Delrifkah: HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY.

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Beloved are sufferings, as they are a sign of GOD’S mercy. [TALMUD]

TENDER MERCIES & LOVINGKINDNESS
"O LORD, be mindful of YOUR tender mercies and YOUR lovingkindnesses, they are as old as time." [Psalms (Tehillym) 25. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The Hebrew word translated "lovingkindness" is chesed — it connotes faithful, unfailing, absolutely steadfast love. In the OLD COVENANT — communion, deliverance, enablement, enlightenment, guidance, forgiveness, hope, praise, and preservation are all based on GOD’S chesed.

These eloquently descriptive words, "tender mercies" and "lovingkindness" in the acrostic Psalms are so very picturesque of our BELOVED. No matter how obsolete or outdated the language, the attributes they represent come from "times of old" — yet they are comforting for us today. They emphatically reflect the characteristics, the distinctiveness of our wonderful LORD GOD

These are some of the richly magnificent SCRIPTURAL testimonies associated with those precious, though archaic, terms that were unfortunately dropped from most newer translations of the BIBLE — to our disadvantage for it has impoverished our speech and perhaps even our souls.

This theme occurs a number of times in HOLY SCRIPTURE: "Do not withhold YOUR tender mercies from me, O LORD; let YOUR lovingkindness and YOUR TRUTH continually preserve me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 40. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Have mercy upon me, O ELOHIYM, as befits YOUR lovingkindness; according to the abundance of YOUR tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly of my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." [Psalms (Tehillym) 51. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Hear me, O LORD, for YOUR lovingkindness is great; in accordance with YOUR abundant and tender mercies turn to me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 69. 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "It is HE (the LORD) WHO redeems your life from the Pit, surrounds you with lovingkindness and tender mercies. HE satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." [Psalms (Tehillym) 103. 4 - 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

All the occurrences of these two expressions, either separate or together, are applied only to the LORD GOD OF HEAVEN except one found in the Proverbs ("the tender mercies of the wicked is cruelty." Proverbs/Tehillym 12. 10-b). When the term applies to men, other terminology is used (compassion, kindness, forgiveness, gentleness, etc.). How appropriate, for our AWESOME & GRACIOUS HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL is uniquely the GOD of love and mercy. Although it is true that none of us deserve HIS lovingkindness or tender mercy — "The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in mercy. The LORD is good to all, and HIS tender mercies are over all HIS works. All YOUR works shall praise YOU, O LORD, and YOUR faithful ones shall bless YOU." [Psalms (Tehillym) 145. 8 - 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim] — How can we help but praise and adore HIM.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
May your life be a witness and beneficiary of GOD MOST HIGH'S care, love and presence. HIS grace is greater then all our needs!
O GOD, do not keep silent; do not hold aloof; do not be quiet, O EL! For YOUR enemies rage, Your foes assert themselves, they plot craftily against YOUR people, take counsel against YOUR treasured ones. They say, “Let us wipe them out as a nation; Israel’s name will be mentioned no more.” Deal with them, O my GOD, make them like thistledown, like chaff driven by the wind, as a fire burns a forest, as flames scorch the hills, pursue them with YOUR tempest, terrify them with YOUR storm. Cover their faces with shame so that they seek YOUR NAME, O YEHOWAH. May they be frustrated and terrified, disgraced and doomed forever. May they know that YOUR NAME, YOURS alone is YEHOWAH, the MOST HIGH over all the earth. [see Psalms/Tehillym 83]

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 at first you don't succeed, re-define success.

CUSTOMS — THE SYNAGOGUE
The origin of the Jewish Synagogue is probably to be assigned to the time of the Babylonian exile. Having no Temple, the Jews assembled on the Sabbath to hear the Law read, and the practice continued in various buildings after the return. "They (the enemies of GOD) resolved, 'Let us destroy them altogether!' They burned all GOD'S Tabernacles in the land." [Psalms (Tehillym) 74. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Synagogue is a Greek word for "an assembly (gathering together for religious purposes)" and was coined about the middle of the third century BC in Alexandria, where the Jews first came in contact with Grecian culture and adopted Greek as their daily speech. As the term implies, the Synagogue is the House of Worship for the Jews and is considered the means for the preservation of the Jewish religion. Stress is placed upon the congregation to respect the synagogue and therefore, laughing and loud talking is forbidden within its walls.

GOD OMNIPOTENT calls HIS House (Synagogue, Shul, Temple, Church, Assembly) "THE HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS." It is the meeting place for believers whom ALMIGHTY GOD seeks to worship HIM in spirit and in truth. The assembly of the righteous gather together not only to meet with the MOST HIGH, but to encourage one another in the LORD and to preserve their faith in HIM. They are exhorted to gather together "even more so" as they see the day approaching when the "church age" will end because of the return of the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA.

Maimonides, a famous Jewish Rabbi, wrote of the synagogue: "In every place where there are ten Jews it is incumbent upon them to establish an institution where men may enter to pray on every occasion for prayer — and such an institution is called "Beit Ha'Kneseth." And the Jews in the community compel one another to build for themselves a Synagogue and to acquire a TORAH. And when a Synagogue is built it should be built on a high place in the city — and it should be taller than all the buildings in the community." [Maimonides]

The majority of Jewish Synagogues are built in such a position that when the people of the congregation stand to pray before the platform where the "Aaron ha'Kodesh (Holy Ark)" — they are praying toward the City of Jerusalem. This opportunity for the worshipers is given because of the SCRIPTURAL injunction, "...pray to You in the direction of their land which YOU gave to their fathers, the City which YOU have chosen." [1 Kings (Melakhim Alef) 8. 48 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

There is a total absence of all images, portraits and statues in the Jewish House of Worship honoring the second commandment, "You shall have no other gods besides ME. You shall not make for yourself a sculptured image, or any likeness of what is in the heavens above, or on the earth below, or in the waters under the earth." [Exodus (Shemot) 20. 3 - 4 Tanakh, Torah]

This commandment is so ingrained in the heart of some Jews that even to him who receives his MESSIAH, there is still an aversion, not only in the church, but also in the home and other places, to portraits, etc., which attempt to show a likeness to the LORD GOD! However, inscribed on the walls, are some SCRIPTURAL passages glorifying ALMIGHTY GOD and HIS House in one way or another to keep the interior from being too plain. In some instances the decorations are costly.

Services in the Jewish House of Worship are conducted twice daily — in the morning a little after sunrise, and in the evening shortly before sunset. On Sabbath and holidays, services are conducted on the eve of the day, the morning, the afternoon, and the evening. In some synagogues, we find no musical instruments. This is to preserve the thought of mourning for the destruction of the Temple.

In Orthodox (means: thinking straight or devout) Synagogues, the hands are washed before entering and for this purpose a pitcher of water is placed in the anteroom which corresponds to the laver before the Tabernacle and Temple of old. Burial from the Synagogue in most localities, is forbidden because of the defilement of the holy place by the corpse.

While in the Synagogue, worshipers keep their heads covered (a practice observed also by many persons when reading any and every HEBREW TEXT), because literature written in the so-called "holy tongue" is considered especially sacred and its study is regarded a religious act. Some Jews consider it a sacrilege to go at any time with their head uncovered, as the high priest wore a head covering when officiating in the Sanctuary, so should every Jew when praying.

During religious services or functions, Jewish men wear what is called Yarmulkuh. The word Yarmulkuh (skull cap) is derived from the Slavic-Tartarian language. It is made in the shape of a Kipah — the dome of heaven.

Another word for this covering is the German kappel or small cap. A Jew, who follows religious tradition covers his head at all times, even when sleeping! Moses Maimonides wrote that "great men among our sages would not uncover their heads because they believed that GOD'S glory was around and over them." A devout Jew will not pronounce GOD'S REVEALED NAME, recite the Sh'ma, or read from the BOOK OF THE LAW without this or a similar covering. [also called a Mitre (bonnet) in Exodus/Shemot 28. 39 & Leviticus/Vayikra 16. 4]

Jewish Orthodox women always wore (and still do) a head covering (called the Shmata – which shows they are bold and proud to be a Jew) in the synagogue. It was the custom among them to shave their hair off their heads so that it would not be seen by man and to substitute a wig or false hair called sheital or peruk. According to the TALMUD — "A woman's hair is considered nudity" — therefore a woman's hair should be covered. According to an ancient Jewish belief, evil spirits gained power over a woman who went with her head bare!

The Jewish law states that although the head is to be kept covered, the hands are to be kept uncovered; therefore gloves must be removed during devotion. This custom is based on the synonymous use of praying with the BIBLICAL phrase: "spreading forth the hands."

The TALMUD states that the priests in ancient times, elevated their hands up to the shoulders in the giving of the benediction. When they were in the Temple they raised their hands up to the forehead. This position, they felt, was in order to follow the expression "the lifting up of the hands." In his writings the Apostle Paul spoke of the worshipers as "men pray everywhere lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." [1 Timothy 2. 8] According to the present practice of the Rabbis, the fingers of the two hands are so joined together and separated as to form five interstices (openings close to another).

Rabbis today, with their hands in the foregoing described position, pronounce the priestly prayer, "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make HIS face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up HIS countenance upon you, and give you peace." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 6. 24 - 26 Tanakh, Torah] This benediction is never used to dismiss the congregation!

Also called the "Aaronic Benediction" — so called because Aaron was the first man whom the ALMIGHTY commissioned to use it. In form, it is symmetrical as a cut diamond. Three times "The LORD" appears, and three times the word "and" serves as a silver link between two golden lines. Each line brings in a new thought. It was spoken to the "children of Israel" yet it is meant for the congregation. But the congregation consists of individuals, hence ultimately it is meant for each individual member thereof. The Benediction is a GOD-inspired poem, full of grace and truth. It is a miniature symphony whose opening movement breathes DIVINE goodness, whose design is the grace of GOD, and whole culmination is peace. It is really an intercessory prayer, dictated by the ETERNAL MIGHTY ONE HIMSELF. Its words are like many angels sent forth from the THRONE OF GOD to guard and guide worshippers on their way.

In synagogues, suspended immediately in front of the Aaron ha'Kodesh (Holy Ark) is the perpetual lamp. It is constantly kept burning, as the name indicates. The lamp is made either of gold, silver, copper or burnished brass. This lamp is in obedience to the command of GOD: "You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you pure oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps to burn continually. Aaron and his sons shall set them up in the Tabernacle of Meeting, outside the veil which is over the Ark of Testimony, to burn from evening to morning before the LORD. It shall be a due from the children of Israel throughout the ages." [Exodus (Shemot) 27. 20 - 21 Tanakh, Torah]

An orthodox congregation separates the women from the men in their worship. The women meet in the court for women and the men in the court for men. This dates back to the times of the Temple when the women were not permitted to enter the premises of the sanctuary for fear of distracting the men in their devotions.

Isn’t it wonderful how the LORD Y’SHUA enlightens us with HIS WORD that elevates women to a honored and distinguished position worthy of praise and nobility; a valued creature to be cherished and protected!

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Joyously Welcoming Sabbath! [Sabbath of Lech Lecha “Go Out” – Reading: Genesis 12:1-17:27; Isaiah 40:27-41:16; John 8:51-58] Praised are YOU, LORD our GOD, SOVEREIGN of the Universe, WHO makes us holy with YOUR mitzvoth and favors us with the Holy Shabbat, lovingly and graciously given to us. Assuredly, HE WHO keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps! HalleluYAH!
May we return to the LORD GOD with all our hearts, mind and souls — seeking HIM while HE may be found and calling upon HIS HOLY NAME.

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

Email: delrifkah@gmail.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Learn from the mistakes of others. . . you won't live long enough to make them all yourself.

BE STRONG
"Let not this BOOK OF TEACHING cease from your lips, but meditate and recite it day and night, so that you may observe faithfully all that is written in it. Only then you will prosper in your undertakings and only then will you be successful." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 1. 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im]


Joshua received direct commands from the ALMIGHTY LORD GOD — "Moses MY servant is dead. Prepare to cross the Jordan, together with all this people, into the land that I am giving to the Israelites. Every spot on which your foot treads I give to you, as I promised Moses." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 1. 2 - 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im]


Joshua's tasks would be impossible without the guidance of THE MASTER COMFORTER, the SPIRIT OF GOD. Thus, the OMNIPOTENT ONE spoke words of bold encouragement to him, "BE STRONG AND OF GOOD COURAGE, for you shall apportion to this people the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. But you must be strong and very courageous to observe faithfully all the TEACHING that MY servant Moses enjoined upon you. Do not deviate from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. I charge you — Be strong and of good courage; do not be terrified or dismayed, for the LORD your GOD is with you wherever you go." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 1. 6 - 7, 9 Tanakh, Nevi'im]


The LORD GOD ETERNAL encouraged Joshua further in saying to "not be afraid, nor be dismayed" and to "observe to do all the Law." Complete obedience to the Law of GOD is imperative (required, crucial, essential, must)! One must obey for a prosperous result. The Apostle Paul understood this also and encouraged his brethren — "BE STRONG in the LORD and in the power of HIS might. Put on the whole armor of GOD, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." [Ephesians 6. 10 - 11] "In all things we commend ourselves as ministers of GOD: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the HOLY SPIRIT, by sincere love, by the WORD OF TRUTH, by the power of GOD, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left." [2 Corinthians 6. 4 - 7]

The steadfast PERSONAL PRESENCE of the KING OF GLORY is the greatest of all riches and HE promised, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." [Hebrews 13. 5] How very rich we are and greatly blessed with all the spiritual blessings in heavenly places in MESSIAH Y’SHUA! May the LORD your GOD be ever with you!


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
As we bid farewell to Sabbath, our prayer is that GOD, WHO'S PRESENCE dwells within us, bless you abundantly and guard you, our dear ones in the coming week. May some of the sweetness of Sabbath be present throughout each day so they are filled with love and unselfishness — that happiness and contentment may abide in our homes. May the hallowed inspirations of this day give us strength to do YOUR perfect will, O GOD, with a steadfast, submissive and loving spirit and with a heart of wisdom. Amen
We are praying for you and desire that yours is a Tov Shavua — A Good Week! The grace of our LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH be with you always.


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 at first you don't succeed, re-define success.

CUSTOMS — THE SYNAGOGUE
The origin of the Jewish Synagogue is probably to be assigned to the time of the Babylonian exile. Having no Temple, the Jews assembled on the Sabbath to hear the Law read, and the practice continued in various buildings after the return. "They (the enemies of GOD) resolved, 'Let us destroy them altogether!' They burned all GOD'S Tabernacles in the land." [Psalms (Tehillym) 74. 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Synagogue is a Greek word for "an assembly (gathering together for religious purposes)" and was coined about the middle of the third century BC in Alexandria, where the Jews first came in contact with Grecian culture and adopted Greek as their daily speech. As the term implies, the Synagogue is the House of Worship for the Jews and is considered the means for the preservation of the Jewish religion. Stress is placed upon the congregation to respect the synagogue and therefore, laughing and loud talking is forbidden within its walls.

GOD OMNIPOTENT calls HIS House (Synagogue, Shul, Temple, Church, Assembly) "THE HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONS." It is the meeting place for believers whom ALMIGHTY GOD seeks to worship HIM in spirit and in truth. The assembly of the righteous gather together not only to meet with the MOST HIGH, but to encourage one another in the LORD and to preserve their faith in HIM. They are exhorted to gather together "even more so" as they see the day approaching when the "church age" will end because of the return of the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA.

Maimonides, a famous Jewish Rabbi, wrote of the synagogue: "In every place where there are ten Jews it is incumbent upon them to establish an institution where men may enter to pray on every occasion for prayer — and such an institution is called "Beit Ha'Kneseth." And the Jews in the community compel one another to build for themselves a Synagogue and to acquire a TORAH. And when a Synagogue is built it should be built on a high place in the city — and it should be taller than all the buildings in the community." [Maimonides]

The majority of Jewish Synagogues are built in such a position that when the people of the congregation stand to pray before the platform where the "Aaron ha'Kodesh (Holy Ark)" — they are praying toward the City of Jerusalem. This opportunity for the worshipers is given because of the SCRIPTURAL injunction, "...pray to You in the direction of their land which YOU gave to their fathers, the City which YOU have chosen." [1 Kings (Melakhim Alef) 8. 48 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

There is a total absence of all images, portraits and statues in the Jewish House of Worship honoring the second commandment, "You shall have no other gods besides ME. You shall not make for yourself a sculptured image, or any likeness of what is in the heavens above, or on the earth below, or in the waters under the earth." [Exodus (Shemot) 20. 3 - 4 Tanakh, Torah]

This commandment is so ingrained in the heart of some Jews that even to him who receives his MESSIAH, there is still an aversion, not only in the church, but also in the home and other places, to portraits, etc., which attempt to show a likeness to the LORD GOD! However, inscribed on the walls, are some SCRIPTURAL passages glorifying ALMIGHTY GOD and HIS House in one way or another to keep the interior from being too plain. In some instances the decorations are costly.

Services in the Jewish House of Worship are conducted twice daily — in the morning a little after sunrise, and in the evening shortly before sunset. On Sabbath and holidays, services are conducted on the eve of the day, the morning, the afternoon, and the evening. In some synagogues, we find no musical instruments. This is to preserve the thought of mourning for the destruction of the Temple.

In Orthodox (means: thinking straight or devout) Synagogues, the hands are washed before entering and for this purpose a pitcher of water is placed in the anteroom which corresponds to the laver before the Tabernacle and Temple of old. Burial from the Synagogue in most localities, is forbidden because of the defilement of the holy place by the corpse.

While in the Synagogue, worshipers keep their heads covered (a practice observed also by many persons when reading any and every HEBREW TEXT), because literature written in the so-called "holy tongue" is considered especially sacred and its study is regarded a religious act. Some Jews consider it a sacrilege to go at any time with their head uncovered, as the high priest wore a head covering when officiating in the Sanctuary, so should every Jew when praying.

During religious services or functions, Jewish men wear what is called Yarmulkuh. The word Yarmulkuh (skull cap) is derived from the Slavic-Tartarian language. It is made in the shape of a Kipah — the dome of heaven.

Another word for this covering is the German kappel or small cap. A Jew, who follows religious tradition covers his head at all times, even when sleeping! Moses Maimonides wrote that "great men among our sages would not uncover their heads because they believed that GOD'S glory was around and over them." A devout Jew will not pronounce GOD'S REVEALED NAME, recite the Sh'ma, or read from the BOOK OF THE LAW without this or a similar covering. [also called a Mitre (bonnet) in Exodus/Shemot 28. 39 & Leviticus/Vayikra 16. 4]

Jewish Orthodox women always wore (and still do) a head covering (called the Shmata – which shows they are bold and proud to be a Jew) in the synagogue. It was the custom among them to shave their hair off their heads so that it would not be seen by man and to substitute a wig or false hair called sheital or peruk. According to the TALMUD — "A woman's hair is considered nudity" — therefore a woman's hair should be covered. According to an ancient Jewish belief, evil spirits gained power over a woman who went with her head bare!

The Jewish law states that although the head is to be kept covered, the hands are to be kept uncovered; therefore gloves must be removed during devotion. This custom is based on the synonymous use of praying with the BIBLICAL phrase: "spreading forth the hands."

The TALMUD states that the priests in ancient times, elevated their hands up to the shoulders in the giving of the benediction. When they were in the Temple they raised their hands up to the forehead. This position, they felt, was in order to follow the expression "the lifting up of the hands." In his writings the Apostle Paul spoke of the worshipers as "men pray everywhere lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." [1 Timothy 2. 8] According to the present practice of the Rabbis, the fingers of the two hands are so joined together and separated as to form five interstices (openings close to another).

Rabbis today, with their hands in the foregoing described position, pronounce the priestly prayer, "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make HIS face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up HIS countenance upon you, and give you peace." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 6. 24 - 26 Tanakh, Torah] This benediction is never used to dismiss the congregation!

Also called the "Aaronic Benediction" — so called because Aaron was the first man whom the ALMIGHTY commissioned to use it. In form, it is symmetrical as a cut diamond. Three times "The LORD" appears, and three times the word "and" serves as a silver link between two golden lines. Each line brings in a new thought. It was spoken to the "children of Israel" yet it is meant for the congregation. But the congregation consists of individuals, hence ultimately it is meant for each individual member thereof. The Benediction is a GOD-inspired poem, full of grace and truth. It is a miniature symphony whose opening movement breathes DIVINE goodness, whose design is the grace of GOD, and whole culmination is peace. It is really an intercessory prayer, dictated by the ETERNAL MIGHTY ONE HIMSELF. Its words are like many angels sent forth from the THRONE OF GOD to guard and guide worshippers on their way.

In synagogues, suspended immediately in front of the Aaron ha'Kodesh (Holy Ark) is the perpetual lamp. It is constantly kept burning, as the name indicates. The lamp is made either of gold, silver, copper or burnished brass. This lamp is in obedience to the command of GOD: "You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you pure oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps to burn continually. Aaron and his sons shall set them up in the Tabernacle of Meeting, outside the veil which is over the Ark of Testimony, to burn from evening to morning before the LORD. It shall be a due from the children of Israel throughout the ages." [Exodus (Shemot) 27. 20 - 21 Tanakh, Torah]

An orthodox congregation separates the women from the men in their worship. The women meet in the court for women and the men in the court for men. This dates back to the times of the Temple when the women were not permitted to enter the premises of the sanctuary for fear of distracting the men in their devotions.

Isn’t it wonderful how the LORD Y’SHUA enlightens us with HIS WORD that elevates women to a honored and distinguished position worthy of praise and nobility; a valued creature to be cherished and protected!

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Joyously Welcoming Sabbath! [Sabbath of Lech Lecha “Go Out” – Reading: Genesis 12:1-17:27; Isaiah 40:27-41:16; John 8:51-58] Praised are YOU, LORD our GOD, SOVEREIGN of the Universe, WHO makes us holy with YOUR mitzvoth and favors us with the Holy Shabbat, lovingly and graciously given to us. Assuredly, HE WHO keeps Israel neither slumbers or sleeps! HalleluYAH!
May we return to the LORD GOD with all our hearts, mind and souls — seeking HIM while HE may be found and calling upon HIS HOLY NAME.

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Beloved are sufferings, as they are a sign of GOD’S mercy. [TALMUD]

TENDER MERCIES & LOVINGKINDNESS
"O LORD, be mindful of YOUR tender mercies and YOUR lovingkindnesses, they are as old as time." [Psalms (Tehillym) 25. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The Hebrew word translated "lovingkindness" is chesed — it connotes faithful, unfailing, absolutely steadfast love. In the OLD COVENANT — communion, deliverance, enablement, enlightenment, guidance, forgiveness, hope, praise, and preservation are all based on GOD’S chesed.

These eloquently descriptive words, "tender mercies" and "lovingkindness" in the acrostic Psalms are so very picturesque of our BELOVED. No matter how obsolete or outdated the language, the attributes they represent come from "times of old" — yet they are comforting for us today. They emphatically reflect the characteristics, the distinctiveness of our wonderful LORD GOD

These are some of the richly magnificent SCRIPTURAL testimonies associated with those precious, though archaic, terms that were unfortunately dropped from most newer translations of the BIBLE — to our disadvantage for it has impoverished our speech and perhaps even our souls.

This theme occurs a number of times in HOLY SCRIPTURE: "Do not withhold YOUR tender mercies from me, O LORD; let YOUR lovingkindness and YOUR TRUTH continually preserve me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 40. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Have mercy upon me, O ELOHIYM, as befits YOUR lovingkindness; according to the abundance of YOUR tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly of my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin." [Psalms (Tehillym) 51. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "Hear me, O LORD, for YOUR lovingkindness is great; in accordance with YOUR abundant and tender mercies turn to me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 69. 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "It is HE (the LORD) WHO redeems your life from the Pit, surrounds you with lovingkindness and tender mercies. HE satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." [Psalms (Tehillym) 103. 4 - 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

All the occurrences of these two expressions, either separate or together, are applied only to the LORD GOD OF HEAVEN except one found in the Proverbs ("the tender mercies of the wicked is cruelty." Proverbs/Tehillym 12. 10-b). When the term applies to men, other terminology is used (compassion, kindness, forgiveness, gentleness, etc.). How appropriate, for our AWESOME & GRACIOUS HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL is uniquely the GOD of love and mercy. Although it is true that none of us deserve HIS lovingkindness or tender mercy — "The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in mercy. The LORD is good to all, and HIS tender mercies are over all HIS works. All YOUR works shall praise YOU, O LORD, and YOUR faithful ones shall bless YOU." [Psalms (Tehillym) 145. 8 - 10 Tanakh, Kethuvim] — How can we help but praise and adore HIM.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
May your life be a witness and beneficiary of GOD MOST HIGH'S care, love and presence. HIS grace is greater then all our needs!
O GOD, do not keep silent; do not hold aloof; do not be quiet, O EL! For YOUR enemies rage, Your foes assert themselves, they plot craftily against YOUR people, take counsel against YOUR treasured ones. They say, “Let us wipe them out as a nation; Israel’s name will be mentioned no more.” Deal with them, O my GOD, make them like thistledown, like chaff driven by the wind, as a fire burns a forest, as flames scorch the hills, pursue them with YOUR tempest, terrify them with YOUR storm. Cover their faces with shame so that they seek YOUR NAME, O YEHOWAH. May they be frustrated and terrified, disgraced and doomed forever. May they know that YOUR NAME, YOURS alone is YEHOWAH, the MOST HIGH over all the earth. [see Psalms/Tehillym 83]

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. . .
Staying alive is not the same thing as living with a purpose.

READINESS, A COMMAND
"Sanctify the LORD GOD in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Y’SHUA, the PRINCE may be ashamed." [1 Peter 3. 15 - 16]

Peter is urgently advising the pilgrims in the world of the importance of being prepared with answers for the increasingly growing hostility toward the only True Faith in MESSIAH. Opposition to the followers of Y’SHUA requires an ability to defend the faith and conduct. Peter is encouraging believers to be ready to do so in an intelligent and gracious way. [1 Peter 3. 13 - 16] Three times the Apostle Peter reminds us that we will suffer, but it should be for righteousness sake and not as a result of sinful behavior. [1 Peter 3. 17; 2. 20; 4. 15-16]

The Apostle Paul’s testimony was of his confidence that, "HE who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of JESUS CHRIST; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the GOSPEL, you all are partakers with me of grace." [Philippians 1. 6 - 7] Continuing by saying, "knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the GOSPEL" [Philippians 1. 17] stressing the vital importance of defending the GLORIOUS GOSPEL, affirming his determination to defend the GOSPEL, and reminding his fellow CHRISTian brothers that they also are participants in its defense.

These facts are sufficient to show that the GOOD NEWS does need defending by those who embrace it. Defense or apologetics refers to a formal, carefully structured defense, speaking of a careful, scientific presentation of arguments defending the GOSPEL from its enemies.

The SAVING GOSPEL of the LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH encompasses HIS great works of creation, incarnation, atoning death, triumphant resurrection, and soon-coming Kingdom was under attack in Paul’s days, just as it is today. We urgently need to be prepared to give an effective defense wherever and whenever needed.

Several passages in the OLD COVENANT encourage the believer to be standing up for righteousness: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning (best part) of knowledge." [Proverbs (Mishle) 1. 7 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "The heart of the righteous studies (Hebrew: hagah — rehears, ponder, meditate, mourn, mutter) to answer." [Proverbs (Mishle) 15. 28 Tanakh, Kethuvim] "The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD." [Proverbs (Mishle) 16. 1 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The SUPREME ONE does not want idle faith. We can never be close enough, HE wants us to draw nearer and totally trust and believe in HIM. As we do, our faith becomes stronger and our lives take on new purpose. We no longer only read about HIS wondrous deeds in HIS marvelous life and Word, but we experience them in our own as we continue to walk in Him.

Readiness is a command, not an option. CHRIST-like-ones will suffer, but our faith should not waver counting it a privilege to share the knowledge and the suffering of our LORD and helping others to overcome their bitter and disquieted attitude, replacing it with dependency on and confidence in GOD MOST HIGH. When the MESSIAH, Y’SHUA THE CHIEF SHEPHERD & OVERSEER of believers appears, those who know HIM will be glorified. Thus, it behooves us to study diligently and be authentic in our witnessing.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
We thank YOU, O GOD, for YOUR providence which keeps the spirit of truth, justice and peace alive in the hearts of men. We pray for YOU to instill us with holy zeal to work in the cause for which it was established. May we live in freedom everywhere and unite us to sing a new song of salvation and deliverance. Impart YOUR blessing, O GOD on our homes that they be a refuge for weary souls; and grant the blessing of liberty, justice and peace to all YOUR children now and in the hard and dark days to come. In YOU alone is found strength in trouble, light in darkness, and hope in adversity. 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. . .
If you don't know where you are going, you should at least know how to get there.

CURSED FOR DIVIDING MY LAND
"For lo! in those days and in that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will contend with them over MY very own people, Israel, which they scattered among the nations. For they divided MY Land among themselves and cast lots for MY people." [Joel (Yoel) 3. 1 - 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

How can there be any question as to WHOM the land of Israel belongs, or who is to be in possession of it? It was given to the Israelites as an "everlasting inheritance" from the ALMIGHTY CREATOR, the KING & RIGHTEOUS JUDGE. There are numerous SCRIPTURES confirming that the lands of all the earth belong to GOD MOST HIGH. On the day the LORD GOD "cut the covenant" with Avram (Abraham) the HOLY ONE said — "To your offspring I assign this Land, from the River of Egypt (Nile) to the great river, the River Euphrates." [Genesis (Bereshith) 15. 18 Tanakh, Torah]

Speaking to Moses, the ALMIGHTY ONE said — "if you will obey ME faithfully and keep MY covenant, you shall be MY treasured possession among all the peoples. Indeed, all the earth is MINE." [Exodus (Shemot) 19. 5 Tanakh, Torah] "The Land must not be sold beyond reclaim, for the Land is MINE; you are but strangers resident with ME." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 25. 23 Tanakh, Torah] Moses was even instructed as to the division of the Land among the tribes, "These are the names of the men through whom THE LAND shall be apportioned (divided) as an INHERITANCE FOR YOU: Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun. And you shall take a leader of each tribe through whom the Land shall be apportioned (divided) for the inheritance." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 34. 16 - 18 Tanakh, Torah]

The ALMIGHTY ONE gives the land to whoever HE chooses: Speaking to Joshua, the LORD GOD said, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide, as an inheritance, the Land which I swore to their fathers to assign to them. But you must be very strong and resolute to observe faithfully all the Teachings that MY servant Moses enjoined upon you. Do not deviate from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Let not this BOOK OF THE LAW cease from your lips, but recite it day and night, so that you may observe faithfully all that is written in it. Only then will you prosper in your undertakings and only then will you be successful." [Joshua (Yehoshua) 1. 5 - 8 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them — When you cross the Jordan into the Land of Canaan, you shall DISPOSSESS (drive out) all the inhabitants of the Land; destroy all their engraved objects; you shall destroy all their molded images; and you shall demolish all their cult places. And you shall take possession of the Land and settle in it, for I have assigned the Land to you to possess. You shall divide the Land among yourselves by lot, clan by clan, as an inheritance...you shall inherit your portion according to your ancestral tribes." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 33. 51 - 54 Tanakh, Torah]


Although the children of Israel disobeyed the LORD GOD, in HIS mercy, HE will bring them back and give them their inheritance as HE promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. "I give to you and your offspring to come, all the Land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their GOD." [Genesis (Bereshith) 17. 8 Tanakh, Torah] "As the LORD lives who brought up the children of Israel out of the northland and out of all the lands to which HE had banished them. For I will bring them back to their Land which I gave to their fathers." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 16. 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "For the days are coming — declares the LORD — when I will restore the fortunes of MY people Israel and Judah — said the LORD; and I will bring them back to the Land that I gave their fathers, and they shall possess it." [Jeremiah (Yirmeyah) 30. 3 Tanakh, Nevi'im]


"Assuredly, thus says the LORD GOD — I will now restore the fortunes of Jacob and take the whole House of Israel back in love; and I will be zealous for MY HOLY NAME. They will forget their shame and all their trespasses that they committed in being unfaithful to ME, when they dwelt in their own land secure and untroubled. When I have brought them back from among the peoples and gathered them out of the lands of their enemies and have manifested MY holiness through them in the sight of many nations, they shall know that I the LORD am their GOD when, having exiled them among the nations, I gather them back into their land and leave none of them behind. I will never again hide MY face from them; for I will pour out MY SPIRIT upon the House of Israel — declares the LORD GOD." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 39. 25 - 29 Tanakh, Nevi'im]


Remember, there is a curse on everyone who curses Israel: "Cursed be they who curse you (Israel), Blessed be they who bless you (Israel)!" [Genesis (Bereshith) 27. 29 Tanakh, Torah] A wise and understanding heart makes the best judgment.


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
The sword comes into the world because of justice being delayed, because of justice being perverted, and because of those who render wrong decisions.
May the MASTER of mercy, show HIS mercy and compassion to all of you, our beloved.
”HEAVENLY FATHER, teach us to emulate YOUR OWN grace and mercy. Cause YOUR Truth to fall upon our hearts like seed upon fertile ground. And, may we learn to love YOUR Law ever more deeply and to find in it the beauty of holiness. 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 this life — if you are not confused. . . you are not paying attention.

KNOWING GOD
"Through faith in CHRIST, the righteousness which is from GOD by faith; that I may know HIM and the power of HIS resurrection, and the fellowship of HIS sufferings, being conformed to HIS death." [Philippians 3. 9 - 10]

Paul’s greatest desire was to know the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA in an intimately, cherished way — and to experience an even deeper relationship with HIM. Thru this longing, Paul gives three things, means by which we too will know so we can also have this personal relationship with our BELOVED MASTER.

THE POWER of HIS RESURRECTION: The victory CHRIST had over sin and death exhibited HIS great power and HIS resurrection. Paul not only looked forward to his an ultimately resurrected body, ["…if by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." [Philippians 3. 11], but he also yearn for the power over sin as well, "to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to GOD in CHRIST JESUS our LORD." [Philippians 6. 11]

THE FELLOWSHIP of HIS SUFFERINGS: Paul’s desire to know MESSIAH was so great, he was willing, if necessary, to suffer as Y’SHUA suffered. Paul indeed did suffer in many ways — "in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness — besides the other things, what comes upon me daily." [2 Corinthians 11. 23 - 28]

Then, when Paul pleaded with the MASTER, Y’SHUA answered him — "MY grace is sufficient for you, for MY strength is made perfect in weakness." [Paul continued]..."Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of CHRIST may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for CHRIST'S sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." [2 Corinthians 12. 9 - 10]

"For to this you were called, because CHRIST also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow HIS steps." [1 Peter 2. 21] "If indeed we suffer with HIM, that we may also be glorified together." [Romans 8. 17]

BEING CONFORMED to HIS DEATH: Paul was willing to die as the LORD Y’SHUA died and soon did die a martyr’s death by being beheaded in a Roman prison. But this is not what he was considering here. In point of fact, Paul wanted to be like MESSIAH in HIS death, gaining complete victory over all sin. "He who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin." "For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with CHRIST, we believe that we shall also live with HIM, knowing that CHRIST, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over HIM." [1 Peter 4. 1; Romans 6. 7 - 9]

For us to know the LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH in this way, to be conformed to HIM as Paul chose to do, above all demands that we too develop a servant’s heart and selfless humility that took the LOVING SAVIOR to the cross making it possible for us to know HIM. "Let this mind be in you which was also in 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. 5 - 8]
Thank YOU LORD GOD, our ETERNAL KING for the honor and privilege of knowing YOU!

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
The LIVING GOD is the GOD of any problems you may have, as well as any success you may experience. The believer’s hope is born of confidence based on the historical fact that HEAVENLY FATHER raised up MESSIAH, our PRECIOUS REDEEMER, from the dead — so HE can certainly handle anything you bring to 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. . .
The ALMIGHTY CREATOR does not have to overturn the laws of nature or create something that never before existed. On the contrary, miracles are part of GOD'S architectural plan. On the sixth day, as GOD was about to complete HIS creation, HE added supernatural events, making miracles part of nature. Nature itself is a miracle in which GOD'S hand is constantly manifest.

Y PITCH YOUR STANDARD 10/22/17
"The Israelites shall camp each with his standard, under the banners of their father's house; they shall camp around the Tabernacle of Meeting at a distance." [Numbers (B’Midvar) 2. 2 Tanakh, Torah]

The use of flags, standards, or ensigns to represent nations or other groups is first referenced here in connection with the standards that were pitched by the camp of each of the twelve tribes of Israel during their time of marching through the wilderness. [Numbers/B’Midvar 1. 52 – 2. 34]

On the east side was the standard of the forces of Judah, Issachar and Zebulun — the Lion (KING) — this camp was first to go forth.

The second standard — the Man (SON OF MAN) — was on the south side of the Tabernacle which included Reuben, Simeon, Gad.

On the west the standard was the camps of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin — the Ox (SERVANT).

And, the north standard — the Eagle (SON OF GOD) — was the tribes of Dan, Asher and Naphtali.

The whole company of the Levites was in the midst of the camps; as they camp, so they moved out everyone in his place by their standards.

V Those who follow Y’SHUA also have a standard to live under — that STANDARD (BANNER OF LOVE) over us is the very character of the ONE WHO is the "CAPTAIN of their salvation." [Hebrews 2. 10] HIS GUIDE BOOK for us is the WRITTEN WORD OF GOD, which is crucially essential information "so that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before." [Joshua/Yehoshua 3. 4] It persuades us to "endure hardship as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier." [2 Timothy 2. 3 - 4] Through faith and a good conscience you can wage the good warfare and fight the good fight of faith.

As faithful followers of the LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH, our GREAT STANDARD BEARER, we must continually seek to "know the mind of the LORD" [1 Corinthians 2. 16], that HE may instruct us, and to keep ourselves pure "just as HE is pure." [1 John 3. 3] And, in all things remember that HE "suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow HIS steps." [1 Peter 2. 21]

With GOD WHO shows mercy, our goal is to be able to someday say, as Paul could say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the LORD, the RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved HIS appearing." [2 Timothy 4. 7 - 8] Peter, as well, reminds us that "when the CHIEF SHEPHERD appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away." [1 Peter 5. 4]

We are partakers of Y’SHUA, if we hold onto HIM, the ONE WHO is the beginning of our confidence (faithfulness, certainty) and remain steadfast to HIM to the end. Our need is to love the EVER-LIVING LORD GOD with all our heart and follow HIS commands, and set our standards according to HIS perfect will. To GOD, the ETERNAL ONE be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
We thank YOU, GREAT & MIGHTY GOD for by YOUR mercies and grace to us. Keep us ever grateful and grant us YOUR perfect rest, guidance, and wisdom in this world is our prayer, Amen
Please LORD, give us the kindness to hear with compassion, to offer support, loving comfort, and care; give us the courage to do what is needed, the wisdom to choose what is right and most fair; give us the vision to see what is possible; give us the faith that will help pave the way for a present that’s hopeful, a future that’s peaceful — give us the heart to bring joy to each day.
May GOD, WHOSE grace is irresistible and all sufficient, be glorified.

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 real and the spiritual are one, like body and soul in a living man. It is for the law to clear the path; it is for the soul to sense the spirit.

WHICH SHEBA
"The descendants of Ham (son of Noah): Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan. The descendants of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabtecah. The descendants of Raamah: SHEBA and DEDAN." [Genesis (Bereshith) 10. 7 Tanakh, Torah] This list of Ham's genealogy shows his sons and their families.

"Abraham (a Semite, descendant of Shem) took another wife, named Keturah (after Sarah's death). She bore him Zimram and Jokshan. Jokshan begot SHEBA and DEDAN." [Genesis (Bereshith) 25. 1 - 2 Tanakh, Torah] "Abraham willed all that he owned to Isaac; but to Abraham's sons by concubines Abraham gave gifts while he was still living, and he sent them away from his son Isaac EASTWARD, to the land of the EAST." [Genesis (Bereshith) 25. 5 - 6 Tanakh, Torah] Consider the names, Sheba and Dedan — they are alike, but the people are separate as well as their ancestry. The nationalities are completely different. Hence, the locations of the homeland are either found in Ethiopia, descendants of Ham (which is south of Egypt, and SW of Jerusalem), or Arabia, descendants of Abraham.

When the Queen of Sheba came to visit Solomon and test his wisdom, she came from the South (Arabia) not from Africa. The LORD Y’SHUA confirmed this location when HE was teaching and the Scribes and Pharisees demanded of HIM a sign. MESSIAH affirmed — "the queen of the south will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ENDS OF THE EARTH to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here." [Matthew 12. 42] South Arabia is at "the end of the earth (beyond that there is only water)" as it is a peninsula in the Arabian Sea (modern Oman & Yemen). The "Sheba of Arabia" is an established region of land while the "Sheba of Ethiopia" is part of the Ethiopian people and not a separate geographical location.

Likewise, the exaggerated story that Solomon and the Queen of Sheba had a son together and that the son's descendents later took the Ark of the Covenant to Ethiopia simply is "a fable, a legend, a myth" giving favor to the wicked devil and his evil lies and deceits. HOLY SCRIPTURE records: "King Solomon, in turn, gave the Queen of Sheba everything she expressed a desire for, exceeding in return for what she had brought to the king. Then she and her courtiers left and returned to her own land." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 9. 12 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Many claim and accept an ethnic group of the Ethiopians to be of Jewish descent due to their religious practices. However, these "acquired customs" were adopted when the world-spread fame of Solomon caused peoples from all nations to seek Solomon's TRUE & LIVING GOD. As was in the case with Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, "So he (Philip) arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the Queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet." [Acts 8. 27 - 28] Even long years after Solomon, the whole world knew about the MIGHTY GOD OF ISRAEL.

Instead of believing everything we hear, we should check out the HOLY SCRIPTURES for ourselves. Search GOD'S WRITTEN WORD, line-upon-line, compare the TRUE SCRIPTURES and history with the legendary accounts, which are but fables, and myths that you may be able to discern between TRUTH and lies. Many cults and isms have originated from these errors, so Beware! "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." [2 Timothy 4. 3 - 4] Know in WHOM you believe, and live confident in HIS amazing truth.

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 with the Havdalah Service. Havdalah (separation) is the ceremony that marks the symbolic end of the holy day of Shabbat and ushers in a new week. The ceremony, consisting of lighting the special candle, blessing the wine, and smelling the spices, is intended to require a person to use all five senses taste the wine, smell the spices, see the flames of the candle and feel its warmth, and hear the blessings. After the ceremony, it is customary to wish each other “Thus we celebrate the LORD GOD OF ISRAEL WHO separates the sacred from the mundane and forgives our sins. May it be YOUR will, O LORD, that our home becomes a sanctuary worthy of YOUR PRESENCE, wherein YOUR HOLY NAME is hallowed, that YOU come and grant YOUR blessings on us!”
Exalted and hallowed be GOD'S greatness in this world HE created. May YOUR will be fulfilled and YOUR sovereignty revealed, MOST HOLY ONE, in the days of our lifetime and the life of the whole House of Israel speedily and in our time, Amen. May YOU be blessed forever, even throughout all eternity. May YOU, be blessed, praised & honored, extolled & glorified, adored & exalted above all else. Amen.
Welcome Chesvan! Today starts the new month of Chesvan. Although it is of Babylonian origin, like all the names of the present-day Hebrew calendar, it was given the name in the books of prophecy (1 Kings 6:38) Bul which comes from the root word, Balla, meaning mixture as well as the root word Yibol, which means crop. Interestingly, it was the 17th of Chesvan when the floods began: "In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights." Gen 7:11-12
Shavuah Tov — 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. . .
Faith is being certain of what we hope for.

ACCEPTABLE TIME
"For He says — In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you. Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." [2 Corinthians 6. 2]

If you are content with your life just as it is, you neglect your spiritual need thinking you will deal with eternity just before you die. Deferring, putting-off, indifference, and all other types of procrastination is the major deadly sin of unbelievers. Even if one understands the LIFE-GIVING WoRD and realizes their need of salvation, they still put off making a decision or commitment.

This, however, is a critically dangerous behavior or thought. ScripturE tells us, "you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say — If the LORD wills, we shall live and do this or that. But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin." [James 4. 14 - 17]

The sin of indifference (lack of interest, unconcerned) then becomes the sin of neglect, then the ultimate unforgivable sin of permanent rejection and unbelief. The HOLY ONE has warned: "Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the SPIRIT against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." [Galatians 5. 16 - 18]

"Heed hIS voice today, do not be stubborn and harden your hearts." [Psalms (Tehillym) 95. 7 – 8 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This warning from the psalmist was considered so important that the writer of Hebrews quoted it three times over. Such an emphasis suggests that there is indeed a great danger in resisting GoD’S call to salvation. There may be another opportunity, but it is a haughty and arrogant action to presume on the ALMIGHTY ONE'S patient, long-suffering mercy.

Today is the day of salvation. The accepted time is now! We must "work out our own salvation with fear and trembling" [Philippians 2. 12] — not leaning on others, but on the LORD Y’SHUA alone. We must learn to walk and stand alone instead of leaning on any other person or influence. Our spiritual duties must be our own hearts actions. Our free gift of salvation must be received by grace; and though we are hated by all men for MESSIAHS sake, whoever endures to the end shall be saved. [Mark 13. 13]

Keep in mind, "Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the SON OF GOD underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the SPIRIT OF GRACE?" In view of the fact that, "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the LIVING GOD." [Hebrews 10. 29, 32] Nevertheless, he who endures to the end shall be saved. So, make your daily choice shrewdly, decide wisely, and establish your directions with care. . . now!
May our LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER guide your choice each day along the way.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Many are the enemies that have risen against us, but trusting in YOU, O GOD, we are confident that we will never be dismayed. Continue to instill courage and steadfastness in our faith and trust in YOU. Uphold us, sustain us and may we always walk undaunted in the path of loyalty as YOUR redeemed children. As we bend the knee to YOU alone, we give YOU thanks for always hearing our prayer giving bold confidence as we strive unceasingly for the triumph of truth. In YOUR PRECIOUS NAME, JESUS, we ask these things. 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. . .
Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal.

CUSTOMS — PURIFYING OF THE MOTHER
"The LORD spoke to Moses, saying — Speak to the Israelite people thus: When a woman brings forth seed bearing a male, she shall be unclean seven days; she shall be unclean as at the time of her menstrual infirmity. She shall remain in a state of blood purification for thirty-three days: she shall not touch any consecrated thing, nor enter the Sanctuary until her period of purification is completed. On the completion of her purification, for either son or daughter, she shall bring to the priest, at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, a lamb in its first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering. He shall offer it before the LORD, and make atonement on her behalf; she shall then be clean from her flow of blood. Such are the rituals concerning her who bears a child, male or female. If, however, her means do not suffice for a lamb, she shall take two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. The priest shall make expiation on her behalf, and she shall be clean." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 12. 1-2, 4, 6 - 8 Tanakh, Torah]

Forty days after the birth of a child, the mother was purified by a ceremony in the Temple. She was said to be unclean for seven days after the birth and then thirty three days later she would keep her appointment for her purification. According to the SCRIPTURES the woman must be purified since she brought sin into the world, "And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression." [1 Timothy 2. 14] And, the children she bears are "born with iniquity — conceived in sin." [Psalms (Tehillym) 51. 5 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Though she brought sin into the world, the HOLY ALMIGHTY ONE HIMSELF in HIS infinite love and grace, allowed her to bear the IDEAL REMEDY for sin. [Genesis/Bereshith 3. 15; Galatians 3. 13]

The washing of the body for purity was highly important in the service of GOD in the Sanctuary where the sacred vessels were also washed. Later it became a symbol of regeneration, and all proselytes to Judaism underwent baptism as a new birth. Frequently accompanied by confession of sin, baptism was administered to Jews by various Jewish groups such as the Essenes and Baptists; and some made a religious duty of daily bathing. Among the Orthodox, the Mikveh (ritual bath) is taken by women before marriage and after menstruation and childbirth. "You shall be clean" is one of the holy laws of Judaism.

According to TALMUDIC Judaism, the water of the Mikveh in the mother's purification corresponds to the original living water, the womb of the world, from which all life comes. The unborn child, as it were, is rocked in the womb where is the "living water." To be reborn, one must symbolically re-enter this womb and "go down" in the "living water." Not only mothers, but also Jewish men, for their purification (see Paul's purification in the Mikveh (ritual bath) with four other Jewish men — Acts 21. 26), enter the "living water" and are submerged entirely until the water covers the head. It is also considered by the Rabbis according to the TALMUD that a Gentile who is a convert to Judaism does the same — reemerging from immersion in the Mikveh as a final step, the rebirth of a Gentile as a Jew!

In this purification ceremony for the Jewish mother, we notice a form of baptism which, of course, is Jewish in origin. There were other baptisms for cleansing in the ritual bath (Mikveh) that are recorded in the HEBREW SCRIPTURES. The many washings are called baptisms and this cleansing is implied by the LORD GOD: "I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your uncleanness and from all your idol fetishes. And I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove the heart of stone from your body and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put MY SPIRIT into you. Thus I will cause you to follow MY Laws and faithfully to observe MY judgments." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 36. 25 - 27 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

According to Rabbinical teachings, which dominated even during the existence of the Temple, baptism, next to circumcision and sacrifice, was absolutely necessary conditions to be fulfilled by a proselyte to Judaism to receive the SPIRIT OF GOD, or to be permitted to stand in the PRESENCE OF GOD (THE SHEKINAH GLORY) man must undergo baptism. [TALMUD, Vol. 2, pg. 499]

A lamb was to be brought as the mother's sacrifice-offering if she could afford one. {A lamb is innocent, unresisting. . . MESSIAH Y’SHUA, the LAMB OF GOD, is pure, without blemish, and in HIS unresisting obedience fully satisfied the FATHER'S heart.} If she was too poor to bring a lamb, provision was made for her to bring instead. . . two turtle doves or two young pigeons. Blood must be shed, however, in each case.

Miryam (Mary), the mother of Y’SHUA (JESUS), observed this law: "Now when the days of her purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, they brought HIM to Jerusalem to present HIM to the LORD... and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the LAW OF THE LORD, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." [Luke 2. 22, 24]

Miryam was poor, she could not afford a lamb, therefore she brought the pigeons. But, on the other hand, she brought forth the only TRUE LAMB WHO was the BELOVED PRECIOUS SACRIFICE for the entire world! Our LORD JESUS, the MASTER CREATOR OF THE UNIVERSE, did not make HIS appearance here among the rich and noble of earth. MESSIAH Y’SHUA left the splendors of Heaven, became poor being born in a stable — with a manger for HIS crib! If that isn't love, what is?

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Welcome Sabbath — Sabbat of Noach “Noah” – (Reading: Genesis 6:9-11:32: Isaiah 66:1-24; Luke 17:1-17) Also welcoming Rosh Chodesh - the month of Chesvan! Praised are YOU, YEHOWAH, our GOD, SOVEREIGN of the Universe, WHO makes us holy with YOUR mitzvoth and favors us with the Holy Shabbat, lovingly and graciously given to us. Zey ha-yom asaw ADONAI, nagilah ve-neesmechah voh…This is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and we will be glad in it.
May GOD'S PRECIOUS WRITTEN WORD be the center of your life. In it, you will find sweet honey in the ROCK. Have a blessed day as you saturate yourself in the sweetness of the CHERISHED MASTER, the SOURCE OF LIFE.

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. . .
Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable and receives the impossible! [Corrie ten Boom]

ENOUGH!
"Then Israel said — It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die." [Genesis (Bereshith) 45. 28 Tanakh, Torah]

"It is enough!" (Hebrew: rab — much, great, vast, numerous) is an exclamation of a thing or situation being satisfied, or a need has been fulfilled, or a limit has been reached. This phrase occurs both in the OLD COVENANT and three times in the NEW COVENANT using different Greek terms (arketos – suffice, apechei – enough, hikanos – ample).

In the opening text, Jacob is overcome with thankful emotion at the news that Joseph, his beloved son was still alive, though considered dead for many years. Then the Pharaoh, for a very different reason, cried "Entreat (Hebrew: ‘athar— intercede, mediate, negotiate) the LORD that there may be no more mighty thundering and hail, for it is enough." [Exodus (Shemot) 9. 28 Tanakh, Torah]

When David sinned against the LORD by numbering the people, the LORD sent a plague upon Israel from morning till the appointed time and seventy thousand men of Israel died. And when the ANGEL stretched out HIS hand over Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORD relented from the destruction and said to the ANGEL who was destroying the people — "It is enough now restrain your hand." [2 Samuel/Shemuel Bet) 24. 16; 1 Chronicles/Shemuel Bet 21. 15]

Then there was Elijah who thought he could bear no more being exhausted and weary of Ahab and his wife, Jezebel trying to kill him, journeyed into the wilderness and set down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die, proclaiming, "It is enough! Now, LORD, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!" [1 Kings (Malek Alef) 19. 4 Tanakh, Nevi’im]

On the other hand, Proverbs tell of things that are never satisfied: "The leech has two daughters — "Give!" and "Give!" Three things are insatiable; Four never say, "Enough!" — The grave, the barren womb, earth that cannot get enough water — and fire never says, "Enough!" [Proverbs (Mishle) 30. 15 - 16 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

In the NEW COVENANT, MESSIAH Y’SHUA counseled HIS followers that because of HIM they would be hated, persecuted or even be put to death because "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!" [Matthew 10. 21 - 25] When nearing the time of HIS arrest, the MAN OF SORROWS, said to HIS sleeping disciples, "It is enough! The hour has come; behold, the SON OF MAN is being betrayed into the hands of sinners." [Mark 14. 41]

Earlier, when the MESSIAH sent the disciples out HE advised them to supply their own needs and sell their garments to get a sword if they didn’t have one. They replied that they had two swords amongst them and Y’SHUA replied, "It is enough." [Luke 22. 36 - 38] Obviously implying that their mission was to spread the GOOD NEWS, not fight for the MASTER.

There are many different circumstances which can lead one to cry: "Enough!" But, "in the ages to come" there will never be an end to "the exceeding riches of HIS grace in HIS kindness toward us in MESSIAH Y’SHUA. 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. 7 - 9] We can never get enough of our WONDERFUL, HOLY, AWESOME LORD GOD; how remarkably rich we are!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Our AWESOME CREATOR GOD is worthy of all our praise and worship…remember, hard times cannot erase HIS promises.
Stay alert for such a time as this. . . keep watching and praying.

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Any time we do not understand GOD’S actions, a person of faith must simply concede that we do not know GOD’S plans. GOD has HIS calculations. HIS ways are not ways that we always understand, but prove to be a favor in disguise, as are so many challenges that come our way. "Everything that GOD does is ultimately for the good." [Talmud] We must believe that GOD always does what is best for us…nothing can separate me from the love of Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH, the VICTORIOUS LORD GOD OF ISRAEL.

CLOSED DOORS
"So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as GOD had commanded him. And ELOHIYM shut him in." [Genesis (Bereshith) 7. 16 Tanakh, Torah]

HOLY SCRIPTURE clearly reveals that when the OMNIPOTENT CREATOR sets an appointed time for great judgment, HE prepares a door of deliverance for the minority who repent and seek HIM. In Noah’s day there were only eight who had the faith to believe GOD’S revelation of a coming catastrophe. When it happened, that fateful day dawned and history records that day, for "YEHOWAH said to Noah, "Come into the ark, with all your household, for you alone have I found righteous before ME in this generation." [Genesis (Bereshith) 7. 1 Tanakh, Torah] The LORD GOD HIMSELF closed the door, not only on the ark, but on that entire generation that had rejected HIM. All flesh had filled the earth with violence and the LORD was intent to destroy "them with the earth." [Genesis/Bereshith 6. 13]

Matthew draws a parallel between the judgment of Noah’s day and the imminent Second-Coming of MESSIAH. "For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the SON OF MAN be." [Matthew 24. 38 - 39] Today the DOOR is still open, we are given the open recorded vigilant caution: "See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it." [Revelation 3. 8] Earnestly concerned, the Apostle John recorded the message given by the LORD JESUS CHRIST, "Most assuredly I say to you, I am the DOOR of the sheep." [John 10. 7] The day will come, soon and unexpectedly, when GOD HIMSELF will divinely shut that ONLY DOOR that is the UNIQUE, MATCHLESS, ONE-OF-A-KIND WAY of salvation.

It is critically imperative that we diligently be ready and waiting for fear that today should be the eventful day of the LORD’S return. Regrettably, many will once again not be prepared...just like HOLY SCRIPTURES warned repeatedly, time and again. "When once the MASTER of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying — LORD, LORD, open for us! — and HE will answer and say to you — I do not know you, where you are from...I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from ME, all you workers of iniquity. — There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." [Luke 13. 26, 27 - 28]

"Seek the LORD while HE may be found, call to HIM while HE is near. Let the wicked abandon his ways, the unrighteous, sinful man his thoughts; let him turn back to the LORD, and HE will have mercy on him and pardon him; to our GOD, for HE freely and abundantly forgives." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 55. 6 - 7 Tanakh, Nevi’im] The LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA is the PETAH TIKVAH, the DOOR OF HOPE; completely open your spirit, soul and body to HIM without any further hesitation. . . HE is patiently waiting especially for you!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Walk boldly in the light and warmth of GOD'S compelling love. And, may the HOLY ONE fill you with HIS perfect peace, wonderful joy and indescribable happiness. By HIS great mercy, GOD has given us a new birth into a LIVING HOPE through MESSIAH Y’SHUA – what a gift!
An Interesting Jewish Morsel: The TORAH, and the Jewish commentator’s hindsight, tells us that Noah was 500 years old when he had his three children – Shem, Ham and Yafet (evidently they were triplets just not identical). If you look carefully at the TEXT, you will notice that most people were having children at about 100 years of age. As such, it took Noah five times longer to have children than most others. [see Genesis/Bereshith 6. 32] Why is the righteous Noah forced to suffer through childlessness, while his neighbors were raising families? GOD was actually doing Noah a favor by withholding offspring from him. This is because if Noah’s children had been born a few hundred years earlier, they may have turned out to be wicked (like all those around them), and GOD would have had to kill them along with the rest of the world. On the other hand, like their father, they remained righteous,. As such, GOD arranged it that Noah’s children would be born shortly before the flood. Noah was faithful to teach them holiness, in spite of the wickedness around them, so they would not turn out to be depraved like the world and subject to GOD’S wrath, for their unbelieving spirit. [Parents have a serious obligation before the HOLY ONE regarding raising the children that the LORD gives them!]

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 sins of the tongue weighs as much as all other sins together.

PROPHECY & FULFILLMENT
"A STAR shall come out of Jacob, a SCEPTER comes forth from Israel." [Numbers (B'Midvar) 24. 17 Tanakh, Torah]

In searching the HOLY SCRIPTURES there can be no doubt as to WHO MESSIAH is! From careful study of the GOSPELS, we cannot fail to see that the HEBREW TEXT, which were often quoted by MESSIAH Y’SHUA HIMSELF, describe HIM perfectly in every detail — "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, HE expounded to them in all the SCRIPTURES the things concerning HIMSELF." [Luke 24. 27]

"The SCEPTER shall not depart from Judah, nor the RULER'S STAFF from beneath HIS feet until Shiloh comes. So tribute shall come to HIM and the homage of peoples be HIS." [Genesis (Bereshith) 49. 10 Tanakh, Torah] The word "Shiloh" means shalom, tranquil, secure, peaceful, pacifier peacemaker and it is an epithet of MESSIAH Y’SHUA WHO is The Exact Image and Reflection of GOD. "For in HIM dwells all the fullness of the GODHEAD bodily." [Colossians 2. 9] "This MAN (ONE) shall be peace (AUTHOR OF PEACE)." [Micah/Michah 5. 4; Ephesians 2. 14] Peace will be the characteristic of the Kingdom when the LORD JESUS returns.

DATE OF MESSIAH'S COMING: "You must know and understand, from the going forth of the word to restore and rebuild Jerusalem (after the Babylonian captivity) until the time of the ANOINTED LEADER, MESSIAH THE PRINCE, is seven weeks (of years); and for sixty-two weeks (about 483 years) it will be rebuilt, square and moat, but in a time of distress." [Daniel (Danyel) 9. 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim] The Prophet Daniel said that seventy weeks were determined concerning GOD'S people, from the going forth of the commandment to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem until the coming of MESSIAH THE PRINCE. In 444 BC [Nehemiah/Nechemah 2. 1 - 8] the decree to rebuild the wall was given. On Nisan (March/April) 30, 33 AD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH made HIS Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem on the colt of an ass. The intervening time is 143,880 days; or exactly 483 years on the 360th day on the Hebrew calendar, or sixty-nine "sevens" of years, the time which Daniel had set!

"And after those sixty-two weeks, the ANOINTED ONE (MESSIAH Y’SHUA) will be cut off (executed for a capital crime), but not for HIMSELF; and the army (Romans) of the leader (Titus) who is to come shall destroy the City (Jerusalem) and the Sanctuary (Temple) ...and till the end [of the Age] of war desolation's is decreed." [Daniel (Danyel) 9. 26 Tanakh, Kethuvim] Here Daniel gives definite and exact measurement as to the time of MESSIAH'S coming. HE had to come during the Second Temple, before AD 70 when the Second Temple was destroyed. It must be clear to any honest and unprejudiced mind that the time for the coming of MESSIAH has come and gone. Since GOD'S WORD cannot be broken, it follows that HE must have come. Who could HE have been? WHO has met the time specifications for HIS coming?

"Assuredly, my LORD will give you a sign of HIS OWN accord! Look! the virgin (almah) shall conceive and give birth to a SON, and shall call HIS NAME IMMANU'EL." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 7. 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im] GOD OMNIPOTENT assured the Jewish people through the prophet Isaiah, that HE would not allow the enemy to destroy them until IMMANU'EL (GOD with us) would be born of that appointed virgin (almah – ”an engaged virgin”) who would travail. The Jewish Temple, where the genealogical records of the royal family of the House of David were kept, had to exist so MESSIAH'S lineage could be proven. Those records proved that the LORD JESUS is the descendant of David and that HE is the ONE concerning WHOM ALMIGHTY GOD spoke of through the prophets. But after Y’SHUA, the SON OF DAVID, was born and fulfilled HIS mission, GOD permitted the Temple (the place where the records were kept) to be destroyed.

During the destruction of the Second Temple, Haggai, another great Hebrew prophet, predicted the glory of the Latter Temple would be greater than of the former — "...and the DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS shall come here, and I will fill this House with glory — said the LORD OF HOSTS." [Haggai (Chagai) 2. 7 Tanakh, Nevi'im] The Latter Temple (Kingdom Temple) will be greater in glory than the First Temple by the coming of GOD'S HOLY SERVANT, YESHUA, the DESIRE OF ALL NATIONS. No other reason could be given to make it greater!

The Israelite people were scattered all over the world so that no one Jew on earth is absolutely certain now of any tribal descent. Matthew secured JESUS' genealogical date before the destruction of the Temple in AD 70, so only MESSIAH Y’SHUA can trace HIS lineage to David since! Who can doubt, Y’SHUA OF NAZARETH is the PERFECT GOD/MAN, IMMANU'EL — GOD with us, the PRINCE OF PEACE!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
"Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of YEHOWAH. Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and HIS ears are open to their cry. The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but YEHOWAH delivers him out of them all. HE guards all HIS bones; not one of them is broken." [Psalms/Tehillym 34. 11]

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. . .
Focus your attention on the joy of salvation rather than the difficulty of the trial.

THE CLEANSING
"This shall be the ritual (Law) for a leper for the day of his cleansing: he shall be brought to the priest. The priest shall go out of the camp. The priest shall examine him, and indeed, if the leprosy is healed in the leper, then the priest shall command to take for him who is to be cleansed two living and clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop. And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water. And he shall take the living bird, along with the cedar wood and the scarlet and the hyssop, and dip them together with the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water. He then shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed from the leprosy, and shall pronounce him clean and set the live bird (pigeon or turtledove) free." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 14. 2 - 7 Tanakh, Torah]


This is the prescribed offering on the day when a leper is cleansed. One bird is sacrificed over running water, then the priest would dip the second bird in the water and blood of the bird that was slain. Then, the priest would sprinkle the leper seven times with that blood and water.


Centuries later, the messenger of the Prophet Elisha told Naaman to dip himself seven times in the Jordan River. "Go and wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh shall be restored and you shall be clean." [2 Kings (Melakhim Bet) 5. 10 Tanakh, Nevi’im] Reluctant, then determinedly Naaman, "went down and immersed (dipped) himself seven times in the Jordan, as the man of GOD had bidden; and his flesh became like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean." [2 Kings (Melakhim Bet) 5. 14 Tanakh, Nevi’im]


There are numerous similarity to the Law in Leviticus and the healing of Naaman. The analogous are: the leper, the running water, dipping seven times, one life given for another, and healing (freedom). [Y’SHUA died once for all — past and present and future. "For the death that HE died, HE died to sin once for all." [Romans 6. 10]]


The LIFE that was given for another happened many years later. MESSIAH Y’SHUA was that sacrifice. HE came to the same River Jordan (running water) and was baptized by John the Baptizer, a priest of the line of Aaron. John dipped the SACRIFICE in the running waters, which is symbolic of MESSIAH’S sacrifice. Thus John the priest symbolically performed the sacrifice in the running waters where the leper, Naaman, centuries before had been cleansed and healed. Similarly, the second bird was saved because of the first.


John baptized (dipped) multitudes in the same waters. And, just as the second fowl was saved by being dipped in the water and blood of the first, so all who are baptized for the forgiveness of sins as they were spiritual lepers. "As many of us as were baptized into CHRIST JESUS were baptized into HIS death. Therefore we were buried with HIM through baptism into death, that just as CHRIST was raised from the dead by the glory of the FATHER, even so we also should walk in newness of life." [Romans 6. 3 - 4] "Buried with HIM in baptism, in which you also were raised with HIM through faith in the working of GOD." [Colossians 2. 12]


"If we walk in the light as HE is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of JESUS CHRIST HIS SON cleanses us from all sin." [1 John 1. 7] We all come as lepers, unclean and cursed, outcast and unclean. The sacrifice for the our curse was completely paid in full and we are now blessed and we can stand clean before GOD because of the cleansing power the MESSIAH paid. "For on that day atonement shall be made for you by the priest, to cleanse you from all your sins, that you may be clean before the LORD." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 16. 30 Tanakh, Torah] The LORD Y’SHUA ha’MASHIACH is our PERFECT ATONEMENT, our GREATER HIGH PRIEST.


Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
I praise and thank YOU, ALMIGHTY ONE, GREAT GOD OF HEAVEN for YOU comfort and delight my soul. YOU are my ROCK and my REFUGE, YOU are my HOPE & DELIGHT, the ONE in whom I place my trust.
Put together all the tenderest love you know of, the deepest you have ever felt, and the strongest that has ever been poured out upon you, and heap upon it all the love of all the loving human hearts in the world, and then multiply it by infinity, and you will begin, perhaps, to have some faint glimpse of what the love of GOD is.

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
If you cannot endure the bad, you'll not live to witness the good.

COMFORT MY PEOPLE
"My life was bereft of peace; I have forgotten prosperity and what happiness was. I thought my strength and my hope had perished from the LORD. To recall my distress and my misery was wormwood and poison; whenever I thought of them, I was bowed low." [Lamentations (Eicha) 3. 17 - 20 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Jeremiah's heart is in agonizing struggle and again mourns, "YOU have screened YOURSELF off with a cloud that no prayer may pass through. YOU have made us filth and refuse in the midst of the peoples. All our enemies loudly rail against us. Panic and pitfall, death and destruction are our lot. My foes have snared me like a bird, without any cause. They have ended my life in a pit and cast stones at me, waters flowed over my head; I said — I am lost!" [Lamentations (Eicha) 3. 44 - 46; 52 - 54 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Again today Israel is on a desert road with sufferings at every turn. GOD ALMIGHTY, however, often proves HIS love for us exactly when HE seems to be hard towards us. There is so much we can learn in HIS paths of chastening. In trouble and suffering and when HIS chastening hand is upon us, we can come to know the HOLY ONE as our LOVING FATHER more then any other time. Accepting HIS chastening is like a key unlocking the HEAVENLY FATHER'S heart with all HIS blessings and kindness. We will find that afterwards HE will shower us all the more with an abundance of good things. And GOD HIMSELF will be glorified if we follow HIS leading wholeheartedly.

Our HOLY GOD, the COMMANDER OF THE LORD’S ARMY, will provide a way of deliverance, for HIS hand is not too short to save nor HIS ear too dull to hear when HIS children cry to HIM. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 59. 1] HE will not desert HIS people, nor will HE abandon them to their enemies.

"As I live — declares the LORD GOD — I will reign over you with a strong hand, with an outstretched arm, and with fury poured out, I will rule over you. With a strong hand and an outstretched arm and overflowing fury I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you from the lands where you are scattered, and I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples; and there I will enter into judgment with you face to face." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 20. 33 - 35 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"When you call ME and come and pray to ME, I will give heed to you. 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. And 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. 12 - 14 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

"I will exchange their (the remnant of Israel) disgrace for praise and fame in all the earth. At that time I will gather you, and at that time I will bring you home; for I will make you renowned and famous among all the peoples on earth, when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes — said the LORD." [Zephaniah (Tsefanyah) 3. 19 - 20 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "Your GOD the LORD is in your midst, the MIGHTY ONE WHO brings triumph. HE will rejoice over you and be glad, HE will shout over you with jubilation, HE will quiet you with HIS renewed love as in the days of old, HE will rejoice over you with singing." [Zephaniah (Tsefanyah) 3. 17 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The steadfast love of the BLESSED CREATOR & REDEEMER never ceases, nor has it ceased for Israel today. The present darkness of this world will not last forever. Mankind awaits the coming RIGHTEOUS KING WHO will make all things new. From the moment our LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH returns, HIS glorious righteousness will shine into all nations and they will share in the blessings and peace of HIS Glorious Kingdom as well. Through it all, HE will uphold us with HIS righteous right hand, how can we help but totally trust such faithfulness!

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 with the Havdalah Service. Havdalah (separation) is the ceremony that marks the symbolic end of the holy day of Shabbat and ushers in a new week. The ceremony, consisting of lighting the special candle, blessing the wine, and smelling the spices, is intended to require a person to use all five senses taste the wine, smell the spices, see the flames of the candle and feel its warmth, and hear the blessings. After the ceremony, it is customary to wish each other "Shavuah Tov — have a good week."
Thus we celebrate the LORD GOD OF ISRAEL WHO separates the sacred from the mundane and forgives our sins. May it be YOUR will, O LORD, that our home becomes a sanctuary worthy of YOUR PRESENCE, wherein YOUR HOLY NAME is hallowed, that YOU come and grant YOUR blessings on us!

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


Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
In Israel, the inevitable rarely happens; the impossible often.

SIMCHAT TORAH
"O how I love YOUR TORAH! It is my meditation studied all day long. YOUR commandments make me wiser than my enemies; they always stand by me." [Psalms (Tehillym) 119. 97 - 98 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

"SIMCHAT TORAH" means "REJOICING (Joy) OF THE LAW." Celebrated on the 23rd of Tishri (23 Tishri 5778, October 13th this year), the twenty-third day of the seventh month. SIMCHAT TORAH is the most joyous day on the Jewish calendar. It is the day when the reading of the TORAH is concluded in the synagogue every year and immediately afterward resumed. The custom of beginning to read Genesis/Bereshith at the same Synagogue service as Deuteronomy/Devarim is concluded; this is observed so as not to bring the Law to an end at any time — the cycle continues!

On the "DAY OF REJOICING over the LAW" special inducements are held out to the younger members of the congregation to participate actively in the public service. All assembled in the synagogue are called upon to pronounce the blessing over the reading of the Law, and even boys participate. In the house of worship the scrolls of the law, dressed in beautiful velvet mantles of red, scarlet, blue and white, and ornate with golden embroidery and inscriptions are taken out from the ARK OF THE LAW, and placed lovingly in the arms of the men and boys. Little children holding flags and burning candles praising and exalting in celebration of the WRITTEN HOLY WORD OF ALMIGHTY GOD follow in a procession up and down the aisles.

Children should be reared and taught in the Laws of the ALMIGHTY, which Jewish people feel is their religious commandment. It is written in the JEWISH WRITINGS: "At five years, bound to the COMMANDMENTS; at fifteen years, the study of the TALMUD." Jewish children are expected to receive at least 300 hours of religious training throughout the year. So anxious have Orthodox Jews been for their sons to be diligent pupils that they are careful to make the boy's first day at Hebrew school (Chadar) an occasion he will remember all his life. This custom also shows how deeply attached the Jewish people are to the TORAH (The FIVE BOOKS OF MOSES: Genesis/Bereshith, Exodus/Shemot, Leviticus/Vayikra, Numbers/B'Midvar, Deuteronomy/Devarim) and how great has been their love of learning.

As the solemn procession circles the Synagogue auditorium, those assembled there, kiss the garment of the SCROLLS, or touch the SCROLLS with their fingers and then kiss their fingers. This act shows that the study of GOD'S LAW is sweet. Their forefathers lived and died to preserve these for the generations yet to come. Seven times they march around the front of the Synagogue, singing joyful hymns in honour of the TORAH, "Be glad and rejoice with the joy of the Law."

How sad is all this rejoicing, when we think of Israel's spiritual darkness! It is true that "to them were committed the oracles of GOD." [Romans 3. 2] However, "eyes have they but they see not" [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 5. 2] and "blindness in part is happened unto Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in." [Romans 11. 25]

When Israel’s eyes are opened to behold their MESSIAH. . . then it will be SIMCHAT TORAH in reality!
"All you peoples, clap your hands, raise a joyous shout for GOD. For the LORD MOST HIGH is awesome, the GREAT KING over all the earth; HE subjects peoples to us, sets nations at our feet. HE chose our heritage for us, the excellence of Jacob whom HE loved. Selah"
"GOD ascends midst acclamation; the LORD, to the blasts of the trumpet. Sing, O sing praises to GOD; Sing, O sing to our KING; for GOD is KING over all the earth; sing a Maskil (hymn of praise). GOD reigns over the nations; GOD is seated on HIS Holy Throne. The great of the peoples are gathered together, the assemblage of Abraham's GOD; for the shields of the earth belong to GOD; HE is greatly exalted." [Psalms (Tehillym) 47. 1 – 9 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Why do we celebrate the TORAH on this day? There is something very intimate about SIMCHAT TORAH. After celebrating so many other festive occasions, GOD asks for one last day — just us alone. No special activities — no shofar, no judgment, no sukkah, no lulav. Let’s put it all aside and spend one more today together — just ME and you. In fact, the earlier holidays related to all mankind: On the High Holidays, GOD judges the entire world. On Sukkot we would bring Temple sacrifices for the well-being of all the nations. But not SIMCHAT TORAH, GOD asks for just a little quiet time together. No one else; just the two of us. . . we realize just how wonderful it is to be alone with GOD.

Blessed is the LORD our GOD, KING of the Universe WHO sanctified us with HIS mitzvoth and gave us HIS Holy Feasts. May we each have a life-changing experiencing and "Awake!" and strive to be holy, even as the LORD our GOD is abundantly faithful and holy.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Welcome Sabbath of SIMCHAT TORAH! Sabbath of B’reisheet – In the Beginning! [Reading: Genesis 1:1-6:8; Isaiah 42:5-43:10; John 1:1-17]
SIMCHAT TORAH is given a curious description in TORAH: “On the eighth day shall be a holy convocation to you…it is a holding back (atzeret).” [Leviticus 23:36] What in the world is a “holding back?” The Midrash explains: YEHOWAH says to Israel, “I hold you back unto ME.” It is as a king who invites his children to a feast for a number of days. When it is time for them to depart, he says, “My sons, please remain with me one more day. Your departure is difficult for me.” We have just gone through a Rosh Hashanah, a Yom Kippur, and a Sukkot together. I have judged you, forgiven you, and shaded you in MY Protective Clouds. And I don’t want to let go of you so soon. Stay for just one more day.
Thank GOD for HIS precious gift of the TORAH that HE gave to us...happiness, a joy, that dances beyond itself.

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 remember well is not necessarily a sign of wisdom.

DAVID'S TABERNACLE
"They brought in the Ark of the LORD, and set it up in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 6. 17 Tanakh, Nevi'im; also 1 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Alef 16. 1]

In spite of the now trend in many churches regarding "entering into David's Tabernacle to revere and worship the MOST HIGH GOD" — it is simply a man-made cliché, method, or form of worship and not a BIBLICAL doctrine; nor is this "the spiritual body" of believers. David's Tabernacle was a literal tabernacle (more correctly a "tent") erected to house or shelter the Ark of the Covenant.

When David saw how Obed-Edom was being blessed, he had the Ark of the Covenant brought from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem. "The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the Ark of GOD. So David went and brought up the Ark of GOD from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 6. 12 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Isaiah also speaks of David's tent (tabernacle) being established and MESSIAH Y’SHUA is on the Throne: "And a throne shall be established in goodness in the tent of David, and on it shall sit in faithfulness a RULER devoted to justice and zealous for equity." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 16. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "And what will HE answer the messengers of any nation? That Zion has been established by the LORD: In it, the needy of HIS people shall find shelter." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 14. 32 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

In the Kingdom Age, when Israel is restored, so will the Tabernacle of David. "In that day, I will set up again the fallen tabernacle of David: I will mend its breaches and set up its ruins anew. I will build it firm as in the days of old that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the Gentiles who are called by MY NAME — says LORD WHO does this thing. [The House of David shall reestablish its authority over the nations that were ruled by David] Behold, the days are coming — says YEHOWAH —when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed when the mountains shall drip with sweet wine, and all the hills shall wave with grain. I will bring back the captives of MY people Israel; they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine; they shall till gardens and eat their fruits. I will plant them in their land, nevermore to be uprooted from the soil I have given them — says YEHOWAH ELOHEYK (the LORD your GOD)." [Amos (Amus) 9. 11 - 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The "PRESENCE" of the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA will be in Jerusalem again — HE is the "GLORIOUS FEATURE" ruling the KINGDOM OF GOD on earth. "After this (taking out of a people for HIS NAME) I will return and will rebuild the Tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; so that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, even all the Gentiles who are called by MY NAME, says the LORD WHO does all these things." [Acts 15. 16 - 17]

Oh, what a day that will be! And, the ETERNAL ONE alone will be our GOD and we will be HIS people, and David will be the Prince forever. [see Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 37. 24 - 25]

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
There is a place for believers in the midst of a pagan society — a challenging position of change and conflict overwhelmed with problems and full of difficulties. For the fainthearted, this is threatening; for the audacious, courageous and noble-minded, Exciting!!! . . .Try a little exhilarating excitement!
The day is short and the work is great; but the laborers are idle, though the reward be great, and the MASTER of the work presses. It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work; but you must not therefore cease from it. If you have worked much, great shall be your reward — for the MASTER WHO employed you is faithful in HIS payment. But know that the true reward is not of this world.
Chag Semeach…blessed and jubilant Sukkot, Day 5 – Chol Hao’ed (Festival Weekday)

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. . .
Sitting in the Sukkah reminds us to be aware of and grateful for the SOVEREIGN ONE'S absolute, all-encompassing protection.

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

Ho'Shanah Rabbah is the name of the seventh day of Sukkot, and is a holy-day in itself. It is the final day of Chol Hamo’ed Sukkot (the intermediate days of Sukkot). In BIBLE times, the Jews who came to celebrate the Feast carried lights and torches to the Temple area illuminating most of Jerusalem and surrounding areas. It was on the last day of Sukkot, the day of the Great Ho'Shanah, while the people rejoiced, the water being poured forth and the priests blew the trumpets, the Levites were singing the Great Hallel (Praise) and the people were praying, "Ho'Shanah, hatshlichana (Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send us prosperity!)!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 118. 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH stood in their midst to tell them that HE was the answer to all their celebration! YESHUA knew that a drought existed in their hearts as Isaiah stated, "All who thirst, come to the waters." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 55. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "The LORD will guide you always; HE will satisfy your thirst in parched places...and you will be like a watered garden, like a spring whose waters do not fail." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 58. 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Thus, the LORD YESHUA declared to them — "If anyone thirsts, let him come to ME and drink. He who believes in ME, as the SCRIPTURE has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." [John 7. 37 - 38] By this, the LORD JESUS was speaking of the HOLY SPIRIT, which they that believe on HIM should receive.

Oh Yes! The LORD YESHUA is the RAIN for which the people prayed. HE is the LIGHT of the world, the GLORY that fills the Temple. HE is the WINE poured out with the water, as well as the WATER OF LIFE. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is the LORD OF THE HARVEST, the GREAT INGATHERER! Some glorious day there shall be a greater ingathering of a greater harvest which John describes. . . "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the LAMB, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation (Ho'Sanah) belongs to our GOD WHO sits on the Throne, and to the LAMB!" [Revelation 7. 9 - 10]

The Sukkot foreshadows MESSIAH'S PROTECTIVE PRESENCE over Israel during HIS Thousand-Year Kingdom Reign. The HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL promised this covenant of friendship with the children of Jacob: "I will place MY Sanctuary among them forever." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 37. 27 Tanakh, Torah] As we eagerly await in imminent expectation for that glorious time, may we be even more urgently faithful to obey and serve as our LORD & KING commissioned, that we may dwell forever with HIM in that Heavenly Sukkah.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
With GOD'S help, the Jewish people will refuse to be "Weeping Willows" any more.
"Chag Sameyach — a joyous Sukkot to you and yours, may these days be extraordinary and kept sacred!"
Festival of Booths, Day 7 — HO’SHANA RABBAH — Great Hoshana

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 TALMUD says that in the days of MESSIAH, all Jews will dwell together in one gigantic Sukkah. This emphasizes the good and pleasant need for us to dwell in unity; perhaps the reason we take the four spices — the Etrog, Lulav, Myrtle & Willow — bind them together and wave them in all directions. Thus declaring that all Jews and Gentiles are a part of the same unit; pledging to discover how all these parts can work together to accomplish a HIGHER good.

SHEMINI ATZERET
"You shall take for yourselves on the first day (of Sukkos) the fruit of the beautiful Hadar Tree (Etrog), branches of a Palm Tree (Lulav), boughs from the Myrtle Tree (Hadassim) and Willows of the brook (Aravos), and you shall rejoice before the LORD your GOD for seven days. You shall observe it as a Festival of the LORD for seven days in the year; you shall observe it in the seventh month as a law for all time, throughout the ages." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 40 - 41 Tanakh, Torah]

Shemini Atzeret (Shemini: eight; Atzeret: solemn assembly — the 8th day of Sukkot celebration) is likened to the special feast of a king for his beloved son: For a full week the king celebrated with all his kingdom. After this week of festivities, the king said to his son, "It is difficult for me to part with you. Please stay another day to celebrate." {Atzeres also means "holding back" — referring to the king who held back his son from leaving with the rest of the celebrants.}

For the full seven days of Sukkot, seventy sacrifices were brought into the Bais ha’Mikdash (Holy Temple in Jerusalem) on behalf of all the nations. If the nations of the world would have known the value of the Temple for them, they would have surrounded it with fortresses in order to protect it. GOD, the ETERNAL ONE, set aside an eighth day of celebration on which only one holiday sacrifice was offered, this one on behalf of the Jewish nation, and it became a day of unique celebration between CREATOR GOD and HIS chosen people.

Simchat Beit ha'Sheavah ("Happiness of the House of the Water-Drawing") is one of the many practices during this festival. Each night throughout the holiday, tens of thousands of spectators would gather outside the Temple walls while the most pious members of the community would dance and sing before GOD asking for HIS blessing of rain in its right time. Water and wine are poured out from different golden pitchers so they mingle together as they fall onto the ground; thus signifying prayer for abundant rain necessary for the growth of crops. In times of old, during the Sukkot holiday, water from the Pool of Siloam in the City of David was drawn and carried to the Holy Temple. The Temple celebration during Sukkot was highlighted by the Ceremony of Water-Drawing for the holyday offerings. This ceremony was unique in that all year the libations on the Altar were performed with wine, but on Sukkot, plain water was used. Yet it was said that "whoever has not seen the joy at the place of the water-drawing has never seen true joy in his life!" [Sukkah 51] The joy expressed in this ceremony was the joy of the simple and pure acceptance of the ALMIGHTY GOD'S will, as symbolized by clear water; contrasting to the acceptance that is based on the joy of understanding, symbolized by wine. Spiritually, it prophesied the coming of the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA and the outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT.

According to the TALMUD, Sukkot is the time when GOD determines the amount of rain that will fall in the coming year. The Water Libation therefore was deeply revered as an opportunity to request the life-giving waters. Though we do not have the Temple today, Jewish communities all over the world still celebrate the festival by joining together and indulging in food, drink, music and dance to thank the GLORIOUS KING of Israel for HIS precious gifts and for HIS tremendous kindness. With their unique approach to reveal extraordinary teachings extracted from the HOLY WORD. "Joyfully shall you draw water out of the Fountains of Salvation!" [Isaiah/Yeshayah 12. 3]

Observant Jews take the "Arba Minim (taking of the Four Kinds)" of plants in his hands into the family Sukkah (booth), recites a benediction ["Baruch ata ADONAY ELOHEINU MELECH ha’olam asher kidishanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al n’tilat lulv – Blessed are YOU LORD our GOD, KING of the universe WHO sanctifies us with HIS mitzvoth and commanded us concerning the taking of a palm branch.], then shakes these three times in all four directions (which forms a cross) to indicate that GOD'S glory fills the whole universe. This is done in fulfillment of the commandment, "On the first day you shall take the product of hadar trees (Hebrew: p’rietz hadar — the fruit of beautiful trees), branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the LORD your GOD seven days." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 40 Tanakh, Torah] The four plants enumerated in the TORAH are the Etrog (lemon-like citron – symbolizing a world of abundance and peace for all people), Lulav (palm branch), Hadassim (myrtle) and Aravos (willows).

In our oral tradition, it is explained that each of these Four Kinds corresponds to a different type of person, from the Etrog, which has both refreshing tastes (constant TORAH learning) and delightful fragrance (good deeds) to the Aravah (willow), which has neither of these qualities. Despite their differences, the TORAH instructs us to take these four and bind them together, for they complement one another. So too does the Jew — and Gentile — complement one another; and only when there is true harmony among all people can we hope for an ideal existence. May it happen soon and in our time!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Welcome Sabbath of Shemini Atzeret! We honor and praise the LORD Y’SHUA, the ONE WHO gives true Sabbath peace and rest and separates the sacred from the ordinary; the sacred from the mundane. A truly wonderful Sabbath of Z'man Simchataynu (the time of our rejoicing)!
The TALMUD says that in the days of the MESSIAH, all Jews will dwell together in one gigantic Sukkah. This underscores the need for Jewish unity. Perhaps this is the reason why on Sukkot we take the four species — Etrog, Lulav, Myrtle and Willow — bind them close together, and wave them in all directions. We declare that all Jews are part of the same unit. And, we pledge to discover how all these parts can work together to accomplish our lofty goals.
We are extremely grateful to the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL for HIS miracles that are with us all day and for the wonders and goodness of every moment.
"Chag Sameyach!" — joy to you and yours, may this day be extraordinary and blessed as we celebrate the 8th Day of Assembly.

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
To remember well is not necessarily a sign of wisdom.

DAVID'S TABERNACLE
"They brought in the Ark of the LORD, and set it up in its place inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 6. 17 Tanakh, Nevi'im; also 1 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Alef 16. 1]

In spite of the now trend in many churches regarding "entering into David's Tabernacle to revere and worship the MOST HIGH GOD" — it is simply a man-made cliché, method, or form of worship and not a BIBLICAL doctrine; nor is this "the spiritual body" of believers. David's Tabernacle was a literal tabernacle (more correctly a "tent") erected to house or shelter the Ark of the Covenant.

When David saw how Obed-Edom was being blessed, he had the Ark of the Covenant brought from the house of Obed-Edom to Jerusalem. "The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the Ark of GOD. So David went and brought up the Ark of GOD from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness." [2 Samuel (Shemuel Bet) 6. 12 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

Isaiah also speaks of David's tent (tabernacle) being established and MESSIAH Y’SHUA is on the Throne: "And a throne shall be established in goodness in the tent of David, and on it shall sit in faithfulness a RULER devoted to justice and zealous for equity." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 16. 5 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "And what will HE answer the messengers of any nation? That Zion has been established by the LORD: In it, the needy of HIS people shall find shelter." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 14. 32 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

In the Kingdom Age, when Israel is restored, so will the Tabernacle of David. "In that day, I will set up again the fallen tabernacle of David: I will mend its breaches and set up its ruins anew. I will build it firm as in the days of old that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the Gentiles who are called by MY NAME — says LORD WHO does this thing. [The House of David shall reestablish its authority over the nations that were ruled by David] Behold, the days are coming — says YEHOWAH —when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed when the mountains shall drip with sweet wine, and all the hills shall wave with grain. I will bring back the captives of MY people Israel; they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine; they shall till gardens and eat their fruits. I will plant them in their land, nevermore to be uprooted from the soil I have given them — says YEHOWAH ELOHEYK (the LORD your GOD)." [Amos (Amus) 9. 11 - 15 Tanakh, Nevi'im]

The "PRESENCE" of the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA will be in Jerusalem again — HE is the "GLORIOUS FEATURE" ruling the KINGDOM OF GOD on earth. "After this (taking out of a people for HIS NAME) I will return and will rebuild the Tabernacle of David, which has fallen down; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up; so that the rest of mankind may seek the LORD, even all the Gentiles who are called by MY NAME, says the LORD WHO does all these things." [Acts 15. 16 - 17]

Oh, what a day that will be! And, the ETERNAL ONE alone will be our GOD and we will be HIS people, and David will be the Prince forever. [see Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 37. 24 - 25]

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
There is a place for believers in the midst of a pagan society — a challenging position of change and conflict overwhelmed with problems and full of difficulties. For the fainthearted, this is threatening; for the audacious, courageous and noble-minded, Exciting!!! . . .Try a little exhilarating excitement!
The day is short and the work is great; but the laborers are idle, though the reward be great, and the MASTER of the work presses. It is not incumbent upon you to complete the work; but you must not therefore cease from it. If you have worked much, great shall be your reward — for the MASTER WHO employed you is faithful in HIS payment. But know that the true reward is not of this world.
Chag Semeach…blessed and jubilant Sukkot, Day 5 – Chol Hao’ed (Festival Weekday)

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. . .
Sitting in the Sukkah reminds us to be aware of and grateful for the SOVEREIGN ONE'S absolute, all-encompassing protection.

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

Ho'Shanah Rabbah is the name of the seventh day of Sukkot, and is a holy-day in itself. It is the final day of Chol Hamo’ed Sukkot (the intermediate days of Sukkot). In BIBLE times, the Jews who came to celebrate the Feast carried lights and torches to the Temple area illuminating most of Jerusalem and surrounding areas. It was on the last day of Sukkot, the day of the Great Ho'Shanah, while the people rejoiced, the water being poured forth and the priests blew the trumpets, the Levites were singing the Great Hallel (Praise) and the people were praying, "Ho'Shanah, hatshlichana (Save now, I pray, O LORD; O LORD, I pray, send us prosperity!)!" [Psalms (Tehillym) 118. 25 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The LORD YESHUA ha'MASHIACH stood in their midst to tell them that HE was the answer to all their celebration! YESHUA knew that a drought existed in their hearts as Isaiah stated, "All who thirst, come to the waters." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 55. 1 Tanakh, Nevi'im] "The LORD will guide you always; HE will satisfy your thirst in parched places...and you will be like a watered garden, like a spring whose waters do not fail." [Isaiah (Yeshayah) 58. 11 Tanakh, Nevi'im] Thus, the LORD YESHUA declared to them — "If anyone thirsts, let him come to ME and drink. He who believes in ME, as the SCRIPTURE has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." [John 7. 37 - 38] By this, the LORD JESUS was speaking of the HOLY SPIRIT, which they that believe on HIM should receive.

Oh Yes! The LORD YESHUA is the RAIN for which the people prayed. HE is the LIGHT of the world, the GLORY that fills the Temple. HE is the WINE poured out with the water, as well as the WATER OF LIFE. YESHUA ha'MASHIACH is the LORD OF THE HARVEST, the GREAT INGATHERER! Some glorious day there shall be a greater ingathering of a greater harvest which John describes. . . "After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the LAMB, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation (Ho'Sanah) belongs to our GOD WHO sits on the Throne, and to the LAMB!" [Revelation 7. 9 - 10]

The Sukkot foreshadows MESSIAH'S PROTECTIVE PRESENCE over Israel during HIS Thousand-Year Kingdom Reign. The HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL promised this covenant of friendship with the children of Jacob: "I will place MY Sanctuary among them forever." [Ezekiel (Yehezke-El) 37. 27 Tanakh, Torah] As we eagerly await in imminent expectation for that glorious time, may we be even more urgently faithful to obey and serve as our LORD & KING commissioned, that we may dwell forever with HIM in that Heavenly Sukkah.

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
With GOD'S help, the Jewish people will refuse to be "Weeping Willows" any more.
"Chag Sameyach — a joyous Sukkot to you and yours, may these days be extraordinary and kept sacred!"
Festival of Booths, Day 7 — HO’SHANA RABBAH — Great Hoshana

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 TALMUD says that in the days of MESSIAH, all Jews will dwell together in one gigantic Sukkah. This emphasizes the good and pleasant need for us to dwell in unity; perhaps the reason we take the four spices — the Etrog, Lulav, Myrtle & Willow — bind them together and wave them in all directions. Thus declaring that all Jews and Gentiles are a part of the same unit; pledging to discover how all these parts can work together to accomplish a HIGHER good.

SHEMINI ATZERET
"You shall take for yourselves on the first day (of Sukkos) the fruit of the beautiful Hadar Tree (Etrog), branches of a Palm Tree (Lulav), boughs from the Myrtle Tree (Hadassim) and Willows of the brook (Aravos), and you shall rejoice before the LORD your GOD for seven days. You shall observe it as a Festival of the LORD for seven days in the year; you shall observe it in the seventh month as a law for all time, throughout the ages." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 40 - 41 Tanakh, Torah]

Shemini Atzeret (Shemini: eight; Atzeret: solemn assembly — the 8th day of Sukkot celebration) is likened to the special feast of a king for his beloved son: For a full week the king celebrated with all his kingdom. After this week of festivities, the king said to his son, "It is difficult for me to part with you. Please stay another day to celebrate." {Atzeres also means "holding back" — referring to the king who held back his son from leaving with the rest of the celebrants.}

For the full seven days of Sukkot, seventy sacrifices were brought into the Bais ha’Mikdash (Holy Temple in Jerusalem) on behalf of all the nations. If the nations of the world would have known the value of the Temple for them, they would have surrounded it with fortresses in order to protect it. GOD, the ETERNAL ONE, set aside an eighth day of celebration on which only one holiday sacrifice was offered, this one on behalf of the Jewish nation, and it became a day of unique celebration between CREATOR GOD and HIS chosen people.

Simchat Beit ha'Sheavah ("Happiness of the House of the Water-Drawing") is one of the many practices during this festival. Each night throughout the holiday, tens of thousands of spectators would gather outside the Temple walls while the most pious members of the community would dance and sing before GOD asking for HIS blessing of rain in its right time. Water and wine are poured out from different golden pitchers so they mingle together as they fall onto the ground; thus signifying prayer for abundant rain necessary for the growth of crops. In times of old, during the Sukkot holiday, water from the Pool of Siloam in the City of David was drawn and carried to the Holy Temple. The Temple celebration during Sukkot was highlighted by the Ceremony of Water-Drawing for the holyday offerings. This ceremony was unique in that all year the libations on the Altar were performed with wine, but on Sukkot, plain water was used. Yet it was said that "whoever has not seen the joy at the place of the water-drawing has never seen true joy in his life!" [Sukkah 51] The joy expressed in this ceremony was the joy of the simple and pure acceptance of the ALMIGHTY GOD'S will, as symbolized by clear water; contrasting to the acceptance that is based on the joy of understanding, symbolized by wine. Spiritually, it prophesied the coming of the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA and the outpouring of the HOLY SPIRIT.

According to the TALMUD, Sukkot is the time when GOD determines the amount of rain that will fall in the coming year. The Water Libation therefore was deeply revered as an opportunity to request the life-giving waters. Though we do not have the Temple today, Jewish communities all over the world still celebrate the festival by joining together and indulging in food, drink, music and dance to thank the GLORIOUS KING of Israel for HIS precious gifts and for HIS tremendous kindness. With their unique approach to reveal extraordinary teachings extracted from the HOLY WORD. "Joyfully shall you draw water out of the Fountains of Salvation!" [Isaiah/Yeshayah 12. 3]

Observant Jews take the "Arba Minim (taking of the Four Kinds)" of plants in his hands into the family Sukkah (booth), recites a benediction ["Baruch ata ADONAY ELOHEINU MELECH ha’olam asher kidishanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al n’tilat lulv – Blessed are YOU LORD our GOD, KING of the universe WHO sanctifies us with HIS mitzvoth and commanded us concerning the taking of a palm branch.], then shakes these three times in all four directions (which forms a cross) to indicate that GOD'S glory fills the whole universe. This is done in fulfillment of the commandment, "On the first day you shall take the product of hadar trees (Hebrew: p’rietz hadar — the fruit of beautiful trees), branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the LORD your GOD seven days." [Leviticus (Vayikra) 23. 40 Tanakh, Torah] The four plants enumerated in the TORAH are the Etrog (lemon-like citron – symbolizing a world of abundance and peace for all people), Lulav (palm branch), Hadassim (myrtle) and Aravos (willows).

In our oral tradition, it is explained that each of these Four Kinds corresponds to a different type of person, from the Etrog, which has both refreshing tastes (constant TORAH learning) and delightful fragrance (good deeds) to the Aravah (willow), which has neither of these qualities. Despite their differences, the TORAH instructs us to take these four and bind them together, for they complement one another. So too does the Jew — and Gentile — complement one another; and only when there is true harmony among all people can we hope for an ideal existence. May it happen soon and in our time!

Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Welcome Sabbath of Shemini Atzeret! We honor and praise the LORD Y’SHUA, the ONE WHO gives true Sabbath peace and rest and separates the sacred from the ordinary; the sacred from the mundane. A truly wonderful Sabbath of Z'man Simchataynu (the time of our rejoicing)!
The TALMUD says that in the days of the MESSIAH, all Jews will dwell together in one gigantic Sukkah. This underscores the need for Jewish unity. Perhaps this is the reason why on Sukkot we take the four species — Etrog, Lulav, Myrtle and Willow — bind them close together, and wave them in all directions. We declare that all Jews are part of the same unit. And, we pledge to discover how all these parts can work together to accomplish our lofty goals.
We are extremely grateful to the HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL for HIS miracles that are with us all day and for the wonders and goodness of every moment.
"Chag Sameyach!" — joy to you and yours, may this day be extraordinary and blessed as we celebrate the 8th Day of Assembly.

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
Excel proficiently at doing good — but be completely elementary when it comes to doing evil.

SALVATION WORK OUT
"Therefore my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." [Philippians 2. 12]

Our spiritual duties must be our own hearts actions; thus we must learn to walk and stand alone instead of leaning on other personal influences. We are not told to work for our salvation, but "to work it out" — that is, to demonstrate its reality in our daily lives by obedience. Our salvation must be received by grace only, and grace is free, through faith; not of works, or it is not true salvation. "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 - 9] Works cannot keep our salvation any more than it can earn it. It is not faith and works that saves us, but grace through faith.

However, a CHRISTian believer can, by demonstration testify — "I will show you my faith by my works." [James 2. 18] Good works consisting of a righteous and gracious life-style, considerate of others and obedient to the LORD Y’ESUS commandments are the visible evidences of salvation. We have been "created in MESSIAH Y’ESUS unto good works, which GOD has before ordained that we should walk in them." [Ephesians 2. 10] "Serve the LORD in awe (reverential, respectful fear); rejoice with trembling." [Psalms (Tehillym) 2. 11 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

On the basis of CHRIST JESUS' sacrificial death, glorious resurrection and exaltation [Philippians 2. 8-11] that "it is GOD WHO works in you both to will and to do HIS good pleasure." [Philippians 2. 13] CREATOR GOD is enabling us to "work out" our salvation in visible practice, through the indwelling COMFORTER, the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD.

It is appropriately striking that the life of a genuinely born-anew CHRISTian, possessing true salvation, should be "blameless and harmless sons of GOD…as lights in the world; holding forth the WORD OF LIFE." [Philippians 2. 15 – 16] Inevitably (completely essential), we must "examine ourselves as to whether we be in the faith." [2 Corinthians 13. 5] We are ever reminded that "we know that we know HIM, IF we keep HIS commandments." [1 John 2. 3] And, "whoever does not practice righteousness is not of GOD, nor is he who does not love his brother." [1 John 3. 10] But, with the LORD GOD in the center of our lives, the best, most exciting and joy-filled life is ours. . . even in this troubled world.


Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
The TORAH never looses its relevance. Growing spiritually is a life-long journey. The CREATOR LORD GOD. Wants a personal relationship with you and me. Our relationship is as real as we choose to make it. Fall in love with faith. HE is the ROCK of our salvation, HE wraps us in a robe of righteousness — thus shouts of victory and praise spring forth in HIS PRESENCE. I love YOU, LORD and I lift my voice to worship YOU.
Have an extremely joyous Sukkot, Day 6 of the Feast of Tabernacles. TEXT reading for the day, Numbers 29:29-31


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 message on our coins is "in GOD we trust" — but all too often the message of our lives is that it is wealth we really worship and trust.

BY NO MEANS
"Whoever receives you receives ME, and he who receives ME receives HIM WHO sent ME. He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward." [Matthew 10. 40 - 42]

The phrase "by no means" is the translation of two single-syllables in the Greek language, which in effect becomes a double negative, stressing that the thing mentioned will absolutely in no way will ever happen. The expression can also be translated "in no case; in no wise; or not at all." Thus, it is very instructive to notice a few such instances in HOLY SCRIPTURE which can never ever happen:

The opening Text says that any small kindness done in the NAME of Y’SHUA or one of HIS followers, will by no means go unrewarded. MESSIAH even declared, "whoever does not receive the Kingdom of GOD like a little child will by no means enter it." [Luke 18. 17] HE also stated — "All that the FATHER gives ME will come to ME, and the one who comes to ME I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from Heaven, not to do MY OWN will, but the will of HIM WHO sent ME. This is the will of the Father WHO sent ME, that of all HE has given ME I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the Last Day. And this is the will of HIM WHO sent ME, that everyone who sees the SON and believes in HIM may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the Last Day." [John 6. 37 - 40]

This shows that both HIS warnings and HIS assurances are pointedly positive! Mere outward righteousness will never be sufficient. Y’SHUA emphatically stated, "unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven." [Matthew 5. 20]

Whosoever will come to the MASTER, however are promised that HE "will never leave you nor forsake you." [Hebrews 13. 5] "Remember, I am with you and will keep (protect) you wherever you go...for I will not leave you." [Genesis (Bereshith) 28. 15 Tanakh, Torah] "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be afraid...for the LORD your GOD HIMSELF goes with you. HE will not fail you or forsake you." [Deuteronomy (Devarim) 31. 6 Tanakh, Torah] And regarding the HOLY WRITTEN WORD HE declares — "till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the Law till all is fulfilled." [Matthew 5. 18]

Then, when the Holy City, the Bride, the LAMB'S Wife [Revelation 21:9] comes down out of Heaven, and the eternal ages begin, "there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the LAMB'S Book of Life." [Revelation 21. 27] As servants of the LORD MOST HIGH, we are confident that nothing HE said shall ever fail. Therefore, we love the LORD our GOD, walk in all HIS ways, keep HIS commands, hold fast to HIM and serve HIM with all our heart and soul out of love and gratitude.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
TORAH brings us lasting joy and life. It gives us higher goals, it shows us how to be grateful, it teaches us hope, it connects us, it gives us flow through song and dance. This is the flow of Simchat TORAH, celebrating the TORAH that teaches us how to transcend our limits, how to be happy. The higher goals, the gratitude, the hope, the sheer joy of connecting to our BELOVED CREATOR. For this moment HE created us. For this joy HE created the world. It is a happiness that won’t slip away whether we are straddling the top of the world or just beginning our climb. It is in fact right there in our arms – the gift of the TORAH that HE gives to us. A happiness, a joy, that dances beyond itself.
We wish each of you a joyous Sukkot, Day 4 – Chol Hao’ed (Festival Weekday) and await the upcoming event of Simchat TORAH!
Our prayers for you and your family is for an abundance of peace and truth to each of you as we celebrate Yamym Noraym (High Holy Days).

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. . .
Where there is no sense, there is no feeling.



ARK OF THE COVENANT (Part 2 - Conclusion)
"They shall make ME an Ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. Overlay it with pure gold — overlay it inside and out — and make upon it a gold molding round about." [Exodus (Shemot) 25. 10 - 11 Tanakh, Torah]



The ark of Noah was covered inside and outside with pitch. [Genesis/Shemot 6. 14] The Hebrew word for pitch is "kaphar" meaning to cover up — from this comes the word kapporeth (Mercy Seat).



GOLD is symbolic of DIVINITY. The Shittim (Acacia) wood is to be overlaid with this pure metal. According to some Rabbis, "the Ark was made in three parts and then put together as one." Two parts were to be of gold and the one in between, of wood. This can very well represent the TRINITY. The wood is the GO-BETWEEN, THE MEDIATOR, GOD THE SON manifest in the flesh. GOD THE FATHER and GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, are seen as the two layers of gold on each side of the wood.



The Ark also pictures HIM WHO is filled with all the fullness of the GODhead bodily. [Colossians 2. 9] The gold inside depicts OMNIPOTENT, OMNIPRESENT, OMNISCIENT CREATOR GOD THE WORD, anointed of the ENABLING HOLY SPIRIT. [Isaiah/Yeshayah 61. 1] GOD ETERNAL would dwell within this Tabernacle. The gold on the outside is significant of the LORD JESUS, WHO is the ONLY-BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD through WHOM the worlds were made and by WHOM all things consist. [Proverbs/Mishle 30. 4; Isaiah/Yeshayah 9. 6; Colossians 1. 15 - 17] And, the wood between tells of YESHUA, the TRUE & FAITHFUL REDEEMER to come WHO became GOD manifest in the flesh, born of a woman, made under the Law! [Galatians 4. 4]



The one who believes on MESSIAH Y’SHUA, the ROCK of our salvation, is also represented in the SON; therefore, the Ark of the Covenant describes the true Saints of GOD as well. The wood signifies our humanity; the gold on the outside represents the divine nature of which we are partakers [2 Peter 1. 4; John 1. 12; 1 John 3. 2], and that gold on the inside represents the in-dwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT.



A crown indicates authority, dominion and the majesty of a king; it also implies the finishing touches to a completed task. This ornament of gold that surrounds the top of the Ark of the Covenant symbolizes THE KING with HIS power, dominion, and majesty WHO declared upon the Cross: "It is FINISHED!"



The crown was similar to a rail on the Ark which surrounded the Mercy Seat above, protecting or guarding, as it were, the SHEKINAH GLORY (HOLY PRESENCE between the Cherubim) and the Blood of Atonement sprinkled there. Our LOVING GOD sets a GUARD to protect HIS HOLINESS and the Blood of Atonement from desecration and defilement at men's hands. HE is the KING OF GLORY and will never permit HIS mercy to be removed, nor the blood HE freely gave upon the Altar to be successfully dishonoured or trampled upon by men!



There are Three Crowns in the Tabernacle Furniture:
Ark of the Covenant — The Crown of the Law. [Exodus/Shemot 25. 11]
Altar of Incense — The Crown of the Priesthood. [Exodus/Shemot 30. 3]
Table of Showbread — The Crown of the Kingdom. [Exodus/Shemot 25. 24]



The last crown mentioned in SCRIPTURE, is a reward for those who are faithful to the end, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the Crown of Life which the LORD has promised to those who love HIM." [James 1. 12]



All praise, honor and glory to the GREAT & MIGHTY HOLY GOD we serve, the COMPASSIONATE, WONDERFULLY AMAZING CREATOR of the ends of the earth!



Sha'alu (Pray) for the Shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
Bidding farewell to Sabbath of Prophecy! We praise YOU, MOST HOLY GOD and ask that YOUR PRESENCE be manifest to us in all YOUR works, so that reverence for YOU may fill the hearts of YOUR creatures. May all the children of men bow before YOU in humility and unite to do YOUR will with one heart, that all may acknowledge that YOURS alone is the power, dominion and majesty; and that YOUR NAME is exalted above all.
"Blessed is the ETERNAL our GOD, SOVEREIGN OF THE UNIVERSE, WHO sanctifies us through HIS commandments and commanded us to dwell in the Sukkah."
Chag Sameyach - a joyous Sukkoth (Day 3) to you and yours, may these days be extraordinary and richly blessed! Have a truly wonderful Sabbath of Z'man Simchataynu (the time of our rejoicing)!



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 you are driven to your knees, you can have overwhelming confidence that there is no better place to go.

CHERUBIM OF GOLD
"[You shall make a Mercy-Seat of pure gold] ...Make two cherubim of gold — make them of hammered work — at the two ends of the Mercy-Seat. Make one cherub at one end and the other cherub at the other end; of one piece with the Mercy-Seat shall you make the cherubim at its two ends. The cherubim shall have their wings spread out above, shielding the cover with their wings. They shall confront each other, the faces of the cherubim being turned toward the Mercy-Seat." [Exodus (Shemot) 25. 18 - 19 Tanakh, Torah]

The two cherubim were to be as one with the Mercy-Seat. They typify the glorified believers who are one with the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH. These symbols of redeemed humanity are now reality as seen by the innumerable company of Adam's race, from whom the curse has been removed [Revelation 22. 3], and who take their places about the Throne of GOD and of the LAMB, act as HIS servants there, behold HIS face and have HIS NAME on their foreheads. [Revelation 22. 4]

Two is the number suggesting union and agreement. The redeemed are in union with MESSIAH. The cherubim are the most exalted beings of the heavenly hosts, occupying the nearest position to the Throne of GOD. What an honor! We have been brought to the very Throne of GOD and given a seat with HIM. We have been made of one piece with the Mercy-Seat, heirs of GOD and joint-heirs with JESUS, partakers of the DIVINE nature, sons of GOD MOST HIGH! We rest in the finished work of Calvary and are "seated with CHRIST in the heavenlies!"

The "hammered work" prophesies of the sufferings of MESSIAH WHO was "beaten" to become our ATONEMENT for sin, our MERCY-SEAT. We are one with HIM; if we suffer with HIM, we shall also reign with HIM. [2 Timothy 2. 12]

Though it was a Mercy-Seat, no one could sit on it. Sitting would imply that the priest's work was finished and this was impossible. The priest was continually standing, offering sacrifices. There is only one HIGH PRIEST WHO sat down because HIS ministry was finished: "Every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this MAN (PRIEST would be more accurate here), after HE had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of GOD." [Hebrews 10. 11 - 12] Once before the LORD Y’SHUA "sat down" after HE had read the prophecy concerning HIMSELF and HIS work [Luke 4. 20] implying that HE would finish or fulfill the OLD COVENANT. ["It is finished!" — John 19. 30 w/Hebrews 1. 3]

The cherubim were not to look upon one another, nor look under the cover at the law man failed to keep, nor eastward toward the people who were sinners. ALMIGHTY GOD commanded that their faces should be toward the Mercy-Seat. . . for upon this Sacred Cover was the blood of the sacrifice which was priceless. The reason for this "kapporeth (covering)" was the blood of atonement that it held. Here was the means of atonement for Israel. Here forgiveness and pardon was offered up for them. It was by this means that a way of access to the LOVING CREATOR was made on their behalf. It was the "precious blood" in which the cherubim were interested as their faces looked toward the Mercy-Seat. "You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold...but with the precious blood of CHRIST, the SPOTLESS LAMB." [1 Peter 1. 18 - 19]

Ceaselessly throughout eternity we will behold the Blood of Atonement remembering it was the work of the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA on the rugged cross which gives us the high privilege and honor to be one with HIM in glory!

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

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 you are driven to your knees, you can have overwhelming confidence that there is no better place to go.

CHERUBIM OF GOLD
"[You shall make a Mercy-Seat of pure gold] ...Make two cherubim of gold — make them of hammered work — at the two ends of the Mercy-Seat. Make one cherub at one end and the other cherub at the other end; of one piece with the Mercy-Seat shall you make the cherubim at its two ends. The cherubim shall have their wings spread out above, shielding the cover with their wings. They shall confront each other, the faces of the cherubim being turned toward the Mercy-Seat." [Exodus (Shemot) 25. 18 - 19 Tanakh, Torah]

The two cherubim were to be as one with the Mercy-Seat. They typify the glorified believers who are one with the LORD Y’SHUA ha'MASHIACH. These symbols of redeemed humanity are now reality as seen by the innumerable company of Adam's race, from whom the curse has been removed [Revelation 22. 3], and who take their places about the Throne of GOD and of the LAMB, act as HIS servants there, behold HIS face and have HIS NAME on their foreheads. [Revelation 22. 4]


Two is the number suggesting union and agreement. The redeemed are in union with MESSIAH. The cherubim are the most exalted beings of the heavenly hosts, occupying the nearest position to the Throne of GOD. What an honor! We have been brought to the very Throne of GOD and given a seat with HIM. We have been made of one piece with the Mercy-Seat, heirs of GOD and joint-heirs with JESUS, partakers of the DIVINE nature, sons of GOD MOST HIGH! We rest in the finished work of Calvary and are "seated with CHRIST in the heavenlies!"

The "hammered work" prophesies of the sufferings of MESSIAH WHO was "beaten" to become our ATONEMENT for sin, our MERCY-SEAT. We are one with HIM; if we suffer with HIM, we shall also reign with HIM. [2 Timothy 2. 12]


Though it was a Mercy-Seat, no one could sit on it. Sitting would imply that the priest's work was finished and this was impossible. The priest was continually standing, offering sacrifices. There is only one HIGH PRIEST WHO sat down because HIS ministry was finished: "Every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this MAN (PRIEST would be more accurate here), after HE had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of GOD." [Hebrews 10. 11 - 12] Once before the LORD Y’SHUA "sat down" after HE had read the prophecy concerning HIMSELF and HIS work [Luke 4. 20] implying that HE would finish or fulfill the OLD COVENANT. ["It is finished!" — John 19. 30 w/Hebrews 1. 3]


The cherubim were not to look upon one another, nor look under the cover at the law man failed to keep, nor eastward toward the people who were sinners. ALMIGHTY GOD commanded that their faces should be toward the Mercy-Seat. . . for upon this Sacred Cover was the blood of the sacrifice which was priceless. The reason for this "kapporeth (covering)" was the blood of atonement that it held. Here was the means of atonement for Israel. Here forgiveness and pardon was offered up for them. It was by this means that a way of access to the LOVING CREATOR was made on their behalf. It was the "precious blood" in which the cherubim were interested as their faces looked toward the Mercy-Seat. "You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold...but with the precious blood of CHRIST, the SPOTLESS LAMB." [1 Peter 1. 18 - 19]


Ceaselessly throughout eternity we will behold the Blood of Atonement remembering it was the work of the LORD MESSIAH Y’SHUA on the rugged cross which gives us the high privilege and honor to be one with HIM in glory!


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

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

Web Page: www.delrifkah.com

A HEBREW SAGE MIGHT SAY. . .
One makes little progress in history before finally realizing that it is much easier to repeat an error than to correct it. [Mr. Prescott, Historian of Phillip II, volume III, pg. 177]

HOSTS OF HEAVEN
"Then [Micaiah] said, "Indeed, hear now the WORD OF THE LORD! I saw the LORD sitting upon HIS Throne, with all the host of heaven standing in attendance to the right and to the left of HIM." [2 Chronicles (Dibre Hayamin Bet) 18. 18 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

The Prophet Micaiah (means: who is like GOD) was given this notably remarkable vision, he is the only true prophet at the court of the evil King Ahab of Israel. Ahab, the evil disgusting king of Israel hated Micaiah and called him “the prophet who prophesied nothing good, only evil” concerning him. [see 2 Chronicles/Dibre Hayamin Bet 18. 17]

There are other various SCRIPTURES that confirm that there certainty are a great host of angels at GOD’S Throne in Heaven. {see Job/Iyob 1. 5; Daniel/Danyel 7. 10; Revelation 5. 11} These are mighty angels and they go forth at the command of the HOLY ALMIGHTY GOD — "Bless the LORD, you HIS angels, who excel in strength, who do HIS bidding, ever heeding the VOICE OF HIS WORD. Bless the Lord, all you HIS hosts, you ministers of HIS, who do HIS pleasure." [Psalms (Tehillym) 103. 20 – 21 Tanakh, Kethuvim] This is especially true in connection with their primary function of "ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation." [Hebrews 1. 14]

As well as the angels, there is another "host of heaven" — the stars which "cannot be numbered." [Jeremiah/Yirmeyah 33. 22] Angels also, like the stars, are said to be "innumerable" [Hebrews 12. 22] Both hosts (angels & stars) are mentioned in Nehemiah "YOU alone are the LORD. YOU made the heaven, the highest heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and everything on it, the seas and all that is in them. YOU keep them all alive. the host of heaven prostrate themselves before YOU and worships YOU, LORD GOD." [Nehemiah (Nechemah) 9. 6 Tanakh, Kethuvim]

Angels are often associated with stars in GOD’S HOLY WRITTEN WORD and are even likened to stars on a number of occasions. However, a third of the angels "did not keep their proper domain." [Jude 6; Revelation 12. 3 - 9]

Although angels are never to be worshipped [Revelation 22. 8 - 9], Satan, the "anointed cherub" [Ezekiel/Yehezke-El 28. 14], desires to be "like the MOST HIGH GOD" [Isaiah/Yeshayah 14. 14], and he led these now-fallen angels into a immense rebellion against their CREATOR which continues to this day.

It is a definite fact, they have become associated with both the sky-imagers of astrology and the corresponding graven images of paganism. Paul warned that such idol worship was, in reality, demon worship. "The things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to GOD." [1 Corinthians 10. 20] It is this particular "host of heaven" which all devotees of false religions, ancient or currently existing, are really worshipping when they reject the TRUE GOD OF CREATION and put their faith in some feature or expression of the cosmos itself. The faithful and obedient host of heaven worships the TRUE & LIVING GOD alone, and so must we who are called by HIS PRECIOUS NAME…the NAME that is above all names.

Sha’alu (Pray) for the shalom (Peace) of Jerusalem and all of Israel!
Redeem Israel, O ELOHIYM, out of all their troubles!
May you know the joy and happiness that only comes from the righteousness of our LORD MESSIAH YESHUA.
Our prayers are that the HOLY ONE 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