Support Israel and Get a FREE $25 Restaurant.com Gift Card!

I just saw this deal advertised in the World Jewish Digest, and thought it was too good to be true until I confirmed it online. The deal is that with your first "Yes to Carrots" brand purchase on Walgreens.com (prices starting at $5.99), you will receive a FREE $25 dollar gift card for Restaurant.com!

The cool thing about Yes to Carrots is that it is an Israeli company (headquarters in Tel Aviv) and therefore, every purchase directly helps the Israeli economy.

Another great thing about this company is that all the products are labeled with the USDA Organic symbol, and contain no parabens. In other words, you can feel good about your purchase!

If you have done this deal or know more about it, please let me know. I'm always interested in supporting Israel...and going out to eat!

For more Frugal Friday ideas, see BiblicalWomanhood.

Watchmen Wednesday: Pray for Gilad Shalit!

On June 25, 2006, a 19 year old Israeli soldier was captured by Hamas and is currently still held captive. Today is the second anniversary of his abduction according to the Hebrew calendar (29 Sivan), and people all over the world are banding together to pray for his release. Hamas says that Gilad is alive and well, but this is still a war crime according to international humanitarian law.

Will you join with me and thousands of other "watchmen" as we pray for Gilad's release? According to Aish.com, we are praying Psalm 121 at certain times, depending on your time zone. On the East coast in the US, we are to pray at 11 am; the West coast is then 8 am this morning.

Thank you for joining with your brothers and sisters around the globe that care about Israel!

Parasha B'chukotai, Leviticus 26:3-27:34

This year we read B'chukotai (Lev. 26:3-27:34) all by itself, as it is a leap year. In regular years we read it along with last week's portion, B'har (Lev. 25:1-26:2). I was so excited as I read both of these portions, as it is simply amazing that we are seeing a prophecy from waaaay back in Leviticus come true before our very eyes! Allow me to explain...

In Leviticus 25:1-5, God commands the people to observe a sabbath for the land, a shmittah year. That means that every seven years, they are to allow the land to rest or lie fallow. Basically, it was a year "off" for everyone once every seven years. God taught them to stockpile their food throughout the other six years so that they have enough to eat not only for the sixth year, but also for the seventh and eighth years (remember, since they would not be planting on the seventh year, they would have to have enough to eat during the eighth year as well - see Lev. 25:20-22).

In Leviticus 26:14-16, God sets before the people blessings for obedience and punishments for disobedience. When you read "punishments," don't read it as God is an angry, vengeful being just sitting up there waiting to slap us when we go astray. He really is much more loving than that! Read it as a loving parent who only wants to teach his children the way of life, and to draw his children closer to himself. Here's one of those "punishments" from Lev. 26:31-33:

I will turn your cities into ruins and lay waste your sanctuaries, and I will take no delight in the pleasing aroma of your offerings. I will lay waste the land, so that your enemies who live there will be appalled. I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out my sword and pursue you. Your land will be laid waste, and your cities will lie in ruins. Then the land will enjoy its sabbath years all the time that it lies desolate and you are in the country of your enemies; then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths. All the time that it lies desolate, the land will have the rest it did not have during the sabbaths you lived in it. (NIV)

Therefore, God was saying, "If you don't observe my teachings and way of life, I'm going to disperse you throughout the nations and allow the land to have it's sabbaths." And that is just what He did...evidence for the existence of God! Have the Jewish people not been scattered to the uttermost parts of the earth?

BUT, they were not cast away forever. As He says in Lev. 26:40-44:

But if they will confess their sins and the sins of their fathers—their treachery against me and their hostility toward me, which made me hostile toward them so that I sent them into the land of their enemies—then when their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and they pay for their sin, I will remember my covenant with Jacob and my covenant with Isaac and my covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land. For the land will be deserted by them and will enjoy its sabbaths while it lies desolate without them. They will pay for their sins because they rejected my laws and abhorred my decrees. Yet in spite of this, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them or abhor them so as to destroy them completely, breaking my covenant with them.

I am the LORD their God.

So now God is saying that the Jewish people will be dispersed to all the other nations, and they will be humbled and repent to Him. He says that He will NEVER break His covenant with them. Interestingly enough, some in the Body of Messiah hold to view that God in fact did break covenant with them, and replaced them with the Church. However, if God did do that, then He does not keep His Word. This "Replacement Theology" is unBiblical, anti-God, and must be "replaced" itself with the Truth of the Word. This is a whole other topic for another day, but just as Sha'ul says in Romans 11 says, believers are not replacing the branches, but are grafted-in among them.

So far we have seen God's commandment to observe the sabbath year for the land, the punishment for disobedience, and God's promise to respond in the event of Israel's repentance. Jeremiah 31:1-5 gives us what happens next:

"At that time," declares the LORD, "I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they will be my people." This is what the LORD says: "The people who survive the sword will find favor in the desert; I will come to give rest to Israel."
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love;

I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel.

Again you will take up your tambourines and go out to dance with the joyful.
Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria;

the farmers will plant them and enjoy their fruit.
There will be a day when watchmen cry out on the hills of Ephraim,

'Come, let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God.' "

This is the really exciting part! God promised to bring the people back to the land...and He did exactly that, in our generations! The modern state of Israel is celebrating her 60th anniversary this year! As we watch God's plan unfold, we must remember that God ALWAYS keeps His Word. To me, the fact of Israel's existence is proof that God is. Without Him, there would be no Israel today. I've heard this story many times, but I love it:

One day in the late 19th Century, Queen Victoria of England reportedly
asked her Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, this question...
"Mr. Prime Minister, what evidence can you give me of the existence of God?"
Disraeli thought for a moment and then replied, "The Jew, your
majesty."

So now that we have this knowledge, what do we do about it? I think that Isaiah 40:1-2 and 40:9-11 give us our answer:

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins...

You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!" See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

*All Scripture taken from the NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

**Graphic taken by my husband in Israel, May 2007.

Interesting Facts About This Tiny Country

In continuation of the celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Modern State of Israel, here are a few amazing facts:

-Israel spends the most per capita of any country in the world on protecting herself.
- Israel has the most university degrees per capita than any other country.

And finally, my favorite:

- These modern conveniences were all invented in Israel: the CELL PHONE, INSTANT MESSAGING, the FIREWALL, and VOICEMAIL.

If you would like to see a short funny video about other things that were invented in Israel, go here.

Thanks to Mapofworld.com for the picture!

FREE Jewish Roots of Christianity Videos!

You can sign up to receive one of three different Journey to Zion videos by clicking here and scrolling down to the bottom of the page and clicking on the DVD title you would like to receive (Limit is 1 per mailing address). I just watched one of the episodes on TV, and it was very informative and well done. I ordered the DVD about the Sabbath. The others are about the Temple/Prophecy and the Feasts.

Enjoy!

Another Lunch Break Blessing

Just like yesterday, I listened to yet another wonderful American Center for Law and Justice radio program about Israel during my lunch break today.

After that program was over, I switched to another station that had Focus on the Family on at that time. I was in tears again, as I heard James Dobson and his guests speak about the miracle of Israel, which proves that God not only exists, but that He keeps His promises.

To listen to the broadcast, click here and click on "Listen to Today's Broadcast."

Also, I believe that Mr. Dobson will still be discussing this topic again tomorrow, so be sure to tune in!

Graphic from A Sizeable Apple.

Watchmen Wednesday: Practical Ways to Stand with Israel

Today on my lunch break I listened to Jay Sekulow, from the American Center for Law and Justice. He gave three practical ways to stand with Israel, and I wanted to share:

1) Sign the ACLJ petition to show the Israelis that there are Americans who love and care about God's Holy Land.
2) Vote for an Israel-supporting candidate when you vote. I don't want to mention any names as I don't like to get "too" political on here, but one candidate was asked about his stance on Israel recently. He said something to the effect that Israel is a "constant wound, a constant sore" that "infects" American foreign policy. Also, Hamas, a Palestinian terrorist group, came out and said this week, "We hope [he] wins the election." Do you really want someone that is endorsed by Hamas to be your President???
3) Stand with Israel...IN Israel! The ACLJ is leaving in about a month to go on an amazing journey to Israel, and you can go with them. Not only will they visit the holy religious sites, but they will take the group participants to the Knesset (Israeli Congress) to meet with Israeli politicians and show our support. If you are interested, you have to sign up this week!

I have to say I always enjoy Mr. Sekulow's program, but these last few days have been even more of a blessing. I have been in tears both yesterday and today as I hear his passion and concern for "the apple of God's eye." Thank you ACLJ for all of the good work that you do!

Graphic from Allposters.com.

Happy Birthday Israel!

I'm a little under the weather, so this won't be the in-depth post I had planned but I had to say something. Today is the modern state of Israel's 60th birthday!

In all reality, Israel is much, much older than 60 years old...dating back thousands of years. However, 60 years ago today was the day that the UN voted for the establishment of the modern state of Israel as the Jewish homeland. From the very first day, the surrounding nations have railed against this tiny nation. But the people of Israel have always prevailed.

Why?

Because the God of Israel is stronger, mightier, and more faithful than all the "gods" of the other nations combined!

Am Yisrael Chai! The People of Israel Live...because the God of Israel lives!

For more, read here, here and here.

And I will bring them back...

A few days ago I started, for the fifth time, re-reading Israel My Beloved by Kay Arthur. It is my favorite novel, and probably my second favorite book after the Bible. Although this book reads like a great work of fiction, full of passion and suspense, it is based on reality which makes it all the more relevant!

Using metaphors, Kay Arthur tells the story of history, between God and His people. Although the historical section of the book is amazingly detailed yet interesting, the part that I most treasure is regarding the present. In the book, the main character Sarah (Israel) is promised that although she has been unfaithful to her Husband, with great love He will draw her back.

This is so exciting, as we are seeing this exact thing happen before our very eyes. Actually today was dubbed "International Aliyah Day" because so many new immigrants from all over the world will be landing on Israeli soil today! Baruch HaShem (Praise God)!

Last night, my husband and another friend went to a major music festival in our city. The music artist we were watching was singing, "Jerusalem, if I forget you, let my right hand forget what it's supposed to do," a refrain that comes straight out of the Psalms. As he was singing, I looked around at the hundreds of people that probably don't even consider themselves "religious" mouthing those ancient words. Wow...

Watchmen Wednesday

For Watchmen Wednesday, I'd like to discuss a recent happening in Israel. I know a lot of people might already know about this, but some of you may not have heard yet.

To give a little background, there is something called the "Law of Return" that says that if a Jewish person (including persons with a Jewish mother or grandmother, a Jewish spouse, or a convert to Judaism) wants to move to Israel, then he or she must be granted citizenship. However in 1989, the Supreme Court of Israel decided that Messianic Jews are no longer considered Jews, and therefore were not entitled to citizenship under the Law of Return. This has been the case for almost two decades, with exceptions here and there.

However a few weeks ago, a major decision was made by the Israeli High Court of Justice which may not only set a precedent for future cases but may also open the door for Messianic Jews trying to immigrate to Israel. The decision that was handed down allows for Messianic Jews who have a Jewish father to be granted citizenship in Israel. It is the hope of many that this decision will open the door even wider for Messianic Jews desiring to make Israel their home.

Why the father? I'll share what a rabbi told me. If this is incorrect, please let me know, but this is simply what I was told. The rabbi said that if you are Messianic Jewish and you have a Jewish mother, then you should know better than to believe in Yeshua (Jesus). However, if you have a Jewish father and not a Jewish mother, then you can't be expected to "know any better" because you were probably raised to believe whatever your mother believes.

As we pray for Israel today, let's remember to pray for the Israeli judicial system. Pray that God opens eyes and that the decisions will be guided by Him alone. Also pray for the Israeli Messianic Jews themselves. Just as this was a victory for Messianic Judaism, they are also facing persecution such as this.

As Yeshua himself said, "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done...On earth as it is in Heaven!"

Thanks to Messianic Musings for even further clarification!

Thanks to Allposters.com for the picture!

Time Magazine Article: The Top Ten Ideas that are Changing the World

Yesterday I heard about a recent Time Magazine article entitled "The Top Ten Ideas that are Changing the World." Number 10 on the List was "The Re-Judaizing of Jesus."

I find it very interesting that even the secular world is taking note of a spiritual phenonmenon. Actually for once, I agree with one of their lists! I do believe that this is an idea that is changing the world; not that this in itself is a "new" idea, but that we are beginning to dust off our Bibles and see who Yeshua (Jesus' Hebrew name) was in the time period he was on earth and who he still is today! He did not live in America, eat at McDonald's, wear Levi jeans or even sing "Amazing Grace." The reality is that he lived in Israel, ate kosher food, wore a prayer shawl and tzitziyot and more likely prayed the Amidah.
Check out the Time article and let me know what you think!

Free Sample of Messiah Magazine

This magazine is wonderful for anyone that wants to learn more about Yesha (Jesus) and His Hebraic heritage. I highly recommend it!
Download a free PDF version sample here.
Get a trial subscription for free by signing up here (includes 3 free issues mailed to your home)!

Do we really support Israel?

A Diaspora 'Supporter of Israel'
by Mark Gold

But what does "supporting Israel" really mean?

Israel has no shortage of avowed detractors. It also has many genuine avid supporters. Even more people and institutions claim to "support Israel." But what does "supporting Israel" really mean?
Sadly, and insidiously, in many cases, it means very little. It is the proverbial "talking the talk" without the willingness to "walk the walk." Certainly, the climate in some circles, notably academia and the media, is apt to make the malleable fall on the denigrate-Israel team. But given the circles in which some others travel, it evidently is more comfortable to claim status as a supporter of Israel, rather than not.
A recent poll commissioned by the Israel Project illustrates that point. Eighty-two percent of the American Jews who took part in the survey said they support Israel, with most of them characterizing themselves as "strong supporters." Yet, when asked if they engage in conversation about Israel or defend Israel while talking to non-Jews, most of the participants replied negatively. Thus, it appears that the majority of American Jews claim they "support Israel," yet they are not even willing to "talk the talk," much less "walk the walk."
In life generally, it is important to know who your real allies are, and who are on the team or are friends in name only -- whom you can count on and who will dilute the effort; who will help and who will not. And you want to know whether your contributions to an ostensibly pro-Israel organization are likely to help Israel’s cause or be used in the service of another agenda.
While recognizing there are many ways to support Israel, here are some guidelines to judge whether one is a genuine supporter:
Action
What does the individual or organization actually do to support Israel, beyond claiming to be a supporter? If the answer is little or nothing, the verdict is self-evident. A discussion of specific types of activities follows.
Speech
What does the individual or organization actually say beyond that he "supports Israel"? Something like, "I support Israel but not its government," or "I support Israel but not the occupation," or "I support Israel but I want it to change"?
That is not support. It is in the realm of the double-standard applied to Israel. These "supporters" insist on virtual perfection for Israel (and, of course, only Israel). In this mindset, Israel and only Israel can be considered supported with a reservation, if not downright opposition appended in the same sentence. It makes as much sense as "I love that restaurant, but the food is terrible."
"I support Israel but not its policies" is a common refrain, but most of these "supporters" have been repeating this mantra of every Israeli government for decades.
Contributions and Membership
What organizations does the individual support with contributions and membership? Any pro-Israel organizations - groups that actually work on behalf of Israel? A few that come to mind include AIPAC, CAMERA, Zionist Organization of America and Friends of the IDF. Or are these groups disdained and scorned as "extremist" or otherwise just considered unworthy of support?
And certainly, support of Israeli organizations that don’t seek to "change" or tear down the state is also a mark of a true "supporter of Israel." There are, of course, innumerable such organizations, such as Magen David Adom, One Family Fund and Palestinian Media Watch.
Or does the "supporter" find that non-Israel causes always have a higher priority? Or, even worse, is the individual more comfortable with, and thus a contributor to, organizations with an anti-Israel agenda, such as Oxfam, Human Rights Watch, and too many others of a similar bent?
Many organizations that do promote themselves as "supporters of Israel" or "Israel advocates" in fact operate more as neutral forums for Israel-related programs. They apparently feel compelled to provide a balance of speakers providing some obligatory bashing of Israel to offset pro-Israel aspects of their programs. Apparently, for these groups, it is too politically incorrect to include only pro-Israel voices. What does the individual or organization actually say beyond that he "supports Israel"?
Somehow, contrasted to these "Israel advocacy" organizations, "advocates" of other entities are not as often compelled to gratuitously invite speakers to bash the subject of their advocacy. Do other "advocates," perhaps your college's alumni association or chamber of commerce, invite even lukewarm speakers? Not likely.
Then there is the case of America's largest synagogue movement, the Union for Reform Judaism. It criticized Congress "for passing one-sided pro-Israel resolutions." Maybe the Union for Reform Judaism (erroneously) thinks that it supports Israel and that action is an example of doing so. But, probably, most of the Union’s members did not even know of that action. And while undoubtedly some would have approved, others would not have. Did any ostensibly pro-Israel member congregations that were aware of the Union’s action repudiate it (much less withdraw from the Union)? Did any congregants press their congregations to do so?
In fact, many non-Orthodox Jewish congregations appear to have a minimal concern for Israel, at most. That logically mirrors their congregants’ attitudes as revealed by the Israel Project’s poll. Action to support Israel just doesn’t cut it along with feel-good activities such as "nights" and other more "liberal" social action projects.
It goes without saying that "ethnic cleansing" in Darfur is protested, but "ethnic cleansing" in Gaza is one of the few areas where these congregations did "support Israel."
A number of congregations offer Israel token support, yet consider that support as generous. They may keep their Israeli flag in the sanctuary along with the US flag, but this is often a holdover from years past when supporting Israel was less controversial.
Media
Where does the "supporter of Israel" get his news? The mainstream media, such as most major newspapers, the BBC or CNN? It is very hard to be a true supporter of Israel while relying on these sources, as they relentlessly vilify and inculcate a subliminal or overt "Israel is bad" message.
A true supporter of Israel is apt to rely on niche sources of news and commentary that are more likely to present Israel in a fair, or even favorable, light.
Politics
Does the "supporter of Israel" accept or demonize Israel’s friends, such as are often found among conservatives and conservative Christians? Does the "supporter of Israel" support the war against Islamofascism? Or does the "supporter of Israel" cast his lot with anti-war groups laden with Israel-vilification and anti-Semitism?
Shopping
Does the "supporter of Israel" seek Israeli products when shopping? For example, many supermarkets in areas with a significant Jewish population carry a number of products made in Israel that supporters may purchase. In contrast, I recall an instance of a Jewish Federation distributing giveaways made in China. When queried about the possibility of sourcing trinkets from Israel rather than China, Federation headquarters personnel reacted as if the question were from an alien.
Travel
Does the traveling "supporter of Israel" ever go to Israel or is everywhere else a higher priority?
Investing
Is the "supporter of Israel" financially invested in Israel?
Investing in Israel could not be easier. Beyond the well-known Israel Bonds, which are available in denominations as low as $100, there are many Israeli companies traded on US markets, with readily available information. American mutual funds of Israeli securities are also available.
In Sum
These are some factors that tend to indicate whether an individual or organization actually "supports Israel" or just pays it lip service. If their consideration spurs anyone to realize that he can do more to genuinely support Israel, all the better.

Reposted from Israel National News.

Watchmen Wednesday

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,

And for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep quiet,

Until her righteousness goes forth like brightness,

And her salvation like a torch that is burning.

The nations will see your righteousness,

And all kings your glory;

And you will be called by a new name

Which the mouth of the LORD will designate.

You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD,

And a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

It will no longer be said to you, “Forsaken,”

Nor to your land will it any longer be said, “Desolate”;

But you will be called, “My delight is in her,”

And your land, “Married”;

For the LORD delights in you,

And to Him your land will be married.

For as a young man marries a virgin,

So your sons will marry you;

And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,

So your God will rejoice over you.

On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen;

All day and all night they will never keep silent.

You who remind the LORD, take no rest for yourselves;

And give Him no rest until He establishes

And makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

(Isaiah 62:1-7, NASB)

Watchmen Wednesday: The Fast of Esther

As I said in Friday's post, the Fast of Esther is observed tomorrow, March 20th, this year. This lines up perfectly with Watchmen on the Walls Wednesday, as Hadassah (Esther's Hebrew name) was the epitome of a Biblical watchman (or woman!). The above picture is from the movie One Night with the King, particularly the part where Hadassah is having her second dinner with King Ahashuerus and Haman, pleading with the king to spare her and her people's lives.

This is exactly what we are called to do, plead with our King on behalf of our people. As I prayed this morning, I prayed that God would give me such dedication, such fervent commitment to the people of Israel that I, as Hadassah did, would be able to say concerning the people of God, "...and if I perish, I perish." (Esther 4:16)

If you decide to fast along with many of the world's Jewish people, here are some suggestions:

1. Read the book of Esther sometime during the day.

This is kind of obvious, but really important. It will remind us not only of the past, but the importance of being a woman of faith in turbulent times such the ones in which we live. As I refreshed myself on this book last night, I saw that Hadassah actually had all of the Jewish people fast along with her for three days before she went before the king.

2. Take extra time to pray on behalf of God's people in every part of the world, and especially Israel.

As I stated in earlier posts, we know that "praying for the peace of Jerusalem" is not a special calling, but something that God desires of all of His people. If you work outside the home, maybe you could take your lunch time as a time to pray. Traditionally this fast is from sunrise to sunset and includes no eating or drinking, but if you want to fast a certain thing that's fine too. The idea is to get into the spirit of the day; it is a somber day of remembering the past Hamans of history (those that seek to destroy Israel) and pleading with God for the future.

3. Take some time to read the current events in Israel.

I try to do this at least once a day, but many times I get so wrapped up in my own life and forget to check the news. There are links on my sidebar for some Israeli news sources. Be wary of some of our American ones, as unfortunately there is a lot of anti-Israel reporting in our media. The reason for this suggestion is simple; yet again do we live in a time of increased hatred for Israel, and there are many who call for the Jews to be "pushed into the sea." It's time for believers to stand up and do what we are called to in this hour. For who knows...we may have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

I received this picture in my e-mail yesterday, and thought it was very appropriate for today's post.

Watchmen Wednesday - Helping those in Need

This morning my dear husband reminded to write a check for someone in Israel whom we had decided to help. As I was preparing to write today's post, I felt that helping the needy of Israel is definitely a worthy subject, and would be perfect for Watchmen Wednesday. I know that many times "praying for the peace of Jerusalem" is touted as being the command of the Lord, and it is, but it also says that, "Faith without actions is dead."

Recently, I read through the book of Acts. The thing that continually jumped off the page was the fact that Shaul* (Paul) constantly talked about the congregations giving to help the poor in Jerusalem. In fact, in Acts 21:12-14 he tells his co-laborers that he is ready to die in Jerusalem. What was his purpose for such a journey? In Acts 24:17 Shaul tells Felix that his reason for coming to the city was to "bring [his] people gifts for the poor and to present offerings. " Also see Romans 15:26 and 1 Corinthians 16:3, et. al.

Altogether, it seems from these writings that Shaul instituted a giving for the poor in Jerusalem as something that every congregation needed to do. This was not a new idea, however. God instituted remembering the needing from the very beginning, in the Torah. Today, there are numerous reputable organizations, like this one and this one, to which you can donate money, clothing, and other supplies to go to the needy in Israel.

This is also a perfect time to talk about this as we near the festival of Purim (see the book of Esther). During this time, people send gift baskets to one another and gifts to the poor (see Esther 9:20-22, particularly). There is even an organization that will prepare your gift basket and deliver it to an Israeli soldier or a family in one of the recently attacked cities near Gaza.

During this time of continued strife in Israel, I think it important that we not forget our brothers in sisters who live in The Land. We must put "feet on our faith" and continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Sometimes I forget to do this because it's not always right in front of my face, but it's so important. I read a report that said that one in three children in Jerusalem go to bed hungry on any given night. So far I know of a few organizations that help, but I was wondering if you had any ideas of how we can help those in need in Israel? I have even thought about sending some of the products that I get for free at CVS to Israel. Do you have any ideas or comments about this? Anything we can do to help would be appreciated! Shalom!

*The man referred to as Paul in English, also had a Hebrew name "Shaul." He used these names interchangeably throughout his life, just as I also have an English name and a Hebrew name. I prefer to use his Hebrew name simply because I believe it refers more to who he was. This is not saying that to call him by his English name (or Greek name) would be wrong! Just my preference...

*The above picture was taken at Independence Hall in Tel Aviv last summer.

The Treasure

My dad gave me a CD recently that contains the following song. It's beautiful and I want to share it with you! It has a great message...

"The Treasure"

by Eli Nathan

Come with me my little child
The grandmother softly said
I have a present that I have been saving for a little girl just like you

She opened a worn battered suitcase that witnessed all the tears she had cried
She held up so gently with hands old and shaking
A gift she'd received as a bride

Please light these candlesticks before every Shabbos
No matter how hard it may be
The flame that you light will ignite generations with the message of eternity

Behind curtains drawn ever so tightly
Lest escape a ray of light
The young woman prays, by candles burning, in the cold hostile night

Generations in attics and forests, in caves and in camps of death
Mother to daughter one soul to another
Kept the flame burning, the message alive

Please light these candlesticks before every Shabbos
No matter how hard it may be
The flame that you light will ignite generations with the message of eternity

Hey Mom, whose candlesticks are these?

Oh wow, they look so antique
Jennifer I don't know, perhaps they were Grandma's
The ones she would light every week

Just an old Jewish custom, gone with ghettos and winds
I would say it's o.k., why not just put them away?

Lai lai lai, lai lai lai, lai lai la lai lai lai lai

Jennifer took those old candlesticks and brought them to small lonely room
The candlesticks caught those last rays of light on this Friday afternoon
Placing a candle in each candlestick and a match that lept into a flame
Now two little fires lit up the night and she heard someone calling her name

Jennifer my dear child, it's Grandma so near, yes, it's my voice that you hear
The treasure is yours, so priceless and true
You're the next generation; it's all up to you.

Yes I will light these candlesticks before every Shabbos
No matter how hard it will be
The flame that I light will ignite generations with the message of eternity.

*Shabbos (Yiddish) means "Sabbath." Biblically, it is the seventh day of the week, starting Friday just before sundown to Saturday just after sundown. In Hebrew it is "Shabbat." Interestingly enough, as we're talking about the importance of names today and the importance of Shabbat, I received this in my e-mail inbox today:

"The answer becomes abundantly clear once we realize that the word "Shabbat" is one of the Names of God. Even Haman (boo!) recognized the significance and sanctity of this word, and thus out of his sheer repugnance for the Jewish people and their faith, he refused to even utter the word "Shabbat." He instead invoked an acronym to convey his venomous hatred of the Jews, to avoid saying a term associated with holiness." - Rabbi Eli J. Mansour

*Thanks to Aish.com for the picture!

Shabbat Shalom!

From Death Comes Life

***In Memory of the young students who perished on March 6th in Jerusalem while studying at Yeshivat Harav: Yohai Livshitz (18), Neria Cohen (15), Yonatan Yitzhak Eldar (16), Yonadav Haim Hirschfeld (19), Segev Peniel Avihail (15), Avraham David Moses (16), Ro'i Roth (18), Maharta Taruno (26). May their names be remembered for a blessing.***

I know there was a reason I felt prompted to listen to the CD that was in my car as I drove to work this morning. It is a teaching by Rabbi Akiva Tatz. He was talking about the binding of Isaac, and how this story is a paradigm of sorts for the Jewish people. Of course, we know how this relates to God’s plan of redemption. However, it goes a little deeper than I had thought of before. He was saying that in mysticism, the name Yitzchak (Isaac) means “from death comes life.”

Now we know that the concept of names in the Hebrew mindset is not the same as in the Western world. In Western thought my name has nothing to do with who I am. “Jennifer” is a nice name that my parents gave me and that people call me by, but it has very little, if anything, to do with my person (in Western theory). Hebrew thought is almost the polar opposite. So much importance is given to the name of anything – God (we even call Him HaShem, the Name), creatures, cities, and, of course, human beings. (It is interesting that I am going to a baby naming this weekend for a baby girl that has the same Hebrew name as me - Rivkah or Rebekah). In Hebrew thought, the parents actually have the chance to lay a prophetic blessing on their child by the name that they give him or her. The name of Isaac is no different; actually, his name carries much more importance than that of most people because of Whom his name is attached to. Think about it – we say, “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Those must be three pretty important names if you ask me! (I won’t go into the importance of the other two names in this post, but maybe another time.)

So back to Isaac, “from death comes life.” Hasn’t this kind of been the picture of the Jewish people (including those who have joined from the nations) for the last five thousand plus years? From the exiles, to the Crusades, to pogroms, to the Holocaust, to the Intifadas most recently – there seems to be this theme running throughout history. There’s this cycle of suffering and rebirth. These are all physical, however. Think about the Spiritual side – the Suffering Servant, Messiah, (Isaiah 53) had to take this upon himself so that there would be (spiritual) life! Just as he taught, the seed has to “die” before it sprouts to life!

Bringing this all back to the reason I had to listen to that CD this morning, when I came into work I checked my e-mail. The first thing in my inbox was the Israel National News story (thanks Ellen!) describing the attack in Jerusalem yesterday. As I looked as those graphic pictures (be warned if you decide to click on the link above), I started getting this deep sadness….but then, I started remembering Isaac – “from death comes life!” Yes, we will remember the lives of those 8 young men that died yesterday. We will mourn for them and share in the grief with those families. I was thinking this morning as I was making my final Shabbat preparations in my house…”Wow, there’s going to be 8 empty seats tonight in Israel at the Shabbat table.” Eight mothers (or perhaps a wife for one) are going to have to look at the seat where their son (or husband) was sitting the week before.

All this strife and killing in the last few weeks, months, years…where does it end? Baruch HaShem (Praise be to God), it will end when Moshiach (Messiah) comes to dispel the enemies of Israel once and for all and the “sword will be beaten into plowshares.” There will be peace forever with King Moshiach reigning from Jerusalem, and it will be Shabbat for the rest of eternity!

From Death comes Life! Am Yisrael Chai! The People of Israel Live!

Watchmen Wednesday - Jerusalem of Gold

The olive tree that stands in silence

Upon the hills of time

To hear the voices of the city as bells of evening chime

The Shofar sounding from the temple to call the world to prayer

The Shepherd pauses in the valley

And peace is everywhere

Jerusalem, Jerusalem

Forever young, yet forever old

My heart will sing your songs of glory

Jerusalem, Jerusalem

Oh, city with a heart of gold

My heart will sing your songs of glory

Jerusalem

"Pray for the well being of Jerusalem;
may those who love you be at peace.
May there be well being within your ramparts,
peace in yours palaces.
For the sake of my kin and friends,
I pray for your well being;
for the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I seek your good."
(Psalm 112, JPS)

Avinu Malkenu, our Father our King,

Today we pray for the peace of Your people Israel and Your eternal city.

Even now, as katyusha rockets blast into Sderot, Ashkelon, and Ashdod from Gaza,

And there is unrest in the City of Peace,

We pray for You to defend Your people.

Please protect them and surround them as before with Your legions of angels

And show Yourself as HaTikvah, the Hope, of Israel.

I pray that Am Yisrael, the People of Israel, would see that

You alone are their defender and would cry out to You to heal the Land.

We pray for You to swiftly and soon bring Messiah to take up His throne in Your holy city,

And show all nations Your glory.

Am Yisrael Chai! The People of Israel Live!

*I must give credit to my talented husband, who took all these pictures when we were in Israel!

"And he assembled"...Vayak'hel

Exodus 35:1-38:20

This week's portion starts out with the reiteration of the commandment to make the Sabbath holy, to set it apart. Now we know that God's Word is not written haphazardly; on the contrary, every word, and even the placement of that word, carries great significance. In other words, there is a bigger picture here than as first meets the eye.
Why did God feel the need to yet again stress the importance of the Sabbath to His people? I believe the answer lies in the rest of the portion. This was an exciting time for the people of God. They were preparing to build the tabernacle - the place where the Shekinah, the presence of God, would come down and dwell among them. I can imagine what a flurry of activity, what a spark of expectation was buzzing throughout the camp! Men were helping to bring gold, silver and bronze, along with skins and hides and olive oil; the women were consumed with spinning colorful yarns, in blue, purple and scarlet, along with fine linen to beautify the sanctuary. Not only did they do all of this, but the Scripture says that they performed all these activities with their "whole hearts" (35:21) and "willingly" (35:29). This was not the forced labor of Egypt, but a freewill offering of praise to their Redeemer.
But in the midst of all the excitement and worshipful activity, there is a tug at their hearts. It's almost time for the Sabbath! They might have ignored it and continued working - after all, weren't they doing something good? They wanted to see this tabernacle completed, in all its glory - with the Shekinah abiding with them.
Our gracious Father knew this would happen. That's why He lovingly reminded them about His special "date" with them before they began the work. He was saying, "No matter how important this work you are doing unto me seems, nothing is as important as meeting with me - not even the building of My tabernacle!"
Wow. How much does this apply to us today? We often become so involved with "religious" activities - prayer meetings, Bible studies, discipleship groups, mentorships, conferences, conventions, youth groups, breakfasts, luncheons, dinners, worship practices (the list goes on and on) - that we forget to STOP and just enjoy the work that He has already completed. I am hugely guilty of this. I enjoy all of those activities; they are fun and I feel good as I am "building up" the Kingdom. But in those times that I find myself becoming too busy with the "things of God" rather than with God Himself, I need something to remind me to STOP. He gave us that reminder - the Sabbath!
What was the purpose of the tabernacle? Again, as stated in my commentary on last week’s portion, it was a physical reminder to us about something spiritual. God knows that we are spirits, but we live in these physical bodies with which, at times, we become preoccupied. However, the tabernacle was to remind God’s people that He, unlike the “gods” of the nations, desired to come down and dwell in their midst. It is also a picture of what was (and is!) to come – Messiah Yeshua. Consider these verses as we study this context:

John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling (“tabernacled”) among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Philippians 2:6-7 “…Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
Colossians 2:9 “For in Messiah all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…”
Colossians 2:17 “These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Messiah.”

What about the future? Will God again come and dwell in a physical sense with His people? Now consider these prophetic verses concerning the Messianic era:

Zechariah 8
3 This is what the Lord says: "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the Lord Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain." 4 This is what the Lord Almighty says: "Once again men and women of ripe old age will sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with cane in hand because of his age. 5 The city streets will be filled with boys and girls playing there." 6 This is what the Lord Almighty says: "It may seem marvelous to the remnant of this people at that time, but will it seem marvelous to me?" declares the Lord Almighty. 7 This is what the Lord Almighty says: "I will save my people from the countries of the east and the west. 8 I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God."
Revelation 21
2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”

This portion speaks volumes to me, and I'm glad for yet another reminder of how much our Heavenly Abba just longs for us to dwell in His Presence. Yes, building up His Kingdom is pleasing to Him, but we must do so only after we've STOPPED, both physically and spiritually. Shabbat Shalom (Have a peaceful, restful Sabbath)!