Delrifkah: HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY.

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Everyone falls…it’s getting up afterwards that matters. 

UNSPEAKABLE — INEXPRESSIBLE — INDESCRIBABLE 
"And I know such a man — whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows — how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter." [2 Corinthians 12. 3 - 4] 

The NEW COVENANT calls three things unspeakable, inexpressible or indescribable; all conveying the idea of a thing which is so marvelous it cannot be articulated (expressed, put into words). Unspeakable words is mentioned above in 2 Corinthians; inexpressible joy is emphasized in 1 Peter 1:8; and an indescribable gift is the topic of 2 Corinthians 9:15 

The indescribable gift which Paul is referring to is obviously the LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH. This MATCHLESS GIFT is what each of us are inadequate at being most thankful for every day of our lives when we come to know our LOVING SAVIOR. "The GIFT of GOD is eternal life in CHRIST JESUS our LORD." [Romans 6. 23] "GOD demonstrates HIS OWN love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, CHRIST died for us." [Romans 5. 8] "For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have everlasting life." [John 3. 16] 

When the Apostle Paul received MESSIAH YESHUA as his SAVIOR & LORD, he considered himself as "crucified with CHRIST" — yet he could also say that "the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the SON OF GOD WHO loved me and gave HIMSELF for me." [Galatians 2. 20] 

It was Paul who had been chosen on a unique occasion to be "caught up into Paradise" where he "heard the inexpressible words." Whatever he was privileged to see and hear convinced him irreversibly — for all time — that once a person decides that "to live is CHRIST" — then "to die is gain (favorably promoted)." [Philippians 1. 21]

Thus it will be for all who received by faith the ULTIMATE, INDESCRIBABLE GIFT. . .the RISEN LORD, the ROCK of our salvation. Now we can join with another great apostle, Simon Peter, and say that we too "rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory" and await "the end of your faith — the salvation of your souls." [1 Peter 1. 8 - 9] That is an unspeakable, inexpressible, indescribable gift of great joy that awaits all true believers! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!! 
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, we share the blessed hope that, in YESHUA, 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 LORD JESUS! Have a good week, may gladness reign and joy increase. 
May peace abundant descend from heaven with life for us and to all Israel, Amen. 

The LORD reigns; HE is the KING robed in grandeur; the LORD has girded HIMSELF with strength. The world also is set firm, that it cannot be moved. YOUR Throne is set firm from of old; from eternity YOU have existed. The streams sound, O LORD, the ocean sounds its thunder, the ocean sounds it pounding. Above the thunder of the mighty waters, more majestic than the breakers of the sea is the LORD, majestic on high. YOUR decrees are indeed enduring; holiness befits YOUR House, O LORD, for evermore. [Psalm 93] 
Shavua Tov — Good Week! 
Day 12 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. . . 
Intellectual confidence and moral courage is essential to bring conversation to its necessary conclusion; and to be a follower of CHRIST is to identify with MESSIAH YESHUA as LORD & SAVIOR. 

GOD IS TRUTH 
"For what if some (Jews) did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of GOD without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let GOD be true but every man a liar. As it is written — That YOU may be justified in YOUR WORDS, and may overcome when YOU are judged." [Romans 3. 3 - 4] 

Paul is confirming that Jews and Gentiles all have faults, that is why we so need a RIGHTEOUS SAVIOR to redeem us from sins grip. He is also adamant that no matter what error mankind makes, GOD is true to HIS NAME. Knowing this, unfortunately numerous followers of MESSIAH are so intimidated by the arrogant unbelief of the supposed intellectuals of the world that they either reject or compromise or ignore the difficult teachings of HOLY SCRIPTURE. This is a most grievous devastating error on their part, for all of GOD’S sayings are justified and HE will surely triumph over all those who presume to judge HIM and HIS LIFE-GIVING WORD. 

The genuine facts of the EXALTED, ALL-WISE GOD are not determined by popular vote or by the majority of opinions of so-called intellectuals. Truth is determined and substantiated by the MASTER CREATOR HIMSELF, and none other. The Hebrew word, ‘emeth is unsurpassed denoting constancy, certain, true, truthful, trustworthy, faithful, right, sure, verity, reality, genuine, authentic, real, legitimate. When YOU speak, LORD, YOU are found just and blameless when YOU judge. [Psalms/Tehillym 51. 4] "For the WORD OF THE LORD is right, HIS work is done in truth. HE loves what is right and just; the earth is full of the LORD’S faithful care." [Psalms (Tehillym) 33. 4 -5 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The only accurate standard of truth is the WORD OF GOD. It is good to explain GOD'S WORD to those open to hearing truth, but never reason it away or compromise just to accommodate being accepted by the world’s philosophy, varied beliefs, interpretations or ways of thinking. "Truth is the essence of YOUR WORD, and every one of YOUR righteous judgments are eternal." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 160 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"But the LORD is the TRUE GOD; HE is the LIVING GOD, the EVERLASTING KING." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 10. 10a Tanakh, Nevi'im] "And we know that the SON OF GOD has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know HIM WHO is true; and we are in HIM WHO is true, in HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. This is the TRUE GOD and ETERNAL LIFE." [1 John 5. 20] 

The LORD YESHUA affirmed that HE is "the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE." [John 14. 6] Then HE prayed for HIS faithful followers — "Sanctify them by YOUR truth. YOUR WORD is truth." [John 17. 17] "He who has received HIS testimony has certified that GOD is true." [John 3. 33] 

Our prayer is that we all openly, boldly, honestly and confidently declare the whole word of GOD as we must to a lost and dying world! Now to the EVERLASTING GOD alone WHO is wise be glory through YESHUA ha’MASHIACH forever. Amen. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
O LORD, our GUIDE even unto death, grant us, we pray, grace to follow YOU through out 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. 
Have a blessed Z'Man Simchataynu — the time of our rejoicing! May your joys increase as you draw nearer to our Great ETERNAL God, the Lord of GLORY. 
Day 10 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. . . 
To sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying. [Joan of Arc] 

CUSTOMS — MAGEN (Star) DAVID 
"A STAR shall rise from Jacob; a SCEPTER comes forth from Israel." [Numbers (Vayikra) 24. 17 Tanakh, Torah] 

The flag (standard of the twelve tribes of Israel) of the Jewish nation is white with two horizontal stripes of blue, in the center of which is an interlaced double triangle intertwined, signifying proximity and strength in their relationship one with the other; it is called "Magen David" or "Shield of David." The white denoting righteousness and blue, a symbol of heaven with its glory and power. These two colours are mentioned in HOLY SCRIPTURE as a sign of royalty: "Mordecai left the king's presence in royal robes of Blue and White, with a magnificent crown of gold and a mantle of fine linen and purple wool." [Esther (Ester) 8. 15 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

According to an ancient Jewish tradition, the ALMIGHTY ONE HIMSELF presented King David with the pattern for his shield and the ensign under which the army of Israel would triumph. The center double triangle is placed in such a manner as to form a six-pointed star, therefore it is most commonly known as "The Star of David." Some claim its origin with Abraham because of the MOST HOLY ONE'S promise to him: "The WORD OF THE LORD came to Avram saying — I am a SHIELD to you; your exceedingly GREAT REWARD." [Genesis (Bereshith) 15. 1 Tanakh, Torah] 

There are many interpretations as to the meaning of the six-points in the Star (Shield, Magen) of David. Some Jewish teachers have held that the six-points of the star represent the OMNIPRESENCE of GOD in all six earthly directions: East, West, North, and South, also Up and Down. Others teach that the triangle pointing downward to the earth represents man in his triune-being: Body, Soul, and Spirit. The triangle pointing upward toward heaven represents the GODHEAD, a mystery which they feel will be explained when the MESSIAH comes! 

When we, who believe in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH look upon the Magen David, there is presented to us a beautiful picture of the relationship of the TRIUNE GOD (FATHER, SON, HOLY SPIRIT) with the man HE created in HIS OWN IMAGE. We also see in the triangle pointing downward from heaven a type of our GOD WHO came to earth in the form of a MAN as it was prophesied HE would. The triangle pointing upward toward heaven, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, reaching OMNISCIENT GOD for us. Also in the intertwining of these two triangles, it is brought to our attention the close fellowship of man with his LIVING, LOVING CREATOR GOD which was made possible by the reconciliation accomplished on the Altar of Calvary! 

How wonderful a portrait of the HOLY GOD and GOD'S image even portrayed in the Jewish Flag — the White of it depicting the righteousness of the LORD JESUS placed upon us the moment we believe in HIM; the Blue of it speaking forth the power, glory and majesty of the SOVEREIGN KING, also granted to us as our inheritance in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH; the intertwined double triangle at the center speaking to us of the will of ALMIGHTY GOD concerning each one of HIS OWN that we be conformed to the image of HIS SON. It also speaks of GOD dwelling in HIS people, and HIS people dwelling in HIM. This is amazing, simply amazing! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Welcome Sabbath! For the TORAH, for the privilege of worship, for the prophets, and for this Sabbath Day, given us for sanctification and rest, for honor and for glory, let us thank and bless the LORD our GOD! Have a good Sabbath! Honor the Sabbath by keeping it holy that you may enter the gates of Jerusalem as kings and princes. 
May GOD’S blessings be on those who seek HIM in spirit and in truth. The GREAT NAME OF ALMIGHTY GOD will be magnified and sanctified in the world which HE has created. 
Day 11 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/

HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
To truly love the LORD GOD is to obey HIM by living your life HIS way. 

ETERNAL WORD 
"I will continuously obey YOUR Law, forever and ever." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 44 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Psalm 119 is the GREAT SERENADE OF THE WORD for in it are seven decreed declarations that "the WORD is forever!" GOD'S Law is everlasting, and we will keep it eternally. "The LORD exists forever; YOUR WORD stands firm in heaven." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 89 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The HOLY WRITTEN WORD of the ALMIGHTY KING OF GLORY will never change; it was waiting to be revealed in HIS time before the creation of the world. It was there and forever will be. 

"YOUR decrees are my eternal heritage; they are my heart's delight — I am determined to follow YOUR Laws to the utmost forever...YOUR righteous decrees are eternal; give me understanding, that I might live — I know from YOUR decrees of old that YOU have established them forever...Truth is the essence of YOUR WORD; YOUR just rules are eternal." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 111, 112, 144, 152, 160 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The NEW COVENANT has similar promises, the LORD JESUS said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY WORD will no means pass away." [Matthew 24. 35] Peter, quoting the Prophet Isaiah wrote: "The WORD of the LORD endures forever." [1 Peter 1. 25; Isaiah/Yeshayah 40. 8] 

Read the PRECIOUS WORD of OMNIPOTENT GOD slowly, deliberately, reverently for there you will gather roses, instead of thorns; find pearls, not pebbles; find love instead of hatred; forgiveness not vengeance; freedom instead of bondage; humility not pride; instead of enmity, reconciliation; instead of death, life, salvation, resurrection and heavenly treasures. 

How very foolish it is for anyone to commit his eternal soul to anything other than the only thing in this world that will last forever, the WRITTEN LIVING WORD OF GOD and its divine manifestation is the revelation and unveiling of the LOVING OMNIPOTENT GOD and the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, our blessed SAVIOR & REDEEMER! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Infinite as YOUR power, even so is YOUR love, O LORD OF HOSTS. YOU led us into the way of righteousness and brought us to the light of truth. Therefore, at our lying down and our rising up, we meditate on YOUR Teachings and at all times rejoice in YOUR Laws. In them are true life and length of days. O that YOUR love may never depart from our hearts. Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO has made us YOUR people. 
Day 8 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. . . 
Assiduously (diligently, attentively, tirelessly) desire to live in accordance with GOD’S HOLY WRITTEN WORD — not according to carefully revised and selected portions of it. 

HEART CONDITION 
"The LORD saw how great was man's wickedness on earth, and how every imagination and plan devised by his heart and mind was nothing but evil all the time. And the LORD regretted that HE had made man on earth; and HIS heart grieved in sadness." [Genesis (Bereshith) 6. 5 - 6 Tanakh, Torah] 
These two verses describing the incurable wickedness of the ancient world, which finally brought on the global flood, contain the first two of over a thousand occurrences of the word "heart (Hebrew: leb)" in the HOLY SCRIPTURES. Observe the contrast: Man's heart was evil; the ALMIGHTY ONE'S heart was grieved. 
The heart is a physical organ, with its function of circulating the blood as basic to physical life. "For the life of the flesh is in the blood." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 17. 11 Tanakh, Torah] It is also used to refer to the innermost part of physical objects (the heart of the earth) — "For as Jonah was THREE DAYS and THREE NIGHTS in the belly of the great fish, so will the SON OF MAN be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." [Matthew 12. 40] Almost always, the word heart is used symbolically as reference to the quality of the basic nature and deep essence of a person's being. 
In this first occurrence, it refers to the thoughts of the heart. Somehow, before one thinks with his mind, he thinks with his heart, and the quality of his spirit in unspoken thoughts will determine the way he reasons with his brain. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA confirmed this — "For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts." [Mark 7. 21] 
How very important it is then to maintain a heart that is pure. How interesting that in the OLD COVENANT the first occurrence of "heart" refers to man's evil thoughts. In contrast, the first occurrence of the word in the NEW COVENANT is where the BELOVED YESHUA ha'MASHIACH gives HIS gracious promise, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see GOD." [Matthew 5. 8] And the blessed are promised — "They shall see HIS face, and HIS NAME shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the LORD GOD gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever." [Revelation 22. 4 - 5] Such great joy awaits us, joy forevermore! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Praised are YOU, O LORD our GOD, RULER of the world, WHO has given us the law of truth and righteousness and has implanted within us everlasting life. Praised are YOU, O LORD, GIVER of the Law. We bow down and worship YOU, our ETERNAL KING! How we long to see YOU and behold YOUR lovely face! 
Day 9 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. . . 
Death is also a door. 

GATES OF HELL 
"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock (referring to truth, not Peter) I will build MY church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." [Matthew 16. 18] 

Many take this verse to teach security, that although the Devil and his henchmen are attacking, the church and the CHRISTians are safe within their fortress. In fact, many translators understand Gates figuratively, feeling that since gates are strong and important, they can be viewed as synonymous with power. . . implying that the "power of hell" is assembled against the church of LORD YESHUA, the ANOINTED ONE OF GOD. 

However, it never appears, in any case, to be understood to mean "power" — it always means "gates" — either literal gates in a literal wall or a metaphorical entryway. The text is not talking about the Power of Hell, but the Gates of Hell. It pictures CHRISTians on the attack, not of the Evil Devourer endeavoring to destroy CHRIST-like-ones. The forces of evil are the wretched hopeless ones crouched within their stronghold, while the Church is battering down their gates! 

For the promises in the OLD COVENANT are still true, our HEAVENLY CONQUEROR unceasingly fights for HIS saints today. "The LORD shall go forth like a MIGHTY WARRIOR; HE whips up HIS rage like a man of war. HE shall cry out, yes, roars aloud; HE charges and shall prevail upon HIS enemies." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 42. 13 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Though the enemy be as "a fortified bronze wall they shall not overcome you, for I am with you to deliver and save you — says the LORD. I will save you from the hands of the wicked and rescue you from the clutches of the violent" says the LORD OF HOSTS, the GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL. [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 15. 20-21 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through GOD to the pulling down of strong holds; casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of GOD, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of CHRIST JESUS." [2 Corinthians 10. 4 - 5] These verses sound the battle cry, and the battleground is the minds of men. We are commanded to cast down (Hebrew: shachach — literally meaning demolish) improper reasoning and arrogant philosophy, capturing every thought (mind) for the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, thereby destroying the entrenchment's of evil. 

There is a time for defense, but let us never forget, we as followers and joint-heirs of LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH, are to be on the offensive as well. The CONQUERING VICTORIOUS MESSIAH, WHO leads us into the battle, will certainly lead us to a glorious victory! Exalted praises to our ETERNALLY MAGNIFICENT KING JESUS forever, the battle is triumphantly won. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Continue to learn about the MAGNIFICENT PLANNER, for the more we know of HIM, the more we can trust HIS plans — gladness will reign and joy will increase as you grow in the fear and wisdom of the LORD. 
Day 7 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. . . 
Those who don’t know how to weep with their whole heart do not know how to laugh either. [Golda Meir] 

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

Among Orthodox Jewish males from the age of thirteen years, the Tallith is worn about the shoulders as a shawl in the House of Worship and at the time of their daily devotions which take place at nine o'clock in the morning, three in the afternoon, and after sunset. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

. . . to be continued 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel ! 
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. O how we long for a Yom Shekulo Shabbat…a day in eternity that is all Sabbath. Assuredly, HE WHO keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps! 
For the TORAH, for the privilege of worship, for the prophets, and for this Sabbath Day, given us for sanctification and rest, for honor and for glory, let us thank and bless the LORD our GOD. 
Day 4 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. . . 
Create the kind of self that you will be happy with all your life. [ -Golda Meir] 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
As we bid farewell to Shabbat we encourage you to take some of Sabbath’s sweetness with you for a blessed week. Truly there is light & joy, gladness & honor for all of GOD’S people as we celebrate our wonderful LORD & SAVIOR. 
Delight overwhelmingly in the LORD all week long and share HIS goodness with others. 
Day 5 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. . . 
Love goes beyond logic — and prevails. 

SPIRIT – SOUL - BODY 
"The LORD GOD (YEHOWAH ELOHIYM) formed man (’adam) from the dust of the earth (’adamah). HE blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 7 Tanakh, Torah] 

The Hebrew word for soul is "nephesh" meaning a living creature. It comes from the primary root "naphach" which means to breathe. In traditional Jewish understanding, the soul is considered to be a heavenly spark housed in an earthly container. It is the "candle of the Lord" — "The light of the candle flickers and waves in harmony with the LIGHT OF TORAH." [Proverbs (Mishle) 20. 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Thus giving sufficient understand for the Jewish custom of "bobbing or waving of the body" in prayer. 

"Nephesh" appears over 755 times in HEBREW SCRIPTURE and over 100 of these make reference in the first person, "my soul or nephesh." In the NEW COVENANT, there is explicit distinguishing between the soul, the spirit and the body. "Now may the GOD OF PEACE HIMSELF sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. HE WHO calls you is faithful, who also will do it." [1 Thessalonians 5. 23] GOD OMNIPOTENT created man in HIS OWN IMAGE, therefore man is triune in nature. Each of us, being only one person, yet having three parts: spirit, soul and body. 

The innermost part of a person is the spirit. The spirit (Hebrew: ruwach — breath) is set within the soul (Hebrew: nephesh — seat or organ of mental acts) and the soul is set within the body (Hebrew: geviyah/body or basar/flesh). The spirit is the very core of a person; it is the part that is made in GOD’S IMAGE. Our capacity to commune with OMNISCIENT GOD is found in our spirit, the seat of our GOD-consciousness; the soul is our self-consciousness; the body is our world-consciousness. GOD dwells in our spirit; our self dwells in the soul; and senses in the body. 

When Adam sinned, all men suffered the consequences. The spirit of man became dead toward GOD, communication broken, separated from the GIVER OF LIFE. Because of sin, the GREAT & HOLY GOD OF HEAVEN does not dwell in every person’s spirit. However, when we receive Yeshua ha’MASHIACH, our spirit is quickened, made alive. That is why the phrase "born anew" or "born again" is used. We were dead in trespasses and sin [Ephesians 2.1] until we met THE ONE WHO is THE LIFE, we were a "Living Soul (Hebrew: nephesh chayya)" with a dead spirit. MESSIAH YESHUA, is the SON OF MAN, WHO has come "to seek and to save that which was lost" — Lost Souls. [Luke 19. 10] Now, we are alive to GOD in YESHUA ha’MASHIACH our GRACIOUS & BENEVOLENT REDEEMER & LORD. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
The ultimate measure of a man is not how he stands in moments of comfort, but how he stands in times of a challenge. 
Zey ha’yom asaw ADONAI, nagilah ve-neesmechah voh . . . This is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and we will be glad in it! 
Day 6 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. . . 
Life is not a sprint, it is a marathon. Run to win! 

DO GOOD 
"Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of GOD, but he who does evil has not seen GOD." [3 John 11] 

Societies morals and ethics today have become so confused that actions once considered wrong are now considered quite normal. In fact, many perversions are now protected by the law (abortion, drugs, homosexual partnerships or marriages, and other sexual distorted deviances, etc.). This modern mind-set completely disregards the BELOVED MASTER CREATOR and fulfils HOLY SCRIPTURE, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil; who present darkness for light, and light as darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 5. 20 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the innocent — both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD." [Proverb (Michle) 17. 15 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Those who try to call people back to righteousness are ridiculed as officious (interfering) pompous do—gooder relics who are unreservedly old fashioned and out of touch. Even considering sensible, wise, and GODly thinking as being a "Hate Crime." 

It should be remembered, however that ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF was the first to do good. "HE did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness... HE makes HIS sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." [Acts 14. 17 & Matthew 5. 45] The TRUE & LOVING LORD GOD not only created, but HE upholds the world HE created, HE continued to do good deeds when HE became MAN. As YESHUA of Nazareth, "HE went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for GOD was with HIM." [Acts 10. 38] "The SPIRIT OF THE LORD is upon ME, because HE has anointed ME to preach the Gospel to the poor; HE has sent ME to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." [Luke 4. 18 – 19] And, "JESUS went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people." [Matthew 4. 23] 

All those who are true followers of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH and know HIM as their SAVIOR, LORD, and KING will be like HIM in their daily lives. We too must do good. Human standards continually change, but JESUS — Never! HE "is the same yesterday, today, and forever." [Hebrews 13. 8] Likewise our righteous standards are not to change or conform to the world’s. 

To do good is the emblem or character of one who is truly born-anew, for "whoever does good is of GOD" — and whoever engages in evil "has not seen GOD." This same truth is replete throughout the WRITTEN WORD: "Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to GOD, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to HIS NAME. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices GOD is well pleased." [Hebrews 13. 15 - 16] The LORD JESUS even commanded us to do good to our enemies, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you." [Luke 21. 27 - 28] "By this we know love, because HE laid down HIS life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. Let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." [1 John 3. 16, 18] 

Do not permit the erratic worldly views and ideas persuade you, keep your integrity, "hold fast what is good." [1 Thessalonians 5. 21] "To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." [James 4. 17] Each of us is given ample opportunities to do good that we will be known by our sweet, refreshing fruit of the Spirit and bring glory to our HEAVENLY FATHER WHO is deserving of all praise! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
LORD our GOD, great, eternal, wonderful in glory, WHO keeps covenant and promises for those that love YOU with their whole heart, WHO is the LIFE of all, the HELP of 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 venture confidently and fearlessly to pray to YOU. And, we thank YOU in the MAGNIFICENT NAME of YESHUA we pray, Amen! 
Day 3 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. . . 
In Israel, in order to be a realist, you must believe in miracles. 

WISDOM AT CREATION 
"I (DIVINE WISDOM) was there when HE (MIGHTY WORD) set the heavens into place; when HE fixed the horizon upon the deep; when HE made the heavens above firm, and the fountains of the deep gushed forth." [Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 27 - 28 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

DIVINE WISDOM, is speaking here. This is an awe-inspiring description of some of CREATOR GOD'S handiworks when, through YESHUA the SECOND PERSON in the TRINITY, HE was creating and making all things. 

Proverbs 8:27 speaks of the pre-existence of JESUS before the creation of the space, time, and universe itself. The earth was "without form" with only a great mass of water, rock and mud. Then GOD OMNIPOTENT "set a compass" on the face of the deep, began the gravitational forces which brought it into a sphere form. The Hebrew word "chuwg" means compass, sphere. It is the same word where it is said that the HOLY ONE "enthroned above the circle (sphere, vault) of the earth." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 40. 22 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Then the MIGHTY CREATOR "established the clouds above." This cloud, thin mists or vapor would refer to the great water canopy "above the expanse." [Genesis (Bereshith) 1. 7 Tanakh, Torah] Finally, the MASTER DESIGNER strengthened the fountains of the deep, locking them under the "foundations of the earth." [Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 29 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The same strong fountains of the deep would later be broken up at the time of the Great Flood. When the earth was completed, ALMIGHTY GOD "rejoiced in HIS inhabited world." [Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 31 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"Now sons, listen to me (Wisdom & Understanding) — Happy are they who keep my ways. Heed discipline and become wise; do not spurn it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, coming early to my gates each day, waiting outside my doors. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains favor from the LORD, but he who misses me destroys himself; all who hate me love death." [Proverbs (Mishle) 8. 32 - 36 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Wisdom comes as we incline our ear to our MASTER'S VOICE, apply HIS LIFE-GIVING WORD to our lives for understanding, revere the LORD GOD OF HOSTS and keep HIS commandments. GREAT is the GOD OF CREATION! GREAT is HIS wisdom! GREAT is HIS love regarding the sons of man expressed in the beloved LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH our REDEEMER & SAVIOR. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
We praise 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 comes our help. Draw us nearer to YOU to serve YOU in faithfulness. Joyfully, we worship You. 
Day 2 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. . .The beginning of pride is when one departs from CREATOR GOD, and his heart is turned away from his MAKER. 

SINS OF THE NATION 
"We have offended YOU by not keeping the commandments, the Laws, nor the rules that YOU gave to YOUR servant Moses." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 1. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Nehemiah had a great burden for his nation, Israel, and although he himself had not been guilty of their sins, he willingly confess their sins as his own, if ALMIGHTY GOD would only restore them to the Promised Land. 

The same heart was found in Ezra — "O my GOD, I am ashamed and mortified to lift my face to YOU, O my GOD, for our iniquities are overwhelmingly over our head and our guilt has grown high as heaven." [Ezra 9. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Daniel also prayed for his Jewish people in fasting, in sackcloth, and ashes identifying himself with their sins. "We have sinned; we have gone astray; we have acted wickedly; we have been rebellious and have deviated from YOUR commandments and YOUR rules. O LORD hear! O LORD, forgive! O LORD listen, and act without delay for YOUR OWN sake, O my GOD; for YOUR NAME is attached to YOUR City and YOUR people." [Daniel (Danyel) 9. 5, 19 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Our LOVING OMNIPOTENT GOD heard their prayers and promised long ago, "When MY people, who bear MY NAME, humble themselves, pray, and seek MY favour and turn from their evil ways, I will hear in MY heavenly abode and forgive their sins and heal their land." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 7. 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Today, all the lands of every nation are in need of healing. The GREAT GOD ETERNAL desires HIS people to confess as their own, the sins of their people, as we are partly responsible because of our past indifference, merely criticizing instead of praying. Then perhaps the HOLY ONE will hear as HE heard the prayers of Daniel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. 

The Apostle Paul felt the same burden in his day, "For I could wish that I myself were accursed from CHRIST for my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh." [Romans 9. 3] Others identified themselves with the sin of their people along with Ezra and Paul. But, the LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH went far beyond even that, HE not only identified HIMSELF with us in our lost sinful state, but also "bore our sins in HIS OWN BODY on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness." [1 Peter 2. 24] We can never thank HIM enough for all the great goodness YESHUA the BELOVED ONE has shown to us! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
May we live as willingly for YESHUA, the REDEEMER as HE was willing to joyfully laying down HIS life for us! May peace abound in your life as you grow in HIS wisdom and favor. 


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 GOD is totally committed to being GOD. Those who know this rejoice through faith, for the ALL-SUFFICIENT ONE gives us what we don’t deserve — Grace! Knowing this is imperative. 

HARDENED HEARTS 
"It was the LORD’S doing to stiffen their hearts to give battle to Israel, in order that they might be proscribed without quarter and wiped out, as the LORD had commanded Moses." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 11. 20 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

The righteous severity of the Almighty Awesome One is shown in HIS command to utterly destroy the Canaanites. "When the LORD your GOD brings you to the land that you are about to enter and possess, and HE dislodges many nations before you — the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, seven nations much larger than you — and the LORD your GOD delivers them to you and you defeat them, you must doom them to destructions: grant them no terms and give them no quarters." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 7. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Torah] It was irreproachable GOD ALMIGHTY HIMSELF WHO hardened the hearts of the Canaanites so that Joshua could destroy them. 

The BLESSED MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE is not only loving, but also holy and righteous. "The LORD seeks out the righteous man, but loathes the wicked one who loves injustice." [Psalms (Tehillym) 11. 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim] And, GOD does "not change." [Malachi/Malakhi 3. 6] In the NEW COVENANT, ALMIGHTY GOD is also called a "CONSUMING FIRE" [Hebrews 12. 29], and we are admonished that "the wages of sin is death." [Romans 6. 23] "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 JESUS CHRIST." [2 Thessalonians 1. 7 - 8]

As for those seven nations (Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites,, Hivites & Jebusites) that were to be fully destroyed, the MIGHTY ONE OF ISRAEL had given them 400 years to repent. [Genesis/Bereshith 15. 13 - 16] But with each generation, they drew further and further away from their LOVING MASTER. They were practicing every form of depravity and iniquity known to man. Therefore, GOD in HIS great mercy to future generations, decreed their destruction. 

Like Pharaoh at the time of the Exodus, the peoples had already hardened their own hearts toward GOD, so the OMNIPOTENT ONE now hardened their hearts against Israel. Thinking they could destroy GOD’S people, they only hastened their well-deserved end. The HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL is the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, thus it is our responsibility to choose to serve HIM in reverence and godly fear. Certainly, we will each give account for our choices. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. But, with the hand of the MASTER DESIGNER in our life, great and marvelous things happen. 
Tonight, the evening of August 26th the sixth month on the Biblical calendar, the month of Elul, begins. This month is a month of repentance and preparation for the upcoming Fall Feasts. The Shofar is blown every morning in every synagogue in order to wake people up for the coming Day of Judgment on the Feast of Trumpets and the Days of Awe. According to Jewish tradition Moses began his second 40-day fast on the first of Elul, asking GOD to forgive Israel for the sin with the golden calf and to renew the covenant. His fast ended on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. [Exodus/Shemot 32:11-13,31-32] The 40 days from the 1st of Elul to Yom Kippur became a traditional time of repentance, fasting, and prayer among the Jewish people. Very likely our BELOVED MASTER went through HIS 40-day fast recorded in the GOSPELS during this time. 
Day 1 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. . .Make it a daily practice to see with your eyes, hear with your ears, and understand with your heart the incredible things GOD ALMIGHTY wants to tell you. 

LAKE OF FIRE 
"And whosoever was not found written in the BOOK OF LIFE was cast into the Lake of Fire." [Revelation 20. 15] 

OMNIPOTENT HOLY GOD makes it very clear that the Lake of Fire is a literal place and all "the fearful, the unbelieving and the abominable, murderers, whoremongers, sorcerers, idolaters and all liars, shall have their part in the Lake which burns with fire and brimstone." [Revelation 21. 8] 

The GRACIOUS LORD spoke more about hell then anyone else in the HOLY SCRIPTURES. To the unsaved, YESHUA, the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE will say, "Depart from ME, you cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." [Matthew 25. 41] 

The Antichrist (the Beast) and the false prophet are to be cast into the Lake of Fire before the binding of Satan for one-thousand years. Then, the present earth itself is to be removed and finally, the Devil will be "cast into the Lake of Fire and Brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever." [Revelation 20. 10; 19. 20; 20. 2, 7, 10 - 11] This Lake of Fire is in existence both before and after the removal of the present earth, and it will continue to exist forever. 

There are those who say the Lake of Fire is symbolic and should not be taken literally. If this is so, the reality must be so utterly indescribable and beyond description that it can only be symbolized by an Eternal Lake of Fire, which would be even more horrible. For those "that obey not the GOSPEL of our LORD JESUS CHRIST" they are to be "punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the LORD." [2 Thessalonians 1. 8 - 9] 

Rather than questioning the reality of Hell and its unquenchable fire, which is the just destiny of all who reject or ignore the free gift of salvation provided by the infinite love and sacrificial suffering of CREATOR GOD by way of YESHUA ha'MASHIACH; men and women should come to YESHUA, the MASTER REDEEMER now in faith and "be saved from wrath through HIM." [Roman 5. 9] 

Now is the appointed time, tomorrow may be too late. So complete and perfectly does the blood of the LORD JESUS CHRIST, WHO through the ETERNAL SPIRIT OF GOD MOST HOLY, offers cleansing of our conscience from dead works to serve the TRUE & LIVING GOD. [Hebrews 9. 14] 

BEWARE! There is a literal New Heaven and New Earth coming to attain; and a literal burning Lake of Fire to shun (avoid, keep away from). Make a careful decision now while there is still time and live accordingly. Now is the appointed time, today is the day of salvation! 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Sit on YOUR Throne of Truth, O LORD, AUTHOR & ALL-WISE CREATOR, establish mercy, seek justice and hasten righteousness, we pray, Amen! 
Consider your latter end; fear GOD, the HOLY CREATOR, take heed to HIS counsel, seek understanding. 
May each day bring you a blessing filled with wisdom and discernment for the times ahead. 


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. . .GOD chooses what we go through; we choose how we go through it. 

GOLDEN LAMPSTAND 
"You shall make a lamp stand of pure gold; the lamp stand shall be made of hammered work; its base and its shaft, its cups, calyxes and petals shall be of ONE PIECE. Six branches shall issue from its sides; three branches from one side of the lamp stand, and three branches from the other side of the lamp stand." [Exodus (Shemot) 25. 31 - 32 Tanakh, Torah] 

The seven-branch lamp stand is a picture of the Seven-Lamps before the Throne in heaven. "And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD." [Revelation 4. 5] Moses was told to make the Tabernacle and its furnishings "according to the pattern" he was shown for they served as copies and shadows of heavenly things. [Exodus/Shemot 25. 9; Hebrews 8. 5] 

The Hebrew word "menorah" means "place of light" — a lamp stand. The TRUE & LIVING GOD instructed the children of Israel to make it of one block of pure gold. There was no wood in this Lampstand at all. Gold is symbolic of DIVINITY and wood of humanity. CREATOR GOD, not man, is the AUTHOR OF LIGHT. The LORD JESUS is "THE MENORAH." YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD, the LIGHT OF THE JEWS, the LIGHT OF THE GENTILES [Luke 2. 32; John 1. 9; 8. 12], and the LIGHT in the New City coming down out of heaven. In the Holy City no light from the sun, moon or stars are needed because "the LAMB is the LIGHT." [Revelation 21. 23] 

The Golden Lampstand, symbolic of spiritual light and understanding, stood in the Holy Place. One must come into the Holy Place with GOD, the KING ETERNAL, and walk by HIS LIGHT in order to enjoy fellowship with HIM. No service in the natural light is acceptable to the FATHER OF LIGHT for "the natural man does not receive the things of the SPIRIT OF GOD, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." [1 Corinthians 2. 14] 

The Menorah was not made in a mold or fashioned in sections then connected together; but it was beaten into shape outside of the Holy Place, then brought inside. The LORD JESUS, WHO is the LIGHT OF THE WORLD, was found "in fashion as a MAN" — HE received the hammer of ALMIGHTY GOD'S judgment upon HIM for the sins of the world outside of Heaven. It was outside of the City of Jerusalem that YESHUA endured the suffering on Calvary's Cross. Through HIS sufferings, PRINCE OF PEACE was "made perfect" [Hebrews 2. 10], and then was received up into Heaven (the Holy Place). [Hebrews 9. 24] "Ought not the CHRIST to have suffered these things and to enter into HIS glory?" [Luke 24. 26] Noteworthy Comment: On earth, the LORD JESUS was not permitted to enter the Holy Place for HE was not a Levite; the MESSIAH was of the tribe of Judah. 

The pure gold represents a DIVINE nature; beaten gold signifies DIVINE workmanship. For the children of the LORD OF HOSTS, this would mean the renewing of our minds, beaten into shape. "The words YOU inscribed give light and grant understanding to the simple." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 130 Tanakh, Kethuvim] We are to be renewed in the spirit of our mind [Ephesians 4. 23] the way the SPIRIT OF GOD renews our mind to think like MESSIAH YESHUA in HIS humility. "The SPIRIT OF THE LORD shall rest upon HIM; the SPIRIT OF WISDOM & INSIGHT, the SPIRIT OF COUNSEL & VALOR, the SPIRIT OF KNOWLEDGE, DEVOTION & REVERENCE for the LORD." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 11. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

The HOLY GOD OF HEAVEN is very specific concerning the form of this article of furniture even to the bud, knop, flower, and every branch; but HE does not give any measurement to it. The OMNISCIENT ONE has as much purpose in omitting instructions as HE does including them in HIS INSTRUCTIVE WORD. There is no measure or dimensions given for the Menorah. There is no measure to light! Light is limitless, without measure or dimension; so the LORD JESUS in HIS light, love, truth, grace and mercy is matchless and limitless. 

The six branches were to come "out of the sides" of the Lampstand. It was on the sixth day that man was created. Six is the number that signifies man and man's working day, it is an incomplete number. The six branches coming out of the sides of the Central Shaft are a very part of the Central Shaft which symbolizes the HOLY & RIGHTEOUS GOD. Therefore, each branch is a picture of man coming out of GOD, born of HIM ...from HIS thigh. 

The Hebrew word for shaft is "yarek" which literally means to be soft, thigh (the fruitful parts), the seat of life. The six branches joined together with the Central Branch make seven which is the perfect number. We are complete in YESHUA ha'MASHIACH. The six branches represent the CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD. The LORD JESUS hung upon Golgotha's Cross and from HIS side there flowed a stream of blood and water which gives life to those who come to HIM and are a part of HIM. We, the Church — HIS people, come "out of the side" of the CENTRAL BRANCH and from the thigh of the CENTRAL SHAFT! 

JESUS, the ANOINTED REDEEMER said, "I am the VINE, you are the branches. Whoever abides in ME, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without ME (severed from ME) you can do nothing." [John 15. 5] Severed from the CENTRAL FIGURE, we cannot stand in the Holy Place; but, we are joined to HIM, made possible by HIS wonderful sacrifice and HIS resurrection from the dead. HalleluYAH! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, our prayer is the LIVING FOUNTAIN refresh and sustain each of you, our cherished friends. May the LIGHT of the HOLY ONE, blessed be HE, fill your up-coming week with a yearning desire to submit to HIS inscrutable will and give you strength for your daily tasks. May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be a part of each day as you share the knowledge of wisdom of the LOVING MASTER with others. 
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. . .For every problem, there is an opportunity. 

STAND STILL 
"It is not for you to fight this battle; STAND STILL, wait, and see your deliverance by the LORD, O Judah and Jerusalem; do not fear or be dismayed by this great multitude; go forth to meet them tomorrow and the LORD will be with you." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 20. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The Ammorites, Mobites and Edomites had organized a great multitude seeking to destroy Judah under King Jehoshaphat. However, the king and his people came together to "seek the LORD GOD" in prayer for deliverance, and the SPIRIT OF THE SOVEREIGN ONE spoke through Jahaziel assuring them that "the battle is GOD'S, not yours." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 20. 15 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Then the INFINITELY MAJESTIC CREATOR sent the answer as to how the battle was to be won, the strange instructions were "Stand Still (Hebrew: yatsav)." Just watch the MERCIFUL MASTER'S wondrous hand accomplish it! And HE did. All their enemies were constrained by the LORD to fight and destroy each other, without the Israelites having to fight at all. In the same way, at the Red Sea when everything looked hopeless, "Moses said to the people — Have no fear! Stand Still! and witness the deliverance which the LORD will work for you today." [Exodus (Shemot) 14. 13 Tanakh, Torah] So the whole multitude obeyed and all Pharaoh's armies were overthrown in the middle of the Sea. 

In Isaiah's day, when Israel was tempted to call on pagan Egypt for help against pagan Assyria, the HOLY ONE said concerning Israel's armies. "Truly, I call her Rahab-Hem-Shebeth (her strength is to sit still)." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 30. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

As the ship was being beaten, thrashed and defeated in the storm, and the terrified sailors were about to abandon the boat, when Paul warned, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." [Acts 27. 31] So they stayed (stood still), and the ALMIGHTY ONE spared every man. 

When we have done all we can and the situation seems hopeless, this is the time to "sit still" and trust our INVINCIBLE GOD to work it out in HIS OWN good way. "Only you must not rebel against the LORD. Have no fear then of the people of the land, for they shall be as food for our consumption; their protection has departed from them, but the LORD is with us. Have no fear of them!" [Numbers (B'Midvar) 14. 9 Tanakh, Torah] 

The unique LORD GOD SUPREME specializes in things thought impossible. Do you have any rivers you think are un-crossable? "Be still, and know that I am ELOHEY; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The LORD YEHOWAH T’SEVAOT (LORD GOD OF HOSTS) is with us; the ELOHEY of Yaacov is our FORTRESS." [Psalms (Tehillym) 46. 10 - 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!! 
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 WORD and the love of YESHUA ha’MASHIACH the SAVIOR bless your heart and make you fully whole (holy). 


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. . . Faith is not believing that the ALMIGHTY can, it's knowing that HE will. 

CUSTOMS — MIZRACH 
"The many peoples and the multitudes of the nations shall come to seek the LORD OF HOSTS in Jerusalem and to pray before the LORD." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 8. 22 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

The "Mizrach" (rising of the sun — The East) is a Jewish custom to turn toward Jerusalem during the time of prayer. "When YOUR people go out to battle against their enemy, by wherever way YOU send them, and they pray to the LORD in the direction of the City which YOU have chosen, and of the House which I have built to YOUR NAME, O hear in heaven their prayer and supplication and uphold their cause." [1 King (Melakhim Alef) 8. 44 - 45 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

In BIBLE days, worshipers in the Temple in Jerusalem faced the Holy of Holies; those in the City itself turned toward the Temple Court; those in Israel faced in the direction of Jerusalem; those outside Israel turned toward the Land of Israel. GOD’S Dwelling Places (Wilderness Tabernacle & Temple) always faced the East as the Lord comes to HIS Temple from the East. It is noticed that when Daniel prayed three times a day to the LORD GOD, he opened his windows toward Jerusalem. [Daniel/Danyel 6. 10] 

Jerusalem is the spiritual center on the earth. The love for Jerusalem is admonished in the words of the Psalmist: "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth — if I do not exalt Jerusalem above my chief joy." [Psalms (Tehillym) 137. 5 - 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The ALMIGHTY ONE commands prayer for this CITY OF THE GREAT KING — "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces." [Psalms (Tehillym) 122. 6 - 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen, who shall never be silent by day or by night. O you, LORD'S watchmen, do not keep silent, take no rest and give no rest to HIM, until HE establishes Jerusalem makes her renowned on earth." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 62. 6 - 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

When the PRINCE OF PEACE comes to earth again, prayers for the peace of Jerusalem will be answered. Prayers for peace to come to the heart of the Jew will be realized when he recognizes YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, his PRINCE OF PEACE, and accepts JESUS OF NAZARETH as the long-awaited MESSIAH OF ISRAEL and the SAVIOR-REDEEMER of mankind! 

This peace which the SUPREME GOD desires for both Jew and Gentile was purchased at tremendous cost, even the precious life-blood of the LORD JESUS. Isaiah, the Jewish prophet, describes this — "But HE (MESSIAH) was wounded because of our transgressions, HE was bruised because of our iniquities. HE bore the chastisement for our peace, and by HIS stripes we were healed." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE has much to say concerning the Land of Israel (Eretz Yisroel) of which Jerusalem is the center. The REVERED BIBLE prophetically describes its boundaries and also foretells its destruction and restoration. When restored, Israel shall cover an area of 300,000 square miles. The Land boundaries are from the River of Egypt to the Euphrates and from Hethlon to Kadesh. [Genesis/Bereshith 15. 18; Numbers/Vayikra 34. 2 - 15; Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 48. 1 - 35; Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 31. 38 - 40] 

This Land was never to be sold to any other people — "The land must not be sold beyond reclaim, for the land is MINE; you are but strangers resident with ME." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 25. 23 Tanakh, Torah] Thus, the Land belongs to the OMNIPOTENT CREATOR and HE gave it to the Jews. They are the heirs to the Land of Israel. Speaking to the people of the land, the Jews, ALMIGHTY GOD foretells through the Prophet Moses — "I will take you to be MY people, and I will be your GOD. And you shall know that I, the LORD, am your GOD WHO freed you from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land which I raised MY hand (swore) to give to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; and I will give it to you for a possession, I the LORD." [Exodus (Shemot) 6. 7 - 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Zion comes from a root which means a dry, barren place or arid wilderness. In this, its original condition, it is a type of the land and the people of Israel. But owing to the great power and skill of the GREAT HUSBANDMAN, the MESSIAH YESHUA, this dry ground will be transformed into a fruitful garden and the spiritually barren people brought to full bloom! [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 36. 6 - 12, 15, 30, 34 - 35] 

It has been said that the TRUE & LIVING GOD was through with the Jewish people and that they would never return to the Promised Land. However, they are wrong! Moses wrote GOD'S WORD concerning the scattering of Israel; and the desolation of the land. [Deuteronomy/Devarim 28. 64 - 65 with Leviticus/Vayikra 26. 32 - 33] 

Even as every one of the prophecies concerning the Dispersion of natural Israel were literally and are being literally fulfilled, just so the Re-gathering and Restoration of natural Israel must literally come to pass. As it was prophesied that a literal; people were literally scattered among literal nations and suffered literal persecution and this was all literally fulfilled, just so these same prophets foretold that Israel would just as literally be preserved from extinction or assimilation, and would in the End Time, just before the return of their MESSIAH YESHUA, be brought back again as a nation into their own land! [Leviticus/Vayikra 26. 44 - 45] 

The HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL is gathering the Jews from the four corners of the earth even as HE said HE would! Israel is back in the Land! GOD INVINCIBLE has kept HIS WORD literally! [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 30. 10 - 11] 

The Land of Israel has been passed from nation to nation. When it was in the hands of the Gentiles it remained undeveloped, untouched. Why? Because it is not Gentile property; because the TRUE GOD decreed that under HIM the Jews would do the restoring and renewing — "I will restore of My people Israel. They shall build ruined cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine; they shall till gardens and eat their fruits. And I will plant them upon their soil, nevermore to be uprooted from the soil I have given them, and they shall know ME — said the LORD your GOD." [Amos 9. 14 - 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

The prophecy of Isaiah 18. 3 contains an important notice to all the people of the world in the last days — "All you who live in the world and inhabitant the earth, when a banner is raised in the hills, take note! When a ram's horn is blown, give heed!" [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 18. 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im] In other words, when the flag (banner) is lifted up in the mountains of Jerusalem and the ram's horn blown, let all the nations take notice. In 1920, the Flag of Judah was flown from the Tower of David and the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem blew the Ram's Horn which sounded out over the land! 

The LORD SUPREME is gathering the Jews back to Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel — the Land of Promise) for a specific purpose, not only to cultivate it, to cause "the desert to bloom as the rose" not only to have a homeland, but GOD is bringing this dispersed and wandering people back in readiness for the return of their MESSIAH! "For the LORD shall build up Zion; HE has appeared in all HIS glory." [Psalms (Tehillym) 102. 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

There is an amazing prophecy concerning Jerusalem given by YESHUA ha'MASHIACH HIMSELF which will be fulfilled — "Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." [Luke 21. 24] It was during first week in June 1967 — that the Old City of Jerusalem came into the hands of the Jews who are an independent nation, Israel. This is the first time Jerusalem has been in the hands of an Independent Israel since 597 BC. Yet, Jerusalem and the Temple Mount will continue to be trampled by the Gentiles until the end of the Great Tribulation and the start of the 1,000-Year Reign of MESSIAH, the Kingdom Age. We can continue to stand on the WORD OF THE LORD for it is truth and life. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Welcoming Shabbat! — Come, let us go out to greet the Sabbath Queen; Sabbath presence, let us welcome. We honor & praise the LORD YESHUA, the BLESSED ONE, WHO gives true Sabbath peace & rest; and separates the sacred from the ordinary. 
The children of Israel are to keep Sabbath, to observe it throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between ME and the children of Israel forever. It is our heritage. May it bring rest and joy, peace and comfort to your dwellings, our beloved family; and through it may the HOLY NAME OF THE LORD GOD be praised WHO sanctifies the Sabbath. Enjoy the delight of the Kedushat Shevi'it — Sabbath Holiness! 


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


Web Page: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .When you fulfill CREATOR GOD'S commands, you are actively demonstrating honor for HIM. 

KEEPING THE LAW 
"Whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." [James 1. 25] 

There are many things mentioned in the Law of the ALMIGHTY ONE that must be remembered and never forgotten. "MY son, do not forget MY Law (teaching), but let your mind retain MY commandments." [Proverbs (Mishle) 3. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "You shall faithfully observe all the INSTRUCTIONS that I enjoin upon you today that you may live and increase and be able to possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your fathers." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 8. 1 Tanakh, Torah] 

Again from Deuteronomy, the BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE, Moses continually instructed GOD'S people to "Remember, Never Forget." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 9. 7 Tanakh, Torah] "Take utmost care and watch yourselves scrupulously, so that you do not forget the things that you saw with your own eyes and so that they do not fade from your heart and mind as long as you live. And make them known to your children and your children's children." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 9 Tanakh, Torah] "Take care then, not to forget the covenant that the LORD your GOD concluded with you, and not to make for yourselves a carved image in any likeness, against which the LORD your GOD has forbidden you." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 23 Tanakh, Torah] "Take heed! Do not forget the LORD WHO freed you and brought you out of the land of Egypt, the house of bondage. Revere only the LORD your GOD and worship HIM alone, and swear only by HIS NAME. Do not follow other gods, any gods of the people about you — for the LORD your GOD in your midst is a QANNA (jealous, impassioned) GOD — lest the anger of the LORD your GOD blaze forth against you and HE wipe you off the face of the earth. Do not tempt the LORD your GOD...keep the commandments, decrees, and laws that the LORD your GOD enjoined upon you." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 12 - 17 Tanakh, Torah] 

Then in the NEW COVENANT, Peter warns those who were in danger of becoming forgetful hearers of the WORD OF GOD: "Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder) that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the LORD and SAVIOR, knowing this first — that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts." [2 Peter 3. 1 - 3] 

Believers must remember the PURE WORD in order to counter the teaching of the false prophets, false teachers, and scoffers who would bring in damnable heresies. "For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth." [2 Peter 1. 12] 

Destruction comes on those who forget the HOLY ONE'S INSTRUCTIONS, "MY people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge and obedience, I reject you as MY priest; because you have spurned the teaching and forgotten the Law of your GOD. I in turn, will spurn and forget your children. The more they increased, the more they sinned against ME; I will change their dignity and glory into shame and dishonor." [Hosea (Hoshea) 4. 6 - 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

David, king of Israel declared, "I study and meditate on YOUR precepts, I contemplate and regard YOUR ways. I take delight in YOUR Laws; I will not neglect nor forget YOUR WORD." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 15 - 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] O, that we ever delight in the LAW OF THE LORD and constantly meditate and reflect on it — "Give me understanding that I may observe YOUR teaching and keep it wholeheartedly. Lead me in the path of YOUR commandments, for that is my delight." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 34 - 35 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 
May that be our prayer each day! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
CREATOR of the Universe, we come before YOU to praise and extol YOUR greatness and goodness. YOU, LORD GOD, are the FOUNTAIN from which all blessings flow. In all the experiences of life, we recognize that YOUR guiding hand establishes our work and that YOUR love lifts our lives to nobler effort. May the inspiration of this day strengthen our faith in YOU. Purify our spirits that in our daily tasks we may be conscious of YOUR PRESENCE. Continue to bestow YOUR benediction on us and teach us to seek YOU ever more . Help us to live that when we have gathered our final harvest, many shall rise up with us to magnify and bless YOUR MOST-PRECIOUS NAME. 


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 one cannot understand indirect remarks, he will not understand plain ones either. 

RESURRECTION OF ISRAEL 
"Thus says the LORD GOD to these bones — I will cause breath to enter into you and you shall live again." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 37. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

The vision of the "Valley of Dry Bones" had disconnected and scattered body parts everywhere. It was humanly impossible for these bones to live but, GOD ALMIGHTY told Ezekiel to preach to them. At the preaching of the WORD OF GOD, the bones came together. The ETERNAL ONE put sinews and flesh upon the skeletons making them into bodies; but, with no life in them. Then the Breath or Spirit (Hebrew: ruwach) was put into them which caused them to stand upright and live again. The LORD GOD MOST HOLY described these bones as the Whole House of Israel who had been dead and whom HE would cause to come up out of their graves from every land where HE had scattered them. 

"In that day this song shall be sung in the land of Judah — Ours is a mighty city; the HOLY ONE makes victory our inner and outer wall. Open the gates, and let the righteous nation enter, a nation that keeps faith and truth. YOU have increased the nation, O LORD, when YOU added to the nation; extending all the boundaries of the land, YOU are glorified and honored. Oh, let YOUR dead revive and live! Let corpses arise! Together with my dead body they shall arise. Awake and sing, shout for joy, you who dwell in dust! — For your dew is like the dew on fresh growth of herbs; YOU make the land of the shades come to life and the earth shall cast out the dead. O come, MY people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you. Hide but a little moment, until the indignation passes. For behold! the LORD shall come forth from HIS place to punish the dwellers of the earth for their iniquity. And the earth shall disclose its bloodshed and shall no longer conceal its slain." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 26. 1, 2, 15, 19 - 21 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

"For the LORD has built Zion ; HE has appeared in all HIS glory." [Psalms (Tehillym) 102. 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Zion refers not only to Jerusalem , but to those who live in that City. The MASTER DESIGNER is speaking of a literal city and a literal people in connection with HIS literal appearance. The ALMIGHTY ONE will revive the Jewish people spiritually, politically and nationally. 

The GLORIOUS LORD GOD will revive Israel and put them back in their own land which HE promised to Abraham and will set one KING over them. "The LORD will pardon Jacob, and will again choose Israel , and will settle them on their own soil." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 14. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

There is a rebirth of the land as well as of the people of Zion . ALMIGHTY GOD is giving them the very breath of spiritual life. That life can only come through faith in the PROMISED ANOINTED ONE OF GOD. They are coming out of their graves of spiritual death and receiving eternal life by receiving JESUS OF NAZARETH as their long-awaited REDEEMER-MESSIAH, the SOON-COMING KING. 

Truly, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is THE PROMISED ONE OF GOD to come to Israel WHO will be their RIGHTEOUS KING in Zion . GOD promised that one KING will rule in "That Day" when Zion would be built up. 

Will you be one of GOD’S called and chosen? Won't you allow the MESSIAH to rule as LORD of your life? The LORD YESHUA is coming back very shortly for HIS OWN special people. Be ready! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel ! 
We praise YOU, MOST HOLY GOD and ask that YOUR PRESENCE be manifest to us in all YOUR works, so that reverence for YOU may fill the hearts of YOUR creatures. May all the children of men bow before YOU in humility and unite to do YOUR will with one heart, that all may acknowledge that YOURS alone is the power, dominion and majesty; and that YOUR NAME is exalted above all. 
Shalom U'Vrakah — Peace & Blessings! 


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. . .Even when the HIGH & LOFTY GOD OF HEAVEN says nothing, some men turn it into something. 

WHEN GOD HAS NOT SPOKEN "I did not send those prophets, but they rushed in; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. IF they had stood in MY counsel, let them announce MY WORDS to MY people and make them turn from their evil way and wicked acts and return to ME — says the LORD." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 21 - 22 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Today, as in times past, there are self-proclaimed prophets who say they are bringing "a word to you" and prefix it with "thus says the LORD." Since there are three voices we can hear from...the ALMIGHTY CREATOR, ones own spirit, and Satan — it is vitally imperative that you are able to "discern the source" of the message. The question that we should ask is, Where did this message come from? 

ALMIGHTY GOD'S MESSAGE: "Who has marked HIS WORD and heard it? He who has stood in the council of the LORD, and seen, and heard HIS WORD — he who has listened to HIS WORD must obey and announce it." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "I did not send those prophets, but they rushed in; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied. IF they have stood in MY counsel, let them announce MY WORDS to MY people, and make them turned back from their evil ways and wicked acts — says the LORD." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 21 – 22 Tanakh, Nevi’im] "I have heard what the prophets say, who prophesy falsely in MY NAME — I had a dream, I had a dream. — How long will there be in the minds of the prophets who prophesy falsehood — the prophets of their own deceitful minds — the plan to make MY people forget MY NAME, by means of the dreams which they tell each other." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 25 - 26 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Assuredly, I am going to deal with the prophets — declares the LORD — who steal MY WORDS from one another, who wag their tongues and make oracular utterances. I am going to deal with those who prophesy lying dreams, who relate them to lead MY people astray with their reckless lies, when I did not send them or command them. They do this people no good — declares the LORD." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 30 - 32 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

PERSONAL IMAGINATION or SATAN'S LIE: If a message from an individual originates in himself and focuses the attention on himself, causing him to appear more spiritual than others. It is words for people who have itchy ears. Hananiah brought a message the people wanted to hear. GOD OMNIPOTENT concluded, "Listen, Hananiah! YEHOWAH did not sent you, and you have given this people lying assurances. Assuredly, thus said the LORD: I am going to banish you from off the face of the earth. This year you shall die, for you have urged disloyalty (taught rebellion) to the LORD." [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 28. 1 - 17] There was also a "lying spirit" in the mouth of all the prophets of King Ahab. [1 Kings/Melakhim Alef 22. 23] 

A worthless prophet will "lead MY people (Israel) astray." [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 23. 13] "The prophets of Jerusalem are something horrifying: adultery and false dealing. They encourage evildoers, so that no one turns back from his wickedness." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Thus said the LORD OF HOSTS: Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are deluding you, the prophecies they speak are from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 16 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "They declare to men who despise ME — the LORD has said — All shall be well with you. — And to all who follow their willful hearts they say — No evil shall befall you." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 17 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

In the NEW COVENANT, the Apostle Paul said, "Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others JUDGE." [1 Corinthians 14. 29] We desperately need to be able to discern the source of a message. When the TRUE & LIVING GOD does speak, we should hear and obey promptly. When a message is of man or from the Adversary (enemy), we need to recognize the source and not get caught up in their lie and be deceived. For many "evil men and impostors" will become embolden, and they "will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." [2 Timothy 3. 13] Let us take heart, the MERCIFUL & LOVING LORD GOD we serve knows what is ahead and has forewarned us in HIS foreknowledge of our time and has prophetically written in HIS WORD. "Indeed, my LORD YEHOWAH does nothing without first having revealed HIS purpose (secret) to HIS servants, the prophets." [Amos (Amus) 3. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from MY FATHER, I have made known to you." [John 15. 15] Stay alert, for such a time as this. . . lest you be deceived! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!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 comes our help. Draw us nearer to YOU to serve YOU in faithfulness. Joyfully, we lift our voices and proclaim YOUR PRECIOUS NAME. 
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 task ahead of us is never as great as the POWER behind us. 

THE LAVER (Part 2 — Conclusion) "The LORD spoke to Moses saying — Make a laver of copper and a stand of copper for it, for washing; and place it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar. Put water in it." [Exodus (Shemot) 30. 17 - 18 Tanakh, Torah] 

The Foot is the foundation upon which the Laver stands. All the foundations of the Tabernacle furniture picture the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA (seen in Matthew as the KING, Mark as the SERVANT, Luke as the MAN, John as the EAGLE), there is no other foundation! Time and again, it is written as "the laver and his foot." The WORD OF GOD stands upon CHRIST JESUS and is upheld by HIM. These are inseparable, not one without the other. 

The Laver was located at the Door of the Tabernacle. It was highly polished so to reflect the Door and the Copper Altar, for it stood between them. The WORD OF GOD, like a mirror, reveals the Cross (Sacrifice Altar) and the Door (MESSIAH YESHUA) through which we enter in to fellowship with the MOST HOLY GOD ETERNAL. 

The Copper Basin situated before the Tabernacle of the Congregation (Holy Place) which housed the Table of Shewbread, shows that there is an experience of cleansing before feasting. Children are not to be dirty when they come to the table, they are commanded to "wash first." No believer is entitled to come to the Breaking of Bread at the Table in the Holy Place without self-examination. "Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup; for if we judge ourselves, we would not be judged." [1 Corinthians 11. 28-31] 

The priests could not wash themselves with the Laver, there was to be water put in it. This points to a great spiritual truth that cleansed them and made them ready for their tasks. The only water the sons of Israel had in the desert was that which gushed forth from the SMITTEN ROCK. [Exodus/Shemot 17. 6] Moses was commanded of the SOVEREIGN ALMIGHTY ONE to strike the rock (which Moses did) and water came forth for the thirsty Israelites. [Numbers/B'Midvar 20. 8, 11] For water the second time, Moses was to speak to the ROCK; but instead he struck it twice. For this sin of disobedience Moses was not permitted to enter the Promised Land with the Children of Israel. 

MESSIAH YESHUA, THE ROCK, was struck once and ever after we need but speak to HIM for our supply of spiritual drink! "Our fathers all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that SPIRITUAL ROCK that followed them (went with them), and that ROCK was CHRIST." [1 Corinthians 10. 4] The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA is the ROCK OF AGES. It was only after this PRIZED ROCK was struck (on the Cross, then raised from the dead, and ascended up into Heaven) that there was poured out "SPIRITUAL DRINK (HOLY SPIRIT)" for HIS people. 

To be effective, the WATER OF THE WORD must be applied. Not only are we to believe GOD'S WORD by receiving it, but we are to serve GOD'S WORD by observing (obeying) it. We are to be DOERS of the WORD — not HEARERS only. [James 1. 21 – 27; Romans 2. 13] 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! Whoever serves GOD out of love devotes himself to HIS law and to the observance of HIS commandments, and walks in the paths of wisdom, not because of any worldly advantage, nor to protect himself from evil, nor even to inherit good hereafter; he does the right because it is right, though in the end the blessing will not fail him. To love the LORD GOD with all your heart, is its own reward. 
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 smallest deed is better than the grandest intention. 

THE LAVER (Part 1 of 2) "The LORD spoke to Moses saying — Make a laver of copper and a stand of copper for it, for washing; and place it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar. Put water in it." [Exodus (Shemot) 30. 17 - 18 Tanakh, Torah] 

This article of furniture, the Laver, is mentioned in connection with another, the Altar of Incense. [Exodus/Shemot 30. 1] However, not one without the other. The Laver is for cleansing, it must be appropriated before the Golden Altar of Prayer & Praise can be approached. The priests must be clean before there could be any Fragrance of Worship to OMNIPOTENT HOLY GOD. 

The copper of the Laver was obtained from the Jewish women who donated their looking-glasses to the service of the LORD MOST HIGH. They were willing to give up their prized possession which they had taken for a spoil from the Egyptians before they left the land of bondage. These looking-glasses revealed to them their natural beauty. How they delighted to see their reflection in these highly polished copper mirrors! 

Copper is a symbol of judgment for sin; they judged their outward appearance here. Yet, they gave up that outward judging for the spiritual judging when they turned over these mirrors for the work of the Tabernacle. Now, they were used in the construction of the Laver for the washing of the priests. In other words, they gave up the desire for natural beauty, the outward adorning, in preference for that beauty which comes from within. [1 Peter 3. 3-5] Man's mirror shows and judges spots on the outward appearance, but GOD'S Mirror reveals and judges the blemishes of the heart. 

The looking glasses of Egypt tell us of the intense desire of mankind to appear beautiful outwardly to impress others and attract attention to self. But, this is all changed when redemption is applied to the soul. Then, the primary, highest and most important desire is the adorning of the inner-man and the beauty of the LORD OF HOSTS to shine forth from the life which will attract the attention of on-lookers to HIM WHO is altogether lovely. 

Twice in the NEW COVENANT the Laver is referred to for a spiritual washing or cleansing. Paul speaks of the LORD JESUS having cleansed the Church "by the Laver of water by the WORD." [Ephesians 5. 26] Then again of ALMIGHTY GOD having "saved us through the Laver of regeneration and renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT." [Titus 3. 5] We are born-anew (regenerated) by the INCORRUPTIBLE SEED, the WORD OF GOD (the LAVER) through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT (the WATER in the LAVER). 

The Copper Altar of Sacrifice has already been built and is for the Sinner. The Laver is for the Saint. We meet the SOVEREIGN LORD GOD first at the Cross and are cleansed by the blood of the LAMB OF CALVARY. Then, we must come daily for cleansing by the WATER OF THE WORD. The Altar is for saving us and shows us what the ANOINTED MESSIAH is. The Laver is for keeping us saved and shows us what we are. At the Altar, we learn that what YESHUA ha'MASHIACH has done meets the need of the sinner. At the Laver we learn that what the LORD JESUS is meets the needs of the CHRIST-like-one. 

. . . to be continued 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! As we bid farewell to Shabbos Nachamu — the Sabbath of Comfort, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, bless you abundantly. Who is like YOU, AWESOME CREATOR GOD? Who is like YOU, glorious in holiness, revered in worship, wondrous in works? Eternal is YOUR power, O LORD, YOU are mighty to save. In loving-kindness YOU sustain the living; in the multitude of YOUR mercies, YOU preserve all. YOU uphold the falling, heal the sick; bring freedom to the captives and keep faith with YOUR children in death as in life. Who is like YOU, ALMIGHTY GOD, AUTHOR of life and death, SOURCE of salvation? Truly, there is none like YOU, O LORD my GOD! May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present throughout the 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. Email: delrifkah.kralman@comcast.net 
Web Page: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . Procrastination: Something you do when you don't.CUSTOMS— T'FILLIN \ PHYLACTERIES 08/15/14 "You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 8 Tanakh, Torah] "It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the LORD'S Law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt ." [Exodus (Shemot) 13. 9 Tanakh, Torah] 

"T'fillin" is a Hebrew word taken from the singular — t'filla, meaning prayer. The use of the T'fillin by Orthodox Jews today is based on an interpretation of SCRIPTURES: "Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 11. 18 Tanakh, Torah] 

These (T'fillin) phylacteries (Greek meaning "to keep safely") consist of two square boxes of black leather stitched over the box holding the parchment with 12 stitches representing the 12 tribes of Israel . One is worn on the left arm towards the heart, and the other worn on the forehead where the hair growth starts. The head box contains four compartments which hold parchments inscribed with BIBLICAL passages (Exodus/Shemot 13. 1-10; 13.11-16; Deuteronomy/Devarim 6. 4-9; 11. 13-21). The box for the arm has only one compartment to hold one sheet on which all the four passages are written. These are fastened at the brow (seat of thought) and left arm (instrument of action) near the heart (seat of feeling) by long leather straps attached to them. This signifies desire for obedience to the First Commandment— "You shall love the LORD your GOD with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 5 Tanakh, Torah] So it teaches that all thoughts, feelings, and actions are to conform to the will of ALMIGHTY GOD. The devout Jew believes that by binding one of these phylacteries on the arm and placing the other on his forehead each morning, he is truly fulfilling the Mosaic requirement! 

The usual phylacteries (T'fillin) are quite small, but the very devout Jew makes "broad his phylacteries" by using larger ones. T'fillin is reverenced as highly as the SCRIPTURES for it contains the SACRED NAME OF THE LORD (YEHOWAH) not less than 23 times. One of the prayers every devout Jew repeats daily while wearing T'fillin is— "I believe with a perfect faith that MESSIAH, blessed be HIS NAME, will come speedily and though HE tarry, I shall continue to wait for HIM." 

In putting the T'fillin on the body, the arm is taken first since this is the order in Deuteronomy 6:8 — the box is fixed firmly on the naked left arm, upon the biceps muscle (denoting strength), above the elbow, and when this is done, the worshiper recites the benediction, "Praised are YOU O LORD, KING OF THE UNIVERSE, WHO has sanctified us with HIS commandments and enjoined upon us the commandment of the T'fillin." 

Formed in the leather strap of the hand phylactery is the Hebrew letter yod — in the phylactery for the head, the Hebrew letter daleth — and embossed on the box the Hebrew letter sheen. These three letters spell "SHADDAI", the ALL-SUFFICIENT, ALMIGHTY ONE. Jews feel that by applying the phylacteries they are placing the very NAME of GOD upon themselves. 

The hand phylactery is wound about the arm seven times and in succession three times about the middle finger (showing the three-pronged letter of the sheen), once about the fourth, once above the middle, and finally around the whole hand. While this is done the following words are recited— "I betroth you to me forever; I betroth you to me in righteousness, in judgment, in kindness and in mercy. I betroth you to me in faithfulness and you shall know the LORD." 

The tefillah shel rosh (phylactery for the head) is put on next. The box is placed on the forehead above the nose and the strap is fixed at the back of the neck exactly above the middle of the neck. The end of the straps hang down over the shoulders to the front of the body. These Tefillin are removed in reverse order from that in which they are put on. 

While wearing the phylacteries, the worshiper petitions the HOLY ONE to consider the performances of the commandment regarding the T'fillin as though all six hundred and thirteen commandments, of which he feels the Law of Moses consists, had been faithfully executed. 

In the days of the LORD MESSIAH YESHUA, the T'fillin (phylacteries) were more in use than today. The spiritual leaders who desired their religiosity to be noticed, would make their phylacteries larger than was customary. These Pharisees, Sadducees and Hebrew Scribes claimed attention so as to elevate themselves to a higher position in the eyes of the people. They made a show of their supposed devotion to the LORD GOD in order that they, in turn, would receive some of that same devotion from Israel ! JESUS rebuked them for this: "But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make broad their phylacteries." [Matthew 23. 5] 

How like these Jewish religious leaders have been ALL classes of people over the face of the earth! For in the heart of the natural man there is a noisy outcry for attention, for adoration. "Please notice me" — "See what I have done" — "Am I not devout?" are thoughts in the minds of many who claim to be followers of the lowly NAZARENE WHO made HIMSELF of no reputation and received not honor among men! They are "broadening their phylacteries" to be seen, to be heard, to be praised even as the Pharisees of old! More accurately, we must love the Lord in spirit and in truth, and avoid ostentatious (pretentious, hollow, vain) form that exalts man and self. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !Welcome Shabbat! — Come, let us go out to meet the Sabbath Queen, Sabbath presence, let us welcome. O FATHER in Heaven, in YOUR great love YOU appointed for us a day of rest, that in YOUR PRESENCE we may regain that freedom of the soul which comes through obedience to YOUR commandments. Quickened by YOUR spirit, may we learn how to ennoble the things of earth by sanctifying them to YOUR service. We honour & praise the LORD YESHUA, the BLESSED ONE, WHO separates the sacred from the mundane and gives true Sabbath peace & rest; where there is wonderful joy in living in "Kedushat Shevi'it . . . Sabbath Holiness!" 
Praying for the peace of Jerusalem , is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. Email: delrifkah.kralman@comcast.net
Web Page: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .Adversity introduces a man to himself. 
GOD’S WATCHFUL EYE "Truly the eye of the LORD is on those who fear HIM, who wait for HIS faithful care and hope in HIS mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and sustain them in famine." [Psalms (Tehillym) 33. 18 - 19 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 
The GOD MOST HIGH sees and knows our past, observes all things present and knows the future, for HE is all-seeing and all-knowing, the OMNISCIENT ONE. Knowing this, we should fix our eyes constantly on our LORD & SAVIOR that we learn to fear and trust HIM, the ONLY SOURCE of redemption. Like a mother who has trained her child well, can guide that little one by a simple look; so is the LORD our GOD well able to direct us by the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. 
The LORD directs us by the indwelling SPIRIT and by the SCRIPTURES which guide us. GOD will always guide us in the right direction as we allow the COMFORTER to lead us, moment by moment, to control our thoughts and actions: "When HE, the SPIRIT OF TRUTH, has come, HE will guide you into all truth; for HE will not speak on HIS OWN authority, but whatever HE hears HE will speak; and HE will tell you things to come. HE will glorify ME, for HE will take of what is MINE and declare it to you." [John 16. 13 - 14] 
In difficult times, the LOVING MASTER is faithful to direct us on every side: "The LORD will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in parched places, and give strength to your bones. You shall be like a watered garden, like a spring whose waters do not fail." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 58. 11 Tanakh, Nevi’im] "Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your GOD; I will strengthen you— Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My victorious right hand." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 41. 10 Tanakh, Nevi’im] "The LORD is my LIGHT and my SALVATION; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked assail me to devour my flesh or slander me, my enemies and foes are the ones who stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart shall not fear; should war rise against me, still would I be confident." [Psalms (Tehillym) 27. 1 - 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 
Even in death, the LORD leads us: "For this is GOD, our GOD forever; HE will be our guide even to death." [Psalms (Tehillym) 48. 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no harm, for YOU are with me; YOUR rod and YOUR staff — they comfort me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 23. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; through rivers, they shall not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be scorch, through flame, it shall not burn you. For I the LORD am your GOD, the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, your SAVIOR." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 43. 2 - 3 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 
Keep your eye on the CHERISHED PRIZE knowing that the reward will be worth it all as we live our life always doing what is well pleasing in HIS sight and for HIS glorious NAME’S sake. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !O that Judah be saved and Jerusalem dwell in safety! May you be a witnesses of the MOST HOLY God'S care, love and presence. Quickened by YOUR spirit, may we learn how to ennoble (glorify) the things of earth by sanctifying them to YOUR service.Praying for the peace of Jerusalem , is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. Email: delrifkah.kralman@comcast.net 
Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .The Soul: The story is told of a blind man who carried a lame man into an orchard where together they stole some fruit. To the question of which was the guilty party, the rabbi answered: Both! Neither could have carried out the theft without the other. The two men represent the body and the soul of man; together, they constitute an indivisible unity. [Roland B. Gittelsohn]THE NEW COVENANT My Jewish people, the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob gave promises to our fathers that will surely come to pass even as HE said. We see in the BIBLE that all the Covenants were made by GOD with Israel. It is written in the WORD OF GOD and the WORD OF GOD does not lie! GOD inspired the Jewish apostle Paul to write the following statements: "…[Israelites] to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of GOD, and the promises; of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, CHRIST came, who is over all, the eternally blessed GOD. Amen" [Romans 9. 4 - 5]Yes, the news of ONLY LIVING & TRUE GOD WHO made us and all things, was preached by Jews. The Book they carried with them was really a Jewish Book, for both OLD & NEW COVENANTS were written by Jews as GOD anointed them to do. GOD made ALL the Covenants with Israel, just as was written. GOD OMNIPOTENT declared that the FIRST COVENANT had grown old, however, and because it did not meet the needs of Israel, HE promised HE would make a NEW COVENANT with them. HE said that this NEW COVENANT would not be the same because the FIRST COVENANT was for the outward man: This NEW ONE would be with the inward man. The GOD OF JACOB said also that this NEW COVENANT would give a knowledge of the LORD to every one who would receive it, as the following SCRIPTURE expresses: "Behold, the days are coming — declares the LORD — when I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel and with the House of Judah. It will not be according to the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, MY covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them — declares the LORD. But this is the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel after those days — declares the LORD: I will put My Law in their minds, and inscribe it on their hearts. Then I will be their GOD, and they shall be My people. No longer will they need to teach one another, and every man his brother saying, "Know the LORD" — for all of them, from the least of them to the greatest, shall know ME — declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 31. 31 - 34 Tanakh, Nevi’im]From studying SCRIPTURES, we know that there is coming a day when this NEW COVENANT with Israel will come to pass literally, for GOD keeps HIS Covenants. Once more, Israel will be a nation knowing the LORD in her heart. My people do not know HIM this way now, but one day it will be fulfilled in history. That day will be when the MESSIAH comes and our Jewish people as a nation will acknowledge their offenses against GOD’S ANOINTED ONE. This will happen when they see the nail prints in HIS hands and mourn for HIM as for an only son knowing now it was JESUS WHO was their MESSIAH-PRIEST-KING all the time, but they had refused HIM. Zechariah, the Jewish prophet tells of this: "And I will fill the House of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem with a spirit of grace and compassion; then they will look on ME WHOM they pierced. Yes, they will lament because of ME for those who are slain, wailing over them as over a favorite son." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 12. 10 Tanakh, Nevi’im] "In that day a fountain shall be opened for the House of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. And if one asks of him, "What are those wounds on YOUR back?" he will answer, "From being beaten in the house of my friends." Then the LORD will go forth and make war on those nations, as HE fights in the day of battle. And IN THAT DAY HIS FEET WILL STAND ON THE MOUNT OF OLIVES, near Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives shall split across from east to west, making a very large gorge; one part of the Mount of Olives shall shift to the north and the other shall move toward the south." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 13. 1, 6; 14. 3 - 4 Tanakh, Nevi’im] Now these prophecies and the NEW COVENANT will be fulfilled in history to Israel as a nation — but to the Jewish person the NEW COVENANT is fulfilled individually the moment he received YESHUA ha’MASHIACH into his heart as LORD & SAVIOR. For YESHUA is the PROMISED ONE OF GOD, the REDEEMER WHO has already come the first time fulfilling the FIRST COVENANT and established the NEW COVENANT for everyone, Jew and Gentile, who will believe on HIS NAME.The LORD YESHUA did not come to bring a new religion but to fulfill the prophesied SCRIPTURES of the FIRST COVENANT. The NEW COVENANT is not a new book but is the continuation of the FIRST. What is hidden in the OLD is revealed in the NEW. When a Jewish person accepts YESHUA as his MESSIAH and SAVIOR, he does not renounce the Jewish faith, but accepts the fulfillment of it and becomes a TRUE JEW! HE comes into his own faith and is completed in MESSIAH. He becomes a completed Jew. He has accepted what belongs to him by GOD’S COVENANT with his fathers. The first CHRISTian church was composed of Jewish believers (at Peter’s preaching, 3,000 believed in one day, Acts 2:41). According to a record in history, there were 25,000 Jews who recognized YESHUA as their MESSIAH a short time after Pentecost (Shavuoth) 2,000 years ago. YESHUA, WHO was a Jew according to GOD’S promise of the MESSIAH’S genealogy, does not expect any Jew to change the fact that he is Jewish, but wants every Jew to come into living touch with GOD, to love HIM with all their heart. We Jews who believe in MESSIAH YESHUA, do not look upon CHRISTianity as another religion, but we look on it as the completion of the faith of our forefathers. We are more Jewish now then ever before we accepted YESHUA. We Jewish believers know and love the SCRIPTURES of the FIRST COVENANT (the TANAKH) more now than ever before! We know the meaning of the holidays and customs of our Jewish people in the BIBLE now where before our faith in JESUS we were blind and uninformed. We have been brought to a greater sympathy and understanding and also a greater love for Israel. We now have a deep impression on our hearts, put there by GOD HIMSELF to pray for our own Jewish people everywhere that they see the LIGHT and come into the NEW COVENANT as we have We do not deny our heritage, we are the natural descendants of Abraham through Isaac — not only are we Jewish by decent — but TRUE Jews, sons of GOD’S promise, for we have come into HIS NEW COVENANT; we believe in YESHUA as our MESSIAH, our soon-coming KING.We encourage you, our fellow members of the tribes, to seek the LORD while HE may still be found. HE is near and waiting for you!Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her! Join in her jubilation, all you who mourned over her, for HE WHO keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps! Shalom Aleichem b'SHEM YESHUA ha'MASHIACH — Peace be unto you in the NAME of JESUS THE CHRIST!Praying for the peace of Jerusalem, is praying for the return of our Messiah and Lord and for the Kingdom of God He is bringing when He comes. Then God's Will shall be done on earth as it is in Heaven and the world will experience true godly universal peace which is the fruit of Righteousness. Email: 
Web Page:  http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY.
 . .A person who seeks help for a friend, while needy himself, will be answered first.CREATOR OF ISRAEL "I am your HOLY ONE, the LORD, your KING, the CREATOR of Israel ." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 43. 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im]The EVER-LIVING LORD GOD is often referred to as the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL and as the KING OF ISRAEL. This reference to HIM as the CREATOR OF ISRAEL is particularly unique, however. In the four other passages where GOD is called "CREATOR" — HE, more specifically, is referred to as "your CREATOR" 
[Ecclesiastes/Kohelet 12. 1], "CREATOR of the earth from end to end" [Isaiah/Yeshayah 40. 28], "the CREATOR, WHO is blessed forever" [Romans 1. 25], and the "FAITHFUL CREATOR." [1 Peter 4. 19] But in what sense has the ALMIGHTY ONE become Israel 's MASTER DESIGNER?The MIGHTY GOD declared, "Be glad, then and rejoice forever in what I am creating. For I shall create Jerusalem as a joy, and her people as a delight." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 65. 18 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "But now thus says the LORD WHO created you, O Jacob; WHO formed you, O Israel; fear not for I will redeem you, I have singled you out by name, you are MINE." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 43. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im]These testimonies apply to the spiritual creation of Israel in its special relation to GOD and to the world. The physical City of Jerusalem (streets, walls, etc.) are built by man. However, the HOLY ONE did create the physical Israel , for HE created the marvelous process of human birth and the physical processes of the earth, which HE then rightly directed to ultimately establish the peoples and the land of Israel , HIS chosen. And, there is a direct reference to the New Jerusalem, which will indeed be specially created. The ALMIGHTY ONE, HIMSELF will create and form as spoken of by John who saw "the Holy City , New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from GOD, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." [Revelation 21. 2] "For behold! I am creating a new heaven and a new earth; the former things shall not be remembered, they shall never come to mind." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 65. 17 Tanakh, Nevi'im]The OMNISCIENT GOD SUPREME is the GREAT ARCHITECT. "I know too, that whatever GOD has brought to pass will recur evermore." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 3. 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Israel, like the new heavens and the new earth, is forever, for the MASTER DESIGNER is her MAKER & CREATOR. "For as the new heaven and the new earth which I will make shall endure by MY will — declares the LORD — so shall your seed and your name endure." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 66. 22 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Someday very soon, from Sabbath to Sabbath, all flesh will glory in the radiance of the MOST HOLY LORD GOD worshipping HIM.Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel !Remember the wonder reflected upon the SERVANT, YESHUA ha’MASHIACH, WHO bent down to bring light to those HE so loved. The LORD bless and keep you throughout the coming days! Go with 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. Email: 
Web Page: http://www.delrifkah.com/

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Living a CHRIST-like-life is favorable in the world-to-come, but threatening to this world; yet, worth it all! 

DAWNING OF THE DAY 
"As the day was dawning, the woman came back and fell at the door of the man's house where her master was, as it was growing light. When her master arose in the morning, he opened the doors of the house and stepped out to continue on his way, he saw there was his concubine having fallen at the doorway of the house with her hands on the threshold." [Judges (Shofetim) 19. 26 - 27 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

This horrendously appalling story took place in Israel in a time when "everyone did what was right (just as they pleased/as was convenient) in his own eyes." [Judges (Shofetim) 21. 25 Tanakh, Nevi’im]The woman was a concubine to a Levite, was from the tribe of Judah and together they were dwelling among the tribe of Ephraim. Although she had been unfaithful, he had taken her back and they were traveling to Ephraim, staying overnight in a city of Benjamin. The "sons of Belial" [beliya`al means: evil, ungodly, wicked, without profit, destruction, worthlessness] among the Benjamites, however, had abused the woman throughout the night, leaving her dead "as the day was dawning." 

The whole repulsive, abhorrent true-life account illustrates the depths of depravity to which even men among GOD’S chosen people can descend under the cover of darkness. Just as is being done today, only more so as being corrupt has become legalized and socially demanded. However, the Apostle Paul warned us in two of his different writings commanding us to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret." [Ephesians 5. 11 - 12] And, "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has CHRIST with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the Temple of GOD with idols?" [1 Corinthians 6. 14 - 16] 

Yet, in the midst of the dismal record of the Levite and his concubine, there is an interesting insight which should be noted. The evil event of the night terminated at "the dawning of the day." Interestingly enough, the Hebrew word used is "panah" which actually translates "turning" not dawning (Hebrew: boqer – crack of dawn, dawning, first light, break of day, morning) — therefore, this is not referring to the rising of the sun, but to the rotation of the earth which, after a dark night of evil, once again turns its face to the light of the world. 

In the book of Job there is another mention of the earth’s surface, "Since your days began, have you ever commanded the day to break, assigned the dawn to know its place, so that it might take hold of the corners of the earth, and shakes the wicked from her? She (the earth) takes shape like clay under a seal, till they [its hues] stand out like a garment." [Job (Iyob) 38. 12 - 14 Tanakh, Torah] Here again suggesting the earth’s axial rotation each day/night succession. 

The GREAT & MIGHTY LORD OF HOSTS has an appointed time when all evil will be purged from the earth. "But who can endure the Day of HIS coming? And who can stand when HE appears? For HE is like fire of one refining or like soap of launderers. HE will sit as a one refining and purifying silver; HE will purify the sons of Levi, and refine them like the gold and like the silver. Then they will be an offering to YEHOWAH an offering in righteousness." [Malachi (Malakhi) 3. 2 - 3 Tanakh, Nevi’im] Then mankind "will no longer follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts." [Jeremian (Yirmeyah) 3. 17 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

There is coming a magnificent dawning, and that very soon, when we shall dwell in the GLORIOUS PRESENCE of the SOVEREIGN ONE and "there shall be no night there" [Revelation 21. 25] because YESHUA is the TRUE & ETERNAL LIGHT OF THE WORLD. Come quickly, LORD, Come! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
"Simcha Shel Mitzvah (joy in doing good)" The good performed out of a sense of requirement is not as meaningful as one performed out of desire and with enjoyment. 
Oh that men were wise, that they would consider their latter end; that peace abundant would descend from heaven with life for us and to all Israel! 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. . . 
Let us remember to not only pray for the peace of Jerusalem , but model that peace in our own lives. 

ISRAEL FORGIVEN & DEFENDED 
"For I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem for war: The City shall be captured, the houses plundered, and the women violated; and part of the city shall go into exile. But the rest of the population shall not be uprooted from the City ( Jerusalem ). On that day, HE (MESSIAH YESHUA) will set HIS feet on the Mount of Olives, near Jerusalem on the East; and the Mount of Olives shall split across from east to west, and one part of the Mount shall shift to the north and the other to the south, a huge gorge...And the LORD my GOD, with all the holy beings, will come to you (Jerusalem). And the LORD shall be KING over all the earth; in that day there shall be one LORD with ONE NAME; the LORD alone shall be worshipped (and shall be invoked by HIS TRUE NAME)." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 14. 2, 4, 5-b, 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

"In that day I will all but annihilate all the nations that came up against Jerusalem . But I will fill the House of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem with a SPIRIT of pity and compassion; and they will look on ME WHOM they have pierced; they shall lament BECAUSE [see Revelation 1. 7] of ME about those who are slain, wailing over them as over a favorite son and showing bitter grief as over a first-born. In that day, the wailing in Jerusalem shall be as great as the wailing at Hadad-Rimmon in the plain of Megiddon." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 12. 9 - 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

"In that day a fountain shall be opened to the House of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem for purging and cleansing. And when one asked— What are those sores and wounds on YOUR back? — HE will reply — From being beaten in the house of MY friends." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 13. 1, 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

When the nations of the world center their attack on the Jews at Jerusalem, the SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS will return to earth to defend Israel against her enemies for the last time, "Like birds flying about, so will the LORD OF HOSTS defend Jerusalem. Defending, HE will also deliver it; Passing Over, HE will preserve it." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 31. 5 NKJV] "Like the birds that fly, even so will the LORD OF HOSTS shield Jerusalem , shielding and saving, protecting and rescuing." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 31. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im] This will be literally fulfilled when the TRUE VINE returns as KING of kings and LORD of lords with the armies of heaven as described in Revelation. [see Revelation 19. 11 - 16] 

The LONG -AWAITED LORD YESHUA will reveal HIMSELF to these Jews who had been blinded as to HIS MESSIAH-SHIP. The REDEEMER will identify HIMSELF as the "LORD OF GLORY" through the marks of the wounds in HIS hands and HIS feet. JESUS, the CHRIST OF CALVARY will forgive those who repent of their sin; HE will judge the nations who mistreated Israel; HE will establish HIS Kingdom on the earth with all HIS saints (Jew & Gentile from every tribe, tongue and nation), to rule and reign forever! Even so, come quickly, my LORD & KING! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel ! 
We have a MIGHTY AWESOME GOD, and HE is on the Throne ruling over the affairs of men. HE is worthy of all our praise and worship, even in difficult times. 


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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
GOD hides HIMSELF in HIS manifestations and shows HIMSELF in HIS concealments. 

CUTTING OF THE COVENANT 
"When the sun set and it was very dark, there appeared a Smoking OVEN, and a Flaming TORCH which passed between those pieces. On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram." [Genesis (Bereshith) 15. 17 - 18 Tanakh, Torah] 

EL ELYON, GOD MOST HIGH promised Abram that he and his descendents would inherit the land of Israel. When Abram asked the LORD GOD how he would know this for certain, the ALMIGHTY ONE commanded Abram — "Bring ME a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon." When Abram brought them, he cut them in two — down the middle — and placed each piece opposite the other, except the birds were not cut in half. [Genesis (Bereshith) 15. 8 - 10 Tanakh, Torah] 

This "cutting of the covenant" was prepared by Abram; but entered into by the great SOVEREIGN GOD alone in the form of a SMOKING OVEN (Hebrew: 'ashan tannuwr) and FLAMING TORCH (Hebrew: 'esh lappiyd), ALMIGHTY GOD passed between the sacrificed animals. Abram did not pass between them, as a great horror and darkness fell upon him and he fell into a deep sleep during that time. [Genesis/Bereshith 15. 12] 

The HOLY ONE knows man's weakness and that HE (ALMIGHTY GOD) alone would remain faithful. This is an "unconditional blood covenant" called in Hebrew the "karat berit." When the COVENANT MAKER made the promise to Abraham, "because HE could swear by no one greater, HE swore by HIMSELF...determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of HIS counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for GOD to lie." [Hebrews 6. 13 - 18] 

To understand the importance of the consequence in the "cutting of the covenant" one needs to realize first that, a covenant is entered into between at least two people. If either party breaks the covenant, that which happened to the sacrificial animals is what will happen to the one who breaks the covenant. Therefore, in HIS great mercy, GOD caused Abram to fall asleep while HE took on the entire responsibility for both parties. "And now, O ADONAI YEHOWAH, YOU are ELOHIYM and YOUR WORDS will surely come true, and YOU have made this gracious promise to YOUR servant." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 7. 28 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Our EXCEEDINGLY WONDERFUL GOD is faithful throughout time. Again as the PILLAR OF CLOUD (Hebrew: 'ammuwd 'aanan) and the PILLAR OF FIRE (Hebrew: 'ammuwd 'esh), HE led the Israelites day and night bringing them out of Egypt and through the wilderness. [Exodus/Shemot 13. 21] In HIS manifold mercies, the MAJESTIC GOD OF ISRAEL did not forsake HIS people, ever going before them to give them light and show the way they should go in spite of the fact that they sinned against HIM continually with their much murmurings, complainings, and making of the golden calf. The SOVEREIGN HOLY ONE was continually present, even in their times of rest, "over the Tabernacle a CLOUD OF THE LORD rested by day, and FIRE would appear in the CLOUD by night, in the view of all the House of Israel throughout their journeys." [Exodus (Shemot) 40. 38 Tanakh, Torah] 

We look forward to the day when the HIGH & EXALTED ONE again becomes the Pillar and Fire, "When the LORD has washed away the filth of the Daughter Zion, and from Jerusalem's midst has rinsed out her infamy — in a spirit of judgment and in a spirit of purging — the LORD will create and spread over the whole shrine and meeting place of Mount Zion, a CLOUD by day and SMOKE with a glow of FLAMING FIRE by night. Indeed, over all the glory of HIS whole shrine shall hang a canopy which shall serve as a pavilion for shade from heat by day and as a shelter for protection against drenching rain or storm." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 4. 4 - 6 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The GREAT GOD OF PRESENCE will fulfill HIS promises to us, performing HIS WORD, and completing HIS Covenant. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
As we bid farewell to Shabbos Nachamu — the Sabbath of Comfort, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, bless you abundantly. 
Who is like YOU, AWESOME CREATOR GOD? Who is like YOU, glorious in holiness, revered in worship, wondrous in works? Eternal is YOUR power, O LORD, YOU are mighty to save. In loving-kindness YOU sustain the living; in the multitude of YOUR mercies, YOU preserve all. YOU uphold the falling, heal the sick; bring freedom to the captives and keep faith with YOUR children in death as in life. Who is like YOU, ALMIGHTY GOD, AUTHOR of life and death, SOURCE of salvation? Truly, there is none like YOU, O LORD my GOD! 
May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present throughout the 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. . . 
Some people think that "original sin" is a sin that no one has thought of before. 

BLINDNESS OF ISRAEL 08/07/14 
"What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. Just as it is written — YEHOWAH has given them a spirit of deep sleep, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day. And David says — Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a recompense to them. Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see, and bow down their back always." [Romans 11. 7 – 10] 

Regarding Israel's blindness, Moses wrote: "To this day YEHOWAH has not given you a mind to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 29. 3 Tanakh, Torah] The blindness of Israel toward GOD ALMIGHTY is one of the saddest aspects of our world today as well. Even Orthodox Jews, who strongly affirm their belief in the OLD TESTAMENT passages, are seemingly unable to see what the HOLY WRITTEN SCRIPTURES clearly show, that the MESSIAH REDEEMER already came and left. 

In the first book of the TORAH, Moses wrote: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a ruler's staff from between HIS feet, until SHILOH comes; and the homage of peoples be HIS." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Ancient Jewish commentators agree that "Shiloh" (another title of MESSIAH — also, a location where the Tabernacle was first located, which represented the PRESENCE OF GOD) means "the exact image and reflection of GOD." This very fact should prove to modern Jewish expositors that MESSIAH has already come, for the scepter (the symbol of national leadership) did depart from Judah, and that happened shortly after JESUS, the ANOINTED ONE was crucified. 

King David was the first descendant of Judah to attain the scepter of leadership among the tribes of Israel. The Divine Promises were clear that the MESSIAH would be of David's descendants. That the LORD JESUS' legal father, Joseph, and HIS human mother, Miryam (Mary) were both in the lineage of David is shown in the genealogies of Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38, respectively. Both ancestry (Joseph's in Matthew; Miryam's in Luke) were written when the genealogical records were still intact in the Temple in Jerusalem. At that time, no one ever questioned their validity even with intense opposition by the Jews to the claims of MESSIAH YESHUA and HIS disciples that HE is indeed the ANOINTED REDEEMER OF ISRAEL. 

In 70 AD the records and the Temple were totally destroyed so that no later claimant to the title could prove his right to the throne. GOD'S ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, had come in the flesh, and was brutally slain, so the scepter departed from Judah until the RIGHTEOUS ONE, the LORD JESUS, comes again. It is certain that YESHUA OF NAZARETH undeniably was the Jew's PROMISED MESSIAH, and we should pray that GOD will soon open their eyes to see and believe. 

May the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL return soon, and in our time that we may behold our KING ETERNAL! 

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. 

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. . . 
Love is a fire which burns and a bush which is not consumed. Like Moses, be not devoured by such flames, but transformed through them; learn to love regardless. 

CUSTOMS — MEZUZAH 
"Inscribe them (the WORDS of the LAW) on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 9 Tanakh, Torah] 

Mezuzah is the Hebrew word for doorpost — to which place the ceremonial object is fastened. The root word for Mezuzah is zuz which means "to turn oneself about" — hence the meaning of the doorpost is "that upon which hinges turn." This symbol of the Jewish profession of faith is a small wooden, glass, ceramic or metal case from two to six inches in length containing a rectangular-piece of parchment inscribed with passages from the HEBREW SCRIPTURES. The paper scroll inside the case is really the Mezuzah and the Hebrew words on it must be written by hand or ink on parchment or it is not a true Mezuzah. The case has a small opening near the top and on the front of the tube through which can be seen either the word for the ETERNAL ONE, "SHADDAI" — or the Hebrew letter, shen (which also stands for GOD'S NAME which is written on the Scroll no less than ten times) written on the back of the parchment. The tube is affixed to the upper right-hand doorpost in a slanting position in obedience to the commandment. 

A pious Jew never enters or leaves the house without reverently placing the fingertips of his right hand on the sacred word, "SHADDAI" and then touching his lips. He kisses his fingertips after he touches the Mezuzah, reciting: "May GOD guard my going out and my coming in now and forever." [Psalms (Tehillym) 121. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This prayer connects the Mezuzah to the DIVINE PRESENCE and DIVINE protection. 

The Mezuzah after 4,000 years has now become the symbol of the Jewish home. To the Jew it is a reminder of the need for sanctifying the home by means of religious teachings, and of keeping the home unpolluted from all evil. He is reminded of the blood of the lamb sacrifice, which was struck on the doorposts by his forefathers in obedience to the command of GOD OMNIPOTENT which kept the ancient Israelites from death and destruction in Egypt. 

Not only are the Jews to write the words of the Law upon their door-posts and gates, but all who believe upon CREATOR GOD are commanded, in a spiritual sense, to do likewise. For the HOLY ONE is stressing by this statute the importance of His Word and the necessity of this observance in the life of the believer. However, by the blessing of the NEW COVENANT, the Law of the SUPREME ETERNAL ONE is written, not upon objects of wood and stone or upon a piece of parchment, but upon the fleshly tables of the heart! 

The LORD OF GLORY commands that we "take to heart these instructions." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 6. 6 Tanakh, Torah] It is more important to have the WORD OF GOD fixed in the heart than to have it wrapped up in a small box and nailed to the door of a house! The Mezuzah attached to the doorpost of the believer's heart is a reminder to him of the protecting power of GOD'S LAMB, YESHUA ha'MASHIACH, WHO shed HIS blood for all who will apply it to their heart's door in faith. The LORD JESUS watches our coming in and our going out, our up-rising and our down-sitting. Thank GOD! always HE is with us. It is the real PERSON of the MESSIAH YESHUA WHO guards us and leads us by HIS SPIRIT! Praise HIS HOLY NAME, Amen & Amen! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Welcome Shabbat Nachamu, the Sabbath of Comfort! Sabbath presence, let us welcome. Our FATHER in Heaven, in YOUR great love YOU appointed for us a day of rest, that in YOUR PRESENCE we may regain that freedom of the soul which comes through obedience to YOUR commandments. Quickened by YOUR spirit, may we learn how to ennoble the things of earth by sanctifying them to YOUR service. We honor and praise the LORD YESHUA, the BLESSED ONE, WHO separates the sacred from the mundane and gives true Sabbath peace and rest. 


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 the memory of the past impress us with the duty to remain faithful to our heritage and to be mindful of our obligations. 

TISHA B'AV 
"By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat, sat and wept, as we thought of Zion. There on the poplars we hung up our lyres, for our captors asked us there for songs of joy, our tormentors, for amusement, 'Sing us one of the songs of Zion' How can we sing a song of the LORD on foreign soil?" [Psalms (Tehillym) 137. 1 - 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

One of the major fast days in Jewish tradition, and a day of historic mourning in Jewish life is the Ninth of Av. Tisha B'Av is more like a death than a destruction, because on that day the world changed irrevocably. The world without the Holy Temple is not the same world minus one magnificent structure. The world without the Holy Temple is a totally different world. The Holy Temple was the place ALMIGHTY GOD chose to meet with HIS people. There the DIVINE PRESENCE manifested HIMSELF. When the Temple was destroyed, the fragrance of the HOLY ONE was removed, thus it was a loss as real and as searing as death. 

This is a fast day second in importance to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) in the Jewish year. It is the day of mourning for the destruction of both Temples. And, it once was kept in remembrance of the day in the year 558 BCE (Before Common Era/BCE — Before CHRIST/BC) when the mighty forces of the Babylonian armies under Nebuchadnezzar laid waste Jerusalem and slaughtered many of its inhabitants enslaving and exiling the survivors. Also, according to tradition [Taan 4. 4 Jewish Encyclopedia] the decree concerning Israel's forty years of wandering in the wilderness was made on the Ninth of Av. 

On the Ninth of Av in the year 70 CE (Common Era — After Death/AD) the Romans swooped down on Jerusalem and destroyed the Second Temple and almost annihilated the nation of Israel. Tisha b'Av today commemorates the destruction of the Second Temple rather than that of the First, recognizing the fact that the second destruction was the greater catastrophe for the Jewish people. It is marked as "A Day of National Gloom." In the synagogues the Book of Lamentations is recited to a sad and mournful melody. The book was written by the Prophet Jeremiah, who warned the Jews to repent to prevent the fall of Jerusalem, which he prophesized. His advice not only was ignored, but he also was imprisoned for stating views that threatened the king's power. The TORAH Sages also teach that the MESSIAH will be born on Tisha B'Av as a sign that there is yet redemption in all the destruction. 

At midnight there is a lamentation for the destruction of the Temple. Then, people usually visit the cemetery after the morning service. On the Ninth of Av in Jerusalem, devout Jews meet at the Kotel (Western Wall) or visit the Tomb of David, voicing their grief and pain over the fall of Jerusalem. One of the songs or chants is a mournful hymn known as "The Wailing Song" which is said to date from the time of Ezra: 
"HE is great, HE is good: HE will build HIS Temple speedily: 
In great haste, in great haste; in our own day speedily. 
LORD, build; LORD, build, build YOUR Temple speedily. 
HE will save, HE will save; HE will save HIS Israel speedily; 
At this time now, Oh, LORD, in our own day speedily 
LORD, save! LORD, save! Save YOUR people, Israel speedily." 

One can almost hear the children of Israel praying at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles on the day of the Great Hosanna: "Save now, I beseech YOU, LORD!" and see HIM WHO is "THE ANSWER" to their prayer standing in their midst. The LORD MESSIAH YESHUA is THE TEMPLE REBUILT — for HE was seemingly destroyed, but on the third day ALMIGHTY GOD raised HIM from the dead! 

The Jew, whose eyes are opened to behold the ANOINTED ONE of whom Moses and the prophets wrote, has no need to mourn, to have Tisha b'Av day in his life! Whomever has accepted YESHUA (the LORD JESUS) into their heart as MESSIAH, LORD & KING can declare with David: "YOU have turned my lament into dancing, YOU put off my sackcloth and girded me with joy and gladness, that my whole being might sing hymns to YOU endlessly; O LORD my GOD, I will praise YOU forever." [Psalms (Tehillym) 30. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] May our HEAVENLY FATHER hear our prayers that our long-awaited MESSIAH YESHUA, the SON OF GOD, the SON OF DAVID, the KING of kings, come quickly. May HIS Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily, even in our day. 

Special Note: Tisha b'Av (9th of Av) started last night at sunset and continues to sunset this evening (evening-to-evening). Tisha b'Av should hold significance, not just for the Jewish people, but for everyone. The threat of terrorism is worldwide, though most acutely felt and experienced in Israel. Let us take this day to join hearts with our Israeli and Jewish brethren around the world and offer united and fervent prayer to our HEAVENLY FATHER, the GREAT GOD OF ISRAEL, the LORD OF HOSTS. 

We invite everyone to join in solidarity with our Jewish friends and family to pray for Israel. We encourage everyone to light a candle in their homes this evening in memory of the Israelis who have died in this present daily war with the Palestinians; and read Psalm 83 aloud. I encourage parents to gather their children and do this as a family prayer time. Let us take this day to join hearts with our Israeli and Jewish brethren around the world and offer united and fervent prayer to our OMNIPOTENT LORD GOD for HIS mercy through judgment; pray for the coming of KING MESSIAH speedily even in our day. 

Before the destruction of the 2nd Temple (70 BCE/BC) by the Romans on the 9th of Av, the Romans had laid siege around Jerusalem, but sufficient grain had been stored by the inhabitants of the City to sustain them for 21 years. The leading TORAH sage at the time was Rabbi Yochanan ben-Zakai who was in favor of pursuing a peace treaty with the Romans hoping to ward off a war and save the Temple from destruction. However a group of zealots called the Biryonim had other plans wanting to force all Jews to take up arms and decided to wreck the economy by burning down all the granaries, which created a quick and severe famine in the City. The Romans took advantage of the devastation the zealots caused and broke through the City walls and eventually destroyed the Temple. 

The actual intent of such practices are in preparation for coming to grips with Israel's sin (sinat chinam — unfounded hatred) which led to the loss of the Temple, not just once, but twice. When the spies returned from the land, there was weeping when there should have been rejoicing. So, throughout history, GOD has given Israel reason to mourn on this day, Tisha b'Av, the 9th day of the month of Av. Also, it is suggested as the day the Wondering Hebrews sided against Joshua and Caleb's report that the Promised Land could be conquered, thus sinning with the unfaithful spies. [Numbers/B'Midvar 13. 30 - 31] 

Traditional Jews observe this as a day of mourning with a fast and the reading of the BIBLICAL BOOK of Lamentations. The Sabbath preceding Tisha b’Av is called Shabbat Chazon, the Sabbath of prophecy. The hafTORAH is Isaiah’s foretelling of the destruction of the Temple. The Shabbat following Tisha b’Av is Shabbat Nachamu, the Sabbath of Comfort, when Isaiah’s message of consolation is read. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel! 
Because Israel honors life, they built the Iron Dome to protect their people from rocket attack. Hamas, however, has spent millions of dollars, most of which came from the UN or European countries, and from America and allies like Qatar or Dubai, to dig tunnels into Israel for terror attacks. 

We praise YOU, MOST HOLY God and ask that YOUR PRESENCE be manifest to us in all YOUR works, so that reverence for YOU may fill the hearts of YOUR creatures. May all the children of men bow before YOU in humility and unite to do YOUR will with one heart, that all may acknowledge that YOURS alone is the power, dominion and majesty; and that YOUR NAME is exalted above all. 
In earlier times, it was the custom already from Tu B'Av to use as one's greeting "May your inscription and seal be for good (ketiva vahatima tova)!" — the same blessing that we today use on Rosh haShana. 


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. 

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