enlarging the borders of their (prayer) garments to be seen of men." [Matthew 23. 5] HE knew what was in men and it grieved HIM to see the Jewish people being swayed by their religious leaders. YESHUA said to these blind religionists — "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." [Matthew 23. 27 - 28]

One does not have to wear a special kind of clothing in order to reveal devotion to the LORD GOD. Man looks on the outward appearance, it is true, and judges that person as to his or her spirituality by that; but GOD OMNIPOTENT sees the attitude of the heart and this it is which determines the approval or disapproval of the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE and the individual's final reward.

The Tallith of the Orthodox Jew is worn every morning throughout the year, with the exception of one — the Tisha b’Av (Ninth of Av), the Fast of the 5th month [see Zechariah/Zecharyah 7. 3, 5; 8. 19], which is remembering the destruction of the first and second Temples . Instead of wearing it this day at morning service, it is worn before the sunset of the day.

Before the garment is put on the worshiper, the fringes at the four corners are gathered and the first two verses of Psalms 104 are repeated. A prayer is then offered in which is repeated the text containing the words: "That they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations." Then a prayer is said from the Prayer Book for the New Year as the Tallith is put on. The garment is then thrown over the shoulders and the following prayer is offered: "Blessed are YOU, O LORD our GOD, KING of the Universe, WHO has sanctified us in HIS commandments, and has commanded us to be covered with the fringes."

When this is done, Psalms 36:7, 10 are repeated. Observe from these latter SCRIPTURES, the people regard the wearing of this garment as being associated with receiving righteousness. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 61. 10] Consequently the pious Pharisee was very particular in having a large garment, sufficient to cover himself, with very wide borders; because the larger the garment, and the greater the border, the more the righteousness. Thus, this very object that the LORD JESUS designed to use as a means to a great end, was perverted from its purpose, and substituted for the CREATOR HIMSELF. It is not at all surprising then, that the SAVIOR should say, "Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." [Matthew 5. 20] They should have known from the words of the prophets that true righteousness was not found in the wearing of those objects; but in HIM, YEHOWAH, our righteousness... if we observe to do all these commandments...it shall be our righteousness. [Deuteronomy/Devarim 6. 24 - 25]

YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD — HE observed all the commandments HIS FATHER gave to the Jewish people. At all times HE wore a garment which covered HIS entire body and in its four corners was the ribbon of blue with the fringes. We find this recorded in Matthew 9:20 where the woman "touched the hem (border, corner, quarter, wings) of HIS garment" and was healed. She knew this was a TRUE ISRAELITE WHO wore the Tsitzith (fringe) in the hem of HIS garment without being hypocritical. It was a reminder of GOD'S covenant of healing and HIS WORD which healed Israel . [Psalm/Tehillym 105. 37; 107. 20] She acted on her faith in ALMIGHTY HOLY GOD WHO heals and she was made whole.

In the corners, borders, hem, quarters or wings of MESSIAH'S garment were the fringes or tassels GOD had commanded to be there. [Numbers/B'Midvar 15. 38 - 40] They were to bring to the remembrance of Israel the LAW OF GOD — HIS HOLY WORD. This Jewish woman knew the Law and promise of the OMNIPOTENT ONE that there would be healing in MESSIAH'S wings. "For you who revere MY NAME the SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (VINDICATOR/victory) shall rise with healing in HIS wings." [Malachi/Malakhi 4. 2]

JESUS OF NAZARETH fulfilled this prophecy. The SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS refers to Israel 's MESSIAH, just as Jeremiah also prophesied: "Behold, the days are coming — says the LORD — that I will raise to David a BRANCH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS; a KING shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth. In HIS days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell safely; now this is HIS NAME by which HE will be called: YEHOWAH tZIDKENU (LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS)." [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 23. 5 - 6]

The woman with the disease touched HIM WHO is the fulfillment of the WORD (Law), the POWER, GLORY & RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD! She believed and accepted the promise of "healing in HIS wings" and she was made whole! The result of reaching out to grasp hold of HIS WORD, or the borders of HIS garment where were the Tsitzith representing GOD'S HOLY WORD, is still the same today! Bless the LORD, O my soul and all that is within me — HE does great things!

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
As we bid farewell to Shabbas of Parshat Parah, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, bless you abundantly and guard you, our dear ones in the coming week. May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present throughout each day so they are filled with love and unselfishness — that happiness and contentment may abide in our homes. In tranquil joy of spirit, with pure speech and holy melody exclaim: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD OF HOSTS, the whole earth is full of HIS glory!"
May your ever-growing faith grant you the privilege to witness and experience the marvelous miracle of being delivered from the yoke of slavery to sin. May this Passover serve as a reminder that obedience is better then sacrifice!
Have a super special week!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Those who don’t know how to weep with their whole heart do not know how to laugh either. [Golda Meir]

CUSTOMS — TALLITH/PRAYER SHAWL (Part 1 of 2)
"Speak to the Israelite people and instruct them to make for themselves fringes on the corners of their garments throughout their ages; let them attach a cord of blue to the fringe at each corner. That shall be your fringe; look at it and recall all the commandments of the LORD and observe them, so that you do not follow your heart and eyes in your lustful urge. Thus you shall be reminded to observe all MY commandments and to be holy to your GOD." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 15. 38 – 40 Tanakh, Torah]

Among Orthodox Jewish males from the age of thirteen years, the Tallith is worn about the shoulders as a shawl in the House of Worship and at the time of their daily devotions which take place at nine o'clock in the morning, three in the afternoon, and after sunset. Prayer Shawl is made up of two components; the garment and the fringes (in Hebrew, tzitzit). The garment which surrounds the worshipper represents ALMIGHTY GOD WHO is constantly surrounding each and every one of us. The fringes hanging off of the garment are composed of a series of 613 knots. These fringes serve as a reminder of the 613 BIBLICAL commandments.

"You shall not wear cloth combining wool and linen. You shall make tassels on the four corners of the garment with which you cover yourself." [Deuteronomy (B'Midvar) 22. 11 - 12 Tanakh, Torah] In obedience to this command, the Jewish men today wear a shawl made of only one material, usually silk. How the LORD GOD desires an undivided heart in our worship, an unwavering faith, not tossed about by every wind of doctrine, not mixed with the religions of the world, but pure and single to HIS honor and glory! The ALMIGHTY commands that we not make our garments of divers sorts!

Tsitzith is the name used by Jews for the fringes of the Tallith. These fringes, and counting each member of their body, number 613 corresponding to 613 Oral Laws claimed to have been given to Moses on Mount Sinai . Because Jewish people know it is a command of the HOLY ONE to obey HIS Law (mitzvah), they feel that their obedience brings them merit. A pious Jew, according to Rabbinical regulations, is expected to keep 613 mitzvoth (Laws) daily! Since this is really impossible, the theory has grown up that the good deeds of all Israel put together count in making up the full number. CREATOR GOD said to look at the tsitzith and remember HIS commandments.

For generations, it was one of the Orthodox beliefs of Judaism, the pivot of piety, that 248 positive commandments correspond to the 248 parts of the human body, and that 365 negative commandments correspond to the 365 sinews of the human body, according to the anatomical belief of the Talmudic Era. "Orthodox Jewry stands on the pillar of what is said and what is written and around that conception revolves the entire Talmudic Rabbinical literature for the past 2,000 years. Nothing is holy if it was not written, nothing is good if it was not said before; and no pious Jewish person ever dared yet to criticize this concept." [The Jewish Post]

The fringes, which end at each corner of the Tallith, are put in a hole about an inch from the edge of the garment. The manner of their attachment in knots and thirty-nine winds correspond to the numerical value of the letters which spell "THE LORD IS ONE" — since each letter of the Hebrew alphabet has numerical significance.

A long cord is wrapped, seven shorter cords first seven times, then eight, then eleven and finally thirteen, each series being separated from the others by two knots. The numbers seven and eight constituting fifteen together suggest YH, and number eleven, WH...together they make up the name YHWH. The number thirteen stands for "echad" — the letters of which are numerals equaling thirteen. Thus forming the sentence "YHWH echad" or "YEHOWAH IS ONE."

This prayer garment, in ancient times, was worn in imitation of Moses who wore a veil over his face because of its radiance after being with HOLY GOD. Their fringes were drawn down over their eyes so the reader could look through the sacred veil upon the SCRIPTURES. How significant is this to the fact that "blindness in part has happened to Israel " according the prophecy, concealing the glory of YESHUA of Israel as their own MESSIAH!

The first act of a devout Jew in his morning prayer is to put the fringes to his lips and kiss them to acknowledge the obedience of the worshiper to the whole law. But our own Jewish prophet, Isaiah said it was not enough to honor GOD with the lips when the heart is far from HIM. In the words of the LORD YESHUA, it is written: "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying — These people draw near to ME with their mouth, and honor ME with their lips, but their heart is far from ME." [Matthew 15. 7 - 8; Isaiah/Yeshayah 29. 13]

Not only did these Jews use their mouths to make long prayers, but also used their lips to kiss the fringes in order to impress upon the people the fact of their spirituality. What similarity to professed worshipers of the LORD GOD today who, to seem religious, pray loud and long in public, but have no real abiding fellowship with OMNIPOTENT HOLY GOD in their lives!

The BLESSED ONE commanded the children of Israel that they "attach a cord of blue to the fringe at each corner." This blue cord entwined in the fringe is the heavenly colour reminding the Jews of the power and glory of GOD MOST HIGH. The use of the blue is explained in the Talmud: "Because this color resembles the sea; the sea resembles the sky; and the sky resembles the Chair of Glory." The method of dying the threads sky blue was a secret of the people of Acre , Israel . After the dispersion, the art was forgotten by the Jews of the Diaspora (dispersion) and in view of this fact, white is used exclusively for the Tsitzith. However, bars of blue are dyed in the prayer shawl of the Jews today in substitution for the blue cord or, in some cases, black is used as a sign of mourning for the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem . However, GOD'S Law should be obeyed — the shade of blue is not the issue. . . obedience is!

Along with the wearing of the Tallith, is the Kippah (also known as the Skull Cap; in Yiddish, a Kippah is referred to as a Yarmulke). The closest teaching of the TORAH for wearing a "hat/turbans" would be when Aaron and his sons expressly require to wear a covering on their heads as they were to serve as priests before the MOST HIGH GOD. The idea being a covering to show "holiness of thought" — to be worn "for glory and beauty." [Exodus/Shemot 28. 40] "They shall have linen turbans on their heads…" [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 44. 18] Also, David and others are recorded as wearing head coverings: "David (a king, not a priest) went up the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he walked barefoot. And all the people (also not priests) who were with him covered their heads and wept as they went up." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 15. 30 Tanakh, Nevi’im]

Rabbinic authorities, however, have opined (judged, concluded, decided) that a kippah should be worn. Some suggest that the historical reason for wearing a kippah was to distinguish Jews from non-Jews. Other rabbinic authorities insist that wearing a kippah is an act of piety and a helpful reminder to live a TORAH-infused and Jewishly-mindful life. Some rabbinic sources even contend that a person should "not walk four cubits" or "eat anything with an uncovered head." Of course, many Jews cannot walk four cubits without eating something, so it's best to keep the kippah strapped on regardless.

The Talmud also says —"Whoever has T'fillin on his head and arm, Tsitzith on his garments and a Mezuzah on his door, gives assurance that he will not commit sins." This statement brings to mind the desire of the Psalmist David who declared to the LORD, "In my heart, YOUR WORD is hidden, so I do not sin against YOU!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Today, each of us should have the same heart’s desire — to obey our WONDERFUL SAVIOR.

. . . to be continued

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Welcome Sabbath of Parshat Parah — Sabbath of the Red Heifer [Numbers 19:1-22]! This is read on the Shabbat following Purim. These verses deal with the Red Heifer used in the spiritual purification process at the time of the Holy Temple. This issue is important at this season of the year, since in looking forward to Passover, every Jew is careful to maintain spiritual purity in order to partake in the holiday offerings. Many authorities regard this reading as a Torah precept.
Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH our GOD, SOVEREIGN OF THE UNIVERSE, WHO makes us holy with YOUR mitzvoth and greatly favors us with the Holy Shabbat, lovingly and graciously given
We greet you and wish you abundant blessings for the up-coming Passover Season and always!
FATHER GOD demonstrated HIS extreme view of the importance of Passover in setting the date as the "beginning of the year" — the first of the Feasts of the LORD. This date (season) is prominent and setting the precedence for redemption which points us to MESSIAH YESHUA, THE REDEEMER OF THE WORLD. May your ever-growing faith grant you the privilege to witness and experience the marvelous miracle of being delivered from the yoke of slavery to sin.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Those who don’t know how to weep with their whole heart do not know how to laugh either. [Golda Meir]

CUSTOMS — TALLITH/PRAYER SHAWL (Part 1 of 2)
"Speak to the Israelite people and instruct them to make for themselves fringes on the corners of their garments throughout their ages; let them attach a cord of blue to the fringe at each corner. That shall be your fringe; look at it and recall all the commandments of the LORD and observe them, so that you do not follow your heart and eyes in your lustful urge. Thus you shall be reminded to observe all MY commandments and to be holy to your GOD." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 15. 38 – 40 Tanakh, Torah]

Among Orthodox Jewish males from the age of thirteen years, the Tallith is worn about the shoulders as a shawl in the House of Worship and at the time of their daily devotions which take place at nine o'clock in the morning, three in the afternoon, and after sunset. Prayer Shawl is made up of two components; the garment and the fringes (in Hebrew, tzitzit). The garment which surrounds the worshipper represents ALMIGHTY GOD WHO is constantly surrounding each and every one of us. The fringes hanging off of the garment are composed of a series of 613 knots. These fringes serve as a reminder of the 613 BIBLICAL commandments.

"You shall not wear cloth combining wool and linen. You shall make tassels on the four corners of the garment with which you cover yourself." [Deuteronomy (B'Midvar) 22. 11 - 12 Tanakh, Torah] In obedience to this command, the Jewish men today wear a shawl made of only one material, usually silk. How the LORD GOD desires an undivided heart in our worship, an unwavering faith, not tossed about by every wind of doctrine, not mixed with the religions of the world, but pure and single to HIS honor and glory! The ALMIGHTY commands that we not make our garments of divers sorts!

Tsitzith is the name used by Jews for the fringes of the Tallith. These fringes, and counting each member of their body, number 613 corresponding to 613 Oral Laws claimed to have been given to Moses on Mount Sinai . Because Jewish people know it is a command of the HOLY ONE to obey HIS Law (mitzvah), they feel that their obedience brings them merit. A pious Jew, according to Rabbinical regulations, is expected to keep 613 mitzvoth (Laws) daily! Since this is really impossible, the theory has grown up that the good deeds of all Israel put together count in making up the full number. CREATOR GOD said to look at the tsitzith and remember HIS commandments.

For generations, it was one of the Orthodox beliefs of Judaism, the pivot of piety, that 248 positive commandments correspond to the 248 parts of the human body, and that 365 negative commandments correspond to the 365 sinews of the human body, according to the anatomical belief of the Talmudic Era. "Orthodox Jewry stands on the pillar of what is said and what is written and around that conception revolves the entire Talmudic Rabbinical literature for the past 2,000 years. Nothing is holy if it was not written, nothing is good if it was not said before; and no pious Jewish person ever dared yet to criticize this concept." [The Jewish Post]

The fringes, which end at each corner of the Tallith, are put in a hole about an inch from the edge of the garment. The manner of their attachment in knots and thirty-nine winds correspond to the numerical value of the letters which spell "THE LORD IS ONE" — since each letter of the Hebrew alphabet has numerical significance.

A long cord is wrapped, seven shorter cords first seven times, then eight, then eleven and finally thirteen, each series being separated from the others by two knots. The numbers seven and eight constituting fifteen together suggest YH, and number eleven, WH...together they make up the name YHWH. The number thirteen stands for "echad" — the letters of which are numerals equaling thirteen. Thus forming the sentence "YHWH echad" or "YEHOWAH IS ONE."

This prayer garment, in ancient times, was worn in imitation of Moses who wore a veil over his face because of its radiance after being with HOLY GOD. Their fringes were drawn down over their eyes so the reader could look through the sacred veil upon the SCRIPTURES. How significant is this to the fact that "blindness in part has happened to Israel " according the prophecy, concealing the glory of YESHUA of Israel as their own MESSIAH!

The first act of a devout Jew in his morning prayer is to put the fringes to his lips and kiss them to acknowledge the obedience of the worshiper to the whole law. But our own Jewish prophet, Isaiah said it was not enough to honor GOD with the lips when the heart is far from HIM. In the words of the LORD YESHUA, it is written: "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying — These people draw near to ME with their mouth, and honor ME with their lips, but their heart is far from ME." [Matthew 15. 7 - 8; Isaiah/Yeshayah 29. 13]

Not only did these Jews use their mouths to make long prayers, but also used their lips to kiss the fringes in order to impress upon the people the fact of their spirituality. What similarity to professed worshipers of the LORD GOD today who, to seem religious, pray loud and long in public, but have no real abiding fellowship with OMNIPOTENT HOLY GOD in their lives!

The BLESSED ONE commanded the children of Israel that they "attach a cord of blue to the fringe at each corner." This blue cord entwined in the fringe is the heavenly colour reminding the Jews of the power and glory of GOD MOST HIGH. The use of the blue is explained in the Talmud: "Because this color resembles the sea; the sea resembles the sky; and the sky resembles the Chair of Glory." The method of dying the threads sky blue was a secret of the people of Acre , Israel . After the dispersion, the art was forgotten by the Jews of the Diaspora (dispersion) and in view of this fact, white is used exclusively for the Tsitzith. However, bars of blue are dyed in the prayer shawl of the Jews today in substitution for the blue cord or, in some cases, black is used as a sign of mourning for the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem . However, GOD'S Law should be obeyed — the shade of blue is not the issue. . . obedience is!

Along with the wearing of the Tallith, is the Kippah (also known as the Skull Cap; in Yiddish, a Kippah is referred to as a Yarmulke). The closest teaching of the TORAH for wearing a "hat/turbans" would be when Aaron and his sons expressly require to wear a covering on their heads as they were to serve as priests before the MOST HIGH GOD. The idea being a covering to show "holiness of thought" — to be worn "for glory and beauty." [Exodus/Shemot 28. 40] "They shall have linen turbans on their heads…" [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 44. 18] Also, David and others are recorded as wearing head coverings: "David (a king, not a priest) went up the Ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he walked barefoot. And all the people (also not priests) who were with him covered their heads and wept as they went up." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 15. 30 Tanakh, Nevi’im]

Rabbinic authorities, however, have opined (judged, concluded, decided) that a kippah should be worn. Some suggest that the historical reason for wearing a kippah was to distinguish Jews from non-Jews. Other rabbinic authorities insist that wearing a kippah is an act of piety and a helpful reminder to live a TORAH-infused and Jewishly-mindful life. Some rabbinic sources even contend that a person should "not walk four cubits" or "eat anything with an uncovered head." Of course, many Jews cannot walk four cubits without eating something, so it's best to keep the kippah strapped on regardless.

The Talmud also says —"Whoever has T'fillin on his head and arm, Tsitzith on his garments and a Mezuzah on his door, gives assurance that he will not commit sins." This statement brings to mind the desire of the Psalmist David who declared to the LORD, "In my heart, YOUR WORD is hidden, so I do not sin against YOU!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Today, each of us should have the same heart’s desire — to obey our WONDERFUL SAVIOR.

. . . to be continued


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Welcome Sabbath of Parshat Parah — Sabbath of the Red Heifer [Numbers 19:1-22]! This is read on the Shabbat following Purim. These verses deal with the Red Heifer used in the spiritual purification process at the time of the Holy Temple. This issue is important at this season of the year, since in looking forward to Passover, every Jew is careful to maintain spiritual purity in order to partake in the holiday offerings. Many authorities regard this reading as a Torah precept.
Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH our GOD, SOVEREIGN OF THE UNIVERSE, WHO makes us holy with YOUR mitzvoth and greatly favors us with the Holy Shabbat, lovingly and graciously given
We greet you and wish you abundant blessings for the up-coming Passover Season and always!
FATHER GOD demonstrated HIS extreme view of the importance of Passover in setting the date as the "beginning of the year" — the first of the Feasts of the LORD. This date (season) is prominent and setting the precedence for redemption which points us to MESSIAH YESHUA, THE REDEEMER OF THE WORLD. May your ever-growing faith grant you the privilege to witness and experience the marvelous miracle of being delivered from the yoke of slavery to sin.



Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
When passion burns within you, remember that it was given to you for a good purpose.

UNTIL IT PLEASES
"I adjure you, O maidens of Jerusalem , by gazelles or by hinds of the field; do not wake or arouse love until it pleases!" [Song of Songs (Shir ha'Shirim) 2. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

CREATOR GOD, blessed be HE and blessed be HIS HOLY NAME, has such a high view of sex that HE will not permit it to be cheapened by lust. Therefore, not even acts of foreplay are permitted. Sexual passion must be handled with utmost care and must not be aroused before its proper time when it can be satisfied and fulfilled.

"Dearly beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul." [1 Peter 2. 11] The commandments to "abstain, not to stir up, nor awaken love until its proper time" is especially fitting and relevant for believing true followers of MESSIAH today. "For this is the will of GOD, for your sanctification, that you should abstain from sexual immorality." [1 Thessalonians 4. 3] This applies to any type of sexual relationship outside of marriage, and the commands are not merely for moderation or for love in one's non-marital sexual relationships, but for total abstinence. This warning is needed more today than any time since the days of pagan Rome . We are also urgently warned to "abstain from fleshly lusts" since these carnal desires are in a mortal battle with our very souls. One must avoid situations which might initiate or encourage forbidden sex or its similar activities.

We are commanded to "warn those who are unruly...abstain from ALL appearance of evil" in every form. [1 Thessalonians 5. 14, 22] This means anything that might appear to be evil, regardless of whether it is really wrong in itself or not. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA desires that we "adorn the doctrine of GOD our SAVIOR in all things" [Titus 2. 10], and that we "give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed." [2 Corinthians 6. 3]

A believer cannot afford to be careless in this warfare against his soul. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." [1 Peter 5. 8] Sex is part of GOD'S creation with its related desires and pleasures, and it is reasonable that HE would provide us with a guide to a pure sexual relationship. "Whatever you do, do all to the glory of GOD." [1 Corinthians 10. 31] In all things, focus on the ways of wisdom, give your ear to understanding that you may maintain as well as value discretion, and your lips keep knowledge.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
The HOLY ONE was pleased, for HIS righteousness sake, to magnify the TORAH and make it honorable; thus the wise will search it out. May the LORD GOD hold you in the palm of HIS tender out-stretched hand and direct your every step!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Set aside your will for the sake of the MASTER'S will.

SIGNATURE OF GOD
"In the beginning ELOHIYM created the heavens and the earth." [BOOK OF CREATION — Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 1 Tanakh, Torah]

In the physical first creation, the TRIUNE GOD (ELOHIYM is a plural word) stamped HIS signature of "three." In the universe HE created, there are. . .
Three Times: Past — Present — Future
Three Views: Earth — Sea — Sky
Three Great Kingdoms: Animal — Vegetable — Mineral
Three Parts of Man: Spirit — Soul — Body
Three Forms Matter Can Assume: Solid — Liquid — Gas
Three Colors To One Ray of Light: Blue — Red — Yellow



The Tabernacle in the Wilderness [Exodus/Shemot 25 - 40] as a picture of the New Creation, also has this numerical signature of the DIVINE RULER. [Luke 24. 27 — again the signature. Three sections of SCRIPTURE in the OLD COVENANT: Torah (Law), Nevi'im (The Prophets), Kethuvim {Psalms & Writings}] Man was created in the image of GOD THE MASTER, the AUTHOR & FINISHER, and is composed of spirit, soul, and body. Likewise, this Holy Structure has three main parts: The Holy of Holies, the Holy Place and the Outer Court.

The Holy of Holies represents GOD THE FATHER — GOD'S HOLY PRESENCE and HIS Throne Room. The Holy Place, GOD THE SON, pictures Heaven and Heaven's provisions. The Court, tells of GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT — it shows earth and the judgment for sin. Each part in itself manifests the GOD-HEAD.

These rooms, collectively and individually, describe the LORD JESUS. They also tell of the believer in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH as well. . .
The Holiest represents the spirit, or GOD-conscious part of man. It is the innermost shrine, the Holy of Holies of the SPIRIT where the Law of GOD is deposited. [Ephesians 3. 16]


The Holy Place symbolizes the soul, man's self-consciousness. This is the soul or mind, the "holy place" where the lamps are lighting up the understanding, where the bread is for nourishment and the incense for DIVINE fellowship.

The Court is significant of the body, that which is world-conscious in man; the external side of his being, that which is seen and recognized by all as the actual person and where it is cleansed, clothed and consecrated for service. [2 Corinthians 5. 1, 4 — used metaphorically of the body as the tabernacle of the soul. Peter speaks about his body as "his tabernacle" in 2 Peter 1.13-14]

The believer is to be a true Tabernacle of Witness for GOD. We are to be an "active testimony" in this world to the LORD YESHUA, if we are to come into "THE PROMISE" which MESSIAH gave to all who would believe in HIM: "You shall receive power when the HOLY SPIRIT has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to ME." [Acts 1. 8] And, "when the HELPER (the HOLY SPIRIT, the COMFORTER) comes, WHOM I shall send to you from the FATHER, the SPIRIT OF TRUTH WHO proceeds from the FATHER, HE will testify of ME (YESHUA, the BELOVED REDEEMER)." [John 15. 26]

ALMIGHTY GOD, the CREATOR & MASTER DESIGNER of Heaven and Earth wants us to see and know HIS "Triune Signature" in all HIS creation; for all these things were given that you may know and believe.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Praised is YOUR HOLY NAME, O LORD GOD. YOU have made YOUR eternal law our portion, and gave us a goodly heritage. YOU appointed us to proclaim YOUR truth to the nations and to win them for YOUR Law of Righteousness. Sanctify us for the service to which YOU called us, O HEAVENLY FATHER, that YOUR NAME may be hallowed through us in all the world. Gather all YOUR children around YOUR banner of truth that YOUR praise may resound from one end of the earth to the other, and that the entire human family may be blessed with truth and peace!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Make not of the TORAH a crown wherewith to aggrandize yourself, nor a spade wherewith to dig.

DULL MINDED
"For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them." [Matthew 13. 15] "Hear, indeed, but do not understand; see, indeed, but do not grasp. Dull that people's mind, stop its ears, and seal its eyes — lest, seeing with its eyes and hearing with their ears, it also grasp with their mind, and repent and be saved." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 6. 9 – 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

In HIS early ministry, the MESSIAH YESHUA ran into stubborn opposition from the Scribes and Pharisees. Therefore, HE told the people about heavenly truths in parables so only the believers would understand. "It has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given." [Matthew 13. 11] Parables also fulfill prophecy, "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying — I will open MY mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world." [Matthew 13. 35]

This explains the progressive nature of OMNISCIENT GOD'S revelation to man, knowledge should be used to grow in grace and apply it in their life. However, if their hearing grows dull and they turn knowledge off willfully, it becomes a vehicle of condemnation, their perception is lost and discernment is gone because "they did not like to retain GOD in their knowledge, GOD gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting." [Romans 1. 28]

Our prayers for you are "that the GOD of our LORD JESUS, the FATHER of Glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of HIM" [Ephesians 1. 17] as HE cleanses your hearts from all wickedness. Ask of HIM, and the LORD GOD will give you a learned tongue to speak a word in season to those who are weary. HE will awaken your ear to learning, and open your ear that you may obey HIS directions for your life, lest you rebel and turn away from the LOVING AWESOME MASTER of mercy and truth. [see Isaiah/Yeshayah 50. 4 – 5]

The GREAT ALMIGHTY GOD and YESHUA ha’MASHIACH, our LORD & SAVIOR desires "all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." [1 Timothy 2. 4] "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are HIS judgments and HIS ways past finding out!" [Romans 11. 33] "Great is the LORD and much acclaimed; HIS greatness cannot be fathomed." [Psalms (Tehillym) 145. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] To GoD be the glory forever, Amen.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Our prayer is the LIVING FOUNTAIN refresh and sustain each of you, as you grow in HIS strength, wisdom and discernment. May the LIGHT of the HOLY ONE, blessed be HE, fill you with a yearning desire to submit to HIS inscrutable will and give you enduring power for your daily tasks. O LORD GOD OF JACOB, YOU are my GOD...in the night how my soul desires and hungers for YOU. I long for YOUR irreproachable judgments in the earth, for the world to learn of YOUR integrity, YOUR majesty and YOUR righteousness.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Nothing is more exhilarating then being shot at without results. [Winston Churchill
SERVED OR SERVANT
"But many who are first will be last, and the last first." [Matthew 19. 30]



Mordecai was a faithful servant of GOD MOST HIGH. The Amalekite, Haman not only wanted to be served, but also worshipped in his high ranking position in the Persian Kingdom . His hatred for the Jewish people caused him to receive the fate he intended for Mordecai. [Book of Esther] "Amalek (the father of the Amalekites) was first among the nations; but shall be last and is to perish forever." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 24. 20 Tanakh, Torah]



The Jewish people are first, in that the LORD GOD entrusted the ORACLES OF THE LAW to them [Romans 3. 1 - 2], and they were to be a light to the Gentiles, teaching salvation to the ends of the earth. "I, the LORD, in MY grace, have summoned you, and I have grasped you by the hand. I created you, and appointed you a "Covenant People" a Light to the Gentiles." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 42. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "For HE has said — It is too small a thing that you should be MY servant in that I raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the survivors of Israel; I will also make you a light to the Gentiles, that MY salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 49. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] However, they not only failed to evangelize the Gentiles. But moreover, they rejected GOD'S SON, MESSIAH YESHUA OF NAZARETH. Therefore, they made themselves last.



The Gentiles, who were last, those who accept "THE WAY" to the ALMIGHTY ONE through the shed blood of MESSIAH YESHUA have become first. "So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen." [Matthew 20. 16] "They (Jew & Gentile) will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the Kingdom of GOD . And indeed, there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last." [Luke 13. 29 - 30]



The LORD MESSIAH taught, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all." [Mark 9. 35] Two of HIS disciples, James and John had ask to sit next to the MASTER in HIS glory. YESHUA replied — "it is not MINE to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared." Then HE called all twelve disciples to HIMSELF and expressed, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the SON OF MAN did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give HIS life a ransom for many." [Mark 10. 35 - 45]



Those who are first will serve the LORD YESHUA fittingly that they may hear HIM say — "Well done! good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your LORD." [Matthew 25. 21] But to the one who wants to be served, HE calls them "unprofitable servant" and they will be "cast into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." [Matthew 25. 30]



"Behold! I am coming quickly, and MY reward is with ME, to give to every one according to his work. I am the ALPHA and the OMEGA, the BEGINNING and the END, the FIRST and the LAST. Blessed are those who do HIS commandments, that they may have the right to the Tree of Life, and may enter through the gates into the City." [Revelation 22. 12 - 14] Such a Glorious Day that will be!



Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
CELEBRATING PURIM SHUSHAN — Susa Festival of Lots (Esther 9:18)
Purim is an opportunity to transform our mundane pleasures into spiritual joy; our fragmented communities into a unified nation; our despair into redemption; our stagnation into growth. Let’s follow Queen Esther’s path as we overcome our obstacles and move forward. Queen Esther’s changed from a passive, quiet young lady to an active, courageous heroine. Her voice becomes a practical tool for redemption, a lightning rod for change as she pleads, requests, directs, and persuades. In the end, Esther fit into her title and becomes the powerful strong; queen she was destined to be. Like Esther, use successful training and moral ethics to model enduring values.
Blessing and glory and wisdom, thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to the LORD our GOD forever and ever, Amen
May our blessings be heard and welcomed! May peace abundant descend from heaven with life for us and to all Israel. Amen & Amen



Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.



Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Youth is what only the young have; but only the old know how to use it!

CONSEQUENCES OF COMPROMISING
"Jehu, son of Hanani the seer, went out to meet King Jehoshaphat and said to him, ‘Should you help the wicked and befriend those who hate the LORD? For this, wrath is upon you from the LORD.’" [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 19. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Jehoshaphat was a godly king in Judah who faithfully served ALMIGHTY GOD, except for making the tragic mistake of forming an partnership with the ungodly and wicked King Ahab of Israel to fight against Syria , their common enemy. After all — Jehoshaphat reasoned — they were fellow-Israelites, both being descended from Abraham, Isaac, And Jacob; therefore they may as well join together to conquer and defeat the Syrians.

In spite of this horrible error made by Jehoshaphat, the LORD GOD continued to bless him throughout his lifetime. Nevertheless, this compromise eventually resulted in great tragedy in his family as a result of this affiliation; Jehoram, Jehoshaphat’s son and successor married Ahab’s dreadfully evil daughter, Athaliah. Then Jehoram slew all his own brothers, and soon died of a loathsome disease. "Jehoram proceeded to take firm hold of his father’s kingdom, he strengthened himself and killed all his brothers with the sword, and also others of the princes of Israel...He followed the practices of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done, for he married the daughter of Ahab; he did evil in the sight of the LORD...Then it happened in the course of time, after the end of two years, that his intestines came out because of his disease; so he died in severe and gruesome pain. And his people made no burning for him, like the burning for his fathers." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 21. 4, 6, 19 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The road of compromise eventually ends in a precipice, especially in matters regarding the integrity of GOD’S HOLY WORD and HIS saving GOSPEL. The timeless principle for those who follow MESSIAH YESHUA today is given in the NEW COVENANT, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness (the infidel)? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has CHRIST with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the Temple of GOD with idols? For you are the temple of the LIVING GOD. As GOD has said: "I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their GOD, and they shall be MY people." Therefore — Come out from among them and be separate — says the LORD. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a FATHER to you, and you shall be MY sons and daughters — says the LORD ALMIGHTY." [2 Corinthians 6. 14 - 18]

This warning and command is needed today as much as it was in Paul’s day. Now in our present times, spiritual, moral, and religious compromise seems to be a vast-growing epidemic in the CHRISTian realm, in both doctrine and practice, and GOD warns us that tragedy is imminent. "Depart! Depart! Go out from there, touch no unclean thing." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 52. 11] Separate yourself from the things of the world, and do not profane GOD’S HOLY NAME by following the evil ways, be holy in both body and spirit.

Compromising is giving in to the enemy and dilutes your beliefs in order to gain favor with the world. GOD’S TRUTH is the only power to salvation. "The GOSPEL (GOOD NEWS) of MESSIAH is the Power of GOD to salvation for everyone who believes." [Romans 1. 16] Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the AWESOME LORD our GOD alone! Alleluia!

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Through the common days flow the refreshing waters of GOD'S loving-kindness, yet we forget HIM, the only SOURCE. May this hour awaken within us a sense of our dependence upon YOU, O LORD, create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us that we may face our daily duty with a firm courage and a tranquil mind. May we learn to know that in loving and serving our fellowmen, we are loving and serving YOU, the TRUE SOURCE of our livelihood: OUR BELOVED LORD GOD.
PURIM teaches us how to respond to anti-Semitism: Unfortunately Haman’s desire "to destroy and to slay and to annihilate every Jew from the young to the old, women and children" wasn’t obliterated with his death.
Optimists among us dared to hope that the Holocaust was the last gasp of genocidal anti-Semitism. "NEVER AGAIN" we proclaimed. Surely the world would have learned that a crime against Jews is a crime against humanity itself. Yet it has taken but a little more than half a century for the age-old hatred that inspired Haman to once again erupt around the world. Only when we proudly affirm our real selves and our values do we gain the respect we deserve. We need to assert our Jewish identity – not mask it – with increased passion and vigor. As we prepare to observe Purim this year, let us make the noise required to eradicate the genocidal ambitions of anti-Jewish hatred which still continue to plague us.
Happy Purim — Hag Semaiach!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Will you be a footnote in history or will you be a chapter heading? We ask you to stand with Israel as she stares down the face of evil in this world once again. As Jews around the world celebrate Purim (the holiday where the Book of Esther is read and GOD’S salvation is celebrated again) we say: "In every generation there are those that rise to destroy us and the HOLY ONE, blessed be HE, saves us from their hands."



MAN'S INFAMOUS ADVERSARY
The stunning, elegantly beautiful Hadassah (Queen Ester) had been reared by her cousin, Mordecai as his own daughter. [Esther/Ester 2. 15] When she was chosen by King Ahasuerus as his Queen, Mordecai commanded her not to reveal her identity as a Jewess to her husband or to any of the court (for fear of death) — for the Jews were unpopular in Persia . Hadassah obeyed Mordecai's command in every respect until the time came for the secret to be known.



A wicked man named Haman was made ruler over all the provinces in the kingdom by order of the king. He required that all people bow to him to give him homage, but Mordecai, being a Jew, could only bow before the GOD OF ISRAEL and therefore provoked the wrath of the Prime Minister by disobedience to his command. This enraged Haman to such a degree that he sought to destroy, not only Mordecai, but all the Jews in the province. He persuaded King Ahasuerus to decree the death of all Jews because this one Jew did not bow to him.


Jewish people explain the casting of lots "Purim" like this: Haman, having been warned that all enemies of the Jews had in the past met with frustration, being superstitious, decided to cast lots to determine the most favorable day for the slaughter. The "lots" indicated that day to be the 13th day of the twelfth month, Adar. But it turned out that Haman was hanged on the same gallows which he had previously prepared for Mordecai, and all the Jews escaped a terrible massacre. The next day, the 14th of Adar, the victory was joyously celebrated.

Esther had been willing to die for her people's salvation. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA was not only willing, but did die in order that HIS people would be saved from eternal destruction! Then, just as HE said HE would, YESHUA rose from the grave victoriously. HalleluYAH!


Haman, a hater of the Jews [Esther/Ester 3. 6], and Mordecai, the Jew, are not mere figures in history. Ever since there have been Jews, there have been Haman’s throughout the centuries who have ever been their enemies bent on their destruction. The Egyptians were the first people on record to institute anti-Semitic practices. [Genesis/Bereshith 43. 32]

The real reason for the attack on the Jewish nation is given in the Book of Revelation: "Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male CHILD." [Revelation 12. 13] The Dragon hates and persecutes "the woman" that brought forth the MAN-CHILD (YESHUA ha’MASHIACH). It is the old enmity, the serpent, against the chosen vessel through which the "BRUISER of his head" was born into the world. But the ETERNAL ONE, blessed be HE and blessed be HIS HOLY NAME, uses the wrath of the dragon for HIS OWN purposes touching HIS people. Just as Joseph dealt with his brethren in the time of famine, speaking roughly to them, accusing them of being thieves, causing the cup to be found in innocent Benjamin's sack to awaken their slumbering consciences about the dark deed in the background of their lives. Finally they cried, "We are truly guilty concerning our brother" as their sin rose up before them. This is the true cause of the wicked persecution of the Jews.

On the very first occasion that the Devil is mentioned by name, he is described as standing up against Israel , "Satan arose against Israel and incited David to number Israel ." [1 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Alef) 21. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This is the secret of anti-Semitism. The Old Dragon, Satan is the enemy of all mankind, but his hatred is directed particularly against the Jews and all who love the GOD OF THE HEBREWS.

However, the national cultures and races of earth meet in the LORD JESUS to discover we are brothers. The more a person loves YESHUA, the RIGHTEOUS KING OF GLORY, the more we love each other. The closer we get to MESSIAH YESHUA, the closer we are bound to all men. Hate cannot live in the light of the love of our WONDERFUL REDEEMER.

May ALMIGHTY GOD fortify the spirit of every reader of these lines against the satanic influences abroad everywhere today, even robbing many in the churches of a DIVINE BLESSING! Thus we must "be strong in the LORD and in power of HIS might. Put on the full armor of GOD, that you may be able to stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against powers, against the rulers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil wickedness in heavenly place." [Ephesians 6. 10 - 12] The LORD JESUS CHRIST declared, "This is MY commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." [John 15. 12] Therefore, go forth loving and being loved, the ALMIGHTY LORD GOD is with you!


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
As we bid farewell to Shabbas Zakhor — Sabbath of Remembrance, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, bless you abundantly and guard you, our dear ones in the coming week.
The purpose of wearing masks on Purim is not connected to mockery, permissiveness or the occult. Though a source of great enjoyment for young and old alike, it bespeaks a much deeper theological truth. The Book of Esther is the only text in HOLY WRIT where GOD'S NAME does not appear. HE seems to be absent throughout the story but it becomes evident to all that the events are all directed by HIS MIGHTY Hand. That is the ULTIMATE MASK. It is the Mask of all the reality we experience daily, for behind the masked reality is the LOVING, COMPASSIONATE GOD OF THE HEBREWS. As Jews, we believe that man is given choices to act out in this world but the junctions and highways have been set in place by the CREATOR.
If we are to prevail, we must unite under the banner of the Jewish MESSIAH — celebrating our unique heritage, our unique message, and our unique ability to bring inspiration to the world.
The Book of Esther is read to recall the miracle of salvation of the Jews and to remind us that in any generation when any type of Haman raises his hand against GOD'S chosen people, we can expect another miracle. Purim continues to be celebrated because its message needs to be remembered. Those who seek destruction of the Jewish people are evil. Their evil must be acknowledged. Their words must be taken seriously. Their goal must be prevented. Haman and his descendants must be defeated.
And how do we celebrate Purim today in light of modern day Iran’s seeming ascendancy to power, to strength and to wealth? Perhaps the most important words of the Megillat Esther, the Scroll of Esther are V’Nahafoch Hu – “it was reversed.” [Esther 10:1] Tragedy was turned round at the last moment, and all the plans Haman tried to implement to destroy the Jews were used in the end to save the Jews. But we need to remember that there was quite a long passage of time from the initial decree to the resolution, from the fear to Divine intervention.
There’s no doubt that we are reliving the Purim story. Persia is today’s Iran, our present day Haman who seeks our destruction. What we need to stress is that we today are not yet at the end of the story. We are still in the midst of the anxiety. But our past needs to reassure us. Purim ends with the evils our enemies sought to perpetrate against us befalling them instead.
"Hag Semaiach — Good Holiday!"


Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Never waste good agony.
A PURIM STORY
Purim is the annual celebration of the great deliverance of the Jewish people in the days of Queen Hadassah (Ester — Hadassah's captive name), as recorded in the Book of Esther in HOLY SCRIPTURE. The Jewish TALMUD declares, "When Adar enters, JOY is increased." Purim is the commemorative festival celebrated in the month of Adar on the 14th & 15th day (March 24th - 25th this year). These holy days are observed to honor the defeat of the enemies of GOD'S people. Purim commemorates the downfall of Haman (means: tumult, confusion), the enemy of the Jewish people in the Persian Empire . As such, Haman is a type of Satan, the accuser — the one who has throughout history, sought to eliminate the Hebrew race. Haman had the king's servants cast lots (purim) to determine the date on which the Jews would be destroyed, but his wicked plan was thwarted because of GOD'S great mercy and the obedience of Hadassah (Queen Ester).


"Purim (casting of lots)" is explained like this: Haman, having been warned that all enemies of the Jews had in the past met with frustration, being superstitious, decided that by a simple casting of lots he would determine the most favorable day for the slaughter. The lots indicated that day to be the 13th day of Adar, the 12th month. But, as it turned out, Haman was hanged on the same gallows which he had previously prepared for Mordecai, and all the Jews escaped a terrible massacre. The next day, the 14th of Adar, the victory was joyously celebrated.


After the Persian royal advisor, Haman’s genocidal plot to rid the world of the Jewish people was foiled, "V’nahafoch Hu (roughly interpreted — “and the tables were turned”)!" became the rallying cry of the Jewish people during the month of Adar. Jewish sages have advised [Tractate Ta’anit 29a] Jews throughout history to seek scheduling critical events, in which DIVINE assistance is desired, during the month of Adar.


Many years after Haman and his ten sons were hanged on a wooden gallows, our sins were judged and paid for on a wooden cross — when the HOLY ONE made HIS ultimate triumph over all wickedness, HE gave HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON to mankind that they might be set free. The vile Accuser (Satan) suffered a deathblow when sin's power was broken as the LORD YESHUA uttered the words, "It is finished!" [John 19. 30] Lots (purim) were also cast at YESHUA'S crucifixion — this time it was for the garments of the SAVIOR, as had been amazingly prophesied, "They divided MY clothes among themselves, casting lots for MY garments." [Psalms (Tehillym) 22. 18 Tanakh, Kethuvim] May we ever sanctify and praise the PRECIOUS NAME of the LORD GOD for defeating all our enemies, "With GOD we shall triumph; HE will trample our foes." [Psalms (Tehillym) 60. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Queen Hadassah (Ester) had been willing to die for her people's salvation. MESSIAH YESHUA, the EVERLASTING KING, was not only willing, but did die in order that HIS people would be saved from eternal destruction!


Jewish people do not merely say — this too shall pass — rather, he is emphatically confident that — "GOD willing, this too shall pass" — and when it passes the Jewish people will somehow be the better for having endured . . .
"It happened just a brief sixty plus years ago, there was a useless little Jew standing in the huge unruly crowd when Hitler gave one of his extremely violent and rabid speeches promising the extermination of the Jewish people. The bearded old Israelite chuckled delightedly throughout the entire harsh and merciless performance. Noticing his absurd and inappropriate laughter, the fascist Fuehrer shrieked — you fool! you idiot! what are you so happy about when I just threatened the extermination of your people?
"So, I'll tell you already" — answered the old man. — Pharaoh swore to destroy us, and you know that he himself was destroyed. As a consequence, we have a lovely holiday called Passover when we eat matzoh and knaidlach and drink wine. —
"The crazy madman, Haman, also wanted to destroy us — continued the Jew — and he was hanged on his own gallows. Now we have the beautiful festival of Purim where we eat hamantaschen (3-cornered fruit-filled cookie) and kreplach (stuffed-meat pies) and rejoice greatly."
"When Antiochus Epiphanes desecrated our Temple and tried to killed all who would not bow to his idol god, Zeus. And we celebrate for eight days every year the Festival of Lights (Chanukkah) with latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts) and other various fried goodies.
And all the while you were standing up there ranting-and-raving, spouting out hot air and shouting insanely against the Jews...I couldn't help thinking about what a glorious time we will have when you too are destroyed, and about the delicious things we will eat to celebrate That Occasion."


There is a portion of the TALMUD that reads: "When the Jew looks like a dog, then MESSIAH will come." This was never understood, until the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Desert Storm brought about an understanding — when the Jewish people were forced to wear gas masks — since anyone wearing them definitely. . . looks like a dog.

As we remember the BLESSED DELIVERER, YESHUA ha’MASHIACH and as the Jewish people remember Queen Hadassah, we can praise HIM even as did King David: "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and my being, bless HIS HOLY NAME. Bless the LORD, O my soul and do not forget all HIS bountiful benefits. HE forgives all your sins, heals all your diseases." [Psalms (Tehillym) 103. 1 - 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Assuredly, JESUS' return is imminent, HE is coming very soon! Are you ready and watching?

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Welcome Sabbath Zakhor — Sabbath of Remembrance, when we recall Amalek, and all the foes who have threatened our existence, let us dwell on the power of faith and devotion which has preserved us to this hour. Many are the enemies that have risen against us, but trusting in YEHOWAH our GOD, we were not dismayed. Permeate us with the faith of former generations of Israel. Give us courage and steadfastness that, like Mordecai, we may bend the knee to YOU alone. Uphold us that, like Hadassah, we may walk undaunted in the path of loyalty. When adversity and sorrow come upon our people, may we face them manfully as trials of faith. Amid suffering and persecution, may we continue to cling to YOU and perform our appointed tasks in confidence and fortitude. Strengthen us to combat prejudice, injustice and oppression when they strike not only against us, but all YOUR children. May we strive unceasingly for the triumph of truth and right over falsehood and wrong. Amen
Those who keep the Desire of Days (Sabbath) and call it their delight will be satiated and delighted with GOD'S goodness. Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH our GOD, SOVEREIGN OF THE UNIVERSE, WHO makes us holy with YOUR mitzvoth and greatly favors us with the Holy Shabbat, lovingly and graciously given to us.
As we prepare for Purim (it begins on the eve of March 11th), we encourage you to read about Ta’anit Ester — the Fast of Esther — the Book of Esther is read to recall the miracle of salvation of the Jews and to remind us that in any generation when a "Haman" raises his hand against GOD'S chosen people, we can expect another miracle.
It also teaches us that life's challenges work out for the best, when we recognize what appear to be obstacles as opportunities to develop ourselves for the better and when we recognize that all things come from Omnipotent GOD'S invisible hand that guides our lives. Have a blessed Sabbath!
"Hag Semaiach! — Happy Purim!"

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Email: delrifkah.kralman@comcast.net

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Please visit our web page for teachings on Bible texts and subjects.

Also notice the section showing the disparity between the Holy Bible and the Muslim Koran (Quran).

The newest section is our thought by thought study through the Bible. Having completed the Torah (books of Moses), and the New Testament, we are now going through the book of; [PSALMS].

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Wisdom is like gold ore in the ground mixed with sand and rock; Logic is the mercury used to extract the gold.

STONES OF REMEMBRANCE
"Take two lazuli stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel : Six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, in the order of their birth. On the two stones you shall make seal engravings — the work of a lapidary — of the names of the sons of Israel . Having bordered them with frames of gold, attach the two stones to the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, as Stones for Remembrance of the Israelite people, whose names Aaron shall carry upon his two shoulder-pieces for remembrance before the LORD." [Exodus (Shemot) 28. 9 - 12 Tanakh, Torah]

Just as the stones were secured on the shoulders of the HIGH PRIEST, MESSIAH YESHUA bears those HE has redeemed upon HIS shoulders [Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6] which is the place of courage and strength. HE promises, "I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with MY victorious right hand." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 41. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The ministry of NEW COVENANT priests is to bear one another's burdens [Galatians 6. 2] — the strong bearing the infirmities of the weak. [Romans 15. 1] We are commanded to pray for one another and to strengthen one another in the LORD. [Luke 22. 32; James 5. 16]

Not only does the shoulder signify courage and strength, but it is the place representing leadership of government and is in open or public view. The LORD JESUS leads HIS people, they are DIVINELY governed; HIS ministry is to HIS people, open and public.

There was a certain arrangement and a certain stone to be placed on the High Priest's shoulders. Six names of the sons of Israel were engraved in an onyx (lazuli) stone on one shoulder, and six names of the sons of Israel were engraved in another onyx (lazuli) stone on the other "according to birth."

The names are associated with the stones as a very part of them for they were engraved permanently there. Each of the names had the same kind of stone. . . no difference. Each of us who are sons of the MOST HOLY LORD GOD, born into GOD'S Kingdom of priests, are the same; we are equally recognized in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH according to our New Birth. We are each engraved on the same kind of stone, encased in gold, brilliant, flashing with the luster of the fiery HOLY SPIRIT, lifted high upon the shoulders of our great HIGH PRIEST, borne up above the earthly ties and boundaries to a place in the heavenlies! There is a precious truth told in the meaning of these names. {Note: We will draw attention to just the first and last names, which are all-inclusive.}

"According to birth" tells us that since Reuben was the firstborn of Israel (Jacob), his name engraved first in order on the shoulder stone. Reuben means "behold (see) a son." This directs our attention to the GREATER SON, the PRECIOUS LORD JESUS. The angels announced HIS birth in Beit'Lehem; the prophet Isaiah declared of HIM, "A CHILD is born, a SON is given." The ALMIGHTY OMNIPOTENT ONE informed the disciples concerning CHRIST, "This is MY BELOVED SON, in whom I am well pleased. Hear HIM!" [Matthew 17. 5] And who of GOD'S people can forget that most precious verse, "GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON." [John 3. 16] "Reuben! Behold, a SON!"

The last name on the shoulder stones was Benjamin. Remember the story of his birth? Rachel, because she was dying, named him "Benoni" — "son of my sorrow." But Jacob (Israel) named him "Benjamin" — "son of my right hand." JESUS OF NAZARETH was born into this world and fulfilled the first name, BENONI, for HE was a MAN of sorrows, acquainted with grief. MESSIAH YESHUA was despised and rejected of men; HE suffered, bled and died, the SON OF SORROW. Benjamin was the only son named by his father, Israel . Son of my right hand signifies an exalted and honored place — in an equal position. The LORD YESHUA gave HIS life (ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE for sins forever) and is now seated at the right hand of the ETERNAL & TRUE SUPREME GOD in an exalted, honoured place. The HEAVENLY FATHER says of JESUS, the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, "BENJAMIN! SON OF MY RIGHT HAND!"

Through the regenerating power of the HOLY SPIRIT, we are born of the MOST HIGH & LOFTY EVER-LIVING ONE and given the right to be the sons of GOD. The GREATER SON, our LORD & MESSIAH, rejoices in the presence of the angels when a sinner receives HIM. And, it is as though all heaven rejoices with CHRIST JESUS when they see this take place. Now it can be said of this sinner, "Reuben! Behold, a son!"

After this new birth, there is joy and yet there is sorrow for the dying soul of men as we enter into "the fellowship of HIS sufferings." But, if we suffer with our WONDERFUL REDEEMER, we shall also reign with HIM in glory. We can only wear the "golden crown" at last IF we were able to wear the "thorny one" first. As sons in THE SON will be exalted to the position that YESHUA assured: Blessed is the man who endures to the END. . . he shall receive a Crown of Life. [James 1. 12] "To him that overcomes I will grant to sit with ME on MY Throne." [Revelation 3. 21] Then, in that day, the LORD GOD OF HOST will say to us, "Benjamin! son of MY right hand!" May we all be richly blessed by hearing those words spoken to us.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
May this day be a life-changing experience as you consider your latter end and turn to the LIVING GOD of all grace and mercy! Our beloved friends, our prayer is that the ETERNAL GOD OF HEAVEN will hear our prayer and give us a renewed spiritual awakening, increase our love and brotherhood among us thru MESSIAH YESHUA, HIS SON.
May your life be filled with GOD’S peace, and abundantly rich blessings. May the HOLY CREATOR, ever be praised for HIS mercy and loving-kindness to us.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Wisdom is like gold ore in the ground mixed with sand and rock; Logic is the mercury used to extract the gold.

STONES OF REMEMBRANCE
"Take two lazuli stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel : Six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, in the order of their birth. On the two stones you shall make seal engravings — the work of a lapidary — of the names of the sons of Israel . Having bordered them with frames of gold, attach the two stones to the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, as Stones for Remembrance of the Israelite people, whose names Aaron shall carry upon his two shoulder-pieces for remembrance before the LORD." [Exodus (Shemot) 28. 9 - 12 Tanakh, Torah]

Just as the stones were secured on the shoulders of the HIGH PRIEST, MESSIAH YESHUA bears those HE has redeemed upon HIS shoulders [Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6] which is the place of courage and strength. HE promises, "I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with MY victorious right hand." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 41. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The ministry of NEW COVENANT priests is to bear one another's burdens [Galatians 6. 2] — the strong bearing the infirmities of the weak. [Romans 15. 1] We are commanded to pray for one another and to strengthen one another in the LORD. [Luke 22. 32; James 5. 16]

Not only does the shoulder signify courage and strength, but it is the place representing leadership of government and is in open or public view. The LORD JESUS leads HIS people, they are DIVINELY governed; HIS ministry is to HIS people, open and public.


There was a certain arrangement and a certain stone to be placed on the High Priest's shoulders. Six names of the sons of Israel were engraved in an onyx (lazuli) stone on one shoulder, and six names of the sons of Israel were engraved in another onyx (lazuli) stone on the other "according to birth."

The names are associated with the stones as a very part of them for they were engraved permanently there. Each of the names had the same kind of stone. . . no difference. Each of us who are sons of the MOST HOLY LORD GOD, born into GOD'S Kingdom of priests, are the same; we are equally recognized in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH according to our New Birth. We are each engraved on the same kind of stone, encased in gold, brilliant, flashing with the luster of the fiery HOLY SPIRIT, lifted high upon the shoulders of our great HIGH PRIEST, borne up above the earthly ties and boundaries to a place in the heavenlies! There is a precious truth told in the meaning of these names. {Note: We will draw attention to just the first and last names, which are all-inclusive.}

"According to birth" tells us that since Reuben was the firstborn of Israel (Jacob), his name engraved first in order on the shoulder stone. Reuben means "behold (see) a son." This directs our attention to the GREATER SON, the PRECIOUS LORD JESUS. The angels announced HIS birth in Beit'Lehem; the prophet Isaiah declared of HIM, "A CHILD is born, a SON is given." The ALMIGHTY OMNIPOTENT ONE informed the disciples concerning CHRIST, "This is MY BELOVED SON, in whom I am well pleased. Hear HIM!" [Matthew 17. 5] And who of GOD'S people can forget that most precious verse, "GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON." [John 3. 16] "Reuben! Behold, a SON!"

The last name on the shoulder stones was Benjamin. Remember the story of his birth? Rachel, because she was dying, named him "Benoni" — "son of my sorrow." But Jacob (Israel) named him "Benjamin" — "son of my right hand." JESUS OF NAZARETH was born into this world and fulfilled the first name, BENONI, for HE was a MAN of sorrows, acquainted with grief. MESSIAH YESHUA was despised and rejected of men; HE suffered, bled and died, the SON OF SORROW. Benjamin was the only son named by his father, Israel . Son of my right hand signifies an exalted and honored place — in an equal position. The LORD YESHUA gave HIS life (ONE PERFECT SACRIFICE for sins forever) and is now seated at the right hand of the ETERNAL & TRUE SUPREME GOD in an exalted, honoured place. The HEAVENLY FATHER says of JESUS, the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, "BENJAMIN! SON OF MY RIGHT HAND!"

Through the regenerating power of the HOLY SPIRIT, we are born of the MOST HIGH & LOFTY EVER-LIVING ONE and given the right to be the sons of GOD. The GREATER SON, our LORD & MESSIAH, rejoices in the presence of the angels when a sinner receives HIM. And, it is as though all heaven rejoices with CHRIST JESUS when they see this take place. Now it can be said of this sinner, "Reuben! Behold, a son!"

After this new birth, there is joy and yet there is sorrow for the dying soul of men as we enter into "the fellowship of HIS sufferings." But, if we suffer with our WONDERFUL REDEEMER, we shall also reign with HIM in glory. We can only wear the "golden crown" at last IF we were able to wear the "thorny one" first. As sons in THE SON will be exalted to the position that YESHUA assured: Blessed is the man who endures to the END. . . he shall receive a Crown of Life. [James 1. 12] "To him that overcomes I will grant to sit with ME on MY Throne." [Revelation 3. 21] Then, in that day, the LORD GOD OF HOST will say to us, "Benjamin! son of MY right hand!" May we all be richly blessed by hearing those words spoken to us.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
May this day be a life-changing experience as you consider your latter end and turn to the LIVING GOD of all grace and mercy! Our beloved friends, our prayer is that the ETERNAL GOD OF HEAVEN will hear our prayer and give us a renewed spiritual awakening, increase our love and brotherhood among us thru MESSIAH YESHUA, HIS SON.
May your life be filled with GOD’S peace, and abundantly rich blessings. May the HOLY CREATOR, ever be praised for HIS mercy and loving-kindness to us.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Bless the moment and the years will be their own blessing.

APPLE OF THE EYE
"Display YOUR faithfulness in wondrous deeds, YOU WHO delivers with YOUR right hand those who seek refuge from assailants. Guard me like the apple of YOUR eye; hide me in the shadow of YOUR wings." [Psalms (Tehillym) 17. 7 - 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The LORD GOD says, "I will instruct you and show you which way to go; let ME offer counsel; I will guide you with MY eye." [Psalms (Tehillym) 32. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The apple of the eye is the phrase used to speak of something as being highly valuable to the owner. The Hebrew word 'iyshown means the little man or pupil of the eye and 'ayin is the word for the eye meaning favor, regard or thought. Therefore, to be kept as the Apple of the Eye would be to say, "keep me as the center of YOUR favor, affection, choice, or preference; and in YOUR care and constant consideration."

The GOD MOST HIGH'S portion is HIS people, Jacob HIS OWN inheritance, and Israel and Jerusalem as being the apple of HIS eye: "HE (ALMIGHTY GOD) found him (Israel) in a desert land and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; HE encircled him, HE instructed him, HE kept him (Israel) as the apple of HIS eye. Like an eagle rouses his nestlings, gliding down to his young, so did HE (the HOLY ONE OF JACOB) spread HIS wings and take him (Israel), bearing him along on HIS pinions; the LORD alone did guide him, no alien god at HIS side." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 32. 10 - 12 Tanakh, Torah
]
"Jerusalem shall be inhabited a city without walls, so many shall be the men and cattle it contains. And I MYSELF — declares the LORD — will be a WALL OF FIRE all around her, and I will be "THE GLORY" in her midst. For thus said the LORD OF HOSTS — HE WHOSE PRESENCE sent ME concerning the nations that have taken you to spoil: "Whoever touches you touches the apple of MY eye." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 2. 4-5, 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"Shout for joy, Fair Zion ! For lo, I come; and I will dwell in your midst — declares the LORD. In that day many nations shall be joined to the LORD and become MY people, and I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that I was sent to you by the LORD OF HOSTS. The LORD will allot Judah his portion in the Holy Land, and will choose Jerusalem once more. Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD! For HE is roused from HIS holy habitation!" [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 2. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

To be kept as the apple of the eye of the GREAT ETERNAL LORD GOD requires our essential trust in HIM and HIS LIFE-GIVING WORD. We must keep HIS WORD as the APPLE of our eye. "MY son, keep MY WORDS, and treasure MY commands within you. Keep MY commands and live, and MY Law as the APPLE of your eye." [Proverbs (Mishle) 7. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] How very sweet and nourishing are HIS righteous laws and precepts.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Quickened by YOUR spirit, MOST HOLY ONE WHO we honor and praise, may we learn how to ennoble the things of earth by sanctifying them to YOUR service. Encourage us to watch and pray because the LORD Messiah YESHUA is coming soon to set up HIS Kingdom. Those who love HIS NAME shall dwell in it, and the descendants of HIS servants shall inherit it. May the REDEEMER of all ages make you holy and may you grow in HIS knowledge, wisdom and favor. Amen

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Bless the moment and the years will be their own blessing.



APPLE OF THE EYE
"Display YOUR faithfulness in wondrous deeds, YOU WHO delivers with YOUR right hand those who seek refuge from assailants. Guard me like the apple of YOUR eye; hide me in the shadow of YOUR wings." [Psalms (Tehillym) 17. 7 - 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The LORD GOD says, "I will instruct you and show you which way to go; let ME offer counsel; I will guide you with MY eye." [Psalms (Tehillym) 32. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim]



The apple of the eye is the phrase used to speak of something as being highly valuable to the owner. The Hebrew word 'iyshown means the little man or pupil of the eye and 'ayin is the word for the eye meaning favor, regard or thought. Therefore, to be kept as the Apple of the Eye would be to say, "keep me as the center of YOUR favor, affection, choice, or preference; and in YOUR care and constant consideration."



The GOD MOST HIGH'S portion is HIS people, Jacob HIS OWN inheritance, and Israel and Jerusalem as being the apple of HIS eye: "HE (ALMIGHTY GOD) found him (Israel) in a desert land and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; HE encircled him, HE instructed him, HE kept him (Israel) as the apple of HIS eye. Like an eagle rouses his nestlings, gliding down to his young, so did HE (the HOLY ONE OF JACOB) spread HIS wings and take him (Israel), bearing him along on HIS pinions; the LORD alone did guide him, no alien god at HIS side." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 32. 10 - 12 Tanakh, Torah

]

"Jerusalem shall be inhabited a city without walls, so many shall be the men and cattle it contains. And I MYSELF — declares the LORD — will be a WALL OF FIRE all around her, and I will be "THE GLORY" in her midst. For thus said the LORD OF HOSTS — HE WHOSE PRESENCE sent ME concerning the nations that have taken you to spoil: "Whoever touches you touches the apple of MY eye." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 2. 4-5, 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im]



"Shout for joy, Fair Zion ! For lo, I come; and I will dwell in your midst — declares the LORD. In that day many nations shall be joined to the LORD and become MY people, and I will dwell in your midst. Then you will know that I was sent to you by the LORD OF HOSTS. The LORD will allot Judah his portion in the Holy Land, and will choose Jerusalem once more. Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD! For HE is roused from HIS holy habitation!" [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 2. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]



To be kept as the apple of the eye of the GREAT ETERNAL LORD GOD requires our essential trust in HIM and HIS LIFE-GIVING WORD. We must keep HIS WORD as the APPLE of our eye. "MY son, keep MY WORDS, and treasure MY commands within you. Keep MY commands and live, and MY Law as the APPLE of your eye." [Proverbs (Mishle) 7. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] How very sweet and nourishing are HIS righteous laws and precepts.



Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Quickened by YOUR SPIRIT, MOST HOLY ONE WHO we honor and praise, may we learn how to ennoble the things of earth by sanctifying them to YOUR service. Encourage us to watch and pray because the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA is coming soon to set up HIS Kingdom. Those who love HIS NAME shall dwell in it, and the descendants of HIS servants shall inherit it. May the REDEEMER of all ages make you holy and may you grow in HIS knowledge, wisdom and favor. Amen



Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The CHRISTian life cannot mature unless there should be long obedience in the same direction...toward GOD’S likeness.

UNCHANGING
"My thoughts turn to days of old, to years long past." [Psalms (Tehillym) 77. 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The passage of time is fascinatingly clear in the perspective recording of HOLY SCRIPTURE. Some three thousand years ago, the psalmist was reflecting on GOD’S ways in the earliest of times and was searching diligently to understand the ways of EL SHADDAI in his time. Each generation renews the idea that their new ideas will lead the world out of its past darkness into a new age of enlightenment, explanations, and reasoning.

While research is needed, we need to keep in mind that true science is really thinking GOD’S thoughts after HIM, because the MASTER CREATOR made man in HIS OWN IMAGE to be creative — "GOD created man in HIS IMAGE; in the image of GOD HE created him; male and female HE created them. GOD blessed them and GOD said to them — Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and master it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and all the living things that move on the earth." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 27 – 28 Tanakh, Torah] All that man discovers should always be to glorify the GREAT DESIGNER and to draw men closer to HIM, not lead them away from HIM.

We are merely the children of ancient patriarchs, and our moral natures are the same as theirs, all contaminated by inherent sinfulness and the need of a SAVIOR. The HOLY ONE, blessed be HE, dealt with our ancestors in times past the same way HE does with us, so every generation — from Adam on — desperately needs to study and learn from those who have gone before and from GOD’S INSPIRED BOOK OF HISTORY of them. The ANCIENT BOOKS — from Genesis through Revelation — are for our understanding and comprehending our CREATOR. "For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the SCRIPTURES might have hope." [Romans 15. 4]



For the mature in faith, it is no obstacle to believe that GOD is the same today as HE was when HE formed the universe, was in the Garden of Eden, opened the Red Sea, spoke on Mount Sinai, delivered Elijah on Mount Karam’El, saved Daniel in the lion’s den; walked in on the waters of Galilee, multiplied the loaves and fish, and went to Calvary. "JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday, today, and forever." [Hebrews 13. 8] "O LORD, YOU have been our DWELLING PLACE in every generation. Before the mountains were brought forth, before YOU had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting (Hebrew: owlam) to everlasting, YOU are GOD." [Psalms (Tehillym) 90. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This same GREAT, MIGHTY & AWESOME GOD is still waiting for us to come to HIM, desiring to be the SECURE SHELTER from all the evils in a world that is so dark and has turned so far from HIM. From everlasting throughout all eternity, HE alone is GOD.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Praised are YOU, O LORD our GOD, WHO directs the destinies of men and nations according to YOUR wisdom and justice.
Do not fear the battles when you are in the center of GOD’S purposes, embrace them. What is of the HOLY ONE will be opposed, and that which is good is worth fighting for. Fight the good fight of faith and you will prevail. Blessed is the man who forgets YOU not, for he who seeks YOU will not stumble, and he who trusts in YOU will not be put to shame.



Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.
Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
You must control your evil inclinations that temptation may not master you.

DIETARY LAWS
ALMIGHTY GOD instructs the children of Israel in HIS Laws concerning their diet. They were forbidden to eat the flesh of animals whose "hoofs are not cloven; those who do not chew the cud (horses, swine, camel, etc.)" — fish that "lack fins and scales (shrimp, octopus, crabs, lobster, etc.)" — birds "of prey (carrion, vulture, owl, etc.)" — and all creeping things and insects "except for certain types of locusts." [Leviticus/Vayikra 11; Deuteronomy/Devarim 14]
Note: There was a difference between Clean and Unclean animals even before the Law. At the time of the flood Noah was to take Seven of every Clean animal, male and female; and Two each of the Unclean animals, male and female. — Genesis/Bereshith 7

Even of the clean animals permitted for food, certain parts were forbidden: The Blood [Deuteronomy/Devarim 1. 23], the Fat [Leviticus/Vayikra 3. 3 - 5; 7. 23], and in Jewish custom, the Hind Quarter because it contains the sciatic nerve. The hind quarter is avoided as food because the ANGEL OF THE LORD touched Jacob's thigh muscle when he was allowed to wrestle with HIM. Genesis 32 tells the story and concludes: "That is why the children of Israel to this day do not eat the thigh muscle that is on the socket of the hip, since Jacob's hip socket was wrenched at the thigh muscle." [Genesis (Bereshith) 32. 32 Tanakh, Torah]

These dietary laws were given to the Israelites primarily for hygienic reasons to bring to their attention the importance of being clean and holy in the sight of the ETERNAL GOD. Their difference from other people was not only to be in their religious worship, but also in their eating habits. The HOLY ONE explained this conclusively and definitely:
"You shall not draw abomination upon yourselves through anything that swarms; you shall not make yourselves unclean...you shall sanctify yourselves and be holy, for I am HOLY. Neither shall you defile yourselves with any creeping thing that creeps on the earth…you shall be holy, for I am HOLY. These are the instructions concerning animals, birds, all living creatures that move in water, and all creatures that swarm on earth, for distinguishing between the unclean and the clean, between the living things that may be eaten and the living things that may not be eaten." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 11. 43 - 47 Tanakh, Torah]

The primary reason for giving these food laws to Israel was to sanctify (set apart) them or to make a difference between them and the heathen [Deuteronomy/Devarim 12. 2 - 3; Leviticus/Vayikra 11. 44]; they are to be a holy people to GOD MOST HIGH.

CREATOR GOD called some animals and fish clean and some unclean to teach lessons by the very nature of these animals and fish. The Divided Hoof shows separation. An animal with divided hoofs can climb to high places. The people of GOD are to be like the clean animal — separated from the worldly system to climb the high mountains of spiritual victory!

The Fins are for propulsion, to swim against the current, to stay off the mud below. The people of GOD are to be like the clean fish with fins; refuse to slide along in the mud or to drift with the tide, but swim against the current. Scales (Hebrew: qasqeseth — coat of mail) on the clean fish are for protection against muddy waters and any contamination. GOD'S people are to be like the clean fish with scales, though in the world, protected against all the filth of the world, encased in a "coat of mail."

ALMIGHTY GOD commanded HIS people to eat only the meat of those animals who "chew the cud." The HEBREW TEXT translates "chewing the cud" as "reflect, think, to muse, to ponder, to meditate." This is a mark of the sanctified life — "to chew the cud" — the WORD OF GOD — is to be meditated upon day and night.

There is significance also in the command of the ETERNAL ONE which prohibits fat and blood. Jewish custom, not GOD'S Law forbids the hind quarter of animals which were clean for food. Blood, because the life of flesh is in the blood. [Deuteronomy/Devarim 12. 23; Leviticus/Vayikra 7. 26; 17. 10 - 11] The fat, because the fat belonged to the LORD. [Numbers/B'Midvar 18. 17; Leviticus/Vayikra 3. 16] The sinew (that shrank), because the HOLY ONE touched the human strength of Jacob in wrestling with him. [Genesis/Bereshith 32. 32]

In all this we see that Blood represents LIFE; Fat symbolizes ABUNDANCE, Sinew signifies STRENGTH — and all belongs to the LORD GOD! It is only by the cleansing blood of the ANOINTED ONE, YESHUA ha’ MASHIACH, that we can stand clean (kosher) before the MOST HIGH. Thank YOU, ETERNAL KING!

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Blessed be the LORD, the MAKER, the LIVING GOD and EVERLASTING KING — for from old you have given YOUR servants the abundance of YOUR mercies and YOUR loving kindnesses. YOU, my PRECIOUS REDEEMER, are above all gods, executing great judgment. YOU are KING over all the earth, YOU are ONE LORD, and YOUR NAME is ECHAD (ONE).

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The Soul: The story is told of a blind man who carried a lame man into an orchard where together they stole some fruit. To the question of which was the guilty party, the rabbi answered: Both! Neither could have carried out the theft without the other. The two men represent the body and the soul of man; together, they constitute an indivisible (inseparable, always together) unity. [Roland B. Gittelsohn]

THE NEW COVENANT
My Jewish people, the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob gave promises to our fathers that will surely come to pass even as HE said. We see in the BIBLE that all the Covenants were made by GOD with Israel . It is written in the WORD OF GOD and the WORD OF GOD does not lie! GOD inspired the Jewish apostle Paul to write the following statements: "…[Israelites] to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of GOD, and the promises; of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, CHRIST came, who is over all, the eternally blessed GOD. Amen" [Romans 9. 4 - 5]

Yes, the news of ONLY LIVING & TRUE GOD WHO made us and all things, was preached by Jews. The Book they carried with them was really a Jewish Book, for both OLD & NEW COVENANTS were written by Jews as GOD anointed them to do. GOD made ALL the Covenants with Israel , just as was written.

GOD OMNIPOTENT declared that the FIRST COVENANT had grown old, however, and because it did not meet the needs of Israel , HE promised HE would make a NEW COVENANT with them. HE said that this NEW COVENANT would not be the same because the FIRST COVENANT was for the outward man: This NEW ONE would be with the inward man. The GOD OF JACOB said also that this NEW COVENANT would give a knowledge of the LORD to every one who would receive it, as the following SCRIPTURE expresses:
"Behold, the days are coming — declares the LORD — when I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel and with the House of Judah . It will not be according to the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, MY covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them — declares the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those days — declares the LORD: I will put My Law in their minds, and inscribe it on their hearts. Then I will be their GOD, and they shall be My people. No longer will they need to teach one another, and every man his brother saying, "Know the LORD" — for all of them, from the least of them to the greatest, shall know ME — declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 31. 31 - 34 Tanakh, Nevi’im]

From studying SCRIPTURES, we know that there is coming a day when this NEW COVENANT with Israel will come to pass literally, for GOD keeps HIS Covenants. Once more, Israel will be a nation knowing the LORD in her heart. My people do not know HIM this way now, but one day it will be fulfilled in history. That day will be when the MESSIAH comes and our Jewish people as a nation will acknowledge their offenses against GOD’S ANOINTED ONE. This will happen when they see the nail prints in HIS hands and mourn because of HIM as for an only son knowing now it was JESUS WHO was their MESSIAH-PRIEST-KING all the time, but they had refused HIM. Zechariah, the Jewish prophet tells of this:
"And I will fill the House of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem with a spirit of grace and compassion; then they will look on ME WHOM they pierced. Yes, they will lament because of ME for those who are slain, wailing over them as over a favorite son." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 12. 10 Tanakh, Nevi’im]
"In that day a fountain shall be opened for the House of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. And if one asks of him, "What are those wounds on YOUR back?" he will answer, "From being beaten in the house of my friends." Then the LORD will go forth and make war on those nations, as HE fights in the day of battle. And IN THAT DAY HIS FEET WILL STAND ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES, near Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives shall split across from east to west, making a very large gorge; one part of the Mount of Olives shall shift to the north and the other shall move toward the south." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 13. 1, 6; 14. 3 - 4 Tanakh, Nevi’im]

Now these prophecies and the NEW COVENANT will be fulfilled in history to Israel as a nation — but to the Jewish person the NEW COVENANT is fulfilled individually the moment he received YESHUA ha’MASHIACH into his heart as LORD & SAVIOR. For YESHUA is the PROMISED ONE OF GOD, the REDEEMER WHO has already come the first time fulfilling the FIRST COVENANT and established the NEW COVENANT for everyone, Jew and Gentile, who will believe on HIS NAME.

The LORD YESHUA did not come to bring a new religion but to fulfill the prophesied SCRIPTURES of the FIRST COVENANT. The NEW COVENANT is not a new book but is the continuation of the FIRST. What is hidden in the OLD is revealed in the NEW. When a Jewish person accepts YESHUA as his MESSIAH and SAVIOR, he does not renounce the Jewish faith, but accepts the fulfillment of it and becomes a TRUE JEW! HE comes into his own faith and is completed in MESSIAH. He becomes a completed Jew. He has accepted what belongs to him by GOD’S COVENANT with his fathers. The first CHRISTian church was composed of Jewish believers (at Peter’s preaching, 3,000 believed in one day, Acts 2:41). According to a record in history, there were 25,000 Jews who recognized YESHUA as their MESSIAH a short time after Pentecost (Shavuoth) 2,000 years ago.

YESHUA, WHO was a Jew according to GOD’S promise of the MESSIAH’S genealogy, does not expect any Jew to change the fact that he is Jewish, but wants every Jew to come into living touch with ALMIGHTY GOD, to love HIM with all their heart. We Jews who believe in MESSIAH YESHUA, do not look upon CHRISTianity as another religion, but we look on it as the completion of the faith of our forefathers. We are more Jewish now then ever before we accepted YESHUA. We Jewish believers know and love the SCRIPTURES of the FIRST COVENANT (the TANAKH) more now than ever before! We know the meaning of the holidays and customs of our Jewish people in the BIBLE now where before our faith in JESUS we were blind and uninformed. We have been brought to a greater sympathy and understanding and also a greater love for Israel . We now have a deep impression on our hearts, put there by GOD HIMSELF to pray for our own Jewish people everywhere that they see the LIGHT and come into the NEW COVENANT as we have We do not deny our heritage, we are the natural descendants of Abraham through Isaac — not only are we Jewish by decent — but TRUE Jews, sons of GOD’S promise, for we have come into HIS NEW COVENANT; we believe in YESHUA as our MESSIAH, our soon-coming KING.

We encourage you, our fellow members of the tribes, to seek the LORD while HE may still be found. HE is near and waiting for you!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Welcome Shabbat! — Come, let us go out to meet the Sabbath Queen, Sabbath presence, let us welcome. O FATHER in Heaven, in YOUR great love YOU appointed for us a day of rest, that in YOUR PRESENCE we may regain that freedom of the soul which comes through obedience to YOUR commandments. Quickened by YOUR SPIRIT, may we learn how to ennoble the things of earth by sanctifying them to YOUR service. We honour & praise the LORD YESHUA, the BLESSED ONE, WHO separates the sacred from the mundane and gives true Sabbath peace & rest; where there is wonderful joy in living in "Kedushat Shevi'it . . . Sabbath Holiness!”

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
By prayer one may achieve part of one's wish.

ASK IN MESSIAH'S NAME
"Whatever you ask in MY NAME, that I will do, that the FATHER may be glorified in the SON." [John 14. 13] "If you abide in ME, and MY WORDS abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." [John 15. 7]

Such promises seem almost too extensive and unconditional to be understood literally. Asking "in HIS NAME" does not mean just beginning or ending a prayer with those words.

It is only through MESSIAH YESHUA, our MEDIATOR, that we dare enter the presence of the OMNIPOTENT GOD at all. The LORD JESUS declared — "No man comes to the FATHER but by ME." [John 14. 6] This being true, it also implies that our prayer must be in agreement with what the ALL-WISE MASTER HIMSELF would pray. No follower of MESSIAH should ask for something he knows to be against GOD'S will. "Now this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that if we ask anything according to HIS will, HE hears us. And if we know that HE hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of HIM." [1 John 5. 14 - 15]

When we come to the HEAVENLY FATHER in JESUS' MIGHTY NAME, we are in a very real sense, representing HIM. Therefore, we must come with clean hands and motives worthy of THE ONE in WHOSE NAME we profess to come. We must confess and repent of all our sins, or we couldn't even speak in HIS NAME nor expect HIM to hear and answer our entreaty. As we acknowledge HIS power and promise, we must come believing, not doubting HIM, the LIVING, LIFE-GIVING WORD.

Then the LOVING FATHER is glorified as we exalt our GREAT GOD. "Whatever you ask the FATHER in MY NAME HE will give you. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." [John 16. 23 - 24] This promise is given that GOD THE FATHER may be magnified gloriously in GOD THE SON, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
May our lips ever declare praises of the LORD JESUS our KING, HELPER, SAVIOR & SHIELD for HIS loving kindness is mighty over us.
Our prayer for each of you is for mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance from our WONDERFUL REDEEMER.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If your life is a reed, you can be music if you allow the BREATH OF GOD to blow through you.

HEARING THE MASTER'S VOICE
"But if the slave declares — I love my master, and my wife and children; I do not wish to go free. — Then his master shall take him before the judges. He shall be brought to the door or the doorpost, and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl; and he shall then remain his slave for life." [Exodus (Shemot) 21. 5 - 6 Tanakh, Torah]

This unique decree in the Mosaic Law is significant being the first one given after the Ten Commandments. It, and those following, centers first on the most humble members of society, the slaves, then on other people, then on property — thus establishing OMNIPOTENT GOD'S priorities. This was a foreshadowing of the voluntary submission of MESSIAH YESHUA, "WHO made HIMSELF of no reputation, and took upon HIM the form of a servant." [Philippians 2. 7] For YESHUA was sold for thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave [Exodus/Shemot 21. 32; Matthew 26. 15], in order to identify with the church "in bringing many sons to glory, to make the AUTHOR of their salvation perfect through sufferings." [Hebrews 2. 10]

The Hebrew servant was obligated to serve his master for six years, with full right to be set free in the Sabbatical Year. If the master obtained a wife for him and then children followed, the law permitted the master to keep the wife and children in servitude while the man left with his freedom. However, if the servant chooses to remain with his wife and children, his ear is pierced choosing rather to do the will of his master forever, listening to his voice only. This commitment is illustrated and sealed by the "opening in his ear."

Just so, the coming SAVIOR, MESSIAH YESHUA would say: "MY ears YOU have opened (pierced)...then I said — Behold, I come; in the SCROLL OF THE BOOK it is written of ME — To do what pleases YOU, my GOD, is my desire; YOUR Law is in MY heart." [Psalms (Tehillym) 40. 6 - 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The fulfillment of this prophecy by YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is found in the book of Hebrews. [Hebrews 10. 5 - 10] There, the "opening of the ear" of the SERVANT is seen and understood as the enthusiastic zeal of HIS human body "to do YOUR will, O GOD. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST once for all." [Hebrews 10. 7, 10]

YESHUA, the TRUE VINE, could have "gone out free" — but, out of love for the FATHER and for those who would share HIS FATHER'S HOUSE with HIM, HE offered HIS body as a "FREE-WILL SACRIFICE" to accomplish the saving will of GOD ALMIGHTY.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Who is like YOU, FATHER of mercies WHO remembers YOUR children unto life. Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO has implanted within us immortal life. YOU are holy; awe-inspiring is YOUR NAME. YOU alone are GOD. As is written: The LORD OF HOSTS is exalted through justice, and the ALMIGHTY ONE is sanctified through righteousness. Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO rules in holiness.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Sometimes the easiest way to solve a problem is to stop participating in it.

FEAR OF THE LORD
"Fear the LORD, you HIS consecrated ones, for those who fear HIM lack nothing. Lions have been reduced to starvation, but those who turn to the LORD shall not lack any good. Come, my sons, listen to ME; I will teach you what it is to fear the LORD." [Psalms (Tehillym) 34. 9 - 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

This acrostic psalm is a source for great comfort and encouragement. The first section [Psalms/Tehillym 34. 1 - 7] consists of the testimony of one who fears the LORD GOD; and the last section [Psalms/Tehillym 34. 16 - 22] describes the deliverance promised those who do fear HIM. It is contrasted with the destinies of those who do not. In the center section, David explains what it means to fear the LORD and invites all to join him in obedience to this command.

The "fear of the LORD" is not so much an attitude as it is a life commitment. "Who is the man who is eager for life, who desires years, that he may see good?" [Psalms (Tehillym) 34. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] A man who has an awesome fear of HOLY ETERNAL GOD has a hunger and zeal for a long-life of ministry to others. "To die is gain." [Philippians 1. 21] Yes! ...yet we should ask for length of days that we may have abundant opportunities to "see and do good."

"Guard your tongue from evil, your lips from deceitful speech." [Psalms (Tehillym) 34. 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim] We know that the tongue is capable of incredible harm. The one who fears the FAITHFUL & TRUE WITNESS should be characterized by a lifestyle of guarded speech. Not only is our speech to be free from evil, but we are to "shun evil, and do good, seek peace and integrity and pursue them" [Psalms/Tehillym 34. 14] in every area of life. This should be our life's motive. Attaining peace may not be easy, but we should strive in every attempt for it.

The results of such a lifestyle should be reward enough, but our GRACIOUS & MAGNIFICENT HOLY LORD promises even more: "The ANGEL OF THE LORD encamps around those that fear HIM, and rescues them." [Psalms (Tehillym) 34. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Oh, how abundant is the great good that YOU, O LORD, have in store for those who fear YOU, that YOU have prepared to do in the full view of the sons of men for those who take refuge in YOU." [Psalms (Tehillym) 31. 19 Tanakh, Kethuvim] May you be encouraged to seek the LORD and obey HIS ways.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel , O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
We bless, praise and glorify, exalt, extol and honour, magnify and laud the NAME of the HOLY ONE. Blessed are YOU, LORD GOD, high above all the blessings and hymns, praises and consolations, which are uttered in the world. The grace of our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH be with your spirit.
Yarim ha’Am Veyokhiakh Shedvaro Vetorato Omdim. This Hebrew decree with the hidden name of MESSIAH reads — "HE will lift the people and prove that HIS WORD and Law are valid."

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
One man's candle is light for a hundred.


FEASTS OF THE LORD (Part 2 - Conclusion)
The "Set FEASTS OF THE LORD" are found in Leviticus 23. This is "GOD'S Calendar of Redeeming Grace." In these forty-four verses are seven "FEASTS OF THE LORD" which set the chronological order of the HOLY ONE'S complete plan of redemption.

Feast of Trumpets (Yom Tru'ah) [Leviticus/Vayikra 23. 23 - 25] The trumpet is used in HOLY SCRIPTURE to symbolize GOD'S voice. Six months have gone by since the Feast of Passover. Six is the number representing man and his work. Man's "work days" are ended and the kingdoms of this world shall become the Kingdom of our GOD and HIS ANOINTED SON! Seven is the perfect number (GOD'S number) the Day of Rest (Sabbath). The seventh month, when the Feast of Trumpets are to be celebrated prophesies the "second coming" of the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH.

Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) [Leviticus/Vayikra 23. 26 - 32] This was the day when the High Priest sprinkled the "blood of the sacrifice" on the Mercy Seat to receive forgiveness of their sins committed through the year. He would also "confess over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites, whatever their sins." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 16. 21 Tanakh, Torah] YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, our great HIGH PRIEST has entered "into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of GOD for us, HE has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of HIMSELF...CHRIST was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for HIM, HE will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation." [Hebrews 9. 24 - 28]


Feast of Tabernacles (Succoth) [Leviticus/Vayikra 23. 34 - 44] This Feast completes the history of redemption. The purpose of CREATOR GOD was the gathering together of a people for HIMSELF that HE might dwell in their midst. . . they can rest in HIS love, and HE can inhabit the praises of HIS people. This was a joyful time when the Israelites dwelt in booths after being delivered from Egypt 's bondage and it prophecies rest and glory when we believers will dwell with our BLESSED REDEEMER, the LORD JESUS and go up year-after-year to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, serving HIM with gifts and sacrifices in joy and gladness. [Zechariah/Zecharyah 14. 16 - 21] We will enter into GOD'S perfect rest for one thousand years and continue in rest and glory FOREVER!


The seven FEASTS OF THE LORD are combined spiritually and experientially in "the Communion (the LORD'S Supper)" which the MESSIAH YESHUA appointed for HIS disciples to observe. We remember (Present) HIS death (Past) until HE comes (Future).

We celebrate the LORD'S Passover because we are redeemed through HIS sacrifice and we walk in newness of life for MESSIAH is our UNLEAVENED BREAD WHO became the FIRST-FRUITS of those who slept, and at Shavuoth (Pentecost), HE filled us with the COMFORTER, HIS PRECIOUS HOLY SPIRIT. We show the LORD JESUS' death until HE comes at Trumpets, when not only our Atonement will be complete, but we will Tabernacle (Succoth) with HIM for 1,000 years and Sabbath (Rest) in HIM throughout Eternity.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Our GOD & KING, we humbly bow the knee before YOU and ask that YOU sanctify us through YOUR commandments and let us share in the blessings of YOUR Law. Satisfy us with YOUR goodness and gladden us with YOUR salvation. Purify our hearts that we may serve YOU in sincerity and truth. For YOU, O GOD, are truth and YOUR WORD endures forever. Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO forgives transgressions, RULER of the world, WHO sanctifies those YOU have redeemed. Thank YOU for ruling in holiness, the LORD OF HOSTS WHO is exalted through justice and sanctifies through righteousness.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Be deliberate in judgment and raise up many disciples!

FEASTS OF THE LORD (Part 1 of 2)
The "Set FEASTS OF THE LORD" (Hebrew: "mo'ed") are found in Leviticus 23. This is the HOLY ONE'S "Calendar of Redeeming Grace." In these forty-four verses are seven feasts (Hebrew: "chag or hag") of the LORD which set the chronological order of GOD'S complete plan of redemption.

Sabbath [Leviticus/Vayikra 23. 1 - 3] CREATOR GOD ceased from HIS work of creation on the seventh (Sabbath) day and desired those whom HE had created to gather together on that day to "feast" with HIM. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the SABBATH OF THE MOST HIGH GOD, is the beginning and the fulfillment of all the FEASTS OF THE LORD. HE alone could say, "Come to ME, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Sabbath). Take MY yoke upon you and learn from ME, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest (Sabbath) for your souls." [Matthew 11. 28 - 29]

Passover (Pesach) [Leviticus/Vayikra 23. 4 - 5] This was to be kept in remembrance of Israel 's great deliverance from death and Egyptian bondage through the sacrifice of a spotless lamb. The death of the Passover lamb was to be the starting point of all GOD'S purposes for redemption and the foundation of all that is set forth in the rest of the "FEASTS OF THE LORD." We see prophecy of the COMING ONE WHO, by the offering of HIMSELF as the SUPREME SACRIFICE, would redeem all who would believe on HIS NAME. Upon seeing MESSIAH YESHUA, John the Baptist proclaimed, "Behold, the LAMB OF GOD that takes away the sin of the world!" [John 1. 29]

Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag Hamotzi) [Leviticus/Vayikra 23. 6 - 8] This Feast immediately follows Passover and is only to be observed by those who had partaken of the Passover lamb and put away the leaven (represents sin) — thus telling of the holy walk of the believer. The LORD JESUS became as the LEAVENED BREAD (HE was made sin on the Cross) that those believing on HIM might partake of the UNLEAVENED BREAD (the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD). "Indeed MESSIAH JESUS, our PASSOVER, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." [1 Corinthians 5. 7 - 8]

Feast of First-Fruits (Yom Ha'bikkurim) [Leviticus/Vayikra 23. 10 - 14] Three days after the Passover lamb was slain, the Feast of First-Fruits was to be celebrated. At this time the High Priest was to take a sheaf of the first-fruits of their barley harvest into the Temple and wave it violently before the LORD GOD OF HEAVEN. This looked forward to the fulfillment when YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, our GREAT HIGH PRIEST (the TRUE PASSOVER LAMB) raised from the dead! YESHUA, the GRAIN OF BARLEY that had fallen to the earth to die, now shoots forth (violently shaken) and is raised before the LORD GOD as the FIRST-FRUITS of those that sleep. [1 Corinthians 15. 20] "I am the RESURRECTION and the LIFE; whoever believes in ME, though he may die, he shall live" [John 11. 25 - 26] — was the promise of the LORD JESUS at Lazarus' tomb.

Feast of Weeks (Shavu'oth/Pentecost) [Leviticus/Vayikra 23. 15 - 22] The Israelites were to remember that seven weeks after leaving the land of death, Moses was called up to Mount Sinai and given the pattern of the Tabernacle, the order of the priesthood, the law and the offerings which were to guide and establish the redeemed nation. Two loaves of bread "baked with leaven" were to be waved before the LORD on that day. Here, ALMIGHTY GOD was teaching HIS people that divine redemption through HIS ANOINTED ONE would be for "whosoever will." These two leavened loaves typify Jew and Gentile, with sin in them both, being brought together.

When the FIRST-FRUIT (YESHUA ha'MASHIACH) was raised from the dead, HE appeared 40 days to HIS disciples, then ascended into heaven. Ten days later "when the Day of Pentecost (50 Days) was fully come" GOD THE FATHER poured out the GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT and the Church, made up of both Jew and Gentile believers, were empowered, the Law written on the fleshly tablets of their heart, the tabernacles of clay now indwelt by the SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD.

GOD THE SON (YESHUA) honored the FATHER at Passover by dying. GOD THE FATHER honored the Feast of First-Fruits by raising MESSIAH YESHUA from the dead. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT honors the Feast of Weeks by coming upon the disciples as they waited in the upper room, and dwelling within them and each of us who wholly follow the BELOVED MASTER.
. . . to be continued

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, we bless and praise the LORD our GOD. May HIS Kingdom come speedily, so the worship of YOUR HOLY NAME and obedience to YOUR Law may unite all men in brotherhood and peace. May we know that YOU are its CREATOR, and every living being exclaim: The LORD, the GREAT GOD of Israel, rules and HIS dominion endures forever. Amen!
Have a marvelous week experiencing ALMIGHTY GOD’S love and peace as we also greet the new month of Adar (starting this evening).

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to change.

EYES OF THE LORD
"For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro over the entire earth, to show HIMSELF strong on behalf of those who are wholeheartedly loyal to HIM." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 16. 9 Tanakh, Nevi’im]

Though "GOD is SPIRIT" and HIS "worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth" [John 4. 24], it is wonderful to know that our LOVING ALMIGHTY CREATOR is also omnipotent (all powerful, invincible, unstoppable), omniscient (all-knowing, insightful, profound knowledge) and omnipresent (all-present, completeness, pervasive, all-encompassing). And we can know assuredly that "HE WHO formed the eye, shall hE not see?" [Psalms (Tehillym) 94. 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, observing the wicked and the good." [Proverbs (Mishle) 15. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The eyes of the LORD GOD saw each step of HIS creation, that "it was good." [Genesis/Bereshith 1] GOD saw Adam and Eve sinning in the Garden, HE saw Cain kill Abel, and HE saw the people building the tower at Babel , and HE came down to observe it. Nothing is done without HIS knowledge, all is seen by the ETERNAL ONE.

The Prophet Zechariah reminded us not to "despises or scorn a day of small beginnings" for they will be examined and scrutinized by "the eyes of the LORD, ranging over the whole earth." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 4. 10 Tanakh, Nevi’im] When "YEHOWAH saw how great was man's wickedness on earth, and how every plan devised by his mind was nothing but evil all the time" and "the earth was corrupt in GOD'S sight and was full of violence." [Genesis (Bereshith) 6. 5, 11 Tanakh, Torah] "But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD" [Genesis/Bereshith 6. 8], and he and his family were saved through the awful flood that encompassed the entire world.

We are encouraged by the psalmist’s words that Peter quoted, "For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and hIS ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil." [Psalms (Tehillym) 34. 15 Tanakh, Nevi’im; 1 Peter 3. 12] It is reassuring and comforting to know that one of the names of our GREAT GOD is "EL-ROIY (GOD WHO SEES)" [Genesis/Bereshith 16. 13], and conduct ourselves responsibly and fittingly, being fully aware that our GOD & HEAVENLY FATHER is watching us with deep love and concern.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Good Sabbath! Let us welcome Shabbat as we greet a beautiful bride.
We bless and extol YOU, CREATOR of the Universe for YOUR greatness and goodness and lift our voices in gratitude for YOUR loving care. YOU are the FOUNTAIN from which all blessings flow. Please strengthen our faith in YOU and purify our spirits that in our daily tasks we may be conscious of YOUR PRESENCE. Help us to see that nothing truly prospers unless it brings blessing to others lives, and no gain truly enriches if it adds not to the happiness of others. Continue to teach us to seek YOU evermore within the sanctuary of our souls, within the tabernacle of YOUR world, and in the congregation of YOUR worshipers. Praised are YOU, O LORD our GOD, RULER of the world, by WHOSE law the shadows of evening fall and the gates of the morning are opened.

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Envy is its own torment, it devours its bearer.

REFUSING TO HEAR
"So will I choose their delusions to mock them, to bring on them the very thing they dread. For I called and none responded, I spoke and none paid heed. Before MY eyes, they did what I deem evil and chose what I do not want." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 66. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Therefore I will destine you for the sword, you will all kneel down to be slaughtered — because, when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you would not listen. You did what I deemed evil and chose that in which I do not delight." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 65. 12 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

When we are disobedient to the LOVING MASTER, there are always consequences and HE is the PRAISEWORTHY & RIGHTEOUS JUDGE WHO has already warned us of the severe punishment for those who refuse HIS atonement. And this RIGHTEOUS, HOLY GOD cannot be bought with our much speech or sacrifices. Though Cain and Abel brought offerings and both were works of their hands, only Abel's was acceptable. Abel's was done in obedience to GOD'S WORD, blood was shed. Cain was without excuse for although he knew GOD, he did not glorify HIM as SOVEREIGN LORD OF THE UNIVERSE. The ALMIGHTY ONE spoke to Cain and said — "IF you do right, you will be accepted. But if you do not do right, sin couches at the door; its desire is for you, yet you must be its master." [Genesis (Bereshith) 4. 7 Tanakh, Torah] The HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL "knows deceitful men; HE also discerns iniquity." [Job (Iyob) 11. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim]
The TRUE & FAITHFUL ONE accepts and demands obedience. Even the widows mite was considered a great treasure in the eyes of the LORD YESHUA, "Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for GOD, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had." [Luke 21. 3 - 4]
"How long will you simple ones love simplicity, you scorners delight in scorning, and fools hate knowledge? You are indifferent to MY rebuke; I will now speak MY mind to you and let you know MY thoughts. Since you refused ME when I called, and paid no heed when I extended MY hand, you spurned all MY advice, and would not hear MY rebuke, I will laugh at your calamity, and mock when terror comes upon you, when terror comes like disaster, and calamity arrives like a whirlwind, when trouble and distress and anguish come upon you. Then they shall call ME but I will not answer; they shall seek ME diligently, but not find ME. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose fear of the LORD; they refused MY counsel and disdained all MY rebukes. Therefore, they shall eat the fruit of their ways, and have their fill of their own counsels. The tranquility of the simple will kill them, and the contentment of conceited fools will destroy them. But he who listens to ME will dwell in safety, untroubled by the terror of evil." [Proverbs (Mishle) 1. 22 - 33 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The LORD ETERNAL declares — "On this one will I look, on him who is poor and brokenhearted and of a contrite spirit, and who is concerned about MY WORD." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 66. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] For the obedient, righteous and faithful servants there is coming a great reward, for "a BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE has been written at HIS order concerning those who fear the LORD and esteem HIS NAME. On the day that I am preparing — says the LORD OF HOSTS — they shall be MY treasured possession, I will be tender toward them as a man is tender toward a son who ministers to him." [Malachi (Malakhi) 3. 16 - 17 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Whoever has ears, let them hear and obey the WORD OF THE LORD.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Blessed, praised, glorified, exalted, extolled, honored, magnified, and acclaimed be the NAME of the Most Holy One; though HE is high above all the blessings and all hymns, praises, and consolations, which are uttered in the world. We, the work of YOUR hands, love YOU, LORD GOD our FATHER!
May peace abundant descend from heaven with life for us and to all Israel , and that very soon! Amen!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.
Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Wisdom is a work of art sculpted from our ignorance.

ASK OF HIM
"To be sure, they seek ME daily, delighted and eager to learn MY ways. Like a nation that does righteousness, that has not abandoned the Law of their GOD: They ask ME for the right way, they are eager for the nearness of GOD." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 58. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"Ask of ME and I will give" says ALMIGHTY GOD and we scarcely heed HIS words. . . PRAY! Our greatest treasures are found in prayer, there is nothing that can equal or compensate for the time we share such intimacy with our LOVING SAVIOR. And, HE is true to HIS WORD, "IF you search for the LORD your GOD, you will find HIM, IF only you seek HIM with all your heart and soul." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 29 Tanakh, Torah] The ETERNAL ONE loves mankind and promises that those "who love ME I love, and those who seek ME diligently will find ME." [Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

That lying thief, Satan, seeks to enslave our souls, then kill and destroy us. Therefore, we should constantly "look to JESUS, the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith." [Hebrews 12. 2] Again we are assured that if "you will search for ME and find ME, IF only you seek ME wholeheartedly. I will be at hand for you — declares the LORD — and I will restore your fortunes. I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places to which I have banished you — declares the LORD — and I will bring you back to the place from which I have exiled you." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 29. 13 - 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The BLESSED CREATOR promises to gather us from all corners of the earth to HIMSELF.

The DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS is YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the SOLID ROCK — turn to Him now and lean on HIM completely. Then, clearly and straightforward ask the LORD YESHUA to transform you for an abundant life in HIM. "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." [Matthew 7. 7 - 8]

Every person in every nation "should seek the LORD, in the hope that they might grope for HIM and find HIM, though HE is not far from each one of us; for in HIM we live, and move, and have our being as also some of your own poets have said — For we are also HIS offspring." [Acts 17. 27 - 28] O the PRICELESS TREASURE we pass up when we turn the LORD away, and HE can be ours for the asking, for HE is mighty to save!

A – Ask!
S – Seek!
K – Knock!

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Who is like YOU, AWESOME CREATOR GOD? Who is like YOU, glorious in holiness, revered in worship, wondrous in works? Eternal is YOUR power, O LORD, YOU alone are mighty to save. In loving-kindness YOU sustain the living; in the multitude of YOUR mercies, YOU preserve all. YOU uphold the falling, heal the sick; bring freedom to the captives and keep faith with YOUR children in death as in life. Who is like YOU, ALMIGHTY GOD, AUTHOR of life and death, SOURCE of salvation? Truly, there is none like YOU, O LORD my RIGHTEOUSNESS!

Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness.
Web Page: www.delrifkah.com