Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

| Anyone care to comment on why Christianity  should/shouldn't  go  back
| and  re-establish some/all of those Judeo practices/beliefs that Jesus
| himself took part in.

	Wasn't it God who stated in the Bible that the Gentiles only need to
follow the 10 commandments and loving God with all your heart along with love
your neighbors as you would love yourself? 

	With all of the things that are in the OT (clothing you can/can't wear,
what you have to do after you discharge, the sacrafices you must offer, things
like that) is it even possible to revert back to? With all of the animal
protection people about, would it even be possible to offer up a sacrafice?



Glen

    No, Christians are under Grace, not under the Law.  The NT teaches that
    Jesus came to fulfill the Law.  Many of the legalistic practices were
    specifically overturned by Jesus, but the basics of the Law were
    affirmed.  The rules on the Sabbath, on clothing, diet, etc. don't
    apply to Christians, whether they are "completed Jews" or Gentiles. 
    Jesus, being God, had the ability to provide us with His Grace, which
    goes beyond the Law.  The Law only has the ability to convict us of Sin; 
    Grace provides the answer to Sin.
    
    Example:  Jesus told a crowd that we should "Love God with all our
    heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves", then
    said that all of the law was contained in that.  Of course, it's a
    trick question - this turns out to be not easy....
    
    
    Regards
    
    Don Randall
    

According to the Jewish people I've chatted with, the differences between
Judaism and Christianity are too great for all Christians to also be Jews;
so much so that some Jews are opposed to even the term "Judeo-Christian".

You might want to check out TAVENG::BAGELS to get more of a favor of what
I'm saying.

Peace,
Richard

    Richard, What do the Jewish Christians you've talked to say?
    
    			Alfred

    Re: 3
    
    I believe, to a certain extent Orzech makes a correct statement.  Not
    that we should "revert back" to living under the law, but the "Spirit
    of the Law" being a progression from the "Letter of the Law", would
    make those who made the transition a "Good Jew".  "Jew", as Paul
    asserts, "is not a circumcision of the flesh but of the heart".  Those
    who do the will of God are "Good Jews"; "Gentiles," being those who do
    by nature the things of God, but not according to knowledge of his
    will.
    
    The differences between Judaism and Christianity may be too great for
    JEWS (as we know them in a worldly sense) to examine, but it's
    shouldn't be so for a Christian...inasmuch as it is too great for a 
    novice to discuss the advancements in his field, this seems the case to
    me...
    
    Would we, Christians, agree that Christianity is "advanced" Judaism, in
    that we move from the "letter" to the "Spirit" of the Law.  Isn't that
    exactly the difference between the novice and the professional?  I
    don't intend to offend "Jews", inasmuch as I don't intend to offend the
    "novice"...
    
    Note:  I think Orzech hasn't learned a "thing or two" which he'll find
    out about shortly...why'd he have to bring up this subject?
    
    READY FOR FREDDIE!
    
    Playtoe

    Re: .4
    
    Alfred,
    
    	I've not encountered any Jewish Christians, though I've heard of
    them.  Have you any insights in this area you'd like to share?
    
    Peace,
    Richard

    I've met a few Jewish Christians in my time. None of them have
    seen any great problem or conflict between being Jewish and being
    a Christian. They do see Christianity as a logical progression
    from Judaism. I have always suspected that those who see a conflict
    between the two religions may not understand one of them.

    Remember, while we are on the subject, that the early church believed
    for a time that converting to Judaism was a necessary step to be a
    full member of the body of Christ. Are we to assume that those early
    Christians all raised Jews at a time when the Temple stood did not
    understand what it was to be a Jew? I think not. Nor can we easily
    assume that those who walked with Jesus didn't understand what it
    was to be a Christian. It took a while and a vision to convince them
    that being a Jew was not a required first step. Still there was no
    evidence that God ever indicated that Jews should or must  leave that
    faith either.

    			Alfred

Re: .7

Hmmmm....Interesting, Alfred.  Is there a difference between a
Jewish Christian and a Christian Jew?  If so, what is the difference?

Peace,
Richard

> Is there a difference between a
>Jewish Christian and a Christian Jew?

	Not that I am aware of.

			Alfred

    
       Alfred,
    
     Try reading Paul's letter to the Corinthians. Particularly 
    1st Corinthians chapter 1; verses 13,22,23. Does this bear
    some light on your question?
    
                      Robin

>     Try reading Paul's letter to the Corinthians. Particularly 
>    1st Corinthians chapter 1; verses 13,22,23. Does this bear
>    some light on your question?
    
    I read them. But I did not ask a question in .9 nor do those 
    verses seem to relate to Richard's question. Could you expand
    on your note? Thanks.
    
    		Alfred

Re:  410.0

  >Anyone care to comment on why Christianity  should/shouldn't  go  back
  >and  re-establish some/all of those Judeo practices/beliefs that Jesus
  >himself took part in.

Indeed, Jesus came to fulfill the law and fulfilled not only the
moral law, but the ceremonially law perfectly.  After Jesus'
resurrection, the purpose of the ceremonial law no longer existed
(the purpose being to point to Jesus' life, death and resurrection),
and so God clearly revealed his will to Peter (Acts 10 - 11), to the 
Council (Acts 15), and to Paul (Galatians).  BTW, Jesus himself noted
the ceremonial nature of some of the law when he was questioned by the
Pharisees (Luke 6:1-11).

This is not to say that the ceremonial laws are not worth observing,
only that the observance of the ceremonial laws should not be
required.

Collis

  >Shouldn't Christians be good Jews?

Christians should be good Christians (i.e. follower of Christ).

... but then again, so should Jews, Hinuds, Muslims, atheists, etc.   :-)

    Enclosed is my last note from Josh.  I've read his monthly publications
    for the past two years.  Now he is home with three children with his
    home-making wife and is unemployed without anything in sight.
    
    As you can see from the list of Messianic Jew locations, there is a lot
    of activity in this area, a surprise to me when first learned.
    
    ----------
    
From:	CHOWDA::CSCMA::ONEILL "He is the oil, we are His hands.  27-Jan-1992 1105" 27-JAN-1992 11:10:42.10
To:	@MENCH
CC:	ONEILL
Subj:	Goodbye my friends.



     TTTTTTTTT H   H  EEEEE      M       M  EEEEE  N     N  CCCCCC  H   H
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         T     HHHHH  EEE        M   M   M  EEE    N   N N  C       HHHHH
         T     H   H  E          M       M  E      N     N  C       H   H
         T     H   H  EEEEE      M       M  EEEEE  N     N  CCCCCC  H   H
  
                 The International News and Information Magazine 
                     from The  Messianic Jewish Perspective

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
          "Believers never say good bye, rather; until we meet again."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Dear Mench Readers,

 I regret to inform you that due to my involuntary separation, (Layoff) 
from Digital, I will no longer have the resources available to continue 
the publication and distribution of The Mench in its current format.

 It's been suggested that I continue The Mench on a quarterly basis via
a newsletter similar in content to the present publication. This new 
venture will be known as, "The Friends Of The Mench" newsletter. 

 Thanks to Mr. Peter Comeau; Manager of Melech Yisrael Books & Judaica, I 
will have access to an Apple MacIntosh, and would be able to publish and 
distribute such a newsletter to those who are interested. If you'd like to 
receive this new publication, please send your request to...


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                            C/O Mr. Josh O'Neill
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                 Note: Be sure to include your Postal Code. 


 Whether or not you chose to remain on our mailing list, your support has 
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 I have enjoyed preparing The Mench these past 2 years. I hope that this 
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      Alfred,               RE: .11
    
      Sorry for the confusion. In my note .10 I was actually replying to 
    note .8 which you had referenced in your note of .9. My comment was 
    directed to the note .8 question.
                  
                      Sorry for the confusion,
                                               Robin

                <<< Note 410.5 by SWAM1::DOTHARD_ST "PLAYTOE" >>>
                           -< I know, I know....... >-

>    Note:  I think Orzech hasn't learned a "thing or two" which he'll find
>    out about shortly..........................................

     Interesting comment, Playtoe.  Please enlighten me.


>    ....................why'd he have to bring up this subject?

     Like I said, it was just an odd thought.  It came from a comment in  a
     REPLY  to  another topic to someone who wanted to know if believing in
     the existence of Satan was  an  "essential"  Christian  belief  and  I
     volunteered  the  observation  that  since  Jesus  believed in Satan's
     existence then I would think that proved it to be essential.   Then  I
     thought, "Jesus must have believed in a lot of Jewish dogma since that
     was the Faith  he  was  practicing,  but  Christians  certainly  don't
     believe  in  everything  Jews do, and" blah, blah, blah.  Such was the
     Genesis of my topic.

     As an admitted non-believer I would think this is the right place  for
     me  to ask questions about Christianity and what Christians think.  My
     purpose is simply that.  I don't  want/intend  to  discredit  anyone's
     Faith and I try to be very careful to word my questions and replies in
     this conference to reflect that intention.  I apologize if I've failed
     it  that and I would appreciate anyone pointing out to me a better way
     to word my comments to make them non-threatening.

     Peace,

     Alvin

    RE: 16
    
    Well, I was speaking about topics regarding "Jew(s)", they usually (at
    least in my experience) have not gone over well.
    
    Anyway, it didn't happen this time...so I was mistaken...
    
    Playtoe

    reply basenote & priors
    
    After the Flood G_D made a covenant with Noah and all his descendent,
    (which means *all* of us). G_D promised not to destroy the world again
    because of Man's sinfulness and He did lay down some requirements which
    can be inferred from the Scriptures and Oral Tradition. These
    requirements are the so-called "Noachide Laws". The rabbis identified
    seven such laws and I can remember some of them. They are.
    
    	1. No bloodshed (murder)
    	2. No sexual immoriality ( rape, perversions...)
    	3. No cruelty to animals
    	4. No Blasphemy (Heloool, Ha'Shem)
    	5. No Idolatry
    	6. A positive requirement to set up authority and courts to 
    	   protect life and property
    	7. ?????
    
    These laws are binding on *all* mankind.  You will notice there are no
    sacredotal commandmandments concerning sacrifices, nor any rules
    concerning Shabbat.
    
    
    The covanent with Israel includes the Noachide Laws as a proper subset.
    
    Israel has 613 commandments to (collectively) keep.
    
    Since the Mosaic covenant in the entirety was binding on noone but the
    Isrealites, it can be concluded that Gentiles are not obligated for
    keeping Torah, however they are obligated for the Noachide 7.
    
    The "main" commandments of the Torah are given in the Sedrah K'doshim
    which is in the book Va'Yikrah (Leviticus).
    
    THey are:
    
    	1. Love G_D
    	2. Love Neighbor (as one would love himself).
    
    R. Hillel pointed at that this is the main burden of Torah, the rest
    are the necessary details to carry out the above 2.
    
    I conclude it is *not* necessary for a Christian to be a good Jew, but
    to be a good human.
    

Note 410.0 by CHGV04::ORZECH "Alvin Orzechowski @ACI"

>     Anyone care to comment on why Christianity  should/shouldn't  go  back
>     and  re-establish some/all of those Judeo practices/beliefs that Jesus
>     himself took part in.

Alvin,

	Alas, it's been so long since we've heard from you, I fear you're
no longer with us.  But the question you posed came to mind again yesterday.

	My spouse and I, in fact several people from our church, visited
a local synagogue for Shabbot worship.  It's been over 20 years that I
last attended one of these.  And it is my present impression that we are
missing much of our rich heritage, our "rootedness," if we segregate ourselves
from Judaism, the Jewish faith.

	Temple Shalom in Colorado Springs is something of a melding of
reformed and conservative Jewish customs and thought.  The canter was a
woman, so I'm fairly certain this was no strict orthodox congregation.

	I love the minor key melodies, even if I don't understand all the words
(which were sung in Hebrew).

	The prayer books, which were paged from right to left, spoke frequently
of the God of peace, the God of compassion and mercy, the God of justice.  It
seemed so natural for Jesus to have been a part of this.

Shalom,
Richard

    The Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths) officially begins tonight.  You'll
    find some descriptions about the feast in Leviticus 23:34-43 and
    Deuteronomy 16:13-15.  Basically, a booth or hut (Sukkot) was built as a
    temporary dwelling place.  The Sukka was pretty much an open air hut
    with 4 wooden supports and a roof made of palm branches.  The Feast of
    Tabernacles is about "covering."  The temporary coverings are lived in
    for 7 days to remember the Israelites wandering in the desert.  

    On this feast, Solomon dedicated the Temple of the Lord, and the glory
    of God filled the house (2 Chronicles 7:8-10).  The human body is
    remembered as a temporary covering for out spirit.  As pilgrims in this
    world, it also reminds us that this world is not our home.  The reference 
    to "tent" in 2 Corinthians 5:1-2 is a reference to this as well as Paul
    making his analogy in Feast of Tabernacles' language.  In the
    resurrection we will have a new covering filled with the glory of God!

    During Sukkot, the "four species" from Leviticus 23 is carried.  The
    lulav is a picture of our body, but also has some deeper symbolism that
    points to the triune God.  In reference to our body, the long palm frond 
    is the spine.  Because of the shape of its leaf, the myrtle is the eye. 
    The willow is the mouth.  The "etrog" or citron is a lemon-like fruit
    that is very sweet and represents the heart of man.  On Sukkot, God's
    people rejoice with the whole body, waving the lulav (bundle of 3 tree
    species) and citron, as they look back on the deliverance from Egypt
    and look forward to the resurrection.

    The lulav also has great significance in reference to the triune God. 
    The palm branch represents rejoicing and righteousness as well as God
    the Father.  There are 2 willow branches in the lulav and these represent 
    sorrow as well as the Messiah who was broken for us.  There are 3
    myrtle branches in the lulav and it represents holiness and beauty as
    well as the Holy Spirit.  The myrtle would be consider a good-sized bush
    by today's standards, but it serves many purposes.  Its aromatic
    leaves were used to make crowns.  Its berries have medicinal qualities
    and its flowers rival the beauty of roses.  During betrothal
    ceremonies, the myrtle flowers were given to the brides.  The complete
    lulav represents the triune God.

    The "etrog" or citron is a very unique lemon-like fruit.  It is the
    only fruit in the world where the fruit and the tree are both sweet to 
    eat.  The fruit was held over the heart while the lulav was waved.  Its
    significance is praising God in all circumstances.  The pictures
    involved in the fruit are the Holy Spirit being the fruit itself and
    Jesus Christ being the seed.  The 4 species together equal the number
    of God's name - YHWH.

    On the last day of the Feast, while the priests were pouring the water and 
    the wine over the altar in preparation of the sacrifice, Psalm 113-118 
    (The Halel) would be sung.  This was to represent the water flowing from 
    the Rock while the Israelites were wandering in the desert (Psalm
    114:8).  Of major significance also is the water and the "wine" that 
    poured from Jesus side after His death on the cross.  You can read
    Psalm 113-118 for yourself, but a couple highlights should be
    mentioned.  Psalm 116:13 is significant because all feasts began with
    a cup of blessing.  When you read Psalm 118, picture thousands of men,
    women, and children singing this as they shook their lulavs.  When they
    got to Psalm 118:15-16, they held the lulavs in their right hands just
    as it says.  As soon as you finish reading this quickly turn to John
    7:37 for some context.  You can imagine after all this singing, they
    were pretty thirsty.  Our Savior had perfect timing during the pause
    after singing the Halel.

John 7:37
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If
any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

    As a sidebar and final comment, the Gospel of John is said to be
    lacking a description of the nativity scene.  Keeping this feast in
    mind, re-read this verse from the opening chapter...

John 1:14
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the
glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

    The Greek word for "dwelt" literally means "tabernacled" or "tented." 
    Those who support a fall birth of the Messiah point to this verse in
    support.  John could be saying Jesus was born around the Feast of
    Tabernacles.  Some evidence in support of this is that the shepherds
    didn't tend their flock in the winter (December); neither did Herod
    take a census in the winter (too cold for people to travel to their
    home towns); and Jesus' ministry lasted 3� years after his 30th
    birthday and he died in the spring.

    Something that also just came to mind about the willow, myrtle, palm, and
    citron...  
    
    - the willow has no smell and no fruit
    - the myrtle has smell, but no fruit
    - the palm has no smell, but bears fruit (dates)
    - the citrus has both smell and bears fruit.
    
    This sounds a lot like the 4 soils in the first "kingdom parable" of
    Matthew 13, doesn't it?
    
    Mike

    Sukkot is being observed locally to bring attention to the lack of
    low-income housing in the region.  Some Christians still affirm the
    ancient requirement found in the Hebrew Bible to pursue justice, to
    demonstrate constant love, and to walk humbly with the Most Holy One.
    
    Shalom!
    Richard
    

    We had dinner in our Sukka last night with our children.

    One of the reasons the Feast of Tabernacles, rather than the Feast of
    Trumpets, is suggestive of the Rapture is because of the practice that
    the booths are temporary and God's people return to their permanent homes 
    at the end.  There also appears to be a hint of this by Peter desiring
    to build "succoths" at the transfiguration in Matthew 17:4.
    
    The prophetic implications of the climactic feast are many.  Most
    scholars associate it with the establishment of the Millenial Kingdom
    in Israel (Hosea 5:15-6:3, Zechariah 14:4,9,16).
    
    While the first 3 feasts - Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, and the
    Feast of First Fruits - seem to clearly be prophetic of our Lord's
    First Coming, it seems that the last 3 feasts of the year are prophetic
    of His Second Coming.
    
    Mike

Numbers 15:37-41 speaks of the establishment of the Tzitzith by God.

Blue Cord
---------
The Blue Cord, or Shamash (Servant), on the tassel represents many things:

    - the color of royalty
    - we are to be a royal priesthood before the Lord
    - a sign of the Messiah, the Suffering Servant

The blood of Messiah to banish our sins comes at a very high price.  The die
that is used to color the Tzitzith blue is the blood of a Murex Snail.  It takes
12,000 snails to make 1.4 grams of blue dye.  As the Snail gave up its life for
the cord, we can remember His Sacrifice and the expense at which we wear it.

Tassel Windings
---------------
Each group of windings is separated by a double knot on the tassel.  After the
first knot are 7 windings, then 8 windings, 11 windings, and finally 13
windings.

7 Windings
----------
In the first 7 & 8 windings of the blue cord, the name of YHWH is given.  Using
the numeric values of each letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the first 7 windings
of the blue cord represent the letter "Yud" which is 7 and also the first letter
in YHWH.  7 is also the Hebrew number for perfection.  Our initial salvation
experience perfects us to begin our walk with God.  We are made perfect, clean,
and whole through the Messiah.

8 Windings
----------
The next 8 windings of the blue cord represent the letter "Hey," the second
letter of YHWH.  8 is also the number of circumcision.  After we repent and call
upon the name of God, our hearts are circumcised.  God cuts away the evil from
our hearts and allows us to be a pure, clean, willing, and obedient vessel for
Him.

11 Windings
-----------
The next 11 windings represent the letter "Vav" and "Hey" added together to
reveal the latter part of YHWH.  In also continuing the salvation theme, the 11
windings remind us of the dream Joseph had concerning the 11 stars, the sun, and
the moon (Genesis 37:9).  We have trials in our lives, just as Joseph did, but
we must remember that God has a plan and we must remain faithful to Him to
fulfill His promises.

13 Windings
-----------
The final 13 windings of the blue cord are the added numerical value of the
letters "Aleph", "Chet", and "Dalet."  These 3 letters spell the word "Echad"
which means "One" and refers to oneness of God (Deuteronomy 6:4).  2 Corinthians
3:18 also reminds us of being perfected and one with our Maker.

5 Knots
-------
The 5 double knots on the tassel represent the 5 books of the Torah (Pentateuch)
that give us abundant life, guide us, and foreshadow the Messiah and His
redemption for us.

32 Total Strings
----------------
The sum of the strings is the added numerical value for the Hebrew letters
"Lamed" and "Bet" which spell the Hebrew word "Lev" meaning "Heart."  This
reminds us that through the redemption of Messiah we are able to love God with
our whole heart.

613 Laws
--------
The numerical value of "Tzitzith" is 600.  When one adds the 8 strings and 5
knots to the numerical value of "Tzitzith" you get 613 which is the same number
of commandments given to us by God in the Torah.

Hemorrhaging Woman
-----------------
In Mark 5:24-34, a hemorrhaging woman is healed by touching Jesus' talit (prayer
shawl).  She was well aware of the Messianic symbols behind this and it is
understandable why she grabbed Jesus' Tzitzith.  In the original Hebrew of
Numbers 15:38, it says, "...and He will be to you as a tassel, and you will see
*HIM*, so you will remember" rather than "you will see it."  It is saying the
tassel is not it, but it is Him, the Messiah!

God's Wings
-----------
Malachi 4:2 "...to those who fear His name, the Son of Righteousness will arise
with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like a stall fed
calf."  The tassels, of the talit are symbolic of the Shekinah Presence of God -
His wings.  This is further evidence by the strong correlation of the words
wings and tassels in the Hebrew text.  As the blue cord wraps around the
Tzitzith, so does our Lord wrap His loving arms around us.  For without the
Messiah, salvation is not obtainable.  As you run your hands down the Tzitzith
and finally come to the Shamash, we realize that Jesus is the One who has made
salvation possible.

** This Feast is not prescribed by the Lord but Jesus Himself celebrated it. **

Each year, around the time we prepare to celebrate Christmas, our Jewish friends
celebrate Hannukah.  This year it falls on November 28 and is celebrated
through December 5.  It may come as a surprise to many that this holiday is
referenced in the NT.  In fact, it highlights a historical event that Jesus
Himself pointed to as the key to understanding the prophecies concerning His
return!

John Chapter 10 is, of course, the famous Good Shepherd discourse.  It clearly
speaks for itself and won't be dealt with here.  Verse 22, however, seems to be
a strange addition.  Right in the middle of the chapter the Holy Spirit notes
the following:

      "And it was at Jerusalem the feast of dedication, and it was winter."

Why is this reference here?  The most important discovery of my life was the
insight that the Bible is an *integrated message system.*  Although these 66
books were written by over 40 authors over thousands of years, we discover that
they are a unified whole.  Every word, every number, every place name, even the
implied punctuation is the result of supernatural engineering.

The rabbis in Israel have a quaint way of expressing this.  They say that we
won't really understand the Scriptures until the Messiah comes.  But when He
comes, He will not only interpret the passages for us; He will interpret the
very words; He will interpret the very letters; He will even interpret *the
spaces between the letters!*  I used to think this was a colorful exaggeration
until I read Matthew 5:17-18:

      "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets; I am
      not come to destroy, but to fulfill.  For verily I say unto you, Till
      heaven and earth pass, one yot or one tittle shall in no way pass
      from the law, till all be fulfilled."

A "yot" or a "tittle" are like parts of Hebrew letters - about equivalent to our
dotting of an "i" or the crossing of a "t."  These words from our Lord Himself
seem to verify the rather extreme view of the rabbis.  Thus we discover that
every detail of the Bible is there by design.  This insight opens an entirely
new dimension of Bible study.  Every time you find a "mistake" or
"contradiction" in the Bible, rejoice: there is a discovery behind that apparent
discrepancy.  We have already concluded that nothing in Scripture is accidental
or trivial.  Why does this detail in John 10:22 exist?  What is the "feast of
dedication"?  The dedication is of the Temple, of course.  But let's explore
this further.

There have been only 2 temples: the original one built by Solomon, which was
ultimately destroyed by the Babylonians; and Nehemiah's, which was built when
the captives returned after the Babylonian Captivity.  This "Second Temple" was
subsequently expanded by Herod and was the Temple in place during the NT period.
Solomon's Temple was dedicated in the month of Ethanim, or Tishri.  This can't
be reference we're looking for since this was in the fall.  John 10:22 alludes
to a feast of dedication *in winter.*  Nehemiah's Temple was dedicated in the
month of Adar.  So this can't be it either since Adar is in the spring.  Now
we're really puzzled!  The key to this riddle lies in some historical
background.

A century earlier, in 168 B.C., the Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV ("Epiphanes")
was ruling over the province of Judea, and he decided to offend the Jews.  He
did a dandy job of it.  He arranged to have a pig slaughtered on the holy altar
of the Temple in Jerusalem.  He then tried to force the priests to eat it.  If
you remember how the Jews feel about pork, and also how they revere the Temple
and its altar, you can imagine how that went over!  But he didn't stop there.
He tried to prevent God's people from studying the Torah (God's Word).
Interesting sidebar: this is how the dreidel game came about.  When priests were
really studying the Torah and heard Antiochus' soldiers coming, they would pull
out the dreidel and pretend they were just playing a game.  Antiochus also had
prostitutes in the Temple courts defiling the grounds.  He defiled the sacred
Temple elements.  He also arranged to erect an idol of Zeus in the Holy of
Holies.  That did it.  The intense outrage that resulted led to the Maccabbean
revolt, which ultimately threw off the yoke of the Seleucid Empire and led to
the subsequent rule of the Hasmoneans.

On the 3rd anniversary of the desecration of the Temple, on the 25th of Kislev,
the Temple worship was re-established.  The altar and all of the vessels and
elements used in the earlier sacrilege were destroyed and replaced with new
ones, and the Temple was *rededicated.*  It is this rededication that is still
celebrated among the Jews to this very day as Hannukah.

The desecration of the Temple in 167 B.C. included an event known as the
"abomination of desolation."  This is a key technical term.  The term
"abomination" in the Bible is a common term for idol worship.  The "abomination
of desolation" refers to the *ultimate extreme* form of idol worship, placing
the idol on the most sacred spot on Planet Earth: in Jerusalem, in the Temple
precincts, in the Holy of Holies itself!  So why did the Holy Spirit highlight
Hannukah by alluding to it in the NT?  Because Jesus Himself pointed to this
specific detail as the key to understanding prophecy concerning the Last Days.

Four disciples came to Jesus privately, asking Him about His "Second Coming."
His response is so significant that it is recorded in 3 of the Gospels.  He
opened his briefing with a series of "non-signs": certain things which will
occur "but the end is not yet."  Then He highlighted a critical event as the key
to the prophecy:

     "When you, therefore, shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken
     of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place (whosoever readeth,
     let him understand), then let them who are in Judea flee into the
     mountains; Let him who is on the housetop not come down to take anything
     out of his house; Neither let him who is in the field return back to
     take his clothes."  Matthew 24:15-18

In other words, when this event happens, it will be essential for them to get
out of the country immediately!  Jesus did us all an enormous favor in verse 15.
He saved each of us many hours of tedious library research!  He attributed the
Book of Daniel to Daniel the prophet.  (It happens that Daniel is one of the
best documented books of the OT, but Jesus gave us a great short-cut.)  Anyone
who believes in Jesus Christ has no problem with authorship of Daniel.  (Anyone
who doesn't believe in Jesus Christ has much bigger problems than the authorship
of the Book of Daniel!)  Jesus' reference to the "abomination of desolation"
was, of course, made over a century *after* the historical even now commemorated
at Hannukah.  He was speaking of an event yet future.

In about 40 A.D. Caligula ordered his image to be installed in the Holy of
Holies.  Petronius, his general in Judea, realizing how vehement the Jew's
reaction would be declined to execute the order.  When Caligula found out, he
ordered the death of Petronius.  But Caligula died a few weeks later, and due to
a "mix-up" at sea, the message that Caligula had died *preceded* the order for
Petronius' execution, so his life was spared.  It is interesting how God
intervened to prevent another desecration of the Temple from happening until the
appointed time.  Has it happened yet?

Just as Jesus had predicted, in 69 A.D., the 5th, 10th, 12th, and 15th Roman
Legions under Titus Vespasian, laid siege to Jerusalem.  Over a million men,
women, and children were slaughtered in that terrible war.  Finally, on the 9th
of Av, 70 A.D., the Temple was destroyed.  There are those who view the
destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. as the "abomination of desolation."  There
are several problems with this view.

First, there was a war going on.  There was no opportunity for the Romans to
install false worship of any kind.  The Temple was inadvertently set on fire,
and the interior, which was wood overlaid with gold, burned thus melting the
gold.  The soldiers were ordered to take it apart stone by stone to recover the
gold, just as Jesus had predicted.  All of this was well documented by an eye
witness, Flavius Josephus, whose classic works are readily available.  The view
that the abomination of desolation has already occurred, in addition to being
historically inaccurate, also requires the bizarre *allegorization* of the rest
of Jesus' presentation.  (Matthew 24:29-31 hasn't happened yet; at least, not so
you'd notice!)  The abomination of desolation didn't happen in 70 A.D., and it
couldn't have happened over the subsequent 1900 years because there has been no
Temple in Jerusalem to be defiled.  It remains the key milestone to trigger the
exodus of those believers remaining in Jerusalem at that time.

When will it happen?  When there is, once again, a Temple in Jerusalem.  Three
times in the NT there is a reference to the rebuilding of the Temple prior to
the Second Coming of Christ.  Of course, the big news to Biblically sensitive
observers is that they are now getting to *rebuild the Temple.*  Over 200
priests are presently in training.  Almost all of the required implements have
been fabricated by the Temple Institute.  Semi-automatic looks are weaving the
linen for the priestly vestments.  The Murex snail needed to make the Levitical
blue and royal purple has been found after years of searching.
Ground-penetrating radar and infrared recordings are being used to find the
precise foundations of the original Temples.  The preparations continue despite
the political uncertainties.  The scientists and archaeologists will be giving
an update on progress at the Jerusalem Temple Conference this coming February.

The Holy Spirit put John 10:22 in the NT to highlight Daniel's famous prophecy
and to focus our attention on this key milestone in the endtime scenario.  So as
your Jewish friends celebrate Hannukah this year, let this commemoration also
remind you that preparations are presently underway to set the stage for the
final countdown.  What an exciting time to be alive!

     "Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for
      I will work a work in your days, which ye will not believe, though
      it be told you."   Habakkuk 1:5    

Day 1: "This Time and This Season"
----------------------------------
1. Read the story of Hannukah.
2. Ask some key questions to be sure all understand the story.
   a. What problems did the Jewish people face?  From whom?
   b. Who are some of the Jewish heroes?
   c. Why were they heroes?
   d. Why do we light lights on Hannukah?
   e. How can we be like the Maccabees today?
3. Relate that it is important that we remember what God has done for us in the
   past because, in doing so, we remember God, learn of His attributes and
   increase our faith to believe Him in the future.
4. Read Psalm 145:1-7

Day 2: "He that Keeps Israel"
-----------------------------
1. Briefly recount the historical events leading up to the first Hannukah.
2. Read 1 Maccabees 4:30-59
3. Given the historical context, ask these questions:
   a. Why do you think it is good to celebrate Hannukah?
   b. What can Hannukah teach us about God?  About His grace?  About His
      promises?  Point out that God made promises to keep Israel from never
      perishing as a people and that no one can utterly destroy Israel.  God has
      promised to always keep a remnant of Jewish people as a faithful witness
      to Him.  Furthermore, God has made promises to always keep those whom He
      has chosen spiritually.
4. Discuss God's keeping power, especially for the believer in Yeshua.  Read
   Psalm 121:3-4, John 10:22-30, and Romans 8:31-39.

Day 3: "Israel that Keeps Him"
------------------------------
1. Discuss the Hebrew word "Hannukah."
   a. means "dedication"
   b. The title for this holiday is derived from Numbers 7:84, which recounts
      the dedication of the tabernacle in the time of Moses.
   c. Hannukah, because of its name, reminds us of the idea of dedication to
      the Lord.  As the tabernacle or Temple was dedicated to Him, so should
      we be.  One facet of being dedicated, is that of keeping close.  As God
      keeps us close to Him, so should we strive to remain there.
2. Ask "What does it mean to be dedicated to God?"  Emphasize the concept of
   us keeping God close by placing God first in every area of our lives.
3. Read Psalm 95:7-11 and Romans 12:1-2

Day 4: "He has Done Great Things"
---------------------------------
1. Talk about the Hannukah legend concerning the miracle of burning oil.  There
   was only enough oil for the great Temple menorah for 1 day, but God made it
   last 8 days when more could be made available.  This reminds us that God is
   a miracle-working God!
2. Discuss God's miracles.
   a. Name some miracles we know that God did throughout Scripture.
   b. Name some miracles that God has done in your life.
3. Ask questions.
   a. Why does God perform miracles?  Share that God does this to confirm His
      power and to show us that He is true to His word and that He loves us.
   b. Why did Yeshua perform miracles while on earth?
    
    to be continued...

    The dreidel top (game) has the following Hebrew letters on it:
    
    Noon Gimel Hey Shin
    
    This is an acrostic for the Hebrew phrase "Nes Gadol Haya Sham" which
    means "A Great Miracle Happened There."  In Israel the Shin is replaced
    with a Pey so that it says "A Great Miracle Happened Here."
    
    Antiochus Epiphanes declared anyone caught studying the Torah would be
    executed.  The Hebrews would still studying it, but when the Greek
    soldiers came around, they would pull out their dreidels and act as if
    they were just playing a game.
    
    Happy Hannukah,
    Mike

Day 5: "Bond-servants of Yeshua"
--------------------------------
1. Single out the Shamash, the servant candle, used to light the rest of the
   candles.  It is a great illumination of a servant of the Lord.  Use it as an
   object lesson.
2. Ask questions.
   a. What does the candle do?
   b. What is it called?
   c. Why do you think it is placed separate from all the rest of the candles?
   d. What do servants do?
   e. What are servants separate from others?
   f. How does the Shamash point to Yeshua? (i.e., He is the servant of the
      Lord, He is the light of the world Who imparts light to us, He is
      honored.)
3. Point out that even though the Shamash does the most work and gives itself to
   aid the other candles, in the end, it is given a place separate that is a
   place of honor.  So it is with us who are servants of Messiah, we are to give
   ourselves to Him for His use and when He returns, He will give us honor!
4. Read Romans 6:11-23.

Day 6: "So Others Can See and Know"
-----------------------------------
1. It is traditional for Jewish homes to place the menorah in a window so that
   others may see and know that their home is Jewish.  Similarly, when we place
   a menorah in the window of our lives, others will know the same.  But we as
   believers, have an even more important message we need others to see and
   know, that is the Messiah Yeshua who died and made the atoning sacrifice on
   our behalf.  Through him alone, we are granted eternal life and grace with
   the forgiveness of sins.  Spend some time in meditation on this important
   facet of our life.
2. Ask questions.
   a. Why is it important for people to know that we are believers in Yeshua?
   b. How can we let people know what He has done for us?
3. Discuss the theme of believers as the lights of the world.
4. Read Matthew 5:14-16 and Acts 1:8.

Day 7: "With Gladness and Joy"
------------------------------
1. Review the story of Hannukah again.  Emphasize the gladness and joy that the
   people had when God granted them victory over their enemies and permitted
   them to rededicate the Temple.  Re-read 1 Maccabee 4:59 where it says that
   "all the congregation of Israel decreed that the days of the rededication
   of the altar should be observed this season...with gladness and joy."
2. Ask questions.
   a. Why do we rejoice at this special time of the year?
   b. What is our source of joy?
3. Read John 17:13, Psalm 149:1-4 and Isaiah 55.

Day 8: "The Light of the World"
-------------------------------
1. Discuss what you have learned and recognized through the Festival of Lights
   (Hannukah).
2. Ask questions.
   a. With all the candles lit, what is the one thing we see an abundance of?
      (light!)
   b. What does John 1:1-14 call Yeshua?
   c. What does verse 9 mean when it says that Yeshua gives light to everyone?
   d. How can we make Yeshua our light?
3. Pray: Turn out all the household lights, have everyone look at the menorah
   lights and pray for the Lord to make you into shining lights for Yeshua!

    Baruch ata Adonai, Elohenu Melech ha'olam.  Sheasa nisim la'avoteynu
    ba'yamim hahem ba'zman hazeh.
    
    Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the universe, Who wrought
    miracles for our fathers in days of old, at this season.

    2� cups flour
    2  egg yolks
    1� tbsp sugar
    1  oz margarine
    1  tbsp vanilla
    3/4 cup warm milk
    �  oz yeast dissolved in warm milk
    jam or filling
    powdered sugar
    
    In large mixing bowl, beat together flour, sugar, egg yolks, margarine,
    vanilla, milk and yeast.  Knead until smooth and elastic.  Cover in
    bowl and allow to rise for 1� hours or until doubled in size.  Roll out
    into a circle about � inch thick, cut with a 2" pastry cutter, and let
    donuts rise again.
    
    Heat oil until hot.  Drop risen donuts in hot oil, cover and cook one
    minute.  When golden on first side, turn.  Remove donut when golden
    brown using a slotted spoon.  Drain on paper towel.  Inject jam and
    sprinkle with powdered sugar.  A child's favorite Hannukah food - and
    an adult's!!!

    4 large potatoes, grated
    1 onion, grated
    3 eggs
    1/3 cup flour
    1 tsp baking powder
    salt and pepper
    oil for frying
    3 tbsp sugar or 1 tbsp honey
    
    In large bowl, combine all ingredients and let stand for 10 minutes. 
    Heat � inch deep in oil in a large skillet.  Drop tablespoons of batter
    into oil and flatten with spoon.  Cook for 2 minutes on each side, turn
    only once.  Drain on paper towel.  Serve with sour creme or applesauce. 
    M-M-M good!  They go fast, so a double recipe is suggested.

              <<< TAVENG::$1$DUA21:[NOTES$LIBRARY]BAGELS.NOTE;1 >>>
                -< BAGELS and other things of Jewish interest >-
================================================================================
Note 926.4          Yom HaShoah - Holocaust Rememberance Day.             4 of 4
OUTSRC::HEISER "the dumbing down of America"         28 lines  27-APR-1995 22:45
                      -< May G-d Bless You and Keep You >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    A blessed holiday to everyone in remembrance of this tragedy.
    
    I'm currently reading the book "Our Hands are Stained with Blood" by
    Michael L. Brown.  It deals with the tragic story of what has been done
    to the Jews in the name of "Christ" throughout history, not just the
    Holocaust.  I have made a practice of apologizing to Jewish friends and
    people in my community and supporting them anyway I can in denouncing hate
    crimes (I have made sure that my church has also become involved
    locally to support rabbis in the community as well.  We've seen a 43%
    rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes locally in the past year alone).  That 
    apology is extended here as well.  One day I hope most of those who call 
    themselves "Christians" will do the same for all that has been done.  
    
    I should note that I'm a first generation American whose father and
    grandmother had to also flee from Germany in the late 1930's.  It
    wasn't until recently that I discovered I have Jewish ancestors in my
    family (5-7 generations ago).  This awareness as well as friendships
    established with people in local synagogues contributed to me touring the
    local Plotkin Museum recently.  This is a world-class museum with
    treasures that are unique to any Jewish museum in the U.S. (i.e.,
    Tunisian synagogue).  Some of the items include Torah scrolls and other 
    precious items (yad, chair of Elijah) that Hitler confiscated from 
    synagogues in Czechoslovakia and had stored in warehouses.  He had plans 
    of building a museum to an extinct people, but G-d thwarted that plan.  If 
    you're ever in Phoenix, stop by the Plotkin Museum, it will bless you.
    
    Baruch Haba B'Shem Adonai,
    Mike

    {from Mayim Hayim Ministry}
    
    Subject: Shemology: A Clear Message in Birth Order.
       
     A Shemology in the Book of Genesis
    *************************************
    Shem is the Biblical Hebrew word for "name" and thus Shemology is the 
    study of Biblical names whereby a list of names from the Bible (Hebrew 
    & Greek), can sometime yield hidden treasure to the reader. The Key: All 
    things must point to the LORD GOD, and His plan. For example:
    
    If you translate the meaning of the names from the bank of meanings you 
    can find you can see deeper meaning then just the names themselves. Let 
    us look at the Twelve Tribes Of Israel in their Birth order.
    (Read downwards from the Definition Bank List.)
    
    Name    Definition Bank
    *************************
    Reuben  -  Behold a son, (Look on Me)
    Simeon  -       Hear Him, (Hear Me)
    Levi    -       Be Joined, (With me)
    Judah   -       Give Him Praise, (Now will I praise the Lord)
    Dan     -       Judge
    Naphtali-       Strife, My Wrestling
    Gad     -       Fortune 
    Asher   -       Happy and Blessed
    Issachar-       He Brings Reward
    Zebulun -       Dwelling with Us
    Joseph  -       He shall Add
    Benjamin-       The Son of His Right Hand, Son of my right hand
    
    Now, let us put it together like a translator would. Let us use the 
    definition bank, and put them together so they may line up with the Word 
    of God, and give Him glory, if they do not then you do not have a 
    Shemology.
    ******************************************************** 
    
    " Behold, a Son! hear Him <and> be joined! Give Him praise. Judge <His> 
    strife, <and His> fortune. Happy and blessed <am I>, for He brings <my> 
    reward. Dwelling with us. He shall add, <He is> "the Son of His right 
    hand".             <emphasis mine>
    
    What does this message shout out to you? To me it's loud and clear:
    "Yeshua the Messiah-- the Good News of the Hebrew Bible!"
    
    Shalom

    The Essence of the Feasts of the LORD---A Shemology.
    A Teaching Tool of Mayim Hayim Ministries.
    
    1. Pesach - Passover- Nisan/Aviv 14
    2. Ha HaMatzah - Unleaven Bread - Nisan /Aviv 15-21
    3. Bikkurim - First Fruits - Morrow after Sabbath
    4. Shavuot - Pentecost - 50 days after the First Fruits
    5. Yom Teruah - Trumpets - Tishrei 1
    6. Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement - Tishrei 10
    7. Sukkot - Tabernacles - Tishrei 15-21
    8. Hoshana Rabbah - Tishrei 21
    9. 8th Day - Shemini Atzeret - Tishrei 22
    10. Rejoicing in the Law - Simchat Torah - Tishrei 23
      
            The Essence Of The Feasts     
     
    The Passover Lamb, the Sinless was offered, 
    and lifted; raised as The First Fruits. Then 50 
    days after He sent the Holy Spirit of Promise, 
    with blowing to turn all of mankind back unto Him. 
    So He might dwell with them, and that they might with great rejoicing 
    have blessed rest, and joy in His Word.
    *********************************************************************
    Meaning:
    
    1. Pesach - Passover***The Lamb, stain free was Yeshua.
    2. Ha HaMatzah - Unleaven Bread***The Sinless Offered***Had no sin in Him.
    3. Bikkurim - First Fruits***Lifted, Raised, as The First Fruits of dead.
    4. Shavuot - Pentecost***His Promise of the Ruach HaKodesh, 50 days after 
        First Fruits.
    5. Yom Teruah - Trumpets***With a rushing mighty wind, did the Holy 
        Spirit come***with Blowing.
    6. Yom Kippur - Day of Atonement***So mankind could make Teshuvah; 
        turning to God.
    7. Sukkot - Tabernacles***So He could Tabernacle; Dwell with mankind.
    8. Hoshana Rabbah***Then mankind would have Great Rejoicing because of Him.
    9. The 8th Day - Shemini Atzeret***And He would give them Blessed Rest, 
        in the Olam Haba; the world to come.
    10. Rejoicing in the Law - Simchat Torah***And all who recieve Him will 
    have Joy with the Living Torah. 
     
    Let us Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.
    Let us Rejoice in The Feasts of The LORD, for they are truly a portrait 
    of Messiah, and one all Believers should be Celebrating.
    
    Blessings to all in the Holy Name of Messiah Yeshua,
    Rev. Barbara Di Gilio
    Mayim Hayim Ministries
    Po Box 11911
    Phx, AZ 85061
    (602) 937-6141
    [email protected]