Rabbi’s Reflections – Monday, December 30, 2019
Shalom *|FNAME|*,
I want to write something about anti-Semitism. There has been an undeniable uptick in anti-Semitic (translate: anti-Jewish) attacks in the last few years. Over the last weekend alone, there have been many attacks in New York and the surrounding area.
Rabbi Trail: Since I cut my cable TV, I’m relying on the Knox News Sentinel for my news (the online edition is not making them rich). I don’t really care for the KNS, (at it’s core, it is a liberal rag, spewing out the same drivel as the other liberal “drive-by” media) but it’s only slightly better than nothing. When the scale that is teetering finally tips, I’ll cut my online subscription to them too. Right now I’m open to suggestions. End RT.
I’m not aware of personally experiencing any anti-Semitism, but occasionally I wonder if I’m just too slow on the up-take. There was an article in World Israel News (whatever that is) citing one in four Europeans harbor anti-Jewish sentiments. I wonder if that matches the fact that one in four Europeans is Muslim? They rightly conclude in the article that the uptick in anti-semitic attacks in Europe is connected to the rise in muslim immigration to Europe.
Anti-Semitism predates the Christian faith. Why shouldn’t this world hate what God loves? Deuteronomy 7:6 For you are a holy people to Adonai your God—from all the peoples on the face of the earth, Adonai your God has chosen you to be His treasured people.
And then there is this, hear the words of Yeshua… John 15:18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. But you are not of the world, since I have chosen you out of the world; therefore the world hates you.”
To make matters worse, in the United States, the courts have gone soft on punishing perpetrators of anti-Semitism. So what have I got other than a rant? I want to say nothing will change until our leaders publicly decry attacks on Jews and the perpetrators are punished for their crimes.
Of course, we could always pray for God to protect His people. Please step up and be counted among those who love Israel and Jewish people; those who pray for protection.
Week 1
Memory Verse: Genesis 1:27 God created humankind in His image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them.
* 1 12/30 Monday: Genesis 1-2
2 12/31 Tuesday: Genesis 3-4
3 1/1 Wednesday: Genesis 6-7
4 1/2 Thursday: Genesis 8-9
5 1/3 Friday: Job 1-2
Question of the day: Watch this… What is the first Hebrew letter of each word of the last two words of Genesis chapter 1 and the first two words of Genesis chapter 2?
Answer: I’m glad you asked. The last two words of chapter 1 are “Yom Hashishi,” (the sixth day) so Yud-Hay. The first two words of chapter 2 are “Vay’chulu Hashamayim,” (heaven was finished) so Vav-Hay. Put them together, “Yud-Hay-Vav-Hay” which is the name of God, Yehovah.
The rabbis noticed this and realize that it’s like God signed His name to His completed work as He rested on the 7th day. Read all about it in the first paragraph of Genesis 2.
Not too much today. I’m still on holiday, which is why I’m late in publishing this. Please forgive me. Shalom, R. Michael.