STUDIES IN AUGUST 06!
Sabbath Shul, August 26th, Location, outside Jackson, 1:00-5:00PM Torah Parsha 48 Shoftim 16:18-21:9, Deuteronomy. Yahoshua 5, Mattiyahu 5.
This week's Shul was convened with the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Clore. Others in attendance were Jack and Colleen Clore, Brothers James, Randy, Cary, Dave and the youngins', and myself. Brother Richard kicked off the kahal with opening prayer, giving thanks for the food. During the meal, Bro. Jack mentioned a recent History Channel expose' regarding plausible hypotheses of the Exodus. Among other things therein, the issue of "Yom Suf" was discussed at length. Red vs. Reeds. Brother David's contention that unless there be other uses of "suf" in the TeNaK pertaining to "Red," it must be logically concluded that the proper translation must be Reeds. [In the absence of a "Paleo-Hebrew TaNaK" predating the Masoretic vowel points, such proof would be unlikely. Further, I discovered in the Hebrew dictionary that "Suf" could just as easily be "Sof" as in Sofit. Given the Israelite heritage of naming places after their experiences, i.e. today's "Egypt" originally named for it's founder "Mitzrayim" (son of Ham) became known as "trials and tribulations" in other applications. Therefore I would contend that Yom Suf may very well have been originally documented as "sof" (termination or end)... of captivity,... Pharaoh and his army, ...and that particular era in the Abrahamic covenant.] We then read the Torah portion, "Shoftim" (Judges). This portion addresses the appointment of judges, not by the priesthood, rather, the popular consensus to establish "Righteous Rulings" in matters of civil infractions/disputes as well as evil against Torah. There was also observation to "the testimony of two or three (blameless) witnesses who must initiate the stoning in capital offenses, paralleling the Messiah's Judgment in the story of the prostitute brought forth by the accusers. [James Trimm states that this story in the Gospels only appears in the Greek text, and not in any of the Aramaic or Hebrew] There was also discussion with regard to the fact that land east of the Jordan was also "the promised land" at least after the crossing. Which would mean that Moshe was buried in the promised land by virtue of the fact that Manasseh, Reuben and Gad were still bound by the Torah outlined in Deuteronomy (Devarim) "when you enter the Land...." even though they dwelt in modern day Jordan. There was also notice that several of the kings that were well regarded by YHWH were in violation of several of the Torah stipulations often to great excess, yet YHWH still kept them in high regard, among Israel. The Nevi portion was Yahoshuah (Joshua) ch 5, which dealt with the circumcision (Brit Milah) of the generation of Israel that actually got to enter into the land, as they had not been in compliance thus far. It then goes on to lay the groundwork for the taking of Jericho. The Brit Chadasha was Mattithyahu ch 5, [a favorite among Messianics of all flavors]. The gathering lasted until about 5:00 p.m.
(notes courtesy of Brother Troy)
Sabbath Shul, August 19nth, Location Waldron, 1:00-5:00PM Torah Parsha 47 Re’eh Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17 Mattiyahu 4 , Yahoshua 4 . Parsha was discussed with many themes such as capital punishment, the concept of rest in the passage, and the implications of the idea that an Israelite can sell an animal that dies of itself to a stranger or sojourner, but must refrain from eating it themselves. Some discussions on the third tithe which was reserved for the widows, the Levi, and the stranger in the gates. This was collected every third year. the second tithe was designed to be saved up and used for pleasure at the feasts. Yahoshua was an interesting passage that detailed how the Ark of the Covenant was used to stay back the waters of the Jordan river such that the army of Yah could pass over, as well as all the rest of Israel paralleling the Red Sea accounts. The Brit Chadasha portion dealt with the temptation of the Messiah and the resulting triumph, as well as the implications of the last temptation given by ha s.a.tan.
Sabbath Shul, August 12th, Location Reading, 1:00PM-5:00PM Torah Parsha 46 Ekev 7:12-11:25 Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25 Yahoshua 3 and Mattiyahu 3 Interesting discussions surrounded the portion, such as the fact that Moshe fasted forty days and forty nights, abstaining from both food and water, to receive the ten commandments. Moshe fasted an additional forty nights after the golden calf incident and some speculation as to the time frame of the two fasting periods. The site where it is believed that Israel camped, at the foot of Mount Sinai, has the ruins of an altar there, with hieroglyphics of cows inscribed around the sides of it, a grim reminder of the idolatry of Israel. Also the cave that Elijah lived in for a short time, overlooking the foot of the mountain was also discussed. Deuteronomy 10:20 speaks of how Israel is to swear by YHWH's Name. Deuteronomy 10:16 is the scripture that parallels the statement that Paul made regarding circumcising the hearts, making this the most important aspect of faith, over the physical act. Some speculation on the situation in Eretz Israel today, and the fact that there is little rain, not in accordance with the promises that are given to Israel should they be obeying YHWH in the land. Discussion on the term Yonah, meaning dove, and parallels with the prophet Yonah. Matthew 24 discussions of the "this generation" statement , which very well may be better translated from the Aramaic Peshitta, where the statement is "this race' or "this tribe." This makes the permanency of the House of Judah in Eretz Israel, in the latter days to be more solidified.
Shabbat Shul, August 5th, Location outside Hillsdale, 1:00-4:30PM Torah Parsha 45 VaEtchanan Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11 , Yahoshua 2, Mattityahu 2. Portion recounted the plea of Moshe to enter the land, and how his plea was rejected. The cities of refuge identified and set up, three on one side of the Jordan, and three on the other side of the Jordan. Some speculation on why three cities established on one side where three tribes dwelt, and yet only three others on the other side where many more than three dwelt. One reason proposed was that this is because many fleeing the avenger might think to cross the Jordan river to escape, making the numbers of those fleeing to the other side greater than that other. Some discussion on if there really is an oral torah in existence, and if so, where is it, or if it is nothing more than a myth. Some final thoughts on Hosea 11:1, and 3, and how Ephraim is not willing to be healed, based on a text in Mattiyahu chapter 2, where the prophet says "out of Egypt, I have called my Son." Great meal and fellowship ensued.