January Shul 2005
Friday January 7nth 6:00-10:00PM, Waldron Location - The Sabbath Candles lit, the blessing recited and the recitation of the Shema in Hebrew and English started this night. Dinner was served (special thanks to brother Ya'cob for the chicken, rice dish, and salad). The torah portion was taken from Shemoth chapters 1,2 and 3 and dealt with the children of Israel in Egypt, and coming under bondage there, such that even their very lives were in danger. Monte draws parallels between Moses being delivered by the counsel and actions of women, and the Messiah's resurrection story given and believed upon first by women. Also, Moses attempted to be a deliverer, but realize this was a failed attempt, as the sons of Israel rejected him and bused him. In the same way, the Messiah was rejected and bused, although he came to be a deliverer. The difference is that Moses was attempting deliverance by his own hand, and it was not until the moment of the burning bush, when Moses was 80 years old, that YHWH spoke to him and told him that YHWH Himself was going to deliver the children of Israel from the Egyptian captivity. Another note was the idea that whenever YHWH spoke unto someone, there was a double calling, such as "Moses! Moses!," from the burning bush. This pattern is found everywhere in the TaNaKh, and, according to Monte, demonstrates both the Father and the Son speaking, an indication of their unity within the context of ECHAD. Mosea asks "Who Am I?" (to go to the children of Israel?) and YHWH answers "I AM." Hence the message conveyed is that Moses goes not of his own character or strength, but with the character and strength of the ALMIGHTY CREATOR YHWH. Other messages from YHWH's answer to Moses might include the ideas "I will save in the way I will save," or "I exist eternally, time does not affect me." In sum, the message is that deliverance come by YHWH's hand and none else, such that no one else may have the glory of YHWH. Monte further discoursed on the Set-Apart Name , (Yud Hey Vav Hey) and showed how the "Yud" represents the fist (which symbolizes man's strength) and the Vav symbolizes the Staff (symbolizing YHWH's method of deliverance as a Shepherd over the children of Israel). The "Heh" symbolizes "what comes from," and creates a very nice Sod level teaching. The last and most notable thing on this teaching was the idea put forth that perhaps the Set-Apart Name was purposely "concealed," such that it might protect the sanctity of the personhood of the Father. Monte seems to think the House of Judah has some good cause to maintain its secrecy. This teaching had many intertwining elements and gave us much to consider.
Friday, January14nth 6:00-10:00PM Jackson Location - The first part of our meeting was spent discussing the Michael Rood, and Nehemia Gordon speaking tour that some of us attended the night before. The 14 generation problem as well as the Greek Primacy was addressed. Dinner was served (special thanks to sister colleen for meal preps, fried chicken, vegetable dish, mashed potatoes, gravy, and biscuits with butter). The Torah portion was taken from Shemoth chapters 6 and was the story of Moses, the Israelites in bondage in Egypt, and Pharoah who refused to let the children of Israel go. Of the 2000 years of biblical history up to this point, Elohim portrayed Himself as a Father, and He worked through the fathers to communicate to the people of Elohim who He was, in his efforts to manifest Himself to them. A parallel is noted in Moses conversation with Pharaoh, in which Moses acts as intermediary between Pharaoh and YHWH. The same is found in the Messiah, intermediary between us and YHWH. Another teaching is put forth based upon the Yud Hey Vav Hey Name of The Father. Whereas the Yud signifies the fist, and Moses attempted to initially lead the children of Israel with his "fists," the Vav representing the shepherd's staff was the method Elohim chose for Moses to lead the children of Israel.
Friday January 22nd 6:00-9:00PM Waldron Location - The Torah portion for this Shul was taken from Shemoth 11 and 12. It dealt with the Egyptian bondage and Pharaohs unwillingness to "let the people go," A curious saying was expounded upon by Monte Judah, relating to a communication between Pharaoh and YHWH, through Moses. The statement is found in Shemoth Ex:4:22: "And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith YHWH, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:" Monte Discoursed about how every plague that the Egyptians felt was a direct response to either their disobedience to obey YHWH's command to "let my people go!", or their idolatrous thinking and practices. We also discussed the implications of Passover for us today, and how we might practice this in conformity with the pattern Yahshua gave us. In all, this Torah portion shed much light on this subject.
Friday January 28th 6:30-12:30AM Cincinnati Ohio Location - Erev Shabbat
Restoration Scriptures Encounter
The evening started with praise and worship lead by Marsha Dee and sister Novella.
Rabbi Moshe Yoseph Koniuchowsky; the guest speaker, initiated the night with the comment; " If you are here and do not know about the Two House issue, then you are what is called "a seeker", and there is nothing wrong with that." (mildly paraphrased)
The first question we must ask ourselves is "who am I". By understanding the truth of the Two Houses, we can better understand who we are and what the message of scriptures is.
In Bereshith12:1-2 we read of YHWH's promise to Abram. To make a great nation of his
descendants. Next we turned to Ber.13:14-16 where we read that YHWH promised Abram the land in which he lived, for Abram and his descendants (forever). Verse 16 states that the
descendants of Abram would become so numerous that; like the dust of the earth, they can not be numbered.
In Ber.15:5 YHWH repeats this theme of multitudes by likening Abram's 'seed' to the stars of heaven for numbers.
In Ber.17:1-3 we see the promise repeated again. and in verse 6 we also see the promise that kings would be among these descendants.
Ber.22:17-18 again speaks of this promise of multitudes, with the added blessing that Abram's
descendants would possess the 'gates' of their enemies. Also; that through Abram's descendants, the whole world would be blessed, because Abram did not withhold his only son from YHWH as a sacrifice.
When Rebekah; Isaac's future bride, was about to leave her family and return with Abraham's servant to the land where Abraham and Isaac lived; her family sent her away with a blessing for her descendants to become thousands of thousands, and also to
possess the 'gates' of those who hate them. In Ber.25:20-34 we read of the birth of Isaac's sons Esau and Jacob. We also will note that Esau thought so little of his birthright as firstborn, that he traded it to Jacob for a meal.
The promise is renewed to Isaac in Ber.26:2-5. We notice in verse 5 that Abraham
received these blessings because he was obedient to YHWH's Torah. Ber.28:1-14 outlines Jacob's quest to the land of Paddan Aram in search of a wife. We see Jacob's dream concerning a 'ladder' reaching to heaven and YHWH repeats HIS promise to Jacob.
In Ber.32:7 we read of Jacob's dividing his household to avoid losing all if Esau were to attack him. This division is a
foreshadow of the division of Israel in the future. In Ber.35:10-12 YHWH again confirms that Jacob was to inherit the blessing promised to Abraham. Also, we see a very specific prophecy given to Jacob; that his
descendants would become "a nation and a company of nations." (See also Ber.46:3; 48:4)
While in Egypt; the son's of Israel multiplied, as had been prophesied. Shemoth 1:10-11
After deliverance from Egyptian bondage, and 40 years of wandering; Moses addresses the nation of Israel just before they enter the Promised Land. Debarim 1:10-11, Moses here states that the children of Abraham have been multiplied as YHWH had promised, and we notice in verse 11 that HE is going to "add to you a thousand times more."
We return one more time to Ber.48:4-22, where we read of the blessing that Israel (Jacob) places on 2 of Joseph's sons;
Manasseh and Ephraim. In verse 16 we note something very important transpiring. As Israel is putting his blessing upon
Manasseh and Ephraim; 1) he crosses his hands so that his right hand is on the younger son,
Ephraim; thus promoting him to above his younger brother Manasseh.( Read also verse 19) 2) He places his name (Israel) upon the boys and thusly their descendants.
As we move forward into time we come to the reign of Solomon. Solomon was blessed with much wisdom, but in his later years he built places for his wives of pagan birth to worship their deities, and this brought down the anger of YHWH upon him. In fact, because of this transgression, The kingdom of Israel was going to become divided. We read this in I Melakim 11:11-36. In Chpt.12 and verses 15-19 we see this division implemented.
II Melakim 12:26-33 We witness the apostasy of Jeroboam as he builds 2 golden calves to be worshipped in substitution of YHWH. While in II Melakim 17: 5-18 we read of the
judgment of YHWH upon the northern kingdom of Israel, for this apostasy. The southern kingdom of Judah also
trangressed against YHWH and eventually, they too went into captivity, II Melakim 25:1-12. Only their captors( the
Babylonians) allowed them to return after 70 years. In Hoshea 1 we read about the 3 children of Hosea. It is important that we pay close attention to their names and the reason that YHWH established their names. Verse 10-11 points toward a time when there will be a restoration of the people of YHWH. Hoshea 8:8-9 speaks of the dispersion of Israel, and the attitude they take with them, while verse 12 shows us the aversion Israel would hold toward YHWH's Torah. ( See also Hoshea 13:1-6 for more of Israel's character.)
The time will come when YHWH will restore Israel, just as HE did in the time of Moses. Yeshayahu 11:16, 12:1-6, and 14:1. In Chpt.42:16 HE promises to lead HIS people out of their blindness. Why? Chpt.44:21-22, Because we are HIS chosen people.
Yeshayahu 56:10-12 explains this blindness as a spiritual blindness.
In Chapter 65:11 gives us a clue to the reason for this blindness. It is very important to note here that the "Gad" spoken here is pronounced
gawd or god. Take a look at the society we live in today. By what name do they call upon YHWH? Our society today has given up following YHWH and HIS Torah, instead they serve their 'gad', keeping for holy those practices that are associated with paganism.
Because of the waywardness of modern Israel, only a remnant will make it through the tribulation, (or what is refered to
as 'the time of Jacob's troubles'). Yermeyahu 31:1-6 but that remnant will act as a 'watchman' or Natzarim of Judah. Verses 10-11 tells us that YHWH will regather Israel, even as HE scattered them.
Zekaryah 4:3 speaks of 2 olive trees that are in Zechariah's dream. These olive trees are representative of the two houses of Israel. And in Chapt.8:23 we read that in those latter days, 10 men will grab the edge (fringe) of the garment of a Jew, and ask to go with him. They will recognize that YHWH is with this Jew and will seek knowledge from him. In Chapter 9:9 we see the Messiah
referred to. Whereas, verse 13 speaks of YHWH using Judah as a weapon (a bow) and
Ephraim will be the munitions, (the arrows), and HE will lead them against Greece, (the keepers of modern culture). Are we able to
receive this knowledge? Read Hoshea 14:9. Yehezqel 37:15-28 is the teaching of the Two Sticks. One represents Judah and the other Israel. In the 'end times' they will be restored as one.
Conclusion of part 1: YHWH chose out of all the peoples on earth; Abraham because he displayed righteousness and faith in YHWH. HE blessed Abraham and certain of his descendants with very specific prophecies. There are only 2 Nations today that fulfill the aspects of those prophecies (a great nation and a commonwealth of nations).
Even though these peoples became apostate, and followed after pagan deities. Because of HIS promise to the Patriarchs, HE would one day restore these "lost" people to their rightful places within the nation of Israel, and Israel and Judah would once again be reunited
- (Notes, courtesy of Yac'ob)