Delrifkah: HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY.

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Jewish definitions: Pessimist — Things can't get any worse. Optimist — Yes! they can get worse, absolutely, they can get much worse. 

CONTROLLER OF THE FUTURE 
"Thus said King Cyrus of Persia: The LORD GOD OF HEAVEN has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and has charged me with building HIM a House in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Any one of you of all HIS people, the LORD his GOD be with him and let him go up." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 36. 23 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Cyrus the great emperor of Persia had been called, even named by GOD, 150 years before he was born. "I am the same WHO says of Cyrus — He is MY shepherd, the king whom I have designated, he shall fulfill all MY purposes! — He (Cyrus) shall say of Jerusalem — She shall be rebuilt — and to the Temple — You shall be founded again." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 44. 28 Tanakh, Nevi'im] This was at least 175 years before he would fulfill Isaiah's prophecy by giving Ezra authority to rebuild the Temple. [Ezra 1. 1 - 2] 

When Cyrus conquered Babylon, the prophet Daniel was there. [Daniel/Danyel 6. 28] The Jewish historian, Josephus, wrote that Daniel actually became Prime Minister under Cyrus and was able to read Isaiah's remarkable prophecy to him, thus influencing him to send the Jews back to Jerusalem. 

The GREAT & AWESOME GOD OF ISRAEL is the ETERNAL LORD GOD OF HEAVEN and HE controls the future and can reveal it if HE chooses, using this very fact as proof that HE will keep HIS other promises. "Thus said the LORD to Cyrus, HIS anointed one — whose right hand I have grasped, treading down nations before him, un-girding the loins of kings, I made them helpless, opening doors before him and letting no gate stay shut...For the sake of MY servant Jacob, Israel MY chosen one, I call you (Cyrus) by name, I hail you by title, though you have not known ME." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 45. 1, 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

King Josiah was also named before he was born with the specific prophecy concerning him waiting to be fulfilled for over 300 years after it was first spoken. "O altar, altar! thus said the LORD: A son shall be born to the House of David, Josiah by name; and he shall slaughter upon you the priests of the shrines who bring offerings upon you. And human bones shall be burned upon you." [1 Kings (Melakhim Alef) 13. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im; see 2 Kings/Melakhim Bet 23. 15 - 16 for the fulfillment of this prophesy.] 

"Remember the former things of old; for I am GOD, and there is no other; I am GOD, and there is none like ME, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that had not occurred. I say — MY plan shall be fulfilled; I will do all I have purposed." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 46. 9 - 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] For certain and beyond doubt, the LOVING LORD OMNIPOTENT GOD will do all that HE has said. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
"If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither! If I do not remember you, let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth — if I do not exalt Jerusalem and keep Jerusalem in memory even at my most joyous hours." Psalms/Tehillym 137:5-6 
Wishing you a joyful Sukkot! 
Day 5 of the Festival of Booths. 

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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
PRAYER: The best and most effective form of wireless communication. 

RETRIBUTION ON ALL NATIONS 
"Yea, against all nations the Day of the LORD is near. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your reprisal shall return upon your own head. That same cup that the Israelites drank on My Holy Mount, shall all the nations drink evermore at MY hand. Yes, they shall drink till their speech grows thick, and they shall become as though they had never been." [Obadiah (Obadyah) 15 - 16 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

Obadyah is a Hebrew name means "worshiper or servant of YEHOWAH." Of the prophetic books of the OLD COVENANT, Obadiah is one of the oldest and obviously the shortest, only 21 verses. Since there is no mention of a king, verses 10-14 provide the only historical reference. The history of Edom began with Esau who was given the name Edom (means red) referring back to the red stew he traded his birthright for. The focus of the book is GOD’S coming judgment on the Edomite nation particularly because of their abusive treatment of Jacob, their Israelite brothers; and for their wickedness in general. 

This prophecy contains the first mention (in order) of the coming "Day of the LORD." The first focus is especially on the Edomites. Yet, like most prophesy, it is not only present but future judgment on all nations that applaud the destruction of Jerusalem and Israel itself. There have been many forewarnings and partial fulfillments of this prophecy as nation after nation has been brought down throughout history under GOD’S awesome judgmental hand. Edom, in particular, has long since vanished as a nation for they rejoiced when foreigners plundered Jerusalem, and then became as one of them. Judgment at the end times is when the sentence will be on all the heathens. 

"For behold, in those days and at that time, when I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment with them on account of MY people, MY heritage Israel (Hebrew Tanakh reads: "morashah" — sacred inheritance), whom they have scattered among the nations. For dividing up My land among themselves and cast lots for MY people." [Joel/Yoel 3. 1 - 3] 

"The LORD warned Israel and Judah by every prophet saying — Turn back from your wicked ways, and observe MY commandments and MY laws... Nevertheless they would not obey, but stiffened their necks, like their fathers who did not believe in the LORD their GOD; they rejected HIS laws and HIS covenant that HE had made with their fathers, and the warnings HE had given them. They went after idols, became idolaters; they imitated the nations that were all around them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them that they should not do like them. They rejected all the commandments of the LORD their GOD." [2 Kings (Melakhim Bet) 17. 13 - 16Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

However, there is a great day coming called, "the Day of the LORD" and/or "the Day of WRATH" when all the heathen (Goyim/Gentile nations) nations, including America, will be judged by the GREAT GOD OF JACOB WHO created them, WHO died to redeem them, and WHO has been sorely rejected by them. "Out of HIS mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it HE should strike the nations. And HE HIMSELF will rule them with a rod of iron. HE HIMSELF treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of ALMIGHTY GOD." [Revelation 19. 15] 

The United States, up until now, has been spared because of its BIBLICAL foundations, its care for GOD’S chosen people — Israel, and its missionary efforts. Regrettably, these are disappearing at a disturbingly rapid rate and America’s time, like that of Edom, will surely come to an eternally fatal end. GOD destroyed Edom, it was totally ransacked, nothing thwarted HIS righteous judgment. "Then deliverers shall victoriously march up Mount Zion...and the Kingdom shall be the LORD'S." [Obadiah (Obadyah) 21 Tanakh, Nevi’im] The judgment of the LORD GOD ultimately will prevail triumphantly and the Kingdom shall be HIS. HalleluYAH! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Light is the symbol of the DIVINE ONE, the LORD is my LIGHT and my SALVATION. 
Light is the symbol of the DIVINE ONE working in man; the spirit of man is the light of the LORD. 
Light is the symbol of the DIVINE Law, for the commandment is a Lamp and the Law is a Light. 
Light is the symbol of Israel's mission. I, the LORD, have set you for a covenant of the people, for a light to the nations. 
Let us go forth with the LIGHT of GOD'S WORD to the nations as HE commanded. 
Celebrating Chol Hamo’ed – Intermediary Festival Day (of Sukkot), The ultimate beauty of Israel lies in the triumph of its perpetuity. 
Day 6 of the Festival of Booths. 



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: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
"Sometimes people become obsessed with their own agenda to the extent that they think it is the solution to every problem." [Dr. Efraim Zuroff] 

TRUTH, THE EVIDENCE 
"If anyone wants to do HIS will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from GOD or whether I speak on MY OWN authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but HE WHO seeks the glory of the ONE WHO sent HIM is true, and no unrighteousness is in HIM." [John 7. 17 - 19] 

When the LORD JESUS spoke these words, HE was speaking to arrogant religionists who regarded HIM as nothing but a wandering TEACHER, rejecting HIS TEACHINGS, even though they knew these precepts were recorded facts. MESSIAH YESHUA'S rebuke of these hypocrites is a timeless standard for recognizing GOD'S truth and knowing HIS desire. In his last epistle, the Apostle Paul wrote about certain academic philosophers and academic thinkers who would be "always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." Then, Paul continues to make it perfectly clear as to why such corrupt persons, though educated, are still incapable of accepting real truth, they simply "resist the truth...but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all." [2 Timothy 3. 7 - 9] 

It is not that they could not learn the truth, but they would not because they are not willing to believe or obey the truth when they learned it. They are basically unwilling to believe doctrine plainly revealed in the LORD GOD'S WRITTEN PURE WORD OF TRUTH when it is in conflict with doctrines based exclusively on human reasoning. 

For this reason, YESHUA, the ENDURING SHEPHERD prayed, "I thank YOU, FATHER, LORD OF HEAVEN & EARTH, that YOU have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, FATHER, for so it seemed good in YOUR sight." [Matthew 11. 25 - 26] 

GOD'S will is always consistent with HIS TEACHING, which is written to be easily understood by anyone who is willing to believe what HE said and do it. Hide HIS TREASURED PROMISES in your heart, it is the most commendable thing you can do for yourself. "YOUR WORD I have hidden in my heart, that I do not sin against YOU!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"Be diligent [study attentively] to present yourself approved to GOD, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the WORD OF TRUTH. But shun (avoid, keep away from) profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness." [2 Timothy 2. 15 - 16] May we live to keep GOD'S WORD and the wisdom of HIS TEACHINGS. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
There is a place for believers in the midst of a pagan society — a challenging position of change and conflict overwhelmed with problems and full of difficulties. For the fainthearted, this is threatening; for the audacious, courageous and noble-minded — Exciting. Try a little exhilarating excitement as you celebrate another wonderful day of Sukkot! Blessed be our GREAT GOD in WHOSE dwelling is joy and through WHOSE goodness we live. 



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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
A miracle is often the willingness to see the uncommon in an uncommon way. 

TRUTH OR WIND 
"Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, remain loyal and feed on HIS faithfulness." [Psalms (Tehillym) 37. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

This is one of many blessed promises in HOLY SCRIPTURE that the LORD GOD will provide our every need. [Matthew 6. 33] The last part of the verse could best be stated, "you shall be fed on the truth." The spiritual life of the person who trusts in the LORD YESHUA will be fed and sustained by TRUTH. 

The unbeliever who feeds on fantasy, figments and fragments of their own imagination, the ones "who would fashion a god or cast a graven image that can do no good (he) will soon taste bitterness on his tongue. He feeds on ashes; a deluded mind and deceived heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver his soul to save himself. He never says to himself — The thing in my hand is a fraud!" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 44. 10, 20 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Those who trust in human deliverance will be like Israel depending on Egypt and Assyria. "Ephraim surrounds ME with deceit and feeds on wind, the House of Israel with guile and follows after the east wind; they daily increase lies and desolation which is constantly noted by the LORD." [Hosea (Hoshea) 12. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The diet of false prophets is more bitter still, "Assuredly, thus said the LORD OF HOSTS concerning the prophets: I am going to make them eat wormwood and drink the water of bitter gall; for from the prophets of Jerusalem GODlessness has gone forth to the whole land." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Wind and ashes, wormwood and gall, such is the spiritual food of those who reject the TRUTH of the WORD OF GOD. 

For the believer, the GOOD NEWS of the WRITTEN WORD is as essential a daily need as bread is for the body. Long ago, Job set precedence when he said — "I have treasured HIS WORDS more than my daily bread." [Job (Iyob) 23. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "How pleasing are YOUR words to my taste, sweeter than honey. Through pondering YOUR precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 103 - 104 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Moses declared, "The LORD GOD subjected you to the hardship of hunger and then gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had ever know, in order to teach you that man does not live on bread alone, but that man may live on anything that the LORD decrees." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 8. 3 Tanakh, Torah] 

The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH d, "If anyone keeps MY WORD, he shall never taste death." [John 8. 52] "I have come that you may have life…more abundantly." [John 10. 10] "I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE." [John 14. 6] When we know the TRUTH, we will know the MERCIFUL, ETERNAL, LOVING MASTER! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Welcome Sabbath! Please, O LORD, give us strong souls because of YOUR commandments, especially that of the holy Sabbath, the day that is great and sacred before YOU. May we have our rest on this day, in loving harmony with YOUR will. We ask YOUR favor in granting us rest that is not disturbed with grief or sorrow. O GOD, let us see the comforting of Zion, that rebuilding of YOUR Holy City Jerusalem. For YOU are our LORD WHO will always give us saving grace and consolation as we turn to YOU alone. Blessings to all who love Zion! 
May we each deliberately turn away from weekday pressures and activities to fill this special day with kedushah (holiness), menuchah (rest, ever-changing stillness), and oneg (joy). 
Celebrating Shabbat Chol ha’Mamo’ed – Sabbath of the Intermediary Festival Days. 
"Chag Sameyach" Have a truly wonderful Sabbath of Z'man Simchataynu —the time of our rejoicing! 
Day 3 of the Festival of Booths 


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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
The older you are the more like yourself you become. 

KEEPING CLEAN 
"When they enter the Tent of Meeting they shall wash with water, that they may not die; or when they approach the altar to serve, to turn into smoke an offering by fire to the LORD, they shall wash their hands and feet, that they may not die. It shall be a Law for all time for them — for him and his offspring — throughout the ages." [Exodus (Shemot) 30. 20 - 21 Tanakh, Torah] 

The hands and feet represent the "work" and "walk" of the priests. Their work and walk must be clean when they enter the service of HOLY GOD or they would die. Even though the Priests had met with the MIGHTY CREATOR at the Altar of Sacrifice and had been cleansed of their sins; yet ever afterward, there was daily defilement that must be washed away. 

Even after we have been cleansed of our sins on acceptance of the LORD JESUS as our BLESSED SAVIOR, we must keep on being cleansed by the WRITTEN WORD OF GOD daily in order that we may walk with our HOLY GOD and have fellowship with HIM. YESHUA said, "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean." [John 13. 10] MESSIAH YESHUA, the MIGHTY ROCK of our salvation fulfilled the service of the priest; not in washing HIS OWN feet, but in washing the feet of others. [John 13. 14] 

In our LORD'S time, people returning from the public baths found it necessary to wash their feet which had become soiled from walking through miry streets. So the CHRIST-like-one has been cleansed once for all. But in walking through the world, he often contracts defilement, and therefore needs daily cleansing. Though once clean, unless he keeps himself cleansed, can again become dirty. 

In the old country there is a special sidewalk for the Jews to walk on who were coming home from the Temple . So the priests of GOD MOST HIGH are to walk in a special way after they are washed for the LORD will not have fellowship with uncleanness. It is necessary that believer-priests bathe in the LIFE-CLEANSING WORD every day. "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and having our body washed with pure water." [Hebrews 10. 22] 

Aaron's sons died, not only because they offered strange fire in the Holy Place , but also they neglected to wash at the Laver before their entrance and service there. They failed to regard the SOVEREIGN ALMIGHTY GOD as "holy" and also failed to glorify HIM before all the people. 

We criticize those who never avail themselves of the opportunity to wash their physical bodies, and consider them offensive to our sight and smell. But what a stench in the very nostrils of the AWESOME GOD are HIS children who never give themselves a spiritual bath at the Laver! GOD OMNIPOTENT has provided a beauty bath for HIS royal priests and it is expected that they wash in the WORD OF GOD before they perform any service to HIM. The PURE WORD OF GOD is here for us that we might be able to be cleansed thereby. "If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." [1 John 1. 9] 

The OLD COVENANT priest was required to wash each time before he could perform a service. This was "a statute forever." And the NEW COVENANT priests continually apply the WATER OF THE WORD, which is required for a state of continual holiness, a continual communion with GOD OF MERCY. [Philippians 3. 12 - 14; 1 Corinthians 9. 24 - 27; 1 Timothy 6. 17 - 19] 

Revelation 15:2 records the last mention of the Laver in the HOLY WRIT; it is in Heaven described as "a Sea of Glass ." The Redeemed of the LORD Stand on the Sea and sing of the LAMB. In Heaven, the Altar of Sacrifice and the Laver never are forgotten. The ALTAR bears witness that "without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin." The LAVER testifies that "without holiness, no man shall see the LORD." We shall behold HIM, our SAVIOR, LORD & KING, face to face. What a day that will be! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel ! 
As we bid farewell to Shabbat Chol ha’Mamo’ed — Sabbath of the Intermediary Festival Days, our prayer is that GOD, WHO separates the holy from the secular, forgive our sins. We share the blessed hope that every day will be as sweet as Shabbat...a rest of love freely given in truth and sincerity — a rest in peace and tranquility, quiet and safety — a perfect rest in which you find favor of the LORDYESHUA! Grace, peace and mercy to each of you, our beloved friends, our adored extended family. 
Day 4 of the Festival of Booths. "Chag Sameyach" — a joyous Sukkoth to you and yours, may these days be extraordinary and richly blessed! 
Tov Shavua — Have a good 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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Nothing from some people, is giving all they have. 

THE RED HEIFER 
"Instruct the Israelite people to bring you a red heifer without blemish...take cedar wood, hyssop, and crimson wool and throw them into the fire consuming the heifer; and with some of the ashes make a cleansing for the unclean person." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 19. 1-17 w/Hebrews 9. 12-14; 10. 10-12] 

The "Red Heifer Offering" is different from the five offerings of Leviticus 1 thru 5. They were sin-offerings for atonement and salvation. The Red Heifer (the genuine holy cow) was not for salvation, but for cleansing from the daily defilement of the believer. The blood of this offering was not to be brought into the Holy of Holies and placed on the Mercy Seat for salvation, but was to be sprinkled OUTSIDE before the congregation. This was a type of the daily sins of the believer, being confessed and cleansed by the once-shed blood of the LORD JESUS. 

The Red Heifer is brought outside the Camp and slain as was all other sin-offering. {JESUS, the PERFECT SACRIFICE/REDEEMER, died outside the camp.} Even its blood was burned, except what is used in the sevenfold sprinkling before the Tent of Meeting, where the people went to meet with ALMIGHTY GOD. And, into the midst of the burning of the red heifer, were cast cedar wood, hyssop (types of all nature, from the highest to the lowest — 1 Kings/Melakhim Alef 4. 33) and scarlet (in type — the glory of the world). 

Cedar represents that which is imperishable. 
Hyssop was used for purification from defilement. 
Scarlet is the emblem of life. 

The "Water of Separation" was made from the ashes of the Red Heifer. This provision was for the removal of ceremonial defilement which occurred by contact with the dead. [Numbers/B'Midvar 19. 16-21] The ashes were laid up for constant use for the Israelites. [Numbers/B'Midvar 19. 9] The effects of MESSIAH'S blood sacrifice is Continual (once-for-all). 

The person who had touched a corpse or the dust from the grave was regarded as being defiled and dared not enter into the presence of the HOLY ALMIGHTY GOD. Death was a constant reminder of the result of sin. The conscience of man feels the touch of death. He is afraid even to die, he must be purified from the touch — "the works of death" before he can render service to the TRUE & LIVING GOD. 

Under the OLD LAW, uncleanness is connected with birth, death, meats and drinks, garments, and places of dwelling. A man could become unclean even in his sleep. The Law even tracked him closely in his most secret places and during his most unguarded hours, it is so with sin and defilement among men. The ashes of the Red Heifer were collected and kept in a clean place where any member of the camp could have "easy access" from which a portion could be taken for their uncleanness. When the ashes of one Red Heifer was used up, another was put in its place. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA is THE CONTINUAL OFFERING, and all (whosoever will) may have access to the purification that comes from HIS sacrifice on Calvary! 

The Red Heifer is not a new sacrifice. It speaks of a sacrifice already completed. The ashes alone remained to testify of the consumption of the victim. In this way, the Red Heifer represents that which has already been offered "once for all." [Hebrews 9. 12] 

Here the sacrifice victim (Red Heifer) is a female. . . a type which speaks of submissiveness (obedience), dependence (belief), and willingness (readiness) — also reproduction (imitating), which we see in the CHRIST JESUS at Gethsemane. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH was subject to FATHER GOD'S will, not HIS OWN. The LORD JESUS' death became the means whereby there could be reproduction of "sons born into HIS KINGDOM!" 

The Red Heifer was "without blemish" — with neither defect nor deformity and "on which no yoke had been laid." Not only sin's yoke, but any, for a yoke is an instrument to ENFORCE subjection; and the LORD, KING MESSIAH was not forced to give up HIS life, HE gave it freely. YESHUA could have called twelve legions of angels to take HIM off the Cross, but HE did not. . . HIS is the PERFECTION of a WILLING SACRIFICE. 

The HOLY SPIRIT uses the WRITTEN WORD to convict the believer of sin in their life. Then, when the person is convicted, he remembers that the guilt of his sin has been met by the PERFECT SACRIFICE of the LORD JESUS. Instead of despairing hopelessness, the convicted person judges and confesses the defiling thing that is unworthy of a believer and is forgiven and cleansed by the blood of our PRECIOUS, PURIFYING SAVIOUR, the MESSIAH WHO says — "If I do not wash you, you have no part with ME." [John 13. 3-10; 1 John 1. 7-10; Romans 5. 9] 

Allow the LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO, has chosen then called you, to cleanse, clothe, consecrate and conform you into HIS likeness. Then commit your life to fulfill HIS commission. What an excellent and select group to belong to. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
While this breath of life is in me, HOLY LORD of all worlds, I worship YOU. Help us, O GOD, to banish from our hearts all vain glory, pride of worldly possessions, and self-sufficient leaning on our own reason. Fill us with YOUR SPIRIT of humility, meekness and the elegant grace of modesty that we may grow in wisdom and in reverence. May we never forget that all we have and prize is but lent to us, a trust for which we must render account to YOU. O HEAVENLY FATHER, put into our hearts the love and awe of YOU, that we may consecrate our lives to YOUR service and glorify YOUR NAME in the eyes of all men. Amen. 
May gladness reign and joy increase throughout this Season of the LORD'S Festival of Sukkoth! 

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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
From the time of the Exodus — "Freedom" is spoken with a Hebrew accent. 

SUKKOT — FEAST OF BOOTHS 
"You shall dwell in booths for seven days; all who are native Israelites shall live in booths, in order that future generations may know that I made the Israelite people live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I am the LORD your GOD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 42 - 43 Tanakh, Torah] 

"Sukkot" is the Hebrew word for the Festival of the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as "Chag ha-Asif (Feast of Ingathering)." This is the Season of our Rejoicing for the TORAH commandment to rejoice is mentioned more often in connection with the holy day of Sukkot then for any other. It is a national holiday that begins at sunset this evening memorializing the journey from the land of slavery to the Land of Promise. Sukkot is called "zman simchateinu — the time of our joy" . . . living in the shadow of GOD'S embrace. 

This Feast emphasizes thanksgiving, celebration and a temporary dwelling place. It commemorates the 40-years of wandering in the desert and marks the final harvest of the agricultural year. It is the custom to dwell in Sukkah (booths, huts) decorated with various kinds of fruits and flowers. This symbolizes the house where you and the ALMIGHTY CREATOR will dwell together. 

There are nine traditional fruits that are hung in the Sukkah, symbolizing nine characteristics and attributes of the HOLY TRUE & LIVING GOD that HE desires for us to have in our lives. The nine fruits include pomegranates, figs, dates, oranges, apples, grapes, pumpkins, etrog (citron—similar to a lemon), and the fruit from locust tree (a chocolate-type fruit). The nine FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT are symbolized by the nine fruits hanging in the Sukkot. "The FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." [Galatians 5. 22 - 23] There is a remarkable correlation between the two. 

Sukkot is indeed a time of rejoicing, following closely after Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement (forgiveness, covering). Sukkot begins on the fifteenth day of Tishri, at the time of the ingathering of the crops — a further cause for rejoicing, as one looks with a sense of humbleness knowing the LOVING MASTER, blessed be HE, has prospered and blessed the fruits of one's labor of the previous months. 

The seven-day celebration of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles/Booths) is the last of the three pilgrimage festivals, the holy days on which the Jews were commanded to go up to Jerusalem. A time when all Jewish males over the age of thirteen were commanded to come to Jerusalem to celebrate. This is called "Sholosh Regolim" — the other two Feasts are Pesach (Passover) and Shavuoth (Pentecost). Women and children joined these pilgrimages whenever possible. 

Sukkot is celebrated for 7 days. However, the 8th day which follows is a Solemn Assembly known as "Shemini Atzeres (holding back)" — which is also a Sabbath and a complete holiday in its own right. This speaks of the future earthly MESSIANIC KINGDOM when peace and righteousness shall rule and GOD'S people will be observing the Seventh Day Sabbath during that time they are "resting in GOD" and "GOD resting in HIS people." Then follows the new day, the New Beginning, the first day of Eternity. . . a Sabbath forever! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
"Chag Sukkot Sameyach! " — a joyous Sukkot (Festival of Booths) celebrating the ALMIGHTY ONE'S joyous seasons of life. Delight yourself by making it a life-changing experience! Praise to GOD, the LORD OF HOSTS for HE is good, HIS mercy endures forever. May Judah be saved and Jerusalem dwell in safety! 
We were greatly blessed when the HOLY ONE brought us out of slavery from Egypt (Passover) and took HIS people directly to Mount Sinai. There HE gave us the Law (Shavuoth) to keep us free from slavery (to sin). Then, gave us YESHUA ha'MASHIACH...to keep us free and give us true peace and rest (Sukkoth/Booths). 
We are creatures of comfort. We have to push ourselves to move beyond our physical needs and desires. It isn’t easy, the pull of inertia (disinterest, inactivity, apathy, sluggishness) is very strong. So the Almighty gives us a boost. “Move outdoors with me. Come sit under the wings of my Presence and experience My clouds of glory. It’s time to let go of your attachments to the material world. Come outside, leave your comfort zone so that you can embrace our relationship…you will appreciate a change.†
The holiday of Sukkot impels us to live just outside our comfort zone — without the walls and locks and sense of stability provided by the material world that usually consoles us. On the High Holidays we make decisions about growth and transformation. It isn’t easy to stick to them — even with the best organized plans. The Almighty King, when we allow ourselves to live solely under His protection for a week. . . (Yes, we are always solely under His protection), but on Sukkot we make it authentically real, understandable, and obvious. 
It’s not forever…just a week…and the joy of that experience can carry you through the year. 
May these days be extraordinary and blessed as we celebrate the 1st Day of Assembly. 



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 http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Good teachers are mirrors as well as windows — they allow us to look at ourselves and see the world. 

CAUSE YOUR FACE TO SHINE 
"The LORD bless you and protect you! The LORD make HIS face shine [deal kindly] upon you and be gracious with you! The LORD bestow HIS favor upon you and grant you peace (shalom)!" [Numbers (B'Midvar) 6. 24 - 27 Tanakh, Torah] 

The first active form of the word "shine" is here in this well-known blessing, the Aaronic Benediction for the children of Israel. True light comes only from GOD THE CREATOR, since "GOD IS LIGHT." [1 John 1. 5] We must continually receive the SON shining in our hearts to sustain our spiritual life, just as the world depends on the sunshine for its physical existence. 

This prayer of blessing appears seven other times in HOLY SCRIPTURE: "Make YOUR face shine upon YOUR servant; as YOU are faithful, deliver me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 31. 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "May GOD be gracious to us and bless us, and cause HIS FACE to shine upon us. Selah" [Psalms (Tehillym) 67. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "O LORD GOD OF HOSTS, restore us; cause YOUR face to shine on us that we may be delivered." [Psalms (Tehillym) 80. 19; 80. 3, 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Make YOUR face shine upon YOUR servant, and teach me YOUR Laws." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 135 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "O our GOD, hear now the prayer of YOUR servant and his plea and cause YOUR face to shine upon YOUR desolate sanctuary, for the LORD'S sake." [Daniel (Danyel) 9. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Since HOLY OMNIPOTENCE GOD of all flesh dwells "in the unapproachable light" [1 Timothy 6. 16], HE shines on us for salvation, spiritual knowledge, and daily teachings and instructions through HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, WHO is "THE LIVING WORD" made FLESH. "In HIM was life, and the LIFE was the LIGHT of men." [John 1. 4] "For it is GOD WHO commanded light to shine out of darkness WHO has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD in the face of JESUS THE CHRIST." [2 Corinthians 4. 6] To HIM alone be honor, praise, glory, dominion, majesty and everlasting power forever and ever. Amen! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
The LORD shall yet comfort Zion and shall choose Jerusalem. The wise serve the LORD OF GLORY out of their great love for HIM, in reverent fear. 
Our prayers for you and your family is for an abundance of peace and truth to each of you as we celebrate Yamym Noraym — High Holy Days. 
"Chag Sameyach — a joyous Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles/Booths)!"

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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
It takes less time to do a thing right than to explain why you did it wrong. 

GOD'S SON 
"WHO has ascended heaven or come down? WHO has gathered up the wind in the hollow of HIS hand? WHO has wrapped the waters in HIS garment? WHO has established all the extremities of the earth? What is HIS NAME, and what is HIS SON'S NAME, if you know it?" [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

We know the answer to this first question, it is ALMIGHTY GOD, MASTER CREATOR of everything. But "WHO" has ascended up into heaven or descended from there? In these verses, HE is called GOD'S SON! There is only ONE WHO came down to this earth from heaven and WHO has ascended back into heaven! This was foretold by the ETERNAL LORD GOD through HIS prophets as coming again. As is written the SON OF GOD is the ONE WHO will be returning from heaven. 

"As I looked on in the night vision, ONE like the SON OF MAN came with the clouds of heaven!...and to HIM was presented dominion, glory and kingship; that all peoples, and nations of every language must serve HIM. HIS dominion is an EVERLASTING DOMINION that shall not pass away, and HIS Kingdom, one that shall not be destroyed." [Daniel (Danyel) 7. 13 - 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

YESHUA, the MESSIAH-KING is called "THE SON OF MAN." HE had been on earth as a part of humanity, yet here HE is in heaven and returning to earth to receive an Everlasting Kingdom! 

Two thousand years ago there was an announcement by the angel to the shepherds keeping watch over their flock at night. The great and wonderful day had arrived for fulfillment of THE INCARNATION as the HOLY ONE of old had foretold through HIS prophets: "For there is born to you this day in the City of David a SAVIOR, WHO is CHRIST THE LORD." [Luke 2. 11] 

The angel was declaring that this CHILD WHO was born in Bethlehem, the City of David, is the PROMISED SON OF GOD, THE SON OF MAN, IMMANU'EL, GOD-with-us, the ALMIGHTY GOD manifest in the flesh! This CHILD was born as a human being, yet HE is called "THE MESSIAH YEHOWAH" by the angel who announced HIS birth to the shepherds. OMNIPOTENT CREATOR GOD came to earth and was manifested in flesh to dwell among HIS people, Israel, just as HE had promised! 

The HOLY ONE, GOD HIMSELF, blessed be HE, declared it and we are saved if we believe it! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Grace, mercy and shalom be with you from GOD THE FATHER and from the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, the BELOVED SON OF THE FATHER, in truth and love. Thanking and praising YOU, LORD always for supplying this and so much more. We have an AWESOME GOD, and HE is on HIS Throne ruling over the affairs of men. HE is worthy of all our praise and worship, even in difficult times. 
Wishing you a joyful up-coming Sukkot! 

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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Israel…”a Bridge of the nations.”

PROMISED RESTORATION
"For thus said the LORD — As I have brought this great calamity upon this people, so I will bring upon them all the good which I promised them." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 32. 42 Tanakh, Nevi’im]

GOD never winked at the sins of Israel, "For she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her sins." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 40. 2] But the IMMUTABLE COVENANTS OF GOD were not altered. The promise to Abraham and to his seed stands! Our GOD keeps faith with the dead. True, terrible judgments fell on faithless Israel, but those judgments were not permitted to destroy her. "For I am with you to deliver you — declares the LORD, I will make a end of all nations where I have scattered you, but I will not make a complete end of you! I will not leave you unpunished, but will chastise you in measure." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 30. 11 Tanakh, Nevi’im]

Like the rejected MESSIAH, the Jew is a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief. Though the poison venom of the neo-anti-Semitic of the world has, though in vain, tried to exterminate the Jewish people. However, though loathed throughout time you can neither curse them, for they are cursed! You cannot bless them, for they are blessed! You cannot destroy them for they raise again.

GOD forbid that you, a follower of CHRIST, become infected with the virus of the world’s most morbid disease — anti-Semitism — as some have been. If the Jew needs chastisement for offenses, imaginary or otherwise, bear in mind that your GOD has said: "Vengeance belongs to ME, I will recompense. And again, the LORD (not you) shall judge HIS people." [Hebrews 10. 30]

It is not for you to "persecute him whom GOD has smitten." [Psalms/Tehillym 69. 26] In this age of grace, the HOLY ONE may permit the rod for their correction to be held in the hand of paganized (fearful), or paranoid persons, but never in the hand of a born-again child of HIS grace. Don’t forget, the RIGHTEOUS ONE emphasizing, "Salvation" — not destruction — "is of the Jews." [John 4. 22]

Though much tribulation and anguish has been heaped upon the Jewish people, GOD promises them: "Behold, the days are coming — says the LORD — when I will sow the House of Israel and the House of Judah with seed of men and the seed of cattle. And just as I was watchful over them to uproot and to pull down, to over throw and to destroy and to bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant —declares the LORD." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 31. 27 - 28 Tanakh, Nevi’im]

The plan of GOD will never perish in the course of time; the holy fire cannot be suppressed nor extinguished by the many storms which rage against us, but it has been kindled all the more shinning brighter and more clearly, filled with the most ennobling thoughts, and ever extending HIS rule with the forward movements of time. What GOD has determined, will be done and HIS amazing grace will fill the whole world for HE is the ALMIGHTY GOD of the Jew and the Gentile alike!

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to GOD in heaven for HIS loving-kindness. The LORD is mighty over us and we are ever thankfully indebted to YOU, O MERCIFUL GOD. May we examine our ways, test them, and return to YOU, O MOST HIGH.
O LORD, our GUIDE even unto death, grant us, we pray, grace to follow YOU through out our lives. In our daily duties, bow our wills to simple obedience, grant patience under pain or frustration, strict truthfulness of word and deed, humility, kindness; in great acts of duty or perfection, if YOU should call us to them, uplift us to self-sacrifice and courage to lay down our life for YOUR truth’s sake, or for our brother. Thank YOU, our HEAVENLY FATHER, for YOUR righteousness and keeping us under YOUR sheltering wing.
Five days after Yom Kippur, the holiday of Sukkot begins. In Israel, the holiday is seven days long — one day of a Sabbath-like holiday, followed by six days of Chol ha’Moed, on which many every-day activities are permitted. Immediately afterwards, on Thursday, October 16, is the one-day Sabbath-like holiday of Shmini Atzeret followed by Simchat Torah—Rejoicing of the Law. [Outside Israel, the holidays are a two-day Sabbath-like holiday; and the following days parallel to Israel’s.]

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: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
The HOLY BIBLE is an EXTRAORDINARY BOOK, expressing many norms and principles that have maintained their validity throughout thousands of years. It proclaims a vision of faith for men that is still valid and awaiting realization. 

YOM KIPPUR 
"In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, from evening to evening, you shall afflict your souls, exercise self-denial; and do no work at all — For on this day atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you of all your sins — It is a SABBATH OF REPENTANCE — a statute forever." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 16. 29-31; 23. 27, 32 Tanakh, Torah] 

Yom Kippur is the day of afflicting your souls. Perhaps the most important day of the Jewish Year, this is a day for repentance and forgiveness. Compare Leviticus to James and learn see for yourself how this "Sabbath of Sabbaths" is meaningful for true followers of CHRIST JESUS today. 

Jews afflict their soul on Yom Kippur by fasting & praying. On the Day of Atonement in the Temple, the High Priest would announce: "O YEHOWAH, YOUR people, the House of Israel, have committed iniquity, have transgressed, have sinned before YOU! I beseech YOU by the NAME of YEHOWAH, make YOUR atonement for the iniquities and for the transgressions and for the sins wherein YOUR people, the House of Israel, have committed iniquity, have transgressed and sinned before YOU; as it is written in the TORAH of YOUR servant Moses, saying — "For on this Day atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you from all your sins; that you may be clean before YEHOWAH." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 16. 30 Tanakh, Torah] 

ALMIGHTY GOD pronounced a terrible decree upon those who did not have a day in which their sins were atoned for. But GOD OMNIPOTENT, in HIS mercy, has provided the WAY in which everyone can have a Day of Atonement — the ONLY WAY of forgiveness. . . HIS NAME is "YESHUA — IMMANU-EL, GOD with us." 

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have assigned it to you for making an atonement for your lives upon the altar; it is the BLOOD, as life, that effects expiation." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 17. 11 Tanakh, Torah] 

This is a prophecy of MESSIAH, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL to come. HE would be the INNOCENT SUBSTITUTE. Even as the innocent bulls and goats of the OLD COVENANT ceremonies who "shed their blood" — would die — and by this death the sins of the people would be forgiven. The OMNISCIENT LORD OF HOSTS gave HIS SON, YESHUA, as THE ATONEMENT for the soul when HIS blood was shed for our sin! 

On Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), "Aaron shall take two he-goats and shall place lots upon them; one marked for the LORD and the other marked for Azazel (Scapegoat) ...and Aaron shall bring forward the goat designated by lot for the LORD, which he is to offer as a sin offering." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 16. 8 - 9 Tanakh, Torah] 

The goat, on which the lot marked for the LORD GOD fell, was slain — its blood carried by the High Priest into the Holy of Holies and placed upon the Mercy Seat. The High Priest had already taken the blood of a bullock into the Holiest for himself. When he returned to the people after their atonement — it was the second time the priest had made his appearance before them! And so it is with the GREATER HIGH PRIEST WHO came once to give HIS OWN blood. After the FATHER'S acceptance of the SACRIFICE, when the sins of the people were forgiven, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH will return at the appointed second time! 

"Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites putting them on the head of the goat; and it shall be sent off to the wilderness." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 16. 21 Tanakh, Torah] This Scapegoat (Hebrew: Azazel) would carry the sins of the people far from them; it was a substitute; it was made sin that the people might be excused from the penalty of their sins! YESHUA ha'MASHIACH was the SCAPEGOAT, for HE was the SUBSTITUTE WHO died outside the city of Jerusalem. . . (in the wilderness — "outside the gate" Hebrews 13.12). JESUS of NAZARETH was made sin that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM! HE carried our sins away from us, removing them as far away as the east is from the west. MESSIAH has done more than "cover up" our sins, HE has blotted them out with HIS precious blood; they are to be remembered against us no more! "Much more then, having now been justified by HIS blood, we shall be saved from wrath through HIM. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to GOD through the death of HIS SON, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by HIS life." [Romans 5. 9 - 10] 

Our WONDERFUL SAVIOR, by the sacrifice of HIMSELF, has inscribed our names in the LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE and we shall never be separated from HIM. No longer is it necessary that a goat or bullock have its blood shed for the remission of sins once every year, for GOD'S LAMB shed HIS blood ONCE FOR ALL. Jew or Gentile who believe in HIM can rejoice that there is a Yom Kippur for time and eternity made possible through the PERFECT KAPPORAH (sacrificial covering) this UNIQUE ONE is Yeshua, THE ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF THE LIVING GOD! 

Have you found the blood of atonement? "Behold! The LAMB OF GOD WHO takes away the sin of the world!" [John 1. 29] Are you trusting in GOD'S SMITTEN LAMB, the SUPREME SACRIFICE? The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, JESUS — the only ONE WHO can satisfy your soul! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Welcome Shabbos Shabbason! 
According to the TORAH, Yom Kippur is called "Shabbos Shabbason" — a day of total rest...may you be greatly blessed this Awesome Day! 
O LORD our GRACIOUS & MERCIFUL GOD, YOU have given us in love this Sabbath Day for holiness and rest, the Day of Atonement for pardon, forgiveness, and atonement that we may, in love, obtain pardon thereon for all our iniquities. 
O KING, pardon and forgive our iniquities and restore YOUR people; and let our eyes behold YOUR return in mercy to Zion. Please strengthen the bonds of friendship and fellowship among all the inhabitants of our land. Plant virtue in every soul, and may the love of YOUR HOLY NAME sanctify every home and every heart. Praised are YOU, O LORD, GIVER of peace. We again bless YOU, O LORD, WHOSE NAME is ALL-GOOD, and unto WHOM it is becoming to give thanks! 
The Shofar is blown 100 times at the end of the Yom Kippur service to signify that the Day of Repentance and introspection has come to an end. 
Have a very blessed Shabbat 
40th Day of Repentance. . . Prepare to meet your GOD! 

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: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Sometimes forgetting can be a higher form of love than forgiving. 

SCAPEGOAT, THE AZAZEL 
"And he (Aaron) shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering. Aaron shall offer the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself and for his house. He shall take the two he-goats and present them before the LORD at the door of the Tabernacle of the Congregation. Then Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat. And Aaron shall bring the he-goat on which the LORD'S lot fell, and offer him as a sin offering. But the goat on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make atonement over him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 16. 5 – 10 Tanakh, Torah] 

The Hebrew word for scapegoat or goat of departure is azazel — the word also refers to the evil one or his dwelling. Literally, the lots were cast so that one goat would go to the LORD and the other (according to tradition) to the Devil. However, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL said the goat was to be led away into a solitary land bearing the sins of the people after the High Priest laid his hands on the head of the goat and confessed over it the sins of the people. [Leviticus/Vayikra 16. 20 – 22] This ceremony was one of GOD’S historical pictures foretelling of the "coming atonement" for human sin by the death of MESSIAH YESHUA. The PRINCE OF PEACE became sin for us bearing our sins, taking on HIMSELF the punishment that was due us. 

On the Day of Atonement under the OLD COVENANT, the High Priest would cast lots on two goats. The lot which fell on one goat would be "slain unto the LORD" — then it’s blood would be carried by the same High Priest into the Holy of Holies and placed upon the Mercy Seat. The High Priest had already taken the blood of the bullock into the Holiest for himself. When he returned to the people after their atonement — it was the second time he had made his appearance before them! And so it is with the GREATER HIGH PRIEST WHO came once to give HIS OWN blood and then after the FATHER’S acceptance of the Sacrifice when the sins of the people were forgiven, YESHUA ha’MASHIACH would again return — at the appointed time! 

The goat which was slain unto the LORD and its blood shed, is a type of a new and living way into the PRESENCE OF GOD in the Holy of Holies: "For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the Law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, "This is the blood of the covenant which GOD has commanded you." Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. And according to the Law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For MESSIAH has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of GOD for us; not that HE should offer HIMSELF often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another — HE then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, HE has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of HIMSELF... And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this MAN, after HE had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of GOD." [Hebrews 9. 19 – 26; 10. 11, 12] 

The other lot would fall upon the Azazel/Scapegoat: "Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness. And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities to a land not inhabited; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 16. 21 – 22 Tanakh, Torah] 

This scapegoat would carry the sins of the people far from them; it was a substitute; it was made sin that the people might be excused from the penalty of their sins! And YESHUA ha’MASHIACH was the SCAPEGOAT, for HE was the SUBSTITUTE WHO died outside the city of Jerusalem ("in the wilderness" – Hebrews 13.12) WHO carried our sins far from us, WHO was made sin that we might be made the righteousness of GOD in HIM! JESUS THE LORD CHRIST has done more than cover up our sins, HE has blotted them out completely! HE has moved them as far as the east is from the west; HE has cast them behind HIS back to be remembered against us No More! 

ALMIGHTY GOD ordained that the Blood should be the only way of approaching HIM. This was shown from the very beginning with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. After they transgressed HIS Law, GOD HIMSELF slew an animal, shedding its blood, made coats of skin and with them, and covered their nakedness. Their sins were covered through the shedding of blood, by the sacrifice of a substitute. 

"Cain brought an offering to the LORD from the fruit of the ground; and Abel, for his part, brought the choicest firstlings of his flock…and the LORD had respect to Abel and his offering, but to Cain and his offering HE paid no heed." [Genesis/Bereshith 4. 3 - 5] This looks like the institution of Blood Sacrifice, right at the start, as the condition of man’s acceptance with the RIGHTEOUS & HOLY GOD — an archaic hint, and the beginning of a long line of pictures and predictions of MESSIAH’S Atoning Death for the sin of mankind. 

When the LORD commanded the people of Israel concerning their deliverance from Egypt, HE commanded them to take the firstling of the flock, an innocent lamb without spot or blemish, to shed its blood and place that blood on the doorpost, then said: "When I see the blood I will pass over you!" That first Passover, they had to stay where the blood was, they had to stay inside their houses until morning; they had Blood Protection! 

"Much more then, having now been justified by HIS blood, we shall be saved from wrath through HIM." [Romans 5. 9 – 10] "Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with HIS OWN blood HE entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of CHRIST, WHO through the ETERNAL SPIRIT offered HIMSELF without spot to GOD, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the LIVING GOD?" [Hebrews 9. 12 - 14] Only the blood of JESUS, GOD’S ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON can give life eternal. Not blood flowing in the veins of man, but the blood shed of HIM WHO was with GOD in the creation of all things. Only such blood has power to purify an unclean soul and give a perfect body at the time of the resurrection so that we may appear unashamed, at last, in HIS presence. 

Before the foundation of the earth, in the mind of GOD ETERNAL there was set a Day of Atonement for both Jew and Gentile which was fulfilled 2,000 years ago on the Altar of Calvary! We who have accepted GOD’S wondrous salvation can praise the LORD declaring: “MESSIAH YESHUA is my LORD, HE is my REDEMPTION for HE was slain in order that I might be admitted to life everlasting; HIS blood covering my sins.” 

There is no longer a priest to cast lots, no scapegoats to send into the wilderness, and no blood to be poured on the Mercy Seat. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA OF ISRAEL has finished it all. Our WONDERFUL SAVIOR, by the sacrifice of HIMSELF, has inscribed our names in the LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE and we shall never be separated from HIM. No longer is it necessary that a goat or a bullock or even a fowl (a ceremony still performed by many Orthodox Jews over all the world substituting a fowl for a man — called Kapporas Schlagen) shed it’s blood for the remission of sins once every year, for GOD’S LAMB shed HIS blood once and for all, Jew or Gentile who believes in HIM can rejoice that there is a Yom Kippur (Day of Covering) for time and eternity, made possible through the PERFECT KAPPORAH (Sacrifice/Covering) WHO is YESHUA (JESUS), the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF THE TRUE & LIVING GOD! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
I praise and thank YOU, ALMIGHTY ONE, for YOU comfort and delight my soul. YOU are my ROCK and my REFUGE, in YOU alone do I have hope and place my trust completely. May gladness reign and joy increase throughout this Season of the LORD'S Festivals! 
Gmar Chatima Tova! — (Literally) A good and final sealing (Idiomatically: May you be inscribed [in the BOOK OF LIFE] for good!) 
Days of Awe/Day 38 of Repentance. 

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: http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
None of us are immune to the deep pain of not being forgiven. 

PRAYER OF ATONEMENT 
"O LORD, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare YOUR praises. YOU are blessed, O LORD our GOD and GOD of our fathers, GOD OF ABRAHAM, GOD OF ISAAC, GOD OF JACOB. YOU are the GREAT, MIGHTY & REVERED GOD, the MOST HIGH GOD, WHO bestows loving kindnesses, and possesses all things, WHO remembers the pious deeds of the patriarchs, and in love will bring the Redeemer to their children’s children for YOUR NAME'S sake. 

Remember us unto life, O KING, WHO delights in life, and inscribe us in the BOOK OF LIFE, for YOUR OWN sake, O ETERNAL LIVING ONE. O KING, HELPER, SAVIOR & PROTECTOR. Blessed are YOU, O LORD, the SHIELD of Abraham. YOU, O LORD, are mighty forever. YOU quicken the dead, YOU alone are mighty to save. 

YOU, O LORD, sustain the living with loving-kindness, quicken the dead with great mercy, support the falling, heal the sick, loose the bound, and keep YOUR promise to them that sleep in the dust. Who is like YOU, LORD of mighty acts, or who resembles YOU, O KING ETERNAL, WHO kills and quickens, and causes salvation to spring forth? 

Who is like YOU, FATHER OF MERCY, WHO in mercy remembers YOUR creatures unto life? Yes! Faithful are YOU to quicken the dead. Blessed are YOU, O LORD. YOU are holy and YOUR NAME is holy, and holy beings praise YOU daily. There is none like YOU, INIMITABLE HOLY ONE! Selah 

Now, therefore, O LORD our GOD, impose YOUR awe upon all YOUR works, and YOUR dread upon all that YOU have created, that all works may fear YOU and all creatures prostrate themselves before YOU that they may all form a single band to do YOUR will with a perfect heart, even as we know, O LORD our GOD, that dominion belongs to YOU, strength is in YOUR hand, and might in YOUR right hand, and that YOUR NAME is to be feared above all that YOU have created. 

Give then glory, O ETERNAL ONE, unto YOUR people, praise to them that fear YOU, hope to them that seek YOU, and free speech to them that wait for YOU, joy to YOUR land, gladness to YOUR Holy City, a flourishing horn to David, YOUR servant, and a clear shining light to the SON OF JESSE, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, YOUR ANOINTED — speedily and in our days. 

Then shall the just also see and be glad, and the upright shall exult, and the pious triumphantly rejoice, while iniquity shall close her mouth, and all wickedness shall be wholly consumed like smoke, when YOU make the dominion of arrogance to pass away from the earth. 

YOU, O LORD, shall reign! YOU alone over all Your works on Mount Zion, the dwelling place of YOUR glory, and in Jerusalem, YOUR Holy City — as it is written in YOUR HOLY WORD: "The LORD shall reign forever, your GOD, O Zion, for all generations. Hallelu'YAH." [Psalms (Tehillym) 146. 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

YOU, O LORD GOD are holy, and dreaded is YOUR NAME and there is no god beside YOU, as it is written: "The LORD OF HOSTS is exalted by judgment, the HOLY GOD proved holy by righteousness and retribution." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 5. 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

YOU, MASTER, have chosen us from all peoples, YOU have loved us and taken pleasure in us, and have exalted us above all tongues; YOU have sanctified us by YOUR commandments, and brought us near unto YOUR services, O LORD our KING, and have called us by YOUR RIGHTEOUS & HOLY NAME. Blessed be our GLORIOUS LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT! Amen" 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
"Good Shabbat. . .have a very blessed Sabbath!" —Thanking GOD, the FAITHFUL & TRUE ONE for the Day of Expiation. 
Kol Nidre (All Vows) Tonight we will stand in the synagogue and declare our sins, intentional and unintentional, and ask the ALMIGHTY to forgive us, pardon us and grant us atonement. We also recite the Yizkor—“Remember”…is a special memorial prayer for the departed…it is not only the first word of the prayer, it also represents its overall theme. In this prayer, we implore GOD to remember the souls of our relatives and friends that have passed on. 
At this time of renewal of our collective conscience, we should start by loving each other and learn to accept each other, helping them to stand up for GOD’S TRUTH; to accept the responsibility of defending the Promised Land of Israel from its many enemies. Defend us also from our sins of impurity of the lips and foolish speech, of running to do evil, of scoffing, evil speech and arrogant expressions which caused our thoughts to fly to wickedness and dictatorial abuse of power, not only here but throughout the western world. 
We must learn to measure our words, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — we should meditate on these things. 
Please, LORD GOD OF HOLINESS, give us the patience to await the truth. . . create in us a clean heart and renew an unwavering spirit within us; uphold us by YOUR GENEROUS SPIRIT and keep us ever mindful of our obligations to YOU and to others. We give you our thanks, our praise, and our humble hearts. Amen! 
Days of Awe — the 39th day of Repentance. 



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 http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Remember the cross is an "I" ruled out — intended for dying on. 

COVENANTS & SIGNS 
"And GOD said to Noah — The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between GOD and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth. This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between ME and all flesh that is on the earth." [Genesis (Bereshith) 9. 16 - 17 Tanakh, Torah] 

The first mention of the word covenant(Hebrew: beriyth) is Genesis 6.18 — "I will establish MY covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark — you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you." The covenant was established after the Flood. This everlasting covenant was made with all the earth’s future populations and is still in effect which is symbolized by the continual beautiful bent rainbow through the sky after a rain. The bending seems to extend to the earth from the heavens, which is like a signature of GOD’S faithfulness. Figuratively, the bow depicts strength. This everlasting covenant is universal. 

Abram (who’s name was changed to Abraham) and Isaac also received an everlasting covenant with the ONE WHO is the ETERNAL FOUNDATION. "I will establish MY covenant between ME and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be GOD to you and your descendants after you. Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their GOD." [Genesis (Bereshith) 17. 7 - 8 Tanakh, Torah] Circumcision was the token of this cutting of the covenant. It was a covenant between them and their descendants, the people of Israel, "and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you." [Genesis (Bereshith) 17. 11 Tanakh, Torah] This everlasting covenant is for a particular, peculiar people, the Jews. 

There is still another everlasting covenant — this one with all the redeemed of all ages. "I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put MY fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from ME. Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this land, with all MY heart and with all MY soul." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 32. 40 - 41 Tanakh, Nevi’im] This new and everlasting covenant applies to all the redeemed of the LORD. This time, the sign of the covenant is more than a token, it is by the precious blood of YESHUA, the GLORIOUS KEEPER WHO willingly and zealously laid down HIS life to save HIS lost, vulnerable sheep. "Now may the GOD of peace who brought up our LORD Jesus from the dead, that GREAT SHEPHERD of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do HIS will, working in you what is well pleasing in HIS sight, through JESUS CHRIST, to WHOM be glory forever and ever. Amen." [Hebrews 13. 20 - 21] This everlasting covenant is for who-so-ever will. 

"Let YOUR hand be upon the MAN of YOUR right hand, upon the SON OF MAN whom YOU made strong for YOURSELF." [Psalms (Tehillym) 80. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Yes, our strength is in the LORD GOD OF JACOB alone! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
We give thanks to YOU for YOU are the LORD our GOD and the GOD of our fathers; YOU are the ROCK of our lives, the SHIELD of our salvation through every generation. We give YOU praise for our lives which are committed into YOUR hands, and for our souls which are in YOUR charge, and for YOUR miracles, which are daily; for YOUR wonders and YOUR benefits, which are wrought at all times, evening, morning, and noon. O YOU WHO are all-good, whose mercies fail not; YOU, MERCIFUL ONE, whose loving-kindnesses never cease, we have ever hoped in YOU. For all these things YOUR NAME, O our KING we continually bless and exalt for ever and ever. 
A Story for YOM KIPPUR 
One Yom Kippur, a rabbi imagined standing before the ALMIGHTY WHO asked him: “Have you studied all you should?” The rabbi answered, “No.” 
“Have you prayed all you should?” Again he answered, “No.” 
“Have you done all the good deeds you should?” This time, too, he said, “No.” 
“You have told the truth” –the LORD of all praise proclaimed- “and for the sake of truth you will be forgiven.” 
Days of Awe/Day 36 of Repentance. 

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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
A man's service to ALMIGHTY GOD is sincere when he wants no publicity for it. 

PARALLELISMS OF JONAH 
The Book of Jonah is read during Yom Kippur in order to teach us that the compassion of the ALMIGHTY, TRUE & LIVING GOD extends over all that HE has created. Jonah was angry with the CREATOR for not destroying Nineveh. Jonah confused GOD'S hatred of evil in people for GOD'S abhorrence of the evil person. The mercy and compassion of the OMNIPOTENT ONE for the people of Nineveh is available to us today. 

The ETERNAL KING does not think we are beyond hope. HE does not condemn us without an AVENUE OF REPENTANCE open to all who will receive HIM: "For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, that whoever believes in HIM shall not perish but have everlasting life. For GOD did not send HIS SON into the world to condemn the world, but that the world, through HIM, might be saved." [John 3. 16 - 17] The government will be laid on the shoulders of CHRIST JESUS the KING and peace will never end. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6a, 7b; 22. 22] 

Jonah is called. Jonah was in the light; Nineveh in darkness. Likewise, Israel and the nations. Israel was called to show the light of the LORD to the nations. 
Jonah is disobedient. Israel became apostate and turned merchant. Israel became a curse to the world as did Jonah to the sailors. 
Jonah is in trouble. It is thus with the Jews, trouble has come upon us and we are tossed about by the sea of nations. 
Jonah does not deny GOD or his nationality. So with the Jews; we still believe in ONE GOD, and confess ourselves as Jews. 
Jonah is cast overboard. So Israel is cast away in part for a time, as at present. 
Sailor’s conversion. So the Gentiles turned to GOD on the fall of Israel. 
Jonah is miraculously preserved. So is Israel among the nations — except for a remnant, spiritually dead, yet preserved by the LORD GOD of all flesh. 
Jonah was not digested by big fish. The Jew is not digested by the nations, he is still a Jew. Assimilation fails! 
Jonah is restored. So will Israel. "Salvation (our deliverance) is of the LORD. Selah" [Psalms (Tehillym) 68. 20 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 
Jonah is commissioned the second time and he obeyed. So will Israel! 
Nineveh is spared. So will the world be spared who repent at the preaching of restored Israel. 

When Israel's eyes are opened to behold their MESSIAH, YESHUA OF NAZARETH, all the world will be glad and rejoice with the SIMCHAT TORAH (JOY OF THE LAW). May that time come soon, and in our time! 

All in all, the story of Jonah is a grand historical picture of the MESSIAH’S Resurrection and Mission to all nations. Joppa, is the town from where Jonah embarked to avoid preaching to another nation. This was the very same town the LORD GOD chose some 800 years later to tell Peter to receive men of other nations. [Acts 10] It is also a prophetic picture of YESHUA’S resurrection on the "third day." [Matthew 12. 40] 

We offer thanks to YOU, our LIVING & ETERNAL KING for YOU have mercifully restored our soul within us, YOUR faithfulness is immeasurable! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
HOLY ETERNAL ONE, give us the kindness to hear with compassion, to offer support, loving comfort and care to all we meet. Give us the courage to do what is needed, the wisdom to choose what is right and most fair. Give us the vision to see what is possible. Give us the faith that will help pave the way for a present that’s hopeful, a future that’s peaceful — give us the heart to bring joy to each day. 
Thank YOU, ALMIGHTY GOD for making us a needy people, ever looking to YOU, the AUTHOR & FINISHER of our faith. Keep us ever mindful to praise, honor and obey YOU, O GOD our MAKER. 
May the days following be filled with great joy as we prepare for Sukkot—Feast of Tabernacles. 
Five days after Yom Kippur, the holiday of Sukkot begins. In Israel, the holiday is seven days long - one day of a Sabbath-like holiday, followed by six days of Chol ha’Moed, on which many every-day activities are permitted. Immediately afterwards, on Thursday, September 19th this year, is the one-day Sabbath-like holiday of Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, known as the Rejoicing of the Law. Thursday night will consist of post-holiday Hakafot Shniyot celebrations — a continuation of the day's singing and dancing in honor of the TORAH — all around Israel and various countries as we delight in SIMCHAT TORAH the following day. 
Days of Awe/Day 37 of Repentance 

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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Modesty is meekness and wisdom combined. 

IT IS ENOUGH 
"Enough! said Israel. It is enough! My son Joseph is still alive! I must go and see him before I die." [Genesis (Bereshith) 45. 28 Tanakh, Torah] 

Enough in Hebrew is "rab" meaning greater, more numerous, exceedingly much. Here, Jacob is overcome with thankful emotion at the news that Joseph, his beloved son long given up for dead, is still alive. Later Pharaoh, for a very different reason, cried— "Plead with the LORD for it is enough that there be an end of GOD'S thunder and of hail. I will let you go, you need stay no longer." [Exodus (Shemot) 9. 28 Tanakh, Torah] 

"It is enough! Stay your hand." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 24. 16 Tanakh, Nevi'im; 1 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Alef 21. 15] ALMIGHTY GOD gave this command to the Angel of Death to stop destroying the Israelites after David sinned in numbering the people. When Elijah thought he could bear no more, "Enough! — he cried. Now, O LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers." [1 Kings (Melakhim Alef) 19. 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Moreover, "Three things are insatiable; four never say — "Enough!" Sheol, a barren womb, earth that cannot get enough water, and fire which never says — "Enough!" [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 15 - 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH said, "It is enough for a disciple that he be as his teacher, and the servant like his master." [Matthew 10. 25] As the time of HIS arrest was drawing nearer, JESUS, the BELOVED, told HIS disciples, "It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the SON OF MAN is being betrayed into the hands of sinners." [Mark 14. 41] When they produced two swords, "HE said to them— It is enough." [Luke 22. 38] 

There are many circumstances which will cause a person to say enough already! But, in the ages to come there will never be an end to "the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us in CHRIST JESUS." [Ephesians 2. 7] The great abundance of our LOVING REDEEMER’S blessings will never be viewed as enough for HIS mercies never fail. 

My desire is to be with my SAVIOR & KING, MESSIAH YESHUA, to behold HIS glorious face and worship at HIS feet. I am confident and absolutely certain, that we can never know enough of our amazing, magnificent LORD GOD! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Blessed are YOU, MOST HOLY ONE, to be more like YOUR BELOVED SON is the cry of our hearts. Show us mercy, O LORD GOD , and grant us YOUR salvation. Eternal is YOUR power, YOU are mighty to save. I give YOU praise and glory, O LORD. 
As you observe the High Holy Days, may your home be filled with love and may the year ahead be filled with sweetness. May happiness, love and the joy of Messiah reign in your lives daily. 
"Ketiva Vahatima Tova — may your inscription and seal be for good." 
Days of Awe / Day 35 of Repentance. 

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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Failure to make a decision is one of life’s biggest mistakes. So, take courage, if you fail, keep trying! 

PATHS OF MERCY & TRUTH 
"Good and upright is the LORD — therefore HE teaches sinners in the way. HE guides the humble in justice, and teaches the meek HIS way. All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth, steadfast love for those who keep HIS covenant and HIS testimonies." [Psalm (Tehillym) 25. 8 - 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Psalm 25 is an acrostic Psalm of David. In the 9th verse, the word paths (Hebrew ‘orach) means well-trodden road, a caravan, manner, race, rank, by-way, or highway. Along all of life’s journey, from earth to Glory, we need directions and clear guidance. The ALMIGHTY CREATOR, the HIGH & LOFTY ONE always honors HIS WORD, and this great promise is to lead those who will but choose to follow HIM. "In all your ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will direct (smooth) your paths." [Proverbs (Mishle) 3. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

All these paths are paths that experience GOD‘S mercy and confirm HIS truth if we only obey HIS WORD — by keeping HIS covenant of grace and believing HIS promises. These paths lead to life everlasting, " You will teach me the path of life; in YOUR presence is perfect joy; pleasures are at YOUR right hand forevermore." [Psalms (Tehillym) 16. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Glory, honor and majesty are before HIM; strength and joy are in HIS place." [1 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Alef) 16. 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Although the paths may sometimes seem strange, dark or dangerous, we are assured that they will lead to light and peace. "The path of the righteous is like radiant sunlight, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day." [Proverbs (Mishle) 4. 18 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The AWESOME GOD "is like the light of the morning at sunrise, a morning without clouds." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 23. 4 Tanakh, Nevi’im] The ways of the ALMIGHTY’S true wisdom are "pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace." [Proverbs (Mishle) 3. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

A beautiful testimony of the paths of GOD is found in Psalm 23 — "HE renews my life; HE guides me in the paths of righteousness as befits HIS NAME. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no harm, for YOU are with me; YOUR rod and YOUR staff — comfort me...Only goodness, steadfast love, and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the HOUSE OF THE LORD forever." [Psalms (Tehillym) 23. 3, 4, 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] What a winning combination! 

With the GLORIOUS & EXALTED LORD GOD directing our steps, we can find complete guidance in HIS WORD, "For the commandment is a Lamp, and the Law a Light, and the way of life is the reproofs of instruction (rebuke that disciplines)." [Proverbs (Mishle) 6. 23 Tanakh, Kethuvim] And HIS WORD, "is a Lamp to my feet, a Light for my path." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 105 Tanakh, Kethuvim] May our prayers always be, "Teach me, O LORD, YOUR statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I shall keep YOUR law and keep it wholeheartedly. Make me walk in the path of YOUR commandments, for I delight in it. Turn my heart to YOUR testimonies and not to love of gain." [Psalms (Tehillym) 16. 33 – 36 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Teach me YOUR way, O LORD, and lead me on a smooth path." [Psalms (Tehillym) 16. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The wonders and riches of walking with the BELOVED MASTER are the greatest, most delighting adventures you could ever imagine! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel ! 
Observing the Tzom Gedaliah (Fast of Gedaliah — governor of Judea) in commemoration of the end of Jewish rule in the Holy Land at the time of the first destruction of the First Holy Temple some 2,500 years ago. The fast day is observed every year on 4th of Tishri (September 28th this year). The events are described in the HOLY BIBLE. [see 2 Kings/Melakhim Bet 25.25–26; Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 40 – 41] The Fast Day was establish and called the "Fast of the Seventh." [see Zechariah 8.19 —Tishri is the 7th month of the Hebrew calendar.] Gedaliah was probably killed on Rosh ha'Shana, but the fast was pushed off due to the holiday. 
Story of Gedalia: After the destruction of the First Temple some 2,500 years ago, the majority of the Jewish people were exiled to Babylon . The conqueror, Nebuchadnezzar, eventually eased some of his harsh restrictions and allowed some Jews to remain in the Land of Israel . He even appointed a righteous Jew named Gedalia to administer the territory. Gradually, more Jews who had escaped from the horrors of the war into neighboring countries began to return to their homes in Israel . Gedalia was realistic about the limitations of Jewish sovereignty. He understood that for their own self-preservation, the Jews in Israel needed to cooperate fully with the nation who had conquered their Land. 
But this political subservience was intolerable to some Jews. A man named Yishmael ben Netaniah, spurred on by jealousy and foreign influence, arose and ignored the King of Babylon. On the 3rd of Tishrei, Yishmael treacherously killed Gedalia as well as many other Jews and Babylonians. 
The TALMUDIC TRACTATE ROSH ha'SHANA equates Gedaliah's murder with the destruction of the Holy Temple , citing the fact that fasts were instituted to commemorate both events. 
HEAVENLY FATHER, teach us to emulate YOUR OWN grace and mercy. Cause YOUR TRUTH to fall upon our hearts like seed upon fertile ground. And, may we learn to love YOUR Law ever more deeply and to find in it the beauty of holiness. Remind us that YOU are the CENTER of our joy; thank YOU again for YOUR great love and kindness to us. Amen! 
L’Shana Tova! Have a happy, healthy, challenging and rewarding new year! 
Days of Awe/Day 34 of Repentance. 



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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Correct me from the HOLY BIBLE and you’ll have a friend for life. Correct me by your opinion, and you’ll have only your opinion. 

MESSIAH — AFFLICTED FOR ISRAEL 
"I will recount the loving-kindnesses of the LORD and the praises of the Lord, for all that the Lord has imparted to us, the great goodness to the House of Israel, that HE has bestowed on them according to HIS mercies and to the multitude of HIS loving-kindness. In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the ANGEL OF HIS PRESENCE delivered them. In HIS love and pity HE HIMSELF redeemed them; HE raised them and carried them all the days of old." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 63. 7, 9 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

The very heart of GOD’S MESSAGE is HIS everlasting love to Israel. In speaking to them HE tells that HIS love is one of suffering and sacrifice. We find this attitude of the HOLY ONE recorded particularly in the book of Isaiah which sounds more like a NEW COVENANT writer then an OLD COVENANT prophet as his MESSIANIC prophecies are clearer and more explicit than those in any other OLD COVENANT book. 

For about fifteen hundred years Israel offered daily sacrifices to GOD at HIS commands which pointed to the coming of ONE WHO would fulfill this sacrificial love of the ALMIGHTY. These sacrifices were not intended by GOD to be an end in themselves, but HE taught HIS ancient people, Israel — in these types, pictures, and symbols — of HIS desire to reveal HIS great suffering love for them and that one day HE would actually do this in a SUPREME SACRIFICE, their MESSIAH-REDEEMER-KING! 

In the TANAKH, the HEBREW SCRIPTURES, we read concerning the MESSIAH OF ISRAEL, the SAVIOUR of the world. We find there that HE was to come and express GOD’S love to Israel and to all who would believe on HIM. Again, in Isaiah’s prophecy, GOD is speaking concerning HIS PROMISED ONE; this UNIQUE ONE WHO would be THE SERVANT OF GOD. "Indeed, MY SERVANT shall deal prudently; HE shall be exalted and extolled to great heights." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 52. 13 Tanakh, Nevi’im] The GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob named the MESSIAH calling HIM "MY SERVANT." GOD continues HIS description of HIM: "Just as the many were astonished (Hebrew: shamem – petrified, to stun, stupefy, devastate) at HIM, so marred was HIS appearance, unlike that of any man, HIS form, beyond human semblance." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 52. 14 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

Here it is recorded concerning the SERVANT — MESSIAH’S sufferings. So much was HIS suffering that HE was an astonishment. HIS face and HIS body were twisted in agony because of HIS sacrificial offering for Israel and all mankind. From words in the HEBREW TEXT we realize that in HIS agony, the beatings accompanying HIS sacrifice disfigured HIS face and twisted HIS body to such a degree that HE did not even look like a man! 

Isaiah continues to relate MESSIAH’S suffering: "I gave MY back to the floggers, and My cheeks to those who tore out the beard; I did not hide MY face from insult and spitting." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 50. 6 Tanakh, Nevi’im] Notice as you read this particular chapter that it is the LORD GOD HIMSELF WHO is speaking. HE is saying, "I gave MY back to the floggers.” So GOD had a back and it was whipped and beaten by man! Quote again from SCRIPTURE concerning GOD’S sacrificial suffering-love for Israel: "In all their affliction HE was afflicted." Yes! MESSIAH entered into the sufferings of Israel even to the agony, the beatings with shame and spitting, the humiliation and heart-break which was associated with HIS supreme sacrifice on Calvary! 

Why would MESSIAH do this? HE is showing HIS sacrificial suffering-love to Israel even as it was pictured by GOD in all the sacrifices of the HOLY WRIT! All Israel who had faith in these sacrifices were redeemed by the sacrificial blood sprinkled on the Altars and the Ark of the Covenant’s Mercy Seat. It is like a credit arrangement until the actual SUPREME SACRIFICE on Calvary was accomplished when the debt was paid in full! 

"So will HE sprinkle many nations." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 52. 15] Throughout the FIRST COVENANT WRITINGS in the sacrificial system, GOD commanded the Levitical priests to sprinkle the sacrificial blood — "A life for a life." There was to be an innocent victim offered in the place of the guilty. The MESSIAH was to give up HIS innocent life so HE could redeem many who were guilty. It was because YESHUA was marred more than any man as a sacrifice upon an altar that HE could "sprinkle" many nations. 

After this report of MESSIAH’S sacrifice is given we read of a heart-breaking prophecy from Isaiah: "Who has believed our report? To whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For HE shall grow up before HIM as a tender plant, as a root out of arid ground. HE has no form or comeliness; that we should look at HIM; no beauty that we should desire HIM. HE is despised, rejected by men, a MAN of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from HIM (as a leper); HE was despised, and we held HIM of no esteem." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 1 - 3 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

There is a question as to whether or not this report and description of the MESSIAH will be accepted and believed! It is taught to my Jewish people that Isaiah 53 represents Israel and not MESSIAH YESHUA, the RIGHTEOUS, SUFFERING SERVANT OF GOD. My Jewish people were and are taught to believe that this chapter is merely describing the sufferings Jews have and are undergoing…that they are the ones despised, acquainted with grief and rejected of men. This beautiful chapter of Isaiah is referring to MESSIAH and not the Jewish people. Try substituting the personal pronouns "HE, HIS, HIM" with the word "Israel" and you can see for yourself that this thought is ridiculous at best. Please read it for yourselves and recognize the description of the ONE WHO was to come as REDEEMER for you and all who will believe on HIM. 

What all my Jewish people (and Gentiles) must know is that the SOVEREIGN GOD OF THE UNIVERSE planned from the foundation of the world that there would be two comings of their REDEEMER: The First Coming would be that of the SUFFERING SACRIFICE for the people’s sins and at HIS Second Coming, HE would be KING. First, YESHUA must appear as the LAMB Sacrifice before that HE could appear as RULER in Israel. And, my Jewish people, you must first accept HIM as the AFFLICTED SERVANT, the SAVIOR-REDEEMER, the SUPREME SACRIFICE for your sins, before you can receive HIM as your LORD & KING. Won’t you do that now? 

May the GOD of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless each of you and open your eyes to see YESHUA as your MESSIAH, YOUR PERFECT SACRIFICE. Accept HIM into your heart — the ONE WHO died for you and rose again and is coming back for you to be with HIM forever! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
As we bid farewell to Sabbat Shuvah — Sabbath of Return — we pray that your heart be filled with GODLY intuition and your words be filled with HIS righteous insights; songs of praise ever be upon your tongue and your vision be on a straight path before you. May your eyes shine with the light of GOD’S HOLY WORD and your face reflect the brightness of the heavens; and, your lips ever speak wisdom and your fulfillment be in righteousness even as you ever yearn to hear the WORD of the HOLY ONE OF OLD. 
Have a blessed week and be sure to take some of Sabbath's sweetness with you daily! 
L’Shana Tova Tikatevu – May you be inscribed (in the Book of Life) for a good year! 
Days of Awe/Day 33 of Repentance. 

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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Many a man who does not fear GOD wraps himself in a Prayer Shawl. [-Abraham ibn Esra] 

TRADITION OR TRUTH 
"This shall be to you a Law forever for all time: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, Tishri, you shall practice self-denial; and you shall do no manner of work, neither the citizen nor the alien who resides among you. For on this day atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you of all your sins; you shall be clean before the LORD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 16. 29 - 30 Tanakh, Torah] 

The "Days of Awe (Yamim Nora’im)" refers to the ten days between Yom Teruah (Day of Trumpets/Rosh ha’Shanah) and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) which can alter the sentence of one’s fate if a person repents of his sin, makes restitution, and returns to the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Thus, the goal of Yamim Nora’im is to return (teshuvah) to the BLESSED ONE with their whole heart, soul and might. This results in DIVINE forgiveness and at-one-ment with GOD which is only possible through MESSIAH'S forgiveness, extended to all those who embrace HIS "once-for-all" sacrifice for our sin. 

Among the many preparations for the awesome day of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), and perhaps one of the most important, is the seeking of forgiveness from friends, relatives and acquaintances — for actual wrongs done or to soothe bad feelings that may have arisen during the year. This is one aspect of our behavior that cannot be forgiven by the Almighty unless forgiveness is first sought from those we have wronged. Another custom practiced on the eve of Yom Kippur is to bathe (mikvah) so we become pure in preparation for services and prayer. 

"I have forgiven" are the eternal words spoken by the FAITHFUL, TRUE & LIVING GOD on the tenth of the month of Tishri, after Moses prayed and fasted for forty days on behalf of the Jewish people. This day became Yom ha'Kippurim, the Day of Atonement, for all generations. Any time a Jew (or Gentile) sincerely repents, he is forgiven. But, this day has a special meaning because of the forgiveness granted to the Jews on this day. 

Yom Kippur and all the laws pertaining to it started before sunset, as do all the holidays, with candle-lighting by the women of the house. A 24-hour (yahrzeit) candle is also lit in the house in honor of the holiday, as it is a day of fasting and we cannot honor it with a special festive meal. The light also reminds us of the Second Tablets that were given to the Jewish people on this day, for light symbolizes the TORAH. 

On Yom Kippur, no work (melachos) may be done and it is referred to as Shabbos Shabbason — a total rest day just like Sabbath. In fact, the doubled wording teaches us that even if Yom Kippur comes out on Sabbath, the laws of Yom Kippur are observed on that day and are not postponed, unlike other fast days when they occur on Shabbos. 

On Yom Kippur, five activities are specifically prohibited: Eating and drinking, anointing oneself with perfumes or oils, and washing (for pleasure), wearing leather shoes, and marital relations. Men go to the Synagogue (Shul) wearing white garments called kittels — and women often dress in light colors or white, which symbolizes purity. 

The evening service begins with the chanting of Kol Nidrei (all vows) which is intended to nullify in advance all vows and promises which Jews have been forced to make, or have made hastily in emergencies of sorrow or passion. During each main prayer, we say the "Viduy (confession - "we have sinned!")" —beating the heart with the right hand at each phrase as we enumerate all the sins we may have committed and ask GOD OF HOSTS, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL for forgiveness. The Viduy is phrased in the plural ("we have sinned!"), for all Jews and Gentiles are considered—one body—and we are all responsible for one another. 

One of the unique prayers of Yom Kippur is the Avodah section in the Musaf Prayer, which describes in detail the great and awesome service performed on Yom Kippur by the Priests in the Holy Temple. This service was highlighted by the entry of the High Priest into the Holy of Holies, the place where the original tablets of the Ten Commandments were kept in the Ark of the Covenant. Only on this one day a year, and only after much preparation, was the High Priest alone allowed to enter. Described are his preparations, the service, and the exciting conclusion —when the Jewish people knew they were granted forgiveness. [Leviticus/Vayikra 16] 

In these present times, Jews everywhere feel that by fasting and repenting for twenty-four hours in obedience to GOD'S righteous commandment, they are forgiven of all their iniquities and their names are written in the BOOK OF LIFE. Although they no longer have a Temple, nor a high priest, and no sacrifice, they are so convinced of the need of an atonement, that rather than confess that they have absolutely none, they teach that repentance and the day itself will atone for all sin. [Hilchoth T'shuvah c.i 2.] But, the LORD GOD stressed, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have assigned it to you for making AN ATONEMENT for your lives upon the altar; it is the BLOOD, as life, that makes expiation for the soul." [Leviticus/Vayikra 17. 11 Tanakh, Torah] For this reason, blood must be shed. 

As believers in the LORD YESHUA, we know that we have a GREATER HIGH PRIEST and HIS precious blood has been shed for sinners. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is our KIPPUR (Covering, Atonement). HE is the only means of salvation for both Jew or Gentile and forgiveness is an eternal gift. "Seeing then that we have a GREAT HIGH PRIEST WHO has passed through the heavens, JESUS, THE SON OF GOD, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a HIGH PRIEST WHO cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." [Hebrews 4. 14 - 16] "For such a HIGH PRIEST was fitting for us, WHO is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; WHO does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for HIS OWN sins and then for the people's, for this HE did once for all when HE offered up HIMSELF." [Hebrews 7. 26 - 27] HalleluYAH! Our GREATER HIGH PRIEST, JESUS, has done it all . . . the price is paid in full; and we, who believe, are bought back by HIS perfect atonement. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Welcoming Shabbat Shuvah — Sabbath of Return. 
As we celebrate Yamym Noraym (High Holy Days) — May GOD give us the kindness to hear with compassion, to offer support, loving comfort, and care. May HE give us the courage to do what is needed, the wisdom to choose what is right and most fair…give us the vision to see what is possible; the faith that will help pave the way for a present that is hopeful, a future that is peaceful — give us the heart to bring joy to each day. May Rosh ha’Shana mark a new beginning for you. . . through a year blessed with goodness and promise through MESSIAH YESHUA, the KING of Glory. Amen1 
Shana Tova! May you have a year filled with meaning and purpose. . . happiness will surely follow. 
Days of Awe / Day 32 of Repentance 


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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
He who kneels before the ALMIGHTY ONE, can stand before any person. 

FEAST OF TRUMPETS 5775 
At some point in history, the Feast of Yom Teruah (a more accurate term for the Day of Trumpets — Leviticus/B'Midvar 23. 23 - 25) became the day on which the Jewish New Year is celebrated, more popularly known as Rosh ha’Shanah (celebrated in the 7th month, Tishri) which translates as "Head of the Year." {Beginning tonight at sundown — Wednesday, September 24th this year} This Festival, a truly extraordinary occasion, is both a memorial and a blessing. 

The Feast of Trumpets is also called "Yom ha'Din" — the Day of Judgment and "Yom ha’Zikkaron" — the Day of Remembrance. The Apostle Paul was speaking of the appointed time when he declared: "HE (the RIGHTEOUS ONE) has appointed a day on which HE will judge the world in righteousness by the MAN (YESHUA THE ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD) whom HE has ordained. HE has given assurance of this to all by raising HIM from the dead." [Acts 17. 31 – 32] And again, warning of the judgment to come: "It is a righteous thing with GOD to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the LORD JESUS is revealed from heaven with HIS mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know GOD, and on those who do not obey the GOSPEL of our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH." [2 Thessalonians 1. 6 – 9] 

However, according to Exodus/Shemot 12:2, Nisan (Passover Season-March/April) is the month regarded as the "head" of the year, "the beginning of months." There are two other places in the Hebrew expression where "Rosh ha’Shanah (head or beginning of the year)" is found in the HOLY SCRIPTURE. ["It is a land the LORD your GOD cares for; the eyes of the LORD your GOD are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end." Deuteronomy/Devarim 11. 12 "In the twenty-fifth year of our exile, the exile of King Jehoiachin, the fourteenth year after the City had fallen, at the beginning of the year, the tenth day of the month — on that very day." Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 40. 1] 

Our Jewish people celebrate their New Year's Day in a very solemn way, unlike the Gentile practice. Jews examine their record for the past year and make resolutions to do better the coming year. According the Talmud, three books are opened on Yom Teruah/Rosh ha’Shanah before the MIGHTY CREATOR, wherein the fate of the righteous, the wicked, and those of a middle class are recorded. The names of the righteous are immediately inscribed and they are sealed at once to life. The middle class are allowed 10 days to repent and become righteous; while the wicked are altogether blotted out of the Book of the Living. 

Tradition alleges that Adam was created about the time of the Feast of Trumpets. According to the WRITTEN WORD OF GOD, when YESHUA, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL was born, that was certainly a new beginning. It will be a time of renewal when MESSIAH YESHUA returns some glorious day. We are in the final days of repentance leading to the Day of Atonement. Now is the time to make things right with the GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN & EARTH and with each other before the coming final judgment. Maybe soon, on some Feast of Trumpets, the LORD YESHUA will come for all who believe in HIM. [1 Thessalonians 4. 13 - 18] 

In fulfillment of the EVER-LIVING ONE'S command, Jews gather on Yom Teruah/Rosh ha’Shanah during the day at the Synagogue where the most prominent feature of the religious ceremony is the blowing of the Shofar (ram's horn), marking the preparation of the Holy Festival. "Speak to the Israelite people thus— In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe Sabbath rest, a sacred occasion commemorated with loud blasts." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 24 Tanakh, Torah] 

On this day, the Jewish people feel that the purpose for the sounding of the Shofar is to arouse them to the serious contemplation of their sinfulness as well as to their duty to lead a godly life. The Shofar is blown as a summons for the conscience to awake and heed the call of duty. For this reason, Yom Teruah/Rosh ha’Shanah is known as "The Day of the Sounding of the Horn." Furthermore, on that day it is concluded that RIGHTEOUS OMNIPOTENT JUDGE, the FAITHFUL & TRUE, calls to memory the faults and sins of the past year, it is also known as "Yom Zikrown" — The Day of Memorial. And, since Jewish people feel they are then on trial before the JUDGE OF THE UNIVERSE, Rosh ha’Shanah is also known as the Day of Judgment (Yom ha'Din). The prayers of the Jewish people to our RIGHTEOUS LORD GOD is that the HOLY ONE, blessed be He and blessed be HIS NAME, would inscribe their name in the "SEFER ha’HAYYIM — THE BOOK OF LIFE." 

"Tashlikh (casting off)" is another custom observed on this holy day. In fulfillment of the text — "YOU will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea." [Micah (Michah) 7. 19 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Jews go to the edge of a running stream and throw rocks into the water. In doing so, prayers are recited concluding with the words: "May GOD cast our sins into the depths of the sea!" 

There is another great event which will be proclaimed by the blowing of a trumpet! This event is going to rock this world as never any event in her history! "For the LORD YEHOVEH HIMSELF will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of GOD. And the dead in MESSIAH will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the LORD in the air. And thus we shall always be with the LORD." [1 Thessalonians 4. 16 - 17] 

"Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." [1 Corinthians 15. 51 - 52] 

The Eternal New Year began in the heart of those who accepted the MESSIAH YESHUA as their SAVIOR, REDEEMER & LORD. At that moment the heart was changed and all his sins were cast into the depths of the sea. The trumpet of the LORD OF HOSTS sounded announcing this great event and a new name was written in the LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE! This New Creation is now awaiting the Sound of the Shofar (ram's horn) which shall usher in that greatest of all events since the days of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH'S flesh! O glorious day when the LORD shall come for HIS OWN — both Jew and Gentile — who have accepted the redemption HE purchased through HIS SUPREME SACRIFICE on the Altar of Calvary! Without question, the incredible wonder of this Festival of Trumpets is a memorial and a blessing. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Welcoming Yom Teruah/Rosh ha’Shanah — a Solemn Sabbath! Rejoicing in the new day and continually praising ALMIGHTY GOD for HIS FEASTS! 
Our prayers for you and your family is that your life be filled with health, happiness, and prosperity in knowing our EXTRAORDINARY LOVING SAVIOR personally. 
Remembrance (zichronot) is to never forget that the ALMIGHTY loves you — imperfect, struggling, wonderful, one-of-a-kind you. 
Rosh ha’Shanah is a time when we coronate (empower, enthrone) GOD as our KING. The ALMIGHTY ONE loves us more then we can imagine; HE is flawless and infallible. Everything HE does is for our good. All that happens to us is ultimately good and perfect. 
Have a sweet and good new year — have health and happiness, love and may there be true peace in the Land of Israel and the whole world. 
"L'Shanah Tova tikatevu v'techateimu — May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year!" 
Day 30 of Repentance. Eve of the Festival of Trumpets. 

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: http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
The person of faith believes GOD even when circumstances appears to the contrary. 

YOM TERUAH/ROSH HA’SHANA PRAYER 
The purpose of Rosh ha’Shanah can be understood through the main themes of the central Mussaf prayer offered. The prayer is organized in three sections: 
1. Malchiot (KINGSHIP) — We begin the special silent prayer of Rosh ha’Shana by declaring GOD our KING. Our prayers declare GOD’S ONENESS, and the path in life we would like to lead. 
2. Zichronot (Remembrances) — Unlike humans who forget and remember, it is inconceivable that such a concept exists in our SUPERLATIVELY, HONORABLE, EXCELLENT, ALL-POWERFUL GOD. Zichronot refers to GOD’S ability to identify and consider all factors and aspects of a decision. The ALMIGHTY ONE is aware of our mission in life, our motivations, our thoughts, and our desires. Each and every one of these facets is considered when we are judged. 
3. Shofarot (The Shofar) — Shofarot refers to horn, the Shofar, blown on Rosh ha’Shanah. The Shofar symbolizes a new beginning. It is for this reason that it was present at Mount Sinai as the Jewish Nation was forged, and it is for this reason that we sound it on Rosh ha’Shana when we desire to start anew. 
Why do we desire a new beginning? Have we given our best effort to self improvement, to our relationships with our fellow man and with GOD? The answer to the question likely gives one pause. We therefore ask God for a new beginning. Then we blow the Shofar. 

Yom Teruah (The Day of the Horn/Trumpets) — literally shouting...begins with blessings after the Shofar is sounded. "Baruch atah Yahweh Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kidishanu bemitzvotav vetzvivanu leshemoa kol Shofar." [Blessed are YOU, YEHOWAH, our GOD, KING of the universe, WHO has sanctified us with your commandments and has instructed us to hear the Shofar.] "Baruch ata YAHWEH ELOHEINU MELECH ha-olam, asher kidishanu bemitzvotav vetzivanu lazman hazeh." [Blessed are YOU, YEHOWAH, our GOD, KING of the universe, WHO has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season.] 

The Sounds of the Shofar 
There are four different sounds associated with the blowing of the Shofar during the Yom Teruah service. These sounds are interpreted as follows: 
1. Tekiah — A pure unbroken sound that calls man to search his heart, forsake his wrong ways, and seek forgiveness through repentance. The Tekiah called the people to attention and to gather to Moses. It is the calling note, calling your attention and holding you. It would be the customary summons to listen to GOD, to receive from HIM the orders for the day. The sound of the KING’S coronation. 2. Shebarim — A broken, staccato, trembling sound. It typifies the sorrow that comes to man when he realizes his misconduct and desires to change his ways. Signifies repentance. 
3. Teruah — A wave-like sound of alarm calling upon man to stand by the banner of GOD. Teruah in Hebrew means not only a certain unique sound. It also implies "to break" — denoting breaking something and/or causing damage. It is the note for bustling, speedy activity, the signal for breaking up, for striking tents and breaking up camp. Sound to awaken the soul. 
4. Tekiah Gedolah — The prolonged, unbroken sound typifying a final appeal to sincere repentance and atonement (sound as long as you can blow). 

The Shofar blowing on Yom Teruah is a combination of the various sounds. The Tekiah is sounded first to call man's heart to give attention and hear the following "sound" of the Shofar message. It is then followed by the Teruah which would then give the HOLY ONE’S order to break off and away from every attachment that estranges us from HIM, and from our own purposes and present mode of life which is displeasing to the ALMIGHTY, and leave behind every worthless activity. The broken sound reminds us that we have a job of "breaking" to do as well — the breaking of our evil inclination. 
Based on the commandment in Numbers 29:1 ["And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work. For you it is a day of blowing the trumpets."] one hundred Shofar blasts are dramatically sounded throughout the prayers, awakening us to improve our ways. 

It is our willingness to declare GOD as KING that entitles us to a new life. Our request for life is based on our desire for a relationship with HIM. Like other relationships it is possible that there are areas that need improvement, however, those imperfections should not detract from the value of the relationship. 

Our prayer for you and your family on this Feast Day of Yom Teruah/Rosh ha’Shanah is that ALMIGHTY GOD, blessed be HE and blessed be HIS NAME, will make the coming days of this year, 5774, happy ones... 
...Not by shielding us from all sorrow and pain, but by strengthening us to bear it if when it comes. 
...Not by making our path easy, but in making us strong enough to tread any path. Not by granting unbroken sunshine, but by keeping our face bright even in the shadows. 
...Not by making our life always pleasant, but in showing us where MESSIAH and HIS cause needs us most; and by making us zealous to do HIS perfect will. 
...Not by keeping us from conflict and war, but by bringing us off every field of battle more than conquerors through the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH WHO loves us most. 

The Eternal New Year begins in the heart of him who accepted MESSIAH YESHUA as their LORD & SAVIOR. At that moment the heart was changed and all his sins were cast into the depths of the sea and he now is a new creation in CHRIST JESUS, the KING OF GLORY. The trumpet of the LORD OF HOSTS will sound announcing the greatest event as a new name is written in the LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE! 

This New Creation is now awaiting the sound of the ETERNAL ONE when HE calls us Home to be with HIM forevermore. Truly, this will be the greatest of all events since the days of MESSIAH'S flesh! O glorious day when KING JESUS shall come for HIS OWN — both Jew and Gentile — who have repented of their sins (Hebrew: teshuvah — to return, repent, contrition) and accepted the redemption HE purchased through CHRIST JESUS' SUPREME SACRIFICE on the Altar of Calvary! 

In Judaism, a distinction is made between repentance for sins committed against GOD and those committed against one’s fellow man. For this reason the TORAH has two different sacrifices dealing with sin. The first was known as "ha’taat" — the sin offering, while the other is called "asham" — the guilt offering. The sin offering taught that when man sinned against the MASTER CREATOR, restitution must be made with GOD; whereas, the guilt offering concerned man’s restoring his relationship with another man before GOD. If a person sinned against another person, forgiveness would not be given by the ALMIGHTY if the guilty party only confessed his sin to GOD. He must first make restitution with his fellow man and then come to GOD. 

MESSIAH YESHUA referred to this in the Book of Mattatiyahu (Matthew): "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." [Matthew 5. 23 - 24] 

Rosh ha’Shana, a celebration of GOD’S KINGSHIP and our desire to have a relationship with HIM. May this time serve as a prelude to a Happy New Year for each of us and our families. We cover you with our love and prayers. May your relationship with the HOLY CREATOR, the GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN & EARTH, grow daily in the little time we have left to serve HIM here on earth. L’Chayim! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Chag Semayah — Good Holy Days! May you be inscribed in the BOOK OF LIFE and may the Jewish nation be rid of their enemies. Pardon our sins and grant us a life of health, prosperity and blessings. 
The Rosh haShana prayers - longer, more melodious, and more intense and inspirational than usual — concentrate on GOD'S KINGSHIP and HIS judgment of all creatures. 
"Our PRECIOUS HEAVENLY FATHER, we have no king but YOU. Help us for YOUR NAME’S sake. Grant us a blessed New Year, annul all evil decrees against us, annul the plots of our enemies, frustrate the designs of our foes, rid us of tyrants, rid us of pestilence, sword, famine, captivity, sin and destruction. Forgive and pardon all our sins. Help us return to YOU fully repentant. Send complete healing to the sick; remember us with favor; hasten our deliverance. Exalt YOUR people, Israel and those who are called by YOUR NAME everywhere. Hear us our INCREDIBLE REDEEMER, show us mercy and compassion, accept our prayer with favor and mercy. Do not turn us away unanswered. Remember that we are dust. Have pity for us and our children; act for those slain for YOUR HOLY NAME who were slaughtered for YOUR unity — who went through fire and water; act for YOUR sake if not for ours. Answer us though we have no deeds to plead our cause. Save us with mercy and loving-kindness. And, make us careful to bless, praise and thank YOU all the days of our life. Amen!" 
[The 10 Days of Awe are from Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets/Rosh ha’Shana) through Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). These days are a foreshadowing picture and rehearsal of the Second Coming of MESSIAH YESHUA, the fulfillment of prophetic SCRIPTURES.] 
"Ketiva Vahatima Tova — may your inscription and seal be for good." 
Wishing all of you a good year, not one just good for us, but a year where we do good to others. 
Days of Awe - Day 31 of Repentance. 


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: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
A ravisher (a degenerate, a spoiler) must take the consequences, he must drink out of the vessel he abused. 

WASHING OTHER'S FEET 
"He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean." [John 13. 10] 

When Peter heard JESUS, the GALILEAN speak these words to him, he understood that fellowship with MESSIAH YESHUA is gained by washing. We must humble ourselves, admit our sinfulness and our desperate need of the MASTER'S cleansing. Not only our own feet need washing, but we must also wash our brothers: "If I then, your LORD and TEACHER, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you." [John 13. 14 - 15] 

GOD ETERNAL established the way for washing. Moses was instructed to make a Copper Laver for Aaron and his sons to wash from. And he was also instructed to wash them with water. [Exodus/Shemot 29. 4] They were "to wash their hands and their feet in water drawn from it, that they may not die." This ordinance was forever to them — to Aaron and his descendants throughout their generations. [Exodus/Shemot 30. 18 - 21] 

When the woman was scorned and ridiculed for washing the LORD JESUS' feet "with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head" [Luke 7. 38], her sins were forgiven her. YESHUA said to HIS disciples — "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little." [Luke 7. 47] Thus implying that the one for whom much is forgiven, the same LOVES MUCH. 

If we apply this thinking to our present situation in life, should we not be as concerned about others as we are about self and be quick to wash the feet of others (forgive them), for we have been freely bathed (forgiven) of our indebtedness (complete inability to pay) to the ONE WHO is our PERFECT EXAMPLE, the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

"But when the kindness and the love of GOD our SAVIOR toward man appeared not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to HIS mercy HE saved us, through the Washing of Regeneration and Renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT." [Titus 3. 4 - 5] The LAVER we have available to us now is GOD'S HOLY WRITTEN WORD and the PurE WATER is freely available to wash from for our daily cleansing. In HIS loving mercy, the MASTER DESIGNER has always been our PERFECT EXAMPLE. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
When things around you appear dark and terrifying, hold on to the promises of LORD GOD. HE is in complete control. "The ROCK! - HIS deeds are perfect; Yea, all HIS ways are just; a FAITHFUL GOD, never false, true and just is HE." [Deuteronomy/Devarim 32. 4] Nothing can be achieved in haste, the spreading tree and the soul of man grows slowly to perfection. Thus sang King David, "Trust in the LORD, wait patiently for HIM!" 


Praised are YOU, O LORD GOD, for great is YOUR love for us and YOUR compassion boundless. Be gracious to us that we may understand and fulfill the teachings of YOUR REVERED WORD. Enlighten our eyes in YOUR Law that we may cling to YOUR commandments. Thank YOU for YOUR saving power, for from YOU alone comes our help. Draw us nearer to YOU to serve YOU in faithfulness. Joyfully, we lift our voices and proclaim YOUR PRECIOUS NAME. Amen! 
Chag Semayah — Good Holy Days! 
Day 28 of Repentance. 

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:  http://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] 

JESUS, 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! 
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. 
Day 29 of Repentance. 

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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift...that is why we call it the present.
FAMINES, FLOODS, DROUGHTS & DISASTERS      
"I have given you cleanness of teeth (famine) in all your cities, and lack of bread in all your settlements. Yet you did not turn back to ME" — declares the LORD. 
 "I therefore withheld rain from you three months before harvest time; I made it rain on one town, I withheld rain from another; one part was rained upon, where it did not rain that part withered. So two or three cities wandered to another city to drink water. But their thirst would not be satisfied. Yet you have not returned to ME" — declares the LORD.
 "I scourged you with blight and mildew. When your gardens increased, your vineyards, your fig trees, and your olive trees, the locust devoured them. Yet you did not turn back to ME" — declares the LORD.
 "I sent among you pestilence in the manner of Egypt; your young men I slew with a sword, together with your captive horses, and I made the stench of your armies rise in your nostrils. Yet you have not returned to ME" — declares the LORD.
 "I have wrought destruction among you as when ELOHIMY destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, and you have become like a firebrand plucked from burning. Yet you have not turn back to ME" — declares the LORD.
 "Assuredly, because you are acting thus toward ME, even so will I do to you, O Israel — because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your GOD, O Israel!"  

 "Behold, HE WHO formed the mountains and creates the wind, and has told man what HIS wish is, WHO turns the morning darkness into daybreak, and treads upon the high places of the earth — HIS NAME is YEHOWAH, GOD OF HOSTS." [Amos (Amus) 4. 5 - 13 Tanakh, Nevi’im]
Recognize WHO is speaking here. . . this was all from the mouth of the LORD GOD HIMSELF.  Israel refused to accept correction and GOD, by HIS mighty hand brought famine, drought, floods, pestilence, wild beasts, the sword, and other various plagues to try and get the nation’s attention to return to HIM.   The EXALTED ONE said, "take for yourself the implements of a foolish shepherd. For indeed I will raise up in the land a shepherd who will neither miss the lost [sheep], nor seek the young, the strayed, nor heal those that are broken or injured, nor feed the frail, but will feast on the flesh of their fat ones and tear off their hoofs." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 11. 15 - 16 Tanakh, Nevi’im]
"They are a nation void of sense, lacking in all discernment" [Deuteronomy/Devarim 32. 28]; "Be assured, O House of Israel, I will judge each of you, every one according to his ways — declares the LORD GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O House of Israel? For it is not MY desire that anyone shall die — I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies — says the LORD GOD. "Therefore turn and live!"  [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 18. 30 - 32 Tanakh, Nevi’im]
The LOVING GOD OF HEAVEN is also today calling and trying to get the attention of America and other countries.  For the past several months, almost all nations have had nothing but tremendously-excessive calamities reported daily in the news.  The extraordinary weather conditions of every kind, multiple murders in the streets and schools, perversions of every sort, outcries from unbridled wickedness in every city, protests and objections, and harsh droughts that are sweeping across the lands which soon will be bring in severe famine and deaths just as GOD’S WORD foretold.
Just as the prod directs the ox to plow in a straight line, so too does the HOLY SCRIPTURES guide and prepares one to think and walk in the path of life.  Even after their exodus from Egypt there was immediate disobedience, so GOD led the Jewish people into a harsh, howling desert where they would need to follow HIM completely for their survival.  Yet, after that forty years of wanderings in the wilderness, they continued to rebel thus needing to be chastised time and again to remind them to totally return to the LORD with all their hearts, put away the foreign gods, and prepare their hearts for the LORD, and serve HIM only and HE would deliver them. [see 1 Samuel/Shemuel Alef 7. 3] 
The SOVEREIGN LORD GOD continues to inquire of the nations, "Why will you die, you and your people, by the sword, famine, and pestilence." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 27. 13 Tanakh, Nevi’im], "As I live — says the LORD GOD — I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways!" [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 33. 11 Tanakh, Nevi’im]  "Whoever covers his sins will not prosper; whoever confesses and forsakes them will find mercy." [Proverbs (Mishle) 28. 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim]  
"We then, as workers together with HIM (MESSIAH YESHUA) also plead with you not to receive the grace of GOD in vain. For HE (the BELOVED SAVIOUR) says: "In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you." Behold! now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." [2 Corinthians 6. 1 - 2]  
GOD’S promises are still true today as when HE appeared to Solomon, and said to him: "When I shut up heaven and there is no rain; when I command the locusts to ravage and devour the land; or when I send pestilence against MY people, IF MY people who bear by MY NAME will humble themselves, pray, and seek MY favor, and turn from their evil ways, THEN I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 7. 13 - 14Tanakh, Kethuvim]  
Repentance is vitally essential for GOD to have mercy on you in the Day of Judgment. Does the MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE have your attention yet?
 
Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
O GOD and FATHER, hear me as I pray with the Psalmist of old: So teach us to number our days rightly, that we may obtain a wise heart.  And, may the hallowed influences of this day give us strength to do YOUR perfect will, O GOD, with a steadfast, submissive and loving spirit and with a heart of wisdom. Amen. 
 The LORD loves truth and peace: "Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; give judgment in your gates for truth, justice and peace; let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; and do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate, says YEHOWAH, the GOD OF HOSTS." [Zechariah/Zecharyah 8. 16 - 17]
We pray for YOUR soon return, LORD, and expectantly desire to seek YOUR glorious face.  Speedily come, we pray!
Day 37 of Repentance until Yom Kippur
 
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 you don't have wrinkles, you have not laughed enough. 


CUSTOMS — GOD is ECHAD 
"Hear, O Israel! The LORD our GOD, the LORD is oNE!" [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 4 Tanakh, Torah] 
The Hebrew word used here for one is "echad" meaning united one. HEBREW SCRIPTURES teach the concept of plurality in GOD; that is to say, that the ONE GOD manifests HIMSELF in THREE PERSONS: The HEAVENLY FATHER — THE SOURCE of all things. As the ANGEL OF THE LORD, the WORD OF GOD, the MESSIAH, the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD, the VISIBLE REVELATION & EXPRESSION. And, the HOLY SPIRIT — THE COMFORTER & TEACHER. 
These THREE constitute a UNITY (echad). To have a unity in the connotation of "echad" there must be a plurality — for instance: when CREATOR GOD made Adam and Eve, HE stated that they shall be "echad" (one) — a unity composed of two persons. At the Tower of Babel, YEHOWAH said, "All the people are echad (one) and the language echad (one) to all of them." [Genesis/Bereshith) 11. 6] 
OLD COVENANT SCRIPTURES describe the GODHEAD as composed of three co-eternal and co-equal PERSONS WHO are the same in subsistence, but distinct in substance. There are three names for GOD which include these THREE PERSONS: ELOHIYM, YEHOWAH, and EL SHADDAI. 
The tri-unity of GOD is implied in Aaron's priestly benediction: "YEHOWAH bless you and keep you (the FATHER). YEHOWAH make HIS face to shine upon you and be gracious to you (the SON). YEHOWAH lift up HIS countenance upon you and give you peace (the HOLY SPIRIT)." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 6. 24 - 26 Tanakh, Torah] 
All three PERSONS of the GODHEAD are seen in the following texts: "Come near to ME, hear this — I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, I was there. And now the LORD GOD and HIS SPIRIT have sent ME (MESSIAH YESHUA)." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 48. 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 
"For HE said — Surely they are MY people, children who will not lie. — So HE became their SAVIOR. In all their affliction HE was afflicted, and the ANGEL OF HIS PRESENCE saved them; in HIS love and in HIS pity HE redeemed them; and HE bore them and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled and grieved HIS HOLY SPIRIT; so HE turned HIMSELF against them as an enemy, and HE fought against them." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 63. 8 - 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 
It is thrilling to note that the Hebrew letter "sheen" — the initial letter of the name for GOD (SHADDAI, means all sufficient) was formerly taken by the Jews to represent the manner of DIVINE existence: It is composed of three perpendicular strokes, with one to unite them (Sheen: \\\ )! 
In pronouncing the priestly or Aaronic Benediction the Rabbis today lift their hands in blessing over the people. The hands are held with the fingers of each hand depicting three strokes joined together, as in the letter sheen, which in turn represents the NAME OF GOD. As stated, the letter sheen is composed of three perpendicular strokes with one to unite them. How vividly the hand symbolizes the NAME OF GOD (represented by the letter Sheen) and also the trinity: THREE-in-ONE, ONE-in-THREE! 
It is claimed that in BIBLE times when a king issued a decree, it was always given in the plural form, indicating the will of the kingdom in issuing this decree. This idea (the plural of majesty) is quite prevalent among many religious teachers. To this idea there seems to be some serious objections. 
A Hebrew teacher was asked what the Jewish scholars did with the expression "ELOHIYM" — found many times in the first chapter of the book of Genesis/Bereshith. He answered that it was the custom in the BIBLICAL times to speak of the king and of the kingdom, and of the things done in the kingdom in a plural form. All documents, the teacher replied, were issued in this manner. 
Attention was then called to the experiences found in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. It is stated in these books that Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes each issued a decree. These three men were the kings of the Medes and Persians. In none of these decrees issued, do the kings speak of themselves in the plural form. It is always, "I, Cyrus" or "I, Darius" or "I, Artaxerxes." [2 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Bet 36. 22 - 23; Ezra 6. 1 - 8; 7. 11 - 13; 6. 14] 
HOLY OMNISCIENT, OMNIPOTENT, OMNIPRESENT GOD, the ALPHA & OMEGA is TRINITY. HE is both ONE and THREE. However, HE is not both ONE and THREE in the same respect. GOD is One as to HIS essence of being, but THREE as to hypostases, persons, and modes of life and functioning. The human mind has a triune constitution — it is made up of the intellect, the sensibility, and the will — three minds, but of one mind. 
Many times GOD called HIMSELF the GOD OF ABRAHAM, the GOD OF ISAAC and the GOD OF JACOB. HE seemed to love to reveal HIMSELF through this name, this is the revelation of the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT — for Abram means the exalted father who became Abraham, the father of a multitude. Isaac means laughter. He was the promised son, the JOY of the father. Jacob is known as the heel grabber or supplanter — the one who became "Israel" or a prince with GOD — and this speaks of the work of the HOLY SPIRIT. 
Three is the numerical "signature" of the DIVINE BEING. GOD has stamped HIS signature on the universe HE created (Time: past, present, future; Kingdoms: animal, vegetable, mineral; Views: earth, sea, sky; Forms Matter Assumes: solid, liquid, gas; Colours to One Ray of Light: blue, red, yellow; etc.) 

Also, there is the three-fold constitution of man proclaims the TRI-PERSONAL GOD WHO created him in HIS OWN IMAGE. The Sh'ma, expressing the TRI-UNITY of the GODHEAD, leads the command calling upon man's threefold nature: Spirit (hearts sensitivity to the SPIRIT OF GOD), Soul (eternal human characterization, disposition, essence) and Might (body, flesh) to love his TRIUNE CREATOR GOD! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
We use all of our senses to bid farewell to Shabbat with the Havdalah (“difference”) Service; we taste the wine, smell the spices, see the shadows of candles, hear prayers & songs, and touch family and friends as we wish them Tov Shavua — Have a good week! 
Go with GOD! 
Day 26 of Repentance 

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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
If you don't have wrinkles, you have not laughed enough. 

CUSTOMS — GOD is ECHAD 
"Hear, O Israel ! The LORD our GOD, the LORD is oNE!" [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 4 Tanakh, Torah] 

The Hebrew word used here for one is "echad" meaning united one. HEBREW SCRIPTURES teach the concept of plurality in GOD; that is to say, that the ONE GOD manifests HIMSELF in THREE PERSONS: The HEAVENLY FATHER — THE SOURCE of all things. As the ANGEL OF THE LORD, the WORD OF GOD, the MESSIAH, the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD, the VISIBLE REVELATION & EXPRESSION. And, the HOLY SPIRIT — THE COMFORTER & TEACHER. 

These THREE constitute a UNITY (echad). To have a unity in the connotation of "echad" there must be a plurality — for instance: when CREATOR GOD made Adam and Eve, HE stated that they shall be "echad" (one) — a unity composed of two persons. At the Tower of Babel , YEHOWAH said, "All the people are echad (one) and the language echad (one) to all of them." [Genesis/Bereshith) 11. 6] 

OLD COVENANT SCRIPTURES describe the GODHEAD as composed of three co-eternal and co-equal PERSONS WHO are the same in subsistence, but distinct in substance. There are three names for GOD which include these THREE PERSONS: ELOHIYM, YEHOWAH, and EL SHADDAI. 

The tri-unity of GOD is implied in Aaron's priestly benediction: "YEHOWAH bless you and keep you (the FATHER). YEHOWAH make HIS face to shine upon you and be gracious to you (the SON). YEHOWAH lift up HIS countenance upon you and give you peace (the HOLY SPIRIT)." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 6. 24 - 26 Tanakh, Torah] 

All three PERSONS of the GODHEAD are seen in the following texts: "Come near to ME, hear this — I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, I was there. And now the LORD GOD and HIS SPIRIT have sent ME (MESSIAH YESHUA)." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 48. 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

"For HE said — Surely they are MY people, children who will not lie. — So HE became their SAVIOR. In all their affliction HE was afflicted, and the ANGEL OF HIS PRESENCE saved them; in HIS love and in HIS pity HE redeemed them; and HE bore them and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled and grieved HIS HOLY SPIRIT; so HE turned HIMSELF against them as an enemy, and HE fought against them." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 63. 8 - 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

It is thrilling to note that the Hebrew letter "sheen" — the initial letter of the name for GOD (SHADDAI, means all sufficient) was formerly taken by the Jews to represent the manner of DIVINE existence: It is composed of three perpendicular strokes, with one to unite them (Sheen: \\\ )! 

In pronouncing the priestly or Aaronic Benediction the Rabbis today lift their hands in blessing over the people. The hands are held with the fingers of each hand depicting three strokes joined together, as in the letter sheen, which in turn represents the NAME OF GOD. As stated, the letter sheen is composed of three perpendicular strokes with one to unite them. How vividly the hand symbolizes the NAME OF GOD (represented by the letter Sheen) and also the trinity: THREE-in-ONE, ONE-in-THREE! 

It is claimed that in BIBLE times when a king issued a decree, it was always given in the plural form, indicating the will of the kingdom in issuing this decree. This idea (the plural of majesty) is quite prevalent among many religious teachers. To this idea there seems to be some serious objections. 

A Hebrew teacher was asked what the Jewish scholars did with the expression "ELOHIYM" — found many times in the first chapter of the book of Genesis/Bereshith. He answered that it was the custom in the BIBLICAL times to speak of the king and of the kingdom, and of the things done in the kingdom in a plural form. All documents, the teacher replied, were issued in this manner. 

Attention was then called to the experiences found in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. It is stated in these books that Cyrus, Darius and Artaxerxes each issued a decree. These three men were the kings of the Medes and Persians. In none of these decrees issued, do the kings speak of themselves in the plural form. It is always, "I, Cyrus" or "I, Darius" or "I, Artaxerxes." [2 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Bet 36. 22 - 23; Ezra 6. 1 - 8; 7. 11 - 13; 6. 14] 

HOLY OMNISCIENT, OMNIPOTENT, OMNIPRESENT GOD, the ALPHA & OMEGA is TRINITY. HE is both ONE and THREE. However, HE is not both ONE and THREE in the same respect. GOD is One as to HIS essence of being, but THREE as to hypostases, persons, and modes of life and functioning. The human mind has a triune constitution — it is made up of the intellect, the sensibility, and the will — three minds, but of one mind. 

Many times GOD called HIMSELF the GOD OF ABRAHAM, the GOD OF ISAAC and the GOD OF JACOB. HE seemed to love to reveal HIMSELF through this name, this is the revelation of the FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT — for Abram means the exalted father who became Abraham, the father of a multitude. Isaac means laughter. He was the promised son, the JOY of the father. Jacob is known as the heel grabber or supplanter — the one who became "Israel" or a prince with GOD — and this speaks of the work of the HOLY SPIRIT. 

Three is the numerical "signature" of the DIVINE BEING. GOD has stamped HIS signature on the universe HE created (Time: past, present, future; Kingdoms: animal, vegetable, mineral; Views: earth, sea, sky; Forms Matter Assumes: solid, liquid, gas; Colours to One Ray of Light: blue, red, yellow; etc.) 

Also, there is the three-fold constitution of man proclaims the TRI-PERSONAL GOD WHO created him in HIS OWN IMAGE. The Sh'ma, expressing the TRI-UNITY of the GODHEAD, leads the command calling upon man's threefold nature: Spirit (hearts sensitivity to the SPIRIT OF GOD), Soul (eternal human characterization, disposition, essence) and Might (body, flesh) to love his TRIUNE CREATOR GOD! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel ! 
We use all of our senses to bid farewell to Shabbat with the Havdalah (“difference”) Service; we taste the wine, smell the spices, see the shadows of candles, hear prayers & songs, and touch family and friends as we wish them Tov Shavua — Have a good week! 
Go with GOD! 
Day 26 of Repentance 

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: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Freedom without restraint leads to bondage. 

WALKING IN THE LORD’S STEPS 
"HE will guard the steps of HIS saints, but the wicked shall perish in darkness— for not by strength shall man prevail." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 2. 9 Tanakh, Nevi’im], 

Living according to GOD’S command is every true believer’s utmost desire. To be like our MASTER delights not only the follower of the LORD YESHUA, but it is also HIS highest calling as HE observes HIS children obeying HIS voice. How wondrous to know that each of our steps were ordered of the LORD, "The steps of a good man are made firm by the LORD, when HE delights in his way. Though he stumbles, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with HIS hand." [Psalms (Tehillym) 37. 23 - 24 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "For to this you were called, because CHRIST also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow HIS steps." [1 Peter 2. 21] 

Even when the path seems difficult, especially in these last days, it is the only path that honors the HOLY ONE. "He leads me in the paths of righteousness for HIS NAME'S sake." [Psalms/Tehillym 23. 3] "O LORD, lead me, in YOUR righteousness [path] because of my enemies; make YOUR way straight before my face." [Psalms (Tehillym) 5. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "For YOU are my ROCK and my FORTRESS; YOU lead me and guide me as befits YOUR NAME." [Psalms (Tehillym) 31. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

We need to be in the WRITTEN WORD daily to insure we do not get off the path of righteousness or drift from what is written. Like the Prophet Jeremiah affirmed, "I know, O LORD, that man’s road is not his [to choose], that man, as he walks, cannot direct his own steps. Correct me, O Lord, but with justice; not in YOUR wrath, lest YOU reduce me to nothing." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 10. 23 - 24 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

Thus our constant prayer should be, "Direct my feet by YOUR WORD, do not let iniquity have dominion over me. Redeem me from the oppression of man, that I may keep YOUR precepts." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 133 - 134 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Our LOVING & FAITHFUL GUIDE promised, "Whenever you deviate to the right or whenever you deviate to the left, your ears shall hear the command from behind you, saying — This is the way, walk in it." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 30. 21 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

"You must be very strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. Let not this Book of the Law depart from your mouth, but meditate in it day and night, that you may observe faithfully to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and only then you will have good success." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 1. 7 - 9 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

The GREAT SHEPHERD also affirmed, "MY sheep hear MY voice, and I know them, and they follow ME." [John 10. 27] As servants of the MOST HIGH we can be confident that we are led by the LORD and HE faithfully will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; HE will guide you with HIS eye. [Psalms/Tehillym 32. 8] 

Let us follow in the MASTER’S footsteps, HE knows the way to life everlasting. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Praise and gratitude be to our GOD for HIS invisible hand that continually guides our lives and we are greatly blessed, as we live each moment for HIS glory. 
Wishing you an extra special and exciting day serving the MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE! 
Day 24 of Repentance as we prepare for Yom Kippur. 

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 http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
A clean conscience makes a soft pillow. 

SLICHOT — THINK & PRAY 
On this Sabbath of Repentance, O our GOD, open our hearts to its solemn call to turn from the vanities of life and consider our destiny in the light of YOUR ETERNAL TRUTH. Help us to see whether we have indeed hearkened to YOUR VOICE and have done justly, loved mercy and walked humbly before YOU, our MAKER. Or, whether we have been negligent in the fulfillment of our duties and have strayed from the path of moral strength and integrity. 
O RIGHTEOUS JUDGE OF THE WORLD, as we survey our life, we are filled with shame that we have fallen short of the purpose for which YOU did send us, and we have failed to use aright the numerous gifts which YOU have given us. Humbly we confess that our intentions and our deeds accuse us before the tribunal of our conscience and convict us in YOUR sight. 
O GREAT GOD OF HOLINESS, YOU know that we are but dust and in our weakness we often yield to selfish indulgences. Create in us a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us. Strengthen us in our resolve to mend our ways. Let our struggle with error and sin lead us to a clearer realization of the Truth of YOUR HOLY WORD and to a firmer adherence to YOUR LAW OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Help us to remove every misunderstanding between ourselves and our fellowmen. 
YOU, LORD GOD OF HOSTS alone know when the day shall dawn in which the light of YOUR truth, brighter than that of the visible sun, shall encircle the whole earth. But, surely that great day so fervently prayed for shall come, as surely as none of YOUR LIFE-GIVING WORDS return empty, but shall accomplish that for which YOU did send them. O GOD, YOU are plenteous in mercy and forgiveness, please establish peace and harmony in our souls that we may be truly at one with YOU. 
Then joy shall thrill all hearts and from one end of the earth to the other and the gladsome cry shall echo: "Hear, O Israel, hear all mankind, the ETERNAL our GOD, the ETERNAL is ONE." Then myriads will make pilgrimage to YOUR HOUSE which shall be called the "HOUSE OF PRAYER" and from their lips shall sound in spiritual joy: "LORD, open for us the gates of YOUR TRUTH. O gates, lift up your heads! Up high, you everlasting doors, so the KING OF GLORY may come in! WHO is the KING OF GLORY? — the LORD OF HOSTS, mighty and valiant, the LORD, valiant in battle. O gates, lift up your heads! Lift them up, you everlasting doors, so the KING OF GLORY may come in! WHO is the KING OF GLORY? — the LORD OF HOSTS, HE is the KING OF GLORY! Selah" [Psalms (Tehillym) 24. 7 - 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

May we ever thank YOU, our MAJESTIC LORD GOD, for sending YESHUA ha'MASHIACH to be our only LOVING REDEEMER. And, may we ever revere, glorify and honour YOUR HOLY EXALTED NAME with praise. We humbly bow to CHRIST JESUS OF NAZARETH, our WONDERFUL LORD, SAVIOR & REDEEMER. 



Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Welcome Sabbath – Queen of the week! Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH, our GOD, SOVEREIGN of the Universe, WHO makes us holy with YOUR mitzvoth and favors us with the Holy Shabbat, lovingly and graciously given to us, a memorial of the act of creation, first of the holy assemblies. 
Slichot begins the Saturday night before Rosh ha’Shana. This is a special series of prayers that invoke GOD’S mercy. If Rosh ha’Shana falls at the beginning of the week, then Slichot begins on the Saturday night of the previous week. (Sefardim begin saying Slichot on Rosh Chodesh Elul.) 
After the sin of the Golden Calf, Moses asked GOD to explain HIS system for relating with the world. GOD’S answer, known as the 13 Attributes of Mercy forms the essence of the Slichot prayers. The 13 Attributes speak of GOD’S patience. The same God Who created us with a clean slate and a world of opportunity, gives us another opportunity if we’ve misused the first one. 
Slichot should be said with a minyan (the quorum of 10 Jewish male adults) — however, if this is not possible, then it should still be said alone, omitting the parts in Aramaic and the 13 Attributes of Mercy. 
The most important feature of Elul (the preparation month) is to make a plan for your life because the day will come when each of us will stand before the ALMIGHTY to ask for another year to serve HIM, and we will want to know what it is we are asking for. 
Enjoy the peace and harmony of Shabbat! 
This Rosh haShana ushers in Shmita, the holy Sabbatical Year in the Land of Israel. Just as the people of Israel rest every week on Shabbat, the Land of Israel will rest for the entire year. "...the seventh year shall be a complete rest for the Land." [Leviticus 25.4] 
L'Shanah Tova U'Metukah — We wish you and your families a happy and healthy year — May your name be inscribed in the BOOK OF LIFE! 
Day 25 of Repentance. 

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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Exercise grace on others by imparting a blessing on them. 

JUDGMENT IS COMING 
"Each of us shall give account of himself to GOD." [Romans 14. 12] 

One absolute truth that is sure to happen to every person. . . everyone will stand before the GREAT LORD GOD of the universe someday. Even death is not a certainty for everyone, such as in the case of Enoch who walked with GOD and GOD took him [Genesis/Bereshith 5. 24], Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven [2 Kings/Melakhim Bet 2. 11], or for the saints that will be caught up [1 Thessalonians 4. 16 - 17]; nevertheless, meeting GOD for an accounting of one’s life is certain! "They will give an account to HIM WHO is ready to judge the living and the dead." [1 Peter 4. 5] 
Just as the Prophet Amos warned, "Prepare to meet your GOD, O Israel!" [Amos (Amus) 4. 12 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." [Hebrews 9. 27] And, "As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to ME, and every tongue shall confess to GOD." [Romans 14. 11] 
For the true CHRISTian believer, however, there is no need to fear hell for "there is therefore now no condemnation (judgment) to those who are in CHRIST JESUS, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the SPIRIT. For the Law of the SPIRIT OF LIFE in CHRIST JESUS has made me free from the Law of sin and death." [Romans 8. 1 - 2] 
For the shed blood of YESHUA THE REDEEMER paid for our sins and purchased our redemption. "It was our sickness that HE was bearing, our suffering that HE endured. We accounted HIM stricken, smitten and afflicted by GOD; but HE was wounded because of our sins, HE was crushed because of our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon HIM, and by HIS stripes we were healed." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 4 - 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The FAITHFUL & TRUE ONE "was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification." [Romans 4. 25] 
Still, all "must appear before the Judgment Seat of CHRIST [2 Corinthians 5. 10], where "the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." [1 Corinthians 3. 13 - 15] 
However, those who die in unbelief, not having trusted in MESSIAH YESHUA as their personal SAVIOR, will face the RIGHTEOUS, HOLY & AWESOME GOD with a different verdict. John the Apostle describes this fearful scene: "Then I saw a Great White Throne and HIM WHO sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before GOD, and Books were opened. And another BOOK was opened, which is the BOOK OF LIFE. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the BOOKS." [Revelation 20. 11 - 12] No one can be saved by their works, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of GOD — not of works — lest anyone should boast." [Ephesians 2. 9] Consequently, "anyone not found written in the BOOK OF LIFE was cast into the Lake of Fire." [Revelation 20. 15] 
GOD, the MOST HIGH confirmed, "the just shall live by faith." [Habakkuk 2. 4; Romans 1. 17; Galatians 3. 11; Hebrews 10. 38] Judgment is certain. Turn to the LORD that you may receive the blessings the ALMIGHTY ONE has prepared for those who love HIM. 
Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
I praise and thank YOU, ALMIGHTY ONE, for YOU comfort and delight my soul. YOU are my ROCK and my REFUGE, in YOU I have hope and place my trust. 
23rd Day of Repentance as we prepare for Yom Kippur. 

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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
The LORD places reverence due to the Mother before that due to the Father. ["You shall each revere his Mother and his Father, and keep MY Sabbaths; I the LORD am your GOD." Leviticus/Vayikra 19. 3 Tanakh, Torah] 

JACOB, AN HONORABLE NAME 
"Then his brother emerged holding on to Esau's heel, so they named him Jacob." [Genesis (Bereshith) 25. 26 Tanakh, Torah] 

Few in number were the godly remnant of Abraham's household. It was their heritage of faith, though they had only a few cherished chapters of Genesis; eagerly, the promises weighed in their hearts. 

Though she came from a strange land, Rivkah (Rebekkah) was heir of that faith, when she became the wife of Itshak (Isaac). She was the mother of the twins, Jacob and Esau, and was mindful of the promise the ALMIGHTY HOLY ONE had given to her forefathers when sin entered into the world and attempted to put out the LIGHT OF HOPE among men. The promise was for "THE SEED" of woman WHO would battle Satan, the evil serpent, the Evil Adversary, the Arch-Deceiver and enemy of man. In that conflict the "heel" would play an important role. With the heel, the woman's "SEED" would crush the serpent's head; in turn, HIS heel would be bruised. Therefore Rivkah (Rebekkah) called her son Jacob — a name which literally means he shall fight with the heel or heel grabber! The name, "Jacob" is a play on the Hebrew word "aqeb" that means "heel" — which can also be correctly translated, supplanter. 

Often the first seeds of anti-Semitism are planted by the habit of calling Jewish people names. . . "a Jacob, a Heb, a kike, a supplanter." One should not condone the crooked deed of Jacob, when he deceived his father to get the blessing, which was rightfully his according to GOD’S OWN WORD before they were born. [Genesis/Bereshith 25. 23] Jacob's heart yearned for holiness, purity, and for the likeness of the IMAGE OF GOD. In HIS grace and mercy, the LORD GOD MOST HIGH covered Jacob with perfection and righteousness. Even Isaac acknowledged that Jacob was the one he should have blessed, and trembled exceedingly when he realized he almost disobeyed the LORD GOD. [Genesis/Bereshith 27. 33] Correctly translated, Genesis/Bereshith 25:27 should read, "Jacob was a perfect (Hebrew: tam) man (Hebrew: 'ish) who stayed in camp." Most English versions of the BIBLE read: Jacob was a plain, quiet, peaceful or mild man, dwelling in tents. 

Nevertheless, in naming her son Jacob, we see and understand what was in his mother, Rivkah's heart — it was the hope that through this son of hers, "THE PROMISE" regarding the "heel" might be fulfilled...that Jacob might be that "PROMISED SEED" — and that through him the SALVATION OF GOD might be ushered in. 

Then why was Jacob's name was changed to Israel (prince of GOD, GOD prevails, he will rule as GOD) by the SOVEREIGN One? Was it because "Jacob" is a name of dishonor? No! for GOD continued to call HIMSELF "the GOD of Jacob" even after HE changed the name from "Jacob" to "Israel" — this was GOD'S doing! In the event of the burning bush, about 400 years after that incident, speaking to Moses, the LORD GOD said: "I am the GOD of your fathers, the GOD of Abraham, the GOD of Isaac, and the GOD of Jacob." [Exodus (Shemot) 3. 6 Tanakh, Torah] These are the exact words spoken by the LORD JESUS to prove to the astonished Pharisees and Sadducees that the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead was found in the Law. [Matthew 22. 31 - 32] Even the last prophet, Malachi, writes of the LORD declaring: "Esau is Jacob's brother, yet I have loved and accepted Jacob; but Esau, I have hated and rejected." [Malachi (Malakhi) 1. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

The name "Jacob" is not only honored, it is used to denote "THE ANOINTED ONE" WHO is equal with the HEAVENLY FATHER, the very SON OF GOD, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. "This is the generation of them that see HIM, that seek YOUR face, O JACOB! Selah." [Psalms (Tehillym) 24. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Here in these words, Jacob is brought right into the holy of holies of the PRESENCE OF OMNIPOTENT, OMNIPRESENT GOD. MESSIAH YESHUA — JACOB is made equal to YEHOWAH GOD HIMSELF. Jacob, in this occurrence, is another name for the SON OF GOD WHO is in the presence of GOD THE FATHER. Indeed, Jacob prefigured the ANOINTED MESSIAH WHO is the true JACOB, WHO crushed the Serpent's head. And, by HIS victory, liberated captive humanity from the dominion of the Devil and death, and opened up the gates of liberty and eternal life! 

There are two stages in the life of Jacob characteristic of the MESSIAH: 
1. The stage of conflict and suffering — the Jacob stage. 
2. The stage of triumph and glory prefigured by Israel. 
The life of Jacob is also typical of the Church of the LORD JESUS CHRIST: 
1. The Jacob Stage — that of the Church on earth, the Church militant. 
2. The Israel Stage — that of the Church triumphant in glory. 

But whether in conflict or victory, whether militant or triumphant, the person and the name "Jacob" are dear to the heart of the LORD GOD. Therefore, do not treat that name lightly. Like Jacob of old, our cry should be, "I wait for YOUR DELIVERANCE, O LORD!" [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 18 Tanakh, Torah] 

We, like Jacob, must yield to the GOD/MAN (MESSIAH YESHUA). We are called to give up our striving for autonomy, for self-determination, self-realization, actualization, and all the other self-stuff, and submit by a life-long yielding to the LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH. In so doing, we are transformed (regenerated) and become princes and princesses of ALMIGHTY GOD. As KING JESUS promised, "To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with ME on MY Throne, just as I overcame and sat down with MY FATHER on HIS Throne." [Revelation 3. 21] 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
We gratefully acknowledge, O LORD, our GOD, that YOU are our CREATOR and PRESERVER, the ROCK of our life and the SHIELD of our help. We give thanks to YOU for our lives which are in YOUR hand, for our souls which are ever in YOUR keeping, for YOUR wondrous providence and for YOUR continuous goodness, which YOU bestow on us day by day. Truly, YOUR mercies never fail and YOUR loving-kindness never ceases. Therefore do we forever put our trust in YOU! Thank YOU LORD for saving my soul! 
Go with GOD! 
Day 21 of Repentance. 

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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Time is not a locked room but an endless hallway. . . in every moment there is a door. 

STEADFAST ANCHOR 
"All the utensils of the Tabernacle, for all its service, as well as all its pegs and all the pegs of the court, shall be of copper." [Exodus (Shemot) 27. 19 Tanakh, Torah] 

The Tabernacle was held together by copper pegs. Our WONDERFUL INFINITE CREATOR GOD planned even the little things and they were to be made perfectly and "according to the pattern." ALMIGHTY GOD is interested in the smallest detail of our lives and is concerned that these details coincide with HIS Great Plan for us. 

Another word to be used for these pegs is "nails." The Hebrew word, "yathed" is translated "tent pin, nail, stake." [Judges/Shofetim 4. 21; 5. 26; Isaiah/Yeshayah 33. 20; 54. 2] These nails were hammered down into the sand and cords [Exodus/Shemot 35. 18] were tied to them and attached to the Tabernacle Curtain and the Linen Fence. The curtains and pillars were pegged down to the sand by the cords and copper pins. 

The LORD YESHUA is described as "a nail in a sure place." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 22. 22 - 23 w/Revelation 3. 7] THE AUTHOR & FINISHER of our faith holds us in righteousness and HE is our ANCHOR. "This HOPE we have as an ANCHOR of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the PRESENCE behind the veil." [Hebrews 6. 19] 

YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, the PIERCED ONE, has been judged for our sins, as symbolized in the copper (copper signifies judgment). With the cords of love, HE holds us straight in the desert. Our feet are in the copper sockets (picturing our sins having been judged). We are held by the ropes of GOD'S promises and crowned with HIS salvation. 

These pins, in order to hold the Tabernacle, Tent, and Court Fence, had to be hammered down deep in the sand. The PIERCED ONE sunk down into death; HE descended, or was hammered down below the earth. We are identified with HIM in HIS death, "I am crucified with CHRIST." [Galatians 2. 20] The LORD JESUS was buried and we are identified with HIM in HIS burial. {Baptism in water symbolizes this to the world.} HE was judged for our sins, we are judged in HIM; MESSIAH was made sin for us that we might be cleansed. YESHUA was identified with us in our sins that we might be identified with HIM in HIS righteousness. 

In order for the cord to be tied to the head of the nail, it must extend above the ground. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, GOD'S BELOVED SON, not only died, but HE arose from the dead. We are identified with HIM in HIS resurrection, for we rise with HIM and walk in newness of life. The nail that is seen above the earth, as it were, is looking up into Heaven. The believer is identified in MESSIAH YESHUA (the NAIL) "looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our GREAT GOD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST" [Titus 2. 13] ever with his face toward heaven and the return of his REDEEMER & LORD. 

"Bind the festal sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar." [Psalms (Tehillym) 118. 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Just as the burnt offerings were held in place, JESUS the SUBSTITUTE for our sins, was bound to the horns of HIS alter, the Cross of Calvary with the cords of: 
LOVE (Power) — "…having loved HIS OWN who were in the world, HE loved them to the end." [John 13. 1] 
OBEDIENCE (Protection) — "Fulfill MY joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind...This command I have received from MY FATHER." [Philippians 2. 8; John 10. 18] 
GODLY ZEAL (Help) — "MY zeal for YOUR House has been MY undoing; the reproaches of those who revile YOU have fallen upon ME." [Psalms/Tehillym 69. 9; John 2. 17] 
JOY SET BEFORE HIM (Strength) — "JESUS, the AUTHOR & FINISHER of our faith, WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame." [Hebrews 12. 2] 

The cords, fastened to the nails, had the power of holding and had the power of drawing. GOD'S love binds us with cords to the "PIN" that is in a Sure Place. "I drew them with human ties, with cords of love." [Hosea (Hoshea) 11. 4 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Through JESUS, THE PERFECT ONE, the MOST HIGH GOD has drawn us to HIMSELF and HE has the power to hold us, "to keep us from stumbling, and to present us faultless before the PRESENCE OF HIS GLORY with exceeding joy!" [Jude 24] "Cast your burden on the LORD and HE will sustain you; HE will never let the righteous man be moved (fall, be shaken, collapse)." [Psalms (Tehillym) 55. 22 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Because our BELOVED MASTER loves us, HE will hold us fast! "To GOD our SAVIOR, WHO alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever, Amen" [Jude 25] 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
We give thanks to YOU for YOU are the LORD our GOD and the GOD of our fathers; YOU are the ROCK of our lives, the SHIELD of our salvation through every generation. We give YOU praise for our lives which are committed into YOUR hands, and for our souls which are in YOUR charge, and for YOUR miracles, which are daily; for YOUR wonders and YOUR benefits, which are wrought at all times, evening, morning, and noon. O YOU WHO are all-good, whose mercies fail not; YOU, MERCIFUL ONE, whose loving-kindnesses never cease, we have ever hoped in YOU. For all these things YOUR NAME, O our KING we continually bless and exalt for ever and ever. 
Day 20 of Repentance. 


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: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
There is an old Jewish saying that "If one person calls you a donkey, ignore him. If two people call you a donkey. . . buy a saddle!" 

SOVEREIGN GOD 
"And YEHOWAH said to him (Moses) — Who gives man speech? Who makes the mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, ADONEY? Now go, and I will be with you as you speak and will instruct you what to say." [Exodus (Shemot) 4. 11 - 12 Tanakh, Torah] 

When Moses complained of his inability to speak eloquently for the LORD GOD OF ABRAHAM before Pharaoh, the LORD divinely rebuked him. It had been 40 years since Moses lived in Egypt and was fluent in the Egyptian language. But not, 40 years later, it had nearly become foreign to him since he spoke the language of the Midianites since his flight there. He once was a powerful general leading the Egyptian army, but now he was a lowly keeper of sheep. 

Not only to Moses does the SOVEREIGN ONE rebuke, but to each one of us who would dare question HIS mighty wisdom for creating us as we are, innate defects, handicaps, or whatever. With our very limited knowledge of GOD’S purposes and our very short-range view of eternal priorities, we are totally unprepared to judge HIS ways with us. 

When the disciples asked YESHUA, the BELOVED RABBI, why a man had been born blind, HIS reply was, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of GOD should be revealed in him." [John 9. 3] And another time when Miryam (Mary) and Marta (Martha), the sisters of Lazarus of Bethany came to tell HIM that the one HE loved was sick, YESHUA answered them — "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of GOD, that the SON OF GOD may be glorified through it." [John 11. 4] 

As he was being stoned, the unwavering, enthusiastic commitment of Stephen’s faith, to a certain extent, led to Paul’s conversion. Although it was difficult for the other followers of MESSIAH to accept Paul (previously called: Saul) because of the part he had played in Stephen’s death, YESHUA reminds us in another incident: "What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this." [John 13. 7] 

The INFINITELY MAJESTIC CREATOR is not changeable or unreliable, HE is sovereign (absolute, superior, supreme). Whatever HE does is right and whatever HE allows is for a holy purpose. "But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against GOD? Will the thing formed say to HIM WHO formed it, "Why have YOU made me like this?" Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?" [Romans 9. 20 - 21] 

It should be enough for now to know that the GENTLE MASTER knows and that when suffering or sorrow comes for HIS sake, it is "for our profit, that we may be partakers of HIS holiness." [Hebrews 12. 10] 

Indeed, we can count it all joy when we fall into various trials, for it is the testing of our faith that produces patience, and it’s perfect work will make us complete, lacking nothing. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!! 
Extolled and holy is the precious name of GOD throughout the world which HE has created, and which HE governs according to HIS righteous will. Just is HE in all HIS ways, and wise are all HIS decrees. May HIS Kingdom come and HIS will be done in all the earth. Praised be the LORD of life, the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE for evermore. 
We pray that YOU continue to bestow YOUR blessings on us, our FATHER & KING. Teach us to seek YOU evermore within the sanctuary of our souls, within the tabernacle of YOUR WORD, and in the congregation of YOUR worshipers! May the message of GOD'S LIFE-GIVING WORD and the love of YESHUA ha’MASHIACH the SAVIOR bless your heart and make you fully whole (holy). 
Day 17 of Repentance. 


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: http://www.delrifkah.com/ 


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
We are not what we think we are; but — what we think — we are. 

CUSTOMS — SH'MA 
"Sh'ma Yisrael YEHOWAH ELOHEYNU, YEHOWAH Echad." [Hear, O Israel ! The LORD our GOD, the LORD is ONE!] "You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Take to heart these instructions with which I charge you this day. Impress them diligently upon your children. Recite them when you stay at home, and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise up. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them serve as a frontlet (symbol) between your eyes (on your forehead); inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 4 – 9 Tanakh, Torah] 

The Sh’ma proclaims the covenant between OMNIPOTENT GOD and man, between body and soul and mind and heart, between life at home and life in society, between parents and children, between the material and the spiritual. Under GOD'S love, all become one. An old Jewish say is to the effect that "he who utters the Sh'ma is as if he held a two-edged sword." Accurately, the WORD OF GOD is compared to the sharpest of martial arms, "the two-edged sword." [Revelation 1. 16 & Hebrews 4. 12] An observant Jew will say the Sh'ma at least twice a day, the first thing upon arising and the last thing at night. 

"Hear O Israel ! The LORD our GOD, the LORD is ONE!" The first verse expresses our acceptance of the yoke of the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN . GOD is ONE and HE is unique. HIS ONENESS transcends all other forms of oneness. GOD'S oneness is absolute. HE is like no other and human beings cannot fully comprehend HIM. 
"you shall love the LORD your GOD" — this is putting HIM first above all. 
"With all your heart" — do good deeds (mitzvahs) wholeheartedly as unto the LORD GOD. 
"With all your soul" — life must be totally dedicated to mitzvah (good deeds) and, if need be, surrendered in martyrdom for HIS NAME. 
"With all your might" — we must serve with every ounce of our strength, with all the capacities of body and mind. We must equally serve CREATOR GOD with our worldly goods and possessions. 
"Teach them diligently to your children" — education and study of TORAH is a form of worship, for TORAH reveals the Covenant. The child is to be initiated from the earliest age. Therefore Jews have come to love learning (Sifri). 
"Recite them in your home and when you walk by the way" — the home is the fountainhead of Judaism. There are no vacations from Jewishness. At times, Jews have been "at home" in their land; all too often they have been forced to "walk by the way" — homeless and driven. Wherever their lot was cast, by impressing these words upon their children they have survived. 
"When you lie down" — this is the source of evening worship, which centers about the Sh’ma. It makes an end to the day's work and sanctifies the night's rest. 
"When you rise up" — this is the source of morning worship, which also centers about the Sh’ma. It places the day under GOD'S command. 
"Bind them as a sign on your hand" — the hand is the instrument of action; it must be guided by GOD'S directive. This injunction is also the source of the rite of Tefillin shel Yad, the phylactery wrapped about arm and hand. 
"let them serve as frontlets between your eyes" — our vision is to be synchronized with GOD'S vision. This is also the source of the rite of Tefillin shel Rosh, the phylactery placed on the head. 
"Inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and upon your gates" — the home and all its rooms are to be a sanctuary. The words spoken in it and the transactions performed in it must reflect an awareness of the ALMIGHTY'S PRESENCE. 

The ZOHAR, one of the Jews' most sacred books, comments on the Sh'ma, saying: "Why is there need of mentioning the NAME of GOD three times in this verse? The First YEHOWAH is the NAME of the FATHER above. The Second is the STEM OF JESSE through David. And the Third ONE is the WAY which is below (meaning the HOLY SPIRIT WHO shows us the WAY) and these THREE are ONE." 

According to the ZOHAR, the MESSIAH is not only called YEHOWAH, but is a very part of the TRIUNE GOD. This teaching of the ZOHAR is based upon the WORD OF GOD through Jeremiah, where in giving the promise of Israel's safety through MESSIAH YESHUA, it is added: "And this is the NAME by which HE shall be called: "YEHOWAH TSEDEQNOV (YEHOWAH is our RIGHTEOUSNESS/VINDICATOR)." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

The utterance, "GOD" is used three times in the Sh'ma (the Hebrew use the plural form each time). The second word for GOD is "ELOHEYNU — our GOD." The "nu" at the end of the word means "our" and is attached to a word to indicate that the word is plural. Thus Moses, who wrote the Sh'ma at GOD'S directions, knew and believed that GOD is a plurality! 

There are two words for "one" in the Hebrew language: echad and yachid. Echad is a compound unity "one made up of parts" meaning several, or many in one. Echad is from a primitive root meaning to unify as, to collect one's thoughts and means properly, united. Yachid is interpreted to mean absolutely and indivisibly one. Yachid is used forcefully in the BIBLE as an absolute unity and is found twelve times in the OLD COVENANT, but not once is it used to denote the unity of GOD! 

Although plural in form, when the word for GOD is mentioned it is constantly accompanied by verbs and adjectives in the singular. In the first verse of Genesis/Bereshith, the verb create is singular, yet the word for GOD, ELOHIYM, is plural. [Genesis/Bereshith 1. 26; 2. 24; 3. 22; 11. 7; Isaiah/Yeshayah 5. 8; Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 31. 17] In contrast with this, when the word is used of heathen gods, plural verbs and adjectives are used! 

Compound unity is pictured clearly in one cluster of grapes — the congregation was assembled as one man. Uni-plurality can be illustrated many ways— day and night, one day; man and wife, one; the shell, the white, the yolk of an egg, one egg; and when GOD (plural) said, "Let US make man in OUR IMAGE" — HE made man a trinity — spirit, soul and body. The LOVING MASTER definitely wants us to know and understand that there is none like HIM. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel ! 
Welcome Sabbath – Queen of the week! Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH, our GOD, SOVEREIGN of the Universe, WHO makes us holy with YOUR mitzvoth and favors us with the Holy Shabbat, lovingly and graciously given to us. Assuredly, HE WHO keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps! 
Praise to Almighty CREATOR God! We praise and bless you O GOD for lovingly and graciously giving YOUR Holy Shabbat— the Bride— the imagery of beauty & radiance, testifying to the tremendous affection that the Sabbath is enjoyed among YOUR people in YOUR presence. 
Day 18 of Repentance. 


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: http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
It is not that the OMNISCIENT CREATOR does not speak to us, but that we do not listen. 
AS IT IS WRITTEN 
"(Do NOT) fail to observe faithfully all the terms of this TEACHING that are written in this BOOK, that you may reverence and fear this glorious, honored and awesome NAME, the LORD your GOD." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 28. 58 Tanakh, Torah] 
The Hebrew word "cepher (book)" literally meaning "BOOK OF EVIDENCE." The HOLY WORD was written by the various prophets, and MESSIAH YESHUA even stated that they were all to be taught by ALMIGHTY GOD. "Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the FATHER comes to ME." [John 6. 45] The ETERNAL ONE wanted us to hear and understand HIS warning that there is a blessing to those who obey HIM and a curse on those who do not. 
The Prophet Malachi writes about a BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE, "Then those who revere the LORD talked to one another. The LORD has heard and noted it, and a BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE has been written at HIS order concerning those who revere the LORD and who meditate and esteem HIS NAME." [Malachi (Malakhi) 3. 16 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 
Paul advised Timothy to "give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine" [1 Timothy 4. 13], and especially "the HOLY SCRIPTURES, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in CHRIST JESUS. All SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of GOD may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." [2 Timothy 3. 15 - 17] 
The HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, blessed be HE, has such protective love for HIS HOLY WORD, HE gives several warnings about those who may change it: 
"You shall not add anything to what I command you or take anything from it, but keep the commandments of the LORD your GOD that I enjoin upon you." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 2 Tanakh, Torah] "Be careful to observe only that which I enjoin upon you; neither add to it or take away from it." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 12. 32 Tanakh, Torah] "Every WORD OF GOD is pure; a SHIELD to those who take refuge in HIM. Do not add to HIS words, lest HE rebuke you and you be proved a liar." [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 5-6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "I know that whatever GOD does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it – GOD has brought it to pass that men revere HIM." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 3. 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Thus says the LORD: 'Stand in the court of the HOUSE OF THE LORD and speak all the words which I command you to speak. Do not diminish or omit anything." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 26. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "For I testify to everyone who hears the WORDS of the Prophecy of this BOOK: If anyone adds to these things, GOD will add to him the plagues that are written in this BOOK; and if anyone takes away from the words of the BOOK of this prophecy, GOD shall take away his part from the BOOK OF LIFE, from the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this BOOK." [Revelation 22. 18 - 19] 
Indeed, man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every "WORD" that proceeds from the mouth of the LORD. All who love the PRECIOUS MIGHTY CREATOR cherish the WORD OF THE LORD. Those who want to know and understand GOD'S heart will study HIS LOVE LETTER to us. There is such abundant living to be found in HIS HOLY SCRIPTURES. May the grace of our LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH be with you all. Amen! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, bless you abundantly. Our prayers, be’esrat ha’Shem — with the help of GOD— is that ALMIGHTY LORD GOD will cause the whole House of Israel, and the whole House of Judah to cling to HIM that they may become a people of GOD, for praise and for glory that all should fear and tremble at HIS PRESENCE and know that HE alone is the LOVING SOVEREIGN GOD. 
LORD our GOD, great, eternal, wonderful in glory, WHO keeps covenant and promises for those that love YOU with their whole heart. YOU are the LIFE of all, the HELP for those that flee to YOU, the HOPE of those who cry to YOU. Cleanse us from our sins, secret and open, and from every thought displeasing to YOUR goodness. . . cleanse our bodies and souls, our hearts and consciences, that with a pure heart, and a clear soul, with perfect love and calm hope, we may endeavor confidently and fearlessly to pray to YOU. Amen 
May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present throughout the week. 
Day 19 of Repentance 


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: http://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! 
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: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
May you have the hind-sight to know where you've been; the for-sight to know where you're going; and the in-sight to know when you've gone too far. 

LIGHT & TRUTH 
"Oh, send out YOUR Light and YOUR Truth! Let them lead me; let them bring me to YOUR holy hill and to YOUR Tabernacle." [Psalms (Tehillym) 43. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

This old troubled world we live in certainly is in desperate need of light to find the only way out of the terrible darkness it is in; and the truth to rightly exist instead of constant chaos. 

The Hebrew word 'emeth means truth — 'owr means light. ALMIGHTY GOD is the AUTHOR of all truth and light. HE has already sent out HIS light and HIS truth, but "men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed." [John 3. 19 - 20] Although they profess to be ever learning, they are always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. In fact, "they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." [2 Timothy 3. 7; 4. 4] 

Although we have much more light than in the days of the Psalmist, as well as access to the truth, because, we have GOD'S complete WRITTEN WORD — from Genesis to Revelation. As SCRIPTURES promised, "YOUR WORD is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 105 Tanakh, Kethuvim] And again the promise, "For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life." [Proverbs (Mishle) 6. 23 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The truth of the LORD GOD OF HOSTS is what we all need for our faith as we live in a world of woe and the future looks so dark. Times of tribulation are also revealed in the light of HIS HOLY WORD, both the inspired WRITTEN WORD and the LORD JESUS, the INCARNATE LIVING WORD OF TRUTH. "That you may know that I am the LORD." [Exodus (Shemot) 10. 2 Tanakh, Torah] "Be in fear of the sword for yourselves; for wrath is iniquity worthy of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment." [Job (Iyob) 19. 29 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "These things I have written to you who believe in the Name of the SON OF GOD, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the SON OF GOD." [1 John 5. 13] 

The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH not only claimed: "I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE" [John 14. 6], HE also prayed for us saying, "Sanctify them by YOUR Truth. YOUR WORD is Truth." [John 17. 17] 

And as a privileged blessing for all who believe the EVER-LIVING ETERNAL MASTER revealed truth, "GOD, WHO commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST." [2 Corinthians 4. 6] 

HalleluYAH! There are many great joys and benefits now in serving the ETERNAL LOVING LORD OF GLORY. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
The LORD loves truth and peace: "Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; give judgment in your gates for truth, justice and peace; 
let none of you think evil in your heart against your neighbor; and do not love a false oath. For all these are things that I hate -says YEHOWAH, the GOD OF HOSTS." [Zechariah/Zecharyah 8. 16 - 17] 
Day 14 of Repentance. 


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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/ 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
An illiterate wise man isn't nearly as dangerous as an educated fool! 

MESSIAH, ADAM & ABRAHAM 
"So the LORD GOD cast a deep sleep upon the man (Adam); and, while he slept, HE took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that spot." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 21 Tanakh, Torah] 
The Hebrew word for deep sleep is "tardema" which refers to a special state induced by the MOST HOLY LORD HIMSELF in order to express an important revelation to or through the person experiencing it. The ALMIGHTY CREATOR made a help-mate (wife) for Adam during his "deep sleep" from whose "seed" all the nations of the earth would be born. "And the LORD GOD fashioned the rib that HE had taken from the man into a woman; and HE brought her to the man." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 22 Tanakh, Torah] The covenant GOD made with Adam and his wife, Chavvah (Eve) delegated dominion over the earth to their descendants. 
Abram also experienced a deep sleep [Genesis/Bereshith 15. 12] when the MIGHTY ONE passed between the sacrificial animals and established HIS Great Covenant with Abram, promising that from his seed the "chosen nation" would be born. "I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you shall be a blessing, a standard by which blessings are invoked." [Genesis (Bereshith) 12. 2 Tanakh, Torah] 
The ABRAHAMIC COVENANT also delegated the central land of the earth to Isaac's descendants [Genesis/Bereshith 15. 18-21] and promised that "all the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you." [Genesis (Bereshith) 12. 3 Tanakh, Torah] Abram did not pass between the animals, only the COVENANT-KEEPER could, for only the LORD OF GLORY can keep "the covenant" and the ALMIGHTY ONE knew it. 
Adam and Abraham were types of the LORD JESUS, and their deep sleep pre-figured YESHUA'S own deep sleep of death on the cross. YESHUA ha’MASHIACH was the "LAST ADAM" and the "PROMISED SEED" died and is living again to give life to HIS friends — the Church; and living again to establish a holy nation of the redeemed. Thereby fulfilling all of GOD'S ancient covenants, and instituting the everlasting NEW COVENANT in HIS OWN precious blood. 
When Adam fell into a deep sleep his help-mate (other half) was created; when Abraham fell into his deep sleep a nation was born. Much more important was the "deep sleep of death" of MESSIAH THE REDEEMER for death and hell were judged, and a new creation or kingdom of priests was born. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
We prayerfully ask YOU, LORD JESUS to also give us kindness to hear with compassion, to offer support, loving comfort, and care. Give us the courage to do what is needed, the wisdom to choose what is right and most fair. Give us the vision to see what is possible. Give us the faith that will help pave the way for a present that’s hopeful, a future that’s peaceful — give us the heart to bring joy to each day. Thank YOU for YOUR faithfulness to us! Amen
Day 15 of Repentance. 


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:  http://www.delrifkah.com/