Delrifkah: HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Our prayer as we welcome the coming of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement):  HOLY ETERNAL ONE, give us the kindness to hear with compassion, to offer support, loving comfort and care to all we meet.  Give us the courage to do what is needed, the wisdom to choose what is right and most fair.  Give us the vision to see what is possible.  Give us the faith that will help pave the way for a present that’s hopeful, a future that’s peaceful — give us the heart to bring joy to each day.  Thank YOU, ALMIGHTY GOD for making us a needy people, ever looking to YOU, the AUTHOR & FINISHER of our faith.  Keep us ever mindful to praise, honor and obey YOU, O GOD our MAKER.  May the days following be filled with great joy as we prepare for Sukkot—Feast of Tabernacles.  
  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 Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH the SAVIOR bless your heart and make you fully whole (holy).  Fill us with YOUR SPIRIT of humility, meekness and the elegant grace of modesty that we may grow in wisdom and in reverence. May we never forget that all we have and prize is but lent to us, a trust for which we must render account to YOU.  O HEAVENLY FATHER, put into our hearts the love and awe of YOU, that we may consecrate our lives to YOUR service and glorify YOUR NAME in the eyes of all men.  Amen  
  May you be inscribed in the BOOK OF LIFE for good!  
Days of Awe – Day 8 "Set a goal so big you can't achieve it until you grow into the person who can." [Anonymous] Change takes time. Don't be afraid to have extraordinary goals and huge plans.  If we are committed to the process, we can become the kind of people capable of accomplishing those feats that seem way out of reach now.
Day 38 of Repentance 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com 


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

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

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

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

The Shofar blowing on Yom Teruah is a combination of the various sounds. The call of the Shofar reminds us that the KING OF THE UNIVERSE loves us, is thinking about us, and cares about our lives. HE is judging us because HE loves us. With GOD, it is crucial to remember that no matter how we feel about HIM, HIS love for us is unwavering. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Welcoming Yom Teruah/Rosh ha’Shanah — a Solemn Sabbath! Chag Semayah — Good Holy Days! May you enter each day with joy in your hearts and confidence that ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS mercy, will continue to use us as HIS messenger of the Good News to this needy world. 
May it be a year where we do good to others; a year full of blessings of health, happiness, and peace. 
Wishing all of you a good year – 5779 
"Ketiva Vahatima Tova — may your inscription and seal be for good." Our prayer for each of you is for a good year, not one just good for us, but a year where we do good to others. 
Days of Awe – Day 1 "Open for me an opening the size of a needle and I will it expand it into a door which wagons can go through." [Midrash on Song of Songs 5:2] Change is not all or nothing. GOD tells us that we just need to take that first step, however small it may be, and HE will show us a way forward. 
Day 31 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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

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



A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
"Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her! Join in her jubilation, all you who mourned over her — that you may suck from her breast consolation to the full, that you may draw from her bosom glory to your delight." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 66. 10 – 11 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

ROSH HA’SHANA PRAYER 
Our prayer for you and your family on this Feast Day of Yom Teruah/Rosh ha’Shanah is that ALMIGHTY GOD, blessed be HE and blessed be HIS NAME, will make the coming days of this year, 5779, happy ones... 
...Not by shielding us from all sorrow and pain, but by strengthening us to bear it if and when it comes. 
...Not by making our path easy, but in making us strong enough to tread any path. 
Not by granting unbroken sunshine, but by keeping our face bright even in the shadows. 
...Not by making our life always pleasant, but in showing us where MESSIAH and HIS cause needs us most; and by making us zealous to do HIS perfect will. 
...Not by keeping us from conflict and war, but by bringing us off every field of battle more than conquerors through the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH WHO loves us most. 
The Eternal New Year began in the hearts of those who accepted MESSIAH Y’SHUA as their LORD & SAVIOR. At that moment the heart was changed and all his sins were cast into the depths of the sea and they now are a “new creation” in CHRIST JESUS THE KING. The trumpet of the LORD OF HOSTS will sound announcing the greatest event as a new name is written in the LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE! 
This New Creation is now awaiting the sound of the ETERNAL ONE when HE calls us Home to be with HIM forevermore. Truly, this will be the greatest of all events since the days of MESSIAH’S flesh! O glorious day when the LORD Y’SHUA shall come for HIS OWN - - both Jew and Gentile - - who have accepted the redemption HE purchased with HIS death being the SUPREME SACRIFICE on the Altar of Calvary! 

We cover you with our love and prayers. May your relationship with the HOLY CREATOR, the GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN & EARTH grow daily in the little time we have left to serve HIM here on earth. Amen 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
The Rosh ha’Shanah prayers — longer, more melodious, and more intense and inspirational than usual — concentrate on GOD'S KINGSHIP and HIS judgment of all creatures. "Our PRECIOUS HEAVENLY FATHER, we have no king but YOU. Help us for YOUR NAME’S sake. Grant us a blessed new year, annul all evil decrees against us, annul the plots of our enemies, frustrate the designs of our foes, rid us of tyrants, rid us of pestilence, sword, famine, captivity, sin and destruction. Forgive and pardon all our sins. Help us return to YOU fully repentant. Send complete healing to the sick; remember us with favor; hasten our deliverance. Exalt YOUR people, Israel and those who are called by YOUR NAME everywhere. Hear us our INCREDIBLE REDEEMER, show us mercy and compassion, accept our prayer with favor and mercy. Do not turn us away unanswered. Remember that we are dust. Have pity for us and our children; act for those slain for YOUR HOLY NAME who were slaughtered for YOUR unity — who went through fire and water; act for YOUR sake if not for ours. Answer us though we have no deeds to plead our cause. Save us with mercy and loving-kindness. And, make us careful to bless, praise and thank YOU all the days of our life. Amen!" 
Based on the commandment in Numbers 29:1, one hundred Shofar blasts are dramatically sounded throughout the prayers, "awakening" us to improve our ways. May you enter each day with joy in your hearts and confidence that ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS mercy, will continue to use us as HIS messenger of the GOOD NEWS to this needy world. May it be a year where we do good to others; a year full of blessings of health, happiness, and peace glorifying the Apple of our Eyes – our Great MESSIAH. 
"The LORD your GOD cares; the eyes of the LORD your GOD are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year." [Deuteronomy 11:12] 
Chag Semayah - Wishing all of you a blessed honey-dripped Rosh ha’Shanah – 5779! 
Days of Awe – Day 2 "I stopped looking for the light and decided to become it instead." (Anonymous) Stop thinking you need to change the people and things around you in order to grow. Authentic transformation comes from within us. It comes from the goodness and the light we bring to everything that we do and everyone that we encounter. 
Day 32 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
The day after Rosh ha’Shanah marks the Fast of Gedaliah (Tzom Gedaliah – governor of Judea), one of the “minor fast days” in the Jewish calendar year. It is observed every year on the 4th of Tishri (September 12th this year). The fast begins early in the morning at dawn and ends in the evening at dusk. 
The meaning of the fast: After the destruction of the First Temple, 2,560 years ago, the majority of the Jewish people were exiled to Babylon. The conqueror, Nebuchadnezzar eventually eased some of his harsh restrictions and allowed some Jews to remain in the Land of Israel. He even appointed a righteous Jew named Gedaliah to administer the territory. Gradually more Jews who had escaped from the horrors of the war into neighboring countries began to return to their homes in Israel, the Promised Land. 
Gedaliah was realistic about the limitations of Jewish sovereignty, he understood that for their own self-preservation the Jews in Israel needed to cooperate fully with the nation who had conquered their land. However, this political subservience was intolerable to some Jews and a man named Yishmael benNetaniah, spurred on by jealousy from foreign influences arose and ignored the King of Babylon. On the 3rd of Tishrei, Yishmael treacherously killed Gedalia along with many other Jews and Babylonians. 
After the murder of Gedaliah,, the Jews feared reprisal from the King of Babylon and thought to flee to Egypt to save themselves. Since Egypt was a morally corrupt society, the Jews were in a quandary – weighing the physical threat against the spiritual danger. So, they turned to the Prophet Jeremiah who was secluded in mourning to ask for advice. 
For an entire week, Jeremiah pleaded with GOD for an answer. Finally, on Yom Kippur, he was answered. Jeremiah called the Jews and told them to stay in Israel and everything would be fine. GOD was planning to make the Babylonians act mercifully toward the Jews, and before long, all the exiled Jews would be permitted to return to their own soil. But, Jeremiah told them, if the Jews decided to go to Egypt, the sword from which they were running would kill them there. 
Unfortunately, the prophet's words did not penetrate, and the people refused to believe. All the Jews remaining in Israel packed their bags and went down to Egypt. They even kidnapped Jeremiah and took him with them! Now the destruction was complete; the Land of Israel was completely barren. 
A few years later, as you may have guessed, Babylon conquered Egypt and tens of thousands of Jewish exiles were completely wiped out. The lone survivor of this massacre was Jeremiah — his prophecy had become painfully true. [see Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 40 – 41; 2 Kings/Melakhim Bet 25.25–26] 
Days of Awe – Day 3 "Everything is a choice." [Anonymous] We can escape from the tyranny of our bad habits. We have free will. The haphazard mornings or the orderly routines, the complaints or the compliments, the endless distractions or the moments of reflection: these are all choices we make, and if we want to change our lives, we need to first look at our choices. 
Day 33 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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


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


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
"Saichel (Hebrew for common sense)" is a gift; "chakam (intelligence)" is an triumphant achievement. 

DECEITFUL USE OF HOLY SCRIPTURE 
"As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to be understood, which those who are untaught and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the SCRIPTURES." [2 Peter 3. 16] 

It is essentially necessary and critically vital, that every CHRIST-minded-person study and use the Holy Scriptures, for they establish our only real authority, the very WORD OF ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF. [Matthew 5. 18; John 10. 35; 14. 26; 2 Timothy 3. 15-17; 2 Peter 1. 19-21] It is just as important, however, that we not use the SCRIPTURE deceitfully, for this can be even more dangerous then ignoring them altogether. 

Many cults and self-centered people twist the SCRIPTURES, trying to make them fit their own opinion or hoping thereby to give authority to their peculiar opinion, instead of allowing the LORD GOD to say what HE means, which HE does, in HIS WRITTEN WORD. Such distortion and mutilated twisting of HOLY WRIT has generated numerous cults and heresies, numerous both in the past and all too prevalent today. In essence, this was YESHUA'S position of the Pharisees: "In vain they worship ME, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." [Matthew 15. 9] "Because these people approached ME with their mouth and honoured ME with their lips, but have kept their heart far from ME, and their worship of ME has been a commandment of men, learned by ritual. Truly, I shall further baffle that people and the wisdom of its wise shall fail, and the understanding of their prudent men shall vanish." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 29. 13 - 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

In the same way, perhaps even worse, is claiming to receive new (additional, latest, changed, another) SCRIPTURE or new (additional, latest, changed, another) authoritative insight on existing SCRIPTURES that the ALMIGHTY OMNIPOTENT ONE warned: "You shall not add anything to what I command you or take anything away from it." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 2 Tanakh, Torah] "Do not add to His Words, lest HE accuse you and you be proved a liar." [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Cults and heretics twist, distort, add to and take from the Word of God, but just as deadly are the ones who try to explain away the SCRIPTURES, THE WORD OF LIFE. "If any one takes away from the words of THE BOOK of this prophecy, GOD shall take away his part from the BOOK OF LIFE, from the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this BOOK." [Revelation 22. 19] 

This act of distorting, twisting and denying GOD'S HOLY WORD was the very lie of the Devil, that slippery serpent, which brought sin into the world. . . "Did GOD really say?? …you are not going to die!" [Genesis (Bereshith) 3. 1, 4 Tanakh, Torah] No wonder the HOLY BIBLE has a very severe warning against distorting, twisting and corrupting HIS HOLY WORD! "I know that whatever ELOHIYM has brought to pass will recur evermore: NOTHING can be added to it and NOTHING taken from it. ELOHIYM has brought it to pass that men revere and fear HIM." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 3. 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, BEWARE lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked." [2 Peter 3. 17] As believers, we emphatically must be aware of and on guard against such deceivers that change or simply ignore SCRIPTURE, as it is our very life that is at stake. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
LORD, I stretch forth my hands and lift up my heart to YOU, O FATHER in Heaven. May all living creatures praise and glorify YOUR MATCHLESS NAME, O GOD! 
Truly, the LORD will reign forever and ever. 
L'Shana Tova Tikateiv V'Tichateim - May you be written and sealed for a good year in the BOOK OF LIFE. Our prayer for each of you is for a good year, not one just good for us, but a year where we do good to others.. 
Days of Awe – Day 4 "It is never too late to be what you might have been." [George Eliot] Let’s not bother focusing on the time we wasted or the opportunities we didn't use. That was yesterday.. Today is another chance to become who we want to be. We can turn our regrets into lessons and our failures into stepping stones. 
Day 34 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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

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


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
There is no riches above a healthy body and no joy above knowing our sins are forgiven; those who know both are most opulent (wealthy). 

OUR TRIUMPHANT ADVOCATE 
"Surely now my WITNESS is in heaven, HE has my record, HE WHO is on high." [Job (Iyowb) 16. 19 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

There are two significantly important NEW COVENANT truths in this OLD TESTAMENT text. The patriarch Job knew that he and all of mankind had a record of their life in heaven. All roads do lead to GOD, but the wide roads end in judgment before the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE; whereas only the narrow road leads to salvation through the LORD JESUS, which very few find. "We shall all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. For it is written — "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God." [Romans 14. 10 - 11] 

The Hebrew word "sahed (means: my record)," occurs only this one time in the HOLY SCRIPTURE and it makes clear that our works here on earth, either good or bad, have been recorded by the SUPREME CREATOR OF THE WORLD. This record, inevitably testifies against us, "for there is not one good man on earth who does what is best and doesn't err." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 7. 20 Tanakh, Kethuvim] At "GOD'S THRONE OF JUDGMENT," which will be very soon, the dead are "judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the BOOK...and anyone not found written in the BOOK OF LIFE is cast into the Lake of Fire." [Revelation 20. 12, 15] 

We can know that our names will be in GOD'S BOOK OF LIFE, even as Job knew that "my WITNESS is in heaven" — Some ONE WHO "might arbitrate between a man and GOD, as between a man and his neighbor!" [Job (Iyowb) 16. 21 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The Hebrew word for "witness" is 'ed implying a recognized personal witness who can testify on our behalf. Job knew this ELECT WITNESS and could confidently say, "I know that my REDEEMER lives; in the end HE will testify on earth." [Job (Iyowb) 19. 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim] MESSIAH Y’SHUA is the REDEEMER and FAITHFUL WITNESS: "If anyone sins, we have an ADVOCATE with the FATHER, JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS. And HE HIMSELF is the PROPITIATION for our sins." [1 John 2. 1 - 2] "If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." [1 John 1. 9] 

The LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH is the PERFECT SACRIFICE for our sins; therefore, HE could redeem us from sin's penalty and serve as our DEFENSE WITNESS in heaven. Our record of sin and guilt has been washed clean with the precious blood of the LORD JESUS, the BRUISED REED. HalleluYAH! What an AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL SAVIOUR — IMMANU'EL, GOD with us! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Welcoming Sabbath Shuvah – Sabbath of Return! Sabbath of Vayelech – “And HE Went” [Reading: Deuteronomy 31:1-30; Hosea 14:1-9; Micah 7:18-20; Joel 2:15-27; Matthew 22:9-17] 
Come, my dear friend, let us go out to meet the Sabbath, the Queen! Come, O Bride, the Sabbath presence is eagerly awaited, and joyously welcomed! 
Shabbat brings an inner peace within oneself, and provides a weekly opportunity to connect and relate to family, friends and GOD. A time for the family to come together – to eat, to learn, to celebrate, to mourn, and most importantly to transmit the torch of our shared heritage to the next generation; to nurture the awareness that GOD is actively involved in everything. There are no accidents; everything that happens to us is purposeful and for the best. We can feel secure knowing that we are wrapped in GOD’S loving embrace. May the HOLY ONE OF HEAVEN, blessed be HE, ever be praised. 
HE WHO keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps! Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH, our GOD, SOVEREIGN OF THE Universe, WHO gives us peace like a quiet river and HIS righteousness as the waves of the sea. 
Days of Awe – Day 5 "Your goals don't care how you feel." [Anonymous] We won't always feel motivated. Sometimes we’ll feel tired and want to push off our goals until tomorrow. But tomorrow we may not "feel" like working either. One of the biggest myths of change is that we need to feel motivated to move forward. It's the moving forward that really matters; the motivation will follow our actions. Motivation is wonderful; discipline is critical. 
Chag Semayah - Good Holy Days! 
Shanah Tova uMetukah! We wish you and your families a happy and healthy year – 5779 
Ketiva V'Chatima Tova! A good inscribing and sealing 
Day 36 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
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! 
Days of Awe – 6 "Thinking ‘I can't’ is idolatry. If the ALMIGHTY ONE helps us, we can change the world. And if HE doesn't help, we can't do anything." [Rabbi Noah Weinberg] We limit ourselves by walls of false beliefs that we hide behind. When we have faith, we can let go of who we imagined ourselves to be and become who we really are. 
Chag Semayah - Good Holy Days! 
Shanah Tova uMetukah! We wish you and your families a happy and healthy year – 5779 
Gmar Chatima Tova! May you have a good sealing. 
Day 36 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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

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


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Choose your friends carefully as you will become what they make you; you become who you learn under. 

TRIUMPHANT FAITH 
"One LORD, one faith, one baptism." [Ephesians 4. 5] 

Everyone has some kind of faith in something, be it a religion, one's self, fate, evolution or in mankind. Even the atheist has faith in his own reason. But, there is only one real faith that works for time and eternity. True faith is confident trust in the ONE TRUE & LIVING GOD, the LOVING Creator WHO made us, WHO will judge us, and WHO has paid the definitive price to save us. 

This faith is an understanding faith, for it is "by faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the WORD OF GOD." [Hebrews 11. 3] It is a saving faith, "for by grace you are saved through faith." [Ephesians 2. 8] Since "the just shall live by faith" [Galatians 3. 11] it is a living faith and a growing faith "because your faith grows exceedingly" [2 Thessalonians 1. 3], and a working faith because "faith without works is dead." [James 2. 20] 

True faith is a justifying faith (what makes us righteous in the sight of the HOLY GOD) because, "being justified by faith, we have peace with GOD through our LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA." [Romans 5. 1] It is a protecting faith because, with "the shield of faith…you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." [Ephesians 6. 16] It is a stable faith, "for by faith you stand." [2 Corinthians 1. 24] It is also a purifying faith, "purifying their hearts by faith." [Acts 15. 9] Faith is asking, which receives answers to its prayers "in faith, nothing wavering" [James 1. 6], and a strong faith, like Abraham who "did not waver at the promise of GOD through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to GOD." [Romans 4. 20] 

CHRIST-like-ones confidently possess a triumphant faith. "For whatever is born of GOD overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — your faith." [1 John 5. 4] This faith, even our faith is an understanding, saving, active, growing, justifying, purifying, effective, protecting, stable, asking, strong, triumphant faith! It is one thing to believe it, and another to know from experience that this is true. May you have the personal joy of knowing from experience. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Jew Year’s Resolution (just for fun!): “I will follow the experts and eat four meals a day.” According to experts, it’s healthier to eat four small meals a day than three big ones. The more times we eat, the more stable our metabolism which should help us finally lose that “baby bloat” -- when we’re 40. However, when defining portion size they’re using “G-weight” (Goyim weight) which is far different from “J-weight” (Jew-weight). “They” deal in ounces, “we” deal in slivers (just a “taste,” usually a pound), morsels (food that you can take in a single bite, two pounds), and smidgens (enough for a small Bar or Bas Mitzvah). And remember, you’re counting portion size! A pound of shmaltz is equal to a pound of carrot strips. So, if you really want to be fit, eat what you want, just stick with the “slivers..” 
L'Shana Tova Tikateiv V'Tichateim - May you be written and sealed for a good year in the BOOK OF LIFE. Our prayer for each of you is for a good year, not one just good for us, but a year where we do good to others. 
Days of Awe – 7 "If you believe breaking is possible, believe fixing is possible." [Rabbi Nachman of Breslov] We don't need to cover up or deny our mistakes. We fall. Our lives can sometimes feel broken. We need to remember to focus on fixing the brokenness instead of allowing it to lead to hopelessness. 
Day 37 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
  Our prayer as we welcome the coming of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement):  HOLY ETERNAL ONE, give us the kindness to hear with compassion, to offer support, loving comfort and care to all we meet.  Give us the courage to do what is needed, the wisdom to choose what is right and most fair.  Give us the vision to see what is possible.  Give us the faith that will help pave the way for a present that’s hopeful, a future that’s peaceful — give us the heart to bring joy to each day.  Thank YOU, ALMIGHTY GOD for making us a needy people, ever looking to YOU, the AUTHOR & FINISHER of our faith.  Keep us ever mindful to praise, honor and obey YOU, O GOD our MAKER.  May the days following be filled with great joy as we prepare for Sukkot—Feast of Tabernacles.  
  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 Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH the SAVIOR bless your heart and make you fully whole (holy).  Fill us with YOUR SPIRIT of humility, meekness and the elegant grace of modesty that we may grow in wisdom and in reverence. May we never forget that all we have and prize is but lent to us, a trust for which we must render account to YOU.  O HEAVENLY FATHER, put into our hearts the love and awe of YOU, that we may consecrate our lives to YOUR service and glorify YOUR NAME in the eyes of all men.  Amen  
  May you be inscribed in the BOOK OF LIFE for good!  
Days of Awe – Day 8 "Set a goal so big you can't achieve it until you grow into the person who can." [Anonymous] Change takes time. Don't be afraid to have extraordinary goals and huge plans.  If we are committed to the process, we can become the kind of people capable of accomplishing those feats that seem way out of reach now.
Day 38 of Repentance 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com 


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

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

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

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

The Shofar blowing on Yom Teruah is a combination of the various sounds. The call of the Shofar reminds us that the KING OF THE UNIVERSE loves us, is thinking about us, and cares about our lives. HE is judging us because HE loves us. With GOD, it is crucial to remember that no matter how we feel about HIM, HIS love for us is unwavering. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Welcoming Yom Teruah/Rosh ha’Shanah — a Solemn Sabbath! Chag Semayah — Good Holy Days! May you enter each day with joy in your hearts and confidence that ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS mercy, will continue to use us as HIS messenger of the Good News to this needy world. 
May it be a year where we do good to others; a year full of blessings of health, happiness, and peace. 
Wishing all of you a good year – 5779 
"Ketiva Vahatima Tova — may your inscription and seal be for good." Our prayer for each of you is for a good year, not one just good for us, but a year where we do good to others. 
Days of Awe – Day 1 "Open for me an opening the size of a needle and I will it expand it into a door which wagons can go through." [Midrash on Song of Songs 5:2] Change is not all or nothing. GOD tells us that we just need to take that first step, however small it may be, and HE will show us a way forward. 
Day 31 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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

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



A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
"Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her! Join in her jubilation, all you who mourned over her — that you may suck from her breast consolation to the full, that you may draw from her bosom glory to your delight." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 66. 10 – 11 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

ROSH HA’SHANA PRAYER 
Our prayer for you and your family on this Feast Day of Yom Teruah/Rosh ha’Shanah is that ALMIGHTY GOD, blessed be HE and blessed be HIS NAME, will make the coming days of this year, 5779, happy ones... 
...Not by shielding us from all sorrow and pain, but by strengthening us to bear it if and when it comes. 
...Not by making our path easy, but in making us strong enough to tread any path. 
Not by granting unbroken sunshine, but by keeping our face bright even in the shadows. 
...Not by making our life always pleasant, but in showing us where MESSIAH and HIS cause needs us most; and by making us zealous to do HIS perfect will. 
...Not by keeping us from conflict and war, but by bringing us off every field of battle more than conquerors through the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH WHO loves us most. 
The Eternal New Year began in the hearts of those who accepted MESSIAH Y’SHUA as their LORD & SAVIOR. At that moment the heart was changed and all his sins were cast into the depths of the sea and they now are a “new creation” in CHRIST JESUS THE KING. The trumpet of the LORD OF HOSTS will sound announcing the greatest event as a new name is written in the LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE! 
This New Creation is now awaiting the sound of the ETERNAL ONE when HE calls us Home to be with HIM forevermore. Truly, this will be the greatest of all events since the days of MESSIAH’S flesh! O glorious day when the LORD Y’SHUA shall come for HIS OWN - - both Jew and Gentile - - who have accepted the redemption HE purchased with HIS death being the SUPREME SACRIFICE on the Altar of Calvary! 

We cover you with our love and prayers. May your relationship with the HOLY CREATOR, the GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN & EARTH grow daily in the little time we have left to serve HIM here on earth. Amen 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
The Rosh ha’Shanah prayers — longer, more melodious, and more intense and inspirational than usual — concentrate on GOD'S KINGSHIP and HIS judgment of all creatures. "Our PRECIOUS HEAVENLY FATHER, we have no king but YOU. Help us for YOUR NAME’S sake. Grant us a blessed new year, annul all evil decrees against us, annul the plots of our enemies, frustrate the designs of our foes, rid us of tyrants, rid us of pestilence, sword, famine, captivity, sin and destruction. Forgive and pardon all our sins. Help us return to YOU fully repentant. Send complete healing to the sick; remember us with favor; hasten our deliverance. Exalt YOUR people, Israel and those who are called by YOUR NAME everywhere. Hear us our INCREDIBLE REDEEMER, show us mercy and compassion, accept our prayer with favor and mercy. Do not turn us away unanswered. Remember that we are dust. Have pity for us and our children; act for those slain for YOUR HOLY NAME who were slaughtered for YOUR unity — who went through fire and water; act for YOUR sake if not for ours. Answer us though we have no deeds to plead our cause. Save us with mercy and loving-kindness. And, make us careful to bless, praise and thank YOU all the days of our life. Amen!" 
Based on the commandment in Numbers 29:1, one hundred Shofar blasts are dramatically sounded throughout the prayers, "awakening" us to improve our ways. May you enter each day with joy in your hearts and confidence that ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS mercy, will continue to use us as HIS messenger of the GOOD NEWS to this needy world. May it be a year where we do good to others; a year full of blessings of health, happiness, and peace glorifying the Apple of our Eyes – our Great MESSIAH. 
"The LORD your GOD cares; the eyes of the LORD your GOD are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year." [Deuteronomy 11:12] 
Chag Semayah - Wishing all of you a blessed honey-dripped Rosh ha’Shanah – 5779! 
Days of Awe – Day 2 "I stopped looking for the light and decided to become it instead." (Anonymous) Stop thinking you need to change the people and things around you in order to grow. Authentic transformation comes from within us. It comes from the goodness and the light we bring to everything that we do and everyone that we encounter. 
Day 32 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
The day after Rosh ha’Shanah marks the Fast of Gedaliah (Tzom Gedaliah – governor of Judea), one of the “minor fast days” in the Jewish calendar year. It is observed every year on the 4th of Tishri (September 12th this year). The fast begins early in the morning at dawn and ends in the evening at dusk. 
The meaning of the fast: After the destruction of the First Temple, 2,560 years ago, the majority of the Jewish people were exiled to Babylon. The conqueror, Nebuchadnezzar eventually eased some of his harsh restrictions and allowed some Jews to remain in the Land of Israel. He even appointed a righteous Jew named Gedaliah to administer the territory. Gradually more Jews who had escaped from the horrors of the war into neighboring countries began to return to their homes in Israel, the Promised Land. 
Gedaliah was realistic about the limitations of Jewish sovereignty, he understood that for their own self-preservation the Jews in Israel needed to cooperate fully with the nation who had conquered their land. However, this political subservience was intolerable to some Jews and a man named Yishmael benNetaniah, spurred on by jealousy from foreign influences arose and ignored the King of Babylon. On the 3rd of Tishrei, Yishmael treacherously killed Gedalia along with many other Jews and Babylonians. 
After the murder of Gedaliah,, the Jews feared reprisal from the King of Babylon and thought to flee to Egypt to save themselves. Since Egypt was a morally corrupt society, the Jews were in a quandary – weighing the physical threat against the spiritual danger. So, they turned to the Prophet Jeremiah who was secluded in mourning to ask for advice. 
For an entire week, Jeremiah pleaded with GOD for an answer. Finally, on Yom Kippur, he was answered. Jeremiah called the Jews and told them to stay in Israel and everything would be fine. GOD was planning to make the Babylonians act mercifully toward the Jews, and before long, all the exiled Jews would be permitted to return to their own soil. But, Jeremiah told them, if the Jews decided to go to Egypt, the sword from which they were running would kill them there. 
Unfortunately, the prophet's words did not penetrate, and the people refused to believe. All the Jews remaining in Israel packed their bags and went down to Egypt. They even kidnapped Jeremiah and took him with them! Now the destruction was complete; the Land of Israel was completely barren. 
A few years later, as you may have guessed, Babylon conquered Egypt and tens of thousands of Jewish exiles were completely wiped out. The lone survivor of this massacre was Jeremiah — his prophecy had become painfully true. [see Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 40 – 41; 2 Kings/Melakhim Bet 25.25–26] 
Days of Awe – Day 3 "Everything is a choice." [Anonymous] We can escape from the tyranny of our bad habits. We have free will. The haphazard mornings or the orderly routines, the complaints or the compliments, the endless distractions or the moments of reflection: these are all choices we make, and if we want to change our lives, we need to first look at our choices. 
Day 33 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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


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


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
"Saichel (Hebrew for common sense)" is a gift; "chakam (intelligence)" is an triumphant achievement. 

DECEITFUL USE OF HOLY SCRIPTURE 
"As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to be understood, which those who are untaught and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the SCRIPTURES." [2 Peter 3. 16] 

It is essentially necessary and critically vital, that every CHRIST-minded-person study and use the Holy Scriptures, for they establish our only real authority, the very WORD OF ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF. [Matthew 5. 18; John 10. 35; 14. 26; 2 Timothy 3. 15-17; 2 Peter 1. 19-21] It is just as important, however, that we not use the SCRIPTURE deceitfully, for this can be even more dangerous then ignoring them altogether. 

Many cults and self-centered people twist the SCRIPTURES, trying to make them fit their own opinion or hoping thereby to give authority to their peculiar opinion, instead of allowing the LORD GOD to say what HE means, which HE does, in HIS WRITTEN WORD. Such distortion and mutilated twisting of HOLY WRIT has generated numerous cults and heresies, numerous both in the past and all too prevalent today. In essence, this was YESHUA'S position of the Pharisees: "In vain they worship ME, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." [Matthew 15. 9] "Because these people approached ME with their mouth and honoured ME with their lips, but have kept their heart far from ME, and their worship of ME has been a commandment of men, learned by ritual. Truly, I shall further baffle that people and the wisdom of its wise shall fail, and the understanding of their prudent men shall vanish." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 29. 13 - 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

In the same way, perhaps even worse, is claiming to receive new (additional, latest, changed, another) SCRIPTURE or new (additional, latest, changed, another) authoritative insight on existing SCRIPTURES that the ALMIGHTY OMNIPOTENT ONE warned: "You shall not add anything to what I command you or take anything away from it." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 2 Tanakh, Torah] "Do not add to His Words, lest HE accuse you and you be proved a liar." [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Cults and heretics twist, distort, add to and take from the Word of God, but just as deadly are the ones who try to explain away the SCRIPTURES, THE WORD OF LIFE. "If any one takes away from the words of THE BOOK of this prophecy, GOD shall take away his part from the BOOK OF LIFE, from the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this BOOK." [Revelation 22. 19] 

This act of distorting, twisting and denying GOD'S HOLY WORD was the very lie of the Devil, that slippery serpent, which brought sin into the world. . . "Did GOD really say?? …you are not going to die!" [Genesis (Bereshith) 3. 1, 4 Tanakh, Torah] No wonder the HOLY BIBLE has a very severe warning against distorting, twisting and corrupting HIS HOLY WORD! "I know that whatever ELOHIYM has brought to pass will recur evermore: NOTHING can be added to it and NOTHING taken from it. ELOHIYM has brought it to pass that men revere and fear HIM." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 3. 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, BEWARE lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked." [2 Peter 3. 17] As believers, we emphatically must be aware of and on guard against such deceivers that change or simply ignore SCRIPTURE, as it is our very life that is at stake. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
LORD, I stretch forth my hands and lift up my heart to YOU, O FATHER in Heaven. May all living creatures praise and glorify YOUR MATCHLESS NAME, O GOD! 
Truly, the LORD will reign forever and ever. 
L'Shana Tova Tikateiv V'Tichateim - May you be written and sealed for a good year in the BOOK OF LIFE. Our prayer for each of you is for a good year, not one just good for us, but a year where we do good to others.. 
Days of Awe – Day 4 "It is never too late to be what you might have been." [George Eliot] Let’s not bother focusing on the time we wasted or the opportunities we didn't use. That was yesterday.. Today is another chance to become who we want to be. We can turn our regrets into lessons and our failures into stepping stones. 
Day 34 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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

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


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
There is no riches above a healthy body and no joy above knowing our sins are forgiven; those who know both are most opulent (wealthy). 

OUR TRIUMPHANT ADVOCATE 
"Surely now my WITNESS is in heaven, HE has my record, HE WHO is on high." [Job (Iyowb) 16. 19 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

There are two significantly important NEW COVENANT truths in this OLD TESTAMENT text. The patriarch Job knew that he and all of mankind had a record of their life in heaven. All roads do lead to GOD, but the wide roads end in judgment before the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE; whereas only the narrow road leads to salvation through the LORD JESUS, which very few find. "We shall all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. For it is written — "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God." [Romans 14. 10 - 11] 

The Hebrew word "sahed (means: my record)," occurs only this one time in the HOLY SCRIPTURE and it makes clear that our works here on earth, either good or bad, have been recorded by the SUPREME CREATOR OF THE WORLD. This record, inevitably testifies against us, "for there is not one good man on earth who does what is best and doesn't err." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 7. 20 Tanakh, Kethuvim] At "GOD'S THRONE OF JUDGMENT," which will be very soon, the dead are "judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the BOOK...and anyone not found written in the BOOK OF LIFE is cast into the Lake of Fire." [Revelation 20. 12, 15] 

We can know that our names will be in GOD'S BOOK OF LIFE, even as Job knew that "my WITNESS is in heaven" — Some ONE WHO "might arbitrate between a man and GOD, as between a man and his neighbor!" [Job (Iyowb) 16. 21 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The Hebrew word for "witness" is 'ed implying a recognized personal witness who can testify on our behalf. Job knew this ELECT WITNESS and could confidently say, "I know that my REDEEMER lives; in the end HE will testify on earth." [Job (Iyowb) 19. 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim] MESSIAH Y’SHUA is the REDEEMER and FAITHFUL WITNESS: "If anyone sins, we have an ADVOCATE with the FATHER, JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS. And HE HIMSELF is the PROPITIATION for our sins." [1 John 2. 1 - 2] "If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." [1 John 1. 9] 

The LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH is the PERFECT SACRIFICE for our sins; therefore, HE could redeem us from sin's penalty and serve as our DEFENSE WITNESS in heaven. Our record of sin and guilt has been washed clean with the precious blood of the LORD JESUS, the BRUISED REED. HalleluYAH! What an AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL SAVIOUR — IMMANU'EL, GOD with us! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Welcoming Sabbath Shuvah – Sabbath of Return! Sabbath of Vayelech – “And HE Went” [Reading: Deuteronomy 31:1-30; Hosea 14:1-9; Micah 7:18-20; Joel 2:15-27; Matthew 22:9-17] 
Come, my dear friend, let us go out to meet the Sabbath, the Queen! Come, O Bride, the Sabbath presence is eagerly awaited, and joyously welcomed! 
Shabbat brings an inner peace within oneself, and provides a weekly opportunity to connect and relate to family, friends and GOD. A time for the family to come together – to eat, to learn, to celebrate, to mourn, and most importantly to transmit the torch of our shared heritage to the next generation; to nurture the awareness that GOD is actively involved in everything. There are no accidents; everything that happens to us is purposeful and for the best. We can feel secure knowing that we are wrapped in GOD’S loving embrace. May the HOLY ONE OF HEAVEN, blessed be HE, ever be praised. 
HE WHO keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps! Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH, our GOD, SOVEREIGN OF THE Universe, WHO gives us peace like a quiet river and HIS righteousness as the waves of the sea. 
Days of Awe – Day 5 "Your goals don't care how you feel." [Anonymous] We won't always feel motivated. Sometimes we’ll feel tired and want to push off our goals until tomorrow. But tomorrow we may not "feel" like working either. One of the biggest myths of change is that we need to feel motivated to move forward. It's the moving forward that really matters; the motivation will follow our actions. Motivation is wonderful; discipline is critical. 
Chag Semayah - Good Holy Days! 
Shanah Tova uMetukah! We wish you and your families a happy and healthy year – 5779 
Ketiva V'Chatima Tova! A good inscribing and sealing 
Day 36 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
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! 
Days of Awe – 6 "Thinking ‘I can't’ is idolatry. If the ALMIGHTY ONE helps us, we can change the world. And if HE doesn't help, we can't do anything." [Rabbi Noah Weinberg] We limit ourselves by walls of false beliefs that we hide behind. When we have faith, we can let go of who we imagined ourselves to be and become who we really are. 
Chag Semayah - Good Holy Days! 
Shanah Tova uMetukah! We wish you and your families a happy and healthy year – 5779 
Gmar Chatima Tova! May you have a good sealing. 
Day 36 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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

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


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Choose your friends carefully as you will become what they make you; you become who you learn under. 

TRIUMPHANT FAITH 
"One LORD, one faith, one baptism." [Ephesians 4. 5] 

Everyone has some kind of faith in something, be it a religion, one's self, fate, evolution or in mankind. Even the atheist has faith in his own reason. But, there is only one real faith that works for time and eternity. True faith is confident trust in the ONE TRUE & LIVING GOD, the LOVING Creator WHO made us, WHO will judge us, and WHO has paid the definitive price to save us. 

This faith is an understanding faith, for it is "by faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the WORD OF GOD." [Hebrews 11. 3] It is a saving faith, "for by grace you are saved through faith." [Ephesians 2. 8] Since "the just shall live by faith" [Galatians 3. 11] it is a living faith and a growing faith "because your faith grows exceedingly" [2 Thessalonians 1. 3], and a working faith because "faith without works is dead." [James 2. 20] 

True faith is a justifying faith (what makes us righteous in the sight of the HOLY GOD) because, "being justified by faith, we have peace with GOD through our LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA." [Romans 5. 1] It is a protecting faith because, with "the shield of faith…you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." [Ephesians 6. 16] It is a stable faith, "for by faith you stand." [2 Corinthians 1. 24] It is also a purifying faith, "purifying their hearts by faith." [Acts 15. 9] Faith is asking, which receives answers to its prayers "in faith, nothing wavering" [James 1. 6], and a strong faith, like Abraham who "did not waver at the promise of GOD through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to GOD." [Romans 4. 20] 

CHRIST-like-ones confidently possess a triumphant faith. "For whatever is born of GOD overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — your faith." [1 John 5. 4] This faith, even our faith is an understanding, saving, active, growing, justifying, purifying, effective, protecting, stable, asking, strong, triumphant faith! It is one thing to believe it, and another to know from experience that this is true. May you have the personal joy of knowing from experience. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Jew Year’s Resolution (just for fun!): “I will follow the experts and eat four meals a day.” According to experts, it’s healthier to eat four small meals a day than three big ones. The more times we eat, the more stable our metabolism which should help us finally lose that “baby bloat” -- when we’re 40. However, when defining portion size they’re using “G-weight” (Goyim weight) which is far different from “J-weight” (Jew-weight). “They” deal in ounces, “we” deal in slivers (just a “taste,” usually a pound), morsels (food that you can take in a single bite, two pounds), and smidgens (enough for a small Bar or Bas Mitzvah). And remember, you’re counting portion size! A pound of shmaltz is equal to a pound of carrot strips. So, if you really want to be fit, eat what you want, just stick with the “slivers..” 
L'Shana Tova Tikateiv V'Tichateim - May you be written and sealed for a good year in the BOOK OF LIFE. Our prayer for each of you is for a good year, not one just good for us, but a year where we do good to others. 
Days of Awe – 7 "If you believe breaking is possible, believe fixing is possible." [Rabbi Nachman of Breslov] We don't need to cover up or deny our mistakes. We fall. Our lives can sometimes feel broken. We need to remember to focus on fixing the brokenness instead of allowing it to lead to hopelessness. 
Day 37 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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

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

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Choose your friends carefully as you will become what they make you; you become who you learn under. 

TRIUMPHANT FAITH      
"One LORD, one faith, one baptism." [Ephesians 4. 5] 

Everyone has some kind of faith in something, be it a religion, one's self, fate, evolution or in mankind.   Even the atheist has faith in his own reason.  But, there is only one real faith that works for time and eternity.  True faith is confident trust in the ONE TRUE & LIVING GOD, the LOVING CREATOR WHO made us, WHO will judge us, and WHO has paid the definitive price to save us. 

This faith is an understanding faith, for it is "by faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the WORD OF GOD." [Hebrews 11. 3]  It is a saving faith, "for by grace you are saved through faith." [Ephesians 2. 8]  Since "the just shall live by faith" [Galatians 3. 11] it is a living faith and a growing faith "because your faith grows exceedingly" [2 Thessalonians 1. 3], and a working faith because "faith without works is dead." [James 2. 20] 

True faith is a justifying faith (what makes us righteous in the sight of the HOLY GOD) because, "being justified by faith, we have peace with GOD through our LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA." [Romans 5. 1]   It is a protecting faith because, with "the shield of faith…you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." [Ephesians 6. 16]   It is a stable faith, "for by faith you stand." [2 Corinthians 1. 24]   It is also a purifying faith, "purifying their hearts by faith." [Acts 15. 9]  Faith is asking, which receives answers to its prayers "in faith, nothing wavering" [James 1. 6], and a strong faith, like Abraham who "did not waver at the promise of GOD through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to GOD." [Romans 4. 20] 

CHRIST-like-ones confidently possess a triumphant faith.  "For whatever is born of GOD overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — your faith." [1 John 5. 4]  This faith, even our faith is an understanding, saving, active, growing, justifying, purifying, effective, protecting, stable, asking, strong, triumphant faith!  It is one thing to believe it, and another to know from experience that this is true.  May you have the personal joy of knowing from experience. 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Jew Year’s Resolution (just for fun!): “I will follow the experts and eat four meals a day.” According to experts, it’s healthier to eat four small meals a day than three big ones. The more times we eat, the more stable our metabolism which should help us finally lose that “baby bloat” -- when we’re 40. However, when defining portion size they’re using “G-weight” (Goyim weight) which is far different from “J-weight” (Jew-weight). “They” deal in ounces, “we” deal in slivers (just a “taste,” usually a pound), morsels (food that you can take in a single bite, two pounds), and smidgens (enough for a small Bar or Bas Mitzvah). And remember, you’re counting portion size! A pound of shmaltz is equal to a pound of carrot strips. So, if you really want to be fit, eat what you want, just stick with the “slivers.”
 L'Shana Tova Tikateiv V'Tichateim - May you be written and sealed for a good year in the BOOK OF LIFE. Our prayer for each of you is for a good year, not one just good for us, but a year where we do good to others.
 Days of Awe – 7  "If you believe breaking is possible, believe fixing is possible." [Rabbi Nachman of Breslov] We don't need to cover up or deny our mistakes. We fall. Our lives can sometimes feel broken. We need to remember to focus on fixing the brokenness instead of allowing it to lead to hopelessness.
Day 37 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!  
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
 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!
Days of Awe – 6 "Thinking ‘I can't’ is idolatry. If the ALMIGHTY ONE helps us, we can change the world. And if HE doesn't help, we can't do anything." [Rabbi Noah Weinberg] We limit ourselves by walls of false beliefs that we hide behind. When we have faith, we can let go of who we imagined ourselves to be and become who we really are.
Chag Semayah - Good Holy Days!
Shanah Tova uMetukah!  We wish you and your families a happy and healthy year – 5779
Gmar Chatima Tova!   May you have a good sealing.
Day 36 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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


Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
There is no riches above a healthy body and no joy above knowing our sins are forgiven; those who know both are most opulent (wealthy). 

OUR TRIUMPHANT ADVOCATE      
"Surely now my WITNESS is in heaven, HE has my record, HE WHO is on high." [Job (Iyowb) 16. 19 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

There are two significantly important NEW COVENANT truths in this OLD TESTAMENT text.  The patriarch Job knew that he and all of mankind had a record of their life in heaven.  All roads do lead to GOD, but the wide roads end in judgment before the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE; whereas only the narrow road leads to salvation through the LORD JESUS, which very few find. "We shall all stand before the Judgment Seat of CHRIST. For it is written — "As I live, says the LORD, every knee shall bow to ME, and every tongue shall confess to GOD." [Romans 14. 10 - 11] 

The Hebrew word "sahed (means: my record)," occurs only this one time in the HOLY SCRIPTURE and it makes clear that our works here on earth, either good or bad, have been recorded by the SUPREME CREATOR OF THE WORLD.  This record, inevitably testifies against us, "for there is not one good man on earth who does what is best and doesn't err." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 7. 20 Tanakh, Kethuvim]   At "GOD'S THRONE OF JUDGMENT," which will be very soon, the dead are "judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the BOOK...and anyone not found written in the BOOK OF LIFE is cast into the Lake of Fire." [Revelation 20. 12, 15] 

We can know that our names will be in GOD'S BOOK OF LIFE, even as Job knew that "my WITNESS is in heaven" — Some ONE WHO "might arbitrate between a man and GOD, as between a man and his neighbor!" [Job (Iyowb) 16. 21 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The Hebrew word for "witness" is 'ed implying a recognized personal witness who can testify on our behalf.  Job knew this ELECT WITNESS and could confidently say, "I know that my REDEEMER lives; in the end HE will testify on earth." [Job (Iyowb) 19. 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim]   MESSIAH Y’SHUA is the REDEEMER and FAITHFUL WITNESS:  "If anyone sins, we have an ADVOCATE with the FATHER, JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS. And HE HIMSELF is the PROPITIATION for our sins." [1 John 2. 1 - 2]  "If we confess our sins, HE is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." [1 John 1. 9] 

The LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH is the PERFECT SACRIFICE for our sins; therefore, HE could redeem us from sin's penalty and serve as our DEFENSE WITNESS in heaven.  Our record of sin and guilt has been washed clean with the precious blood of the LORD JESUS, the BRUISED REED.  HalleluYAH!  What an AMAZINGLY WONDERFUL SAVIOUR — IMMANU'EL, GOD with us! 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Welcoming Sabbath Shuvah – Sabbath of Return! Sabbath of Vayelech – “And HE Went” [Reading: Deuteronomy 31:1-30; Hosea 14:1-9; Micah 7:18-20; Joel 2:15-27; Matthew 22:9-17] 
Come, my dear friend, let us go out to meet the Sabbath, the Queen! Come, O Bride, the Sabbath presence is eagerly awaited, and joyously welcomed!
Shabbat brings an inner peace within oneself, and provides a weekly opportunity to connect and relate to family, friends and GOD. A time for the family to come together – to eat, to learn, to celebrate, to mourn, and most importantly to transmit the torch of our shared heritage to the next generation; to nurture the awareness that GOD is actively involved in everything. There are no accidents; everything that happens to us is purposeful and for the best. We can feel secure knowing that we are wrapped in GOD’S loving embrace. May the HOLY ONE OF HEAVEN, blessed be HE, ever be praised.  
HE WHO keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps! Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH, our GOD, SOVEREIGN OF THE Universe, WHO gives us peace like a quiet river and HIS righteousness as the waves of the sea. 
Days of Awe – Day 5 "Your goals don't care how you feel." [Anonymous] We won't always feel motivated. Sometimes we’ll feel tired and want to push off our goals until tomorrow. But tomorrow we may not "feel" like working either. One of the biggest myths of change is that we need to feel motivated to move forward. It's the moving forward that really matters; the motivation will follow our actions. Motivation is wonderful; discipline is critical.
Chag Semayah - Good Holy Days!
Shanah Tova uMetukah!  We wish you and your families a happy and healthy year – 5779
Ketiva V'Chatima Tova!   A good inscribing and sealing 
Day 36 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
"Saichel (Hebrew for common sense)" is a gift; "chakam (intelligence)" is an triumphant achievement. 

DECEITFUL USE OF HOLY SCRIPTURE     
"As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to be understood, which those who are untaught and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the SCRIPTURES." [2 Peter 3. 16] 

It is essentially necessary and critically vital, that every CHRIST-minded-person study and use the HOLY SCRIPTURES, for they establish our only real authority, the very WORD OF ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF. [Matthew 5. 18; John 10. 35; 14. 26; 2 Timothy 3. 15-17; 2 Peter 1. 19-21]   It is just as important, however, that we not use the SCRIPTURE deceitfully, for this can be even more dangerous then ignoring them altogether. 

Many cults and self-centered people twist the SCRIPTURES, trying to make them fit their own opinion or hoping thereby to give authority to their peculiar opinion, instead of allowing the LORD GOD to say what HE means, which HE does, in HIS WRITTEN WORD.  Such distortion and mutilated twisting of HOLY WRIT has generated numerous cults and heresies, numerous both in the past and all too prevalent today.  In essence, this was YESHUA'S position of the Pharisees:  "In vain they worship ME, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." [Matthew 15. 9]  "Because these people approached ME with their mouth and honoured ME with their lips, but have kept their heart far from ME, and their worship of ME has been a commandment of men, learned by ritual. Truly, I shall further baffle that people and the wisdom of its wise shall fail, and the understanding of their prudent men shall vanish." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 29. 13 - 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

In the same way, perhaps even worse, is claiming to receive new (additional, latest, changed, another) SCRIPTURE or new (additional, latest, changed, another) authoritative insight on existing SCRIPTURES that the ALMIGHTY OMNIPOTENT ONE warned:  "You shall NOT add anything to what I command you or take anything away from it." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 2 Tanakh, Torah]  "Do NOT add to HIS WORDS, lest HE accuse you and you be proved a liar." [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Cults and heretics twist, distort, add to and take from the WORD OF GOD, but just as deadly are the ones who try to explain away the SCRIPTURES, THE WORD OF LIFE.  "If any one takes away from the words of THE BOOK of this prophecy, GOD shall take away his part from the BOOK OF LIFE, from the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this BOOK." [Revelation 22. 19] 

This act of distorting, twisting and denying GOD'S HOLY WORD was the very lie of the Devil, that slippery serpent,  which brought sin into the world. . . "Did GOD really say?? …you are not going to die!" [Genesis (Bereshith) 3. 1, 4 Tanakh, Torah]   No wonder the HOLY BIBLE has a very severe WARNING against distorting, twisting and corrupting HIS HOLY WORD!   "I know that whatever ELOHIYM has brought to pass will recur evermore: NOTHING can be added to it and NOTHING taken from it. ELOHIYM has brought it to pass that men revere and fear HIM." [Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) 3. 14 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

"You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, BEWARE lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked." [2 Peter 3. 17]  As believers, we emphatically must be aware of and on guard against such deceivers that change or simply ignore SCRIPTURE, as it is our very life that is at stake. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!  
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
LORD, I stretch forth my hands and lift up my heart to YOU, O FATHER in Heaven.  May all living creatures praise and glorify YOUR MATCHLESS NAME, O GOD! 
Truly, the LORD will reign forever and ever. 
L'Shana Tova Tikateiv V'Tichateim - May you be written and sealed for a good year in the BOOK OF LIFE.    Our prayer for each of you is for a good year, not one just good for us, but a year where we do good to others.
Days of Awe – Day 4  "It is never too late to be what you might have been." [George Eliot]  Let’s not bother focusing on the time we wasted or the opportunities we didn't use. That was yesterday. Today is another chance to become who we want to be. We can turn our regrets into lessons and our failures into stepping stones.
Day 34 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
   The day after Rosh ha’Shanah marks the Fast of Gedaliah (Tzom Gedaliah – governor of Judea), one of the “minor fast days” in the Jewish calendar year.  It is observed every year on the 4th of Tishri (September 12th this year). The fast begins early in the morning at dawn and ends in the evening at dusk.  
   The meaning of the fast:  After the destruction of the First Temple, 2,560 years ago, the majority of the Jewish people were exiled to Babylon. The conqueror, Nebuchadnezzar eventually eased some of his harsh restrictions and allowed some Jews to remain in the Land of Israel.  He even appointed a righteous Jew named Gedaliah to administer the territory. Gradually more Jews who had escaped from the horrors of the war into neighboring countries began to return to their homes in Israel, the Promised Land.
   Gedaliah was realistic about the limitations of Jewish sovereignty, he understood that for their own self-preservation the Jews in Israel needed to cooperate fully with the nation who had conquered their land. However, this political subservience was intolerable to some Jews and a man named Yishmael benNetaniah, spurred on by jealousy from foreign influences arose and ignored the King of Babylon.  On the 3rd of Tishrei, Yishmael treacherously killed Gedalia along with many other Jews and Babylonians.  
   After the murder of Gedaliah,, the Jews feared reprisal from the King of Babylon and thought to flee to Egypt to save themselves.  Since Egypt was a morally corrupt society, the Jews were in a quandary – weighing the physical threat against the spiritual danger.  So, they turned to the Prophet Jeremiah who was secluded in mourning to ask for advice.
   For an entire week, Jeremiah pleaded with GOD for an answer. Finally, on Yom Kippur, he was answered. Jeremiah called the Jews and told them to stay in Israel and everything would be fine. GOD was planning to make the Babylonians act mercifully toward the Jews, and before long, all the exiled Jews would be permitted to return to their own soil. But, Jeremiah told them, if the Jews decided to go to Egypt, the sword from which they were running would kill them there.
   Unfortunately, the prophet's words did not penetrate, and the people refused to believe. All the Jews remaining in Israel packed their bags and went down to Egypt. They even kidnapped Jeremiah and took him with them! Now the destruction was complete; the Land of Israel was completely barren.
   A few years later, as you may have guessed, Babylon conquered Egypt and tens of thousands of Jewish exiles were completely wiped out. The lone survivor of this massacre was Jeremiah — his prophecy had become painfully true. [see Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 40 – 41; 2 Kings/Melakhim Bet 25.25–26]
  Days of Awe – Day 3  "Everything is a choice." [Anonymous] We can escape from the tyranny of our bad habits. We have free will. The haphazard mornings or the orderly routines, the complaints or the compliments, the endless distractions or the moments of reflection: these are all choices we make, and if we want to change our lives, we need to first look at our choices.
 Day 33 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
"Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her! Join in her jubilation, all you who mourned over her — that you may suck from her breast consolation to the full, that you may draw from her bosom glory to your delight." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 66. 10 – 11 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

ROSH HA’SHANA PRAYER      
 Our prayer for you and your family on this Feast Day of Yom Teruah/Rosh ha’Shanah is that ALMIGHTY GOD, blessed be HE and blessed be HIS NAME, will make the coming days of this year, 5779, happy ones...
...Not by shielding us from all sorrow and pain, but by strengthening us to bear it if and when it comes.
...Not by making our path easy, but in making us strong enough to tread any path.  
   Not by granting unbroken sunshine, but by keeping our face bright even in the shadows.
...Not by making our life always pleasant, but in showing us where MESSIAH and HIS cause needs us most; and by making us zealous to do HIS perfect will.
...Not by keeping us from conflict and war, but by bringing us off every field of battle more than conquerors through the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH WHO loves us most.
   The Eternal New Year began in the hearts of those who accepted MESSIAH Y’SHUA as their LORD & SAVIOR. At that moment the heart was changed and all his sins were cast into the depths of the sea and they now are a “new creation” in CHRIST JESUS THE KING.  The trumpet of the LORD OF HOSTS will sound announcing the greatest event as a new name is written in the LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE!
   This New Creation is now awaiting the sound of the ETERNAL ONE when HE calls us Home to be with HIM forevermore. Truly, this will be the greatest of all events since the days of MESSIAH’S flesh! O glorious day when the LORD Y’SHUA shall come for HIS OWN - - both Jew and Gentile - - who have accepted the redemption HE purchased with HIS death being the SUPREME SACRIFICE on the Altar of Calvary! 

We cover you with our love and prayers. May your relationship with the HOLY CREATOR, the GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN & EARTH grow daily in the little time we have left to serve HIM here on earth.  Amen 

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
The Rosh ha’Shanah prayers — longer, more melodious, and more intense and inspirational than usual — concentrate on GOD'S KINGSHIP and HIS judgment of all creatures. "Our PRECIOUS HEAVENLY FATHER, we have no king but YOU. Help us for YOUR NAME’S sake. Grant us a blessed new year, annul all evil decrees against us, annul the plots of our enemies, frustrate the designs of our foes, rid us of tyrants, rid us of pestilence, sword, famine, captivity, sin and destruction. Forgive and pardon all our sins. Help us return to YOU fully repentant. Send complete healing to the sick; remember us with favor; hasten our deliverance. Exalt YOUR people, Israel and those who are called by YOUR NAME everywhere. Hear us our INCREDIBLE REDEEMER, show us mercy and compassion, accept our prayer with favor and mercy. Do not turn us away unanswered. Remember that we are dust. Have pity for us and our children; act for those slain for YOUR HOLY NAME who were slaughtered for YOUR unity — who went through fire and water; act for YOUR sake if not for ours. Answer us though we have no deeds to plead our cause. Save us with mercy and loving-kindness.  And, make us careful to bless, praise and thank YOU all the days of our life. Amen!" 
   Based on the commandment in Numbers 29:1, one hundred Shofar blasts are dramatically sounded throughout the prayers, "awakening" us to improve our ways. May you enter each day with joy in your hearts and confidence that ALMIGHTY GOD, in HIS mercy, will continue to use us as HIS messenger of the GOOD NEWS to this needy world.  May it be a year where we do good to others; a year full of blessings of health, happiness, and peace glorifying the Apple of our Eyes – our Great MESSIAH.
   "The LORD your GOD cares; the eyes of the LORD your GOD are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year." [Deuteronomy 11:12]
Chag Semayah - Wishing all of you a blessed honey-dripped Rosh ha’Shanah – 5779!
Days of Awe – Day 2 "I stopped looking for the light and decided to become it instead." (Anonymous) Stop thinking you need to change the people and things around you in order to grow. Authentic transformation comes from within us. It comes from the goodness and the light we bring to everything that we do and everyone that we encounter. 
Day 32 of Repentance (Yom ha’Peduth/Teshuvah) 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
O LORD, deliver us from the pride of life.

WORLD-WIDE WARNING
Reasons for the Wrath & Judgment of GOD ETERNAL
This is a list of things that bring the wrath of our JUST & HOLY GOD on individuals and nations. Compare the reasons listed below and see if any of these apply to the country in which you live. The next time ALMIGHTY GOD pours out HIS wrath in magnitude will be against the entire world in the judgment as recorded in HOLY WRIT regarding the Great Tribulation which appears to be approaching at alarming speed.

* Deception, being deceived brought original disobedience and judgment. [Genesis/Bereshith 3. 1 - 24]

* Lack of self-control resulted in murder and judgment. [Genesis/Bereshith 4. 1 - 11]

* Inappropriate marriage, wickedness of the heart, corruption and violence brought the Great Flood. [Genesis/Bereshith 6. 1 – 12]

* Idolatry and defiance against the command of GOD brought confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel. [Genesis/Bereshith 11. 1 - 9]

* YEHOWAH said to Abraham, "I will bless them that bless you, and curse them that curse you." [Genesis/Bereshith 12. 3]

* Israel was oppressed in Egypt until the sins of the land of Canaan were full. [Genesis/Bereshith 15. 13 – 14]

* Homosexuality, Sodomy and accompanying violence destroyed Sodom & Gomorrah and all the cities of the plain. [Genesis/Bereshith 18. 20; 19. 1 - 29]

* Oppression of Israel in Egypt brought the judgments of GOD on Egypt. [Exodus/Shemot 3. 7 – 10]

* Idolatry, as ALMIGHTY GOD judged all the gods of Egypt. [Exodus/Shemot 12. 12; 32. 1 - 10; 34. 12 - 17]

* Irreverence toward Holy Things brought the fire of GOD against Nadab and Abihu. [Leviticus/Vayikra 10. 1 - 3]

* Sexual sins defile the land and witchcraft were the reasons for destroying the Seven Nations of the Promised Land. [Leviticus/Vayikra 18. 1 – 30]

* Harlotry causes the land to be filled with wickedness. [Leviticus/Vayikra 19. 29]

* Murder defiles the land beyond atonement. [Numbers/B'Midvar 35. 33]

* Idolatry brought wrath on Judah and Jerusalem. [2 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Bet 24. 18]

* Words and actions against GOD brought the fall of Judah and Jerusalem. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 3. 8]

* Refusing knowledge of the LORD, sent GOD'S people into captivity. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 5. 13, 24

* Harlotry and idolatry caused the fall of Israel and Judah. [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 3. 9]

* Murder and idolatry caused fall of Israel. [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 36. 17 - 18]

* Disbelief toward GOD'S Plan of Salvation through YESHUA/JESUS brings the Wrath of GOD. [John 3. 36]

* Rejecting GOD and sexual immorality brings the Wrath of GOD. [Romans 1. 18 - 32]

* Stubborn disobedience brings the Wrath of GOD. [Romans 2. 5 - 11]

* Sexual immorality, filthy behavior, idolatry, fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the Wrath of GOD is coming upon the sons of disobedience, put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth, do not lie to one another. [Colossians 3. 1 - 11]

* Taking the "Mark of the Beast" earns the Lake of Fire. [Revelation 14. 9 - 11]

Nations were judged because:

* They despised MY Judgments and abhorred MY Statutes. [Leviticus/Vayikra 26. 43]

* You turned away from the LORD GOD. [Numbers/B'Midvar 14. 43]

* Disobedience against the commandments of GOD. [Deuteronomy/Devarim 8. 20]

* Wickedness of the nations. [Deuteronomy/Devarim 9. 1 – 6]

* Idolatry, witchcraft, soothsayer, diviners, interpret omens, sorcerer, conjures spells, a medium or spiritist, calling up the dead, etc. [Deuteronomy/Devarim 18. 9 – 14]

* They (Ammonites & Moabites) refused to help Israel when they came out of Egypt. [Deuteronomy/Devarim 23. 3 - 6]

* They (surrounding nations) took advantage of Israel when Israel was being punished. [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 25. 1 - 17; 26. 1 - 6; 35. 1 – 15]

* Their luxurious abundance and self exultation. [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 26. 1 – 28. 10]

* They (Palestinians) claimed possession of the Land of Israel when GOD scattered Israel. [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 36. 1 - 7]

* They (the nations) "divided MY Land and scattered MY people." [Joel/Yoel 3. 2]

* Violence against the people of Israel. [Joel/Yoel 3. 19]

* Syria, because of violence on the Golan Heights. [Amos/Amus 1. 3]

* Gaza, because of violence against the people of Israel. [Amos/Amus 1. 6]

* Tyre (Lebanon), because they broke their covenant of brotherhood with Israel. [Amos/Amus 1. 9]

* Jordan, because of violence against Israel. [Amos/Amus 1. 11, 13]

* The multitude slain, robbery, harlotry, sorceries, etc. [Nahum/Nachum 3. 1 - 4]

* Blood of the slain (including abortion, euthanasia, mercy-killing, etc.) and violence. [Habakkuk 2. 8, 17]

* Shed blood of the saints, sorceries, deception, fornication, abominations, blasphemy. [Revelation 16. 6; 17. 1 - 6; 18. 23 - 24; 19. 2]

To be saved, you need to receive the benefit of the TRUE & LIVING GOD'S only Plan of Salvation provided in Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, the LORD JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH. "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." [Mark 16. 16]

"If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended to heaven but HE WHO came down from heaven, that is, the SON OF MAN WHO is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the SON OF MAN be lifted up, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal life. 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. For GOD did not send HIS SON into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through HIM might be saved. He who believes in HIM is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the NAME of the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD." [John 3. 12 - 18]

"The FATHER loves the SON, and has given all things into HIS hand. He who believes in the SON has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the SON shall not see life, but the Wrath of GOD abides on him." [John 3. 35 - 36] "But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie." [Revelation 22. 15]


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
O that they were wise, that they would consider their latter end! May the grace of our LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH be with your spirit and bring you into HIS grace and richness. Amen

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
O LORD, deliver us from the pride of life.

WORLD-WIDE WARNING
Reasons for the Wrath & Judgment of GOD ETERNAL
This is a list of things that bring the wrath of our JUST & HOLY GOD on individuals and nations. Compare the reasons listed below and see if any of these apply to the country in which you live. The next time ALMIGHTY GOD pours out HIS wrath in magnitude will be against the entire world in the judgment as recorded in HOLY WRIT regarding the Great Tribulation which appears to be approaching at alarming speed.

* Deception, being deceived brought original disobedience and judgment. [Genesis/Bereshith 3. 1 - 24]

* Lack of self-control resulted in murder and judgment. [Genesis/Bereshith 4. 1 - 11]

* Inappropriate marriage, wickedness of the heart, corruption and violence brought the Great Flood. [Genesis/Bereshith 6. 1 – 12]

* Idolatry and defiance against the command of GOD brought confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel. [Genesis/Bereshith 11. 1 - 9]

* YEHOWAH said to Abraham, "I will bless them that bless you, and curse them that curse you." [Genesis/Bereshith 12. 3]

* Israel was oppressed in Egypt until the sins of the land of Canaan were full. [Genesis/Bereshith 15. 13 – 14]

* Homosexuality, Sodomy and accompanying violence destroyed Sodom & Gomorrah and all the cities of the plain. [Genesis/Bereshith 18. 20; 19. 1 - 29]

* Oppression of Israel in Egypt brought the judgments of GOD on Egypt. [Exodus/Shemot 3. 7 – 10]

* Idolatry, as ALMIGHTY GOD judged all the gods of Egypt. [Exodus/Shemot 12. 12; 32. 1 - 10; 34. 12 - 17]

* Irreverence toward Holy Things brought the fire of GOD against Nadab and Abihu. [Leviticus/Vayikra 10. 1 - 3]

* Sexual sins defile the land and witchcraft were the reasons for destroying the Seven Nations of the Promised Land. [Leviticus/Vayikra 18. 1 – 30]

* Harlotry causes the land to be filled with wickedness. [Leviticus/Vayikra 19. 29]

* Murder defiles the land beyond atonement. [Numbers/B'Midvar 35. 33]

* Idolatry brought wrath on Judah and Jerusalem. [2 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Bet 24. 18]

* Words and actions against GOD brought the fall of Judah and Jerusalem. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 3. 8]

* Refusing knowledge of the LORD, sent GOD'S people into captivity. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 5. 13, 24

* Harlotry and idolatry caused the fall of Israel and Judah. [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 3. 9]

* Murder and idolatry caused fall of Israel. [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 36. 17 - 18]

* Disbelief toward GOD'S Plan of Salvation through YESHUA/JESUS brings the Wrath of GOD. [John 3. 36]

* Rejecting GOD and sexual immorality brings the Wrath of GOD. [Romans 1. 18 - 32]

* Stubborn disobedience brings the Wrath of GOD. [Romans 2. 5 - 11]

* Sexual immorality, filthy behavior, idolatry, fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the Wrath of GOD is coming upon the sons of disobedience, put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth, do not lie to one another. [Colossians 3. 1 - 11]

* Taking the "Mark of the Beast" earns the Lake of Fire. [Revelation 14. 9 - 11]

Nations were judged because:

* They despised MY Judgments and abhorred MY Statutes. [Leviticus/Vayikra 26. 43]

* You turned away from the LORD GOD. [Numbers/B'Midvar 14. 43]

* Disobedience against the commandments of GOD. [Deuteronomy/Devarim 8. 20]

* Wickedness of the nations. [Deuteronomy/Devarim 9. 1 – 6]

* Idolatry, witchcraft, soothsayer, diviners, interpret omens, sorcerer, conjures spells, a medium or spiritist, calling up the dead, etc. [Deuteronomy/Devarim 18. 9 – 14]

* They (Ammonites & Moabites) refused to help Israel when they came out of Egypt. [Deuteronomy/Devarim 23. 3 - 6]

* They (surrounding nations) took advantage of Israel when Israel was being punished. [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 25. 1 - 17; 26. 1 - 6; 35. 1 – 15]

* Their luxurious abundance and self exultation. [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 26. 1 – 28. 10]

* They (Palestinians) claimed possession of the Land of Israel when GOD scattered Israel. [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 36. 1 - 7]

* They (the nations) "divided MY Land and scattered MY people." [Joel/Yoel 3. 2]

* Violence against the people of Israel. [Joel/Yoel 3. 19]

* Syria, because of violence on the Golan Heights. [Amos/Amus 1. 3]

* Gaza, because of violence against the people of Israel. [Amos/Amus 1. 6]

* Tyre (Lebanon), because they broke their covenant of brotherhood with Israel. [Amos/Amus 1. 9]

* Jordan, because of violence against Israel. [Amos/Amus 1. 11, 13]

* The multitude slain, robbery, harlotry, sorceries, etc. [Nahum/Nachum 3. 1 - 4]

* Blood of the slain (including abortion, euthanasia, mercy-killing, etc.) and violence. [Habakkuk 2. 8, 17]

* Shed blood of the saints, sorceries, deception, fornication, abominations, blasphemy. [Revelation 16. 6; 17. 1 - 6; 18. 23 - 24; 19. 2]

To be saved, you need to receive the benefit of the TRUE & LIVING GOD'S only Plan of Salvation provided in Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, the LORD JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH. "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." [Mark 16. 16]

"If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended to heaven but HE WHO came down from heaven, that is, the SON OF MAN WHO is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the SON OF MAN be lifted up, that whoever believes in HIM should not perish but have eternal life. 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. For GOD did not send HIS SON into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through HIM might be saved. He who believes in HIM is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the NAME of the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD." [John 3. 12 - 18]

"The FATHER loves the SON, and has given all things into HIS hand. He who believes in the SON has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the SON shall not see life, but the Wrath of GOD abides on him." [John 3. 35 - 36] "But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie." [Revelation 22. 15]


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
O that they were wise, that they would consider their latter end! May the grace of our LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH be with your spirit and bring you into HIS grace and richness. Amen

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
We were called to be witnesses — not lawyers or judges.

SPOILING SCRIPTURE
"You shall not add anything to what I command you or take anything away from it, but keep the commandments of the LORD your GOD that I enjoin upon you...Be careful to observe only that which I enjoin upon you; neither add to it nor take away from it." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 4. 2; 12. 32 Tanakh, Torah]

Only an absolute fool thinks he or she has received some "new inspired word from GOD." Nevertheless, there are an assortment of diverse cults who proclaim such, and many others who thoughtlessly follow the leaders of these religiously impious groups. These false prophets, cult leaders, continue to presumptuously explain away those BIBLE verses that they consider offensive, irrelevant, unimportant, or intolerable. There is a hell to shun, and those who teach and lead others are in danger of a stricter judgment and an even more severe punishment. [James 3. 1] "For we know HIM WHO said — Vengeance is MINE; I will repay — says the LORD. And again — the LORD will judge HIS people." [Hebrews 10. 30]

The HOLY BIBLE is the inerrant, understandable, inspired WORD OF THE LORD GOD. It is dangerous to impose some figurative meaning on a passage of these INSPIRED SCRIPTURES to distort, or redefine it to our liking "handling the WORD OF GOD deceitfully." [2 Corinthians 4. 2]

The LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, HIMSELF gives a final warning to anyone who would subtract, add to, change, or revise HIS HOLY WORDS OF TRUTH in any form. "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this BOOK: If anyone adds to these things, GOD will add to him the plagues that are written in this BOOK. If anyone takes away from the words of the BOOK of this prophecy, GOD shall take away his part from the BOOK OF LIFE, from the Holy City, and from the things which are written in this BOOK." [Revelation 22. 18 - 19] Whatever the LOVING, HOLY, UNCHANGING CREATOR does, it is so that men will fear HIM. [Ecclesiastes/Kohelet 3. 14]

No new revelation is needed, the WRITTEN SCRIPTURE OF GOD is more than enough for our salvation. These WORDS OF LIFE "are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in CHRIST JESUS. All SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of GOD may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." [2 Timothy 3. 15 - 17] As it was written, so should we do!


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Welcome Sabbath! — Come, let us go out to meet the Sabbath Queen! Come, O Bride, the Sabbath presence is eagerly awaited, and joyously welcomed!
Sabbath of Ekev – “Because” [Reading: Deuteronomy 7:12 - 11:25; Isaiah 49:14 – 51:13; Matthew 16:13-20]
May all of us experience a fresh new beginning in our walk with the LORD through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT! We share the blessed hope that, in Y’SHUA, every day will grow sweeter as you diligently obey the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, incline your ear to the MASTER and you will live. We praise and bless YOU O GOD, for lovingly and graciously giving YOUR Holy Shabbat to all peoples.
Enjoy tranquility and harmony as you rejoice together this Sabbath exalting Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, the ONE WHO 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: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
To make a long story short, don't tell it.

SIGN OF THE COVENANT
"Such shall be the covenant between ME and you and your descendants to follow which you shall keep: Every male child among you shall be circumcised. You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and that shall be the sign of the covenant between ME and you. And throughout your generations, every male among you shall be circumcised at the age of eight days. As for the homeborn slave and the one bought from an outsider who is not of your offspring, they must be circumcised, homeborn and purchased alike. Thus shall MY covenant be marked in your flesh as an Everlasting Pact. And if any male who is uncircumcised fails to circumcise the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his kin; he has broken MY covenant." [Genesis (Bereshith) 17. 10 - 14 Tanakh, Torah]

The custom of my Jewish people is to have a great celebration, "brith (also berith or bris) milah (covenant, bond or obligation of circumcision)" when a boy is eight days old. As the child is brought in for circumcision, all those who are gathered for the occasion call out: "Blessed be he that comes in the NAME OF GOD." At every circumcision, Elijah is supposed to be seated at the right hand of the "sandek (one who holds the infant during the operation)." The "Mohel (one who performs the circumcision)" recites a prayer which begins: "Zehu Kisei Eliyahu" — "This is the Chair of Elijah...for YOUR SALVATION, O LORD, I have waited" — these words must be said in a loud voice. Jewish people are taught that Elijah was the Angel of the Covenant who was to announce the coming of MESSIAH. And we know that this promise of HOLY God is recorded in the HOLY SCRIPTURES. Immediately after the "bris" the Jewish boy is given his Hebrew name and he enters into the Covenant and becomes a rightful heir.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, we Jewish people have heard the recital of a very important prayer asking the ALMIGHTY to send us Y’SHUA WHO is the RIGHTEOUS PRIEST and to make us worthy of the days of MESSIAH and of the life to come!

What is the ETERNAL ONE is trying to teach us by this Covenant with Abraham? Circumcision of the flesh is a type and shadow of a greater experience of the heart. ALMIGHTY GOD desires to cut away all your old life — the eighth day is the "morrow after the Sabbath" — the day of Resurrection, the day of the New Creation. HE can give you a NEW life — a NEW beginning and believing in MESSIAH Y’SHUA will do that very thing for both the Jew and the Gentile, for all (who-so-ever-will) are HIS people.

It does not matter if you are born a natural Jew and have gone through the ceremony of circumcision in the flesh. The MIGHTY GOD OF ISRAEL & JOSEPH does not recognize you as a TRUE Jew until your heart is circumcised – more specifically - the old life has been cut away by believing in the LORD JESUS, your MESSIAH, LORD & KING.

To our Jewish forefathers, the LOVING CREATOR GOD made a pronouncement in the words of Jeremiah: "Behold, days are coming — declares the LORD — that I will punish all who are circumcised with the uncircumcised…for all the House of Israel are uncircumcised of heart (their minds are blocked to GOD'S commandments)." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 9. 25 - 26 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

GOD OMNIPOTENT wants to give you a new life, a new heart. This is made possible when "with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." [Romans 10. 10] Then it will be possible for you to love GOD with all your heart and soul. He promises in HIS HOLY WORD — "Then the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring to love the LoRd your God with all your heart and soul, in order that you may live." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 30. 6 Tanakh, Torah]

In the BRIT CHADASHA (NEW COVENANT), the Jewish Apostle Paul wrote by GOD'S inspiration telling us who is a true Jew: "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the SPIRIT, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God." [Romans 2. 28 - 29] "For in CHRIST JESUS neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation." [Galatians 6. 15]

My fellow-Jewish and Gentile brethren, will you not heed the voice of the LORD? Our COVENANT-KEEPING GOD commands you to circumcise the foreskin of your heart so that the old law is cut away and a new law takes its place. The ordinances, rituals, ceremonies and sacrifices under the OLD COVENANT are fulfilled in the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL, the deliverer who has come out of Zion — Y’SHUA OF NAZARETH, the SON OF THE LIVING GOD! Why don't you accept a NEW BEGINNING for yourself? Accept His Life, His Love, His Peace, His Righteousness, His Joy…allow Y’SHUA to come into your heart as He so desires to do. CHRIST will do so, and much more, if you but ask Him!


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Receive every inward and outward trouble, every disappointment, pain, uneasiness, temptation, darkness, and desolation with both of your hands as a true opportunity and blessed occasion of dying to self and entering into a fuller fellowship with your self-denying, suffering SAVIOR. Then every kind of trial and distress will become a blessed day of your prosperity that exercises the highest faith in the fullest agreement to GOD. Either GOD will shield you from suffering, or HE will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations, HE gives a peace that only a thankful heart can know.

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Often, we rise to the occasion to meet life’s tests only when challenged.

TRANSCENDENT WONDER OF WORSHIP
"There is none holy as YEHOWAH, for there is none besides YOU, nor is there any rock like our GOD." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 2. 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Channah glorified the LORD GOD in exaltation praising HIM for giving her the son she had petitioned for. This prayer of thanksgiving was offered up after she had weaned Samuel and delivered him to Eli the priest. As promised in accordance to her vow, Hannah gave her son back to the LORD GOD as long as he lived.

The heart of Channah rejoiced in the LORD and her strength was exalted in HIM, for she was no longer disgraced for being barren as in previous times. Peninnah, her husband's other wife had provoked her year after year. But now, Hannah's petition for a child was granted and her verse continued: "Talk no more with lofty pride; let no arrogance cross your lips! For the LORD is an all-knowing GOD; by HIM actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and the faltering are girded with strength. Men once full must hire out for bread; men once hungry hunger no more. While the barren woman bears seven, and she who has many children has become feeble." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 2. 3 - 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

For her faithfulness, the MASTER OF MERCY & TRUTH visited Channah again and she again conceived and bore three more sons and two daughters. [1 Samuel/Shemuel Alef 2. 21] "YEHOWAH sets the barren woman among her household as a joyful mother of children." [Psalms (Tehillym) 113. 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

"YEHOWAH deals death and gives life, casts down into Sheol and raises up. YEHOWAH makes poor and makes rich; HE brings low, HE also lifts up high. HE raises the poor from the dust, lifts up the needy from the dunghill, setting them with princes, and makes them inherit the throne of glory." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 2. 6 - 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Hannah, being a devoted woman, knew SCRIPTURES and was reflecting the Psalms: "HE raises the poor out of the dust, lifts the needy from the refuse heap to set them with the great, with the great men of HIS people." [Psalms (Tehillym) 113. 7 - 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Channah continued: "For the pillars of the earth are YEHOWAH'S; HE has set the world upon them. HE guards the steps of HIS faithful, but the wicked perish in darkness — for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries that strive with YEHOWAH shall be shattered; HE will thunder against them from the heavens. YEHOWAH will judge the ends of the earth. HE will give strength to HIS KING, and exalt the HORN of HIS ANOINTED ONE." [1 Samuel (Shemuel Alef) 2. 9 - 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Miryam (Mary) the Mother of JESUS echoed the song of Hannah when she also magnified the LORD as her spirit exalted in GOD her SAVIOR. [Luke 1. 46 - 55] My heart too exults in the HOLY ONE OF OLD, my horn is exalted in the LORD. I rejoice in HIS salvation and worship in the beauty of holiness!


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Exalted and hallowed be GOD'S greatness in this world of YOUR creation.. May YOUR will be fulfilled and YOUR sovereignty revealed in the days of our lifetime and the life of the whole House of Israel, Amen. May YOU, MOST HOLY ONE, be blessed, praised & honoured, extolled & glorified, adored & exalted above all else throughout eternity. Blessed are YOU beyond all blessings & hymns, praises & consolations that may be uttered in this world, Amen

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Every act of encouragement brings joy, not only to the recipient, but to the encourager as well. When we encourage others, we are encouraged by the very encouragement we freely give. How like GOD to lead us into giving so that we might receive through following HIM!

OFFENSE OF THE CROSS
"But GOD forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, by WHOM the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.." [Galatians 6. 14]

It was a Roman cross, an unmistakable symbol of Roman justice. Though borrowed from the ancient Persians, a successive reign of Caesar’s perfected crucifixion into the most painful and brutal form of capital punishment. It was am emblem of suffering and shame; a deterrent to would-be criminals publicly witnessing to the wages of greed, insurrection, violence, theft, anarchy, and murder; a symbol of Caesar’s strength and Roman rule.

The cross was designed for the scum of society to which the sinless SON OF GOD was spiked, suspended between earth and heaven, betrayed by HIS friends, and forsaken by HIS FATHER. But like everything else MESSIAH Y’SHUA touched, HE changed its meaning: HE touched water and made it wine; touching wine and bread, HE made it a taste of grace; by touching the lame, they walked; touching the possessed, oppressed, outcast, moral failures — they were made clean; by touching the cross, HE made it a symbol of life — then those two intersecting beans (one horizontal, one vertical) of wrecked wood shouted the salvation’s story.

"The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of GOD" [1 Corinthians 1.. 18], so now the "offense of the cross has ceased." [Galatians 5.. 11] The only hope of salvation is a humbling acknowledgment of MESSIAH Y’SHUA — the ONLY HOPE — as our own personal SAVIOR WHO died for our sins "having made peace through the blood of HIS cross." [Colossians 1. 20] Christ Jesus, Who, "being in the form of GOD, did not consider it robbery to be equal with GOD, but made HIMSELF of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a MAN, HE humbled HIMSELF and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." [Philippians 2. 6 - 8]

In the cross we see the BELOVED MASTER reaching down and reaching out and reaching into our profane lives. At the cross, GOD has penetrated our negative, sin-plagued lives, HE has, in MESSIAH, reconciled the world to HIMSELF. Now the cross is GOD’S ultimate plus sign to those who believe. We now have life in GOD, plus forgiveness, wholeness, eternity, direction, power and a purpose. "He has made [you] alive together with HIM, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And HE has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, HE made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." [Colossians 2. 13 - 15]

The emblem of suffering and shame? Yes! But because Y’SHUA endured the cross, despising the shame, it is a symbol of life and health, and peace. The “Old Rugged Cross, stained with blood so divine, a wondrous beauty I see, for ‘twas on that old cross JESUS suffered and died to pardon and sanctify me.” A Persian cross, a Roman cross, now it is my cross. So, I'll ever cherish, not the cross, but the CHRIST of the cross.


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
With great love YOU have loved us, O our GOD, and with exceeding compassion YOU have borne with us. Our fathers believed and trusted in YOU; therefore you taught them the laws of life, and showed them the ways of wisdom. We implore YOU, O MERCIFUL FATHER, to grant us discernment, that we may understand and fulfill all the TEACHINGS of YOUR WORD. Make us gladly obedient to YOUR commandments and fill our hearts with love and reverence for YOU. In YOU we put our trust; we rejoice and delight in YOUR help, for with YOU alone is salvation, and peace in the soul of man. YOU have called us as teachers of YOUR Law; YOU have chosen us for a holy mission to mankind; therefore do we joyfully lift up our voices and proclaim YOUR magnificence. Praised are YOU, O GOD, WHO has chosen us in love. We give praised to YOUR HOLY NAME and thank YOU for Y’SHUA, our BELOVED REDEEMER.

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

reserved

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Man's way leads to a hopeless end...GOD'S way leads to an endless hope.

END-TIME WARNING
"Do you think that those eighteen on whom the Tower in Siloam fell and killed were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, 'No!' But unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." [Luke 13. 4 - 5]

The LOVING LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA reminded those around HIM that their time of death, just like the rest of us, is known only to the MASTER CREATOR & LIFE-GIVER. "It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." [Hebrews 9. 27] And, that we should know the sign of the times we are living in are "as in the days of Noah (when violence filled the earth), so shall it be at the coming of the SON OF MAN." [Matthew 24. 37 - 39]

The call to repentance continues throughout the time of the Great Tribulation which we are rapidly approaching. We must also remember the promise of our LORD & SAVIOR, the CREATOR OF THE Universe, when HE stated, "When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among MY people, IF MY people who are called by MY NAME will humble themselves, and pray and seek MY face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 7. 13 - 15]

Search out the Four-Fold Requirement. . . we must
1. Humble ourselves before the ALMIGHTY GOD OF ISRAEL.
2. Pray (commune, honor & glorify, talk to GOD and learn to hear HIM, feel at one with, understand).
3. Seek HiS face.
4. Repent (turn TO the LIVING GOD — FROM our wicked ways).
Our nation has adopted a policy in most of the laws passed changing what ALMIGHTY GOD has said is EVIL and SIN into an acceptable alternate life-style, and demand tolerance of wickedness.

The present "war against terrorism" is being presented to us by our national leaders and the media as being a non-religious war. However, the clerics of the Muslim countries have demonstrated that this is not the case, and they have called for a holy war against the United States and all its allies. And many Muslims around the world are responding to the call. The war, in fact, is a religious war against the Muslim goal to take over the entire world!

All of this together is fulfilling the sign given by the LORD JESUS describing the evidence existing at the time of the End of the World given throughout the WRITTEN HOLY SCRIPTURES and vividly described in Revelation 6 dealing with the first Four Seals: Peace removed from the earth, men killing one another. With the lust for conquest diminishing and a new zeal for a United Earth, we find the tyrant conqueror replaced by terrorism and religious wars fulfilling the sequential pattern pointed out in the Seals. 1st SEAL: Conqueror, conquering. 2nd SEAL: Peace is removed from the earth and people killing one another. 3rd SEAL: High cost of food. 4th SEAL: Death and hell claiming one-fourth of the population of the earth.

Consider the total number killed by war, abortion, terrorist attacks, and general violence. It is nearing one-fourth of the population of the earth that would be here if they had not taken place. Hell naturally follows the death of the unsaved. The LORD GOD OMNIPOTENT is well aware of the count, and HE will determine when one-fourth of the earth's population has been killed. Soon afterward, we may expect the time described as "The time of Jacob's Trouble, the Great Tribulation."

When Jonah preached in Nineveh calling the people to repent or the city would be destroyed, "the people of Nineveh believed the LORD GOD. They proclaimed a fast and put on sackcloth FROM THE GREATEST to the least of them." [Jonah (Yonah) 3. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Now is the time for all (who-so-ever-will) to take heed of their relationship with GOD MOST HIGH. If we are not walking according to HIS will, we need to change our ways or it will certainly lead to the time of dread as we face the Wrath of GOD & the LAMB. In fact, it is a call to all the people of the earth to turn to the GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN with all our hearts and to align our laws and our lives according to HIS WORD which is revealed in the HOLY BIBLE.

May GOD'S people, who are called by HIS NAME, humble themselves and pray, seek HIS face and turn from their evil ways so the time of HIS wrath won't catch them unprepared. Now is the time to pray, that whosoever will return to the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, may humble themselves before HIM, and draw near to HIM before it is too late. Signs are all around, our LORD is coming back quickly, and very soon.


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Let us delight in this extremely rare opportunity to bless and continually thank and praise ALMIGHTY GOD for our spiritual and material blessings…the food for our bodies as well as the survival of our faith that grants us spiritual sustenance for our souls. May the grace of our LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH be with your spirit continually as you seek HIM.

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com



A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
"I do not want followers who are righteous, rather I want followers who are too busy doing good that they won’t have time to do bad." [–Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Kotzk] People who focus on being righteous can become self-absorbed and self-righteous. While those pursing good deeds and actions become righteous. [Rabbi Ari Kahn]

CORDS & NAILS
"The LORD is GOD; HE has given us light; bind the sacrifice (festival offering) to the horns of the Altar with cords." [Psalms (Tehillym) 118. 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Some suggest and believe the nails were driven in MESSIAH'S wrists (Hebrew: perakim chaph ha'yad). The term used in SCRIPTURE, however, is simply the Hebrew word "yad" meaning hand, hands. Along with the nailS that pierced Y’SHUA'S hands, HE was bound to the horns of HIS altar (rugged wooden cross) with cords.

Those cords were intensely strong, braided twines of:
LOVE (Power): "Now before the Feast of Passover, when JESUS knew HIS hour had come that HE should depart from this world to the FATHER, having loved HIS OWN who were in the world, HE loved them to the end." [John 13. 1]

OBEDIENCE (Protection): "No one takes it (life) from ME, but I lay it down of MYSELF. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from MY FATHER." [John 10. 18] "And being found in appearance as a man, HE humbled HIMSELF and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross." [Philippines 2. 8]

GODLY ZEAL (Help): "I have become a stranger to MY brothers and an alien to MY Mother's children; because zeal for YOUR House has eaten me up, and the reproaches of those who reproach YOU have fallen on ME." [Psalms (Tehillym) 69. 8 - 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Then HIS disciples remembered that it was written — Zeal for YOUR House has eaten ME up." [John 2. 17]

JOY SET BEFORE HIM (Strength): "Looking unto JESUS, the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith, WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the Throne of GOD." [Hebrews 12. 2]

The RISEN MESSIAH spoke of the prints of the nailS that were put in HIS hands when Thomas doubted that HE had raised from the dead and had been seen by others. "The other disciples therefore said to him (Thomas) — we have seen the LORD. But Thomas said to them — Unless I see in HIS hands the print of the nailS, and put my finger into the print of the nailS, and put my hand into HIS side, I will not believe." [John 20. 25]

Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, the ROCK OF ISRAEL, died for us with out-stretched arms, that HE might pay the full price to redeem HIS people. Just as in the OLD COVENANT, the ALMIGHTY CREATOR GOD stretched-out HIS arms and delivered HIS people, Israel from Egypt with great signs and wonders. With HIS great and mighty arm, the MOST HOLY LORD GOD rescued, Israel. "The LORD brought us out from Egypt by a mighty hand, with an outstretched arm and awesome power, and with signs and wonders." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 26. 8 Tanakh, Torah] There is nothing too hard or difficult for our GREAT & MIGHTY GOD, KING OF ALL AGES!

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
May your ever-growing faith grant you the privilege to witness and experience the marvelous miracle of being delivered from the yoke of slavery to sin. The sword comes into the world because of justice being delayed, because of justice being perverted, and because of those who render wrong decisions.
Keep Israel diligently in your protective prayers as the struggle continues; and may their eyes be opened and behold their MESSIAH.

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
It is pointless to argue with those who happily pervert reality in the service of their profoundly held prejudices.

SAVIOR, CREATOR, WORD
"In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. HE was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made through HIM, and without HIM nothing was made that was made." [John 1. 1 - 3]

In the first chapter of John’s gospel, there are many names and titles associated with the LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH, this is amazingly extraordinary. Y’SHUA is called "the TRUE LIGHT, which lightens every man that comes into the world." [v. 9] HE is "the ONLY-BEGOTTEN of the FATHER, full of grace and truth" and "the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, which is n the bosom of the FATHER." [v. 18] John the Baptizer called HIM "the LORD" [v. 23], "the LAMB OF GOD, which takes away the sin of the world" [v. 29], and "the SON OF GOD." [v. 34] HIS disciples then called HIM "MASTER" [v. 38], and "MESSIAH" [v. 41], as well as "JESUS of Nazareth." [v. 45] Nathanael accredited HIM as being the "KING of Israel" [v. 49], and YESHUA called HIMSELF "the SON OF MAN." [v. 51]

The first title John ascribed to the LORD Y’SHUA was plainly "the WORD" — from a word hard to interpret in its complete richness; at best meaning "reason, communication, doctrine, speech" and so much more. With reference to MESSIAH, it tells us that HE is always the ONE WHO reveals, speaks for, manifests, explains, and incarnates the HEAVENLY FATHER. "HIS NAME is called THE WORD OF GOD." [Revelation 19. 13]

John takes us back before Genesis/Bereshith 1:1 where we learn that the pre-incarnate CHRIST created all things. "For by HIM all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through HIM and for HIM." [Colossians 1. 16] "In the beginning" HE was, before HE created! And all things were made by HIM. "The WORD OF THE LORD...stretches out the heavens, laid firm the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him." [Zechariah (Zecharyah) 12. 1 Tanakh, Nevi’im] "By the WORD OF THE LORD the heavens were made, all the host of them by the breath of HIS mouth." [Psalms (Tehillym) 33. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

"I praise YOUR NAME for YOUR steadfast love and faithfulness; YOU have magnified YOUR WORD above YOUR NAME." [Psalms (Tehillym) 138. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The LORD JESUS CHRIST is the TRUE GOD and ETERNAL LIFE. As the ETERNAL, OMNIPOTENT WORD OF GOD, the pre-incarnate SON OF MAN spoke all things into being, the LORD YESHUA ha’MASHIACH is the WORD and the WORD is GOD!


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
O GOD, keep my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking guile. Be my support when grief silences my voice, and my comfort when woe bends my spirit. Plant humility in my soul, and strengthen my heart with perfect faith in YOU. Help me to be strong in trial and temptation and to be patient and forgiving when others wrong me. Guide me by the Light of YOUR counsel, that I may ever find strength in YOU, my ROCK and my REDEEMER, my GLORY and the LIFTER of my head. Praise and all thanks to YOU! Amen

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Although fate presents the circumstances, how you react depends on your character.

HUMBLE PRAYER
"And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying — GOD, be merciful to me a sinner!" [Luke 18. 13]

"Mercy and propitiation/atonement (Hebrew: checed/kaphar)" are interrelated words that are closely interconnected. The mercy of the HOLY GOD, blessed be HE, is not all that the tax collector was asking for, he was humbly asking for reconciliation to be made for him. Thus, he was speaking of the saving work of MESSIAH Y’SHUA, the ONE WHO came "to make propitiation (atonement) for the sins of the people." [Hebrews 2. 17]

The true story told of the proud Pharisee and the humble publican is set in the context of the Jewish Temple worship, where sinners would bring their sacrificial offering to cover their sins, knowing that "the life of the flesh is in the blood; it is the blood, as life, that makes atonement for the soul." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 17. 11 Tanakh, Torah] Such sacrifices were completely worthless, however, if offered in a spirit of religious pride or self-righteousness — like the self-important attitude of the Pharisee. There must be repentance and faith in ALMIGHTY GOD'S promise of forgiveness through the death of an innocent substitute which pre-figured the BELOVED LORD JESUS, the TRUE LAMB OF GOD WHOSE coming death would truly make eternal reconciliation for the sins of the people. The publican prayed in this manner and his sins were forgiven, covered completely.

Since the cross, a sinner's prayer for forgiveness must express the same humble attitude: "MERCIFUL and HOLY GOD, be my PROPITIATION , mercifully cover me, on the basis of the death and resurrection of YOUR ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, for my sins." Such a sincere prayer made in complete repentance and faith in the EXALTED ETERNAL HOLY ONE'S promise will bring justification.

We can be like the tax collector who "went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." [Luke 18. 14] I humbly bow low in honor and worship to the HOLY ALMIGHTY LORD GOD my VICTORIOUS KING..


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Come dear friend, let us welcome the Queen of the Week - Sabbath Nachamu (Sabbath of Consolation)!
Sabbath of Va’Etchanan – “And I Besought” [Reading: Deuteronomy 3:23 - 7:11; Isaiah 40:1– 26; Luke 3:2-15]
As Sabbath begins, we praise YOU, O GOD, and thank YOU for all the blessings of the week that is gone; for life, health and strength; for home, love and friendship; for the discipline of our trials and temptations; for the happiness of success and prosperity. YOU have commanded us: Six days shall you labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your GOD. YOU have ennobled us, O GOD, by the blessings of work, and in love and grace sanctified us by the blessings of rest, so we enter the perfect rest with YOU and are most grateful for that sweet fellowship.

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Reality should never deter a good imagination.

HIS GOOD PLEASURE
"But it pleased the LORD to bruise HIM (Y’SHUA); HE has put HIM to grief. When YOU made HIS soul an offering for the guilty, HE shall see HIS offspring and have long life, and that through HIM the pleasure of the LORD'S purpose might prosper at HIS hand." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 53.. 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

This MESSIANIC Prophecy is the most amazing love of all, the revelation that it pleased the HEAVENLY FATHER to put HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON through a terrible, bruising death. This also shows that CREATOR GOD is interested and pleasures in things that happen to us. "For HE made HIM WHO knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of GOD in HIM." [2 Corinthians 5. 21]

The only possible way "the pleasure of the LORD" could be accomplished was to redeem souls of lost mankind, whom HE created for eternal fellowship with HIM. "For the LORD delights in HIS people; HE adorns the lowly with salvation." [Psalms (Tehillym) 149. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "May those who desire MY righteousness sing forth joyously; may they always say — Extolled be the LORD WHO desires the well-being of HIS servant." [Psalms (Tehillym) 35. 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The NEW COVENANT records several times when the EVERLASTING KING spoke from heaven assuring us that HE was "well pleased" with HIS BELOVED SON — MESSIAH Y’SHUA. [Matthew 3. 17; 17. 5; Mark 1. 11; Luke 3. 22; 2 Peter 1. 17] "Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise HIM!" This is intricately difficult, if not impossible, to understand. . . but if it were not true, none of us could ever be saved. The LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH proclaimed to HIS little flock — "it is your FATHER'S good pleasure to give you the Kingdom." [Luke 12. 32] "Like a SHEPHERD, HE pastures HIS flock; HE gathers the lambs in HIS arms and carries them in HIS bosom; gently leading those who are with young." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 40. 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

We were created for "HIS pleasure" [Revelation 4. 11], and we have been predestined "to adoption as sons by JESUS CHRIST to HIMSELF, according to the good pleasure of HIS will." [Ephesians 1. 5] This is too much for us to comprehend, so we must believe and rest in the great truth that "it is GOD WHO works in you both to will and to do for HIS good pleasure." [Philippians 2. 13] We are assured that "the LORD takes pleasure in them that fear HIM, those who hope in HIS mercy and faithful care." [Psalms (Tehillym) 147. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "In the wisdom of GOD, it pleased GOD through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." [1 Corinthians 1. 21] Let us rejoice with thanksgiving for HIS gentle compassion and lovingkindness toward us.


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Happy Tu B’Av (15th of Av, starts at sundown) – the Love Day – when the daughters of Jerusalem would go out and dance in the vineyards located on the outskirts of the city. And everyone who didn’t have a wife would go there to meet their soul-mate. May the LORD GOD hold you in the palm of HIS hand. "Z'man Simchataynu — A time of our rejoicing!" Today (evening to evening) marks a joyous day on the Jewish calendar — Tu B'Av. Many celebrations throughout Israel are scheduled in commemoration of the day, with love as their theme.
Our Sages enlightenment of the Tu B'Av: Just as Yom Kippur symbolizes the atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf in the desert, for it was on that day the HOLY ONE accepted Moses' plea for forgiveness of the nation; Tu B'Av signifies the atonement for the sin of the Spies, where ten came bearing such negative reports which reduced the entire nation to panic.. As a result of that sin, it was decreed by GOD that the Nation would remain in the desert for 40 years, and that no person 20 or older would be allowed to enter Israel. On each Tisha B'Av of those 40 years, those who had reached the age of 60 that year died — 15,000 each year. This plague finally ended on Tu B'Av (15th of Av).
This day marks several other BIBLICAL and historical events besides being the conclusion of the death decree of the generation that wandered in the desert wilderness. They were thus punished for believing the Ten Scouts discouraging report on the Land of Canaan —
* The ban on intermarriage among tribes of Israel was lifted.
* King Hosea, the last monarch of the northern Israelite kingdom, removed the barriers installed by one of his predecessors, King Jeroboam, which prevented the northerners from making pilgrimages to Jerusalem.
* The Romans permitted the Jews to bury Bar Kochba's supporters who had fallen at Betar.
* The Talmud states that on Tu B'Av, the young unmarried women of Jerusalem would borrow white clothing — so that their wealth or lack of it would not stand out — dancing and singing in the vineyards in order to be noticed by their prospective husbands. Many weddings are thus celebrated on Tu B'Av.
Beginning with Tu B'Av, we start preparing ourselves spiritually for the month of Elul, the prologue to the coming Days of Awe. 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 ha’Shana. Those who work out the Gematria values of different expressions found that phrase adds up to 928 — and so does the words for 15th of Av.
May you know the joy and happiness that only comes from the righteousness of our LORD, MESSIAH Y’SHUA. The LORD GOD be with you this day and always and may your days be lived in peace and truth.

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Keep in mind that not every physical sensation is a symptom of a terminal illness.

WARNINGS AGAINST DISOBEDIENCE
"If you do not obey ME and do not observe all these commandments, if you despise MY Laws and abhor MY judgments, so that you do not observe all MY commandments, and you break MY covenant...Then I will punish you sevenfold for your sins. I will break the pride of your strength." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 26. 14 - 15, 18b – 19a Tanakh, Torah]

GOD'S repeated warnings for disobedience was declared in a "sevenfold" punishment [Leviticus/Vayikra 26. 18, 21, 24, 28] if Israel continually walks contrary to HIM, that HE would also walk contrary to them. "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" [Amos (Amus) 3. 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Take notice, the RIGHTEOUS ONE is capable of doing exceedingly abundantly above all which HE declares. Those punishments HE warned of range from the Land of Promise not producing its yield of produce or fruit [Leviticus/Vayikra 26. 20] to being chastened by eating the flesh of one's own children [Leviticus/Vayikra 26. 29] and perishing away in the enemies' land after being scattered there. [Leviticus/Vayikra 31. 39]

However, there is a promise of restoration, if Israel would confess their iniquity and circumcise their hearts, humble themselves and accept their guilt; then the LORD would remember HIS covenant with Jacob, HIS covenant with Isaac, HIS covenant with Abraham; and remember the Land. "Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, nor shall I abhor them, to utterly destroy them and break MY covenant with them; for I am the LORD their GOD. But for their sake I will remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their GOD: I am the LORD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 26. 44 – 45 Tanakh, Torah]

The GREAT & MIGHTY LORD GOD OF ISRAEL has promised, and what HE promised, HE will perform. Israel will always be HIS people. "No longer will they need to teach one another and say to his brother — Heed the LORD — for they all shall know ME, from the least of them to the greatest — declares YEHOWAH. For I will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more. Thus says the LORD WHO established the sun for light by day, the laws of the moon and stars for light by night, WHO stirs up the sea into roaring waves, WHOSE NAME is LORD OF HOSTS: If these laws depart from before ME — declares YEHOWAH — Only then would the offspring of Israel cease to be a nation before ME forever." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 31. 34 – 36 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The LORD Y'SHUA’S return is imminent, it will happen! HE anxiously awaits us to come to HIM, to obey and walk with HIM. Seek HIM while HE may be found, turn from your wicked ways that you may be cleansed and refreshed and have friendship with the ETERNAL KING. Life is worth living because HE lives.
Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, bless you abundantly. And, may peace abundant descend from heaven with life for us and to all Israel, Amen
Watch and pray, the LORD Messiah Y’SHUA is coming soon to set up HIS Kingdom. The descendants of HIS servants shall inherit it, and those who love HIS PRECIOUS NAME shall dwell in it.
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: www.delrifkah.com


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Man's justice is simply a distraction completely devoid of reality.

ALIVE IN MESSIAH Y’SHUA
"Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with CHRIST in GOD. When MESSIAH, WHO is our life, appears, then you also will appear with HIM in glory." [Colossians 3. 2 - 4]

Looking forward to the time when we will "ever be with the LORD" [1 Thessalonians 4. 17], Paul wrote, "I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with CHRIST, which is far better, nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you." [Philippians 1. 23 - 24]

Nonetheless, we can be with the LORD Y’SHUA, even while still enduring in the flesh. This is the great principle called positional truth. Positionally we are already "with CHRIST" — for that is where CREATOR GOD sees us and how HE relates to us. HE has "raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in MESSIAH Y’SHUA." [Ephesians 2. 6]

We first have to die with the LORD JESUS, however, before we can be raised up with HIM. "I am crucified with CHRIST; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but CHRIST lives in me." [Galatians 2. 20] GOD OMNISCIENT even saw us as buried with the crucified SAVIOR when HE was buried, and this is the great truth symbolized in our baptism. "We are buried with HIM by baptism into death." [Romans 6. 4]

"Now if we be dead with CHRIST, we believe that we shall also live with HIM; knowing that JESUS, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over HIM." [Romans 6. 8 - 9] Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH died for us, so our deserved death became HIS substitutionary death. And, marvelous of wonders, Y’SHUA'S victorious resurrection becomes our own unmerited deliverance from death in eternal resurrection life. This is our position now and our assured everlasting possession then, for we are with the LORD MESSIAH, WHO will never die again.

This wonderful truth should give us real motivational incentive and courage to focus our thoughts on GODly living to fulfill the desire of our MASTER DESIGNER until we are in HIS PRESENCE evermore. This event will be happening very soon!


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
May your heart be filled with perception and your words be filled with insight. May songs of praise ever be upon your tongue and your vision be on a straight path before you. May your eyes shine with the light of holy words and your face reflect the brightness of the heavens. May your lips ever speak wisdom and your fulfillment be in righteousness even as you ever yearn to hear the words of the HOLY ONE OF OLD.

Teach others, by your own life, how to love and live joyfully, faithfully, righteously in a world filled with pain and to reveal the GREAT, LOVING & MERCIFUL GOD WHOSE love is overwhelming.

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Man's justice is simply a distraction completely devoid of reality.

ALIVE IN MESSIAH Y’SHUA
"Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with CHRIST in GOD. When MESSIAH, WHO is our life, appears, then you also will appear with HIM in glory." [Colossians 3. 2 - 4]

Looking forward to the time when we will "ever be with the LORD" [1 Thessalonians 4. 17], Paul wrote, "I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with CHRIST, which is far better, nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you." [Philippians 1. 23 - 24]

Nonetheless, we can be with the LORD Y’SHUA, even while still enduring in the flesh. This is the great principle called positional truth. Positionally we are already "with CHRIST" — for that is where CREATOR GOD sees us and how HE relates to us. HE has "raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in MESSIAH Y’SHUA." [Ephesians 2. 6]

We first have to die with the LORD JESUS, however, before we can be raised up with HIM. "I am crucified with CHRIST; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but CHRIST lives in me." [Galatians 2. 20] GOD OMNISCIENT even saw us as buried with the crucified SAVIOR when HE was buried, and this is the great truth symbolized in our baptism. "We are buried with HIM by baptism into death." [Romans 6. 4]

"Now if we be dead with CHRIST, we believe that we shall also live with HIM; knowing that JESUS, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over HIM." [Romans 6. 8 - 9] Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH died for us, so our deserved death became HIS substitutionary death. And, marvelous of wonders, Y’SHUA'S victorious resurrection becomes our own unmerited deliverance from death in eternal resurrection life. This is our position now and our assured everlasting possession then, for we are with the LORD MESSIAH, WHO will never die again.

This wonderful truth should give us real motivational incentive and courage to focus our thoughts on GODly living to fulfill the desire of our MASTER DESIGNER until we are in HIS PRESENCE evermore. This event will be happening very soon!


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
May your heart be filled with perception and your words be filled with insight. May songs of praise ever be upon your tongue and your vision be on a straight path before you. May your eyes shine with the light of holy words and your face reflect the brightness of the heavens. May your lips ever speak wisdom and your fulfillment be in righteousness even as you ever yearn to hear the words of the HOLY ONE OF OLD.

Teach others, by your own life, how to love and live joyfully, faithfully, righteously in a world filled with pain and to reveal the GREAT, LOVING & MERCIFUL GOD WHOSE love is overwhelming.

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com



A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
The yoke of GOD can never fit the stiff necked.

BEARING OUR OWN BURDEN
"But let every man prove his own work and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden (responsibility)." [Galatians 6. 4 - 5]

Every follower of MESSIAH will bear before ALMIGHTY GOD the responsibility of his own personal life of service. How well did he do the will of GOD? How well did he serve his LORD? "But let every man prove his own work. For we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of CHRIST; that each one may receive the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether it be good or bad." [2 Corinthians 5. 10] "So then every one of us shall give account of himself to GOD." [Romans 14. 12] When we stand before the LORD Y’SHUA, our MAKER, the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, we will give an account of our own work, not someone else's. Every man shall bear his own burden (responsibility).

The burden (steadfast commitment, responsibility) we must bear before ALMIGHTY GOD is the yoke of service and obedience to MESSIAH Y’SHUA. "Take MY yoke upon you, and learn of ME...for MY yoke is easy, and MY burden is light." [Matthew 11. 29 - 30] The yoke is not too heavy to carry because it is founded on love and provides a clear conscience before ALMIGHTY GOD.

In fact, the yokes of Satan are exceedingly heavier and difficult, by far, for they are filled with guilt of conscience and anguish of soul. The weighty sins of the world are heavier to bear than anything the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH would ask HIS precious child to shoulder. The words "easy" and "light" expressively describe this fact. What OMNIPOTENT GOD of creation calls HIS chosen ones to do, he can do because he is yoked to the ROCK OF OUR SALVATION, MESSIAH Y’SHUA. "Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well-pleasing to HIM." [2 Corinthians 5. 9]

"Each man's work will become manifest; for The Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test every man's work, of what sort it is. If any man's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." [1 Corinthians 3. 13 - 15] As we bear our burden faithfully and patiently, we definitely are being refined, polished and purified. . . and by HIS grace, made into HIS glorious likeness.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, bless you abundantly and guard you, our dear ones. May GOD’S PRESENCE fill each day with love and unselfishness in tranquil joy — that happiness and contentment may abide in our homes.
Have a rich and blessed day, walking in the LIGHT of Y’SHUA.

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
A king of flesh-and-blood stamps his image on a coin, hence all coins look and are alike; but the KING of kings has stamped every man with the seal of the first man, yet no man is like any other. [MISHNA 4. 5]

BLESSED WALK
"Happy and blessed is the man who has not followed the counsel of the wicked, or taken the path of the sinners, or joined the company of the insolent; but rather, the Teachings of the LORD is his delight, and he studies and recites that teaching day and night. He is like a tree planted beside streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, whose foliage never fades; and whatever he does, he prospers." [Psalms (Tehillym) 1. 1 - 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

A good illustration of an empty experience is self-centeredness. The world seeks happiness, but the only happiness it finds is brief as real joy cannot be found. Joy, however, transcends the circumstances; it is a happiness which has its source in things the world can not offer. GOD'S WRITTEN WORD, the SACRED SCRIPTURES, give us directions and highly endorsed instructions for obtaining this joy.

Various man-made religions teach that GOD'S Law is bondage. HOLY SCRIPTURES tell it differently — it is the only SOURCE of great joy. Only the WORD OF GOD can really gratify us, filling our very soul!

Our GRACIOUS HEAVENLY FATHER gives many teachings to HIS children for their own good, worth, advantage, moral integrity and discipline. "Know in your heart that the LORD your GOD disciplines you just as a man disciplines his son. Therefore, keep the commandments of the LORD your GOD; walk in HIS ways and revere HIM." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 8. 5 - 6 Tanakh, Torah] "For whom the LORD loves HE chastens, and scourges every son whom HE receives." [Hebrews 12. 6] "Do not reject the discipline of YEHOWAH, my son; Do not abhor HIS rebuke. For whom YEHOWAH loves, HE rebukes, as a father the son in whom he favors and delights." [Proverbs (Mishle) 3. 11 – 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Today, society is finding out the hard way that the rules of conduct laid down in GOD'S TRUTH are not to take away our fun, but are there for our own benefit. "Seek the favor of the LORD and HE will grant you the desires of your heart." [Psalms (Tehillym) 37. 4 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Unmistakably, as we delight ourselves in HIM, the desires of our heart will be changed. "In HIS PRESENCE is fullness and joy. In HIS right hand there are pleasures forever more." [Psalms (Tehillym) 16. 11 Tanakh, Torah] We can have the DELIGHT of our life, the LORD JESUS, in our lives now and for all eternity.

"How precious is YOUR faithful care, O GOD! Mankind shelters in the shadow of YOUR wings. They feast on the rich fare of YOUR house; YOU let them drink at YOUR refreshing stream." [Psalms (Tehillym) 36. 7 - 8 Tanakh, Torah] There is great contentment, pleasure, and indescribable joy in knowing Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH as your LORD & SAVIOR, and a peace you cannot know without HIM.


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
LORD, help us to break down the barriers which keep us from YOU — falsehood & faithlessness, callousness & selfishness, injustice & hard-heartedness. Awaken our soul to grateful acknowledgement of YOUR grace which has bestowed upon us the gift of life, and make our pathway come in safety to the coveted goal — YOUR LOVING PRESENCE.

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
When the scoundrel is spared, he learns not righteousness. 

RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD 
"[Job speaking] How can a man be righteous before GOD?" [Job (Iyob) 9. 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The patriarch Job was the most honorable (Hebrew: tsaddiyq — moral, just, lawful, righteous) man of his age according to the testimony of the MOST HOLY ONE WHO bragged twice to Satan, the Adversary, "Have you considered MY servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears GOD and shuns evil? ...There is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil." [Job (Iyob) 1. 8; 2. 3 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Job’s friends, however, insisted that his terrible sufferings had been sent by ELOHIYM because of his sins. Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job’s friends argued, "Can a mortal be acquitted by GOD? Can a man be more pure than his MAKER?" [Job (Iyob) 4. 17 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "What is man, that he can be cleared of guilt, one born of a woman, that he could be righteous? GOD puts no trust in HIS saints; the heavens are not pure in HIS sight; what then of one who is loathsome and foul, man who drinks iniquity like water!" [Job (Iyob) 15. 14 -16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Yet, Job knew he was innocent of the sins they accused him of, as he earnestly tried to be obedient and faithful to the ETERNALLY FAULTLESS ONE. 

At the same time, like all men everywhere, Job was fully aware that as a man, he had fallen short of GOD’S holiness. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD." [Romans 3. 23] "Cursed be he who does not uphold all the words of this Law and observe them." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 27. 26 Tanakh, Torah] Thus Job continually confessed, "If I have sinned, what have I done to YOU, O WATCHER (Hebrew: NATSAR) of men? Why make of me YOUR target, and a burden to myself?...Tell me where I am wrong." [Job (Iyob) 7. 20; 6. 24b Tanakh, Kethuvim] Then he inquired of the RIGHTEOUS ONE, how can a man be pure who is born of a woman be righteous before the CREATOR. [Job/Iyob 9. 2; 25. 4] 

Because sin is inherited, Job was aware of his need of a MEDIATOR. He affirmed, "Though I were righteous (innocent), my own mouth would condemn me; though I were blameless — it would prove me perverse." [Job (Iyob) 9. 20 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Yet ELOHIYM created man for HIS OWN glory [Isaiah/Yeshayah 43. 7], and desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. [1 Timothy 2. 4] 

Therefore, GOD justified unrighteous men while remaining righteous HIMSELF by sending HIS ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON, Y’SHUA to die for all our sins according to HIS good pleasure. "GOD demonstrates HIS OWN love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, CHRIST died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by HIS blood, we shall be saved from wrath through HIM. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to GOD through the death of HIS SON, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by HIS life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in GOD through our LORD JESUS CHRIST, through WHOM we have now received the reconciliation." [Romans 5. 8 - 11] "In HIM we have redemption through HIS blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of HIS grace which HE made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence." [Ephesians 1. 7 - 8] 

Like Job who knew his need of a MEDIATOR/REDEEMER/SAVIOR, we too should confidently declare, "I know that my VINDICATOR lives; in the end HE shall stand and testify on earth — and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall behold GOD. I myself, not another, will see HIM with my own eyes." [Job (Iyob) 19. 25 - 27 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The LORD GOD EXALTED says, "Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the righteous man shall live by his faith and is rewarded with life." [Habakkuk 2. 4 Tanakh, Nevi’im] How amazingly wonderful it is to know that GOD is both JUST and the JUSTIFIER for those who believe. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
For the TORAH, for the privilege of worship, for the prophets, and for this blessed day serving the LORD GOD MOST HIGH, for honor and for glory, let us thank, praise, glorify and bless the LORD our GOD. 
We praise YOU, LORD GOD, for the Law of Truth and righteousness which YOU have revealed to us, for the words of the prophets filled with YOUR SPIRIT and for the teachings of the sages whom YOU raised up aforetime and in these days. May this day be totally devoted to YOU. We love, adore, and cherish YOU, our GOD & KING. 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
If it doesn’t challenge you, it does not change you. 

FATHER’S LOVE FOR HIS SON 
"And suddenly a VOICE came from heaven, saying, "This is MY BELOVED SON, in WHOM I am well pleased." [Matthew 3. 17] 

GOD THE FATHER is speaking from Heaven in this marvelous verse. This being the first of three recorded times announcing HIS love for all to hear; proclaiming that HIS BELOVED SON had come. This is the first reference to love just as the FATHER’S love for the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON was the first love that ever existed. As Y’SHUA prayed at the Passover Feast in the upper room before HE was arrested — "YOU loved ME before the foundation of the world." [John 17. 24; also John 17. 23, 26] The LORD JESUS told of another reason for the FATHER’S great love for HIM, "MY FATHER loves ME, because I lay down MY life." [John 10. 17] 

The second time THE VOICE of the FATHER spoke of HIS love of HIS SON was by the Jordan River where John was baptizing: "It came to pass in those days that JESUS came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately, coming up from the water, HE saw the heavens parting and the SPIRIT descending upon HIM like a dove. Then a VOICE came from heaven — YOU are MY BELOVED SON, in whom I am well pleased." [Matthew 3. 13 - 17; Mark 1. 9 - 11; Luke 3. 21 - 22] 

The third recorded time of GOD THE FATHER speaking is recorded in the NEW COVENANT when Y’SHUA was on the Mount of Transfiguration. The MESSIAH took Peter, John, and James. Not only was Y’SHUA’S appearance and clothing altered, but Moses and Elijah talked with HIM, they also being in their glorified bodies. And, when Peter saw Y’SHUA’S majestic splendor and the two men who stood with HIM, Peter said, "MASTER, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for YOU, one for Moses, and one for Elijah — not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. And a VOICE came out of the cloud, saying — This is MY BELOVED SON. Hear HIM!" [Luke 9. 28 - 36; Matthew 17. 5; Mark 9. 7; 2 Peter 1. 17] 

The extent of the FATHER’S love for HIS BELOVED SON was sweeping and all-inclusive. "The FATHER loves the SON, and has given all things into HIS hand." [Luke 3. 35] Furthermore, "the FATHER loves the SON, and shows HIM all things that HE HIMSELF does; and HE will show HIM greater works than these." [John 5. 20] 

Truly the FATHER loves the SON with a perfect love. "I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to ME — YOU are MY SON, Today I have begotten YOU. Ask of ME, and I will give YOU the nations for YOUR inheritance, and the ends of the earth for YOUR possession." [Psalms (Tehillym) 2. 7 - 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im] And because HE was so loved of the FATHER, MESSIAH taught us, "As the Father loved ME, I also have loved you; abide in MY love. If you keep MY commandments, you will abide in MY love, just as I have kept MY FATHER'S commandments and abide in HIS love." [John 15. 9 – 10] 

Here is even greater love — "In this is love, not that we loved GOD, but that HE loved us and sent HIS SON to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if GOD so loved us, we also ought to love one another." [1 John 1. 10 – 11] Such an amazing love for such unworthy sinners merits nothing less than total thanksgiving, praise, adoration, and complete obedience. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
As we bid farewell to Shabbas, our prayer is that GOD, WHO separates the holy from the secular, forgive our sins. We share the blessed hope that every day will be as sweet as Shabbat...a rest of love freely given in truth and sincerity — a rest in peace and tranquility, quiet and safety — a perfect rest in which you find favor of the LORD Y’SHUA! 
HEAVENLY FATHER, WHO has graciously endowed mankind with reason and understanding, send us the LIGHT of YOUR TRUTH, that we may gain insight into the wisdom of YOUR ways. Forgive our sins, pardon our failings, and remove from us the thoughts of evil and selfish desire that we may truly revere YOUR HOLY NAME. May the erring and the wayward be led to know YOUR loving-kindness, and to serve YOU in newness of heart; and may the righteous those who love virtue be ever glad in YOUR favor. YOU know our needs before we utter them, and ordain all things for the best. Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO hears our prayer. Amen! 
For each of you, our beloved friends, our adored extended family, we are praying that the ALMIGHTY ONE keeps you in HIS sustaining power, mercy, grace, peace and that you prosper in HIS purpose for your lives. 
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: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
A fanatic is someone who — when he looses sight of his goal — doubles his effort. 

WATCH & PRAY 
"Because of them we prayed to our GOD, and set up workers on the walls to watch over them day and night." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 4. 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

Prayer is a powerful weapon, but the wall-builders in Jerusalem also were careful to set a watch against their enemies "with their swords, their lances, and their bows." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 4. 13 Tanakh, Kethuvim] They were ready to fight, if necessary, but at the same time they were confident that "ELOHEINU shall fight for us." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 4. 20 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This is a sound BIBLICAL self-evident truth. The ALMIGHTY ONE expects us to make appropriate use of whatever physical means are available for a needed ministry, rather than to rely simply on prayer or a DIVINE miracle. 

In Jewish thinking, devotion from the heart, called "kavanat ha lev" is considered essential to true prayer. Kavanat implies concentration, worship, and single-mindedness; you simply cannot reach the HIGH & LOFTY LORD GOD without earnestness and passion of the whole heart. [see Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 29. 13; Hebrews 11. 6] A Jewish sage wrote — “Prayer without kavanat is like a body without a soul.” This suggests that merely mouthing the right words of a prayer is empty hypocrisy if the inmost heart is not also profoundly involved. And will GOD, WHO is SPIRIT, listen to such insincerity from our lips? [see Isaiah/Yeshayah 29. 13; Matthew 15. 8] 

The ETERNAL ONE rebuked those who came asking HIM to perform a miracle merely to test HIM or to see something curious. "Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe." [John 4. 48] Neither does the HOLY LORD excuse prayer instead of work, for "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." [James 2. 17] The same holds for prayer instead of obedience. As Joshua was praying for deliverance from the enemy, "the LORD answered Joshua: Arise! Why do you lie prostrate? Israel has sinned! They have broken the covenant by which I bound them.. They have taken of the proscribed (forbidden) and put it in their vessels; they have stolen; they have broken faith!" [Joshua (Yehoshua) 7. 10 - 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

But as prayer without working is dead, so watching and working without prayer are useless. "You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask." [James 4. 2] "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain on it; unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman keeps vigil in vain." [Psalms (Tehillym) 127. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim] 

The principle rule of the HOLY BIBLE is not only to watch or only to pray; for both are essential. "Watch and Pray!" said MESSIAH Y’SHUA — "that you enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." [Matthew 26. 41] The ANOINTED REDEEMER also said — "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the SON OF MAN." [Luke 21. 36] 

The English word "prayer" is derived from a root word meaning "to be or entreat" whereas the Hebrew word hitpallel comes from a verb meaning "to judge oneself." When we pray, let us first inwardly examine ourselves and then sincerely call upon the LORD & MASTER of our life with reverent singleness of heart. As we watch and wait for our LORD'S promised return, make prayer your continual stay and strength, as you faithfully do the job that HE has assigned you. May you be found worthy! 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Good Sabbath! Sabbath of Mattot/Massei – “Tribes/Journeys” [Reading: Numbers 30:1 -36:13; Jeremiah 2:4-28, 3:4; Luke 13:1-9; Mark 11:12-23] 
Praise to Almighty CREATOR God! We praise and bless you O GOD for lovingly and graciously giving YOUR Holy Shabbat — The Bride, The Queen — the imagery of beauty & radiance, testifying to the tremendous affection that the Sabbath is enjoyed among YOUR people in YOUR presence. 
We thank YOU, Great & MIGHTY GOD for by YOUR grace we were taught the sanctity of the weekly day of rest and the Sabbath is the sign of the tie that binds us to YOU. Keep us ever grateful and grant us YOUR perfect rest. Amen 
May your home be a place where peace abides, where love grows, where tranquility pervades, and contentment and happiness is a blessing, a success. 
Continue to praise our LORD, the EVERLASTING KING, HELPER, SAVIOR and SHIELD for HIS loving-kindness is mighty over us. You, dearly beloved friends are our joy and crown. We encourage you to stand fast in the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA — Watch and pray....the LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH our KING is coming soon! 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
In creative work, never consider quantity. The Book of Obadiah consists of one chapter, yet it found its place in the BIBLE. 

ASSURANCE OF SALVATION 
"The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 32. 17 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

This blessed assurance is forever along with true peace of soul and quietness of spirit, which are products of the "work of righteousness." We are instructed — "Sow righteousness for yourselves; reap the fruits of mercy; precociously (intelligently, wisely) break for yourselves fresh ground of seeking the LORD, till HE comes and rains fruits of righteousness on you." [Hosea (Hoshea) 32. 17 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

The NEW COVENANT exposition of genuine righteousness makes it clear that we who have received MESSIAH’S work of righteousness by faith have "become the righteousness of GOD in HIM." [2 Corinthians 5. 21] "To him who does not work but believes on HIM WHO justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness." [Romans 4. 5] 

This, salvation is the priceless possession of those to whom the LORD Y’SHUA’S work of righteousness bas been imputed through faith. Quietness and peace of heart, is experienced only by saved believers who practice the work of righteousness in their daily walk with the LORD. If we truly have salvation, then we ought to manifest the things that accompany salvation — "for GOD is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward HIS NAME...And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end...imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." [Hebrews 6. 9 - 12] 

Indeed, we can know that we are saved simply through faith in HIS work and HIS WORD — "These things I have written to you who believe in the NAME of the SON OF GOD, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the NAME of the SON OF GOD." [1 John 5. 13] "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the Gift of GOD, not of works, lest anyone should boast." [Ephesians 2. 8] 

Nevertheless, to know that one’s faith itself is genuine, evidence is needed in our daily life. "If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the HOPE OF THE GOSPEL which you heard." [Colossians 1. 23] ALMIGHTY GOD has given us this test of faith, "Now by this we know that we know HIM, if we keep HIS commandments." [1 John 2. 3] 

We definitely have blessed assurance of salvation and a foretaste of glory divine when we have JESUS, the SOVEREIGN LORD OF THE UNIVERSE. HalleluYAH! 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
LORD Y’SHUA, fill us with unwavering faith and give us courage and steadfastness that we may bend the knee to YOU alone! 
The teaching of MESSIAH Y’SHUA is given force by the triumph of HIS cross. In becoming the ultimate casualty of sin – GOD dying for man He exhausted the dynamic of death in whatever form it may take: Death of soul, which sin works; Death of hope, which despair brings; Death of love, which strife produces; Death of understanding, which bigotry accomplishes; Death of comfort, with which pain torments us; Death of body, which is humankind’s final blow. Those operations of the kingdom of hell took the life of the KING of all. If there were ever an ultimate impossibility, it was in a sealed tomb in Jerusalem twenty centuries ago…the victory of Calvary! 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Segregation is for people who are unworthy to enjoy the magnificent splendor of your company. 

THREE BAPTISMS 
"Therefore leaving the elementary principles of CHRIST, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward GOD, of the doctrine of baptismS." [Hebrews 6. 1 - 2] 

There are three baptisms mentioned in HOLY SCRIPTURE and each is vitally important for the believer's growth, for knowledge, and perfection. Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH is our "PERFECT EXAMPLE" of these: 

WATER BAPTISM: The LORD Y’SHUA was baptized by John at the River Jordan. When John saw HIM, his reply was — "I need to be baptized by YOU, and are YOU coming to me? JESUS replied — Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. — Then John allowed HIM." [Matthew 3. 13 - 15] 

Likewise, we who are in MESSIAH are "buried with HIM in baptism, in which you also were raised with HIM through faith in the working of GOD, who raised HIM from the dead." [Colossians 2. 12] 

BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: "Then JESUS, when HE had been baptized, came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to HIM, and HE saw the SPIRIT OF GOD descending like a dove and alighting upon HIM." [Matthew 3. 16] Thus fulfilling Isaiah 11:2— "I have put MY SPIRIT upon HIM." [Isaiah/Yeshayah 42. 1] "JESUS then was led up by the SPIRIT into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." [Matthew 4. 1] 

In like manner, the HOLY SPIRIT in us becomes our STRENGTHENING ENABLER. "You shall be baptized with the HOLY SPIRIT...you shall receive "power" when the HOLY SPIRIT has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to ME." [Acts 1. 5, 8] And, we can be MESSIAH'S witness to all men with a clear conscience, that we have obeyed HIS commands. We are enabled to do so, because...since the baptism of the HOLY SPIRIT. . . we have the ENABLER working in us. 

BAPTISM OF SUFFERING: MESSIAH Y’SHUA was talking with two of HIS disciples about their positions in HIS glory. Y’SHUA replied, "You do not know what you ask. Can you drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" [Mark 10. 38] The LORD Y’SHUA had previously been talking about HIS coming crucifixion. {MESSIAH’S Baptism of Suffering; see Mark 10. 32 – 44} The LORD JESUS assured them, "you will indeed drink MY cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with." [Matthew 20. 23] Then Y’SHUA warns of the costs of discipleship, "I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!" [Luke 12. 49 - 50] Also, HE cautioned them, "you will indeed drink the cup (of suffering) that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized.!" [Mark 10. 39] "There will not be peace on earth, but division." [Luke 12. 51] "Brother will deliver up brother to death, a father his child; children rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. A man's foes will be those of his own household." [Matthew 10. 21, 36] These are only a few examples of the believer's baptism of fire. 

"Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, fear HIM, WHO is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." [Matthew 10. 28] Be Wise! — understand what the will of the LORD is — "Only to do justice, and to love mercy, to walk humbly with and serve the LORD your GOD." [Micah (Michah) 6. 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im] It will be worth it all when we see CHRIST, the KING WHO served to save. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
As we bid farewell to Shabbat, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, bless you abundantly. Our prayers, be’esrat ha’Shem — with the help of GOD — is that ALMIGHTY LORD GOD will cause the whole House of Israel, and the whole House of Judah to cling to HIM that they may become a people of GOD, for praise and for glory that all should fear and tremble at HIS PRESENCE and know that HE alone is the LOVING SOVEREIGN GOD. Open your mouth in holiness and purity, with song and psalm, and bless and praise, glorify and revere, sanctify and ascribe sovereignty to the NAME of the DIVINE KING, the GREAT, MIGHTY & AWESOME ONE...holy is HE. 
May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present throughout the week, We have an AWESOME GOD and HE is on the Throne ruling over the affairs of men; HE is worthy of all our praises and worship — go forth throughout your week with such a spirit; and have a blessed and joyous CHRIST-filled day! 
L'Chayim ["To Life"] 
Rabbi Del 'n Rifkah 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com 

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
A person who aims at nothing has a target he cannot miss. 

BLOOMING RODS 
"The WORD OF THE LORD came to me — What do you see, Jeremiah? I replied — I see a branch of an almond tree (Hebrew: shaqed). The LORD said to me: You have seen right, for I am watchful (Hebrew shoqed — also means to hasten) to bring MY WORD to pass." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 1. 11 - 12 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Ezekiel saw a branch of an almond tree budding, this was a sign that the RIGHTEOUS LORD GOD was ready to judge Israel for her idolatrous ways. The ETERNAL ONE told Ezekiel, "The iniquity of the House of Israel and Judah is exceedingly very great, the land is full of crime and bloodshed, the city full of corruption and perversity. For they say — The LORD has forsaken the land, and the LORD does not see! — I, in turn, will show no pity or compassion; I will give them their requital for their deeds." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 9. 9 - 10 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

"Thus says the LORD GOD — Disaster after disaster is coming! Here is the day! See, the cycle has come round; it has appeared. The rod has blossomed; arrogance has budded, lawlessness has grown into a rod of wickedness. Nothing comes of them, nor of their abundance, nor of their wealth; nor is there preeminence among them. The time has come, the day draws near.." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 7. 5, 10 - 12 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

The "blossomed rod" was the sign showing the arrogant pride of the people who had thought they were well set and nothing could touch or harm them. Although the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL had given plenty of warnings regarding the downfall of Jerusalem and Judah, and now the day has come . . . destruction and wrath on the whole multitude of people and the hand of the LORD OF HOSTS is doing the striking. 

"The end is near, doom is coming! The hour of doom is coming! It stirs against you; there it comes! Doom has gone out; the rod has blossomed, pride has budded. There is panic on the mountains, not joy. Very soon I will pour out My wrath upon you and spend MY anger on you; I will judge you according to your ways, and I will requite you for all your abominations. I will show you no pity and no compassion; but I will requite you for your ways, and for the abominations in your midst. And you shall know it was I the LORD WHO punished." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 7. 6 - 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Previously the children of Israel had quarreled in regards to the ways and will of the LORD GOD, and he had a man of each tribe present his rod so the SOVEREIGN LOVING CREATOR could show HIS choice of men by causing the rod of that man too blossom. "Moses deposited the twelve staffs before the LORD in the Tent of Witness; and the staff of Aaron was among them. The next day that Moses entered the Tent of Witness, and there the staff of Aaron of the house of Levi had sprouted: it brought forth buds, produced blossoms, and yielded ripe almonds...The LORD said to Moses — Put Aaron's staff back before the TESTIMONY OF WITNESS, to be kept as a sign to rebels, so that their murmurings against ME may cease, lest they die." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 17. 6 -8, 10 Tanakh, Torah] 

There will be another blossoming and budding on a grander scale that all who remain faithful to EMINENT & EXALTED LORD will see with their own eyes and experience in abundance: "In days to come Jacob shall strike root; Israel shall blossom and bud and the face of the world shall be covered with fruit. The arid desert shall be glad, the wilderness and the wasteland shall rejoice and shall blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, it shall also exult and shout." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 27. 6; 35. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

Will you be among those who walk humbly with the LORD in service for the WORD OF GOD and the TESTIMONY OF Y’SHUA striving to build the Kingdom who will hear the words, "Come you blessed of MY FATHER, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, because...in as much as you did it to one of the least of these MY brethren, you did it to ME." [Matthew 25. 1 - 40] 

Or will you be among those who in rebellion and pride strive to exalt yourself like Korah (who challenged Moses & Aaron's authority, Numbers/B'Midvar 16) who will hear the words, "Depart from ME you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels, because...in as much as you did it not unto one of the least of these, you did it not unto ME." [Matthew 25. 41 - 46] Beyond doubt, and the time is soon-coming, when all shall see the glory of the LORD, the excellency of YEHOWAH. Are you ready? 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
O FATHER in Heaven, YOU are our GUIDE even unto death. Grant us, I pray grace to follow YOU wherever YOU go. In little daily duties to which YOU call us, bow down our wills to simple obedience, patience under pain or frustration, strict truthfulness of word and manner, humility, kindness; in great acts of duty or perfection, if YOU should call us to them, uplift us to self-sacrifice, heroic courage, laying down our life for the sake of YOUR Truth for our family, our children, our friends, or for our brother. Amen. 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com 


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Egotism is nothing more than the antiseptic that dulls the pain of stupidity. 

LET THEM ALONE 
"Then the Lord said to me — Do not pray for the benefit of this people. When they fast, I will not hear their outcry; and when they present burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. But I will consume them by war, by famine, by disease, and by pestilence." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 14. 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im; also see 7. 16; 11. 14] 

These are the words YEHOWAH spoke to Jeremiah regarding Judah (the Southern Kingdom of Israel) because of their wickedness in breaking HIS covenant with them, HE intended to cast them out as HE had done to Ephraim (the Northern Kingdom of Israel) who had joined themselves with idols. Therefore, they were to let him alone. [see Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 7. 12 – 15 & Hosea/Hoshea 4. 17] 

Ephraim led the ten-tribe nation of Israel just before the ALMIGHTY sent them into Assyrian captivity. By way of the Prophet Hosea, the SOVEREIGN ONE told Judah to "let them alone" — they were hopelessly given over to a reprobate mind-set worshipping and joined to pagan idols; more accurately they were under the spell of them and their cursed enchantment. 

Those who join themselves to idols or speak evil against the HOLY ONE today should also be let go. A time will come in spite of the long-sufferings of the MERCIFUL MASTER, when further witnessing and warning becomes useless, even harmful; or when continued interaction merely invites contamination with ungodliness. In such cases, we simply must walk away leaving such people alone. 

The LORD MESSIAH used severe language in reference to the deceitful Pharisees of HIS OWN days: "Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch." [Matthew 15. 14] The ANOINTED ONE, in HIS HIGH PRIESTLY PRAYER to HIS HEAVENLY FATHER conveyed, "I pray for them. I do not pray for the world but for those whom YOU have given ME, for they are YOURS." [John 17. 9] When the Pharisees and Sadducees came to CHRIST to test HIM, HE called them, “Hypocrites! And a wicked and adulterous generation." Then HE left them and departed. [Matthew 16. 1 - 4] 

Similar warning from Paul who emphatically stated of those who come, "having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!" [2 Timothy 3. 5] Being the perfect example, the Apostle Paul also warned us to "shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness." [2 Timothy 2. 16] That has never gotten anyone anywhere. This speaks of the empty philosophizing, beliefs, attitudes, and viewpoints of those who reject GOD, the PRECIOUS CREATOR, and it will just increase unto more ungodly actions. Therefore, "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." [Ephesians 5. 11 - 12] 

"If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and HE will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. THERE IS SIN LEADING TO DEATH. I do not say that he should pray about that. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death." [1 John 5. 16 - 17] And according to Hebrews, not all things are purified with blood, for it reads: "According to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission." [Hebrews 9. 22] 

The majority of these warnings, if not all, apply to people who once knew and understood the truth of GOD and HIS WORD and may have even professed to accepting it for a time, and then knowingly rejected the ONLY SOURCE OF LIFE. When such men oppose our testimony, the RIGHTEOUS ONE says to let them alone, trust HIM to contend with them for HE knows their hearts, minds and thoughts. Since we do not, pray for them to come to their senses while there is an opportunity…but let them alone so we are not casting our pearls before swine. 

Because, "Righteousness exalts a nation, sin is a reproach to any people." [Proverbs (Mishle) 14. 34 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Any nation led by righteous leaders will produce a quiet and peaceable life in morality and honesty, by establishing an ethical environment in which men can be saved and come unto the knowledge of the Truth. We must pray for DIVINE guidance for our leaders and express our concerns to them and our fellow-man. After our admonitions (warnings) are rejected we must let them alone. [Vote them out of office when such action applies and is possible.] 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Exalted and hallowed be GOD'S greatness in this world of YOUR creation.. May YOUR will be fulfilled and YOUR sovereignty revealed in the days of our lifetime and the life of the whole House of Israel, Amen. May YOU, MOST HOLY ONE, be blessed, praised & honoured, extolled & glorified, adored & exalted above all else throughout eternity. Blessed are YOU beyond all blessings & hymns, praises & consolations that may be uttered in this world, Amen. 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com 


A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
In spirituality, the searching is the finding and the pursuit is the achievement. It is important for us to strive to accomplish our goals and move towards our destination; but what really matters is who we become as we search and what we learn as we pursue our dreams by knowing who we are in the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA. 

TESTING FOR FALSE PROPHETS 
"You shall walk after the LORD your GOD and revere none but HIM; keep HIS commandments alone, obey HIS VOICE; you shall worship none but HIM, and hold fast to HIM." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 13. 4 Tanakh, Torah] 

This verse may seem out of place for the topic of the text is dealing with false prophets and is instructing the people of Israel in ways to detect one who would lead them into false worship. The penalty for the false prophet or dreamer of dreams was death, "you shall stone him to death, because he sought to entice you away from the LORD your GOD, WHO brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage." [v. 10] The purpose was for both purification and as an example, for "all Israel shall hear and be afraid, and such evil and wicked things will not be done among you." [v. 11] 

The primary test of a prophet was not his ability to perform signs and wonders, but to test the heart and soul of the ones hearing the prophecy. "If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder COMES TO PASS, of which he spoke to you, saying, 'Let us follow and worship other gods' — which you have not known — 'and let us serve them,' you shall not heed the words of that prophet or that dream-diviner; for the LORD your GOD is testing you to know whether you really love the LORD your GOD with all your heart and with all your soul." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 13. 1 - 3 Tanakh, Torah] 

The test was for a total, life-long accuracy to be applied. "And if you say in your heart, 'How can we know the word was not spoken by the LORD?' — if the prophet speaks in the NAME OF THE LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken; that prophet has spoken it presumptuously; do not be afraid of him...But any prophet who presumes to speak a word in MY NAME that I did not commanded him to utter, or who speaks in the name of other gods — that prophet shall die." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 18. 21 – 22, 20 Tanakh, Torah] The LORD OF HOSTS warned, "I did not send those prophets, but they rushed in; I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. If they had stood in MY counsel, and had caused MY people to hear MY words, then they would have turned them from their evil way and from their wicked acts." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 23. 21 – 22 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

A more direct test lay in the absolute harmony of the prophet’s message and deeds with the revealed WORD OF GOD, and the wholehearted commitment to the HOLY ONE HIMSELF. "So if a prophet prophesies peace, when the word of the prophet comes to pass, the prophet will be known as one whom the LORD truly has sent." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 28. 9 Tanakh, Nevi’im] 

An inward attitude will always be expressed: to walk after — to fear — to keep the commandments — to obey all the words of the covenant — and to hold fast to the ALL-KNOWING MASTER with all our hearts and souls for an ever deepening relationship with HIM. To do less is to fail the test used to discern false prophets, deserving at the least HIS displeasure; at the most, HIS wrath. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
We offer YOU, our ETERNAL GOD, thanks and praise as we glorify YOUR NAME. Happy are we who praise YOU and declare YOUR holiness early and late, morning and evening — Hear, O Israel! the LORD our GOD, the LORD is ONE. Blessed be HIS NAME, WHOSE glorious Kingdom is for ever and ever. 

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Even when we cannot forget, remember to forgive. We are to pursue justice and to love mercy. . . then you will understand why mercy is greater justice. 

IT WAS A CROSS 
"The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of GOD." [1 Corinthians 1. 18] 

The LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA died on a cruel cross, not on a torture stake as some suggest or believe. Others hate the cross and the CHRIST of the Cross to the point they even deny HIM and the fact that it ever happened. "They are the enemies of the Cross of CHRIST." [Philippians 3. 18] From the beginning, when the ALMIGHTY ONE began to deal with man, the Cross has been there. 

In the Garden of Eden "the LORD GOD caused to grow every tree that was pleasing to the sight and good for food, with the TREE OF LIFE in the middle of the Garden, and the TREE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD & EVIL." [Genesis (Bereshith) 2. 9 Tanakh, Torah] A tree with its branches grows up from earth into the heavens, and the boughs sprout and grow branching out in various directions — thus, a figure of the cross. 

The HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL gave Moses instructions for the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. The placement of the furniture for this Holy Structure resembled a cross. [Exodus/Shemot 25 - 30] The three doorways in the Tabernacle show the LORD Y’SHUA — WHO is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE.. We approach the fullness of spiritual life only through HIM. 

The GATE (WAY) opened up to the court where were the Alter of Sacrifice and the Laver. The DOOR (TRUTH) entered into the ministering area where was the Golden Lampstand, the Table of Showbread, and the Altar of Incense. The VEIL (LIFE) was the entrance to the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant with its Mercy Seat were. In the arrangement of these pieces of furniture, the CROSS is formed. 

Aaron and his sons preformed the duties of the priests. When they presented an offering before the OMNIPOTENT CREATOR, the breast of the sacrifice was called the Wave Offering which was waved side-to-side; and the thigh of the sacrifice was known as the Heave Offering which is raised-and-lowered before the LORD GOD. [Exodus/Shemot 29. 26 - 27] These movements likewise demonstrate a Cross. 

The CHRISTian's cross is compared to MESSIAH'S Cross in that it is a voluntary, self-sacrifice for the needs of others and "the offense of the Cross has ceased." [Galatians 5. 11] Daily we keep "looking unto JESUS, the AUTHOR and FINISHER of our faith, WHO for the joy that was set before HIM endured the Cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the Throne of GOD." [Hebrews 12. 2] 

Amazingly there is power that comes to us through suffering; and without the cross, we are nothing. Looking back on the beneficial effects of suffering, we should experience deep appreciation for the blessings of being in the hand of the LORD GOD, and be counted worthy. The FAITHFUL GIVER of every good gift distributes crowns for the crosses HE gives us for our profit, designed for each individually. And now the believer can say along with Paul, "I have been crucified with CHRIST; it is no longer I who live, but CHRIST lives in me; and 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] 

Let us diligently guard our doctrine (standards, principles, set of guidelines, concepts) lest we make the Cross of the Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, our LOVING SAVIOR, of no effect by what we consider our "words of wisdom." This was the primary concern of Paul when he said, "for CHRIST did not send me to baptize, but to preach the GOSPEL; not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of cHRIST should be made of no effect." [1 Corinthians 1. 17] The LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH redeemed us when HE stretched out HIS arms on that Rugged Cross, and died in our place. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
We bid farewell to Sabbath in the Havdallah (difference) Service — we use all of our senses: We taste the wine, smell the spices, see the shadows of the candles, hear prayers and songs, and touch family and friends and wish them Tov Shavua — a good week. 
LORD, please draw me to YOU with the breath of love, swiftly shall I come to stand within YOUR radiance that I may attain the sweetness of all intimacies in YOUR PRESENCE. My soul aches to receive YOUR love...only by the tenderness of YOUR PURE LIGHT, MOST HOLY LORD can I be healed...engage my soul in YOUR service that I may taste the ecstasy of YOUR perfect righteousness. 
Be’Ezrat ha’Shem — with the help of GOD — I will be found faithful and worthy, that my soul will be exalted and rejoice greatly. 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Love is a river that must be guarded with the banks of truth and sincerity.. 

WALK IN LOVE 
"I (Paul), therefore, the prisoner of the LORD, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the SPIRIT in the bond of peace" [Ephesians 4. 1 - 3] 

The book of Ephesians uses the lovely term "in love" six various times each filled with encouragement, hope and enrichment. First, we are made aware that the LORD GOD "has chosen us in [MESSIAH Y’SHUA] before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before HIM in love." [Ephesians 1. 4] 

The fact that we are specifically elected (chosen) and positioned in the LORD JESUS CHRIST with HIS accredited holiness is centered in HIS love. This means that our spiritual lives are "rooted and grounded in love" [Ephesians 3. 17], because they are firmly established in HIM WHO is INCARNATE LOVE. 

This amazing love for us from the GIVER OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which illuminates and energizes us, must then display itself through our lives. . . we must love in lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering, and bear with one another no matter the personal frustration or disappointment it may cause. 

In witnessing and teaching, we must always be careful to speak the truth only, but even that is not enough. We must do so primarily "speaking the truth in love" — that the whole body of Y’SHUA "may grow up in all things into HIM WHO is the head — CHRIST...being built together for a habitation of GOD in the SPIRIT." [Ephesians 4.. 15 w/1. 22] Consistently practiced by all members of that great spiritual body doing their share, "causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." [Ephesians 4. 16] 

For the final intricately elaborate love statement: "Therefore be imitators of GOD as dear children. And walk in love, as MESSIAH also has loved us and given HIMSELF for us, an offering and a sacrifice to GOD for a sweet-smelling aroma." [Ephesians 5. 1 - 2] 

The LORD has chosen us in love, rooted and grounded us in love, and now we should be patient (refrain yourself) with each other, as needed, and build each other up in love, speaking the truth in love, and walking daily in HIS wondrous love. In all things love others as we love the MASTER. Love above all things, it is the bond of perfection. 


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Come our dear friends as we welcome Sabbath, our prayer is that the HOLY ONE, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, bless you abundantly. 
Sabbath of Pinchas – “Phinehas” [Reading: Numbers 25:10 – 29:40; Jeremiah 1:1 – 2:3; John 2:13-22] 
O GOD in Heaven, grant that our worship this Sabbath be acceptable to YOU. Sanctify us through YOUR commandments that we may share in the blessings of YOUR WORD . Teach us to be satisfied with the gifts of YOUR goodness and rejoice gratefully in all YOUR mercies. Purify our hearts that we may serve YOUR in truth. Please help us to preserve the Sabbath as our heritage from generation to generation, that it may always bring rest and joy, peace and comfort to the dwellings of our families and friends, and through it YOUR NAME be hallowed in all the earth. Praised are YOU, O LORD, WHO sanctifies Sabbath. Amen 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com 


 A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
You don’t need a pulpit to preach the GOSPEL; your everyday actions are a sermon on their own. Preach accurately! 

LAW OF MOSES      
"Then HE said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses (Torah) and the Prophets (Nevi’im) and the Psalms (Kethuvim) concerning ME."  And HE opened their understanding, that they might understand the SCRIPTURES." [Luke 24. 44 - 45] 

MESSIAH Y’SHUA, on the day of resurrection, had given a wonderful session of SCRIPTURE teaching to two of HIS followers on the Road to Emmaus (perhaps Cleopas and his wife, Miryam [Mary] who had been at the cross, see John 9:25).  "Beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, HE expounded to them in all the SCRIPTURES the things concerning HIMSELF." [Luke 24. 27] Later that same evening, RISEN LORD appeared to the eleven apostles and the other disciples, in the upper room, and gave a similar report to all of them that HE had to the couple on the road. 

We learn so much from our MASTER TEACHER concerning how we should also teach the complete WRITTEN WORD; for it was through "the SPIRIT OF CHRIST" [1 Peter 1. 11], WHO in actuality wrote the HOLY TEXT.  The whole BIBLE speaks of MESSIAH in prophecy, in type, and in other ways.  MESSIAH Y’SHUA began with the writings of Moses, meaning first of all the account of creation and ancient history which is the foundation of all the rest. 

It is quite evident that LORD Y’SHUA regarded "all SCRIPTURE" to be of DIVINE authority which "must be fulfilled" either at HIS first coming or HIS Second Coming.  HE believed in the perfect and absolutely infinite inspiration of THE LIVING WORD OF GOD, as well as the miracle of fulfilled prophecy. Even the writings of Paul, it is stated, "If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the LORD." [1 Corinthians 14. 37] 

Even in the case of these closest followers, it was essential that the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD "open their understanding" if they were really to "understand SCRIPTURES."   All who hope to teach the WORD OF TRUTH today should teach as the ALL-WISE MASTER HIMSELF taught, for MESSIAH is our GREAT TEACHER. 

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel!  
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
 YOURS, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in the earth belongs to YOU; YOURS is the kingdom, O LORD, and YOU are exalted as head above all.  May our lips ever declare praises to YOU, LORD Y’SHUA our KING, HELPER, SAVIOR & SHIELD for YOUR loving kindness is mighty over us. 
Our prayer for each of you is for mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance from our WONDERFUL REDEEMER.  
Observing July 4th and our absolute dependence on the LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH! 

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

Web Page:  www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . . 
Pride is the reservoir of sin. Wicked depravity results in permissiveness (tolerance) when righteousness is disregarded; permissiveness leads to rationalization (validation) when holiness is ignored; and rationalization encourages rebellion (repulsive insurrection, defiance) when repentance is ignored. 

WICKED IMAGINATIONS 
"Once you thought in your heart — I will climb to the sky; higher than the stars of GOD I will set my throne. I will sit in the mount of assembly, on the farthest sides of the north on the summit of Zaphon — I will be like the MOST HIGH." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 14. 13 - 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

These are four of the I wills of Lucifer (Satan) as this wicked one aspired to usurp the throne of the MOST HIGH GOD as ruler of the universe. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 14. 12 - 15; Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 28. 11 - 17] Lucifer was not content to be "the anointed cherub" the highest of the archangels, he wanted to be GOD. . . and this horrendous, hideously monstrous pride became "the condemnation of the devil" [1 Timothy 3. 6], so that he is now "fallen from heaven" and will soon be "brought down to Sheol, to the bottom of the Pit." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 14. 12 - 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im] 

The Old Dragon, Satan the Devil, certainly is not the Omnipotent GREAT Creator, he was a created creature. "You (the king of Tyre— Lucifer) were blameless in your ways from the day you were created until wickedness and wrongdoing was found in you." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 28. 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The Devil is a brutal Thief and a vicious Liar and, at best, can only counterfeit. Therefore, for him to rationalize his ambition to be like the MOST HOLY ONE, he must somehow convince himself that he is like GOD ALMIGHTY — that is to say, that ETERNAL LORD OF HOSTS was a created being like himself, and thus can be defeated. How arrogant! 

Instead of giving the glory and honor to the COMPASSIONATE MIGHTY CREATOR, many men and women today view the EVER-LIVING ONE as one of many and even think they will become gods with their own planets to control, or believe that they are little gods already. Even the Devil didn't go that far, he only desired to be like ALMIGHTY GOD. 

Lucifer, that evil beast, was the first deceiving evolutionist and this great lie by which he deceived himself became the basis of all other lies which are found in various religions and philosophies in modern new-age cults. However, the ANCIENT OF DAYS is still on HIS Throne and "the LAMB will overcome; for HE is LORD of lords, and KING of kings." [Revelation 17. 14] HalleluYAH!!! May we know and serve the LORD OF GLORY as HE alone is worthy of all praise and adoration. 


Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of JerUSAlem and all of Israel! 
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles! 
Blessed be the name of the LORD GOD for ever and ever for wisdom and might are HIS. We ask YOU, MOST HOLY SAVIOR, to quicken our understanding in the fear of the LORD, and we praise YOU for being our SOURCE of overflowing joy! 

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com