Abba Lazarus

Let Your Little Light Shine

2011-12-17T10:59:00.000-08:00

The little wax candle was becoming impatient waiting in the drawer all year since last Hanuka. He was waiting for his turn, but now that it was already the seventh day hope was all but gone. The family had bought a shiny new menorah with oil lamps.

Suddenly he heard the drawer open and his hopes rose again. However, the children were not looking for a Hanukah candle tonight as they sang, “Sivivon, sov sov sov Hanukah hu hag tov….” They were looking for the Dradel.

The little candle thought to himself, “I wish I were a Sivivon and not a candle.” So he made a Hanukah wish, "God make me a Sivivon please.”

When the youngest child opened the drawer to look for a Sivivon everyone told him that they were already gone. But now that the candle had turned into a Sivivon the little child shouted, “Look, there is a Sivivon for me after all!”

As the children played they began to win Hanuka Gelt coins and wanted to run out and buy candies with their money. The little Sivivon that was a candle said to himself, “I made a mistake. I should have asked to be a coin and not a Sivivon.” So he said, “God make me a Hanuka wish and make me a coin, not a Sivivon.”

The littlest child looked down and there was a shiny new coin on the floor. “O, look, there is also a Hanuka Gelt for me!”

As the children ran to go out the door to buy some candy they smelt something wonderful coming from the kitchen. What can that be?

Putting their coins into their pockets they ran into the kitchen and there was a pile of fresh Sufganeot. The coin in the child’s pocket that once was a Sivivon that was a candle said to himself “I made a mistake. Everybody loves the Sufganeot. I should have asked to be a Sufganea.” Suddenly, there on top of the pile was a fresh Sufganea with all the jelly coming out.

As the children reached out to take one the mother said, “No, no we must first light the Hanukah candles. Come over here.”

So they left the kitchen and went with the mother to the salon and sat down in front of the Hanukia as mother told them the story of Hanukah.

She told of how the King Antiochus commanded the Jews not to pray to God anymore or keep the Shabbat or circumcise their sons the eighth day. How he went into the Temple and put out the Menorah light and put an idol in there.

How Judah Macabee stood up to him and fought the Greeks and won the temple back so the people could pray again.

That there was no oil for the light in the temple and when they were just about out of hope they found a little oil, maybe enough for one day. Yet when they lit it the Menorah burned for eight days, enough time to make more oil.

She told them that we light these Hanukah lamps now to show that we remember the miracle—the miracle that let us be who we are.

Then the mother said the blessing and lit a match to light the new oil menorah.“O it’s hard to get the match down into the oil,” she said. “I burnt my finger. I need a candle to be able to light this Hanukia. I need a Shamash, a servant candle.”

She looked in the drawer. “Strange, I thought there was one Hanukah candle left in the drawer.”

Then the Sufgania, the one that had been the coin, that had been the Sivivon, that had been the Hanukah candle said, “O, I made a mistake. All my wishes were wrong. O God please turn me back into a Hanuka candle”

Then the youngest child said, “Hey look! I found the Hanukah candle. What’s it doing here on top of the Sufganeot!”

That night the little candle was lit and spread its light to all eight Hanukah lights which lit up and warmed the whole family.

The Shamash can spread its light in darkness if we can just be who we are meant to be. That's the real light that really makes us shine.

Adapted from an ancient Hanukah story.

A nation, a people, a family

2011-10-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

What a day in Israel. The entire nation is weeping with joy as we watch a brave young soldier embrace his father after five years in captivity. Our hearts are jumping as this skinny kid from a small village in the North salutes our Prime Minister, Chief of Staff and heads back home for the holidays.

What kind of a people releases a thousand murders just to get back one young boy? What nation willingly risks the very real danger of a thousand killers attacking again so that one young kid can return to his parents?

Where is the logic in all of this?

This is not logical, this is Israel. Gilad is all of our sons and daughters. We are a nation family where everyone of us is a soldier, has a soldier. We have embraced Gilad because we are all Gilad Shalit.

Gilad is why our kids are willing to fight for this country. They know deep down that they belong to a nation family that will risk its life to save every son and daughter. Our children understand that ten thousand terrorists cannot take away our love for them. When our kids go into the battle they are not fighting for ideals or patriotism or politics. They are fighting for their families, their brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers. Thank God that our children have experienced the solidarity of the Jewish nation that has survived for over 5000 years. Am Yisrael Chai is not just a song it is a reality that cannot be changed.

The bold decision to put at risk an entire nation for the sake of just one soldier is what it means to be a Jew and an Israeli. Let Hamas and the radical Muslims sing and dance in the streets as their murders return, they are only pounding a hole deeper into their fearful, dark and hellish existence. They are falling even deeper into madness.

Let us rejoice in this that God has not allowed us to become like our enemies. By this act of overcoming vengeance and fear we have once again chosen to sanctify life, our families and the hearts of our children who cry out for love and meaning in a desperate and cold world.

God bless Israel.

10 Reasons Why You Should Listen to the Shofar this New Year

2011-09-28T03:42:00.000-07:00

1. Trumpets are sounded at a coronation and God is hailed as King on this day. Let us acknowledge him and his ways in our lives, our families and nation.

2. The shofar heralds the beginning of the season of renewal. This is the time for reflection and re-commitment to God, family and all that is right and good.

3. The Torah was given on Sinai accompanied by blasts of the shofar. Let us be bold to follow God's commandments even when it is not popular or comfortable.

4. The prophets compare their message to the sound of the shofar. Let us not grow weary in well doing. Let us not lose hope but reopen our hearts to the possibilities of a better world.

5. Conquering armies gathered under the sound of the shofar blast. May we be willing to take a bold stand against the injustice, lies and corruption in society. Let us fight for the rights of the poor and oppressed.

6. The ram was substituted for Isaac. Let us offer up ourselves to love even as he who sacrificed himself for us an offering to cleanse and renew our spirits.

7. The prophet asks, "Shall the shofar be blown in a city and the people not tremble?" (Amos 3:6) Let us walk in humility before God our king and before man.

8. The prophet Zephanaiah speaks of "the great day of the Lord" as a "day of the shofar and alarm," (Zeph. 1:14,16) As we contemplate the judgments of God let us lift up our voices and let truth and mercy be heard once again in the gates.

9. The prophet Isaiah speaks of the great shofar which will herald the Messianic age. (Isa. 27:13) Let us be patient and wait. Do not fret, our times are in God's hands.

10. The shofar will be sounded at the resurrection. Maimonides writes: "Although it is a divine decree that we blow the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah, a hint of the following idea is contained in the command. It is as if to say: "Awake from your slumber, you who have fallen asleep in life, and reflect on your deeds. Remember your creator. Be not of those who miss reality in the pursuit of shadows, and waste their lives in seeking after vain things which neither profit nor save. Look well to your souls and improve your character. Forsake each of you his evil ways and thoughts."

L'Shana Tova

2011-09-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year), which begins on Wednesday evening at sunset, and Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) next Friday night are the holiest days in the Jewish calendar. During these ten days of awe, we Jews celebrate the New Year, but also reflect on past misdeeds and resolve to do better.

While positive resolutions to do better are commendable, the process of Teshuvah (repentance) is not based on the human emotional need for improvement. It is the realization that our purpose in this world is to serve a higher being to the best of our abilities. Walking in Teshuvah means humbly acknowledging our weaknesses and sin, as we turn back to goodness, back to God.

On Rosh Hashanah, we recognize that change is not only necessary, but possible. Listen to the U'Netaneh Tokef, one of the only prayers recited on both Rosh Ha’Shana as well as Yom Kippur, and the best known prayer after Kol Nidrei:

"Let us now relate the power of this day's holiness, for it is awesome and frightening. On it Your Kingship will be exalted; Your throne will be firmed with kindness and You will sit upon it in truth. It is true that You alone are the One Who judges, proves, knows, and bears witness….”

In the Jewish tradition we perceive repentance as not only regret for past failings, but a deep commitment to make things right going forward. We understand prayer as lifting our voices high and, as Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel taught, "praying with our feet" by getting involved in helping those in need.

This September 28th at sundown Jewish communities around the world will begin our celebration of Rosh Hashanah, a new year and the start of ten "Days of Awe," a period of reflection on the past year and a declaration of our hopes for the year ahead, concluding with the fast of Yom Kippur.

May you know the strength of a living relationship with a loving God for a Blessed New Year.

L'shana Tova!

Sometimes you just need to keep your head down

2011-09-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

“The wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest…” Isa. 57:20

Even as I sat down to write this, five more “urgent warnings” about the situation surrounding Israel dropped into my inbox. Some are even prophesying World War 3, Armeggedon or Kingdom come!

Do we really need to be so agitated by this deluge of anti-Israel campaigns in Europe, Egypt, Turkey, Durban, the UN Council on Palestinian statehood or wherever? Maybe I've lived in Israel too long, but it seems to me that just like the sea, this reoccurring turbulence against the Jewish nation will only continue to rise and fall like waves. Fickle, these raging passions driven by storms of hatred are out of control, erratic and choppy. Like a storm at sea they will never reach any salient point of landing, but will only cause some turbulence.

The only way to cross a raging sea is to keep an even keel. It is useless to try and fight the swells and riptides which cannot be foreseen. Like a skilled surfer we just need to wait in expectation for yet another wave and ride it out. Let's not lose our heads and wipe out over just another tide change.

I hear many voices passionately trying to convince these nay-saying Israel bashers with logic or moral arguments. Have we forgotten the wisdom of Solomon, “Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him.” Throwing money and resources into protests or flashy media campaigns is not going to change their minds. Sometimes I wonder if we only do it to appease our own weak conscious.

Let us not allow these tumultuous winds of accusations, lies and false narratives to shift our focus away from where we need to be going. We would do well to wait out these storms which will pass and invest our resources in inspiring our young people with a moral and universal vision of a Jewish nation as a light to the gentiles. Spending time listening to and arguing with the commotion around us will only distract us and distraction is a strategy to wear us down. Tired saints are easy prey.

Good captains know how to keep a ship on course riding the waves with as little resistance as possible. Fighting waves head on smashing against the bottom only damages the ship and wastes energies needed to keep sailing.

Isaiah is telling us that like the sea, the wicked can never be at rest. The Hebrew is stronger than our translation. It means that there is no possibility of its being at rest; it is unable to be still. The Septuagint renders it, 'But the wicked are tossed like waves, and are not able to be at rest.' They will never be at peace. The best we can do is learn to ride out these storms.

If history is any indication we can be assured that all this turmoil will eventually backfire and only further Israel’s strength and presence in the Land. I remember how just about a year ago the Europeans were putting pressure on Israel to make a deal with Syria over the Golan Heights. Even the Americans entered the foray looking for some easy come politically correct fodder. How foolish such an idea sounds today.

Facts on the ground will determine the outcome of all of this, not more lame attempts and deceptive rhetoric by Arab nations opposed to a Jewish state trying to destroy us. Even the devious push for Palestinian statehood will only further entrench Gaza and the West Bank into its own violent quagmire. I should rather expect some surprising turn of events in the near future.

When the waves are biggest, I put my head down and dive under where it is calm and quiet and let them roll right over. The only way they can hurt me is if I stand up and try to resist. As kids we used to love the old rhyme, “stick and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me.” Or as the Psalmist said, "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46

Rather than getting all riled up, I would recommend meditating on Psalm 46 (notice the references to water). Hey, if God is with us, who can be against us?

¹ God is our refuge and strength,
   an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
   and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam
   and the mountains quake with their surging.

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
   the holy place where the Most High dwells.
⁵ God is within her, she will not fall;
   God will help her at break of day.
⁶ Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
   he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

⁷ The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

⁸ Come and see what the LORD has done,
   the desolations he has brought on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease
   to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
   he burns the shields with fire.
¹⁰ He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
   I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth.”

¹¹ The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

דור צעיר דורש להבהיר

2011-08-25T03:29:00.000-07:00

אהבתי מאוד את המאמר במהדורה האחרונה של "כיוון" של יוסי שוויג על הדור הצעיר ומאמציהם לגלות את הזהות הייחודית של חסידיו של המשיח ישוע בישראל. מחמאות לסדן ומערכת "כיוון" על מתן פלטפורמה למאמינים יהודים צעירים להביע רעיונות חדשים ומאתגרים.

המסע של הדור הצעיר להבין את מקומם בעם, בארץ, ובגוף המשיח הוא תהליך שרבים מאיתנו מהדור הוותיק יותר מתהלכים בו כבר שנים רבות. מתוך הנסיון שלי רציתי להציע מספר לקחים שלמדנו בדרך.

אין להתייאש כאשר רבים אחרים לא מסכימים. בכל מסע אנשים מתעייפים מהר ואף עוצרים לאיטים לפני שהם מגיעים ליעד. הרבה מוותרים ונוטשים את הדרך כאשר אחרים לא מצטרפים. אל תתייאשו כאשר אחרים מביעים חוסר שביעות רצון. תמשיכו לנוע קדימה. שינוי לא בא בקלות. אנשים רבים מעדיפים את התשובות הקלות ולא מוכנים להתמודד עם השאלות הקשות. להרבה אנשים לא תמיד נוח עם תנועות פורצי דרך הדורשות שינוי. אנשים אוהבים את הנוחיות של המוכר גם אם אפילו הוא לא נוח.

היו בטוחים כי יש רבים השואלים את אותן השאלות, אם כי מעטים מוכנים לעלות על הדרך כדי למצוא תשובות. אל תיתנו לזה להרתיע אותכם.

אל תסתבכו עם התיאוריות. אני זוכר שיחה עם סדן לפני כמה שנים על מקומה של התורה בחיי המאמינים. שאלתי אותו איך הוא יכול להאמין כי עלינו לשמור את התורה, כאשר למעשה הוא יודע כי יש מצוות רבות שאנחנו לא יכולים לקיים היום כאשר אין כהונה ולא בית המקדש וכו'. הוא אמר לי, "אני לא יודע. אני פשוט עושה את מה שאני יכול. אני עושה כמיטב הבנתי." אהבתי את התשובה כי ככה זה בחיים ובכל מסע. אנחנו מעדיפים תשובות ברורות לכל שאלה, אבל לא תמיד אנחנו מסוגלים להבין עד הסוף. תפתחו את הזהות שלכם במשיח לא רק על ידי לימוד דיאלוג ותאוריות, אלה גם על ידי יישום מעשים של מה שאתם כבר יודעים. אדם חייב ליישם את מה שכבר למד על מנת לשמר את מה שקיבל ולהתקדם במסע. תורה ללא פועל נשארת רק תיאוריה.

לפני שלושים שנה כאשר הייתי מאמין צעיר לעתים קרובות תהיתי אם זה היה נכון עבורי לשרת בצבא. כן, תתפלאו לשמוע שלא מעט מאיתנו התמודדנו קשות עם השאלה: האם תלמיד של ישוע המשיח, שהוא אהבת האלוהים המושלמת שנתן את חייו למען החוטאים, יכול להרוג בני אדם אחרים? הקדשתי הרבה שנים של לימוד ודיאלוג ליישב את התשובה בלב שלי. ובמשך השנים אף אחד מן האחים האחרים לא הטיל ספק בנאמנותי למדינה או לאלוהי ישראל. זו היתה שאלה לגיטימית עבור רבים מאיתנו והבנו כי חשוב לנו לאפשר זה לזה את המרחב ואת הזמן להגיע למסקנות שלנו. אתם גם חייבים להיות סבלניים אחד עם השני בתהליך.

אנחנו לא תמיד היינו סובלניים, וזה גרם לבעיות חמורות. כאשר לא נותנים מרחב לאחרים להגיע למסקנות שלהם ואנשים לא טורחים לקחת את הזמן כדי להגיע למסקנות משל עצמם, הרבה פשוט הולכים יחד עם הקהל. המצב הזה יוצר מאמינים שטחיים שאינם מסוגלים להעיד או להגן על אמונתם. בכל מצב של לחץ או משבר, המאמינים האלה לא יודעים לעמוד.

חוסר הסובלנות גרם גם למחלוקות בנינו. כאשר אנשים בחיפזון קופצים על מסקנות מהירות, ולא יכולים להגן כראוי על עמדתם, הם נוטים להשתמש בכעס, כוחניות או אפילו דמוניזציה של אלה שלא מסכימים איתם. הם לא מספיק בטוחים בעמדתם כדי להתמודד עם המאתגרים את דעתם. זה יצר קונפליקטים ומחלוקות קשות בגוף המשיח.

כאשר אנחנו לוקחים לעצמנו ונותנים לאחרים את הזמן ללמוד ולחשוב לעומק על הנושאים, מוכנים לנהל דו שיח ודיאלוג עם אחרים ומגיעים למסקנות שלנו על בסיס של אמונה אישית, נוכל גם להקשיב לאחרים בלי להתרגז. אנחנו יכולים להיות סבלניים עם אחרים משום שאנו יודעים כי כולנו בתהליך הדרך אל האמת.

ההבנה כי האמונה היא מסע ושכולנו בדרך עוזרת לנו להעריך אחד את השני וללמוד אחד מהשני. אני מתפלל כי כולנו, צעירים ומבוגרים, נמשיך במסע החשוב הזה של גילוי הזהות היהודית שלנו במשיח בקרב עמנו בסבלנות, סובלנות ואומץ לב. "עד כי נגיע כולנו אל אחדות האמונה ואחדות ידיעת האלוהים, אל האדם השלם, אל שעור קומתו המלא של המשיח."

Cruising with the devil

2011-07-09T08:49:00.000-07:00

For years the neighborhood around Beit Immanuel was known for drug dealers and criminals. I can’t even remember the number of times we were robbed and our property damaged by these trouble-makers. When our kids were small one of these neighbors even set fire to a wooden house next to us endangering our children. That was it. I went ballistic and let him know that that was not going to happen again.

We banned the guy from our property. Unless he makes some kind of a miraculous turn around, we are obviously not going to let him into our home.

Nor should Israel allow these asinine flotilla instigators in. We don’t need to make room for the devil.

A good friend of mine shared this video "The Audacity of Dopes" on YouTube this week.

I think it’s great that Israelis can look at the funny side of these crazy cruises to the Gaza Strip. But really, this is no laughing matter. Over the weekend Israel deployed close to a thousand policemen as hundreds of international activists flew into Tel-Aviv in protest of Israel’s policies in Gaza.

I have a hard time understanding why so many people support these misguided pranks. Why do so many people identify with Hamas and its radical Islamic agenda?

To me the ideology of Hamas and its Islamic war on Israel is shocking. Maybe it is so shocking that people refuse to believe it is true? Hamas has been training and sending suicide bombers to kill innocent people since 1987. They call them martyrs. How do we comprehend a movement that sends its young people to blow themselves up in order to kill innocent people?

Al-Fateh ("the conqueror") is the Hamas children's magazine, published biweekly in London, and also posted in its website. It began publication in September 2002, and its 108th issue was released in mid-September 2007. The magazine features stories, poems, riddles, and puzzles, and states it is for "the young builders of the future."

The magazine includes incitement to jihad and martyrdom and glorification of terrorist operations and of their planners and perpetrators as well as characterizations of Jews as "murderers of the prophets" and laudatory descriptions of parents who encourage their sons to kill Jews. In each issue, a regular feature titled "The Story of a Martyr" presents the "heroic deeds" of a mujahidin from one of the organizations who died in a suicide operation, including operations against civilians, or who was killed by the IDF. The magazine includes illustrations of figures, including child warriors, who embody the ethos of jihad and martyrdom, presenting them as role models. These include the magazine's titular character, Al-Fateh ("The Conqueror") - a small boy on a horse brandishing a drawn scimitar - as well as children carrying guns, and photos of Hamas fighters launching Qassam rockets aimed at Israeli civilians including children.

As far as I can tell, the kind of fundamental Islam followed by Hamas is the only religion known to mankind that finds honor in killing innocent people. Most of the world’s religions teach kindness, love and respect for humanity. Faith in God helps people find ways of making the world a better place to live. Most religious people try to teach their off-spring how to overcome suffering or loss. No religion I am aware of teaches their children to sacrifice themselves in order to take vengeance on innocent people. Only radical Islam.

I hear some people say, “We don’t understand the grievances of Hamas. If we would listen to them and make life better for them there would be less terror in the world.”

Are these terrorists the only ones with grievances? In the last century alone, we have endured two world wars, civil wars, Hiroshima, massacres, pogroms and a holocaust. Is there any other religion in the world that teaches its people to continue taking revenge by killing innocent people? Did you ever see a survivor of the holocaust or of Hiroshima blow up a hospital, a school or a hotel? Are they shooting missiles into populated towns? Do they not also have grievances?

There is no grievance, suffering or pain that can justify killing innocent people. None. Never.

Western civilization cannot afford not to confront this devious justification of murder propagated by Hamas. The values of an entire generation have become so white-washed that we are blinded to this clear manifestation of evil. Those who are trying to go to Gaza to identify with this ideology are themselves responsible for promoting terror.

They are encouraging a philosophy that is at war with the basic principles of human civilization and in absolute contradiction to all that is dear to the sanctity of life held by all peoples of the world. There is no logic or purpose that makes sense of it. It is a kill, kill philosophy. Nobody wins. With such an ideology there can be no other response than shock and resistance. Those who support them are also responsible for their deeds.

This ideology did not die with Bin Laden. There are thousands of nameless Islamic religious leaders in Gaza and around the world that continue to teach the same ideas that sent his 9/11 shaheeds (martyr in Arabic) to destruction. Week after week we hear about the hundreds and thousands murdered, mutilated and maimed in the name this perverse ideology.

Islamic jihad is an ideology, and ideas cannot be fought with guns alone. As the war in Iraq, as well Israel’s fifty-year long battle with Palestinian terror have shown, this ideology cannot be beaten by force alone.

That is why we must resist these perverse flotillas. Unconditionally, and without a shadow of doubt, we must stand with Israel’s sovereign right to prevent these ramble-rousers from entering her sovereign territory. Islamic jihad against Israel has many faces – none of them are acceptable.

An Open Letter to our Sons and Daughters Joining Yad b'Yad Summer 2011

2011-04-28T03:27:00.000-07:00

I am so proud of all of you that are going to Poland this summer with Yad b’Yad. You are joining the hundreds of thousands of Jewish youth who have gone to Auschwitz to remember this dark period of our history.

Your willingness to share in these memories gives me comfort.

What you see will help you understand why we say “Never Again.” For there is darkness in the human soul, and we must never forget.

The cruelty of what you will see is stinging. It is hard to believe. You will weep many tears, as we have.

Please remember with pride the sacrifices that your people made just for being Jewish. Walking through Auschwitz will stir deep empathy for our people. It will ignite in you a passion for your Jewish heritage that will surprise you.

You will see why I have been so concerned about anti-Semitism and the importance of Israel as a homeland for the Jewish people.

You will appreciate even more your father and your grandfather fighting so hard for this country. You will probably want to serve in the army when you come home.

This is a difficult journey. The images are not easily forgotten.

Take time to reflect.

You will get angry when you see what happened to your people. You may even feel hatred towards Germans. I have felt it.

Some hold on to it. Jews need anger in order to survive, they say.

But that is not what I want you to remember.

Remember that we have survived. Remember that through the darkest hours of human history our people have not been destroyed.

Remember that our traditions teach us that there is life after death, not only hatred. “L’chaim” is the hope of our people. Hope is our strength, not anger.

As you contemplate the sorrows of our suffering look for the determination in your heart to work for a better world. Believe that you can make a difference. Resist the despair that threatens to darken your way.

There is always light, even if only a candle.

I lit a candle when I was there. In hope it might shed some light over a bridge we must build together through the troubled waters of our painful story.

I lit it for you, our children and grandchildren to find a way out of this lament. I lit it in hope that we will find our way, together, through the shadows of this death valley, to compassion and hope.

And I lit my candle together with my new German friends, who walked with me through Auschwitz. Together we light a hope for a future where you, our children and theirs, will find a way out of the darkness and shame.

I light it for a day when we will all say together, “Never Again.”

Light a candle when you are there. We are so proud of you.

Bigger is Not Always Better

2011-04-28T01:39:00.000-07:00

Like most kids my age I hated school. For me it wasn't the mass of homework or the boring teachers. It wasn't getting up every morning, every single morning, at 6:45 a.m., early, every, single, morning. And it didn't bother me walking five miles to school through the New England blizzards, or the hurricanes, the torrential downpours, snowstorms, coastal floods or Nor’ Easterner’s.

I didn’t even mind not being chosen for the football, basketball, hockey, baseball, tennis or chess teams.

I hated school because of David Cohen.

Cohen lived up the street from us and everyday we walked along the winding dirt path across Lewis Lake in order to cut through the golf course fence on the way to school. And everyday Cohen poked fun at me. “Those red clam-diggers make you look like a clown,” (I hated my mother for making me wear those). “Your hair looks like a Brillo Pad. Your nose is so big you look like a pelican. I’m gonna get all the kids to call you Pelican Laz, or Laz with the pelican Shnaz,’’ and other assorted amenities.

I tried walking to school the long way around, but that didn’t help. Cohen would be waiting for me on the school steps, “Here comes pelican face Lazarus. What’s the matter Lazy Laz, couldn’t find your way to school because your big nose got in the way?”

For a couple of weeks I even got up earlier so I could get to school before Cohen. But that didn’t help. Cohen would be waiting for me in school lunch room. “Hey Laz, don’t sneeze, you’ll blow up the whole school! Move over, your nose is blocking my sun.”

Actually, having a big nose is not that bad, if you look at people straight on. The problem is when they see you from the side. It’s best to keep moving around, and never sit in the middle of the table, or they’ll see you from both sides. If you really get in trouble, you can pretend you are asleep and hide your face under your arms.

It wouldn’t have been so bad if Cohen wasn’t so popular. All the kids hung around with him and he was even meaner when those other kids were there. Like the time I went to get my books and Cohen and the gang were in my way. I got so nervous walking to my locker that I dropped my books all over the hallway. Cohen said that I must be some kind of an alien and that everyone should stay away unless they get infected with my “coodies.” I hated school.

So I came up with a plan to get on Cohen’s good side. I told everyone in school what a great guy Cohen is and how he makes our school a great place. I repeated all the cool things Cohen says, and acted like him to be cool. I’d do anything for Cohen. Buy cigarettes, carry books, skip class. I even stole some candy just because Cohen thought it would be cool. Before long I was looking forward to walking to school every morning with Cohen at my side, and it felt good.

Then one warm spring day walking home from school Cohen says, “Laz, you look like a pelican,” and pushes me down into a thorn bush. All the kids just kept on walking. They left me stuck in the bush.

I ran home. Mom screamed when she saw my face, arms and legs covered with scratches and blood. I was crying hysterically, not so much from the rose thorn cuts on my bare limbs, but from feeling so stupid. When Dad came home from work he was furious. He said it was time I stood up to Cohen. He said I needed to fight him right now and make him understand that I wasn’t afraid. I said I didn’t think that was a good idea, but he went to the telephone. Before I knew what happened, I was standing on the street outside our house next to my Dad staring at Cohen. He had already told the gang about the fight, and a group of kids from school had gathered around to watch.

Dad was trying to coach me about stepping into my punches and not forgetting to protect my nose. I told him I don’t like my nose anyway, and that I was even more sure that it wasn’t a good idea to fight Cohen.

So my father finally said, “Come on son, you need to fight this kid back - show him you are not afraid.” I was afraid, but because my Dad was there with me I fought Cohen, and it was over in five minutes. He beat me up bad so Dad had to stop the fight.

But you know what, Cohen never pushed me around again after that, and I learned an important lesson. Get a nose job. No, not really.

In the Torah the Children of Israel were “unwilling to go up” because they too were afraid. They were afraid because “our brothers made us lose heart.” They were too interested in what others thought about them. So Moses says,

“Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you as he did in Egypt and in the desert. There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a Father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” (Deut. 1:26-31)

One of the most important roles of a father is to teach his children not to be afraid. A child who grows up in the security of a father’s care is able to gain the kind of confidence he needs to try new things and develop his own personality. A good father will not only protect his children, he will also instill within them the confidence they need to stand up themselves when necessary. Knowing God as my Father has helped give me the confidence to do things I never even imagined I could do.

From the New Covenant,

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Now if we are children then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Messiah, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” Rom.8:15-17.

I need patience, give it to me now!

2011-04-12T01:44:00.000-07:00

Passover is here and everyone in Israel is out shopping for the holidays. Yesterday, waiting in the supermarket check-out line, my pulse went up. The check out girl entered, reentered and then reentered again numerous unreadable bar code numbers. I lost control, left my groceries in the cart, and walked out of the store. The young mother with three kids waiting in line behind me didn't seem to mind as she happily moved into my place in the line.

How did I become so impatient?

There was a time when I understood that good things take time. I remember waiting months before we got the new laundry machine. We appreciated that Maytag with the new "agitator" even more because we had to wait for it.

Or grandma’s Passover roast. It wouldn’t be rushed, and no one ever complained about how long it took. We were all too happy to wait for the tender, sweet brisket to arrive streaming at the table.

The funny thing is that we used to think that the longer it took to make something the more value it had. Like building a house. Now-a-days we’ll pay more to have a house built quicker, thinking we are getting a deal. Do we realize that we’ll pay again later for our haste? Quality takes time.

Patience is an essential ingredient for quality of relationships, craftsmanship and life.

When I lived in the Sinai Desert the best dates were small, crinkled and ugly, but they tasted sweeter than honey. The extreme desert climate makes it difficult for the palm trees to find water, and the slow, labored process of the root system makes the trees stronger. Tough conditions produce sweeter fruits.

The supermarket sells these huge dates all shiny and smooth, but they taste awful to me (maybe it’s just as well I left them in the cart at the check out line!) The palm trees that make these big dates are pumped up with water and chemicals that make it easier for the trees to grow. They do produce more dates faster, and the fruits look good, but like the best things in life, the good ones grow better over time.

The next time I go shopping, I'm going to make sure to appreciate all the time and effort it takes to produce fruits, vegetables, eggs, fish and meat. And I'll try not to loose my patience, what little of it I have.

It might even help make me a little sweeter (if that's possible?!)

The Hebrew word for patience is "savlanot" and comes from the root word "to suffer." Patience is the ability to endure hardships without loosing hope. Patience is not the ability to wait, but being able to keep a good attitude while waiting.

Patience was the first word I learned in Israel. It will be the last word we'll need to survive in the Middle East.

Inspired by Yaakov (James) the brother of Yeshua in his letter to the twelve tribes chapter 5:7-11.

Nurofen and Middle East Headaches

2011-03-30T01:56:00.000-07:00

For the past two days Israelis have been following the story of Shirley Marder. After taking a normal dose of Nurofen, a common painkiller, Marder sustained severe liver damage. For the past 48 hours the Israeli media are giving us minute by minute updates on the details of Ms. Marder’s liver toxin levels.

I want this young women to make it through just as much as the next guy, but I can’t help wondering, “Why is this story taking over all the national media headlines?”

Maybe it is just a welcome relief from the weeks of intense reporting on the seismic, earth-shattering and game changing upheavals in the Middle East and around the globe (Remember the Bible story of how Jael snuck into Sicera’s tent and hammered a nail into his temple? Now that was a headache, “and the pain was in tents….”)

But I wonder if Marder’s story is scratching a deeper itch.

Maybe we have become so accustomed to using these painkillers that we cannot imagine life without them, even though they are not good for us. Pain relievers are never “good” for us.

Maybe we have forgotten that pain is not the problem. Pain is the natural response of our body telling us that something is wrong. Pain tells us that there is a deeper problem beneath the surface.

But we live in a generation that cannot bear even the slightest bit of pain. At the first sign of a headache we run to the medicine cabinet to get some relief. I know I do. But do we also take the time to think about the reason for the headache? Are we willing to look at the emotional stress or relationship problems that might be at the root of our head pain?

Relieving the pain only pushes the problem deeper undercover. It always pops up again, somewhere, sometime.

Perhaps Shirley Marder’s liver is pointing us towards a greater truth?

The problems we are all facing, whether in Jerusalem, the Middle East or around the world are not going away anytime soon.

Maybe this story is reminding us that there are no quick-fix remedies for what’s happening in our lives, or in the world today. Maybe we are all being reminded by this story to take a closer look at what’s really bothering us, before taking yet another pain pill.

Billy Joel sang it well with, “We didn’t start the fire, it was always burning since the world’s been turning….” Click the link. I love this video, my mother sent me.

Is there something wrong with me?

2011-03-29T00:49:00.000-07:00

Read Gen.14:18-24

Do you sometimes wonder “God, why did you make me the way I am?” Maybe you wish you looked differently, or were able to do things you see others doing? Do your circumstances sometimes seem, well, just more difficult for you than for others? Is it hard for you to accept your “Lot” in life?

Abraham accepted his, and in this portion of scripture we can discover a key about Abraham’s faith that will help us accept ours too. That key is understanding the revelation that comes to Abraham in this passage where God makes himself known to Abraham as God Most High, in Hebrew “El Elyon.”

Abraham has just defeated the King of Sodom and rescued his nephew Lot. He is on his way home when Melchizedek, King of Salem, Priest of God Most High comes out to greet him with bread and wine and blesses Abraham saying:

“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand” (14:19-20)

God Most High, or El Elyon, is described as “Creator of heaven and earth.” The word “creator” here is not the usual Hebrew word “bara,” but rather “konne” which means “measured exactly according to the pattern determined.” It comes from the word for a reed or a rod which back in those days was used as a stick of standard length for measuring things. Interestingly enough there is also a Greek form of the same word “kanne” from which we get the word “canon” in English or the standard by which we measure scriptures.

So, El Elyon, or creator (konne) of heaven and earth actually means that God has designed all of creation according to the pattern he desires. El Elyon is the sovereign God who designs creation just the way he wants it.

King David uses “konne” in Psalm 139:13, “For you created my inmost being.” El Elyon has “measured” or designed who he is as an individual. Characteristics of personality, areas of gifting and abilities, all are a part of God’s sovereign design for his life. El Elyon sovereignly weaves into our personalities unique personality traits, special qualities that make you and I unlike anybody else. The psalm goes on to say that even our physical bodies are part of a unique design that our heavenly Father fashioned. Read all of Psalm 139, it’s one of my favorites.

There is another implication of “konne.” In modern Hebrew it means “to buy” (note: used less and less today at current rates of inflation!) which comes from the original meaning of a rod of measurement used in at market. In biblical Hebrew it meant simply “to have ownership” or “take possession.” El Elyon, creator (konne) of heaven and earth means that God owns everything. That’s why Abraham responds to Melchizedek, priest of El Elyon, by “giving him a tenth (tithe) of everything” (14:20). This is actually the biblical meaning of the tithe. It is a symbolic acknowledgment that everything belongs to God. Abraham is acknowledging that El Elyon alone is owner of all things.

Abraham’s faith is so rooted in his understanding of God as El Elyon that when the King of Sodom, after being defeated, comes back to Abraham and offers him the spoils of the battle, Abraham replies:

“I have raised my hands to the Lord, El Elyon, creator “konne” of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the thong of your sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’” (14:22-23)

Why would Abraham refuse this man’s wealth? He is simply choosing to live in the light of the revelation that God as El Elyon, owner of all things. He will not be obligated to any other, no one could ever take credit for making Abraham the man rich in faith and fortune that he became. No one else would ever be master over him, for El Elyon alone is his Sovereign Lord.

What purity, what honesty, what blessing would follow a nation where men were willing to say as Abraham said, “I have lifted my hand to El Elyon, owner of all things... that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’” Have we not all seen good men, gifted men, get involved in government with a genuine concern to make a difference in society only to be corrupted by the lures of material gain? In the end they can no longer stand up for what they believe because they had been “bought” by constituencies and pressure groups whose threat to remove their support could no longer be resisted. Indeed the preacher said well, “Better is a poor man whose walk is blameless, than a rich man whose ways are perverse” (Prov.28:6)

Acknowledging that God is the Sovereign El Elyon in every aspect of life is not the same as passive fatalism which accepts anything and everything without question. Rather it is the ability to accept who we are as persons created by sovereign design, and to live our lives to the fullest by serving faithfully in areas where God has uniquely gifted us. It is also an uncompromising determination to “be obligated to no man...except to love...”(Rom.8:13) so that the LORD alone can be master over every aspect of our lives.

Living by faith in a sovereign of God can set us free from the entrapments, treacheries and manipulations of men and assure us a life of fruitfulness and blessing.

Comfort my People Japan

2011-03-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

Since the beginning of the tragic events in Japan, I have been receiving a number of letters from people saying that God allowed this tragedy because of a negative statement made by the Japanese government last year about Israeli settlers in Judea and Samaria. And it really bothers me. It reminds me of some rabbis in Israel when they claim that there was another terror attack because not enough people kept the Sabbath, or that Israeli soldiers are killed in battle because they didn’t eat kosher food.

These conclusions are based on a false assumption that suffering is always the result of sin. It is the same misunderstanding and false teaching that Job’s friends had when they accused Job. They came to the conclusion that the tragedy that had fallen on him was the result of his sin. These friends had no other way of understanding his punishment (Job 2:7). But they were wrong (Job 42:7).

The Book of Job does not give us the answer of why humans suffer. It only leaves us with the mystery of why bad things happen to good people. Our conclusion must be that there is no answer to the problem of suffering in the world. Life is far more complicated than we can ever imagine and there are many things that we cannot understand. It is even as the sages taught, “It is not in our power to understand either the suffering of the righteous or the prosperity of the wicked” (Pirkei Avot 4:15).

So why do some people think that they can accuse God for bringing this tragedy on Japan because of some anti-Israel statements? Do they think that they can frighten the Japanese into becoming believers by pointing the finger? Did Job come closer to God because of his friends’ accusations? In fact, it is these kinds of accusations that only make God into a narrow-minded and grudgeful vindicator.

What we can learn from Job is how to endure our tragedies. It is the lesson that all those who suffer must learn; how to walk through the tragedies of life without losing our sense of mystery and awe. Job argues with God at every point and questions him with fervor. But in the end he can only confess, “Therefore I spoke but did not understand, wonders beyond me that I did not know… Therefore do I repent…” (42:3-6 ).

Troubles have a way of teaching us more than we know. Suffering broadens our capacity for tenderness and teaches us to resist the temptation towards bitterness and desolation. It is in suffering that we learn that we can find the good, even amongst the devastation. We learn to endure through hardships, not because we understand, but because we are willing to take another step towards compassion.

May all those who think that they have the answers learn to be quiet when tragedy strikes. May they not attempt to place blame on the victims, but rather learn to offer real comfort to the people who are suffering. Real comfort comes from acts and words of kindness and concern, not from false accusations.

I am indebted to Reuven Hammer, former president of the International Rabbinical Assembly for some of the material found in this blog adapted from his article "Job and his Comforters," Jerusalem Post, March 25, 2011

What in the world is happening in the Middle East?

2011-03-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

I watched a CNN interview with Benjamin Netanyahu this week and was impressed. It made me realize that perhaps it is the Israelis more than anyone else in the world that can help us better understand the growing unrest in the Middle East. We have lived and survived in this tough neighborhood as a robust democracy for six decades. During the interview Netanyahu makes a few cleverly cloaked remarks hinting that Europe and the States are already communicating with the Israelis trying to understand how best respond to the growing protest movements around the Middle East.

In light of this, I want to recommend that you read Netanyahu's excellent book A Place Amongst The Nations. This book more than any other will give you the essential inside understanding that will help you more fully understand what is really happening in the Middle East today. In this meticulously researched book, which took him five years to complete, Netanyahu traces the origins, history, and politics of Israel's relationship with the Arab world. In his easy to read and sometimes humurous style, Netanyahu highlights those key factors that will surely determine the future of this region.

Anyone interested in Israel and what is happening in the Middle East must read this book. Paul Johnson of Commentary Magazine says about Netanyahu's book, "A formidable accomplishment... the most succinct, readable, powerfully argued, and convincing summary of Israel's case. There are many good books about Israel and the Arabs. But A Place Amongst the Nations is the one that those most interested in the subject must now read."

There are very few world leaders left with the capacity to fully grasp the historical relevance of what is happening in the Middle East today. Netanyahu, the first and only Israeli prime minister born and raised in Israel after the State of Israeli's foundation, is uniquely qualified to help us understand. A.M. Rosenthal of the New York Times says, "Without reading it [Place Amongst the Nations], people seriously interested in the Middle East will remain intellectual bystanders, ducking the historic discourse it forces open."

Pick up a copy of his book here and let me know what you think.

He who laughs last....

2011-03-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

Inwardly I have been laughing at what is happening all around the Middle East. I have been afraid to admit it, but for weeks as I watch the protests raging in Arab nations, I’ve been holding back a smile. I just can’t help it. Something about this situation is making me happy. I even want to laugh. But I couldn’t admit it. I felt restrained, like I shouldn’t be enjoying someone else’s troubles.

You see I didn’t want to give the impression that I enjoy watching my enemies kill one another. That wouldn’t be right. I don’t want to be like the Muslims I see dancing in the streets when Jews are slaughtered or honoring suicide terrorists (see for example http://palwatch.org/). That is not funny. The cold-blooded murder of innocent men, women and children is no reason to rejoice.

Retribution does not make me laugh either. I thought I was glad to see Muslims killing each other because of what they have done to the people of Israel. Those of you who know me know that I have labored tirelessly for the past 3 decades building relationships with Arabs across the Middle East. I love the Arab people. I do not enjoy watching people in these nations killing each other. Vengeance is not funny.

I couldn’t understand why all this turmoil in the Middle East was making me laugh, until I read the story of Purim.

No matter how many times I read the story of how Haman had to parade Mordecai through the city square on the king’s horse I laugh out loud. Every time I picture Haman bent over walking in front of the horse proclaiming, “Thus shall is be done to the man whom the king delights to honor,” I can’t help smiling.

That is why I am laughing. It is the comic relief watching the fool foiled by his own foolishness. It is Haman hung on his own hemp. It is the amusement of watching the malevolent make a laughing stock of themselves.

All these many years I have listened to Arab countries ridiculing, demeaning and despising Israel. I have listened to their calls and lived through their plots to destroy my people. While I try to brush aside their deceitful propaganda as ignorance, evil or insanity, these threats do not go unheard. I am aware of deep fears and intimidation these threats produce within me. The continuous contention, belligerence, hostility and bad blood leaves us with insecurities. We are not at peace in our own land. Even our strongest faith can leave us vulnerable.

But now I am laughing. I am laughing because I am comforted in the knowledge that things are the way they should be. That justice rolls down, eventually. That right is right, even when the whole world says otherwise. And it is reassuring to know that wrong gets it in the end.

I am laughing because my fears are getting released. Now when I hear them blaming Israel for this or for that, criticizing and spreading vicious lies, it doesn't bother me so much anymore. I just think about how much trouble they are having in their own countries. And I have a little chuckle.

A Prayer for Japan

2011-03-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

We weep with you Japan. We weep for you.

We are deeply moved by the tragedy that has befallen your people. We watch with admiration as you courageously resist your tears knowing that the loss of your loved ones is inwardly wrenching your hearts.

Your bravery in this hour of crisis is evident to all.

For generations people have found some consolation in the story of Job. Perhaps you might also find here some comfort and strength.

One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house,

a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby,

and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house,

when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

and naked I will depart.

The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;

may the name of the LORD be praised.”

In the midst of your tears and sorrow for your loved ones, and as you mourn for all that is lost, may you also know that all is not lost. May you know the comfort of Job.

May you know the strength to pray even as my own people have prayed for generations. At our gravesites, in our homes during the days of “shiva” mourning, or amongst the ashes of Auschwitz, we stand, and through our tears, we find the courage to pray...

“yitgadal v’yitkadesh shemai raba…”

“Glorified and sanctified be God’s great name throughout the world which he will renew, reviving the dead…

rebuilding the city and his shrine therein;

uprooting idolatry from the earth and restoring divine worship to its site…”

Our dearly beloved people of Japan. May you find the courage to stand in hope in the hour of your distress.

Even as it is written,

“These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

And He who sits on the throne will dwell amongst them.

They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;

for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Rev.7:14-17

Who is hiding whose face from whom this Purim?

2011-03-10T06:04:00.000-08:00

Israel is once again surrounded by turmoil. As Purim approaches the following meditation can be our guide to sanity and common sense wisdom in the complex and dangerous neighborhood called the Middle East. Translated by Philip Birnbaum from the Daily Prayer Book and read on Purim for generations, these verses continue to be a source of faith and endurance to Jewish people everywhere.

(The numbers refer to footnotes I have added at the bottom)

The Lord wrecked the counsel of the heathen,

Frustrating the plans of the crafty,

When against us rose a wicked man.

A hateful offshoot of Amalek, ¹

Who grew in wealth and dug his own grave,

It was his power that ensnared him! ²

He wished to entrap and was entrapped;

He sought to destroy and was destroyed.³

Haman revealed his fathers’ hatred,

And stirred Esau’s enmity to Jacob ⁴

He failed to recall that he, the foe,

Was born thanks to Saul’s pity for Agag. ⁵

The wicked panned to cut off the righteous;

But the impure was caught by the pure. ⁶

Mordecai’s kindness offset Saul’s fault; ⁷

Wicked Haman heaped guilt upon guilt.

He hid his crafty plans in his heart,

And gave himself over to evil. ⁸

He laid his hands on godly people,

Spending his wealth to destroy their name. ⁹

When Mordecai saw that wrath had gone forth,

Haman’s decrees issued in Shushan, ¹⁰

He put on sackcloth, sign of mourning,

Proclaimed a fast and sat in ashes.

Who would rise to atone for errors,

To gain pardon for our father’ sins? ¹¹

A flower blossomed forth from a palm,

Hadassah ¹²rose to stir those who slept!

Her servants hastily brought Haman,

To make him drink the wine of poison, ¹³

He rose by wealth and sank by evil,

Being hanged on the gallows he made. ¹⁴

All the people of the world were agape ¹⁵

When Haman’s pur ¹⁶ became our Purim.

The upright were saved from evil men;

The enemies were put in their place.

The Jews undertook to make Purim,

To rejoice each and every year.

Thou didst hear Mordecai and Esther;

Thou ¹⁷ didst hang Haman and his sons.

1 Amalek an ancient and unrelenting enemy of Israel comes to represent all the enemies of good and of God.

2 Although Haman is part of a long list of anti-Semites, the reasons the prayer gives for hating Jews is fascinating. The first of these is that money and power corrupt. This is a major issue for the Middle East dictators trying to hold onto their positions.

3 The theme of the enemies troubles falling on their own heads runs right through scripture beginning with the story of Cain and Abel. The jealousy and anger that captured Cain’s heart towards his brother Abel becomes the mark on his forehead condemning him to a life of wandering isolation and unfruitful labor. What he wanted to do to others came upon himself. Muslims are now fighting amongst themselves.

4 The prayer understands that prejudice, racism and hatred are often passed down from one generation to the next. This idea is expressed in Jeremiah 31:29 “The fathers have eaten sour grapes and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” Could this be part of Yeshua’s prayer when he recognizes that the children do not even understand what they are doing? “Forgive them Father for they know not what they do.”

5 King Saul spared wicked King Agag (an Amalakite) though the Lord was angered with Saul for this. It appears that Saul’s mercy though well intended was unappreciated and resulted in even more trouble.

6 “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” Yeshua

7 Refers to Mordecai taking care of the young orphaned Esther. As Yeshua says, “Wisdom is justified by her children.” Luke 7:35 Good deeds will always find their reward.

8 The prayer acknowledges that Haman didn’t just wake up one day and decide to hate the Jews. There is a long process that goes on which eventually results in his wicked actions. God is longsuffering and allows for every opportunity for repentance. Let us keep our hearts open for the real possibility for change in the Middle East.

9 How many Middle East nations are wasting their vast resources on hatred and violence instead of social and economic development? If they continue in this way they will bring poverty upon themselves.

10 The Persian capital city of the times.

11 In spite of all the evil and wickedness that have arisen against his people, Mordechai, and the Jewish people, cry out and mourn in repentance for their own sinfulness. Wow.

12 Hadassah whose name in Hebrew means myrtle is the common bush that grows in every back yard in Israel. Its leaves carry an aromatic perfume and it shows small white flowers in Spring.

13 Of course it wasn’t real poison he drank, but rather the results of his bitterness of heart and soul because of his anti-Semetic attitudes. It is a fatal cup to drink.

14 Oh the irony and the ecstasy of God’s kingdom ways.

15 Not the Greek for love. They were so deeply moved that they were left wide-mouthed speechless.

16 “pur” comes from the Babylonia “puru” which means “lot” and is used only in the Book of Esther. It is similar in meaning to the usual Hebrew word for “fate” which is “goral.” Naming the festival Purim is acknowledging the uncanny circumstances surrounding this uncommon story where we witness the sovereign hand of God throughout though his name is never mentioned once n the entire scroll.

17 God is given credit although it was the King of Persia, King Ahasuerus, that said, “Hang him.” Rabbis referred to God's role as hester panim, or "hiding of the Face", which is also said to be hinted at in a word play (Megillat Hester) regarding the Hebrew name for the Book of Esther, Megillat Esther—literally, "revelation of [that which is] hidden."

The festival of Purim is celebrated in Israel once again on the 14^th day of Adar or March 20^th.

My kids are slaves!

2011-02-15T01:19:00.000-08:00

With grandparents in our backyard

Most of the time my kids love our family, and mostly I love them. But sometimes we drive each other crazy. “Why do you have to keep telling me what to do? I’m 25 years old!” I’m hearing that a lot lately.

In our home tension builds up when we try to interfere too much in our kid’s lives. “Go to school. Get a job. Do something with your life!” Sound familiar? So we try to leave them alone and let them do what they want. Makes sense, right? I thought so, but then I hear, “You don’t care about me. You’re always too busy. You don’t even know me!”

What to do? We sat down and looked at the idea of family in the Bible. Of course the ancient world of the Bible is digital light years away from our credit card holding, university educated, mobile urbanite kids, but what a surprise to discover that the biblical word for family comes from the word for a slave. That’s right, you heard it here and whoever said you can choose your friends but you cannot choose your family had it right!

Most of you are familiar with the Hebrew word for family “meshpacha.” Did you know that the word is based on the root word “sh-p-cha,” a servant handmaiden? Curiously the concept of family in the Bible comes from the idea that all members of a family are to be servants (I love the Bible!). “Shepcha” is even used many times in parallel with “slave” like the well known passage in Psalm 123:2. “Shepcha” is someone hired to serve the family. Hagar was a “shepcha” to Sarah.

In the biblical world family has to do with those who belong to the “house of” a father. This same root “sh-p-cha” is found in other Middle Eastern Mediterranean languages like Phoenician and Ugaritic. They used the same word for a group of people held together by patriarchal leadership. Members of the group were called servants or serfs because they all worked together to further the purposes of the extended family. That’s right kids, say it out loud, worked together.

A parallel meaning of the word “shepcha” in Hebrew is “sapach” which means “to join together.” During my years in the IDF I would periodically receive a “Zav sepuah,” a letter directing me to attach myself as a medic to a tank battalion during a military campaign. An amendment to a contract is also called a “sepach” and becomes a legally binding part of the agreement. In the Bible the maiden was called a “Shepcha” because she was joined together (sapach) to the family for her entire life. Like a slave in ancient times the maidservant was completely devoted and bound to the household of the patriarchal father.

This same connection between family members, servants and handmaidens is even found in ancient Rome and in Latin. “Familia” in ancient Roman and “famul” in Latin both mean slave (are you listening?). The Latin “familia” is the root of all Latin based languages; in Spanish it’s “familia,” German and Yiddish “familie,” French is “famille” and English in of course it's family :)

Before you go out and buy a ball and chain to get your “servant kids” to do chores at home consider this. In Latin children are called “liberi” or free ones. This is the exact opposite of “famul” or slave. In Greek and Roman societies children were differentiated from slaves in a family in that they were free (never liked the Greeks). This is why the New Testament often contrasts the relationship of the children to the father to those of the slave (eg. Romans 8:15).

How can kids be free and servants? Children are free because they can choose to stay in the family circle. Servants had no choice. A servant or slave remained with the family by law until released or sold to another family. Children stay by choice. They are free to leave. In those days children preferred to stay in the family that provided protection and income, and children could learn the family trade insuring a successful future. Back then kids needed the family to survive. Today there are so many opportunities for young people to climb up the corporate ladders of success without help from the family many are choosing to step out on their own. Remaining a vital part of the family is a choice (apparently not for the father though?!).

As free ones the children are to inherit the family wealth. In fact a first born son that chooses to stay with the family received a double portion. He was entrusted with the bulk of the family wealth because he was willing to take responsibility. The father would share his plans with the oldest son and entrust him to teach younger ones. The oldest was left responsible for the brothers and sisters when the father is away. The inheritance and blessings of the first born are a provision given to him so that he can serve the rest of the family. Privileges come with responsibility and kids contribute to the family out of their own goodwill. (ugh, I liked the slave part better!)

Btw did you know that the Spanish “abbas” meaning a monk, the French “abbe” for a priest or monastery Father, and “abbot” in English the head or father of a monastery all derive from the Hebrew/Aramaic “Abba?” The father is given much authority because it is under his wise counsel and leadership that the family works together and prospers.

"Fatherhood is pretending the present you love the most is soap-on-a-rope."
Bill Cosby

"I'm a Single Mom, What's Your Super Power?"

2011-02-02T10:43:00.000-08:00

Moms and Marriages

Being a single parent mother in Israel is difficult. Normally both parents must work to make ends meet. A single parent mom works twice as hard and there is very little time for the kids. Tensions buiild up, anxiety and fear abound and relationships within the family are often strained. Often children blame the hard working mother for not being there for them or even for the loss of the father.

Here's how two mom's lives were changed by God's love and then about a marriage restored.

Tami

"I was angry and frustrated. I love my daughter but I just couldn't get close to her. It was like there was a wall between us. I always got angry and blamed her. During the seminar I began to see things inside myself that I didn't know were there. I was angry at my situation. I was frustrated with all the responsibilities and burdens I carry. As I opened my heart to God's love and let him touch the painful areas in my life he released me from so much anxiety. I felt free, peaceful. I stopped blaming my daughter and asked God to help us. God healed the relationship with my daughter. Things inside of me needed to change and this opened up a whole new dimension to my relationship with her."

Sofi

"I had no idea that these things were in my life. There were walls that I had built up keeping me distant from family and friends. God helped me break down these walls of my heart that were keeping me locked up in loneliness, isolation and fear. I always had the feeling that everyone was rejecting me, even my own family. I couldn't relate to my family and friends and just keep to myself. Now that God's love touched my heart I am able to relate to people in a whole new way. I am not afraid anymore and I am now able to share love and friendship with my family. God is so good! I can't even describe the wonderful things he has done in my life."

Dima

"you still taste
good to me"

"I have been married for 12 years, but it's been a rough time. This is my second marriage and I guess I brought a lot of hurts to the relationship that I was not aware of. I love my wife but we always argue and there wasn't the real warmth and intimacy that we had when we first met. We had really grown distant and both of us made some bad choices. I had given up hope that our relationship would ever be satisfying.

During the seminar we both saw the deep hurts and unforgiveness we were holding. I saw how insensitive I had become to my wife. I had become harsh and cold not wanting to recognize the hurts and pain that it was causing her. When I opened my heart to let God's love touch me I was able to release all of these negative feelings. I started to show compassion and concern for my wife. God even gave me patience! It has been so wonderful. Now we enjoy one another just like when we first met. I love to be with my wife now. Next week we are going to renew our covenant relationship in a special ceremony at Beit Immanuel. I am so happy. I feel like God has given me my life back and I am looking forward to everyday with my wife and children."

He loves you too!

I hope you have enjoyed these brief stories of God's love changing lives. We are so encouraged by what the Lord is doing in our midst. It is affecting all of us! May you also be filled with His joy and your hearts full of the love that is beyond what we can even imagine.

A whale of a story

2011-02-02T05:24:00.000-08:00

The Sign of Jonah? This past summer a 13 meter (43 foot) whale appeared in Jaffa. Marine biologists were stunned when the Great Grey was spotted just a kilometer off the Jaffa coast. "This kind of whale is thousands of miles away from where it should be," said Dr Aviad Scheinin of the Israel Marine Mammal Research & Assistance Center.

Normally the Grey whale lives in the eastern Pacific, migrating between the waters of Alaska to Baja, California. Experts are only guessing, but they think that the melting ice in the North West Passage through the Arctic Sea allowed the whale to turn south down the eastern side of the North Atlantic and from there through the Straights of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean.

The next time someone snickers about the story of Jonah and how the "great fish swallowed him up," send them this video link.

Then read these verses from Matthew 12:39-42 . . . .

"An evil generation seeks for a sign, and no sign will be given to is except the sigh of the prophet Jonah. Far as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgement with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaeching of Jonah; and indeed a greater that Jonah is here. The queen of the South will rise up in the judgement with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater that Solomon is here."

Then pray that more and more people in this generation will come to know, and trust him, the one who is greater.

Egypt's Censorship without Sensibility

2011-02-02T02:49:00.000-08:00

Middle East Censorship without Sensibility

Our youth leader returned this week from a conference in Turkey with leaders from all over the Middle East. He reported that the Egyptians are very excited about what is happening in their country. They believe that the time for change has finally come. All over the Middle East the people are crying for freedom.

I am reminded of the wisdom of Solomon who said in Proverbs 29: 2 that “when the wicked man rules, the people groan.” It was only a matter of time before the peoples of the Middle East rose up in order to cast off the chains of censorship, deceit and violence imposed on them by corrupted leaders.

Many people are not aware of the total control the Middle East strong men have over their people. In order to keep their grip on the public, these regimes hold absolute control over the news. In countries like Egypt, journalists are prohibited from publishing anything that the government does not agree with. They cannot even report on or discuss the government leader’s health. They are not allowed to discuss industrial accidents, natural disasters or the prevalence of Avian influenza without government approval. Newspapers in Egypt are scrutinized by government appointed censors for every paper published before it hits the streets.

None of these countries are interested in protecting freedom of speech.

People cannot even speak openly about how they think about their country, its leaders or policy. When foreign journalists visit these countries, it is always with a government or military escort. These journalists must then report back to the government on what they want to write before it is published. This is what is so exciting for the people of Egypt, Libya, Bahrain and around the Middle East. They are shouting their complaints on the city streets.

Technological Triumph?

It seems that the new technologies are presenting a real challenge to the Middle East. Mobile phones and internet access are making it more and more difficult to control the news. It is practically impossible to block all mobile telephone and internet communications though they have tried.

Video-sharing and social networking websites are all victims of Middle East government censors, although China is the leader in this field. China regularly shuts down services to prevent people from speaking out. In the Middle East nations were apparently caught unprepared by the technology, but also at just how unhappy their people are. It is amazing to me to now hear about the opposition and anger at Middle East government policies that has been silenced for decades.

Clearly modern technology is making it more and more difficult to control or censor the news. Perhaps the day has arrived when corrupt governments, fascist leaders and violent terror groups fear exposure from the wide-spread use of digital media. In today’s world, anyone with a mobile phone in his pocket is a potential reporter.

I stand in awe at the courage and resolve of our Middle East neighbors to bring change to their nations. In Egypt, Libya and all across the Middle East the people are so fed up with their corrupt leaders they are willing to die to make a change. I can certainly identify with them. I salute them.

Many in the West are concerned that even more radical groups will fill in the gap left by these revolutions and take over the country. God only knows. In the meantime the people are rising up against the corrupt and evil leadership. They want better lives, not more terror. This is what the people in these nations are crying out for and this is what they told our youth leader. We should all stand with them in prayer and support in their battle for change.