It just so happens that on January 1st, 1943, the weekend that United Israel World Union was officially formed in upstate NY by David Horowitz, that the Torah reading was indeed Vayigash! David had no idea of this at the time, and never noticed it years later when it was pointed out to him around his 90th year.

There could have been no more appropriate date or reading, in that Horowitz at that time represented the ONLY significant person of the House of Judah who was determined to do something to “DRAW NEAR TO JOSEPH.” Is this not rather incredible!! Indeed this Joseph cycle of readings has proven very significant in our own time. Allenby took Jerusalem on December 9, 1917 (just “happened” to be on Kislev 24!), and the reading with Mikketz (Gen 41). The UN Partition vote was on November 29, 1947 and the reading was Vayeshev. In both cases, the nations that I would associate with Joseph come to the aid of Judah and his companions, saving their LIVES in a great time of trouble, and there is a kind of “uniting” of the two houses even then, but in a preliminary way.

It is obvious that the Rabbis who complied the Haphtorah readings from the Prophets saw more than an ordinary meaning in this phrase, in that they chose Ezekiel 37:15-28, the passage about the two “sticks,” one for Judah and the sons of Israel his companions, and the other for Joseph, and all the house of Israel and his companions. Those sticks are UNITED, thus the whole idea of UNITED ISRAEL which David Horowitz has pioneered for over 50 years now. One stick IS the stick of Joseph, but it is in the hand of Ephraim–and we learn why in next weeks Torah reading where the aged Jacob adopts the two sons of Joseph, but puts the younger Ephraim, BEFORE the older Manasseh, and gives Joseph the birthright, taken from Reuben, the firstborn son. You might have expected it to go to Judah, since Judah is clearly next in line since Simeon and Levi were eliminated for their cruelty (see Gen 49:5-7), as well as being one of the strongest and most prominent of the twelve tribes, but Jacob rather chose his beloved Rachel’s son Joseph. Joseph is also given the special plot of land in Shechem, where he was later buried, and the site of such contention now with the Palestinians (Gen 48:22; Josh 24:32). YHVH declares that these TWO sticks will become ONE in His Hand (Ezk 37:20) and the following verses explain how that will happen:

I will take the sons of Israel from among the nations where they have gone, and I will gather them from every side and bring them into their own land; and I will make them ONE NATION in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and ONE King will be king for all of them; and they will no longer be two nations and no longer be divided into two kingdoms.” This chapter of course opens with the vision of the Valley of Dry Bones.

So the children of Israel end up in TWO COMPANIES, as was already hinted at the previous Torah reading Vayishlach (Gen 32:10).

The whole Joseph story seems to echo this history of the Lost Tribes. Joseph is sold into slavery, as was ancient Israel, the Northern Kingdom. He is effectively given up for DEAD (thus the valley of Dry Bones), and forgotten by his brothers, here represented mostly by Judah, who remains in the Land and returns to the Land after the Babylonian disaster. He marries a GENTILE woman, an Egyptian, and eventually reaches a great position of power and prominence, the highest of the kings of the earth–and for all practical purposes completely loses his identity–but all this time YHVH was with him. He is the DREAMER, the one who did not fit in, the one rejected by his brothers. According to Genesis 49:22-26 the descendents of Joseph will achieve great blessings and incredible wealth, and Moses adds his own details to the prophecy in Deut 33:13-17–Joseph is to push to the ends of the earth, and have the favor of “the one who dwells in the Bush,” achieving great favor and prominence. We should expect then, at the time when Judah returns to the land (the prophets declare: I will save the house of Judah first), which we have seen the this past century, that Joseph will exist someone on the earth, looked upon as Gentile, but somehow oriented to the God of Israel and the Bible, but with incredible wealth and power. The key then would be that large portions of such “Gentile” populations would begin to feel an irresistible pull toward Judah and the Land of Israel, and be drawn home. There is a preliminary return, spoken of in Jeremiah 3 and 16, but also that massive return that will pale the Exodus in size…we seem to be living in such days, and have for the past 50 years, but especially I think we have seen the return of large pockets of Joseph to God, Israel, and Torah in the past 25 years. It can only increase not decrease, and it is one of the strangest phenomena on the earth today, as thousand of “Gentiles” seem suddenly interested in discovering their Hebraic “roots.”

There appear to be some incredible parallels between the Joseph story, the Lost Tribes saga, and the story Jesus tells in Luke 15, most often referred to as the Prodigal Son. One son stays “home,” the other becomes “lost” and forgotten among the Gentiles, but eventually returns home…

Both Houses of Israel, that is Judah and Ephraim (usually called Israel in the prophets, in contrast to Judah) are chastised and rebuked, but the language of Jeremiah 3:6-14 is most important and interesting. Judah is called treacherous while Israel is called faithless (lit. turned, slidden away), but v. 11 says that “Faithless Israel has proven herself more righteous than treacherous Judah.” That, no doubt, becomes the source of the jealous that Isaiah 11 speaks about, and it is echoed in the Prodigal son story. Judah is very reluctant to give up her privileged place of “faithfulness” to a backslidden Israel–but it is Judah’s attitude that has to change. In the end, though falling into great apostasy, Joseph is proven MORE RIGHTEOUS, and returns home. Also, based on the words of Jacob in Gen 49 it does appear that the Scepter departs from Judah and eventually goes to Joseph also–from him comes the Stone, the Rock of Israel–or Shiloh…This will surely be a surprise to all the world, both Jews and Christians, who are so focused on a Davidic Messiah figure.

The story in the Torah today is itself so very moving. What a scene, and yet there is such power in the grace and love that he ends up showing his brothers. It is easy to forget that the sons of Israel are a very diverse mix, born of four different women, and with very different temperaments and characteristics, as are outlined by father Jacob in next Sabbath’s reading.

A nice way of remembering David might be to revisit his remarkable biography which you can find at:

http://unitedisrael.org/United-Israel-Organization-Information/Founder-David-Horowitz.html

I can also attach it as a PDF file for those of you who might want it as a more permanent file on your own computer.

Shalom to all,

James Tabor on a rainy, cloudy, day in Charlotte…

Horowitzbio.pdf

Friday, April 24th

5:00pm  Registration and Welcome

7:00pm  Welcoming Shabbat: Candle Lighting and Kiddush

7:30pm  Celebrating 65 Years of UIWU: James Tabor

Sabbath, April 25th

9:00am  The Three Greatest Chapters of the Hebrew Bible: James Tabor

10:30am Our Incredible American Hebrew Heritage: Ralph Buntyn

Noon Break and Open Time

1:30pm  Amazing Treasures of the Mishnah: Joseph Good

3:30pm Open House at the UIWU Offices: Archive Display & Reception

7:00pm After Hours: Musical Program with David & Patty Tyler, their band, and our talented musical performers at the Hampton Inn nearby

Sunday, April 26th

9:00am  UIWU 66th Annual Business Meeting

Presidential Address by James Tabor: Presiding: Ralph Buntyn

10:00am The Three Greatest Chapters of the Hebrew Bible: Ross Nichols

Noon Break and Open Time

2:30pm  ‘Let Him Go Up’: Connecting to Israel in our Time: Hanoch Young with John and Carin Carlson

4:00pm A Surprise Announcement: James Tabor

We are extremely excited about our plans and program and we hope everyone will make every possible effort to attend this year. This is an event you will not want to miss. We will hold our meeting at the Doubletree Guest Suites in South Park, just as we did last year. This location in a prime area of the city, with shops and restaurants conveniently located within walking distance.  There is no registration fee to attend this meeting and all are welcome. We were also able to get an exceptionally reasonable rate for rooms, see details below.

Here are the program highlights:

This year marks the end of 65 years of UIWU history and as part of our celebration we will have a special Open House and Reception at our UIWU offices here in Charlotte with many of the priceless and historic archives on display for the first time. These are materials related to the life and career of David Horowitz, our founder, as well as the history of UIWU itself.

James Tabor will conduct an in-depth class titled “The Three Greatest Chapters of the Hebrew Bible”

Ross Nichols will conduct an in-depth class titled “The Three Greatest Chapters of the Hebrew Bible”

Ralph Buntyn will present an illustrated lecture on “Our Incredible American Hebrew Heritage”

Joseph Good will teach a class titled “Amazing Treasures from the Mishnah”

Hanoch Young will lead a session on “Let Him Go Up: Connecting to Israel in our Time,” that will include input from John Carlson and a stunning special media production by artist Carin Carlson

A musical program hosted by David and Patty Tyler, including an “sneak peek” at the forthcoming “Ephramite” CD that is being produced by musicians in our movement

A special “Surprise Announcement” by James Tabor

Our formal program begins Friday evening at 5pm and concludes at 5pm on Sunday, however, we encourage any who can to stay over Sunday night so we can continue to spend informal time together through the evening in the lovely hotel setting. We have also planned more break time and leisure time this year to allow for socializing and informal meetings and discussions.

For those flying in we will try to arrange airport pickups. Please let Timothy Thompson (twt@embarqmail.com) know your schedule and he will be in touch with you about arrangements.

Hotel Details: We have blocked off a limited number of rooms (one bedroom suites with kitchen) for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at the special low rate of $99.00 per night. You can get single, double, triple, or quad all at the same low price. If you want Thursday night before, or Monday night after you can ask the booking person and perhaps be able to work out the same rate as well but the three nights are guaranteed. Call the Doubletree at 704-364-2400, ask for reservations, tell them you are with the group “United Israel.” Be sure you get this special rate. Our agent, if you have any problems, is Cameron Hall, but you don’t need to speak to her to make reservations.

The Doubletree Guest Suites is located at:

6300 Morrison Boulevard
Charlotte, NC 28211

Web site:

Doubletree Guest Suites at Southpark

As it happens, January 3, 2009, this past Shabbath, was the occasion for the annual UIWU executive officers meeting in Charlotte, NC, held each January, and those present were quite aware of the correspondence both in dates (both Gregorian and Hebrew calendars), but also the same Torah/Prophets reading, precisely 65 years from that founding meeting.

United Israel World Union remains, to our knowledge, the oldest Jewish organization focused on the so-called “Lost Tribes,” and their past and future relationship with the Jewish people. In the very first issue of the United Israel Bulletin, Vol 1, Number 1, published in June, 1944, founder David Horowitz published an account of the founding of the organization that is worth reproducing here. UIWU, born 65 years ago this past weekend, was truly “birthed” in the critical days of WWII when the Allies were beginning to turn the tide with the Axis powers. Hitler’s armies had been defeated at Stalingrad and in Egypt in 1943 and D-Day and the invasion of Europe was on the horizon. Here is the 1944 account verbatim:
After many years of Biblical “journeyings” in connection with a United Israel, and after having gone “through the dark valley of human abuse,” YHVH inspirited David Howowitz, while in prayer and in supplication, to continue labors already commenced, namely, to stand with YHVH’s people Israel as their friend, teacher and intermediary, to the end that the scattered sheep of Israel may once again become reunited in true brotherhood and love via YHVH’s glorious and eternal Law.

Thus, following many strange and fantastic episodes occurring in these Biblical days in which we are now living, giving further testimony to the dynamic truth of the ever-functioning and eternal Word of YHVH, three brethren of the house of Joseph, namely, Clayton E. Burlingame, of Waterville. N.Y.; Huel L. Crockett, of New York City; and Robert Bruce, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., were inspirited, individually, to unite with their brother David of the House of Judah in New York City.As a result thereof, Providence so guided that several meetings were arranged and held in up-state New York, at Bethaleph, home of the Burlingames, during December 30 and 31, 1943, and January 1, 1944, in connection with the actual formation of the Body United Israel.At these meetings it was decided to hold a Founders’ Assembly on Saturday evening, February 5th, it being the eleventh day of the eleventh month, Shevat, 5704.

The following is an abridged record of that gathering:

By YHVH’s grace, David opened the meeting with words of welcome and explanation of the significance of the occasion—further stressing that the Israel gathering here at Bethaleph unites many loving souls in various parts of the country who would be with us in spirit and prayer but could not attend by reason of distance.Most of these brethren and sisters had communicated and their letters would be read to the assembly.David then spoke of the glorious spirit of unity and love existing among all who have unified themselves in UNITED ISRAEL, indicating further “how glorious indeed are the doings of YHVH God, Greater of heaven and earth,” who had thus blessed the birth of UNITED ISRAEL after more than two thousand years of lost identity amidst Baal worship. . .

Continuing the introductory remarks, David explained how YHVH, the God of Israel, the Rock of all Ages, has always worked through man and nations in the fulfillment of His glorious Plan. . .

The spirit reigning over Bethaleph through out the Assembly was serene and solemn, and all present were imbued with love and thanksgiving to our Father, YHVH the King of Israel, who alone doth wondrous things.

Then David spoke of the many communications which had been sent in by our beloved brethren and sisters in Israel from the far reaches of the land. . .

At the conclusion of the reading of correspondence, David spoke briefly on the proposed UNITED ISRAEL BULLETIN which would become the organ and medium through which scattered brethren and sisters in UNITED ISRAEL could know of each other’s activities in the different parts of the country. It would also serve as a guide to all true servants of YHVH in that it would constantly touch upon original Biblical facts and explain them. Moreover, the bulletin would touch upon current events as well, in connection with their Biblical significance.David indicated that as soon as funds permitted, he would commence with publication of the bulletin. . .

David then stated that on the basis of decisions concluded at the December 30-31, 1943, and January 1, 1944, meetings, he had contacted an attorney-at-law in New York City, and engaged him to assist in the incorporation proceedings, and that, on the further basis of the data furnished the attorney by David, he had worked out a tentative draft of a Certificate of Incorporation and a Constitution and By-laws. . . (which was filed with the Secretary of State, State of New York, April 17, 1944) declare:

I.That the original Bible is the word of YHVH the Father, the Creator, and is the only basis for our daily conduct and life which must be modeled basically in accordance with the laws of Moses as instituted at Mount Sinai.

II.That the Ten Tribes of Israel are still in existence; . . . a great number of whom live in the United States of America.

III.That said United States of America was originally conceived on the principles of the Bible, as is evidenced by the acts and writings of the Founding Fathers and that it has therefore been destined by YHVH the Father, the Creator, to play a leading part in world affairs.

FIRST ANNUAL MEETING

The First Annual Meeting of United Israel was held at Bethaleph, home of Clayton and Erminie Burlingame at Waterville, New York, on Saturday evening, April 8th, 1944, the 15th day of Nisan.The assembly coincided with the Passover.David stated that “it was glorious to note that at this gathering of United Israel, members of the house of Joseph had joined brethren in Judah for the commemoration of this great redemption festival.There are others in the far reaches of the land who are with us in spirit at this moment,” David continued. . . To them we must add scores of sons and daughters of Israel scattered all over this Zion-land.”

The Constitution and By-laws of United Israel as well as the Certificate of Incorporation were read by Brother Crockett and then unanimously approved and accepted.All officers were re-elected for another year.

Shalom! I hope that this note finds all of you well. I could not let this date pass without sending out a communication to everyone on my mailing list. Some of you are also members with me on other lists so I apologize for the duplication, but wanted to inform the whole group of the significance of today.

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008 is the 6th of Kislev on the Hebrew Calendar. This date on the Hebrew calendar (Kislev 6) marks the three year anniversary of my receiving the keys to Temple Sinai Synagogue. Three years ago, this date fell on Wednesday, December 7th (2005), but when I checked the Hebrew dates I realized that the actual anniversary is today!

The Torah reading associated with this date on the Hebrew calendar is Vayyetze (Genesis 28:10-32:3). The Haphtorah is Hosea 12:13-14:10.

A few points of interest from this Torah Reading:

This reading of course has the dream of Jacob (28:16-17). When I read Jacob’s words I cannot help but to connect them with the feeling I get about this synagogue and what is in store if we remain faithful. Of this “makom – place”, Jacob says, “this is the house of God” twice (Genesis 28:17 and 28:22). While I realize that “Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain Him – I Kings 8:27″, I still feel that there can be a certain awe and sanctity attached to a “place” where people gather together to learn of God’s Ways.

I see this place, through the teaching that goes forth every week, as a place from which a call is going forth to turn from various forms of idolatry. Many sincere people have inherited lies, vanity and things wherein there is no profit (Jeremiah 19:19) In declaring the truth of the Hebrew Faith to the nations, I believe that the veil will begin to be lifted and people will embrace the truth.

Idols play a key part of this Torah reading. Remember that Rachel steals her father’s idols and hides them (Genesis 31:19, 34). In the haptorah, we find mention of idolatry as well (Hosea 13:1-2), but we see something else later! In Hosea 14:9, we see that Ephraim finally denounces idolatry! May we lead people away from all forms of idolatry through our declaration of the truth, and may we do so not by might, nor by power, but by His Spirit! This passage from Hosea 14 (verses 2-10) is the one read on Shabbat Shuva (The Sabbath of Return or repentance). I encourage you to read this Torah Reading this weekend.

The Torah reading also contains the birth of the sons of Israel (except for Benjamin whose birth is recorded in chapter 35). Most are aware that the “Tribes” are a major part of my understanding of Scripture. So I find it of special importance that in the year 1903, when Temple Sinai Synagogue was originally dedicated that the following words were declared:

The newspaper (True Democrat – March 28, 1903) covered the dedication and recalls the words of one of the speakers – “His prayer was that the grace of God should descend upon this house and its people, and many now and in years to come might learn the ways of righteousness and the paths of peace through its influence as a house of worship”

Commenting on the words of another speaker at this dedication the article says, “He referred to the sympathy existing between Anglo Saxon and Jew, and that there was a theory that the former was descended from the Lost tribes of Israel. Be that as it may, there can be no doubt that the Anglo Saxon is ever a cordial compatriot of his Hebrew Brother.”

NOTE: I do not accept standard forms of Anglo – Israelite theology. Many of these theories are racist at the core. I do however, see the clear Scriptural teaching of the return of “the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel” as the major theme of prophetic teaching in the entire Hebrew Bible. Amos declares that Ephraim would be sifted through the nations as corn is sifted through a seive. One cannot discern this people by their skin color or national identity. At this point they are literally….red and yellow, black and white! And every other color I might add. For information of a Biblical nature concerning the “lost tribes”, please see the United Israel web site.

The dedication sermon in 1903, was preached by a Dr. Heller. He began with a recitation of Mah Tovu – How goodly are thy tents O Jacob….. The article states that; “He briefly sketched the history of the Jewish synagogue, which was successively tent, temple and house, as represented by the tabernacle in the wilderness, the Temple on Moriah and the synagogue of the middle ages the highest, a God-home and a heart-home, in which all the loftiest instincts of man’s likeness to God finds satisfying exercise. The eloquent rabbi closed with a prayer that the newly consecrated synagogue might become a God-home dedicated not by any breath of mouth or act of hand, but made holy by the impressive associations and sacred rites of many a memorable hour.”

In 3 years, our teachings have literally reached the ends of the earth. We have live webcasts, podcasts, an email list with many members (knowledgeable ones – educated laity, biblical scholars, Jews and non-Jews who love God, Israel and Torah), and over the past couple of weeks we have added video teaching for those who are not able to attend in person. We have also added a newly formed social network (www.rootsoffaith.net) that allows people to meet and make new friends with common interests. If you have not checked it out, I encourage you to do so. You do not need to join to look around, but if you feel alone in your quest for the true faith then I strongly urge you to consider signing up. We already have over 50 members. Members are from all over the U.S., Australia, the UK and as word gets out I feel certain that other nations will be represented in the Synagogue Without Walls!

I want to honor the prayers of those who went before me in the building and dedication of Temple Sinai. I want to take their vision and share it with the world. I want others to be a part of a noble effort to share Biblical truth with everyone.

So today, I wanted to take some time to reflect on the blessings that have come our way over the past three years. First, I have met some of the most incredible people during this time. We have become the best of friends. I look forward every week to seeing this incredible group of people. We have had some good memories, celebrated ancient Hebrew festivals, camped out together, traveled together, argued and debated, but through it all we have become a family! We love and trust one another. They are the most talented and dedicated group that I have been around and I am excited about what is to come for all of us. With our new Synagogue Without Walls, we are able to open our doors to old friends and new and provide a place of meeting for anyone that believes in the one God of Israel and seeks to live according to the principles of the Hebrew Bible.

I look forward to what is coming and hope you will be a part of bringing this vision to fruition and in advancing Abrahamic Faith. To God be the Glory!

Shalom and God Bless you all, Ross