Shavuot: Feast of Weeks

Shavuot is the celebration of the latter fruits of the spring harvest.  It’s also called the Feast of Weeks, because Adonai commanded the Jews to count 7 weeks, or 50 days from the Feast of First Fruits.  This year Shavuot begins at sundown on Wed., June 7. 

Shavuot is the second of the three feasts God commanded all men to go up to Jerusalem to celebrate.   They were to bring 2 loves of leaven bread (as opposed to the unleavened bread of Pesach), to wave before the Lord.  One loaf represent the Jewish people and the other one represents believers in Yeshua, because all of us have sinned (hence the leaven).

Shavuot was the day Jehovah gave Moses the Law on Mt. Sinai 3,300 years ago (Exodus 19). 

Shavuot was also the day Yeshua poured out the Ruach HaKodesh on the early believers 2,000 years ago, in the Upper Room in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-5), fulfilling the prophecy of the Prophet Joel (Joel 3).  It is also referred to as Pentecost (Greek for 50).

Prophetically, Shavuot may also be the day of the 'Later Day' outpouring and the beginning of the revival of the nations. 

Today, at Shavuot, Jews set their tables with their best dishes and linens, and decorate their homes with greenery and fresh flowers.  After dinner, the family gathers for the reading of the book of Ruth from the Tanakh.  The setting of the story was during the wheat harvest, or at Shavuot.   There is also a tradition of eating dairy products on this day.

During the Six Day War in 1967, the Kotel, or the Western Wall, was opened to the Jewish people on Shavuot.  That day, 200,000 Jews walked to the Wall to pray and celebrate the recapture of Jerusalem.  This 'pedestrian pilgrimage' is still observed in Jerusalem today.

Yom Yerushalayim: Jerusalem Day

Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day), Wednesday, April 1, marks the 44th anniversary of the capture of the Old City by the IDF forces on the first day of the Six Day War in 1967.   This resulted in the reunification of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The traditional Rikudgalim (Flag Dance) March takes place every year in Jerusalem on Jerusalem Day with the participation of close to 100,000 people. The route has always been down Jaffa Rd., leading to the Old City.

This year, however, because of the new light-rail system that has taken over the street, marchers will march down Route 1 and on HaNeviim (Prophets) St., to the north of Jaffa Rd.. Some of the marchers will enter the Old City via Damascus Gate, while the others will march around the Old City Walls to the north and enter through Dung Gate.

Other events include remembering the Ammunition Hill battle, the unfurling of an Israeli flag on the Temple Mount, and the liberation of other areas in Judea and Samaria.

Jerusalem became the capital of Israel over 3,000 years ago when it was captured by King David in 1,000 BC.  Since that time, Jerusalem has been and will remain the eternal, undivided capital of Israel.

According to the Hebrew calendar, May 1 is the 28th day of the month of Iyar in the year 5727.

Happy Birthday Jerusalem!
Dawn

http://bit.ly/lOBjEa         http://bit.ly/baiyNV

Nakba Day

Pray for peace and protection for the Israeli people this weekend, May 13-15, as the Palestinian people commemorate Nakba Day.

Nakba Day (Day of Catastrophe) is an annual event, held every May 15, marking the creation of the State of Israel. The Arabs believe this was the beginning of the “occupation.”

On May 15, 1948,  approximately 725,000 Palestinian Arabs fled from their homes during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the Civil War that preceded it.

During the 1949 Lausanne conference, Israel proposed allowing the return of 100,000 Palestinians as a goodwill gesture.  The Arab states rejected the proposal on both moral and political grounds.

Nakba Day has been marked each year by rallies and protests which at times develop to clashes between Palestinians and the Israel Defense Forces in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

For 2011, activists have called for new uprisings all weekend, which would see thousands of Arabs holding marches, rallies and demonstrations in Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, all in solidarity with the Palestinians.  These activities will peak on May 15, with outbursts both inside and outside of Israel, probably much more than any year before.

Israel celebrated the 63^rd anniversary of its re-creation on Tuesday, May 10, which was 2 Iyar on the Hebrew calendar.

http://bit.ly/mS9CLz   & Wikipedia

Yom Ha'atzmaut: Israel's Independence Day

Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day, is May 10, 2011, which is 5 Iyar 5771 on the Hebrew calendar.

The 5 Iyar, 5708, was the Hebrew date of the re-establishment of the State of Israel, 63-years-ago.  The corresponding date on the Roman calender is May 14, 1948.  The declaration of the State of Israel was authorized by Great Britain in 1917, under the British Mandate.

The British Mandate included the West Bank of the Jordan River all the way to the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the landmass on the East Bank of the Jordan River, an area known as Trans-Jordan. The British held sovereign control of this region and re-named it “Palestine.”

The name Palestine was coined by the Romans after their destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, which they re-named Aelia Capitolina.  The Jewish people were dispersed from their ancient homeland by the Babylonians is 597 CE, knows as the Disporia.

Israeli Statehood was declared by future Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, one day before the end of the British Mandate of Palestine, which was due to end on May 15, 1948, thus ending British control of the region. The new State was quickly recognized by the Soviet Union, the United States, and many other countries, but not by the surrounding Arab states.

Their Arab neighbors launched an aggressive campaign against the newborn Jewish state to eliminate them.  This became known as the War of Independence.  The Arab coalition was defeated by the Jews.

The Arab nations surrounding Israel today are still trying to figure out a way to get rid of the Jewish nation. They have failed time-and-time again, yet they refuse to acknowledge the Jewish State.  How can we expect them to live peaceably with the Jews in a Palestinian state?

This Yom Ha'atzmaut, may we remember the State of Israel, and God's miracle that explains her existence.

Mazel Tov Ysrael,
Dawn 

http://bit.ly/kxhFel

Yom HaShoah: Holocaust Remembrance Day

Yom Hazikaron L'shoah V'l'giborah, or Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day, takes place on 27 Nisan (May 1).  This is a day to remember the six million Jews who died during the Holocaust as a result of the actions carried out by Nazi Germany under the leadership of Adolph Hitler.

Although there are many today who deny the Holocaust ever occurred, history proves herself as a silent witness to the truth.

Inaugurated in 1953, by Prime Minister of Israel David Ben-Gurion and Israeli President Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, Yom HaShoah was established because education about the Holocaust (Shoah - meaning catastrophe) emphasized the suffering inflicted on millions of European Jews by the Nazis.

But surveys indicated that young Israelis did not sympathize with the victims of the Holocaust, since they believed that European Jews were 'led like sheep for slaughter.'

The Israeli educational curriculum changed the emphasis to document how the Jews resisted their Nazi tormentors through passive resistance, while retaining their human dignity in the most unbearable conditions.  They also resisted by fighting the Nazis in the ghettos and by joining underground groups who fought against the Third Reich.

Yom HaShoah opens in Israel at sundown in a somber state ceremony held at the Warsaw Ghetto Plaza at Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem. Holocaust survivors light six torches symbolizing the approximately six million Jews who were killed. 

As we take a moment of silence to remember those who are no more, let us also take our stand and declare 'Never Again!'
Dawn

http://bit.ly/jQXzz4

No One Knows the Day or the Hour?

"No one knows the day or the hour."  Really?

This is one of the most oft quoted verses in the Scriptures that Yeshua spoke.  He meant what He said and said what He meant ... but what exactly did He mean? 

There is a first century Jewish idiom that will shed much light on what Yeshua was saying to His followers 2,000-years-ago, and to us today.

The Hebrew calendar is based upon the lunar cycle and consists of twelve 30-day months; with the month officially beginning with the sighting of the first sliver of the new moon.

All Jewish holidays always fall on the full moon of the month - except one.  Rosh HaShanah (Head of the Year) is the only holiday that occurs on the first of the month, during the month of Tishri.

Before science understood the cycles of the planets and the solar system, the Jews knew that there was a two-day window for the sighting of the new moon. 

The new month could not officially begin until two witnesses reported to the High Priest that they had seen the sliver of the new moon.  Once the first two sightings were confirmed, the priests would sound the shofar to declare the start of Rosh HaShanah.

Watch this amazing video from El Shaddai Ministries. It shows Revelation 12 coming to life in the night sky over Jerusalem.  This only happens on one night of the year - on Rosh HaShanah.   bit.ly/jiuAd7  (Full Screen)

But until these two witnesses came forth, the response from the priests would always be "no one knows the day or the hour" of when the holiday would begin.  Thus the words of Yeshua become significant here with this understanding.  (Matthew 24:36)

Yeshua was saying that He would come for His bride at Rosh HaShanah (Feast of the Ingathering or Feast of Trumpets).  His disciples would have understood immediately what He meant.  But the meaning has been lost over the centuries as the Scriptures have been separated further and further from its Hebrew roots.

Yeshua was saying that we would not know which [of the two] days or at what hour [which watch during that night (Mark 13:35)], or which year that He would come.  However, He did insist that we know the times and the season.  This is why He gave us so many signs to look for. 

Yeshua said to 'Watch!'  (Matthew 24: 42-43)  Are you?

Dawn

The Feast of Our First Fruits

Over two thousand years ago, on a particular Sfirat Haomer, or Feast of First Fruits, all time and eternity was changed forever.  Because it was on the third day that Messiah Yeshua rose from the dead as the First Fruits of the resurrection. 

On that third day of Passover, on the Feast of First Fruits, the Jews had a thanksgiving celebration to the Lord for the early harvest.  The people would bring a barley offering called the Omer, or sheaf.  The priest were to wave the sheaf before the Lord as a first fruits offering that would allow for the consumption of the recently-harvested grains.

There was a first century Jewish idiom said 'if God has been faithful to bless us with this early harvest, He will most certainly provide the latter harvest.'

Indeed He has.  Because Adonai has given Yeshua as the First Fruits of the resurrection, He most will most certainly come for His own as the latter harvest.  It is in this truth that we place our hope.

Until He comes,
Dawn

Counting the Omer

After the Seder has been celebrated, the Jewish people look with anticipation for the fruits of the spring harvest.

"From the day after the Sabbath, count off seven full weeks.  Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, then present an offering to the Lord."  (Leviticus 23:15-16)

Starting the Sabbath after Pesach (Passover), the Jewish people engage in a time of "Counting the Omer." A period of 7-weeks, or 49-days, the Omer is counted every evening, which is the beginning of the new day.

An Omer was a measure of barley (2 quarts) that the Jewish people brought as an offering on the second day of Pesach.

At the end of the evening prayer on each of these 49-nights, the Jews recite a blessing and then call out the number of the day and the week.  According to the authorities, if one missed counting one day, the whole 7-week period is considered 'incomplete.'

The Torah says it is a Mitzah (blessing) to "Count the Omer" every day of the 49-days, which leads up to the Festival of Shavuot.

This 49-day period is a reflection of the 40-days Yeshua remained with His disciples after His resurrection.  Before He ascended back to His Father, He then the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Helper. His disciples waited in the Upper Room 9-days before He fulfilled that promise.

We too should wait with patience for the promises Yeshua made to us.  Because He is faithful to do what He has promised.

Blessings,
Dawn

http://bit.ly/8XnLZc

Hag HaMatzoh and Sfirat Haomer

Hag HaMatzoh (Feast of Unleaven Bread) celebrates that Yeshua, like the matzoh we eat, was without leaven (sin).  Therefore only unleaven bread, matzoh, is eaten for the next 7 days following Pesach, in the feast called Unleaven Bread.  It is to remember the Hebrews and their rushed escape from Egypt, where they didn't have time to wait for their bread to rise.  It also recalls their years of wandering in the desert.

The third day after Pesach is called Sfirat Haomer (First Fruits). It is also the day Yeshua was resurrected as the First Fruits of the brethren.  In the time of the Temple, First Fruits as a thanksgiving celebration for the early barley harvest.  The priests were to wave a sheaf of barley before the Lord in a First Fruits offering.  This would allow for the consumption of the rest of the early harvest.

Not only is Yeshua our Passover Lamb, He is our sinless sacrifice, and He is the first fruits of the resurrection.  Because He lives, we too will live.

Blessings,
Dawn

Reminder of the Pesach SuperMoon

Just a quick post to remind everyone of the Super Moon on Pesach (Passover), Monday, April 18.

A Lunar Perigee, is when a new or full moon is at 90% of its closest distance to earth. However, a SuperMoon is when the moon is full or new, and is at its 100% closest distance to earth.
  
This will be the third Super Moon in the same number of months.   The first being in February, the second occurred in March on the Jewish holiday of Purim.  This third SuperMoon will fall on Pesach (Passover), one of the most important feasts on the Jewish calender.

Anytime an celestial event occurrs on one of the Jewish holidays, it was usually coincided with a major world event.  The SuperMoon on March 19 brought us a war with Libya.

So have a great Pesach celebration, and take a minute to peek outside to see one of the 'signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars' that Yeshua said would precede His return to rescue His people.

Chag Shamach!
Dawn

Netanyahu Preparing to Divide Jerusalem

I discovered this article from Thursday, April 15.  Netanyahu is preparing to accept the conditions of the Palestinians, to create a State of Palestine along side Israel.

During a visit to Israel last week, Rep. John Boehner, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about his upcoming trip to the US.

Netanyahu will be here to speak at the annual AIPAC conference, May 22-24, in Washington, DC.  During his speech, Netanyahu is expected to reiterate his conditions for the establishment of a Palestinian State.

Netanyahu’s office has hinted that he intends to use the visit to outline a new “peace proposal” aimed at wooing the Palestinian Authority into the direct talks that it walked out of in September, supposedly because Netanyahu refused to extend a freeze on Jewish construction in Judea and Samaria.

There is reported expectation in the Administration that Netanyahu will announce his willingness to accept President Obama’s ideas, according to which the PA state would be established on all of the land that was occupied by Jordan in 1948-1967, and to renew the anti-Jewish building freeze.

This would hand East Jerusalem and the Temple Mount over to the sovereignty of the Palestinians. 

ISRAEL, April 15, 2011 (KATAKAMI.COM / Israelnationalnews.com) — http://bit.ly/e6z631

The Third Passover

As we have explored in earlier posts, the events that occur in association with Pesach (Passover) and the Seder meal, converge in such a way as to tie the present to the past, as well as the present to the future.

Passover is to remember God's deliverance of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt.  It is also to remember God's deliverance of believers from slavery from sin through Messiah Yeshua.

In the last days, there will be another 'passing over' for the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.

In reference to the last great war in the middle east, when all of the armies of the world are gathered against Jerusalem, Isaiah 32:4-5 (NIV) reads:

"As a lion growls, a great lion over his prey - and though a whole band of shepherds is called together against him, he is not frightened by their shouts or disturbed by their clamor - so the Lord Almighty will come down to do battle on Mount Zion and on its heights.

Like birds hovering overhead, the Lord Almighty will shield Jerusalem; he will shield it and deliver it, he will "pass over" it and will rescue it."

The great Lion of the tribe of Judah will rise up to vindicate His people against the hoards of people who seek to destroy Israel and wipe her off the face of the map. (Psalm 83:4)  Yeshua isn't bothered by their taunts, God laughs and scoffs at them, saying "I have installed My King on Zion."  (Psalm 2:4-6)  The Lord will come and fight for Israel, and He will rescue them from their enemies.

As the Hebrews were protected from the death of the first born, believers are protected from eternal death, and Israel will be protected from death by their enemies.

The Lord is faithful to His people.
Chag Sameach! Happy Passover!
Dawn

The Afikomen

In the early part of the Pesach (Passover) Seder the rabbi, or head-of-household, will place three whole pieces of matzah into a three-pocket pouch, called a Matzah Tosh. This is to demonstrate echad (unity or oneness) between the Patriarchs:  Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  For believers, this would bring to mind the Trinity:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The rabbi will then remove the middle piece of matzah from the pouch, break it in half, and place one half back into the pouch.  The other half, called the Afikoman - al-fee-ko-men - is wrapped in a piece of cloth and hidden.

Later in the Seder, at the time of the third cup, the Cup of Redemption, the youngest at the table is instructed to find the afikomen.  When he finds it, he gets a prize.

That middle piece of matzah (which is pierced, bruised, and has stripes - but is without sin) is taken out [of the presence of the Father].  Yeshua was broken for us on the cross. He was wrapped in a cloth, and placed in a borrowed tomb where He was hidden for three days.  On the third [cup] day, he arose from the dead to give all His children redemption from sin.

There is so much meaning in this one short segment, but the Seder experience is like this throughout the whole meal.

Pesach is Monday, April 18. Find a Messianic Seder being hosted in your community and experience the Seder for yourself.  It's amazing!

Chag Sameach! Happy Passover!
Dawn

The Four Cups

The Seder meal shared at Pesach (Passover) is a visual retelling of Moses delivering the Hebrews from 400 years of slavery in Egypt, as told in the Tanakh (Old Testament book of Exodus).

In the last few posts, I have identified some of the elements used in the Seder and their significance. What they mean to the Jewish people and what they mean to believers in Yeshua (Jesus).

Of vital importance to the Seder experience is the Four Cups.  Four cups of wine are placed before each participant to be drank during the meal.  This is taken from the Four Promises Adonai made to the the Hebrews shortly before their Emancipation, as recorded in Exodus 6:6-7. 

"I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.  I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.  I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God."

The first cup is Sanctification - I will bring you out

The second cup is Judgment - I will rescue you

The third cup is Redemption - I will redeem you

The fourth cup is Praise - I will take you

What Christians refer to as The Last Supper was actually a Passover Seder.

 

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread [matzah], gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”  Then he took the [third] cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”  (Matthew 26:26-28)  This new covenant was foretold by Jeremiah 31:31-34. 

During a Seder, at the time of the third cup, a piece of matzah is passed around the table and each person breaks off a little piece, and is eaten along with the cup.  This is the portion of the Seder where Yeshua proclaimed the New Covenant, and this is the portion believers call Communion.

“I tell you, I will not drink [the fourth cup] of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you [the Marriage Supper, a Seder] in my Father’s kingdom.”  This fourth cup Yeshua referred to is the Cup of Praise.  (Matthew 26:29)

The experience of participating in a Seder is rich indeed. Not only does it tie the present to the past, it also connects the present to the future.

Blessings in Yeshua,

Dawn

The Story of the Matzah

Matzah is a special bread eaten during Pesach (Passover).  It is made without yeast which makes it thin and crispy when it is baked in the oven. It has a taste that is similar to a saltine cracker.

The yeast is omitted from the recipe as a reminder that the Hebrews had to leave Egypt so quickly, that their breads did not have time to rise.  Yeast is also a representative of sin.

The Matzah is special because it is a visual reminder of the suffering of Messiah Yeshua before His crucifixion at Pesach. 

We read in Isaiah 53:5 that Messiah "was pierced for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."

Observe the Matzah on the right border of this post.  There are little holes which appear to be in rows running down the length of the bread. Also notice the brown spots on the bread which occurred while the bread was baking.

The holes represent when Yeshua was pierced, the brown spots are His bruises, and the rows are the stripes He took to purchase our healing.  Also, remember that the Matzah is without yeast (sin) just as Yeshua is without sin.

There are many little flashes of Yeshua all throughout the Seder meal. A Messianic Seder Service will draw specific attention to those foreshadows concerning Yeshua.  If you have an opportunity to attend such as Seder, it is a very memorable event.

Remember the story of the Matzah!
Shalom, Dawn

Elements of the Seder

Pesach (Passover) is known as the "holiday of freedom," commemorating the Exodus of the Hebrew people from Egypt following 400 years of slavery.  Passover is regarded as the 'birth' of the Jewish nation, and their lessons of struggle and identity form the basis of the Seder meal.  The Seder - which means order - is designed to allow each partaker to experience a step-by-step walk from slavery into freedom.

The Haggadah is the guide that recounts the Exodus story and the Ten Plagues.  Symbolic foods are used as visual object lessons that bridge the present with the past.

Some of the elements used in the Seder meal are:

Karpas - Toward the beginning of the Seder, Karpas (parsley) is dipped into a small bowl of saltwater and represents the tears of the Hebrews while under the harsh oppression of the Egyptian slave masters.  This also represents the tears of all humanity who are enslaved by the burden of sin.

Marror or Bitter Herbs - Later in the Seder, a small amount of Chazeret (horseradish) is tasted. The bitter taste and pungent smell is a reminder of the bitterness of a life of slavery.  This also represents the bitterness of the life of a person without Yeshua.

Charoset - This is a thick mixture containing apples, nuts, and raisins, among other ingredients, that represents the mortar used by the Hebrews to make bricks.  It also represents the sweet fellowship believers have with Yeshua.
Shank Bone - A lamb shank bone is placed on the plate to represent the lamb that was slain in order to apply its blood to their door frames.  Yeshua is the Lamb of God who was slain, and Who's blood covers all believers.

Matzah - A special bread that is made without yeast. The Hebrews were in such a hurry to leave Egypt that they did not have time to allow their breads to rise.  Yeast is also a representation of sin.

The Seder is a special experience that retells an ancient story of the past. But it also tells a not-so-ancient story of the present.  Deliverance, redemption, and freedom - timeless treasures desired by all men.

Shalom,
Dawn   

A Lamb Without Spot or Blemish

The Jewish people were commanded by Adonai to select a lamb for each family on the tenth of Nissan, which was in preparation for the first Passover.  They were told to keep the lamb for four days to be sure that it was without spot or blemish. Naturally, during this time the family would have grown attached to the adorable animal.  (Exodus 12:5-6)

Centuries later, after Yeshua had presented Himself to the Jewish people as their Messiah and Lamb by riding into the city on a donkey.  This is usually referred to as Palm Sunday because the Jews were waving palm fronds in celebration.

Yeshua was in Jerusalem everyday teaching at the Temple and making Himself quite accessible to the massive crowds that had gathered in the city for Passover, just days away.  While teaching, he was subjected to questions from the Pharisees and the Sadducees, as well as the townspeople.  Yet, during this time, no one could find fault with him.

After Yeshua was arrested, (because of the jealously of the Priests), He was eventually taken to appear before Pilate for questioning.  Upon examination, Pilate announced that he had found no fault with this man.  (Matthew 27:23-24)

Therefore, after the four days that Yeshua was inspected in Jerusalem, the Lamb was found to be without spot or blemish.

Yeshua fulfilled this first portion of Passover exactly. And we will see in the following posts that He fulfilled every portion of Passover, which was a foreshadow of His sacrifice for the sins of mankind.

Behold the Lamb!
Dawn
http://bit.ly/bKV6yI

Sabbath HaGadol: Behold the Lamb

In preparation for the first Pesach (Passover), God commanded the Hebrews to select a lamb for each family on the tenth day of the month of Nissan (April 14). Each family was to keep their lamb for four days, naturally becoming attached to the adorable animal.  This selection process became known as Sabbath HaGadol, the Sabbath before Passover. (Exodus 12)

Many centuries later, as recorded by the prophet Daniel, God said there would be 490 years, from the time the command was given by Darus (445 BC) to rebuild the Jewish Temple, (which had been destroyed by the Babylonians), to when the Messiah would come.  (Daniel 9:24-25) 

The Messiah did indeed come on the scheduled date, the tenth of Nissan.

As prophesied in Zechariah 9:9, Yeshua rides into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, to present Himself to the Jewish people as their Messiah and Lamb. (Matthew 21:5)

Most of the people did not recognize Him. Do we recognize Him as the Lamb who was sacrificed for our sins? 

In thankfulness to Him!
Dawn
http://bit.ly/bKV6yI

It's Getting Crowded Up There

Just when you thought the 2011 sky show couldn't get any better, we find that there is yet another heavenly visitor coming to Earth this year.

We will be visited by an Astroid, 2005 YU, on Nov. 8 - 9, 2011.  YU is 400 meters wide and will pass earth within an 0.85 lunar distance.

Translation, Astroid 2005 YU will be closer to the Earth than our Moon when she comes-a-callin, according to NASA.   http://1.usa.gov/gUOroN.

The Astroid will reach a visual brightness of 11th magnitude and should be easily visible to observers in the northern and southern hemispheres.

In my previous post from April 3, http://bit.ly/i04adQ, I listed in date order all of the celestial events that will occur in 2011.  Interestingly, is the fact that there will be an event on every one of the Jewish Holidays this year.

If our friendly skys get any more crowded this year, someone will have to go up there and direct traffic.

Keep smiling cause the signs keep coming,
Dawn

Why Should Christians Support Israel?

As believers in Yeshua, the roots of our Christian faith run deep into the soil of the land of Israel.

The Jewish people were chosen by God to be His unique people.  Through the Jews, God's plan was to reach the whole world.

To them God gave His Promises and Covenants; to them He sent the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob); to them God revealed Himself in the desert of Saudi Arabia; to them was given the Tanakh (Old Testament) through Moses; and to them He gave the Promised Land, Israel.

To the Jews, God sent His Son, Messiah Yeshua first, then He choose to redeem all of mankind because of them; and through a small group of Jewish men God gave us His Word, the Scriptures.

Finally, to the Jews, Yeshua will return to rescue them from the destruction yet to be inflicted upon them by their enemies (Ezekiel 38-39). At that time, Yeshua will set up His earthly Kingdom, which will be headquartered in Jerusalem.

As believers, we are greatly indebted to the Jewish people and we owe them our support, for we have been greatly blessed through them.

It has often puzzled me how a person can claim to love Jesus, yet hate His people. They seem to forget that Jesus is also a Jew.

God said to Abraham, "I will bless those that bless you, and curse those that curse you."  Everything depends on how a person treats Israel.

Simple food for thought.
Shalom, Dawn

Chametz Free Zone

The week before Pesach (Passover) in a Jewish home is filled with much preparation.

The home should be free of any chametz, leavened grains or yeast.  Any breads, cookies, pasta, beer, etc., must be disposed of or sold to a gentile for the duration of the 8-day feast.  Only products labeled Kosher (Kashrut - proper or pure) may be eaten.  Yeast also represents sin.

Instead, Matzah, a thin, crispy, baked bread that is made without yeast, is eaten. This is a reminder that the Hebrew women did not have time to let their bread rise before they were rushed out of Egypt on the morning of the Exodus.

The night before Passover, there is a "search and burn" where the home is searched for any remaining chametz.   Sometimes mom will leave a few crumbs for the children to find. Using a candle and a feather she'll sweep them up, leaving a memorable experience for them.

Let this be a reminder to believers that Yeshua is our chametz free zone.  In Him, our sins are forgiven.  As a result, we are free from the stringent requirements of the Law to live in freedom to worship Him in spirit and truth, as we honor the Jewish Forefathers of our faith.

Rosh Chodesh Nisan

Israel just celebrated “Rosh Chodesh Nisan” – the beginning of the month of “Nisan,” April 4.  "Rosh" mean head or top, "Chodesh" means month, so it is the "Head (first) of the month.  Nisan is also the first month of the year on the Jewish calender.

Jewish months are based on a lunar calendar. In fact, the word “month” is derived from the word “moon.”  The occurrence of Rosh Chodesh was originally based on the testimony of two witnesses observing the new moon, since this was before science understood the cycle of the moon.

For centuries, new moons had to be “sited” and new months had to be “proclaimed” in Jewish courts since there wasn't a Jewish calendar. And without a calendar there would be no Jewish holidays.

After observing the beginning slice of the moon, two witnesses appeared before the Sanhedrin and the day was declared as Rosh Chodesh.  After declaring the new month, news of it would then be communicated throughout Israel and the diaspora.

http://bit.ly/gdcm3e     http://bit.ly/idz4N7

Sun Dark as Sackcloth and the Moon Turned into Blood

The Torah and the New Covenant both speak frequently about the occurrences of the Sun becoming dark as sackcloth and the Moon turning to blood.

Mark Blitz, El Shaddai Ministries, made a fascinating discovery in 2008.  He found a pattern of Tetrads – the occurrence of 4 total lunar eclipses in a row – repeatedly falling on the Jewish Holidays of Pesach (Passover) and Sukkoth (Feast of Tabernacles). The Jewish holiday tetrad cycle is extremely rare, and before 1493, had not happened in over 630 years.

There have been 7 tetrad cycles in the past 2,000 years, and the next one is in 2014-15.

Tetrad schedule for 2014-15

April 15, 2014 – Blood moon on Passover
October 8, 2014 – Blood moon on Tabernacles
March 21, 2015 – Solar eclipse on 1 Nisan
April 14, 2015 – Blood moon on Passover
September 14, 2015 – Solar eclipse on Rosh Hashanah
September 28, 2015 – Blood moon on Tabernacles

This chart lists all the tetrads for the past 2,000 years.

                               Biblical Astronomy 2010

http://bit.ly/hUXl9a   http://scr.bi/guE1lD   

Sky Signs on All Jewish Holidays 2011

Comet Elenin, Earth, and the Sun were in exact alignment last year on February 27th. That is when the 8.8 Chile Earthquake happened, and Earth's axis shifted.  Sept. 4, again, the same alignment of Elenin, Earth, and the Sun, there was a 7.2 earthquake in ChristChurch, New Zealand.

Then the same alignment of Elenin, Earth, and the Sun, occurred again on March 11, which was the date of the 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

(Remember also, we had the SuperMoon March 19, Purim, which brought us a war with Libya. And, there will be another SuperMoon on April 18, on Pesach (Passover)).

(The Triple eclipses will occur June 1 & 15 (Shavout is the 7), and the third on July 1.)

Comet Honda will make a close pass to Earth on Aug. 18.

This fall, Elenin will be making her closest pass to Earth yet. 

There will be an alignment of Elenin, Earth, and the Sun on Sept 29, which is Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets).

Oct 11, Yom Kippur (Day of Repentance), comet Levy will be visible as she enters our solar system to round the Sun.

On October 20th, during Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), Earth passes through the tail of Elenin as she heads back out to space.  This is The Closest Elenin will come to Earth, .236 AU.  The two bodies are side-by-side.

Astroid 2005 YU, at 400 meters wide, will pass Earth on Nov. 8-9.  What's interesting is that when she passes, she will be closer to the Earth than our Moon.

There will be 2 more alignments in November just further out, on Nov. 11 (11-11-11) and Nov 21.
Also on Nov. 21, Levy will be visible nearby. 

Finally, Levy passes Earth on her way back out of our solar system, and will be easily visible on Dec. 21, Hanukkah.



  http://bit.ly/eOdG2a   http://bit.ly/eOdG2a   http://1.usa.gov/hlwCr4  http://bit.ly/hfExwy

Comet Elenin's Grand Entrance

Hayka  gazeta.ru

                    
Comet Elenin, Earth, and the Sun were in exact alignment last year on February 27th. That is when the 8.8 Chile Earthquake happened, and Earth's axis shifted.  Sept. 4, again, the same alignment of Elenin, Earth, and the Sun, there was a 7.2 earthquake in ChristChurch, New Zealand.

Then the same alignment of Elenin, Earth, and the Sun, occurred again on March 11, which was the date of the 9.0 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

This fall, Elenin will be making her closest pass to Earth yet.                     

There will be an alignment of Elenin, Earth, and the Sun on Sept 29, which is Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets).

Then, on October 20th, during Sukkoth (Feast of Tabernacles), Earth passes through the tail of Elenin as she heads back out to space.  This is The Closest Elenin will come to Earth, .236 AU.  The two bodies will be basically side-by-side.

If you know anyone who lives near an earthquake fault, suggest they take a vacation during this year’s fall feasts.

This is just the activity of one comet.  Believe it or not, there are others making guest appearances this year too.

Get out your telescopes, it’s showtime!
Dawn

http://bit.ly/eOdG2a     http://bit.ly/hfExwy

2011 Triple Crown

An eclipse isn't a big deal anymore.  Science has proven why they occur and that an eclipse is a normal part of the movement of our solar system, right?  So, what are the odds of having triplets?

During the summer of 2011, there will be a solar eclipse over Siberia on June 1, then a lunar eclipse will take place over Israel on June 15 (Shavout is June 7), and a third on July 1 over Antarctica.  

For 3 eclipses to occur all within a 30 day period is not normal. In fact, Triple Crowns are quite rare indeed, in the sky and on the racetrack.

The first recorded triple eclipses occurred in 3067 BC, the time of the Kurukshetra Indo-Asiatic War.  The next triple eclipses occurred 3031 BC and coincided with the total destruction of the city of Dwarka.  The years 1910 and 1945 each had triple eclipses along with World Wars I and II.

The last multi-eclipses happened in July 2009, and was the first in a series of 6 triplets that will take place through 2020.  Unusual indeed. 

There hasn't been any triplet eclipses for over 5,000 years, and suddenly, they are taking place every 2 years?  I think the Lord is trying to get our attention.

Keep lookin' up!
Dawn
  http://bit.ly/YqRsH

Happy First of the Year

The Jewish calendar starts on the first of Nissan (April 4), according to the Torah (Exodus 12:2).  What's interesting is that the new year is considered to begin in the seventh month, Tishri, at Rosh HaShanah.  How can this be?

The ancient sages considered Rosh HaShanah to be when the world was made, it's the birthday of the earth.  The month of Nissan marks the beginning of the Hebrew people as the Chosen of Adonai.

The 14 of Nissan is Pesach (Passover), the time God rescued the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt.  It was at this time that He became their God and they became His people.

So, Nissan is the first of the year for Israel and Tishri is the first of the year for all mankind.

So, Happy New Year to God's Chosen Nation!

Shalom, Dawn

http://bit.ly/glsRuP

Hebrew or Gregorian

Ever wondered about the differences between the Hebrew and the Greek calendar?

The Jewish calendar features 12 months with 30 days in each, totaling 360 days in a year, and is based on the lunar cycle.  Each individual day actually begins at sundown, "evening and morning were the first day,"  (Gen 1:5)

In the 4th century A.D., a Jewish religious leader named Hillel calculated the number of years since creation.  According to his calculations, 2010-11 is the lunar year of 5771. This was determined by adding the ages of people in the Torah all the way back to the creation in Genesis 1.

The Julian calendar, named for Julius Caesar, was created in 45 B.C.  The calendar is made up of 11 months of 30 or 31 days, and an extra shorter month of 28 days. (Feb.) and is based upon the solar cycle.  By the Julian reckoning, a solar year comprised 365 days; with the addition of a “leap day” every four years.

The conversion from the Hebrew calender to the Julian occurred around A.D. 325, at the time of the Council of Nicaea. Intended to further separate the Roman Church from it's Hebrew roots.

The Gregorian calendar was proclaimed in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII as a reform of the Julian calendar.  This is the current calendar in use throughout most of the world.

The lunar Hebrew calendar, consisting of twelve 29- and 30-day months, adds an extra month seven times every 19 years (which explains the sometimes confusing drift of the Passover feast (through April and March). 

http://bit.ly/8oURHP, Shoresh IFCJ, http://bit.ly/2GlDVx

Pesach



Congregation Yeshus Yisrael



The feast of Pesach (Passover) is right around the corner, April 18 (14 Nisan).  This is the first of the three main feasts God commanded all men to go up to Jerusalem to observe.  The first of Nisan (April 4) is the start of the biblical year on the Hebrew calender. 

Pesach is the celebration of Adonai's deliverance of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt as recorded in the Torah (Exodus).  The name is from the final of the ten plagues God inflicted on Egypt - the slaying of the firstborn - caused by the hardening of Pharaoh's heart.

Adonai instructed the Hebrews to select a lamb on the tenth day of the month and to keep it for four days, to observe that the lamb was without spot or blemish.  They were then to kill the lamb at twilight and to mark the doors of their homes with the blood of the lamb.  When God saw the blood He "passed over" them, thus not slaying the Hebrew children.

The feast is marked by the celebration of the Seder (meaning order).  It is designed to give each participant the experience of "going from slavery into freedom."  The Haggadah serves as a guide through the Seder, telling the Exodus story and recounting the Ten Plagues using special foods and symbolism for illustration.

After dinner, the Seder ends with the Hallel prayer of praise, and the hope of "Next year in Jerusalem."

Earthquakes in Diverse Places

I was recently watching a Glen Beck program where he was talking about the 9.0 earthquake in Japan.  Then he listed off several other major quakes that had recently happened, all within a 30 day period of time.

Then it occurred to me, all the quakes he listed were on the infamous "ring of fire."  The "ring" is an upside-down "U" shape outline of Pacific Ocean basin.  It begins at the tip of South America and goes north to the US, Canada, past Alaska, and back down along the Asian coastline, all the way down to Australia.

Now, picture this inverted "U" in your mind.  Mark New Zealand (by Australia), then mark Japan, and mark the nation of Chile on the eastern side.  These are the locations of the quakes Beck listed.  The New Zealand quake was a 6.3 (Feb. 21), two Chile quakes, one on Feb 11, a 6.8, and one on Feb 14, a 6.6, then we all know about the 9.0 quake in Japan on March 11, plus a couple of hundred aftershocks.

What's interesting is that 3 of the 4 sides of the inverted "U" have had a significant quake to release built up pressure from the movement of the tectonic plates jostling one against the other.  The only portion of the "U"  that has not had a pressure release is the North American-Canadian portion.

Since all the other quakes were somewhat significant, that tells me there is a great amount of pressure that has built up and the plate boundaries cannot contain that pressure indefinitely.   Am I saying there is going to be a West Coast earthquake? No, I don't know.  I am simply sharing what I noticed about the information I heard from Beck; which I confirmed on the USGS web site.

I'm no prophet, to be sure, but I do know that Yeshua said there would be many quakes in various and multiple places that would increase in frequency and strength.  Like a women's labor pains. 

I'm just a watchman on the wall scanning the horizon.
Dawn

SuperMoon Special

When there are strange cosmic events on the Jewish feast days, there usually ends up being something even stranger on earth.  This month's SuperMoon is no exception.

The SM occurred on March 19, the same day President Obama declared war on Libya.

In Genesis 1:14, God created the sun and moon, and said "let them serve as signs to mark the seasons."  Interesting meanings in the Hebrew.  The word used for "signs" is owth (Strong's 226)  meaning signal, beacon, omen.  The word for "seasons" is mowadah (4150)  meaning fixed time or season, a festival, an appointed time.  Interestingly, mowadah is the same word God used to describe His feasts, Leviticus 23 "These are my appointed feasts."

It's saying to watch the sun and moon because God uses them as signals during His feasts - the Jewish holidays.

Did you know that there was a blood moon (lunar eclipse) on Pesach (Passover) when Yeshua was killed?  (April 3, 33)   There were also blood moons on Pesach and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) in 1996, which was the year of Jerusalem's 3000th anniversary as the capital of Israel.

There is so much I found, I'm trying to take it all in.  As soon as I can pick my chin up off the floor, I'll blog it in.  Until then ...

Keep looking up, your redemption is close,
Dawn

Parallels of Purim

There are many parallels in the biblical story of Esther and events happening today.  On Purim, the Jewish people celebrate a great victory over their enemy.  Believers in Yeshua should also celebrate Purim, knowing that their enemy was defeated at the cross.

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A young Jewish girl named Esther was taken out of simple village life and was welcomed into the king's palace.  While there she was exposed to a new world of rich tapestries, lavish clothing, jewels, and all spices and smells to delight the senses. 

During her 12 months of preparation to meet the king, she was taught about the kingdom, the palace, and about the king, himself.  When her days of preparation were completed, she was led into the king's presence.  He was so delighted in her that he made her his queen. 

A man named Haman, who was an advisor to the king, had a bitter hatred for the Jewish people.  So he devised a plan to completely destroy them. 

When Esther learned about Haman's plan, she went to the king and exposed his evil scheme.  Immediately, Haman was bound and taken to the gallows.  As a result of Esther's courage, her people were saved from certain destruction.

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When the modern Jewish people were rescued from the horrors of Europe and WWII, they were allowed to return to the land given to them by God, Israel.  In the 60 years since their return to the Land, they have increased, and prospered, and have been a very blessed people.

The long-awaited Jewish Messiah will come. When He does, the Jews will look upon Him, the one pierced, and will mourn for Him as an only child.  His Grace will be poured out and all will know and understand.

Even today, the Jewish people still contend with the spirit of Haman.  Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has vowed to "wipe Israel off the face of the map."  However, there will be no success for his plans, because God said to Abraham, "I will bless those that bless you and will curse those who curse you." 

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Believers in Yeshua have been taken out of the world, and welcomed into His glorious Kingdom.  In addition to His Presence, He has lavished them with gifts:  salvation, grace, mercy, kindness .... and so much more. 

As His people have been preparing for His return, they have gathered together for fellowship, studied the Scriptures, prayed, and worshiped their King.  When Yeshua does return, believers will be taken to meet the Him in the air, and will forever be with the Lord.

Until that day comes, the believer's too have a "Haman" to deal with, one who would love to snuff them out.  That old serpent, the devil, will quickly learn that he too, is a loser.  The only thing he has to look forward to is the lake of fire.

Signs in the Sky - on Purim & Passover

Yeshua said in the last days there would be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars. (Luke 21:25)

Next week, the moon is scheduled to make its closest approach to Earth in nearly 20 years.  On March 19 the moon will approach to within just 221,567 miles – the closest since 1992.  Called a Luner Perigee or a SuperMoon.  We will experience 3 of these lunar perigees in a row, which means a new or full moon at 90% of its closest distance to earth. However, a SuperMoon is when the moon is full or new, and is at its 100% closest distance to earth.   Last month’s full moon (February 18), this month’s full moon (March 19), and next month’s full moon (April 17) are all “lunar perigees."  The SuperMoon is the one on March 19, when the approach is at its absolute closest.

All of this is significant because March 19 is the Jewish Feast of Purim, and April 17 is the beginning of Pesach (Passover), one of the most important dates on the Jewish calendar.  Jews celebrate Passover to commemorate the exodus out of Egypt; Christians celebrate Passover because it was when Yeshua was crucified.

It's as if God were putting a huge billboard in the heavens and saying "Look!"  The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.  (Psalm 19:1)

Read more at  http://bit.ly/g7JMyZ  and  http://bit.ly/iaq7ra

Feast of Purim

Purim is one of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar. It commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination.  Beginning at sundown, March 19 (14th of Adar), Purim is the celebration of Esther's courage to stand up and expose the evil Haman who wanted to exterminate the Jews living in Susa (Babylon), as found in the book of Esther in the Tanakh (Old Testament).

Purim is celebrated with a festive party where the children dress up as their favorite character from the story.  At some point during the festivities, the book of Esther (the Megillah) is read aloud and every time Esther's or Mordecai's names are mentioned, the crowd cheers in excitement; but every time the name of the evil Haman is mentioned, the crowd makes loud noises trying to drown out the sound of his name.  The kids can get pretty rambunctious, but its all in good fun.

A modern day echo of Purim was during the Nuremberg war crime trials. In the Book of Esther, Haman's ten sons were hanged on the gallows (Esther 9:13); in 1946, ten of Hitler's top associates were put to death by hanging for their war crimes (including the crime of murdering 6 million Jews).  One of the men seems to have been aware of the parallel and on the way to the gallows, he shouted "Purim Fest 1946!"  (http://www.jewfaq.org)

Another echo of Purim is found in the Soviet Union a few years later. In early 1953, Stalin was planning to deport most of the Jews in the Soviet Union to Siberia, but just before he was able to carry out his plans, he suffered a stroke and died. This happened the night of March 1, 1953: the night of Purim. Stalin's plans were never carried out  (http://www.jewfaq.org)

Throughout the ages, there has continually been some who wanted to wipe out the Jewish people. But like the failed plans of the past, the present attempts will also fall by the wayside, as the God of the Jewish people stands guard to protect His chosen ones.

 

Iran's Provocation

Keep your eyes on the Middle East, specifically Israel.

Iran has sent two warships to the Mediterranean supposedly to have military drills with Syria, another enemy determined to see Israel's demise. The ships completed their transit through the Suez Canal Tuesday, and are now in Mediterranean waters.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/02/22/iranian-warships-complete-suez-canal-transit/?test=latestnews

Iran has not had a presence in the area since 1973, during the Islamic Revolution.  Why do they suddenly feel the need to be there now?  Perhaps they think the uprising in the Mid East will be beneficial to them in their desire to attack Israel.

Keep Israel in your prayers and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Shalom,  Dawn

Jesus or Yeshua?

What's in a name? Evidently everything.

Hebrew is a very interesting language.  Every name has it's own meaning, as does every letter and number.  Letters also have a numerical value ....  No wonder I'm struggling to learn it all.

The Hebrew name "Yeshua" means "salvation" or "he saves."  It's a variant of "Yehoshua" where we get the name "Joshua."  The name "Jesus" is an English transliteration of the Greek transliteration, "Iesous," of the Hebrew name, "Yeshua."  Confused yet? There's more.

The title of "Christ" is an English transliteration of the Greek word, "Chrioo" (to smear with oil), of the Hebrew word "Mashiakh," which means "Anointed One" or "Messiah."  Regardless of which name you choose to call Him, He answers to both.

The purpose of translating the Scriptures was to enable more people to read them, which was very important. Without that occurring, we ourselves would not have access to them.  Unfortunately, it has also stripped the Hebrew roots, and removes the reader further away from the Jewish reality of the Scriptures with each translation.  However, God's Word remains unchanged.

The Jewish roots of the Word of God are extremely rich with meaning.  It is my humble opinion that Jesus/Yeshua never intended for His church to be separated from Judaism, but no one asked me. However, He is bringing the two back together as "One New Man," which gave birth to the Messianic Jewish movement. (see Ephesians 2:11-22 and Romans 11:11-24)

I would like to suggest the book "Copernicus and the Jews" by Daniel Gruber, (which helped me write this post correctly) also a copy of the "Jewish New Testament."  These will help to begin the path back to our spiritual roots.

Shalom,
Dawn

2011 Calendar of Jewish Holidays

Mark your calendars for this year's celebrations of the Lord's Feasts and His faithfulness to His people.  (Remember, all Jewish holidays begin at sundown the evening before.)


Purim                                  March 20          
Celebration of the triumph of the Jews over Haman, who plotted their destruction.

Pesach
(Passover)                            April 19-26       
Celebration of God's deliverance of the Hebrews from Egypt.

Shavuot
(Pentecost)                           June 8               
Day Jehovah gave Moses the Law on Mt. Sinai 3,300 years ago
Day of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, 2,000 years ago.

Rosh HaShanah
(Feast of Trumpets)              September 29    
The Regathering and Time of Repentance.

Yom Kippur
(Day of Atonement)              October 8         
Day the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the people.

Sukkot
(Feast of Tabernacles)          October 13-20  
Remembrance of the Hebrews who lived in tents for 40 years in the wilderness.

Hanukkah
(Festival of Lights)                December 21-29  
Celebration to remember the miracle of the oil in the Temple lasting eight days.


I will will post detailed insights into each of the feasts in the near future. 

Shalom,
Dawn (Shachar)

Bye Bye Mubarak

As the world breathes a collective sigh of relief as Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak steps down from office, the citizens of Egypt rejoice in the streets over their new-found freedom.  Once the celebrations end, then what?  What will the next administration bring?  Freedom? Oppression? Sharia? 

One thing I've learned in life is "Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it, ... and more."

Amid all of the changes in the region, Israel is still the "90 lb gorilla in the room."  Anything that happens will impact the Jewish nation in some form or another.  Could the success of the uprising in Egypt embolden people in other Mid-East nations to rise up against their own governments?  The whole region could end up with governments similar to that of Iran, or worse - and that would be a disaster for Israel.

Stay tuned!
Dawn

Day of Rage - Day of Blood

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak announced Thursday night that he has declined to leave office, dashing the hopes of the thousands of protesters gathered in Cairo's Tahrir Square.  There is widespread speculation that Friday's Day of Rage has a very high probability of becoming a Day of Blood.

These are very trying times for the nation of Egypt and for the nation of Israel, who seems to be stuck between a rock and a hard place, and surrounded by chaos.  Keep a close eye on the events in the Middle East because they will have a very large impact on the United States.

Shalom to Yisrael
Dawn

Middle East Meltdown

The world is witnessing history as the nations of the Middle East are seemingly coming apart at the seams.  Within the past month, the governments of Tunisia, Jordan, Yemen, and now Egypt, have been virtually overthrown.  All while Israel watches the events unfolding, wondering what will be the outcome for them, for the only allies they have in the Middle East, Egypt and Jordan, are also caught up in the madness. Should the Muslim Brotherhood, an extreamist arm of Islam, come into power in Egypt, they have sworn to end the peace agreement Egypt has with Israel. 

The Word of God speaks of a day of crisis in Egypt, and of the day of their redemption.  In Isaiah 19, the Lord speaks of an uprising in Egypt, brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor (vs. 2), as a result, Egypt will be given over to "the power of a cruel master, and fierce king." (vs. 4)  They will then cry out to the Lord because of their oppression under this new government and He will send them a Deliverer, Yeshua, and He will make Himself known to them. (vs. 20-21)  In that day, the Lord will say "Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance." (vs. 25)

Also, check out this timely update from Perry Stone, Voice of Evangelism Ministries, http://www.voe.org/Prophecy-Update/the-unexpected-shaking-of-egypt.html

Please continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and that the Jewish people will be strong and courageous.

Shalom, Dawn  

Snow-mageddon

I live in the south, in Tennessee, but lately is seems like I'm living in the frozen Arctic tundra.  We have had more snow in two months than we normally receive in a decade!  So much for global warming.  I really feel emphatic for people up north.  It really makes me long for the spring and warm weather.

Speaking of spring, the Jewish spring holidays are right around the corner.  Purim begins at sundown on March 19.  (Jewish holidays always begin at sundown, Genesis 1:5)  Purim is the celebration of Esther's courage to stand up and expose the evil Haman who wanted to exterminate the Jews living in Susa (Babylon), as found in the book of Esther in the Tanakh (Old Testament).

Purim is usually celebrated with a party where the children dress up as their favorite character from the story.  At some point during the festivities, the book of Esther is read aloud by an adult. Every time Esther's or Mordecai's names are mentioned, the crowd cheers in excitement; but every time the name of the evil Haman is mentioned, the crowd makes loud noises trying to drown out the sound of his name.  The kids can get pretty rambunctious, but its all in good fun.

If you prefer to celebrate with something a little more low key, rent the movie "One Night With the King," an excellent portrayal of the story of Esther.

All fun aside, the spirit of Haman (which desires to destroy the Jewish people) is still around. We saw it during World War II in Hitler and the Shoah (the Holocaust), and we can see it today in Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his plans to 'wipe Israel off the map.' (Psalm 83)  But like Haman and Hitler, Ahmadinejad will also fail because Jehovah Himself takes care of Israel.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem   Psalm 122:6
Shalom, Dawn

Introduction

Shalom Y'all!

I wanted to start a blog to share my interest in learning more about the hebraic roots of my faith in Yeshua/Jesus.   It's my desire to learn from others and to share the insight I've been given. 

I have been a supporter of Israel and the Jewish people for many years, and always will be.  Several years ago, I had the privilege of visiting Israel and I cannot wait to go back.  I am involved in the Messianic community here in Nashville, Tenn., and am trying to learn Hebrew - but struggling! 

I look forward to meeting and chatting with other like-minded, like-hearted people out there in bloggerville!

Site under construction, please check back.