Rosh HaShana 5780 | Arrows from Zion 9/25/2019

Rosh HaShana, the Jewish New Year 5780

is Biblically Yom Teruah, Feast of Trumpets

Rosh Hashanah is September 30, 2019 and begins the High Holiday season for many Jewish people. Most of Judaism recognizes Rosh Hashanah as the beginning of the New Year. Even the traditional greeting “L’shanah tova,” means the wish, “to a good year.” This is not bad but it is not what the Bible says about this day.

The Bible refers to the day as “Yom Teruah” or “Day of the [trumpet] Blast.”  The Bible doesn’t give much direction on how to celebrate the day aside from the command that the day be celebrated with trumpet blasts and that it is a holy convocation (a Sabbath).

The trumpets referenced would have been the ram or antelope horn trumpets. These horns, when blown, give a memorable sound that was common during Biblical times but rarely heard in current times outside of Jewish communities. The trumpets were used to sound an attack during war time, they were sounded for alarm, for notification of an event’s beginning and ending, for proclamation of royal happenings, for the end of the sacrificial times of Passover and Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement), and for the celebration of Yom Teruah.

These trumpets are still being used traditionally within Jewish communities for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I personally own four horns (shofarim) differing in sizes and shapes.

It is the tradition among Jewish people all over the world that on Rosh Hashanah they read the story of Avraham (Abraham) binding his son Yitz’chak (Isaac) for sacrifice. If you haven’t read it in a while I highly recommend reading it (Genesis 22). As a believer and follower of Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah, there is much that one can glean from the story because Isaac is a type or a pre-example of Jesus.

There is also a lore, told by some rabbis, regarding the story of Abraham and Isaac that I find very interesting. The story is that the ram, with its horns caught in the thicket, which had become the substitution for Isaac, was part of the original creation of animals (Genesis 1). That it was saved on the arc by Noah, and preserved and then ensnared by God for this very moment.  (Alive from the beginning of time for the purpose of being a sacrificial substitution for Isaac. An interesting idea, to say the least.) The legend goes to say that the horns of this ram were turned into Shofarim (trumpets) and were saved to be blasted at two specific times: 1. when God met the Israelites at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16, 17) and 2. the proclamation of the Day of The Lord (Joel 2:1). Since there is no Biblical or historical evidence of this, it is just an interesting story that can’t be proven one way or the other.

My personal belief is that not only did God place His plan within the Scriptures for people to read but He also placed His plan within the calendar for the nation of Israel to rehearse. The spring holidays - Passover (Pesach), Unleavened bread (Hag H’Matzot), First Fruits (Yom H’Bikkurim), and Pentecost (Shavuot) - point to the Messiah’s death and resurrection, while the fall holidays – Day of the Blast/Return of the King (Yom Teruah), Day of Atonement/Judgement Day (Yom Kippur), and Feast of Booths/God with us (Sukkot) - point to His second coming - His return and reign from Jerusalem.

I pray that this year we will all be awakened by the sound of the shofar.  L'shanah Tovah —David Black

Thanks to my Israeli Messianic friend, Dolly Nathan for sending this written by her "son-in-love"

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Feast of Trumpets Global Webinar

Mark your calendars for
September 30th at 3:00 pm (#Israel Time)!

Watch this 5½ minute video as Asher Intrater talks about why this Feast of Trumpets Webinar is so #important! Revive Israel is joining in with Egyptian David Demian's Watchmen for the Nations
for this Global Webinar during the Feast of Trumpets. There is a pre-registration required to watch this this stream live.

Arrows from Zion
Summarized from the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests Israeli Ministries by subscription only donna@israelprayer.com

Revive Israel sends its Sept Team Update with an update on the France Team, and also about the second harvest of figs taking place in Israel today. Did you get that? Second harvest! Whew! the fig tree is highly symbolic, but this second harvest is even more so!

Also from Revive 2 videos:  Prepared for Persecution and Unclean from My Sin The latter  is about pornography - the rarely discussed plague of believers worldwide.

Arni and Yonit Klein recently celebrated 50 years of marriage in the UK (Mazal tov!) plus they also update on their ministry helpers leaving Israel for visa requirement as more permanent status for them is sought (pray for the attorney representing them in the matter). Also worship leader Andrei is now coming under the Emmaus Way ministry (donations formerly sent to Morning Star will now be salaried through Emmaus). The goal is to raise 1500 Euros for him, whose "Gifted and anointed, his contribution to the daily worship times in our ten-day gatherings has been foundational and impacting."  Some other 'nuts and bolts' for the German donation system is changing 9/30. see online here

From Maoz Ministries Maoz Israel Partners with Moti to Feed Tel Aviv Plus in their Weekly Prayer Request letter, they are asking for continued prayers over the post-election formation of the Israeli government. As the Israeli favorite Hebrew word for such situations, it is still a real balagan! ("a disorderly, confusing, and/or overwhelming situation" or utter chaos). They ask prayers "for the government that is formed to allow for more freedom of faith for Messianic Jews." Also for prayers for Israel's salvation. The God-appointed biblical holidays are ALWAYS spiritual seed time and harvest for the Jewish people. They ask for continued prayer for the Maoz leadership - Ari, Shira, Kobi, and Shani - as well as all who serve Maoz ministries in Israel and in the nations

Also Maoz continues to request a priority prayer which I encourage all the subscribers to intercede for them and all involved: "For truth and righteousness to shine forth in everything related to the video slandering several Messianic leaders and ministries in Israel, which also mentions Maoz Israel by association. We want to continue stressing, that what this video presents is NOT the truth. We appreciate your prayers and we trust the Lord for justice to prevail."

From Israel Pochtar, a word about coming boldly to the Throne of Grace in time of need that we may receive. Also the focus of Jewish festivals: "It's all about families with God in the center." That is why they do much food distribution outreach: "Rosh Ha-Shana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) is to show newly the families that have returned to Zion the true significance of these festivals, to reveal God's message, love and kindness behind what we celebrate, and why we are helping them." ...and you are invited to help them as they provide spiritual and natural food to Israelis in their area. You are also invited " If you are in Israel during the Jewish festivals, or a team you might know is here during October, we would love to have you help us during the event. Contact us for more details!"

From Chuck Cohen Intercessors for Israel Jerusalem: Booking now for the 2020 Intercessors for Israel Conference in Jerusalem Jan 20-27 and 2020 Post Conference Prayer Tour | January 27th - February 1st

Also Friday Prayer Points  9/20/2019 | Election results & continued prayer points for forming the government, for the next govt, for security - until the new govt forms, Netanyahu is also still the Defense Minister, Security on the Gaza, Judea and Samaria fronts, Israel's Security Intelligence capabilities, the fall feasts of the Lord.  Click date to read all

Aleksey Raikhstadt, the new leader of the Beit Immanuel congregation in Jaffa, continues to share his family's journey which has led to being a congregational leader in Israel. This was a most touching testimony as Aleksey shared about their 13-year old son's bar mitzvah. Doctors wanted them to abort because of detecting the CMV virus is wife Allas' blood, but they chose to bring son Roni into the world anyway. I had tears in my eyes reading this testimony and seeing the pictures of his boy's delighted face at being lifted up by the men of the congregation  As Aleksey wrote, "With my eyes full of tears, I looked at my boy in a wheelchair and my heart screamed to God. How much I wanted to see my son to perform such an essential act for every Jewish boy. But ... unfortunately, my boy cannot walk or talk. What we know is that the he can accept love and give it back to others. When he hugs me, I forget all the difficulties and the words of John 9:3 again fill my heart, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him'."
     Connect directly with the ministry to learn more or in the Weekly Summary, if you are a subscriber

Tony and Orna Sperandeo are the congregational leaders of Kehilat HaMaayan (Wellspring) in Kfar Saba. They invite you to join them in praying for Israel & our congregation, during the week between Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) & Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement), October 2nd – 9th , by using the prayer points from our website  "Shana Tova. We send you our warmest blessing on the Feast of Trumpets and New Year 5780. Thank you for your faithful support and your prayer during this past year."  

Ron Cantor sends out a weekly Middle East Update sharing some of the news that has caught his eye lately and which he comments on like: After second national elections in a year, still no clear winner in Israel, also PA raises salary of terrorist who helped carry out Cafe Hillel attack | The Palestinian Authority has paid out close to a million dollars in financial support to terrorists and their families, a watchdog group has said (!!!), and As Putin limits democracy, Russian Jews are increasingly moving to Israel.

Here is an invitation from Ron: Mark your calendars! We will be hosting a Tikkun Conference at Celebration Church in Jacksonville, FL November 15-17. We have some great speakers: Dr. Michael Brown, Jonathan Bernis, Paul Wilbur, Ward Simpson and our host, Pastor Stovall Weems. See you then!

From Tikkun Global: New Israeli Govt: "Please agree with us for the will of God to be done in our country, and most importantly, that the message of Yeshua would prosper! Thank you! We value your partnership! Together, we can reach the Jewish people!"

Also Dan Juster on Apocalyptic Times: "The word apocalypse means revelation, but its common meaning is a disaster of terrible proportions. This is because the judgments in the book of Revelation seem so devastating and that is one name of the book. Yet, we could conceivably be in danger of a terrible disaster where millions will suffer and die. Politicians are terrible at caring about the long term issues and the sacrifice needed to prevent disaster. Shouldn’t followers of Yeshua be sounding the alarm?" AND Eitan Shishkoff's The Cloud Is Moving "Entering the unknown demands change on the inside. That’s how I’m seeing our situation at Tents of Mercy and around the world."

From the Aliyah Return Center in the Galilee, Chaim Malespin sends this video testimony of a young Romanian volunteer at the ARC, Is God Calling You?. Plus an invite to the Feast of Tabernacles "Barbecue Musical Evening of Biblical Proportions!" Oct 15th See the map location and Register Today  | SPONSOR A LONE SOLDIER: Please consider donating the cost of dinner for a lone soldier who is far away from home !

Here are just a couple of great selections from KehilaNews.AllIsrael.com/ | What time is it, and what day is today? by Howard Bass and VIDEO from Avi Mizrachi on how to tell a Jewish person about Yeshua
Words of Wisdom - How to Witness to a Jew

Shlomy and Miriam Abramov of Awake Israel Ministries are in the US on speaking tour. I had to post the picture they put on Facebook because it is a great example of how believers can stand alongside their Israeli spiritual family to make a difference just by giving what you have to give. The photo shows a believer at his computer helping to build the Abramov's ministry website. Love that!

Here is a video recommendation from Rick Ridings at Succat Hallel in Jerusalem which we are also seeing highly recommended by many on Facebook lately called SHEEP AMONG WOLVES The underground church in Iran that is the fastest growing church in the world. Led by a majority of women, Iranians come to Messiah and LOVE Israel and the Jewish people. Rick also writes, "Please join us in praying for Iranian leaders that Gary K. has met with in another Muslim-majority nation."

Urgent HEALING Needs: Life and Death is in the power of the tongue

Please keep in prayer these Israeli ministry leaders and believers with urgent health needs

Ruth Nessim has recovered from a strong 2-month bout with Sciatica, but her most critical prayer need which she says may required an operation. Please pray for Ruth in Nahariya| Olga Bikas’s health condition that seems to have become chronic, with no hope from the doctors for any improvement in the future. This, no doubt, puts an additional emotional and physical burden on our family. Please pray for her acute back pain. | Rania Sayegh asks for prayer of restoration of strength, energy, and complete healing. | Ronit Bender sends this update:  My cough is gone mostly, my heart valve  is still leaking but my lungs are fine. I totally have peace about my health, although it is far from great.  I still appreciate prayer, as I need it. I am very grateful they let me travel in October and November both to Australia and Holland. Please continue to pray for Ronit | Shlomy Abramov of Awake Israel, because of a condition where blood does not flow to his legs as it should, was advised by a specialist in case of injuries, he could lose his leg because of the blood flow issues. Shlomy has to wrap his legs daily because of the blood flow issues. Please pray for Shlomy

My 2¢ and an FYI to Israeli Ministries and Israel-Related Ministries

From time to time in years past I have discovered that some Israeli ministries had been inexplicably blocked from receiving donations to their PayPal accounts. Sometimes the issue would go away, but sometimes the ministry just ceased to offer the PayPal option.

Most of you have likely heard of the de-platforming of certain groups from social media, or extreme censoring. This is not just banning conservative political figures and groups, it also touches those that are Israel-oriented or that inform about Islamist terrorism. This is due to the Leftist view prevalent at most internet tech companies, including the PayPal platform.

Days ago I heard another disturbing report about PayPal refusing to release the payments made to an Israeli ministry for an upcoming tour the ministry is conducting. Here is what Ron Cantor of Messiah's Mandate wrote on Facebook:

Hey friends, I really hate to do this. I have been dealing with this all day with PayPal. We need some help. PayPal will not release our funds for our Israel Tours! Please share this! It is not right that a company can just keep your money with no explanation and no offer to resolve the issue.

PayPal has thousands of dollars of funds for our Israel tours. We run a tour business & use #Paypal. For one week we‘ve been trying to transfer those funds to our bank account so we can pay airlines, hotels, etc for upcoming tours. Paypal won’t release our funds b/c of security.

They can just keep our money as long as they want? We have to pay our venders this week, but the agents I talked to simply said, “We’ll, we trust our security algorithms” meaning, we believe you are a bad dude. So a computer tells them what to do and they refuse to override.

I asked them, “At what point do you check with a human?” They said NEVER! I asked, “How long can you keep our money? A month, a year?” I was told that they will not release our funds until their computer algorithm is comfortable.

 

So, Paypal can keep our money, make interest on it, while we cannot pay our bills—with OUR MONEY! This must be illegal? They said try again in 48 hours (it doesn’t bother them that we have bills due tomorrow) and it “MIGHT WORK”!! But if not, try again later, and then later.

Now, I understand security, but at some point you need to get a human involved that can verify that we are who we say we are. Or maybe they think we are involved in something illegal...fine, then just check. Please! We do Israel tours. Maybe their computers are anti-Semitic?

Paypal...you need to release our funds that we I entrusted to you. Instead, you are using our funds to make more money for yourself. Really bad! Please share! — with @paypal.

CONSIDER THIS A HEAD'S UP. There are other options other than PayPal, but if you are not quite ready to search those out and switch, at least do this: Do not treat PayPal as a bank - a place to store your incoming funds until you are ready to use it. Protect yourself from this situation happening to you and transfer all funds to your bank as soon as it comes in to PayPal.

I use PayPal too, although not with the kind of incoming funds like are being withheld from Ron's tour account. Nevertheless, this will change how I use PayPal going forward to. Even though I suspect that it is the larger sums that attracts the attention of PayPal (like it is the larger influence of those de-platformed or strongly censored by many social media platforms), none of us can afford to have them tie up our funding.

Time to wake up to what is only going to increase. If you ever wondered how Revelation 13:17 might look, it might look like this. "And that no man might buy or sell..."  —Donna Diorio

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Donna Diorio 
donna@israelprayer.com or donna@d10r10.com
 
THANK YOU to those who have considered this ministry worthy of financial support.

Donations appreciated | paypal.me/DonnaDiorio 
Or look up on paypal: donna@israelprayer.com

By postal mail make payable to the order of Donna Diorio
P O Box 111302 Carrollton, Texas 75006 
I do not have tax exempt status. 

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