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
To promote an understanding of the Jewishness of the Scriptures which were written by Jewish men, about the Jewish Messiah, within the context of first century Jewish culture in Israel.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
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
Thursday, April 21, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
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
"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
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
Sunday, April 17, 2011
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
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
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
Saturday, April 16, 2011
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
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
Thursday, April 14, 2011
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 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
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
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
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
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
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
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
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
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
Monday, April 11, 2011
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
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
Sunday, April 10, 2011
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
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
Friday, April 8, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
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
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
Monday, April 4, 2011
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
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
Sunday, April 3, 2011
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
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
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
Saturday, April 2, 2011
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
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
Friday, April 1, 2011
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
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
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