United Israel

I wanted to post some of my notes this week related to my personal study of the weekly parsha called Be-Ha’alotcha (translated, “When you put up”). It has some key points and some of the most interesting - though seemingly unconnected stories.
 
It begins with instructions for the “putting up” of the menorah, and speaks of the “purification of the Levites”, who according to the literal reading of the Hebrew (8:16) are “given, yes given” to YHWH.
 
There is allowance made for a “make up” Passover for those that were on a journey or impure when the Pesach of the first month was kept.
 
In Chapter 9, we read an interesting point that “there will be one statute for you (pl) and for the stranger and for the citizen of the land”.  I love this idea.  There are many out there that place artificial distinctions between Israel and humanity.  It is my opinion that all of the world will be instructed into the “Way of YHWH”. Indeed this is the reason for Israel serving as a nation of Priests, being given a charge to be a light to the nations, etc.  One only has to read Isaiah chapters 2 and 56 (for example) to see that this is the goal for humanity.
 
Chapter 9:15-23 we read of the cloud and how it guided the travels of the Israelites. I had not noticed it in previous readings of this text, but the movement of the cloud and the reaction to this move by the people following, are closely associated with their obedience to the “word of YHWH” (mouth might be a better rendering).
 
Chapter 10 deals with the reasons for the sounding of the trumpets and the order of travel for the tribes.
 
Chapter 11 switches gears on us. Here we meet with much complaining by the people. They long to return to Egypt. I guess this had me thinking.  Often, I meet people who have left their “spiritual Egypt”, but for one reason or another they begin to crave the things that they had there. The provision of God begins to lose its flavor and they want to return. These complaints are “bad in the ears of YHWH” and His anger is flared - and subsequently we read that it was bad in Moses’ eyes.
 
The people still direct their complaints to the man Moses and not to God. In this week’s lesson we see that despite Moses’ humility - he is becoming a bit tired.  The people lash out at Moses and he unloads on God.  He feels that he is carrying the burden alone and asks God to kill him if things continue as they are.  I think that it is interesting to note that God does not react…or should I say over-react to Moses when he makes this comment.  In fact, he seemingly ignores his drama altogether and just resolves the issues at hand. Often, I think we take comments of others and over-react causing more problems rather than setting forth solutions.  This can be a lesson to us all.  God does not chide Moses for his exaggerated remark, He merely sets things straight.  Read it and see how God “fixes” the problem!
 
In verse 20 we find that God informs Moses what he should relate to the complainers.  If they want what they had in Egypt, then that is what they shall get.  Not just a taste of what they had, but enough that it will run out of their noses!  It should be noted that this is a result of their “rejecting YHWH”.  This is very similar to the later demand for a King like the nations.  Often, I find that God fulfills the request of His people, even when they are in rebellion.  He allows them what they ask for in order that they will realize what they have done and return to His ways.  Be careful what you ask for!
 
This Torah reading also contains some interesting points on the imparting of the Spirit.  Chapter 11:1-18, and 24-25 reveal the solution to Moses carrying the whole burden alone. God takes some of the Spirit that is upon Moses and shares it with the “70″. They prophesy as an indication that the Spirit is on them, but then it says that they did not do so again (v.25).  One is reminded of the story in 1 Samuel 10.  Of particular note is what is recorded in 1 Samuel 10:6 - When the spirit comes upon you…you will become a different man!  How true is this?  When people claim to be spirit filled and continue to practice their ungodly behavior, one has to wonder if their claims are true.
 
When Moses is informed that some are in the camp prophesying and that he should make them stop - he says that he wished all YHWH’s people were prophets.  This is important. Too often, leaders want to be in charge and have others serve them.  Not so with Moses! Yeshua said that this is the way Gentiles think.  Many churches are full of this in their pastor adoration! We should all learn from this.
 
An interesting play on words that shows up in the Hebrew comes next.  Moses has just asked that YHWH “put his Spirit on” the people so that they could all be prophets.  In the very next verse, the “Ruach” does indeed travel to the people, but translated as “wind”, the Ruach from YHWH brings the quail that the people craved!  Be careful what you ask for!
 
In Chapter 12, we find Aaron and Miriam complaining against Moses.  This is a remarkable story! God calls them into account for their challenge against Moses. He would later ask them, “Why did you not fear to speak against my servant Moses?!”  We should learn from this that one should be very cautious when speaking words against the meekest man on all the earth. God spoke to him, mouth to mouth and he saw the “form of YHWH”!
 
For her part in this, Miriam is afflicted.  I find it very instructive to read the prayer that Moses offers on her behalf.  I have been in prayer meetings with many over the years where people petition God with many words.  Yeshua talks of this repetitious prayer practice.  Do we think that we must go on and on for God to hear us and answer?  Moses says 5 Hebrew words and God acts. “God, please heal her please.” We should learn from this. 
 
So this is my summary of the Torah reading for this week.  Study it and learn from it. The festival of Shavuoth has just passed. I pray that like the ancient Israelites, we receive the Torah afresh. Put these words in your heart. Be humble, seek God and keep your prayers simple. Plead with God on behalf of others - even when they do wrong to you. Moses wished that all of God’s people were prophets and that He would put his spirit on all of them.  I pray that as well.
 
Have a great week.  Shalom, Ross
 
Ross K. Nichols
www.RootsofFaith.org

Jews around the world observe the Passover according to a time-honored tradition preserved in the Seder, but increasingly multiple numbers of non-Jews, who identify themselves in various ways (Hebraic Christians, “Lost Tribes,” B’nai Noah, Righteous Gentiles) are also marking this day and week of Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread. The following message was written by Ross Nichols of Roots of Faith. We post it with the hope it can serve as a study guide and inspiration to many who read this Blog.

I am certain that within our diverse group there will be multiple “versions” of the Passover.  I wanted to send this out tonight for those that have never “kept” this festival before.  Here are some basic things that you need to know.

Shalom and Chag Sameach!

Ross Nichols

The command to live in booths for seven days is declared to be so that future generations know that God made the ancient Israelites live in booths when He brought them out of the land of Egypt (Leviticus 23:39-44).

This past week, Roots of Faith hosted its first annual Succoth Conference.

Several UIWU members were also in attendance. We had people from Texas, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia as well as the locals of course. Many of us camped out for a full week under the stars. The weekend was packed with exciting and informative lectures and tours.

I am so pleased and thankful for the wonderful time with all who were able to attend the week’s events. This is to be an annual event here in the Felicianas. The speakers were fantastic, the food was very good and the music was stirring! In the coming days I hope to post some reports on my blog about the conference. If you have something that you would like to share about the conference, please send it to me in an email and I will post it. A short note that captures in a few words what the time meant to you will be fine.

This is my favorite time of year now. I have camped out under the stars for the past two Festivals of Succoth. Many of you have done this for years. I would encourage any of you that have not kept this feast, to do so and to consider joining us in Saint Francisville for the Festival next year. Plans will be posted on my site soon so that you can begin to plan early.

Yesterday, from inside my home I watched the rain pouring down. Give God the glory for this miracle! It literally rained up until the day before we went into the campsite, the heavens held back the rain for seven days and then the rain fell once again the day after we had cleared the campsite! Rain is a significant part of this ancient festival. In fact, in the future, those who do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the LORD during the Feast of Succoth (Tabernacles) will not get rain in their land! (Zechariah 14:16-19)

Start thinking now about joining us next year for the Annual Succoth Conference here in the Felicianas. We experienced such an incredible level of harmony this weekend - Jew, Christians and Gentile God Fearers together, united around the one thing that we all share - a love for the Bible! We learned a great deal from the conference this year in terms of organization. Next year we will be even better and you can play a part in that as well. You can send me comments (rndavar@aol.com) - constructive feedback on what we can do to make this Conference better. I look forward to reading them and promise to consider your points when planning our next gathering.

My good friend Tammy Michael was the “official” camp / festival photographer. She informs me that she took over 500 pictures. Some of these are up on the Roots of Faith website. The group at the camp site also took turns reading from the Torah (Genesis - Deuteronomy) and completed the entire Torah! This event was based upon a literal interpretation of Deuteronomy 31:10. I want to do this again and next time I want to be more organized with it so that everyone will be able to participate. It was quite a blessing.

Several members of Roots of Faith put together a CD with original music that was a smash hit! I have been getting compliments and requests about this CD. You can contact John Carlson for more information about how you can obtain a copy of this excellent CD (carlson_john@bellsouth.net). We also hope to put an entry on the blog about the music and the artists featured on this CD, titled - Hac! V’Shema / Shut Up! and Listen. There is a story behind the title as well:)

Thanks for all the help in making this Feast of Tabernacles a time of refreshing and revival. Don’t forget to check out the photos on my site.

Shalom, and may your names be inscribed in the Book of Life

Ross Nichols

Quite a few UIWU folk gathered in the town of St. Francisville, Louisana over this past week of Sukkoth, or the feast of Tabernacles. The gathering was sponsored by Roots of Faith, an educational ministry created and led by Ross Nichols. Part of their work is the restoration of the historic Jewish synagogue in their town, Temple Sinai, built in 1903. Sabbath and festival services are held there and this past Sabbath, the Torah scroll was chanted in Hebrew for the first time in over 80 years. Dennis Jones, who serves as Vice President of UIWU, did the reading and Genesis 1, the same text read at the dedication of the Synagogue in 1903, was text chosen. You can read more of the story of this restorative effort, carried on in cooperation with the Historic Society of St. Francisville, in the lastest issue of the United Israel Bulletin.

The entire weekend was packed with inspiring activities and occasions. Joe Good of Hatikva Ministries joined the group and instructed them in the traditions of waving the four species (Lev 23:40), which many did for the first time. Representatives of the St. Francisville Historical Society spoke to the group about the history of the Jewish community and the synagogue in St. Francisville. There was a also a tour of the lovely but abandoned school that is next door to the synagogue property, donated by Julius Freyhan, a prominent Jewish citizen of the parish in the early 1900s.

The folks at Roots of Faith have posted a lovely collage of professional quality photographs of the events this past week, including the rededication of the synagogue. We have already decided that our 2008 Sukkoth celebration will also be held in St. Francisville. We hope many of our readers will have time to make plans so they can join us.

Tonight marks the beginning of the strangest festival in the biblical calendar. It is called the “festival of shelters,” literally and it last for seven days. The word is Sukkoth in Hebrew, which literally means “huts” or some other kind of temporary dwelling. Its meaning is very close to our English “homeless shelter” today. Though it is often translated “tents” or “booths” the idea is some kind of arbor or lean-to under which one can get a tiny bit of needed shelter, but still very much exposed to the elements and the sky. This was one of the three ancient pilgrim feasts of Israel. We are not told too much about it, but the meaning seems simple, Israel, settled in permanent dwellings and cities in the land, is never to forget its “wilderness” origins, so that once a year, in the Fall, they are to actually “go back to nature” and camp out or live in huts, tents, or temporary dwellings, for a week, so as to remember that YHVH made our ancestors live in this nomadic, temporary way in the time of Moses. This festival then vividly reminds us of that, of the CAMP of Israel, of the time when the Column of Cloud/Fire was visible, when there were no sacrifices or Temple, just the simple “tent of meeting,” when everyone was fed morning and evening with the mysterious “manna,” and when YHVH spoke face to face with Moses.

You can find the descriptions in the Torah, particularly in Leviticus 23: 39-43. But what is really interesting about Sukkoth is that it not only looks back, but also forward. Notice these words of the Prophet Hosea:

I have been YHVH your God since your days in Egypt, and I will make you DWELL IN SUKKOTH again, as in the days of MEETING.
I will speak through prophets, I will give vision after vision and through the ministry of prophets will speak in similies” (12:9-10)

This is really an incredible verse, as it pictures a time of Israel’s restoration, when Prophecy returns, no more “hiding of the Face,” and the days of “meeting” could well refer to that “Tent of Meeting,” from those wilderness times. Here we have that same motif that we find elsewhere in the Prophets, the idea of an Exodus II that parallels Exodus I of the time of Moses. Thus Micah the Prophet declares: “Once again YHVH will show marvelous things as in the days when you came out of Egypt (Micah 7:14-15)

Zech 14 also tells of a time when the whole world will come up to Jerusalem and dwell in Sukkoth/tents/shelters during this week….

Some other relevant readings for this time are Hosea 12, Micah 7, Psalm 80-81, Isaiah 24-35…

Some folk camp out in tents, others gather at campgrounds or even hotels, some just stay out on their porches or balconies and many build shelters on their property, as is the custom within Judaism. The more one can actually “live” in the Sukkoth, the better in terms of getting the meaning of the festival. The moon during Sukkoth is full. On a clear night everything is bright and lovely, almost magical. The experience can remind us of a more simple and primitive time, getting away from all the “modern conveniences,” more or less what we mean when we talk of “camping out.”

We at United Israel wish all of you, our thousands of readers worldwide, a meaningful festival. Sukkoth is truly an extended Biblical “Thanksgiving.” In our troubled and complex world it pulls us outside, away from it all, to sit/dwell in our “huts” for the next seven days…

The 10th day of the 7th month on the Hebrew calendar is called Yom Kippur in the Bible–literally “a day of covering.” The covering refers quite directly to the forgiveness of sins. In ancient times, first in the Tent or Tabernacle, and in later centuries in both the First and the Second Jewish Temples, elaborate and special ceremonies were carried out on this day. The High Priest, once a year on this day, entered into the inner room of the Temple called the Holy of Holies, where the ark or of the covenant or “testimony,” was housed. This is the chest that held the stone tablets upon which was inscribed the “Ten Words,” or Ten Commandments. These ceremonies are described in Leviticus 16.

Since the days of the 2nd Temple, which the Romans destroyed in 70 CE, Yom Kippur has continued to be observed by Jews worldwide all through the centuries. Indeed, it is considered the holiest and most solemn day of the year. It has essentially come to be understood as a day of Atonement. The word Atonement, literally, “At-One-Ment” is the day Jews and Torah believers want to be at one and at peace with their heavenly Judge. Heshbon HaNefesh, is the Hebrew term for “an accounting of one’s life” and this is the prerequisite for entering into G-d’s redemptive plan for the past year and beginning the new year with a clean, pure slate. This is the day of being inscribed in the “Book of Life.” It is a day of individual and collective Acknowledgment of sins, Repentance, and Redemption, all steps which lead to G-d’s forgiveness and reconciliation. Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish calendar and though these three steps seem easy and simple enough, they are interwoven over a period of 10 days (known as the Asseret Y’mey T’shuvah, or 10 days of repentance) into a tapestry which is given in order to allow us to ask for forgiveness from our friends, acquaintances, and family as well as from G-d. Atonement is the goal on this day of “last chance” as G-d finalizes His judgment.

Some believers emphasize confession; Jews emphasize repentance. Confession admits a wrong. Repentance, to be accepted, requires a commitment to change. To confess without change is to accept evil as unalterable behavior. Repentance or Teshuvah is the total reversal of behavior in order to receive redemption. Leviticus 23:27 instructs us to “afflict our soul” which simply says to deny ourselves of food, drink, sex, work or any activity which would divert our attention from meditation and focusing on the sins we’ve committed during the past year. Yom Kippur is called “the Sabbath of Sabbaths” in the Torah. It is set apart as is the weekly Sabbath to emphasize introspection, self-evaluation, and on trying to figure out the meaning and purpose of our lives. Reconciliation with G-d and mankind is paramount to having our names written in the Book of Life and having the seals affixed for the coming year.

Leviticus 16:22 describes how the High Priest performed sacred rites during Yom Kippur which included having a lottery to choose two goats: one consecrated to G-d; the other the Azazel goat. The High Priest confessed the sins of Israel on the Azazel-goat and set it free in the wilderness so that it “shall carry on it all their iniquities to an inaccessible region”. The goat consecrated to G-d was offered on the altar as a purification offering.

In Rabbinic literature, Yom Kippur is given an additional name, Yom HaDin, or Day of Judgement and is a fasting holiday of epic proportions. This should be a festival without food. The fast for this day is biblically mandated and is an act of self-denial. This is the designated day to nourish our souls and not our bodies. The words of Isaiah are read in every congregation: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the fetters of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to deal your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor that are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him, and that you hide not yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth as the morning, and your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your reward.” (Isaiah 58:6-8)

Finally, on Yom Kippur, the shofar is blown just once, one long blast at the very end of the holiday. Thus a new year begins and the sages have proclaimed that the day after Yom Kippur is when we are the cleanest and purest of the entire year.

Rebecca Buntyn

This evening at sundown is called more popularly, Rosh HaShanah, that is “head of the year.” Yet, it is the 1st day of the SEVENTH month, not the first day of the first month. Judaism really has two “years.” The seasonal New Year is, of course, the first day of the first month, as Exodus 12: 1 plainly says: This Moon/month shall be to you the beginning of months.” That day is very significant in biblical and Jewish history and many things have taken place on Nisan 1st–the biblical New Year. It signals “new beginnings.”

But the 7th month/moon is also the first of a kind of “civil year,” that had to do in ancient times with certain calculations regarding the Jubilee, the redemption of bond-servants, and so forth. It is kind of an “legal” New Year, much like our July and Oct “fiscal years” in our society today. It has to do with “accounting.

In the Torah itself, this holy day is never called Rosh HaShanah. Rather it gets a different name–Yom Teru’ah, that is “day of the blast.” Teru’ah in Hebrew refers to raising up a loud noise, whether a shout or the blast of the trumpet or Shofar. Thus some Christian groups that keep this day refer to it as the “feast of Trumpets.” This is also a name that is nowhere found in the Bible. There is, however, an association of this day with a “trumpet,” or more properly, a “shofar,” in Psalm 81. But notice carefully, our word TERU’AH also occurs, in the very first verse, here translated “shout.” It really means to raise up a noise, and it can be voices, instruments, and of course the piercing sound of the Shofar. I guess it would be highly appropriate to actually SHOUT on this day, as well as SING and blow the Shofar!

1 Cry aloud to God our strength, raise a SHOUT (verb rua’) to the God of Jacob.
2 Lift up a song, and give out a timbrel, A pleasant harp with psaltery.
3 Blow in the month a SHOFAR, In the new moon, at the day of our festival,
4 For a statute to Israel it is, An ordinance of the God of Jacob.
5 A testimony on Joseph He hath placed it, In his going forth over the land of Egypt. A lip, I have not known — I hear.

But what does it mean? The instructions in Lev 23 are amazingly sparse and seem to give no reason or meaning to the day. It simply says it will be a Sabbath, no work to be done, people are to gather on this day, and there will be a “memorial SHOUT/BLAST.”

The best clues to the Biblical meaning of this day are found in Psalm 80 & 81. The connection here to the tribe of Joseph is quite interesting. Judaism is surely right to connect the sound of the Shofar as a call to the Tribes, and a call to all humanity to awaken, a call of judgment and preparation…as it falls ten days before Yom Kippur, the Day of Covering, and then leads into Sukkoth, which seems to be a picture of the Kingdom of God with Israel once more dwelling in “booths” or “huts,” that is temporary shelters, as in the days when they were led out of Egypt and had that intimate, “face to face” relationship with YHVH.

Each year this sequence is pictured…this is the “LAST” month of the holy calendar, the SEVENTH month (no festivals really in months 8-12), so it seems to picture somehow the “end of history,” but in a mini-form, year by year….

The Jewish Prayer book contains many wonderful things in the liturgy that will connect back with the biblical meaning of this solemn day…

May all have a meaningful “mo’ed,” that is “appointment” with YHVH…and Shabbat Shalom this evening and tomorrow until sunset.

JDT

Tishrei is the 7th month of the Jewish lunar Calendar and normally falls in September or October on our modern Gregorian solar calendar. The three major holidays we celebrate during Tishrei are Rosh Hashanah (New Year or Trumpets); Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement); and Sukkot (Tabernacles). This year, 2007, which will begin the Jewish Year 5758, the dates fall:

Rosh HaShanah/Trumpets: September 13 (beginning at sundown on the 12th)

Yom Kippur/Atonement: September 22 (beginning at sundown on the 21st)

Sukkot/Tabernacles: September 27 through October 5 (period of seven days)

In biblical times there were two “New Year” celebrations. One was in the Spring, with the 1st of the month of Nisan, which falls in March/April (Exodus 12:1), and the other in the Fall, the date known as Rosh HaShanah today. These days are described in the Torah in Leviticus 23: 23-36. Ironically, these three major holidays that fall in the 7th month serve as both an “end” and a beginning to the “sacred seasons” in that the cycle that began with Passover ends, but the Sabbath and Jubilee years were renewed at that season (see Leviticus 25:1-10), and important legal matters were settled (debts forgiven, etc.).

Rosh Hashanah, literally “head of the year” has become the tradition New Year’s Day in Judaism today. Ten days later is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement”. The days between them are called “Days of Awe”. This description captures the the mood, the meaning, and the purpose of this 10-day period of the year. These are days of awe because they evoke anxiety, trepidation, humility, and soul searching. The first steps of any journey set the course and how we begin the year is the key to everything else that follows. The potential– and the responsibility– of the first two Jewish holidays are awesome.

According to one group of ancient rabbinic sages Rosh Hashanah commemorated the day G-d created Adam and Eve and was the birthday of the world as far as humankind is concerned, while others maintained the world began in the Spring, in Nisan. Over the centuries the observance of the 1st day of the 7th month prevailed. In the Bible this day is called the “Day of the Blasting,” referring to the Shofar or Trumpet that was blown throughout the land. It came to symbolize the day of Judgment, and thus the day for G-d to annually judge the world and everyone in it. So, the other name for Rosh Hashanah is — the “Day of Judgement”. There is a unique mitzvah (good deed) directly correlated to Rosh Hashanah in most all the synagogues of the world: To hear the blowing of the shofar, a simple ram’s horn. After the Torah reading during services, 30 blasts of the shofar are sounded in a prescribed pattern. Later come another 70 blasts for a total of 100. The shofar is blown on both days of Rosh Hashanah. During these days every moment should be filled with good thoughts, words, and deeds.

The custom of dipping Challah (bread) and/or apple slices in honey became symbolic of our confidence of a “sweet judgement”. The following prayer is recited on the first evening after eating the first piece of challah and the honey coated apple slices:

“May it be Your will to renew for us a good and sweet year”.

You can find much more information about traditional Jewish observances and meanings related to the Holydays at the helpful Web site Judaism 101. If you scroll down the table of contents you will see an extensive section on this subject.

For those interested in trying a traditional Jewish Menu for Rosh HaShanah here are some suggestions:

Honey cake, honeyed chicken, sweet potato and carrot casserole, and dough balls made from eggs, butter (or margarine), sugar, flour, baking powder and chopped nuts mixed together with honey syrup and baked, salads with a honey/mustard or honey/lime dressing\

Classic Honey Cake 3 eggs; 1 1/3 cups honey; 1 1/2 cups sugar; 1 cup strong black coffee; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 3 tablespoons butter/margarine, softened; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 4 cups flour; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat oven to 325 degrees
Grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan.

In a large mixer bowl, beat eggs and honey together. Add sugar and mix again. Mix coffee with baking powder and then add butter or margarine to the egg mixture. Add baking soda, flour, and cinnamon and beat well together.

Pour into a greased 9×13 cake pan. Bake for 55 minutes to an hour.

In subsequent posts we will discuss Yom Kippur and the traditions and mandates associated with this most solemn of holidays.

Rebecca Buntyn

Each year we order a batch of special United Israel World Union Jewish Calendars. The company we use really does a beautiful job with color photos for each monthly spread, all the Jewish holidays and Holydays marked, as well as the weekly readings printed out for the Torah and the Prophets. With the Fall Holyday season upon us we thought some of our readers might like to have one of these calendars. We have a limited number left and will happily send you one if you think you could use it this coming year. Our only requirement is that you write us by surface mail with your name and mailing address. Unfortunately, in this case, we can not accept e-mail requests, nor can we mail outside the U.S. due to prohibitive airmail postage costs.

Send your request to:

United Israel World Union Calendar

P.O. Box 561476

Charlotte, NC 28256-1476

A holiday on the Hebrew calendar is a holy day because it interrupts the daily flow of our unexamined lives with messages and reminders that we need to make life worth living. A map is a guide for people traveling in space (as in cars and planes); holidays are the signposts for people traveling through time (events). Judaism has long recognized the special nature of time and it teaches us to be attached to holiness in time, to be attached to sacred events, to learn how to consecrate sanctuaries that emerge from the magnificent stream of each year.

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”(Ecclesiastes 3:1-ff) These words declare an important truth that many of us forget: it is profoundly important to feel and express a full spectrum of emotions in order to be truly human. Judaism has a tradition that insists that real strength comes from feeling a wide range of emotions- even the negative which many of us try to avoid by distracting ourselves with “happy activities” or frivolous pursuits. We are instructed to embrace joy and incorporate enjoyment in our daily lives. The Talmud states that “in the future world every person will have to give an accounting for all the good things created on earth that he or she denied him or herself from enjoying.” ‘Ever see the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier reef, the Alps, or any of the scenic wonders of the world? G-d decorated His house so magnificantly and Judaism believes He takes it personally if you don’t share His excitement and joy in everything He has put on earth.

The real distinction between the holidays that are recognized by a Torah based faith is the difference between biblical and rabbinic festivals. Of the days that are commanded to be observed in the first five books of Moses (Torah) - the two personal holy days of introspection and repentance, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, as well as the three commemorations of national historic moments, Passover (Pesach),Shavuot, and Sukkot - are clearly the most meaningful. G-d Himself ordained them. These will be highlighted in bold print. But there are more than these five festivals and each of them teaches something so significant that it is imperative to reflect on these lessons annually on the anniversary of their occurrance.

Following are the Hebrew months and corresponding Gregorian months:

Tishrei September and October Cheshvan October and November Kislev November and December Tevet December and January Shvat January and February Adar February and March Adar Sheni (second Adar) (the leap month 7 years out of 19) Nissan March and April Iyar April and May Sivan May and June Tammuz June and July Av July and August Elul August and September

Every month has its own special day(s) with the exception of Cheshvan - October and November. Some holidays are happy, some sad. Time forces us to remember, to commemorate, and to feast or fast, to rejoice or weep. We will explain the significance of each of these. Leviticus 23 and Deuteronomy 16 list the holidays and ordinances or holy convocations (the appointed seasons given to Moses along with the Ten Principles or Ten Commandments) which we will post and encourage each of us to celebrate with guidelines and options for observing each Holy Day.

These Torah-based holidays are available to all humankind whether literally or symbolically observed. The Hebrew calendar is lunar with each month beginning on the new moon and is tied to the moons cycles rather than the suns. Hebrew holidays start the evening (at sundown) before the day on your secular calendar. There is an extensive list of holidays observed and celebrated by the Jewish people from around the world but we will confine our seasonal listings to those which are more common to our American culture. We intend to explain the practices and purposes for each holiday and its connection to the New Testament writings. There will be instructions for observing the holidays and the degree to which you wish to practice the observance will be up to you. Observing and practicing the holy days is an excellent teaching tool and a way to involve your family, neighbors, and communities in a learning experience that is entertaining as well. Recipes for each holiday will be included. As a matter of record, the observation of and participation in these holidays in no way implies that anyone is Jewish. Only Jews are able to observe and practice the holidays as Jews but those of us who seek Truth and are willing to learn ongoing will profit from these opportinities. The following list incorporates both the holiday and the dates observed for the secular year September, 2007 through August, 2008.

*Shabbat (Sabbath/Saturday) shabbat (Hebrew for Sabbath) is celebrated every week from sundown on Friday night until sundown on Saturday and is considered to be holier than any of the yearly holidays. The festive Friday night meal usually includes a beautifully set table with candles, a wine (or grape juice) goblet and bread. Candles are lit during prayers (usually by women) before the meal. Prayers may be recited for the wine/grape juice and the bread (the fruit of the vine and the grain of the field) in thanks for the bounty provided by G-d. Blessings are recited at the end of the meal (usually by men).

* Tishah B’av (A fast commemorating the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem 7/24/2007

* Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) 9/13/2007

* Yom Kippur (Jewish day of atonement) 9/22/2007

* Sukkot (festival of booths) 9/27/2007

* Simcha Torah (celebration of the completion of the annual cycle of Bible reading 10/5/2007

* Chanukkah (festival of lights) 12/5/2007

* Tu B’Shevat (Jewish Arbor Day) 1/22/2008

* Purim (fast of Esther) 3/21/2008

* Pesach (Passover) 4/20/2008

* Lag B’Omer (counting of the omer - sheaves of wheat) 5/23/2008

* Shavuot (commemorates the receiving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai) 6/9/2008

* Tisha B’av (a fast commemorating the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem 8/10/2008

Four to six weeks prior to each holiday, information will be posted relating to that particular celebration including the purpose and its connections between Torah and the New Testament writings, customs, practical instructions for observing the event as well as recipes with significance to the holiday. This time frame will allow us to include our family members, our neighbors, and even our communities to join with us in our recognition of these ancient, holy days. It is our sincere hope that you will find this information useful and that it will open dialogue and pique interest in those who are seeking Truth. Please feel free to advise us on how we can expand or enhance these instructions for observance of the Hebrew calendar.

Prepared by Rebecca A. Buntyn

Acknowledgements: Phrases, idioms, and partial quotations were extracted from the Chabad website, Rabbi Benjamin Blech, Rabbi Allen Schwartz, David Blatner’s texts, and the website of Judaism 101.