Shalom friends of Israel,

You may be aware we have planned a congregational trip to Israel from March 13, 2024 to March 23, 2024.  The details are attached.  For those at all interested (you don’t have to be committed to making the trip, only interested) we have scheduled an orientation meeting on Sunday, August 13th from 4PM to 5:30PM at the Shomair Yisrael social hall.

We will review the flight details, itinerary, costs and expectations for the trip.  Please reply to this message if you plan to attend.  Also, if you can’t make it to this meeting, but would still like to get more information on the trip, also reply to let me know.  You may have other questions.  My answer to them all is, “Please reply to this message and ask.”  Hope to see you soon.  Let’s go to Israel!  Next year in Jerusalem!  Shalom.

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Rabbi’s Reflections – Wednesday, August 2, 2023Shalom,

One In Messiah part 29 – Romans, part 140

Romans 10:14  How then shall they call on the One in whom they have not trusted? And how shall they trust in the One they have not heard of? And how shall they hear without someone proclaiming?

I will leave this verse eventually, but not today… maybe tomorrow.  Today, let’s raise two questions.  Are you the being called by God to be the “someone proclaiming?”  Suppose your answer is, “Yes,” what will you proclaim?  Sooner or later, God will put you in a place to proclaim the truth to someone in need.  I’m writing this RR to help you prepare in advance.

The “truth” we seek is found in Scripture, but why should a non-believer believe it?  Let’s take a moment to appeal to the scientific mind.  The Bible is full of evidence that is scientifically accurate.  Just search the web for “Is the bible scientifically accurate?”  You’ll get more material than you can use.  Let me give you a few bullet point that come to mind.

  • The Bible says the earth is a round ball suspended on nothing (hanging in space).  This was written in the Bible when people believed the earth was flat and held in place on the back of a turtle.  Isaiah 40:22 & Job 26:7.
  • Evaporation is described in detail, but was not discovered scientifically until thousands of years later.  Job 36:27,28
  • The Bible says that things that are seen are made up of things that are not seen.  This is a pretty good description of atomic particles.  Hebrews 11:3.

There is abundant wisdom in Scripture.  Helping someone see its accuracy is critical to building faith.  Next, it is important to help people see how Yeshua is revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures.  Isaiah wrote repeatedly of the coming Messiah.

Rabbi Trail:  Yeshua had to come before the destruction of the Temple in 70AD, because it was then that not only the Temple, but also the records of genealogy were destroyed.  One additional note: This is a short devotional, not intended to be an exhaustive examination of the relevant Scriptures.  End RT.

Isaiah 9:5 For to us a child is born, a son will be given to us, and the government will be upon His shoulder. His Name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God My Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace. 6 Of the increase of His government and shalom there will be no end—on the throne of David and over His kingdom—to establish it and uphold it through justice and righteousness from now until forevermore. The zeal of Adonai-Tzva’ot will accomplish this.

Okay, two more…

Isaiah 42:1 “Behold My servant, whom I uphold. My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I have put My Ruach on Him, He will bring justice to the nations…. 6 I, Adonai, called You in righteousness, I will take hold of Your hand, I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the nations.”

Last one…  given the condition of the world today….

Psalm 2:1 Why are the nations in an uproar, and the peoples mutter vanity 2 The kings of earth set themselves up and rulers conspire together against Adonai and against His Anointed One (Mashiach).  Why are the nations in an uproar?  Because God has already put His Son on the throne.

And we didn’t even get to Isaiah 53 yet.  Let us live according to 1Peter 3:15 Instead sanctify Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.  The Lord will call you to help others call on Him.  Be prepared.  Shalom shalom.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)Wed 2 Aug 2023 15th of Av, 5783 Tu B’AvDe 10:1-11 Ez 37 1 Ch 16 2 Th 3 (Jn 6:1-36)