"And they shall make for Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them."
Exodus 25:8
Shvat 30, 5766/February 28, 2006
Rosh Chodesh Adar
This week on Temple Talk: In this week's Torah reading, parashat Teruma, (Exodus 25:1-27:19), the children of Israel in the desert embark upon a mission of staggering significance that will change the course of human destiny: the building of the mishkan - the tabernacle. This Torah portion begins to outline the Divine commandments relating to the tabernacle, which was the Holy Temple in its traveling, temporary form, and the sacred vessels and other details of the Divine service. But can a modest structure, 20 x 40 cubits in size, made of wood, wool, and animal skins really contain within its confines the glory of G-d, yet alone be worthy of His infinite might? These questions seemed not to trouble the Almighty, Who "placed His order", as it were, with Moses, according to His chosen specifications. Nor did it trouble the Israelite nation, who without hesitation donated of their possessions, their time, and the skill of their hands and hearts. A ragtag band of runaway slaves were on their way to becoming a "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation;" a nation in whose midst dwells the Creator of the universe. Tens of details concerning the creation of each of the tabernacle's vessels, and the tabernacle itself and its surrounding courtyard, are enumerated in parashat Teruma. Yet in reality only three distinct mitzvot - commandments - are being described: the building of the sanctuary - the mikdash, the placing of the showbread on the golden table, and the commandment that the carrying poles within the rings on the Ark of the Covenant should never be removed. (Some commentators also reckon the Ark itself as a separate commandment.) Yet every detail of the manufacture of the mishkan and its vessels - kelim - are according to a preexisting Divine blueprint: "According to all that I show you, the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of the vessels, so shall you make it." (Exodus 25:9) Every vessel we assemble, according to this plan, revealed and recorded by the Written and Oral Torah, is an element of the commandment: "Build for Me a Sanctuary." Geopolitical obstacles aside, the building of the Third Temple has begun in earnest through the preparation of its vessels by The Temple Institute, and how could it be otherwise?
Some may ask: Could it be that G-d is less anxious to dwell amongst us today than He was then? Emerging from two thousand years of exile, is the Jewish nation today less "worthy" of performing G-d's commandments than the twelve tribes of Israel that He brought forth from Egypt? Did the artisans of that day possess secrets that the craftsmen of our generation, with all the technological advancements we have inherited, are not able to grasp?
Yes, they stood at Mount Sinai, but are we not taught that we also stood at Mount Sinai? Do our three thousand years of history and received tradition count for anything? Would G-d entrust us with commandments impossible to fulfill? Are we so haughty as to think that we are a generation worthy of G-d's presence? Are we so haughty as to think not?
We are entering the new month of Adar - the month of Purim. Purim is the celebration of the world stood on its head: our enemies are suddenly entrapped by their own arrogance; the meek become the victors; the final nail in the coffin of the nation of Israel becomes the cornerstone of a rebuilt Temple. The world will forever witness seismic changes. But one thing is forever: "Make for Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among you."
To hear an in-depth discussion of these issues, with Rabbi Chaim Richman and Yitzchak Reuven, and fascinating insights by our listeners, click on this week's Temple Talk.
If you would like Temple Talk to be downloaded automatically each week to your iTunes or other podcasting software, simply add the following URL to your podcast directory:
http://www.templeinstitute.org/rss/Temple_Talk.xml
With blessings of chodesh tov,
Yitzchak Reuven
THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE
PO Box 31876
Jerusalem, Israel 97500
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Monday, February 27, 2006
Israel's Chief Rabbi Invites Foreign Occupation
UNBELIEVABLE BUT TRUE!
Israel's Ashkenazi chief rabbi, Yonah Metzger, has met with the Dalai Lama of Tibet (an alleged Buddhist god) and Israel National News reports that Metzger "suggested that representatives of the world's religions establish a United Nations in Jerusalem, representing religions instead of nations, like the UN currently based in New York.
"Instead of planning for nuclear war and buying tanks and fighter jets, it will invest in peace." Apparently a peace apart from the biblical blueprint, without proper repentance, and based upon misguided human efforts easily manipulated for political purposes.
Has the chief rabbi gone mad? Is Rabbi Metzger now a rabid meshuggah? Has God hardened his heart against Jerusalem and Israel to invite such disaster? Isn't the rabbi aware of the prophecies that warn about the world's evil eye upon Jerusalem, and how they covet the Temple Mount? What next, a rush visit by the Bavarian pope to vie for his attention seeking to gain a better position in the "New Jerusalem"?
Doesn't Yonah Metzger know he should be promoting the Third Temple, a biblical House of Prayer for All Nations interested in learning about the God of Jacob, learning Torah and repenting of idolatrous traditions - not for arriving to teach foreign ideas or bring strange ways to the Holy Land in the perverse spirit of Babylon.
Such nations must humble themselves to come up to Jerusalem to celebrate Sukkot (Festival of Tabernacles) -- not to engage in some interfaith orgy! The unacceptable alternative of the proposed religious UN, a modern Tower of Babel, must be condemned and rejected as an entirely unclean idea, a diabolical grand design, that would pollute the Holy City with the arrival of their Grand Master, a sorcerer-magician, a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Has Metzger gone over to the other side, seduced by the Babylonian Catholic Church (with its treacherous agents like David Rosen) that aims on crowing their universal king on Mt. Zion? Isn't he opening up the floodgates of hell by summoning "The World Council of Religious Leaders" to take up wicked residence in Jerusalem, to make the City of the Great King their unholy headquarters, invoking UN Resolution 181? Are they making alliances with alien organizations like United Religions Initiative that appear like light-bringers but hide a spiritual darkness that Nimrod would revel in?
This nightmare in the making brings Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion's prediction of January 16, 1962 to mind: "...With the exception of the USSR as a federated Eurasian state, all other continents will become united in a world alliance, at whose disposal will be an international police force. All armies will be abolished, and there will be no more wars. In Jerusalem, the United Nations (a truly United Nations) will build a Shrine of the Prophets to serve the federated union of all continents; this will be the seat of the Supreme Court of Mankind, to settle all controversies among the federated continents, as prophesied by Isaiah." (emphasis mine)
Isaiah didn't prophecy of any such godless scheme that is a dangerous counterfeit of the Temple of God -- not a "shrine of the prophets." How humanist, yet undoubtedly appealing as a pretty platitude and harmless plan to interfaith fools.
The prophet Daniel does expose the Third Temple will be polluted by Europe's wannabe divine emperor until King Messiah returns from Heaven (in full view of all mankind) and destroys such demonic activities, purifies Jerusalem and cleanses the Temple!
David Ben-Ariel is a Christian-Zionist writer in Ohio and author of Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall. With a focus on the Middle East and Jerusalem, his analytical articles help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out Beyond Babylon.
Israel's Ashkenazi chief rabbi, Yonah Metzger, has met with the Dalai Lama of Tibet (an alleged Buddhist god) and Israel National News reports that Metzger "suggested that representatives of the world's religions establish a United Nations in Jerusalem, representing religions instead of nations, like the UN currently based in New York.
"Instead of planning for nuclear war and buying tanks and fighter jets, it will invest in peace." Apparently a peace apart from the biblical blueprint, without proper repentance, and based upon misguided human efforts easily manipulated for political purposes.
Has the chief rabbi gone mad? Is Rabbi Metzger now a rabid meshuggah? Has God hardened his heart against Jerusalem and Israel to invite such disaster? Isn't the rabbi aware of the prophecies that warn about the world's evil eye upon Jerusalem, and how they covet the Temple Mount? What next, a rush visit by the Bavarian pope to vie for his attention seeking to gain a better position in the "New Jerusalem"?
Doesn't Yonah Metzger know he should be promoting the Third Temple, a biblical House of Prayer for All Nations interested in learning about the God of Jacob, learning Torah and repenting of idolatrous traditions - not for arriving to teach foreign ideas or bring strange ways to the Holy Land in the perverse spirit of Babylon.
Such nations must humble themselves to come up to Jerusalem to celebrate Sukkot (Festival of Tabernacles) -- not to engage in some interfaith orgy! The unacceptable alternative of the proposed religious UN, a modern Tower of Babel, must be condemned and rejected as an entirely unclean idea, a diabolical grand design, that would pollute the Holy City with the arrival of their Grand Master, a sorcerer-magician, a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Has Metzger gone over to the other side, seduced by the Babylonian Catholic Church (with its treacherous agents like David Rosen) that aims on crowing their universal king on Mt. Zion? Isn't he opening up the floodgates of hell by summoning "The World Council of Religious Leaders" to take up wicked residence in Jerusalem, to make the City of the Great King their unholy headquarters, invoking UN Resolution 181? Are they making alliances with alien organizations like United Religions Initiative that appear like light-bringers but hide a spiritual darkness that Nimrod would revel in?
This nightmare in the making brings Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion's prediction of January 16, 1962 to mind: "...With the exception of the USSR as a federated Eurasian state, all other continents will become united in a world alliance, at whose disposal will be an international police force. All armies will be abolished, and there will be no more wars. In Jerusalem, the United Nations (a truly United Nations) will build a Shrine of the Prophets to serve the federated union of all continents; this will be the seat of the Supreme Court of Mankind, to settle all controversies among the federated continents, as prophesied by Isaiah." (emphasis mine)
Isaiah didn't prophecy of any such godless scheme that is a dangerous counterfeit of the Temple of God -- not a "shrine of the prophets." How humanist, yet undoubtedly appealing as a pretty platitude and harmless plan to interfaith fools.
The prophet Daniel does expose the Third Temple will be polluted by Europe's wannabe divine emperor until King Messiah returns from Heaven (in full view of all mankind) and destroys such demonic activities, purifies Jerusalem and cleanses the Temple!
David Ben-Ariel is a Christian-Zionist writer in Ohio and author of Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall. With a focus on the Middle East and Jerusalem, his analytical articles help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out Beyond Babylon.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Discrimination against Jews
Anti-Jewish Discrimination at Temple Mount
12:18 Feb 26, '06 / 28 Shevat 5766
By Hillel Fendel
Discrimination against religious Jews who wish to visit the Temple Mount continues. A group was turned away today, as non-Jews passed freely through.
A small group of Jewish tourists from Los Angeles attempted to ascend to Judaism's holiest site this morning, after immersing in a mikveh and taking the other Halakhic precautions. They were stopped at the entrance, however, and told they could not enter because they did not have identification.
"The most frustrating part," said their tour guide, Yossi Maimon, "was that lots of other tourists, clearly not Jewish, were allowed up without even being checked." Maimon said he asked the local police commander about the discrimination against Jews, and was told that this is in fact the official policy.
Long-time Holy Temple activists Rabbi Yosef Elboim of Jerusalem and Yehuda Etzion of Ofrah said that this policy is a long-running one.
"Not only are there different rules for religious Jews and others," Rabbi Elboim told Arutz-7, "but the police treat the religious Jews with tremendous disrespect. Recently, a large group of students from the Birkat Moshe yeshiva in Maaleh Adumim wished to ascend [to the holy site], and the police took aside the Rosh Yeshiva [dean], who is not a young man, and totally checked every part of him. Would they ever treat a priest or a kadi that way?"
"A sheikh can call for world-wide Moslem rule from the Temple Mount," Rabbi Elboim continued, "but if a Jew whispers Yibaneh HaMikdash (a prayer that the Holy Temple should be rebuilt), they immediately take him away for questioning and restrict him from visiting the site again. Where are we living?!"
At present, religious Jews are permitted to enter the Temple Mount, if they are approved, from 7:30 to 10:00 Am, and for another hour beginning at 12:30.
Etzion said that a special booth has been set up at the Mugrahbim Gate entrance to the Temple Mount, adjacent to the prayer area of the Western Wall, for the purpose of checking religious Jews. "The way they check Jews, under their yarmulke and all over the body, for any type of prayer, is simply humiliating," he said.
Etzion said that he himself is now less involved in direct Temple Mount issues, and is rather dedicating his efforts towards the publication of a six-volume work of the writings of Shabtai Ben-Dov.
Rabbi Elboim said that the deterioration in Jewish rights at the Temple Mount has taken place since Gideon Ezra assumed the post of Minister of Public Security. Ezra can be faxed at (+972-2) 530-8039.
***********************
A House of Prayer for All Peoples?
Why does Israel tolerate religious discrimination? Why are non-Muslims illegally barred from praying or reading the Bible upon the Temple Mount? Isn't the Temple Mount Judaism's holiest site?
12:18 Feb 26, '06 / 28 Shevat 5766
By Hillel Fendel
Discrimination against religious Jews who wish to visit the Temple Mount continues. A group was turned away today, as non-Jews passed freely through.
A small group of Jewish tourists from Los Angeles attempted to ascend to Judaism's holiest site this morning, after immersing in a mikveh and taking the other Halakhic precautions. They were stopped at the entrance, however, and told they could not enter because they did not have identification.
"The most frustrating part," said their tour guide, Yossi Maimon, "was that lots of other tourists, clearly not Jewish, were allowed up without even being checked." Maimon said he asked the local police commander about the discrimination against Jews, and was told that this is in fact the official policy.
Long-time Holy Temple activists Rabbi Yosef Elboim of Jerusalem and Yehuda Etzion of Ofrah said that this policy is a long-running one.
"Not only are there different rules for religious Jews and others," Rabbi Elboim told Arutz-7, "but the police treat the religious Jews with tremendous disrespect. Recently, a large group of students from the Birkat Moshe yeshiva in Maaleh Adumim wished to ascend [to the holy site], and the police took aside the Rosh Yeshiva [dean], who is not a young man, and totally checked every part of him. Would they ever treat a priest or a kadi that way?"
"A sheikh can call for world-wide Moslem rule from the Temple Mount," Rabbi Elboim continued, "but if a Jew whispers Yibaneh HaMikdash (a prayer that the Holy Temple should be rebuilt), they immediately take him away for questioning and restrict him from visiting the site again. Where are we living?!"
At present, religious Jews are permitted to enter the Temple Mount, if they are approved, from 7:30 to 10:00 Am, and for another hour beginning at 12:30.
Etzion said that a special booth has been set up at the Mugrahbim Gate entrance to the Temple Mount, adjacent to the prayer area of the Western Wall, for the purpose of checking religious Jews. "The way they check Jews, under their yarmulke and all over the body, for any type of prayer, is simply humiliating," he said.
Etzion said that he himself is now less involved in direct Temple Mount issues, and is rather dedicating his efforts towards the publication of a six-volume work of the writings of Shabtai Ben-Dov.
Rabbi Elboim said that the deterioration in Jewish rights at the Temple Mount has taken place since Gideon Ezra assumed the post of Minister of Public Security. Ezra can be faxed at (+972-2) 530-8039.
***********************
A House of Prayer for All Peoples?
Why does Israel tolerate religious discrimination? Why are non-Muslims illegally barred from praying or reading the Bible upon the Temple Mount? Isn't the Temple Mount Judaism's holiest site?
Saturday, February 25, 2006
All Nations Must Learn Torah & Worship our King in Jerusalem
A militant Muslim writes:
"I don't really care what you book says. I know its not gonna come true.
Islam is the truth- you will only learn that when it is too late."
My biblical response:
It doesn't matter whether or not you believe The Prophets. Since they are inspired by our Great Creator God - not by Satan like your false prophet hearing demons in a cave - all Muslims (and professing Christians, Jews, etc.) must learn to submit to the Word and Will of God that will soon have all mankind, both Jews, Israelites and Gentiles, learning all about the God of Jacob (not Ishmael or Esau) and making holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem (not Rome, Mecca or Medina), to learn Torah (not the Koran or Bhagavad-Gita) and celebrate the biblical festivals (not Xmas or Easter or Ramadan) and worship our King, the King of the Jews, the King of Israel...or suffer the consequences.
I'm happy to help ANNOUNCE this as a WITNESS, and when it comes true, and it shall, you'll remember you had been told about it.
Zechariah 14:12-19
12 This is the plague with which the LORD will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. 13 On that day men will be stricken by the LORD with great panic. Each man will seize the hand of another, and they will attack each other. 14 Judah too will fight at Jerusalem. The wealth of all the surrounding nations will be collected—great quantities of gold and silver and clothing. 15 A similar plague will strike the horses and mules, the camels and donkeys, and all the animals in those camps.
16 Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. 17 If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, they will have no rain. 18 If the Egyptian people do not go up and take part, they will have no rain. The LORD will bring on them the plague he inflicts on the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. 19 This will be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.
Revelation 2:26-27
26To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—
27'He will rule them with an iron scepter;
he will dash them to pieces like pottery'
"I don't really care what you book says. I know its not gonna come true.
Islam is the truth- you will only learn that when it is too late."
My biblical response:
It doesn't matter whether or not you believe The Prophets. Since they are inspired by our Great Creator God - not by Satan like your false prophet hearing demons in a cave - all Muslims (and professing Christians, Jews, etc.) must learn to submit to the Word and Will of God that will soon have all mankind, both Jews, Israelites and Gentiles, learning all about the God of Jacob (not Ishmael or Esau) and making holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem (not Rome, Mecca or Medina), to learn Torah (not the Koran or Bhagavad-Gita) and celebrate the biblical festivals (not Xmas or Easter or Ramadan) and worship our King, the King of the Jews, the King of Israel...or suffer the consequences.
I'm happy to help ANNOUNCE this as a WITNESS, and when it comes true, and it shall, you'll remember you had been told about it.
Zechariah 14:12-19
12 This is the plague with which the LORD will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. 13 On that day men will be stricken by the LORD with great panic. Each man will seize the hand of another, and they will attack each other. 14 Judah too will fight at Jerusalem. The wealth of all the surrounding nations will be collected—great quantities of gold and silver and clothing. 15 A similar plague will strike the horses and mules, the camels and donkeys, and all the animals in those camps.
16 Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. 17 If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD Almighty, they will have no rain. 18 If the Egyptian people do not go up and take part, they will have no rain. The LORD will bring on them the plague he inflicts on the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. 19 This will be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles.
Revelation 2:26-27
26To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—
27'He will rule them with an iron scepter;
he will dash them to pieces like pottery'
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
The Way of the One God
"Now I know that the L-rd is greater than all gods..."
Exodus 18:11
Shvat 23, 5766/February 21, 2006
This week on Temple Talk: What exactly did Yitro (Jethro) learn from the happenings at the Sea of Reeds that stood him on his head, inspiring him to abandon a life-long career in idol worship, and declare and acknowledge for all to hear that there is only one true G-d - the G-d of Israel. Teaching from the words of our sages, Rabbi Chaim Richman explores the breadth and depth of this single fascinating verse. G-d's loving kindness permeates His every act toward man, even tempering His harshest chastisements. Were the Egyptians drowned in the sea at the hand of a vengeful G-d, or had they, themselves, taken G-d's outpouring of benevolence, and twisted it into a destructive force, bringing upon themselves their own demise?
Yitro observes Moshe sitting in judgment before the entire nation of Israel, and enquires as to what he is doing. Moshe answers that he is teaching G-d's Torah. (Exodus 18:14-15) Yet all this takes place before the Torah has been revealed on Mount Sinai. How is this possible? Hear Hillel Richman's incredible insight, explaining the source of Moshe's Torah knowledge.
Parshat Shkalim: This coming Shabbat we read about the collecting of the half-shekel - machatzit hashekel - (Exodus 30:11-16). What purpose was this poll-tax to serve, and why was specifically a half shekel collected? How was the half-shekel collected in Second Temple times, and why was the announcement concerning its collection proclaimed on Rosh Chodesh Adar - the first day of the month of Adar, six weeks before the Passover pilgrimage? Learn the answer to these questions on this week's Temple Talk.
To read more about the half-shekel, please click here.
This week, Rabbi Yonah Metzger, the Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel visited The Temple Institute. To see pictures, click here.
Have you had a chance yet to look at our A Day in the Life of The Holy Temple study tool? If not, click here.
Would you like to add Temple Talk directly to your iTunes podcast software? Just enter the following URL in the "advanced/subscribe..." menu:
http://www.templeinstitute.org/rss/Temple_Talk.xml
With blessings from Jerusalem,
Yitzchak Reuven
THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE
PO Box 31876
Jerusalem, Israel 97500
Exodus 18:11
Shvat 23, 5766/February 21, 2006
This week on Temple Talk: What exactly did Yitro (Jethro) learn from the happenings at the Sea of Reeds that stood him on his head, inspiring him to abandon a life-long career in idol worship, and declare and acknowledge for all to hear that there is only one true G-d - the G-d of Israel. Teaching from the words of our sages, Rabbi Chaim Richman explores the breadth and depth of this single fascinating verse. G-d's loving kindness permeates His every act toward man, even tempering His harshest chastisements. Were the Egyptians drowned in the sea at the hand of a vengeful G-d, or had they, themselves, taken G-d's outpouring of benevolence, and twisted it into a destructive force, bringing upon themselves their own demise?
Yitro observes Moshe sitting in judgment before the entire nation of Israel, and enquires as to what he is doing. Moshe answers that he is teaching G-d's Torah. (Exodus 18:14-15) Yet all this takes place before the Torah has been revealed on Mount Sinai. How is this possible? Hear Hillel Richman's incredible insight, explaining the source of Moshe's Torah knowledge.
Parshat Shkalim: This coming Shabbat we read about the collecting of the half-shekel - machatzit hashekel - (Exodus 30:11-16). What purpose was this poll-tax to serve, and why was specifically a half shekel collected? How was the half-shekel collected in Second Temple times, and why was the announcement concerning its collection proclaimed on Rosh Chodesh Adar - the first day of the month of Adar, six weeks before the Passover pilgrimage? Learn the answer to these questions on this week's Temple Talk.
To read more about the half-shekel, please click here.
This week, Rabbi Yonah Metzger, the Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi of Israel visited The Temple Institute. To see pictures, click here.
Have you had a chance yet to look at our A Day in the Life of The Holy Temple study tool? If not, click here.
Would you like to add Temple Talk directly to your iTunes podcast software? Just enter the following URL in the "advanced/subscribe..." menu:
http://www.templeinstitute.org/rss/Temple_Talk.xml
With blessings from Jerusalem,
Yitzchak Reuven
THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE
PO Box 31876
Jerusalem, Israel 97500
The Temple Mount suffers under a Nazi-Muslim occupation
I presently don't live in Israel since Israel denied me citizenship because I'm a Christian and later unjustly deported me for writing and highlighting Israeli hypocrisy upon the Temple Mount within A House of Prayer for All Peoples?
The Temple Mount is Judaism's holiest site (biblical Christianity's too) that presently suffers under a cruel Nazi-Muslim occupation. Such Jewish and Muslim madness illegally forbids Christian or Jewish worship upon the Temple Mount while pretending there's "freedom of access" for all to every religious site.
I was detained in Jerusalem's Russian Compound for exposing such a deplorable situation and calling for LEGAL change.
The dream of a Jewish homeland was once mocked and scorned. Now some fear talk about the Third Temple in Jerusalem as dangerous ideas. Why? After all, isn't it the Temple Mount?
The Temple Mount is Judaism's holiest site (biblical Christianity's too) that presently suffers under a cruel Nazi-Muslim occupation. Such Jewish and Muslim madness illegally forbids Christian or Jewish worship upon the Temple Mount while pretending there's "freedom of access" for all to every religious site.
I was detained in Jerusalem's Russian Compound for exposing such a deplorable situation and calling for LEGAL change.
The dream of a Jewish homeland was once mocked and scorned. Now some fear talk about the Third Temple in Jerusalem as dangerous ideas. Why? After all, isn't it the Temple Mount?
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
The Temple Institute tour of the Temple
A Day in the Life of The Holy Temple
Three times a year the entire nation of Israel gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the pilgrimage festivals of Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur were likewise observed with special rituals and offerings in The Holy Temple. But what took place within the Temple Gates the remaining days of the year? How exactly was the Tamid, (continual), offering conducted each day of the week? How were the Priests organized and what were their special tasks? What was the role of the Levites? A Day in the Life of The Holy Temple will take you on a day tour to The Holy Temple from the first ray of dawn to the stationing of the Levitical guards with the onset of nighttime. To take a trip through time to learn how it was and how it will be, click here.
Three times a year the entire nation of Israel gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the pilgrimage festivals of Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur were likewise observed with special rituals and offerings in The Holy Temple. But what took place within the Temple Gates the remaining days of the year? How exactly was the Tamid, (continual), offering conducted each day of the week? How were the Priests organized and what were their special tasks? What was the role of the Levites? A Day in the Life of The Holy Temple will take you on a day tour to The Holy Temple from the first ray of dawn to the stationing of the Levitical guards with the onset of nighttime. To take a trip through time to learn how it was and how it will be, click here.
A Day in the Life
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the L-rd...
for he shall be as a tree planted by the waters..."
(Jeremiah 17:8)
Tu B'Shvat
Shvat 15, 5766/February 13, 2006
This week's edition of Israel National Radio's Temple Talk: Tu B'Shvat, (the 15th day of Shvat), is the new year for trees. The tithing of fruit to be brought to the Holy Temple was calculated from this day. And on this day a rush of rejuvenating spiritual nourishment courses through both tree and man, if only we seek out Hashem and tap our roots into the holy waters of His Torah. On this week's Temple Talk Rabbi Chaim Richman and Yitzchak Reuven celebrate Tu B'Shvat and discuss its implications for the Jewish people and all humanity: the hope that our prayers will bear fruit.
More on the secret of the manna: how, by accepting the spiritual nourishment that G-d provides, He will see to it that our physical needs are readily attainable.
Who, or what, is Amalek? How does this bitter enemy of both the G-d of Israel and the Israelite nation feed on our own inner doubts? When cracks form in our bond with G-d and with our fellow man, this destructive weed called Amalek springs forth to wreak havoc upon us. The bitter fight to the finish we are commanded to wage against this most pernicious of enemies.
This week's Torah reading, the portion of Yitro, (Exodus 18:1). Who was Yitro, and why did this former master of idolatry merit that the section in which the Torah is received at Mount Sinai, be called after his name? Rabbi Richman discusses synesthesia , the mixing of the senses. How was is that all who stood at the foot of Mount Sinai, ("And all the people saw the thunder and the lightning, and the voice of the shofar... " Exodus 20:15), perceived sound with their eyes? When we cling to G-d and make our will His will, the rules that hold us back, (our five senses for example), no longer apply. What is the relationship of the Ten Commandments to the entirety of Torah? How were both the Written Torah and the Oral Torah received at Sinai by Moshe Rabbeinu - Moses our teacher?
Introducing our newest online study feature: A Day in the Life of The Holy Temple. Three times a year the entire nation of Israel gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the pilgrimage festivals of Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur were likewise observed with special rituals and offerings in The Holy Temple. But what took place within the Temple Gates the remaining days of the year? How exactly was the Tamid, (continual), offering conducted each day of the week? How were the Priests organized and what were their special tasks? What was the role of the Levites? Join us in this premier viewing of A Day in the Life of The Holy Temple, on this week's Temple Talk.
A Day in the Life of The Holy Temple, featuring over 80 pages of text and illustrations, can also be accessed via our Study Tools page.
May all our endeavors be worthy of bearing fruit,
Yitzchak Reuven
THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE
PO Box 31876
Jerusalem, Israel 97500
for he shall be as a tree planted by the waters..."
(Jeremiah 17:8)
Tu B'Shvat
Shvat 15, 5766/February 13, 2006
This week's edition of Israel National Radio's Temple Talk: Tu B'Shvat, (the 15th day of Shvat), is the new year for trees. The tithing of fruit to be brought to the Holy Temple was calculated from this day. And on this day a rush of rejuvenating spiritual nourishment courses through both tree and man, if only we seek out Hashem and tap our roots into the holy waters of His Torah. On this week's Temple Talk Rabbi Chaim Richman and Yitzchak Reuven celebrate Tu B'Shvat and discuss its implications for the Jewish people and all humanity: the hope that our prayers will bear fruit.
More on the secret of the manna: how, by accepting the spiritual nourishment that G-d provides, He will see to it that our physical needs are readily attainable.
Who, or what, is Amalek? How does this bitter enemy of both the G-d of Israel and the Israelite nation feed on our own inner doubts? When cracks form in our bond with G-d and with our fellow man, this destructive weed called Amalek springs forth to wreak havoc upon us. The bitter fight to the finish we are commanded to wage against this most pernicious of enemies.
This week's Torah reading, the portion of Yitro, (Exodus 18:1). Who was Yitro, and why did this former master of idolatry merit that the section in which the Torah is received at Mount Sinai, be called after his name? Rabbi Richman discusses synesthesia , the mixing of the senses. How was is that all who stood at the foot of Mount Sinai, ("And all the people saw the thunder and the lightning, and the voice of the shofar... " Exodus 20:15), perceived sound with their eyes? When we cling to G-d and make our will His will, the rules that hold us back, (our five senses for example), no longer apply. What is the relationship of the Ten Commandments to the entirety of Torah? How were both the Written Torah and the Oral Torah received at Sinai by Moshe Rabbeinu - Moses our teacher?
Introducing our newest online study feature: A Day in the Life of The Holy Temple. Three times a year the entire nation of Israel gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the pilgrimage festivals of Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur were likewise observed with special rituals and offerings in The Holy Temple. But what took place within the Temple Gates the remaining days of the year? How exactly was the Tamid, (continual), offering conducted each day of the week? How were the Priests organized and what were their special tasks? What was the role of the Levites? Join us in this premier viewing of A Day in the Life of The Holy Temple, on this week's Temple Talk.
A Day in the Life of The Holy Temple, featuring over 80 pages of text and illustrations, can also be accessed via our Study Tools page.
May all our endeavors be worthy of bearing fruit,
Yitzchak Reuven
THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE
PO Box 31876
Jerusalem, Israel 97500
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Love of Israel
BS"D
YESHIVAT HARA'AYON HAYEHUDI
Jerusalem, Israel
HaRav Yehuda Kroizer SHLIT"A, Rosh Yeshiva
PARSHAT BESHALACH
13 Shvat, 5766/10-11 February, 2006
OUR SECRET WEAPON
One of the repeating themes weaved throughout the story of the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt is the great mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice) that certain individuals displayed for the sake of the Jewish [Israelite] people, and their great reward for their selfless acts. Eventually, these acts of self-sacrifice would spread to the entire nation.
The story of the Exodus opens up with king Pharaoh ordering the midwives, Yocheved and Miriam, to kill all the Jewish [Israelite] male babies. Surely, the king of Egypt did not need police or advisers to put his wishes into action, for anyone who would dare disobey the king's order would certainly be put to death. Still, Yocheved and Miriam refused to lend a hand to Pharaoh's wickedness, for they feared the L-rd, so they did not do as the king had ordered. Their reward for this very courageous act? The Torah tells us that Hashem made houses for them. What kind of houses? From them would come forth the houses of the Kehunah (priesthood) and the houses of Malchut (kingship).
Next, we find the great acts of Moshe, in leaving the palace where he lived a life of luxury, where every request of his was fulfilled, to go out and see the pain of his people. All of this he gave up in an instant when he saw the Egyptian striking a fellow Jew, and killed him. He then went into exile, leaving all behind. For this, Moshe was chosen to lead the people out of Egypt.
We find that, after the decree went out that the Jews [Israelites] would no longer
receive straw to make bricks but would still be required to produce the same amount as when they were given the straw, they were unable to come up with the daily quota. As the Torah tells us that the Egyptian overseers said to the guards: Why did you not complete your requirement to make bricks as yesterday and before? And the guards of the children of Israel were beaten. So unlike today's Jewish police, who frantically give out the beatings, these Jewish [Israelite] heroes received the beatings from the Egyptians and did not pass it on to their beloved people. They, too, were rewarded for their acts, for later on we find that these same Jewish [Israelite] policemen became the future Sanhedrin!
Even Pharaoh's daughter Batya was rewarded for her great act of self-sacrifice for saving baby Moshe. For surely she took great risks to herself when she brought Moshe into the royal palace. Our Rabbis teach us that Moshe prayed on her behalf, and so the 10 plagues did not affect her. She would leave Egypt together with the Jewish [Israelite] people and later convert. She also merited to enter the Land of Israel 40 years later.
The nation as a whole was also put to the test and passed with flying colors, when they were given the commandment to offer the Passover sacrifice. To pass this test, the Jewish [Israelite] people were sent to the limits, when G-d ordered to tie up the Egyptian god (the lamb) to their bedposts and, four days later, slaughter the lamb before the eyes of the helpless Egyptians. The Jews [Israelites] suggested to Moshe that maybe they could cook the lamb in a stew, chopping it up in fine pieces so the Egyptians would not take notice of it. No, answered Moshe, it must be whole. Not only that, but it must be roasted, for the smell of the burning lamb should go all over Egypt for all to smell. The Egyptians were still helpless in stopping the Jewish [Israelite] people, and had to watch them destroy their god. This took great self-sacrifice on behalf of the Jewish [Israelite] people, and it was in this merit that they were able to cross over the Reed Sea.
In our parsha, Beshalach, we find the Jewish [Israelite] people with their backs to the wall. With the mighty Egyptian army in front of them, and their back to the sea with nowhere to run, Hashem commanded them to enter into the raging sea. The Jews [Israelites] were hesitant, and they formed a committee and a subcommittee (oh, how we love committees) to see which tribe would be the first to enter. At that moment, Nachshon from the tribe of Judah jumped in, and only when the water started to enter his mouth did the sea open up for the Jewish people. Once again the day was saved through the great merit of self-sacrifice on behalf of the Jewish [Israelite] people. Nachshon was justly rewarded, as all before him, for his unselfish act to merit descendants who would sit on the throne of Israel!
Today, too, we see the great self-sacrifice of our children on behalf of the Jewish people and its Land. Last week's events at Amona showed the great love that our youth have for their Land and just how far they are willing to go to save it. The unholy and cowardly acts of the Israeli police showed their hatred for the strong and unyielding souls our youths have for their Land. Even as the blood flowed from their unprotected heads, one demonstrator told me that they would be coming back again next
time in spite of it all, for there is no other choice but to keep up the struggle. As in the Redemption in Egypt that came about only though acts of mesirut nefesh, so, too, in our day. As the blood of the Passover sacrifice went up to the Almighty and enabled us to pass through the raging waters of the sea, so, too, the blood of our children spilled for the Land of Israel should go up before the Almighty and bring Redemption to us all.
With love of Israel,
Levi Chazen
************************************
Today we all know that Rabbi Kahane was right! Help spread the Jewish Idea -
Join the Jewish Idea's E-mail list and spread the word! jidea@netvision.net.il
YESHIVAT HARA'AYON HAYEHUDI
Jerusalem, Israel
HaRav Yehuda Kroizer SHLIT"A, Rosh Yeshiva
PARSHAT BESHALACH
13 Shvat, 5766/10-11 February, 2006
OUR SECRET WEAPON
One of the repeating themes weaved throughout the story of the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt is the great mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice) that certain individuals displayed for the sake of the Jewish [Israelite] people, and their great reward for their selfless acts. Eventually, these acts of self-sacrifice would spread to the entire nation.
The story of the Exodus opens up with king Pharaoh ordering the midwives, Yocheved and Miriam, to kill all the Jewish [Israelite] male babies. Surely, the king of Egypt did not need police or advisers to put his wishes into action, for anyone who would dare disobey the king's order would certainly be put to death. Still, Yocheved and Miriam refused to lend a hand to Pharaoh's wickedness, for they feared the L-rd, so they did not do as the king had ordered. Their reward for this very courageous act? The Torah tells us that Hashem made houses for them. What kind of houses? From them would come forth the houses of the Kehunah (priesthood) and the houses of Malchut (kingship).
Next, we find the great acts of Moshe, in leaving the palace where he lived a life of luxury, where every request of his was fulfilled, to go out and see the pain of his people. All of this he gave up in an instant when he saw the Egyptian striking a fellow Jew, and killed him. He then went into exile, leaving all behind. For this, Moshe was chosen to lead the people out of Egypt.
We find that, after the decree went out that the Jews [Israelites] would no longer
receive straw to make bricks but would still be required to produce the same amount as when they were given the straw, they were unable to come up with the daily quota. As the Torah tells us that the Egyptian overseers said to the guards: Why did you not complete your requirement to make bricks as yesterday and before? And the guards of the children of Israel were beaten. So unlike today's Jewish police, who frantically give out the beatings, these Jewish [Israelite] heroes received the beatings from the Egyptians and did not pass it on to their beloved people. They, too, were rewarded for their acts, for later on we find that these same Jewish [Israelite] policemen became the future Sanhedrin!
Even Pharaoh's daughter Batya was rewarded for her great act of self-sacrifice for saving baby Moshe. For surely she took great risks to herself when she brought Moshe into the royal palace. Our Rabbis teach us that Moshe prayed on her behalf, and so the 10 plagues did not affect her. She would leave Egypt together with the Jewish [Israelite] people and later convert. She also merited to enter the Land of Israel 40 years later.
The nation as a whole was also put to the test and passed with flying colors, when they were given the commandment to offer the Passover sacrifice. To pass this test, the Jewish [Israelite] people were sent to the limits, when G-d ordered to tie up the Egyptian god (the lamb) to their bedposts and, four days later, slaughter the lamb before the eyes of the helpless Egyptians. The Jews [Israelites] suggested to Moshe that maybe they could cook the lamb in a stew, chopping it up in fine pieces so the Egyptians would not take notice of it. No, answered Moshe, it must be whole. Not only that, but it must be roasted, for the smell of the burning lamb should go all over Egypt for all to smell. The Egyptians were still helpless in stopping the Jewish [Israelite] people, and had to watch them destroy their god. This took great self-sacrifice on behalf of the Jewish [Israelite] people, and it was in this merit that they were able to cross over the Reed Sea.
In our parsha, Beshalach, we find the Jewish [Israelite] people with their backs to the wall. With the mighty Egyptian army in front of them, and their back to the sea with nowhere to run, Hashem commanded them to enter into the raging sea. The Jews [Israelites] were hesitant, and they formed a committee and a subcommittee (oh, how we love committees) to see which tribe would be the first to enter. At that moment, Nachshon from the tribe of Judah jumped in, and only when the water started to enter his mouth did the sea open up for the Jewish people. Once again the day was saved through the great merit of self-sacrifice on behalf of the Jewish [Israelite] people. Nachshon was justly rewarded, as all before him, for his unselfish act to merit descendants who would sit on the throne of Israel!
Today, too, we see the great self-sacrifice of our children on behalf of the Jewish people and its Land. Last week's events at Amona showed the great love that our youth have for their Land and just how far they are willing to go to save it. The unholy and cowardly acts of the Israeli police showed their hatred for the strong and unyielding souls our youths have for their Land. Even as the blood flowed from their unprotected heads, one demonstrator told me that they would be coming back again next
time in spite of it all, for there is no other choice but to keep up the struggle. As in the Redemption in Egypt that came about only though acts of mesirut nefesh, so, too, in our day. As the blood of the Passover sacrifice went up to the Almighty and enabled us to pass through the raging waters of the sea, so, too, the blood of our children spilled for the Land of Israel should go up before the Almighty and bring Redemption to us all.
With love of Israel,
Levi Chazen
************************************
Today we all know that Rabbi Kahane was right! Help spread the Jewish Idea -
Join the Jewish Idea's E-mail list and spread the word! jidea@netvision.net.il
The Song of the Sea
"I will sing unto the L-rd, for He is highly exalted; The horse and his rider He has thrown to the sea."
(Shirat Hayam - the Song of the Sea, Exodus 15:1)
Shvat 11, 5766/February 9, 2006
Perched on the banks of the Sea of Reeds: are we marching toward our future or fleeing from our past? Eretz Yisrael lies before us and the armies of Pharaoh loom behind us: this is where the children of Israel found themselves in this week's Torah reading, Beshallach, (Exodus 13:17), and this is where the Children of Israel find themselves today: are we here in the land of Israel to build a better future, one which includes the Holy Temple and the word of G-d which goes forth from Zion, or are we here cowering before those who wish to annihilate us? Today, as then, an intimidating future, (the "impassible" sea), and a terrifying present, (a looming holocaust, G-d forbid), cause different reactions within the nation of Israel, some more rational, and some less. But only united can we march through the sea as on dry land, carrying upon our shoulders our destiny as a people: worshipping the One G-d, Master of Creation in His Holy Temple, here in the land of Israel.
Who were the erev rav - the mixed multitude, and how has their presence plagued the Jewish people throughout the millennia?
The crowning moment of unity and determination - the Song of the Sea, in which unconditional and unreserved praise for HaShem was sounded from the throats of every man, woman, and child of the Israelite nation. The Song of the Sea - the song of our redemption, then and now.
Preparing for Tu b'Shvat - the 15th of Shvat - the new year for trees; the day in which a tremor of rejuvenation moves all living things, trees and humans included. Learning the mystical seder of Tu b'Shvat.
All this, and more, on this week's Temple Talk.
With prayers for our complete redemption,
Yitzchak Reuven
THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE
PO Box 31876
Jerusalem, Israel 97500
(Shirat Hayam - the Song of the Sea, Exodus 15:1)
Shvat 11, 5766/February 9, 2006
Perched on the banks of the Sea of Reeds: are we marching toward our future or fleeing from our past? Eretz Yisrael lies before us and the armies of Pharaoh loom behind us: this is where the children of Israel found themselves in this week's Torah reading, Beshallach, (Exodus 13:17), and this is where the Children of Israel find themselves today: are we here in the land of Israel to build a better future, one which includes the Holy Temple and the word of G-d which goes forth from Zion, or are we here cowering before those who wish to annihilate us? Today, as then, an intimidating future, (the "impassible" sea), and a terrifying present, (a looming holocaust, G-d forbid), cause different reactions within the nation of Israel, some more rational, and some less. But only united can we march through the sea as on dry land, carrying upon our shoulders our destiny as a people: worshipping the One G-d, Master of Creation in His Holy Temple, here in the land of Israel.
Who were the erev rav - the mixed multitude, and how has their presence plagued the Jewish people throughout the millennia?
The crowning moment of unity and determination - the Song of the Sea, in which unconditional and unreserved praise for HaShem was sounded from the throats of every man, woman, and child of the Israelite nation. The Song of the Sea - the song of our redemption, then and now.
Preparing for Tu b'Shvat - the 15th of Shvat - the new year for trees; the day in which a tremor of rejuvenation moves all living things, trees and humans included. Learning the mystical seder of Tu b'Shvat.
All this, and more, on this week's Temple Talk.
With prayers for our complete redemption,
Yitzchak Reuven
THE TEMPLE INSTITUTE
PO Box 31876
Jerusalem, Israel 97500
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Psalms 48
Psalms 48
A SONG AND PSALM FOR THE SONS OF KORAH
(Commentary from Yair Davidy of Brit-Am Israel)
We should remember that the THE SONS OF KORAH were Levites descended from Korah who had rebelled against Moses and been swallowed alive by the earth opening up beneath him (Numbers chapter 16). The descendants of Korah were Levites who participated in the Temple Service and must have formed a kind of choir of their own since quite a few Psalms were composed for them.
Apparently they did not go in the way of their famous ancestor but followed the path of the Torah and of Moses. This shows that even if some of us have questionable beginnings we can still make a name for ourselves amongst the righteous. This present Psalm traditionally was sung every Second Day (Monday) of the week during the Temple Service.
[Psalms 48:1] GREAT IS THE LORD, AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED IN THE CITY OF OUR GOD, IN THE MOUNTAIN OF HIS HOLINESS.
Jerusalem is the City of the God of Israel. It is our city. We should never
forget this.
[Psalms 48:2] BEAUTIFUL FOR SITUATION, THE JOY OF THE WHOLE EARTH, IS MOUNT ZION, ON THE SIDES OF THE NORTH, THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING.
[Psalms 48:3] GOD IS KNOWN IN HER PALACES FOR A REFUGE.
[Psalms 48:4] FOR, LO, THE KINGS WERE ASSEMBLED, THEY PASSED BY TOGETHER.
The Mairi (1249-1306) says this refers to the future war of Gog and Magog when the heathen will assemble together to war against Jerusalem.
[Psalms 48:5] THEY SAW IT, AND SO THEY MARVELLED; THEY WERE TROUBLED, AND HASTED AWAY.
The Mairi points to Ezekiel 38:22 where a similar situation is described "AND I WILL PLEAD AGAINST HIM WITH PESTILENCE AND WITH BLOOD; AND I WILL RAIN UPON HIM, AND UPON HIS BANDS, AND UPON THE MANY PEOPLE THAT ARE WITH HIM, AN OVERFLOWING RAIN, AND GREAT HAILSTONES, FIRE, AND BRIMSTONE"
[Ezekiel 38:22].
[Psalms 48:6] FEAR TOOK HOLD UPON THEM THERE, AND PAIN, AS OF A WOMAN IN TRAVAIL.
[Psalms 48:7] THOU BREAKEST THE SHIPS OF TARSHISH WITH AN EAST WIND.
An east wind blows from east to west, i.e. the Ships of Tarshish must have been to the west. Traditionally Tarshish nis identified with Tartessos near Gibraltar in Spain. Concerning the identity of Tarshish see our article:
Answer to Queries About Tarshish
Perhaps here the verse is referring the defeat of the Spanish Armada which attempted an invasion of England in 1588 but was beaten by storms and English seamanship? Most of the damage to the Spanish was in effect due to storms.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/state/monarchs_leaders/adams_armada_01.shtml
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01727c.htm
Malibim (48:4[5]) The [heathen] kings were assembled to go to conquer Jerusalem. THEY PASSED BY TOGETHER in ships upon the Sea of TARSHISH [usually identified with the Atlantic Ocean] however they experienced Divine Providence with their own eyes (48:6) FEAR TOOK HOLD UPON THEM THERE and they attempted to flee AND PAIN, AS OF A WOMAN IN TRAVAIL. And what had they seen? The breaking of (48:7) THE SHIPS OF TARSHISH WITH AN
EAST WIND. The Malbim attributes the events described in the Psalm to an earthquake and a real live experience of something that happened in the past. Most Commentators however believe the Psalm is basically referring to future events and we too agree with this. Rashi on this verse appears to identify Tarshish ("Tarsis" in Aramaic) with Carthage on the North African Coast who were colonists of Tyre and pertained according to Rashi to Edom. The Carthaginians also settled in Spain and conquered and replaced the city of Tartessos which more usually is identified with Tarshish.
[Psalms 48:8] AS WE HAVE HEARD, SO HAVE WE SEEN IN THE CITY OF THE LORD OF HOSTS, IN THE CITY OF OUR GOD: GOD WILL ESTABLISH IT FOR EVER. SELAH.
[Psalms 48:9] WE HAVE THOUGHT OF THY LOVINGKINDNESS, O GOD, IN THE MIDST OF THY TEMPLE.
[Psalms 48:10] ACCORDING TO THY NAME, O GOD, SO IS THY PRAISE UNTO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH: THY RIGHT HAND IS FULL OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
[Psalms 48:11] LET MOUNT ZION REJOICE, LET THE DAUGHTERS OF JUDAH BE GLAD, BECAUSE OF THY JUDGMENTS.
[Psalms 48:12] WALK ABOUT ZION, AND GO ROUND ABOUT HER: TELL THE TOWERS THEREOF.
[Psalms 48:13] MARK YE WELL HER BULWARKS, CONSIDER HER PALACES; THAT YE MAY TELL IT TO THE GENERATION FOLLOWING.
[Psalms 48:14] FOR THIS GOD IS OUR GOD FOR EVER AND EVER: HE WILL BE OUR GUIDE EVEN UNTO DEATH.
God will guide us all our lives.
A SONG AND PSALM FOR THE SONS OF KORAH
(Commentary from Yair Davidy of Brit-Am Israel)
We should remember that the THE SONS OF KORAH were Levites descended from Korah who had rebelled against Moses and been swallowed alive by the earth opening up beneath him (Numbers chapter 16). The descendants of Korah were Levites who participated in the Temple Service and must have formed a kind of choir of their own since quite a few Psalms were composed for them.
Apparently they did not go in the way of their famous ancestor but followed the path of the Torah and of Moses. This shows that even if some of us have questionable beginnings we can still make a name for ourselves amongst the righteous. This present Psalm traditionally was sung every Second Day (Monday) of the week during the Temple Service.
[Psalms 48:1] GREAT IS THE LORD, AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED IN THE CITY OF OUR GOD, IN THE MOUNTAIN OF HIS HOLINESS.
Jerusalem is the City of the God of Israel. It is our city. We should never
forget this.
[Psalms 48:2] BEAUTIFUL FOR SITUATION, THE JOY OF THE WHOLE EARTH, IS MOUNT ZION, ON THE SIDES OF THE NORTH, THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING.
[Psalms 48:3] GOD IS KNOWN IN HER PALACES FOR A REFUGE.
[Psalms 48:4] FOR, LO, THE KINGS WERE ASSEMBLED, THEY PASSED BY TOGETHER.
The Mairi (1249-1306) says this refers to the future war of Gog and Magog when the heathen will assemble together to war against Jerusalem.
[Psalms 48:5] THEY SAW IT, AND SO THEY MARVELLED; THEY WERE TROUBLED, AND HASTED AWAY.
The Mairi points to Ezekiel 38:22 where a similar situation is described "AND I WILL PLEAD AGAINST HIM WITH PESTILENCE AND WITH BLOOD; AND I WILL RAIN UPON HIM, AND UPON HIS BANDS, AND UPON THE MANY PEOPLE THAT ARE WITH HIM, AN OVERFLOWING RAIN, AND GREAT HAILSTONES, FIRE, AND BRIMSTONE"
[Ezekiel 38:22].
[Psalms 48:6] FEAR TOOK HOLD UPON THEM THERE, AND PAIN, AS OF A WOMAN IN TRAVAIL.
[Psalms 48:7] THOU BREAKEST THE SHIPS OF TARSHISH WITH AN EAST WIND.
An east wind blows from east to west, i.e. the Ships of Tarshish must have been to the west. Traditionally Tarshish nis identified with Tartessos near Gibraltar in Spain. Concerning the identity of Tarshish see our article:
Answer to Queries About Tarshish
Perhaps here the verse is referring the defeat of the Spanish Armada which attempted an invasion of England in 1588 but was beaten by storms and English seamanship? Most of the damage to the Spanish was in effect due to storms.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/state/monarchs_leaders/adams_armada_01.shtml
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01727c.htm
Malibim (48:4[5]) The [heathen] kings were assembled to go to conquer Jerusalem. THEY PASSED BY TOGETHER in ships upon the Sea of TARSHISH [usually identified with the Atlantic Ocean] however they experienced Divine Providence with their own eyes (48:6) FEAR TOOK HOLD UPON THEM THERE and they attempted to flee AND PAIN, AS OF A WOMAN IN TRAVAIL. And what had they seen? The breaking of (48:7) THE SHIPS OF TARSHISH WITH AN
EAST WIND. The Malbim attributes the events described in the Psalm to an earthquake and a real live experience of something that happened in the past. Most Commentators however believe the Psalm is basically referring to future events and we too agree with this. Rashi on this verse appears to identify Tarshish ("Tarsis" in Aramaic) with Carthage on the North African Coast who were colonists of Tyre and pertained according to Rashi to Edom. The Carthaginians also settled in Spain and conquered and replaced the city of Tartessos which more usually is identified with Tarshish.
[Psalms 48:8] AS WE HAVE HEARD, SO HAVE WE SEEN IN THE CITY OF THE LORD OF HOSTS, IN THE CITY OF OUR GOD: GOD WILL ESTABLISH IT FOR EVER. SELAH.
[Psalms 48:9] WE HAVE THOUGHT OF THY LOVINGKINDNESS, O GOD, IN THE MIDST OF THY TEMPLE.
[Psalms 48:10] ACCORDING TO THY NAME, O GOD, SO IS THY PRAISE UNTO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH: THY RIGHT HAND IS FULL OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
[Psalms 48:11] LET MOUNT ZION REJOICE, LET THE DAUGHTERS OF JUDAH BE GLAD, BECAUSE OF THY JUDGMENTS.
[Psalms 48:12] WALK ABOUT ZION, AND GO ROUND ABOUT HER: TELL THE TOWERS THEREOF.
[Psalms 48:13] MARK YE WELL HER BULWARKS, CONSIDER HER PALACES; THAT YE MAY TELL IT TO THE GENERATION FOLLOWING.
[Psalms 48:14] FOR THIS GOD IS OUR GOD FOR EVER AND EVER: HE WILL BE OUR GUIDE EVEN UNTO DEATH.
God will guide us all our lives.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Ten Tribes
I'm happy to announce a new Ten Tribes site to help shine the light on Brit Am Israel, the Origin of Nations and the United States and Britain in Prophecy, etc.
Ten Tribes
The Ten Tribes site seeks to add to the treasure trove of information
about the Israelite origins of the West, prophesied to greatly
increase and culminate in the reconciliation and restoration of Judah with
Israel, becoming "One Nation Under God," a truly United Kingdom!
We announce Israel's imminent FAMILY REUNION destined to occur.
If you please, pay a visit to the Ten Tribes today and see what us pioneers are busy doing in preparation for that glorious Day!
Ten Tribes
The Ten Tribes site seeks to add to the treasure trove of information
about the Israelite origins of the West, prophesied to greatly
increase and culminate in the reconciliation and restoration of Judah with
Israel, becoming "One Nation Under God," a truly United Kingdom!
We announce Israel's imminent FAMILY REUNION destined to occur.
If you please, pay a visit to the Ten Tribes today and see what us pioneers are busy doing in preparation for that glorious Day!
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Keeping an Eye on Germany
From: HawaiianKane (Manager of A FORUM ON THE MIDDLE EAST)
Let me point out, although David Ben Ariel may not hold exactly the same opinions that we personally hold, we believe his aptitude and insight has always been unique and worthy of examining in detail. His rectitude has always been admirable and his concern for Israel unquestioned.
Because of his outstanding interest and admiration of Israel, we made him part of our Management Team and held him responsible for alerting us to any shifts in European covert actions against Eretz Yisroel.
Many Jews still hold strongly to David's insistence regarding innate Germanic attitudes regarding dominance of all other states and having a secret agenda directly ultimately against Jews and the rest of Mankind. Although I may not entirely agree, honestly I can't definitely believe he is wrong. My instinct believes he is really "onto" something, which none of us can ignore.
Let me point out, although David Ben Ariel may not hold exactly the same opinions that we personally hold, we believe his aptitude and insight has always been unique and worthy of examining in detail. His rectitude has always been admirable and his concern for Israel unquestioned.
Because of his outstanding interest and admiration of Israel, we made him part of our Management Team and held him responsible for alerting us to any shifts in European covert actions against Eretz Yisroel.
Many Jews still hold strongly to David's insistence regarding innate Germanic attitudes regarding dominance of all other states and having a secret agenda directly ultimately against Jews and the rest of Mankind. Although I may not entirely agree, honestly I can't definitely believe he is wrong. My instinct believes he is really "onto" something, which none of us can ignore.
Herbert Armstrong: a Diamond among Coal
Worth repeating:
A new comment has been posted on your blog entry:
Germany Behind the Mask: Monster or Marshmallow?
From Name: Ruvy in Jerusalem
Comments: Didn't see this till now (21:40 Israel time, Motzaei Shabbat)
First of all, David, this is an excellent piece. We don't track on everything, but on keeping a close eye on Germany, we most assuredly do.
So, I have a question for you. Have you seen any machinations behind Chancellor Merkel? Evidences of the Social Christian party of Bayern in action?
Finally, for Dave Nalle and others reading this article.
I've noticed that looking behind the conventional and comfortable sources of data, news and ideas is very difficult for you, to put it politely. It is for most people. But survival in the future will depend on being able to look beyond what is your comfortable source of news, data and ideas.
A future that you do not understand at all is rushing at you with gathering speed. The riots in Damesek, the burning of two Danish embassies are just small signs of this.
While I am not a Christian and do not agree with everything that David ben Ariel's church believes in, the Philadelphia Trumpet has had a habit of calling events before they've occurred. That is something worth paying attention to.
Occasionally, I would listen to some of the Christian preachers on TV while I lived in the States. Curiosity would draw me there. The majority were just hucksters with only garbage on their tongues. Herbert Armstrong stood out as one man making sense, a diamond amongst a pile of coal. He actually provided analyses, where the other preachers provided nothing but thin air.
Again, I point out that I am no Christian and never will be. But David is worth paying careful attention to.
A new comment has been posted on your blog entry:
Germany Behind the Mask: Monster or Marshmallow?
From Name: Ruvy in Jerusalem
Comments: Didn't see this till now (21:40 Israel time, Motzaei Shabbat)
First of all, David, this is an excellent piece. We don't track on everything, but on keeping a close eye on Germany, we most assuredly do.
So, I have a question for you. Have you seen any machinations behind Chancellor Merkel? Evidences of the Social Christian party of Bayern in action?
Finally, for Dave Nalle and others reading this article.
I've noticed that looking behind the conventional and comfortable sources of data, news and ideas is very difficult for you, to put it politely. It is for most people. But survival in the future will depend on being able to look beyond what is your comfortable source of news, data and ideas.
A future that you do not understand at all is rushing at you with gathering speed. The riots in Damesek, the burning of two Danish embassies are just small signs of this.
While I am not a Christian and do not agree with everything that David ben Ariel's church believes in, the Philadelphia Trumpet has had a habit of calling events before they've occurred. That is something worth paying attention to.
Occasionally, I would listen to some of the Christian preachers on TV while I lived in the States. Curiosity would draw me there. The majority were just hucksters with only garbage on their tongues. Herbert Armstrong stood out as one man making sense, a diamond amongst a pile of coal. He actually provided analyses, where the other preachers provided nothing but thin air.
Again, I point out that I am no Christian and never will be. But David is worth paying careful attention to.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Third Temple Coming Soon to Jerusalem!
“And let them make me a Sanctuary that I may dwell among them" (Ex. 25:8).
This holy command in the Scriptures seems clear enough, so what's the problem? Why has Israel tolerated Jerusalem’s "abomination of desolation" — a Temple Mount without a Temple? Why haven’t the religious leaders encouraged the people to do what they can in fulfilling this mitzva?
Why are the political leaders afraid of such thoughts and shamefully bar my entry to Israel? Could such talk lead to war? Is the Arab moon god greater than the God of Israel? Have the Muslim hordes yet defeated the Lion of Judah? Isn’t Jerusalem Israel’s eternal capital?
Must we wait until we’re perfect before we can build the Third Temple? Are we less worthy than our forefathers who provoked God ten times in the Wilderness, yet were instructed to build the Tabernacle?
Doesn’t God work through very human instruments? How many times does God have to emphasize in the Torah that He’s chosen us because of His Great Purpose and love of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? Our role in God’s Plan is because of His goodness and mercy, not our greatness.
Where are the true leaders like Moses and David who made public appeals to prepare a Sanctuary for our God? (Ex. 35:4-5). Everyone, men and women, were encouraged to give of themselves in whatever way possible: skills and talents, time and materials. There was such an overwhelming response to Moses’ request that he had to ask for restraint. (Ex. 36:6-7).
David, unable to build the Temple, nevertheless did everything he possibly could in preparing for it. He didn’t just pray about it and hope that someone else would do something! And setting such a sterling example, David used it as a golden opportunity to ask the nation to follow his lead. The rulers and people responded and found transcendent joy in their generosity (1 Chron. 29:2,6).
It took Haggai and Zechariah to challenge the Jewish leaders of their day to quit making excuses and build the Temple. God had restored Judah to Zion, so why wasn’t it time for Him to also be invited Home?
Note that those Jews made aliyah (emmigrated) to Israel and built the Temple without a Messiah! And for the first 22 years the Temple and sacrificial system was working WITHOUT THE ASHES OF THE RED HEIFER!
Israel and world Jewry’s inaction concerning the Temple is without excuse! Even for those who would ignore biblical history and demand that we first become ritually pure, there's no reason for failing to prepare for that glorious day! It’s incumbent upon the Chief Rabbinate and Israeli government to do so.
Israel must make a public call and international issue stating the The Vatican must return the Temple treasures!
Thankfully, the Temple Mount Faithful, the Temple Institute and Yeshiva Ateret Cohanim have begun the process. As Abraham Lincoln stated: "I will prepare and the opportunity will present itself."
David Ben-Ariel is a Christian-Zionist writer in Ohio and author of Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall. With a focus on the Middle East and Jerusalem, his analytical articles help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out Beyond Babylon.
This holy command in the Scriptures seems clear enough, so what's the problem? Why has Israel tolerated Jerusalem’s "abomination of desolation" — a Temple Mount without a Temple? Why haven’t the religious leaders encouraged the people to do what they can in fulfilling this mitzva?
Why are the political leaders afraid of such thoughts and shamefully bar my entry to Israel? Could such talk lead to war? Is the Arab moon god greater than the God of Israel? Have the Muslim hordes yet defeated the Lion of Judah? Isn’t Jerusalem Israel’s eternal capital?
Must we wait until we’re perfect before we can build the Third Temple? Are we less worthy than our forefathers who provoked God ten times in the Wilderness, yet were instructed to build the Tabernacle?
Doesn’t God work through very human instruments? How many times does God have to emphasize in the Torah that He’s chosen us because of His Great Purpose and love of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? Our role in God’s Plan is because of His goodness and mercy, not our greatness.
Where are the true leaders like Moses and David who made public appeals to prepare a Sanctuary for our God? (Ex. 35:4-5). Everyone, men and women, were encouraged to give of themselves in whatever way possible: skills and talents, time and materials. There was such an overwhelming response to Moses’ request that he had to ask for restraint. (Ex. 36:6-7).
David, unable to build the Temple, nevertheless did everything he possibly could in preparing for it. He didn’t just pray about it and hope that someone else would do something! And setting such a sterling example, David used it as a golden opportunity to ask the nation to follow his lead. The rulers and people responded and found transcendent joy in their generosity (1 Chron. 29:2,6).
It took Haggai and Zechariah to challenge the Jewish leaders of their day to quit making excuses and build the Temple. God had restored Judah to Zion, so why wasn’t it time for Him to also be invited Home?
Note that those Jews made aliyah (emmigrated) to Israel and built the Temple without a Messiah! And for the first 22 years the Temple and sacrificial system was working WITHOUT THE ASHES OF THE RED HEIFER!
Israel and world Jewry’s inaction concerning the Temple is without excuse! Even for those who would ignore biblical history and demand that we first become ritually pure, there's no reason for failing to prepare for that glorious day! It’s incumbent upon the Chief Rabbinate and Israeli government to do so.
Israel must make a public call and international issue stating the The Vatican must return the Temple treasures!
Thankfully, the Temple Mount Faithful, the Temple Institute and Yeshiva Ateret Cohanim have begun the process. As Abraham Lincoln stated: "I will prepare and the opportunity will present itself."
David Ben-Ariel is a Christian-Zionist writer in Ohio and author of Beyond Babylon: Europe's Rise and Fall. With a focus on the Middle East and Jerusalem, his analytical articles help others improve their understanding of that troubled region. Check out Beyond Babylon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
