The blessings of the first rains of 5780 (and since April 2019)
fell across the Land on Sunday, October 6th.
by Moshe Morrison, Tents of
Mercy
My childhood memories of the great fall festivals of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot have little to do with the spiritual realities they were intended to convey. There was no genuine connection to the God who gave us our history, promised us a glorious future and reveals His supernatural presence to us daily. At Rosh Hashanah dinner with one side of the family the first night and the other side of the family the second night (It’s a good thing that it’s a two day celebration!) there was lots of incredible food for the body, but nothing on the menu for the spirit.
I remember “synagogue hopping.”
In the Baltimore Jewish community where I grew up there were numerous
synagogues in close proximity. Many teens would spend a bit of time in one and
then wander out and down the street to the next one where they could “schmooze”
(socialize) with their friends awhile and then move on to the next one. We
majored on “schmoozing,” but minored on praying. It was not due to a lack of
faith in God on my part. I was a firm believer in the God of Israel. It was
just that what was happening in the synagogues did not seem to hold much more
of Him than what was happening on the front steps.
My home life was “observant” in
some areas, but not in others. The kitchen was strictly kosher, but television
and lights were used on Shabbat (Sabbath) and holidays – but not on Yom Kippur!
We fasted on Yom Kippur, not even brushing our teeth lest we accidentally
swallow some water. All day was spent in the synagogue except for a few hours in
the afternoon when we could go home and rest for a while. Most of the words in
the prayer book were lofty and beautiful but they were like something from
another planet.
I can remember wondering whether
or not the old guy who was blowing the shofar would have enough breath to make
it to the end. That seemed of greater significance than actually considering
why we were listening to the shofar. Sermons were not terribly interesting or
inspirational. To this day I cannot recall a single one. Yet I’ll never forget
the time that the score of the World Series was announced during a Rosh
Hashanah service. Technically, no one was supposed to be listening to a radio
or watching television or calling someone on the ‘phone to get that
information. Yet, somehow, miraculously it was provided.
There were little pledge cards in
the seat pockets. They had the seat number printed on them and little tabs with
different dollar amounts. You could just fold over how much you wanted to give
since writing on Shabbat and holidays was forbidden. If someone was not in his
reserved seat, we kids would often help him out by folding over the tab for a
$10,000 donation.
Rosh HaShanah in “Liberty Heights” | One of the deepest resonances
I have of Rosh Hashanah is ironically, connected to a scene from a movie.
“Liberty Heights” is a Barry Levinson film about race relations, anti-Semitism
and growing up Jewish in Baltimore in the mid-50’s. The father of the featured
Kurtzman family runs an illegal gambling racket and is the owner of a burlesque
theater in Baltimore’s notorious red-light district known as “The Block”. On
the high holidays he attends services at a magnificently beautiful synagogue
with a distinctively domed ceiling that soars majestically above the heads of
the congregation within. (The movie was
made in Baltimore and these scenes were shot in a synagogue that my family
attended and where I began my Jewish education at the age of 7.)
In the film, it just so happens
that Rosh Hashanah falls on the same day that the new Cadillacs are displayed
for the first time in the dealers’ showrooms.
In spite of the glorious inspirational surroundings and as important as
this holiday is, Mr. Kurtzman just cannot stay seated. The call of the Cadillac
is too strong. He leaves the sanctuary and makes his way to the Cadillac dealer
and purchases the latest model as he does every year.
I am sure that Levinson’s film
characters are composites of his family members and people he knew. The
incidents portrayed are a mixture of actual happenings and creative story
telling based on stereotypical behavior patterns of the community in which he
grew up. Growing up in the same world just a couple of years behind him I feel
like I know these same people. They were my relatives, my schoolmates, my
neighbors.
Cadillacs and Holidays | Beyond my personal connection with the
synagogue, there is something about this Rosh Hashanah/Cadillac story that I
find very compelling. There are three prominent points.
1. Mr. Kurtzman is a successful
businessman, well respected in the community, most likely a generous
contributor to Jewish causes. With those things in mind, the nature of his work
is not considered unusual or wrong even though it is totally at odds with the
character of the God of Israel. Yet this is not a factor in his synagogue
attendance on Rosh Hashanah. We never hear him repenting for promoting
carnality and lust. He’s doing the right “religious” thing but it doesn’t
change his behavior or touch him where he primarily lives his life. (Jeremiah
7:1-11)
2. While Mr. Kurtzman would insist that his religion is important to him and that he is a faithful Jew, there is no evidence whatsoever that he has any perception at all of the reality of the God of Israel, much less a vital connection with Him. The new Cadillac is the reality with which he connects. It is not esoteric or ethereal, but solid and embraceable, therefore, providing the satisfaction he needs. We are multi-faceted beings, both physical and spiritual, with physical and emotional needs. However, without genuine spiritual input, the end result is death. No matter what material satisfaction we receive, it can never be enough. (Psalm 106:14,15)
3. The new Cadillac is a symbol of all that the holidays should be, but are not for Mr. Kurtzman. The fall festivals should be a time of personal renewal and revival – when damaged places in our lives are repaired, relationships healed and God’s bountiful blessings are received (though not necessarily Cadillacs). This is a season of harvest and preparation for new realities on a personal as well as a national level. The evidence of God’s love and care should draw us near Him in gratitude rather than sending us in search of substitutes. (Jeremiah 2:11-13)
2. While Mr. Kurtzman would insist that his religion is important to him and that he is a faithful Jew, there is no evidence whatsoever that he has any perception at all of the reality of the God of Israel, much less a vital connection with Him. The new Cadillac is the reality with which he connects. It is not esoteric or ethereal, but solid and embraceable, therefore, providing the satisfaction he needs. We are multi-faceted beings, both physical and spiritual, with physical and emotional needs. However, without genuine spiritual input, the end result is death. No matter what material satisfaction we receive, it can never be enough. (Psalm 106:14,15)
3. The new Cadillac is a symbol of all that the holidays should be, but are not for Mr. Kurtzman. The fall festivals should be a time of personal renewal and revival – when damaged places in our lives are repaired, relationships healed and God’s bountiful blessings are received (though not necessarily Cadillacs). This is a season of harvest and preparation for new realities on a personal as well as a national level. The evidence of God’s love and care should draw us near Him in gratitude rather than sending us in search of substitutes. (Jeremiah 2:11-13)
Expecting His Presence | My intention here is not to point a finger
of blame at those who should have conveyed a spiritual reality but did not. I
wish to caution us all that we can make the same mistakes if our approach to
celebrating God’s ordained festivals is without humility and expectation.
Humility avoids the attitude of “I know this stuff. I already know how to do
it.” But instead says, “Lord, speak to me. Give me something new and fresh.
Keep me from presumption.” And an expectation that since God ordained these
times, there is a release of grace and spiritual reality when we enter with
right hearts.
No one ever told me to expect
more than tasty dinners on Rosh Hashanah. We never would have wandered from
synagogue to synagogue to meet with our friends if we could have hung out with
the Lord. So much of what we fill our lives with would seem so trivial if we
really understood how much of God is available to us.
I’m not trying to spiritualize
everything and deny our humanity (also a gift from God). The cultural and
social aspects of our celebrations are important as long as they don’t usurp
the focus and become idols. As Shaul said of Passover in 1 Corinthians 5:7, but
which is equally applicable to the fall festivals, “Let us celebrate the feast with sincerity and truth.” We can do so because of what Messiah Yeshua
has done for us! Synagogue
Hopping
Arrows from Zion
Summarized from the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests Israeli Ministries by subscription only donna@israelprayer.com
Summarized from the Weekly Summary of Prayer Requests Israeli Ministries by subscription only donna@israelprayer.com
At times we find ourselves in an internal struggle, forced to make a
choice between what we feel like doing and what we know to be the choice our
Father would smile upon. Such a choice was made in Acco last month. Guy Cohen
of the Harvest of Asher congregation wrote to us about it: the city was
demanding unfair building taxes from them and at the same time asking them to
help in humanitarian outreach. Who wouldn't grumble internally? But Cohen chose
the path that " reflects Yeshua’s teaching, example and command to go the
extra mile and to turn the other cheek." They helped at their own expense.
Last week the city sent notice that they are free from pay any building taxes.
We are often in tests and don't realize it until we have chosen rightly and
suddenly there is fruit before our eyes. Mazal tov to Guy and to the
congregation...also to Guy who has been set in as the leader of Tikkun Israel
with oversight in the Tikkun congregations in Israel.
Please make urgent prayers for Ruth Nessim in Nahariya for the loss of
her eyesight. Ruth has been on our list (and the medical list) for a condition
that is causing her sight to fail. Socialized medicine has some good
advantages, but getting everyone in for what they need in a tmely manner is not
one of those advantages. She has needed an operation, but in the wait time her
sight has begun to slip dramatically. She writes that this ministry email may
be her last that she is able to write for herself as the letters have faded
from black to almost completely white. Pray for Divine intervention for Ruth,
who is never a complainer - a cheery woman who everyone she meets recognizes
the charitable, open spirit she has toward them.
Hands of Mercy, newly under Yariv Goldman's leadership, has returned its
headquarters to Jerusalem where they are opening a new residential outreach
centre serving the former Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox community to those who
have abandoned a strictly religious lifestyle. (Maybe you have seen the
documentaries on how difficult it is for them to leave the cloistered life.)
The Tents of Victory outreach centre is still operating in S'derot, but the
return to J'slm is reflective of Goldman's desire to " reaching out with
the L-RD's heart of love to rescue and save the lost sheep of Israel."
Learn more about what they are doing in their new Jerusalem ministries by
connecting directly, or reading the Weekly Summary if you are a subscriber.
They also dropped us a line about the switch they are making for PayPal donations to an official "PayPal for Charities" account, which means we will receive the mandatory benefits designed for legally recognized charities, including more suitable reporting and accountability tools. This may be an answer to some of the problems Israeli ministries have experienced in the past with PayPal.
They also dropped us a line about the switch they are making for PayPal donations to an official "PayPal for Charities" account, which means we will receive the mandatory benefits designed for legally recognized charities, including more suitable reporting and accountability tools. This may be an answer to some of the problems Israeli ministries have experienced in the past with PayPal.
Michael & Dina Beener
are also in Sderot, with a congregation called City of the Living, they are
pouring themselves out to minister to the poor people who live in that continually
terrorist-threatened city so close to Gaza. Besides the congregation they do a
great deal of humanitarian outreach - not only covering basic needs, but also
entertaining events like the concert they just held for needy elders and
Holocaust survivors (who also received groceries & kitchen essentials).
They also provide professional psychological support - you might imagine the
"panic attacks, phobias, fears and hopelessness" that fills the lives
of so many in that city.
One couple, Holocaust survivors recently wrote them, " There are not
as many people as you, with whom we can talk and tell you about the problems
and the situation in which we find ourselves. Thank you for the attentive
listening, guidance and psychological advice that that you give us in the
uncertain security situation in Sderot, we have received inner peace in the
heart during prayer, but for now it is difficult for us to understand about
Jesus the Son of God, but we believe a lot in God and we know that He will
reward you for what you are doing for the community in Sderot." Please
pray for them.
From Asher Intrater (2 weeks of Revive Israel reports): Blessed is
He who Comes! (Part 1) and Part 2
VIDEO New Wine
& Oil Overflowing | Cody Archer with Ruben Hydel and Alisia Grover | VIDEO Orthodox
Jew to Messianic Pastor | Cody Archer with Guy
Cohen | VIDEO Worldly
vs. Biblical Success also Cody Archer sent word that he and Liat are
going to take a 1 year Sabbatical, turning over to trained teammates all of
their current ministry responsibilities...with the blessing of the Revive
leadership. Cody writes, "So, what will this sabbatical rest year look like
for us? We will share more about this soon."
Rania Sayegh of House of Prayer & Exploits sends a report on the Deborah's
Arising Women's Conf they held in Sept - great turnout of 70 Arab women/4
Jewish to learn the HeartSync model through training and equipping women in
leadership in the Arab Church. Rania has been traveling, to the Hong Kong Global
Gathering with Watchmen for the Nations, Norway, and in Jerusalem Rania did
this VIDEO Interview
with CBN atFIRM's (Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries) Jerusalem Encounter.
More travel upcoming: to Norway, Canada and the USA. Rania asks prayers for
health, travel and for their ability to move into a bigger building for the
ministry.
Chuck
Cohen Intercessors for Israel in Jerusalem sends Friday Prayer Points 10/4/2019 | Read online
From Ron
Cantor, "a message from my new book on leadership called, Don’t Call me Pastor! It’s about abusive leadership, which sadly,
is rampant in the body. This message is in VIDEO form. Ron
also shares about an upcoming conference in Jacksonville hosted by Tikkun
international, as well as Celebration Church, Revive Israel and GOD TV. To be
held in Jacksonville in November 15-16 for "Israel and the Coming
Worldwide Revival" with Dr. Michael Brown, Jonathan Bernis, Ward Simpson, Paul
Wilbur, Stovall Weems and Ron Cantor. | Lastly Ron's article on the chaos in
the Israeli government at this time: Rivlin: Israel democracy
facing an emergency, calls for unity
HaTikva Project writes about how they have carried forth the vision God
gave them 10 years ago to impact Israel is some unique new ways. Yes, a
humanitarian aid, but so much more. Yes, outreach to unsaved Israelis, but also
a God-send of help to the needy in the Israeli household of faith. Yes and amen
to so many people and in some really unusual and unique ways. As director Evan
Levine writes, "We don’t just look back at what God has done; we are
looking forward to what He will accomplish next. Join us as we pass one decade
of fruitful ministry and press in to the next decade of God’s faithfulness."
Israel Pochtar of Voice of Judah Ministries & Beitl Hallel writes,
"I started my ministry as an evangelist on the streets of Tel Aviv, and
would spend days on end reaching out to people, approaching anyone who I
thought would listen. It was challenging time, but things have changed!
People's hearts are so open, and we cannot let this moment pass us by without
turning into "fishers of men" and reaching them with the Gospel of
Yeshua." This is why they are preparing for an upcoming outreach to 500
people in Jerusalem. Pray for them and help with donations to this
outreach.
Eric Benson of the House of Victory rehab ministry that is connected to
the HaCarmel congregation in northern Israel sent a lovely HaCarmel leadership
photo for the new year of 5780. He wrote, "Here on this mountain in
Israel, it is our passion to live in a manner pleasing unto the Lord, a
lifestyle that allows the fire of God to continue to fall and fervently burn in
our hearts. As a member of our congregational leadership team, I have had the
privilege to witness the faithful commitment of my brothers and sisters who
lead in the humble example of Yeshua. The Lord’s grace has enabled us to
continue to walk in a unity that allows His precious oil to flow down upon us.
As we celebrate the biblical Feasts of Israel we want to express our holiday
greetings of love. May the Lord’s blessings be richly poured out upon you at
this time." Eric sent an update on the many times over the recent past
where they have been able to experience great fellowship in the congregation
via a 2-day hike, a sports outreach, a men's meeting on the beach, an after
service picnic and testimony sharing. Pray for continued blessings on the
congregation, and Eric's labor of love bringing hope, salvation and life
stability to men with addictions.
What a blessing to hear from our friend Jackie Santoro, "as I move
forward in this season of my mourning and grief." Finally laying the
headstone at Eddie's grave, she asks for prayers as God opens new doors for her
that "I would walk through them in confidence as I minister to people
without Eddie by my side. We always ministered as a couple and I greatly miss
his overflowing love, optimism and the affirmation and encouragement he gave to
each person." Jackie also wrote, " I was so very happy to be able to
celebrate Rosh Hashana in my home with family and friends and to give thanks to
the Lord for his love and mercy. In the midst of my tears, I felt the
excitement of a new season and do believe that we will all begin to see and
experience things and events we could not have imagined. God is really doing a
new thing! May we walk in his grace, joy and love each and every day as we keep
moving forward with our eyes fixed on Yeshua!"
Jackie wrote, "Tonight is the start of Yom Kippur, the Day of
Atonement. On this most solemn day of the year, everything stops. There is no
regular TV programming, no radio, no cars on the road and the majority of
Israelis fast as they petition God for the forgiveness of their sins, so that
their names will be written in the Book of Life. As believers, we join the
nation and come before God with humble hearts and examine our lives before him.
Grateful that our sins are already forgiven, we do intercede for God's beloved
nation and declare his promise that "All Israel shall be saved. Evangelism
has been very strong on the hearts of our young leaders. Our congregation,
Ahavat Yeshua is just finishing up a series on evangelism which was done in
partnership with another congregation, Melech Hamlachim. It has been an
excellent 4 week series which has encouraged all of us to move out of our
comfort zone and share the love of Yeshua with all those we meet in our daily
life."
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
Critical prayer need she is losing sight! Prayers for a miracle for Ruth.|
Continue to
pray for Jacob Damkani | 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 says 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. Please pray
Reading List
Five Big “Alls” |by Asher Intrater
10/6/19 | As we enter more into
the End Times and closer to the second coming of Yeshua, there are several
major trends which are moving toward their fulfillment. Of course, we in Israel
are looking toward the great promised revival of our people.
Trusting with Little | by Guy Cohen | Sometimes we find
ourselves trying to protect the little we have, and becoming slaves to it. Yet
the Lord can take the little we have and multiply it. He is the God of
multiplication.
Thought Life: Creepy Jungle or Fertile Field | by Eitan Shishkoff | May I ask
you a personal question? What are your thoughts like when you first wake up?
Frankly, mine are not always positive, helpful or encouraging. At that moment I
have a decision to make. Will I continue to entertain the moldering leftovers
from that weird dream? Or will I push myself out of bed and author a
constructive path for my mind?
Religion, Patriotism &
Family: Checking Vital Signs | by Dan Juster | A recent survey
commissioned by the Wall Street Journal and NBC news highlighted a disturbing
trend. Among USA residents aged 55 and older, nearly 80% said that patriotism
was very important compared with only 42% of those aged 18-38. Two-thirds of
the older group cited religion as very important compared to less than
one-third of the younger group. Among the older group 54% said that having
children is very important compared to only 32% of the younger generation.
Hence the American fertility rate is at an all-time low: 1.76 births per woman;
the replacement rate is 2.1. The young
adults represented in this survey are the product of an educational system that
is destroying the historic national consensus on these three values (religion,
patriotism and family).
The Five Pillars Eschatology | by Dan Juster | The doctrine of
the last days is very important because according to one’s interpretation of
the last days or eschatology, one’s orientation to life varies.
Blessed to Serve | by Leora Mazurovsky | When I was growing up my
mother, Katya, would often tell me “When you feel discouraged, look around and
see whom you can serve. You will soon find yourself focusing on something other
than your own troubles and will be a much happier and more fulfilled person.”
An Invitation to Stop | by Avi Tekle, Tents of Mercy | Of
all the symbols related to the biblical “High Holidays” – a stoplight is not
traditionally among them. Apples dipped in honey, pomegranates, shofars and
even fish are images which classically signify the season. Rosh Hashanah (the
“head of the year”) is the first of these fall holidays. Following it come the
ten Days of Awe– days of preparation, prayer and self-evaluation leading up to
the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur.
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