Yom Shabbat March 31st

Beginning Hebrew Studies November 29th Location Waterloo Iowa at HMI Waterloo Iowa Location 6:30PM-8:30PM. Please acquire The First Hebrew Primer By Ethelyn Simon, Irene Resnikoff, and Linda Motzkin. Third edition (revised), February 2000, ISBN 0-939144-15-8. Purchase Here. Started in Chapter 7 page 57, Exercise 9, number 6 and carried on to chapter 8,page 60 finishing with the vocabulary. Very enjoyable and fruitful study as we worked on the last exercises of the of the Perfect Tense verb forms that go with each pronoun. There were several that the group learned which should prove to help facilitate a further understanding of the verbs used in the TaNaKh. Each form hides a three letter verb that can be used to understand the first, second or third person talking narrative, something very important for understanding the language.

Yom Shabbat November 24th, Home Shabbat, study the Parsha and post comments - Parsha 8 Vayishlach “And he sent” November 24, 2007 14 Kislev 5768 Genesis 32:4(3)*–36:43* Alef Shmuel/1st Samuel 20, Luke 21 11-24-07 Parsha 8 Ber.32:3-36:43 While this portion opens with "Ya'acov sent messengers" it is interesting that the Hebrew word used here is 'malachim' which is often translated as 'angels' (as the Chumesh does here; although the commentary on verse 4 does note that either 'angels' or human emmissaries can be rendered here.

Dividing his camp into smaller parts follows the old addage; "don't put all your eggs in one basket". As Ya'acov goes before YHWH in prayer, we need to turn again to Yasher for a detailed account of just how wonderously our Elohim provided delivery Yasher 32:27-40. First we notice in verse 27 that on the very day that Ya'acov prayed, YHWH delivered him. 28)shows us the source of this deliverance. i.e. through 3 malachim or angels 29)These 3 angels appeared to Esua and his 400 warriors as 2000 warrior's on horseback with various instruments of war. These 2000 are divided into 4 camps or groups and approach Esua and his men in consequetive waves. Each bearing the message that they were servants of Ya'acov; who himself is a servant of Elohim. And that the only reason Esua and his men are not wiped out is on account of Esua and Ya'acov being brothers. Esua and his men are greatly terrified and thus; as we read in verse 40, Esua concealed his hatred of Ya'acov; and the end verse 39, went out to meet Ya'acov in shalom. Back to Ber. 32 Verses 10-13 shows is that Ya'acov took his delima before YHWH in prayer. After the prayer he prepares a tribute or appeasement to be sent to his brother.(verses 14-22) Verses 23-24 he sends his family over the river Yabbok Verses 25-30 speaks of the encounter of Ya'acov with a "Great spiritual Being". The Chumesh describes this Being as the guardian angel of Esua, and thus an evil spirit, indicating shatan himself. While the Chumesh points torward this Being as being an evil nature; there are some problems with that train of thought. 1) We notice that Ya'acov is a somewhat righteous man, living his life in service and studying the Laws of YHWH! Would it not go against the very nature of shatan to put his blessing on righteousness? 2) This Being renames Ya'acov with the name of Yisra-el; "one who has overcome with El and with man"
3) Ya'acov recognizes that he has been face to face with Elohim and lived. No other spirit being was ever distinguished in this regard. The logical conclusion here then is that he literally wrestled with The Being who would later become Yahushua. The same Being who had appeared to Avraham along with 2 angels prior to the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Ber. 33) We now see the re-union of Ya'acov and Esua. We will notice especially that even though Esua is undeserving of any honor; none the less, Ya'acov; his wives and children; and their handmaids all bow themselves before Esua, giving him respect and honor. (This should be a valuable lesson for us today concerning giving honor even to unrighteous leaders) We will also notice in this verbal exchange between these 2 brothers, that Esua's demeanor is much less hostile then it apparently was as he was coming forth. Is it possible that he now recognizes that Ya'acov is beloved of YHWH, and not to be trifiled with? While it is apparent that Esua has some agenda for desiring to accompany Ya'acov to his (Esua's) home in Seir, Ya'acov is able to work a diplomatic solution; (albiet it untruthful) which rids him of his brother, and provides him with the opportunity to by-pass Esua's home.Verses 17-20) It is hard to understand why Ya'acov chose to purchase land and settle so close to Shechem, when he had not yet visited his father and mother, after so lengthy an absence. (Yasher 33:4 indicated a stay of 1 1/2 years.) Ber. 34) Though The Scriptures do not indicate this; Yasher 33:5 indicates that Ya'acov's wives as well as dinah had gone out to watch the daughters of Shechem as they danced and rejoiced.This account is greatly detailed in Yasher33, explaining that Shechem sent people who forcibly removed dinah from her seat beside her family. It also goes into much greater detail concerning the plot of Shimeon and lewi; to bring back their sister, and get vengence upon the whole city for not stopping this kidnapping and rape of their sister. The account finishes in Yasher 34:31 where the sons of Ya'acov plunder the city.Yasher 34:32-35:25 tells the story of 7 Amorite kings, with about 10,000 warrior who assemble with the intent to make war on Ya'acov and his family, in retaliation for t he destruction of Shechem. Both Ya'acov and his father,Yitzack pray for YHWH to deliver them from this horde, which YHWH does through the kings' counsellors. Ber.35:) Ya'acov is told by YHWH to leave Shechem and go to Beth- El to dwell ther and to build another alter there Verses 9-12 Ya'acov's name is changed to Yisrael and he is told to be fruitful and multiply, and that the land that had been promised to his fathers; Avraham and Yitzack, would become the possession of him and his children.While at Beth-El, Devorah his mother's handmaid dies as well as his mother Rivkah, and while traveling f rom Beth-El to Ephrath, his wife Rachel dies giving birth to Benyamin. verse 22 of Ber. 35 indicates the Reuven lay with Ya'acov's wife bilhah, but reading in the Chumesh, as well as in Yasher 36:13-14 seems to indicate that reuven dishonored his fathers' berd by removing it from Bilhah's tent, which he did for he was jealous for his mother Leah's sake. This story appears the more viable as there was never a curse or punishment laid upon Reuven aside from the priestly duties of the firstborn were taken from him. (notes courtesy of bro. James)

Yom Shabbat November 17th, Location outside Waldron at Brother James and sister Marciyah's Home! 1:00-5:00PM - Parsha 7 Vayetze “And he went out” November 17, 2007 7 Kislev 5768 Genesis 28:10–32:3(2)* Alef Shmuel/1st Samuel 19, Luke 20

Beginning Hebrew Studies November 15th Location Waterloo Iowa at HMI Waterloo Iowa Location 6:30PM-8:30PM. Please acquire The First Hebrew Primer By Ethelyn Simon, Irene Resnikoff, and Linda Motzkin. Third edition (revised), February 2000, ISBN 0-939144-15-8. Purchase Here. Starting in Chapter 7 page 56, Exercise 8, number 2 and continuing on the study progressed through more exercises devoted to learning the ten different forms of verbs that chapter 7 discussed. Good and fruitful study.

Yom Shabbat November 10th, Location outside Waldron Michigan Harlyn and Peggy Smith's Home 1:00-5:00PM - Parsha 6 Toldot “Generations” November 10, 2007 29 Cheshvan 5768 Genesis 25:19–28:9 Alef Shmuel/1st Samuel 18, Luke 19 1-10-07 Parsha 6 Ber. 25: 23 "elder and younger" can also be translated as 'greater and younger' After Esau and Ya'acov were re-united it appears as though the animosity had been forgotten, or at the least was put on a back burner until future generations took it back up as we see it even to this day. 26: 10 It is interesting that even the heathen Avimilech recognized adultery as sin. I Shmuel 18:10 YHWH controls all the 'spirits' and thus has the ability to send even an evil spirit to accomplish HIS Will. The reading of YHWH sent an evil spirit from HIS presence to accomplish HIS will tends to sound very negative and can lend itself to misunderstanding the True nature of YHWH. No matter what YHWH ordains, man has no power to change. Lukas 18: 30-31 This sounds as though it is contradictory to the Scripture which states that those who do not provide for their families are less then infidels; but the idea is that we are to put HIS will above all things, yet within HIS will we are to provide for the needs of our families as well as the needs of our neighbor and the 'ger', as long as it does not come between us and our relationship with YHWH. In the context of this chapter we notice several examples of persistence. We need to be persistent in accomplishing HIS will as well as persistent in doing 'tov' works, even when things don't seem to be going as well as we had hoped. The notes were few this Shabbat as the input was minimal, with more emphasis on ding the readings. Much fellowshipping afterwards tended to center on healthful living and being 'tov' stewards of the bodies that YHWH has blessed us with. (notes courtesy of bro. James)

Beginning Hebrew Studies November 15th Location Waterloo Iowa at HMI Waterloo Iowa Location 6:30PM-8:30PM. Please acquire The First Hebrew Primer By Ethelyn Simon, Irene Resnikoff, and Linda Motzkin. Third edition (revised), February 2000, ISBN 0-939144-15-8. Purchase Here. Starting in Chapter 7 page 54 we continued through page 56, exercise 8 , number 1. Excellent study and review of the various verb forms with pronouns with exercises that solidified these concepts nicely.

Yom Shabbat November 3rd, Location The Olson's Home 1:00-5:00PM - Parsha 5 Chayei Sarah “Sarah’s life” November 3, 2007 22 Cheshvan 5768 Genesis 23:1–25:18 Alef Shmuel/1st Samuel 17, Luke 18 11-3-07 Parsha 5 Ber.23:1-25:18 Verse 2 Sarah dwelt at Kirath-Arba while Avraham dwelt in Beer-Sheva; this was also were Hagar and Keturah were dwelling. Could it be that there was animosity due to the sacrificing of Yitsaak. In verse 10 we notice that Ephron is a Hittite; and wonder why he is part of the cobnversation. What kind of value does 400 pieces of silver have? A shekel is approx 1/2 ounce. Hebron is very near to Jerusalem, does this have any bearing on other events found later and in prophecy itself? Why did Avraham speak directly to Cheth when he was not the elder family member to whom this dealing would naturally fall to? When Rivkah drew water for the camels; assuming that a thirsty camel can drink up to 25 gallons, she would have had to draw as much as 250 gallons of water. Such hospitality is surely unknown in the western world. 24:47 We noticed that the earring is singular, was it a custom to only wear one earring or could it be that this was in fact either a nose ring or possibly a gem which hung by a chain around the head and placed the gem in the middle of the forehead? 24:53 we noticed here that while it appears that everyone was presented gifts, there was no mention of the father of Rivkah; Bethu-El, receiving anything. verse 65 We notice that there is no mention of Rivkah having any kind of headcovering until she finally comes into the presence of Yitzaak. Was this a symblo of her accepting his covering over her? The servant, doing the will of Avraham could be likened to the Ruach doing the Will of Abba Yahuah. We can also see a symbolic connection with Yahushua. Verse 62 "Lachai-Roei" The living One Who Sees is the translation for this name. notice also ...16:14 and 22:14 Yishmael died at 137 years, someone else; perhaps another patriarch, also died at this age. (Couldn't find this in a quick look through the texts.) I Shmuel 17. Verse 4 Comment was made concerning the word 'champion' but notes were missed. Verse 16 40 days-- the time of testing. Verse 35 David grabbed the lion by the beard? He must have beenin close encounter. Verse 58 Why did shaul fail to recognize David at this time? Could it be that he had grown a beard in the interrim time? Lukas 17: It is very significant that e see the praise given to YHWH and not Yahushu Why did not Yahushua list any of the commandments dealing with our love for Abba YHWH? Could it be because the 'young ruler' had not learned to love his fellow man. (notes courtesy of bro. James)

Beginning Hebrew Studies November 1st Location Waterloo Iowa at HMI Waterloo Iowa Location 6:30PM-8:30PM. Please acquire The First Hebrew Primer By Ethelyn Simon, Irene Resnikoff, and Linda Motzkin. Third edition (revised), February 2000, ISBN 0-939144-15-8. Purchase Here. Chapter 7 stared this Shul and oral review accomplished, went on to other variations of how some of the verbs can be changed. ended on Page 54, Exercise 3.