Jewish, Jewish, Everywhere, & not a drop to drink
Wednesday, March 26, 2003
FROM:
http://www.aish.com/spirituality/odysseys/The_Jewish_Evangelist.asp
" The Jewish Evangelist
by Tikvah (Sonya) Claar
Raised as a Christian evangelist, one woman finally succeeds in converting a Jew -- herself.
On a sweltering summer day in 1970, I was born to a Scotch-Irish father and a mother without a history: She was adopted as a small child and raised by devout Protestants in Kentucky. Two years later, my parents converted to the Baptist faith and my father began studying for the pastorate at a Liberty Bible College in Lynchburg, Virginia. I would spend the next 30 years as a preacher's kid, devoted to Christianity and evangelism. Little did I know that I was on an odyssey that would return me to my long-lost heritage.
I was always fascinated by the Jewish people, but the only things I had heard about them were in Sunday school stories. The first time I saw them, I was seven years old. My father rented a prophecy film for his church and he previewed it before it was played for the congregation. The narrative claimed that the Jewish people were soon to be killed in mass numbers as the "Second Coming" approached. The camera panned over a large group of worshippers at the Western Wall. I hadn't been paying much attention until that moment, but when I saw those people praying with fervor, I had the feeling that I was looking at relatives I had never met. I suddenly wanted to be among them, and I cried inconsolably when I was told that they were all going to die because they didn't believe in the Christian "messiah."
I couldn't stop thinking about them after that, and began having dreams of standing among them, looking up at the adults around me. One man who wore a beard would always reach his hand down to me, and I would put my small hand in his and feel very safe. That dream recurred throughout my childhood years, but I wouldn't begin to understand its meaning for a very long time.
Our church engaged in door-to-door evangelism each week and I followed along with my parents. One night, a woman answered the door and quickly said she was Jewish and was not interested in their literature. She shut the door and my parents cried because they believed that she, one of the Chosen People, would perish. I remember dragging my feet as they retreated down the front sidewalk, and wishing I could go inside the home of that Jewish family.
As the years passed, my fervor for the Jewish people grew. My relatives didn't know what made me so single-minded in my focus. Why wasn't I passionate about the people from China and Africa that I saw in missionary presentations? Why the Jews exclusively? Most of them decided that it was an eccentric level of compassion, but as I grew into adulthood, some suggested that perhaps I had been "called" to evangelize the Jewish people.
My parents eventually divorced and my father left the ministry. The years of trauma and suffering that followed left me disillusioned and experiencing a spiritual crisis. I married to escape a miserable home life at the age of 16. I began to question everything I had been taught, and spent several years ignoring spirituality completely.
In my mid-20s, I decided to study theology and try to learn more about the Jewish people. I wanted to restore some purpose to my life. I had been disillusioned with the church and only read the Bible at home. I didn't know why, but I always found myself reading the five books of Torah. I spent hundreds of hours studying tapes and books by some of the most prominent Evangelical Christian apologists. I became very knowledgeable regarding Christian fundamentalist doctrine and returned to my childhood commitment to fast and pray for the salvation of the Jewish people. I became increasingly convinced that I was supposed to evangelize them.
In 1996, I heard about a Christian ministry that was distributing a recording from Israel of some traditional Hebrew songs. I desperately wanted to hear the Hebrew language, so I ordered the tape.
The day the tape arrived, I quickly played it and the first thing I heard was a recording of the moment when the Temple Mount was recovered by the Israelis on June 7, 1967. I wept tears of joy as I listened to the blast of a shofar after nearly two millennia of Jewish alienation from the place where Solomon had built the first Temple.
The next soundtrack was something I didn't recognize, but it gripped me so strongly that I listened to it until I could sing it. I began to sing it each morning and before I went to bed at night. It was a personal prayer to the God I had not yet discovered but constantly yearned for. I didn't learn until years later that I was reciting the Shema.
EMAIL REVELATIONS
In 1998, my husband and I relocated to northwest Ohio. My mother took care of my children while I embarked on a career as a restaurant manager. I began attending a nondenominational church and became more religious than ever. However, I became increasingly uncomfortable during church worship services, and during the last service I attended, I felt as if I was suffocating and left early. I never returned. I knew something was horribly wrong, but I didn't know what it was. Why had I never been able to remain in any church I attended?
I was quickly promoted at work and within two years, I was offered the opportunity to take on my own store. It was the thing I had been working long hours for, but the Almighty had other plans for me.
My mother and stepfather were forced to move far away because of a job change, and I was suddenly left with no childcare for my young children. After all my hard work, I was forced to resign and return to my role as a homemaker. I decided to make positive use of the time by taking over my mother's volunteer Bible-teaching job at a local retirement community, and my desire to reach the Jewish people came rushing back with overwhelming fervor.
I acquired a computer as a timely gift from an old friend and eventually located the Jerusalem Post via the Internet. I began writing letters advocating for Israel, and Jewish people began flooding my inbox with emails expressing appreciation and suggesting ways that I could use my writing to help. I made several Jewish friends, but I was quickly abandoned when I began to ask questions about the Christian claims.
I began writing to politicians as a pro-Israel advocate, and I was motivated further by death threats I often received from Israel's enemies when my letters were posted on the Internet. I wasn't afraid; in fact, I was overjoyed to finally have a chance to express the passion that had burned within me from my earliest childhood memories. During a phone conversation with my mother, I told her that if I could bring one lost Jew back to God, it would be a greater accomplishment than anything I could ever do in my lifetime. I was about to have my wish fulfilled, but not in the way I expected.
One day, I opened an email from a Jewish man who had seen one of my letters on the Jerusalem Post. I began to embark on a mission to find out what made the Jewish people shun my religion, and this man was the only one I had encountered who was willing to answer my questions when I inquired. I had waited so long for this opportunity. I knew I was obligated to proselytize him, but I found myself unable to do so directly. I concluded that I must be a coward and felt very guilty.
Over the following weeks, I sent him numerous claims via email that Christian missionaries use as "proofs." I asked him about Psalm 22, Daniel 9, Isaiah 53, Isaiah 7:14, Zechariah 12-14, and other passages that I had studied for many years. To me, they were certain proofs that the Christian faith was the only faith, and anyone who rejected it was eternally damned. I had to find out why knowledgeable Jews were unfazed by such seemingly sound evidence. Imagine my surprise when every point I made was quickly refuted!
My confusion grew, even though I had been told that Jews could not see the "truth" because they were "blinded" by the devil. I knew that if I wanted to reach the Jewish people, I must study Judaism and learn to read the Hebrew language. I began with the Internet, and eventually, I stumbled onto Rabbi Tovia Singer's website called "Outreach Judaism." I printed out his questions and answers, his chart on the "new testament," and his articles on Martin Luther.
Over the course of one week, I devoured all of the information, looked up the verses in question, and my entire theology collapsed like a house of cards. Not only did I face the undeniable evidence that I was caught in a life of idolatry, but I was plunged into a deep depression upon realizing that Martin Luther, the hero of the Protestant movement, had hated the people I had spent my life loving. I wrote to Rabbi Singer and apologized to the Jewish people as a whole, pouring my heart out about the responsibility I felt for being a part of such a shameful history.
CONVERSION PROCESS
I continued to correspond with the other Jewish man and eventually decided to convert (in spite of his adamant protests). I read every book I could get and learned how to read Hebrew. I acquired a Chumash and a Siddur and began praying the Jewish prayers. I kept my studies secret from everyone around me for months. The more I studied, the more unquenchable my desire for knowledge became.
I lit Shabbos candles for the first time in the spring of 2002. I felt as if I had done it before and the act seemed natural and familiar. When I uncovered my eyes and looked at the flames, I felt a surge of joy, peace, and contentment unlike anything I had ever known. I still did not understand why the Judaism that I was quickly adopting felt more like I was uncovering something hidden within than adapting to a foreign way of life. It was time to begin the official process.
I contacted a rabbi in Toledo, Ohio just after Passover. The Seder Massacre in Netanya had made me realize beyond question that I wanted to join in the destiny of the Jewish people, come what may, and I knew I could wait no longer to make a final decision. The rabbi was wary, yet agreed to meet with me.
I was nervous and fearful that day. Just before I left for the hour-long drive to Toledo, an email from Rabbi Singer arrived. It said that I was not to blame for being raised in another religion, and he offered to help in any way he could. I don't know why I printed it out and took it with me. It contained my original email and his reply. The timing was perfect.
When I met with the rabbi, he asked me to explain why I was there. I choked on my words. I felt so unworthy because of my past. I ended up giving him the email from Rabbi Singer. Tears kept trying to spring from my eyes because of my sense of guilt. I knew that I was willing to give up everything I had ever known for the prize of being irreversibly committed to Torah. He smiled after reading it, reassured me that I was forgiven by God, and agreed to help me study for conversion, while constantly reminding me that I would have a very restrictive life and I should reconsider. Yet as the months passed and I became increasingly observant, I felt more free than I had ever been.
UNVEILING THE PAST
The backlash when my family discovered what I was doing was terrible. My mother was hysterical and fearful that I was giving up my only chance of salvation. She pleaded with me to change my mind, told me I was condemning my children, and warned me that I would be killed by the coming "antichrist." My stepfather told me that all Jews were going to hell. News spread through the grapevine like wildfire, and I found myself in the midst of a firestorm of emails, phone calls, and exhausting debates.
Arguments abounded with various family members, and my life became an exercise in stubborn determination. Somehow, the Almighty gave me the strength to hold fast as the conflict increased. I kept reassuring my mother that I loved and honored her, but I had to do what I knew was right.
During one of the intense conversations with my mother, I received information about her biological family that I hadn't known before. I began putting the pieces together and researching. The evidence began to fit together and I slowly began to realize the shocking truth... I was the fifth female descendant in a long line of Jewish women who had assimilated more than 130 years ago! My mother quickly regretted the fact that she had told me what she knew and later denied everything. The trail ran cold when I tried to find paperwork to prove the overwhelming circumstantial case, so I took the information I had to my rabbi. He consulted with other authorities and the decision was made that I would go to the mikveh and settle the issue of my identity once and for all.
The concern shifted in part to my five children and I began teaching them about Judaism. The three oldest were not interested in it, but the youngest two began to learn eagerly.
During a conversation with my rabbi, I told him that I didn't know why I had spent 31 years not knowing who I was. I grieved over all of the wasted years, but he reminded me that I had found out at the right time... after I had decided on my own to commit to Torah. My mother could not blame herself for giving me too much information, as I had already begun conversion before I knew.
My great-great grandmother had decided of her own free will to disappear into the Gentile world for an unknown reason, and I had been permitted to choose of my own free will to bring my family tree back to its roots. I later learned that my mother's mother was the granddaughter of the Jewish woman who assimilated. She had a hard life in a poor area in Appalachia, where her forbears had migrated from Holland to the Carolinas and eventually into Kentucky where the Jewish tradition disappeared. Her mother married a non-Jew, and the family broke off from its roots.
My grandmother was uneducated and a young woman when she was stricken with tuberculosis in 1947. Her husband had died in a coal mine, and four of her six children had died from pneumonia or rickets. She was aggressively proselytized by local church authorities and told that she would never see her lost children if she didn't convert and accept baptism. She was baptized one week before her death. My mother was four years old. Eventually, she and her sister were placed in a Christian foster home.
As I pulled back the curtain that hid the past, I was utterly amazed that I was, through miraculous "coincidences," given the precious opportunity to come home. Everything I had felt as a child now made perfect sense. My "eccentric compassion" was no longer eccentric, but the inner cry of a kidnapped Jewish soul.
MIRACLE OF RETURN
On January 7, 2003, I stepped into the waters of the mikveh. As I submerged, I remembered being placed under the baptism waters by my father at age six. I was finally, mercifully, closing the door to my religious past and beginning life anew. I vowed to obey Torah for the rest of my days. The joy and sense of belonging rose in intensity and the identity confusion I had lived with for so many years evaporated with every promise I made. I recited the Shema at the end, and thought of all the years I had spent singing it, not knowing what it was. Scenes from my childhood years flashed through my mind like a slideshow, and I now fully understood all of the unexplainable feelings I had lived with for so long. My joy was indescribable when the rabbi welcomed me at long last as a daughter of Israel. I was given the new name, Tikvah Shulamit.
I have faced alienation and anger from friends and family, been abandoned by all former Christian friends, and have lost everything except what matters most. But the joy of knowing what the Almighty has done for me overshadows the daily battles I must face
My ex-husband investigated the evidence and decided to become a Noachide, a non-Jew who commits to fulfilling the Torah's seven basic laws for all mankind. He is the grandson of a Pentecostal preacher and faces the same opposition from his family. My younger children will be raised as Jews without the counter-influence of Christianity.
I later learned that the correspondent who first answered my questions had become discouraged and had not been observant for several years before encountering me by "coincidence." As a direct result of my barrage of questions, he was forced to dust off his books and delve into a deep study of Judaism. It resulted in his return to full observance.
The odds were astronomically against me finding out who I was and returning to Torah, but God heard my prayers for the reconciliation of the Jewish people by saving me, among others. The Torah is priceless beyond description, and every page contains the underlying promise of God's unfathomable love for His people. I now understand personally how profound and individualized it is.
The miracle of my return is not just for my benefit, however. As I learn more about my fellow Jews who are assimilating at a high rate, and the spreading effects of missionizing on young, vulnerable Jews, I realize that my story must be told, and my years of training in Christian evangelism have armed me with the knowledge to warn others. A branch that is broken from the olive tree can be grafted on again, but at great price. Only one who has lost everything can understand the precious heritage that is all too easily discarded today.
Someday, I want to set my feet on the soil in Israel and know that I am finally home to stay. It seems an impossible dream now, but I have learned that there is no such thing as "impossible" for the Jewish people. I can never praise God enough to recompense His amazing kindness."
WHEN JESUS BECAME
THE "SON"
OF GOD.
_______________
@:
Wow , she is a very brave woman! To leave Christianity is extremely difficult. I do not know that I am so brave and certainly I know my past. There is no Jewish blood in my veins, only perhaps in my heart. She describes it well, the conflict is like a confusion of one's identity. It is very difficult.
SimShalom :
hi, oh
it's just an interesting story
@:
She answers one question quite well for me though. I always wondered if Christianity didn't feel like idolatry to Jewish people.
Yes, it is an interesting story. It hits home though.
SimShalom :
that "idolatry" comment should not be understood as some sort of legal decision according to Jewish law. It's more complicate than that.
The basic point hinges on how much emphasis is given to the Trinity.
The more God is viewed in complete "unitarian" ways emphasizing the monotheism aspect of Christianity that there is only a One and Single God, with the trinity being SECONDARY or preferably rejected completely, then Christianity is a pure monotheistic faith.
After all, in the times of Jesus, they knew that Jesus claimed to be a Messiah , which means he claimed to be the reigning King of the Jews. The Jews rejected that claim.
How Jesus subsequently became "deified" is a subject that unfolds after his death. He did write the Gospels which appeared many years after his death, and they all are geared to emphasizing Christianity's break with Judaism, which is not what Jesus wanted in his day as he saw himself as a Jewish leader, and a leader of the Jews, and NOT a "son" of God.
SimShalom :
he did NOt write the Gospels, sorry typo
@:
yes, those I know who say they have studied the words of Jesus say they can find no claim by Jesus that he is God.
@ :
I think that this is a broad, and inferred decision on the part of the Christians. The closest I can come to it from what I know of Judaism is the thing with meat and milk products. You shall not cook a kid in it's mother's milk. That applies to all meats in any kind of milk if I understand correctly. The all milk and in any kind of milk, is inferred as far as I can tell
@:
oops, all meat
SimShalom :
No I don't think so.
I think that verses referring to the Children of Israel being God's "Firstborn son" were used for the claim that is Jesus who is God's "first" born, and not the children of Israel who are the original ancestors of the Jews.
SimShalom :
do you have your concordance handy, look up references in the Old Testament to "Firstborn" or "eldest"
@:
This monotheism point is one place where I have become extremely hung up. My prayers go to God, power to heal and other answers to prayer come from God. Somehow I have not integrated Jesus into my understanding of God.
@ :
I have my concordance in front of me.
@ :
Yikes, the columns for First born are 1/2 page of fine print. What shall I look for?
SimShalom :
ok, I dug up my Hebrew concordance.
Yes the concept of "firstborn" is very important in Judaism.
SimShalom :
I found the verse...
SimShalom :
See Exodus Chapter 4, verses 22-23, where God is instructing Moses and giving him his mandate:
"You must say to Pharaoh,'This is what God says:Israel is MY SON, my FIRSTBORN. I have told you to let My SON go and serve ME. If you refuse to let him leave,I will kill your own first-born son."
@:
So what does that have to do with Jesus ?
SimShalom :
It the JEWS who are God's "SON", and it is definitely NOT Jesus.
Insofar that Jesus was a Jew he , like all the rest before and after him,are part of the Israelite People that God says constitute HIS SON.
SimShalom :
God is making Himself very, it conveys to Pharaoh that God considers Himself to have a close bond with the oppressed Israelites, it is the Father-Son bond.
SimShalom :
very clear, sorry typo
@ :
Oh, I think I understand. Sometimes I wonder about interpretation because the people who interpreted the Christian Bible don't necessarily understand all of the cultural factors
SimShalom :
The CRUCIAL FINAL break between Christianity and it's "mother" religion Judaism, was long after Jesus death.
It came at the First Council of Nicaea , where Jesus was made into a "son" of God.
SimShalom:
Dear Reader PLEASE NOTE : Before you read the material below be advised that it is best for you to get acquainted with the JEWISH / TORAH view of the entire subject of Jesus and Christianity.
or the Chabad-Lubavitch site for good introductions and explanation of Torah True Judaism.
A highly recommended web site on the Internet for you to consult with at http://www.messiahtruth.com/ with an exciting variety of experts and material that warns against the dangers of Jews being literally trapped by Christian missionaries, unfortunately sometimes even ones that were born Jewish but have become APOSTATES (traitors)to Judaism by taking on the Christian religion
See: Messiah Truth: A Jewish Response to Missionary Groups
at http://www.messiahtruth.com/
The ONLY PURPOSE of going into the DETAILS below are to show how Christians themselves have NEVER been in agreement amongst each other about the exact role of Jesus in the Christian religion, and therefore it should become obvious that an itelligent person would think at least twice before buying into any Christian beliefs and dogmas.
The material below has been taken from the Wikipedia web site, an Internet based free encyclopedia, which is the culmination of many peoples scholarship. The mention of Christian names, events, personalities, and so-called officail schools of thought is only briefly mentione here, many btimes with it's source in Wikipedia, so that you, the intelligent reader will be abel to judge for yourself based on the way they are generally presented.
I DO NOT ENDORSE ANY OF THE CHRISTIAN, CHRISTOLOGICAL, OR UN-JEWISH OPINIONS, VIEWS, SOURCES, PERSONS OR INTERNET LINKS MENTIONED ABOVE AND BELOW !!! YOU ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH YOUR OWN LOCAL ORTHODOX RABBI BEFORE CONSIDERING THESE SERIOUS MATTERS. IF YOU DON'T HAVE AND ORTHODOX RABBI YET , THEN GET ONE NOW ON THE INTERNET FROM MANY OF THE SITES SPONSORED BY ORTHODOX INSTITUTIONS AND THAT HAVE AN "ASK THE RABBI" SECTION ! Such as www.torah.org ; www.aish.com ; www.chabad.org ; www.ou.org ; www.shemayisrael.co.il
As taken from:
http://www.wikipedia.org/
Historical origins of Christian debates/arguments/confusions:
First Council of Nicaea
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Council_of_Nicaea
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
The Council of Nicaea, called by the emperor Constantine
in 325 , was the first ecumenical (from Greek "worldwide") conference of bishops.
It dealt with the problems raised by the Arian http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arianism opinion of the nature of Jesus Christ http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christ- God, man, or some mixture.
The bishops were offered the facilities of the imperial post system - free travel and lodging to and from their episcopal sees to the meeting - to encourage as full an attendance as possible. Constantine formally opened the session.
The Nicene Creed http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicene_Creed was adopted at this council, and the churches agreed to all celebrate Easter http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter on the same day. The issue of how to establish the date of Easter was not settled until long afterwards however.
See also:
Ecumenical council http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecumenical_council
Also see
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/nicea1.txt
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arianism for a more extensive discussion of the council.
Text from Schaff-Herzog Encyc of Religion:
1. The First Council, 325 A.D.
2. Character, Membership, and Problems
1.The first Council of Nicea
is conspicuous as the starting point for the great doctrinal controversies of the Church in the fourth and fifth centuries. Here a union between the ecclesiastical potency of the councils and the State was effected, vesting the deliberations of this body with imperial power. Earlier synods had been contented with protection against heretical doctrines; but the Council of Nicea is characterized by the further step from a defensive position to positive decisions and minutely elaborated articles of faith.
In the Arian controversy http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arianism lay a great obstacle to the realization of Constantine's idea of a universal empire which was to be attained by aid of uniformity of divine worship. Accordingly for the summer of 325 the bishops of all provinces were summoned to the first ecumenical council at Nice in Bithynia, a place easily accessible to the majority of the bishops, especially those of Asia, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Greece, and Thrace.
The number of members can not be accurately stated; Athanasius http://www.wikipedia.org/w/wiki.phtml?title=Athanasius&action=edit counted 318,
Eusebius http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eusebius_of_Caesarea only 250.
As a matter of course, the oriental bishops formed the preponderating number; the first rank being held by the three archbishops
Alexander of Alexandria http://www.wikipedia.org/w/wiki.phtml?title=Alexander_of_Alexandria&action=edit ,
Eustathius of Antioch http://www.wikipedia.org/w/wiki.phtml?title=Eustathius_of_Antioch&action=edit , and
Macarius of Jerusalem http://www.wikipedia.org/w/wiki.phtml?title=Macarius_of_Jerusalem&action=edit> , and by
Eusebius of Nicomedia http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eusebius_of_Nicomedia
and Eusebius of Caesarea http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eusebius_of_Caesarea .
A special prominence attached to this council also because the persecutions had just ended, and it was to be assumed that nearly all of the assembled fathers had stood forth as witnesses of the faith.
The occident sent not more than five representatives in equal distribution from the provinces,
Marcus of Calabria from Italy,
Cecilian of Carthage from Africa,
Hosius of Cordova from Spain,
Nicasius of Dijon from Gaul,
and Domnus of Stridon from the province of the Danube.
These ecclesiastical dignitaries of course did not travel alone, but each one with his suite, so that Eusebius speaks of an almost innumerable host of accompanying priests, deacons, and acolytes.
Among the assistants it was Athanasius http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athanasius_of_Alexandria , a young deacon and companion of Bishop Alexander of Alexandria, who distinguished himself as the "most vigorous fighter against the Arians," and similarly Alexander of Constantinople, a presbyter, as representative of his aged bishop.
The points to be discussed at the synod were:
(1) The Arian question,
(2) the celebration of Easter http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter ,
(3) the Meletian schism,
(4) the baptism of heretics, and
(5) the status of the lapsed in the persecution under Licinius.
2.The Procedure
The council was formally opened May 20, in the central structure of the imperial palace, busying itself chiefly with preparatory discussions on the Arian question, in which Arius http://www.wikipedia.org/w/wiki.phtml?title=Arius&action=edit , with some adherents, especially Eusebius of Nicomedia http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eusebius_of_Nicomedia , Theognis of Nice, and Maris of Chalcedon, seems to have been the leading spirit; regular sessions, however, began only on the arrival of the emperor.
After prescribing the course of the negotiations he entrusted the mode of procedure to a committee appointed by himself, consisting in all probability of the most prominent participants of that body. It is undoubtedly chiefly owing to this step on the part of Constantine http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine that the council, after being in session for an entire month, promulgated on June 19 the Nicene Creed http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicene_Creed .
At first the Arians and the orthodox showed an uncompromising front toward each other. The Arians entrusted the representation of their interests to Eusebius of Caesarea http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eusebius_of_Caesarea , whose scholarship and flowery speech made a great impression upon the emperor. His reading of the confession of the Arians called forth a storm of resentment among the opponents; two minorities vividly interested in contrary opinions opposed each other, but between them yawned indifference.
In their behalf, as well as for his own sake, Eusebius, after he had ceased to represent the Arians, appeared as a mediator; and in asserting that the chief aim to be pursued should be the establishment of the peace of the Church, he at the same time agreed with his exalted protector.
He presented a new formula, the baptismal symbol of his own congregation at Caesarea, by means of which the differing opinions might be reconciled. The emperor, who pursued the purely political intentions of a successful pacification, could desire no more welcome ...
SimShalom :
See
http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arianism
Arianism
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Arianism is a heresy http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heresy of early Christianity involving the nature of Jesus Christ http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christ .
Arianists denied that Jesus Christ and God the Father were one, seeing them as different Divine entities.
The conflict between Arianism and traditional trinitarianism http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinitarianism was the first important doctrinal difficulty in the Church after the legalization of Christianity took place under Emperor Constantine I http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine , and ended with Arianism being declared a heresy.
Arius http://www.wikipedia.org/w/wiki.phtml?title=Arius&action=edit was a Christian priest in Alexandria http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria , Egypt.
In A.D. 321 he was condemned by a synod at Alexandria http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria for teaching a heterodox view of the relationship of Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Arius himself died without repudiating his doctrine.
Arius and his followers agreed that Jesus was the son of God, but denied that they were one substance (Greek: homo-ousios).
Instead, they viewed God and the Son as having distinct but similar substances (Greek: homoi-ousios).
The difference in Greek was literally one iota or "letter i" of difference.
Jesus is, for Arianism, inferior or subordinate to God the Father.
The specific summary statement that was rejected by the councils, is that "there was a time when Jesus Christ was not"; the rejected statement meant that Jesus was a created being, rather than being coeternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit. At issue was the doctrine of the Trinity http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity .
SimShalom :
See: http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christology
Christology
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Christology is that part of Christian http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity theology http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theology that studies and defines who Jesus Christ is.
It is generally less concerned with the minor details of his life; rather it deals with who he was, and the major events of his life (his birth, death, and resurrection http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resurrection_of_Jesus_Christ ).
Important issues in Christology include:
was Jesus human, divine, or both
whether he actually performed miracles
whether he rose from the dead,
and if so,
whether his resurrection was of the body or strictly of the soul
Christology may also cover questions concerning the Trinity http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity , and what if anything Christ accomplished for the rest of humanity.
There are almost as many christological views as there are variants of Christianity.
Some important controversies have included the controversy with Arians over his divinity and relationship with the Father, which led to the adoption of the Nicene creed ;
and the controversies over Nestorianism http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nestorianism ,
Monophysitism http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monophysitism (and its derivates Monothelitism http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monothelitism
and Monoenergism http://www.wikipedia.org/w/wiki.phtml?title=Monoenergism&action=edit , which lead to the adoption of the traditional (in both the East and West) Chalcedonian http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Chalcedon view of Christology.
Other controversies included that with Docetists http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docetism
and the Adoptionists http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adoptionism .
We can describe most of these views in terms of whether they believed Christ had a divine nature, human nature or both; and if both, in terms of how the two natures coexisted or interacted. All of these views will be presented in simplified form; see the related articles for more complete treatment.
The Chalcedonian http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalcedonian_Creed view is that Christ possesses two natures, divine and human, which were united in the one person of Jesus Christ without either nature losing any of its properties. This view is the dogma of the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, having been defined by the Council of Chalcedon http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Chalcedon .
The Arian http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arianism view is that Christ is not fully divine, but was created by God for the purpose of accomplishing our salvation.
The Docetist http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docetism view is that Christ was never fully human, but only appeared to be human.
The Adoptionist http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adoptionism view is that Christ was born a man only, but became God's son by adoption when he was baptized in the Jordan. ""
SimShalom:
Thus from all the above descriptions about all the argumentative and even nebulous origins of the "son of god theories" , and the INTERNAL Christian schisms, arguments, debates, groupings, "conclusions" (many times at odds with each other) , the nature of the origins of Jesus' "Divinity" and status as a "son" of God is HISTORICALY AND THEOLOGICALY something that Christians themselves have never really clearly DEFINED for themselves and remains literally "up in the air" to the present time...so why should JUDAISM have to accept any of it at all ?!
See MESSIAH TRUTH on the Internet and at PALTALK http://www.paltalk.com/ in the Judaism section for more on this issue from a JEWISH point of view and at
http://www.messiahtruth.com/
Messiah Truth: A Jewish Response to Missionary Groups
Monday, March 24, 2003
1) WHY THE USA
WENT TO WAR.
2) TRIANGLES AND
THE SIX-POINTED
STAR OF DAVID.
_______
Hi Izak, how are you?
These are tense times and I fear for our troops.
For our nation, one of my greatest fears is that false information was fed to
our government for the purpose of destroying Saddam Hussein and that the U.S.
government has been duped by some group inside Iraq. If we must have war, at
least the reasons we give for it need to be true. The humanitarian factor alone
is tremendously important, but it was not the reason we gave for declaring war.
I do not want our nation to appear like a complete fool in the international
arena. They found a chemical plant today. I hope it is part of the evidence we
need.
Lately, I have been thinking about the symbol of the triangle. It must have
specific significance to you because the Star of David is comprised of two
triangles. I thought perhaps it has something to do with Unity, but thought I
would ask.
Dear Y:
Thank you for your Email.
I do NOT think that the USA government has been "duped" about Iraq. It is part of a larger picture in which militant fanatical Islamic Arabs, both as "groups" and as Nations, have taken up arms against the United States. On September 11th ,2001, they proved the scope of their fanaticism and hatred and what they were capable of doing. In this context, the United States invaded Afghanistan and destroyed the Taliban , and now it is in Iraq destroying their evil regime. In 1980 the Israelis went to the trouble of obliterating Iraq's nuclear reactor as it was being readied to produce nuclear weapons. Now the United States has in its hands reliable information that Iraq has dangerous chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction and they are rooting out the rot at its source.
The Sept 11 hijackers and their broad network in Al Quaida were a representative group of Arabs from many Arabic/Islamic countries. They made a collosal error in attacking the United States, just as the Japanese blundered when they attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, sixty years before Sept 11th 2001. Just as the United States had to rise up and defend its national and strategic interests against the Japanese, it is now called upon to do the same against Arabic people and countries, who are armed with deadly weapons, filled with their wealth from oil, and driven by extreme Islamic rage. They will learn, as did the Japanese, that it is too dangerous for them to attack the United States of America which has been chosen and blessed by Almighty God to play the role of "Leader of the World". If the Arabs insist on being stubborn they may yet have atom bombs dropped on them as happened to the Japanese. This is very, very serious business. Literally a "life-and-death struggle."
Regarding the triangle and its symbolism, and what the two triangles in the "Star (literally, 'shield' in Hebrew 'magen') of David" denote. The best explanation that I have heard about it is that a triangle ( any triangle ) consists of 180 degrees if you add up the three inside corners. (This we should know from our high school geometry. In case you are not familiar, the angles of ANY triangle add up to 180 degrees. ) Now, 180 degrees is a semi-circle, a half of a circle. TWO triangles combined give you 360 degrees which is a complete CIRCLE. So the "secret" of the two triangles is that they are really a circle. In fact two triangles with each angle being exactly 60 degrees will yield a perfect circle traveling around on the outside. The circle is one the greatest concepts. It is has neither a "beginning" nor an "end" it is just a constant, continual, continuum, which is similar to God's essence: He has no beginning and no end , He is constant continual, transcending time and place. He always WAS in the past, He IS now in the present, and He will always BE in the future.
Futhermore everything in nature moves in circles.The planets' rotations, the shape of flowers, the way our hair grows on our heads all being circles and spirals. However, Man's mark is a straight line. Man builds structures that run in predominantly straight lines, in all directions. So the six lines of the two triangles in a Star of David denote Man's way of working in this world. This "Jewish Star" is associated with King David as he supposedly was the one to adopt it as his symbol on his shield, meaning , so to speak, he made it his "Coat of Arms". King David in a sense "completes" God's plan for this world as he is chosen to be the literal "annointed" (in Hebrew "mashiach = "messiah") King'of the Jews and the greatest king on God's Earth. That would fit into the "circle" side encircling the two triangles. The actual triangles themselves and their lines would denote King David's super-human efforts to fight Israel's enemies, build up the Land of Israel , conquer Jerusalem ( called "The City of David") and most importantly his desire to BUILD God's Temple on the Temple Mount in the heart of Jerusalem, which his son Solomon would do instead.
In a different vein, the SIX POINTS of the two triangles of the Star of David, represent the six dimensions of a cube, and all physical nature: Top - Bottom . Left - Right. In - Out . Or alternately, in Geographic terms: North - South.
East - West. Top (Heaven) - Bottom (Earth). And at the center of it all is the ultimate "locus" of it all, and "invisible" yet real entity, that brings it all together, God.
It could also be that the six points represent the Six Days of Creation, with the Seventh Day being the Sabbath that unites it all and makes it into ONE United Creation of God.
There are also Mystical and Kabbalistic meanings and interpretations, but I am not familiar with that area of knowledge. It may even be the most significant area of all since symbols and mathematics are strong components of Jewish mystical teachings.
Anyhow, these are just some of the things that I've picked up over the years.
Best wishes,
Izak.
Sunday, March 23, 2003
WAR IN IRAQ
___________
Hi, how are you..?
*!:
fine, and u?
*! :
Oh! are you scared with the war?
SimShalom :
No, definitely not...
There is a some more security and police on the streets but otherwise life goes on as normal.
SimShalom :
Ok great...that's fine...do you go to any Jewish school?
*!:
No. My cousin studies at a Jewish school
SimShalom:
Does your family belong to a Jewish community?
*! :
No. I ´m not very religious
SimShalom :
No, I do not ask if you are religious. Many people just belong to a community or a Jewish or Zionist or Hebrew organization..
*! :
I go to a Jewish club
*! :
Oh, ok, that is what I mean. Do you study Hebrew or is it just social things like parties?
*!:
it´s just social things
*!:
do you know hebrew?
SimShalom :
Yes, I speak some Hebrew. I also teach young people how to read the Hebrew alphabet...
*! :
cool
*! :
Do the Americans like Bush?
SimShalom :
There is a special organization in America called National Jewish Outreach Program that sponsors free Hebrew reading Crash courses.
*!:
Thanks! I ll see
SimShalom :
Yes, most people like Bush. About 60% , but many people do not like him. With Jews he is 50-50 I think.
*! :
Why don´t Jews like him?
SimShalom :
Many Jews in America are very Liberal. They belong mostly to the Democratic Party and Bush is from the Republican Party.
But even so, many Liberal Jews will vote for Bush because he has been good to Israel.
*! :
yeah, but the problem is that Iraq wiil attack Israel provoking Bush
SimShalom :
Right now it seems that Iraq is going to be smashed ...so far Israel has not been attacked..the American Army is destroying the Iraqi army very quickly...
*! :
What do you think about this? do you think that Americans are right to attack Iraq?
SimShalom :
Well, why did the Arabs attack America on Sept 11, 2001, and destroy the World Trade Center and kill three thousand people in New York and Washington? It made America decide to go to war against the Moslem fanatics, first in Afghanistan, now Iraq, maybe another country next.
*! :
I think this is true but how many people the Americans killed in Hiroshima? The terrorists killed many Americans but the Americans killed how many people in the world?
*!:
did you see the attacks to WTC?
SimShalom :
I could see some of the smoke, and there were millions of pieces of burnt paper that came from the buildings. I still have six sheets of burnt paper from places in the World Trade center. I knew some people who were there and one wad killed in the second tower.
*! :
Oh! it´s terrible! this person was your friend?
SimShalom :
Not a close friend , but I knew him very well.
*! :
he worked there?
SimShalom :
Yes, he was somewhere on the 93 rd floor, he was in his office, he thought only the other building would get destroyed, and the security people told him and his friends to stay their offices, unfortunately, a few minutes later the next jet came and hit has building, during this time he was calling his family on his cell phone till the building collapsed. He has a young wife and he was speaking to her on his cell phone when he finally died. They found some of his body after six months, not all just some of it and he had a Jewish burial.
*!:
Oh! this story is surprising
SimShalom :
Why? there were many stories like that.
*! :
yes, but when an American says and when it´s a friend the story shocks
SimShalom :
Many firemen were going up to the fires , nobody believed the buildings would collapse so quickly, it was a great shock..Osama Bin Ladin is an engineer, and he knew what he was doing unfortunately, they had a plan to do this and they did it, now it has brought wars to their countries, and their Arab brothers and sisters are getting bombed because they were stupid to attack America. Just like Japan attacked America in World War Two and later America dropped atom bombs on Japan. It is a mistake to fight against America. Their army is too dangerous.
*! :
I like the Americans but I don´t like Bush. I think he have other forms to disarm iraq. I went to the demonstration against the war. I know that the september 11 was very bad to the world but i think that there are other forms to resolve these problems, not with war
SimShalom:
But Sept 11 WAS an act of War, from a national security point of view.
The Sept 11 hijackers were all Arab fanatics, and the next step for them would be to get an atom bomb from Saddam and drop it on New York...the time for talking has ended, now there is war and the world will have to see the results.
*! :
i´m against the war in all ocasions.
SimShalom :
It is understandable.
But every country has national security policies and if a country is attacked , like America was on Sep 11. 2001. it will respond.
That is the way of nations.
But of course in a democracy you can protest against a war, as many do here is America. In Iraq, there is no democracy, whatever Saddam wants to do he can do because he is a fanatic dictator
*! :
I agree with you. I don´t like Sadamm.However, Bush is using the Sept 11 to justify his attacks
SimShalom :
Not just Bush, but the whole National Security leadership. The Congress, Army, and Intelligence services have made these serious deciosns. In America , the President is the Commander in Chief of the Army, and he has the responsibility, authority, and power to fight a war against America's enemies. It is not really very complicated. Just the world cannot accept that America can do this, but many nations do agree with America. The British and Israel. They are important countries. Germany and France were fascist countries during World War Two...they have too much blood on their hands, so they cannot be taken seriously at all.
*!: I liked discussing the war with you. bye
SimShalom :
Bye.
WAR AND LIFE
_______
SimShalom :
Hi, so how are you doing..?
D:
hi , well. i´m fine...
SimShalom :
Ok, good, so how is your weekend?
D :
here it's raining. so we stay at home...
SimShalom :
Oh, ok.
Here the weather was warm, winter is leaving and spring is coming..
D :
and the war?
SimShalom :
It is on the news like a "normal" subject..
In the streets there are some demonstrations against the war in the downtown areas. Some arrests. More police on the streets but everything looks like normal here..
D :
NORMAL? I CAN´T BELIEVE...
SimShalom :
Yes, very Normal.
America has about two hundred and eighty million citizens, it is a huge country. A very big army, and Iraq is very far away from here...
some people are afraid of terrorists doing something like on Sept 11, 2001...otherwise everyone goes on as usual
SimShalom :
Take care, have a great weekend.
JUDAISM
VS.
EVANGELICAL
__________
SimShalom :
Hi, how are you ..?
M :
fine and you?
SimShalom :
Good thanks. How is life ?
M :
so so
M:
we are in a crisis
SimShalom :
You mean with the economy?
M:
but is so so
M :
yes, that's what i mean
M :
there are to many poor people
M :
without a job
SimShalom :
That is a big problem. But has there been a little improvement in the last few months..?
M :
no...everything becomes worse everyday
M:
but God helps us
SimShalom :
worse?
M :
it depends...
M :
the situation is bad...
M :
compared with other countries
M :
but there are worse countries..in worse situations
SimShalom:
Yes I know. When do you think things will improve?
M:
i really dont know
M :
i think that we need GOD
M :
we have to adore HIM...not saints or pictures...
M :
because nothing works today
SimShalom :
You are a special person, most people are not brave enough to say this..
M :
no?
M:
i dont know, i just say what a think
M :
the problem is spiritual...not just economic
SimShalom :
But are not most people there good Catholics...is there not enough religion?
M:
yes, but they adored saints and pictures of Jesus...
M:
that doesn't work
SimShalom :
I see, so you think that is a big problem.
Well definitely, Judaism will very much agree with you..!
M:
i knew that you are Jewish
SimShalom :
Yes, we have spoken about it.
I also teach Jewish studies.
M :
ah, i remember...i am so sorry about my English
SimShalom :
Your English is fine.
You said then, that you had some interest in Judaism. Like maybe the "messianics", even tho they are really Christians.
M :
yes i did
SimShalom :
So what have you been studying lately..?
M :
lately??
M :
what does that mean?
SimShalom :
in recent days or in the last weeks
M :
i understand but what?? study what?? mesiahnic judaism??
M :
no, i know things..
SimShalom :
anything in your spiritual studies..maybe something connected to Judaism.
M :
yes, about the Old Testament
M :
Abraham, Moses, Daniel, etc
SimShalom :
That is solid stuff, they are powerful people..
M :
yes, i know...but it is God´s power...not theirs
SimShalom :
of course it's ALWAYS God's power, but they were given great powers...
M:
yes, i know..
SimShalom :
Where did you get your religious beliefs from..?
M :
the church
M :
my family
SimShalom :
and do they also say what you say..about saints and pictures not being good enough..?
M :
they believe like i do...
M :
we believe in the Father creator of the earth and in His son Jesus
S:
What church do you belong to?
M:
evangelic pentecostal
SimShalom :
it makes sense , since you do not sound Catholic. How did your family become become evangelical ?
M :
because my parents couldn't have children...they prayed to God ad He gave three
SimShalom :
It is a miracle.
And that made them leave the Catholic church?
M :
yes,because they also didnt feel God ´ s presence
M:
the were in a strucuture and formalism
M :
God make us freeM
:
His Words
SimShalom :
Your family is very unusual. You know it.
So what makes you now think about the "Jewish" connection to Christianity?
M :
because Jesus was jewish...wasnt he???
M :
well..thats very important...
M:
and we read all the Bible...
M :
old and new testament
M :
Abraham's words and John's words
M :
and Jesus' words...obviously
SimShalom :
Yes he was definitely Jewish, and Christianity came from Judaism mostly...
M :
yes, i know
M :
but Jewish people dont believe in Jesus...they wait until today for the mesaiah
SimShalom :
That is why they are Jewish.
If they believed in Jesus they would be Christian.
It is logical, no?
M:
yes i know...
M :
but Jesus was Jewish..and I believe in Jesus..
M :
and i believe HE is the messiah...i am a jewish mesianic
SimShalom :
Ok, so that is why YOU are Christian.
It is Not Judaism.
M:
judaism no, but i can considered me like a jewish mesianic or not?
Sim Shalom:
You can call yourself whatever you like. There is no "religion police" to decide or judge you.
There are definitely many groups in the world who call themselves "Jewish messianics" they try to combine Jewish PRACTICES and Christian ideas. Like kosher, Hebrew language prayer, involvement with Israel and some other things..
M :
yes i know...but my religion is believe in God..nothing more...
M:
i dont care the name that everything says it is
SimShalom :
Yes, belief in God is something inside the heart and soul of a person. But there are also ACTS and ACTIONS, RITUALS. And in Judaism these acts are called the "commandments" . When you read the Bible, don't you see all those things that God has commanded the Children Of Israel ?
M :
yes, i know some things--
M :
give me an example..
SimShalom :
Well what does it say on the Ten Commandments?
M :
don't steal?¡
M :
honor parents
SimShalom :
Ok, so those are actions, they are not just beliefs
M:
yes, i know...i try to realize those actions
SimShalom :
So what I am saying, is that Judaism is not just about "believing" in One God, it is also about doing what God's wants us to do. He Tells us and those things are called "commandments".
M :
yes, i believe in that...
SimShalom :
Another example is Passover, Jesus observed the Passover, it was his 'last supper' so "Hebrew christians" or "messianic Jews" will observe some thing to do with Passover, like eating the "matza"
M :
yes...that too
M :
and the candles.i dont know the celebration....that the oil burned for seven nights or something like that
SimShalom :
Ok, so that is what I was saying before that it is not enough just to "believe" in God, a person also has to do what God "commanded" them to do.
M :
yes, thats true
Sim Shalom:
Doing the "acts" by observing the "commandments" brings a person closer to God.
M :
and have good relations
SimShalom :
good relations with other people and good relations with God. That is why there are two sides of the Ten Commencements. The First Five Commandments are between Man and God (To believe in Him, not to worship an idol, not to have another God, etc), and the Second Five deal between Man and Man (not to steal, be jealous of someone, not to kill etc)
M:
yes,...that's the cross...to the earth and to the heaven
M:
look the sides of the cross...
SimShalom :
well in Judaism there is no cross. There is the LADDER in Jacob's dream that goes from the Earth to the Heaven.
M :
yes,that too
M :
but the cross is very important
SimShalom :
not in Judaism,
For Christians it is .
The cross has nothing to do with Judaism.
Jews do not have a "symbol" connected with God. The Jewish Star of David is just a decoration. It is NOT anything in the Jewish religion. Like you said, God does not need human symbols from this world.
M :
do you think the messiah has come??
SimShalom :
no
M :
what do you think=?
M :
what do you believe?
SimShalom :
No the Messiah has definitely not come YET...he will bring PEACE to the world. So far it has not happened. We may be getting VERY closer, but God's chosen Messiah, the Jewish King who will rule the world has not come yet...he will come...when God decides to send him, then he will reveal himself the to whole world and there will be no more doubt
M :
ah ok...i respect that
SimShalom :
ok, it is simple.
Christianity believe and says that the Messiah has come and that he was Jesus.
Judaism says that the Messiah has NOT come, and that Jesus was NOT the Messiah. The Messiah will come in the future.
M :
yes, i know that...
M :
can we talk another day?
M :
i have to go to bed...its late
SimShalom :
Take care. have a good weekend. Nice chatting to you. Bye.
M :
nice to talk with you.really
SimShalom :
Thanks you too, bye, when I am on line again and you want to, contact me. Bye.
WAR IN IRAQ:
WHY?
________
R :
and this war? what dou you think about that?
SimShalom :
What is there to think.
It is a real war, and America is destroying the Iraqi army...
R :
right or wrong the american atitude?
SimShalom :
Only God knows, but because the Arabs attacked America on Sept 11, 2001, they started a chain of events by declaring Jihad against America, and America cannot afford to wait till Saddam or somebody like him will drop an atom bomb on New York. So I think there is no choice and the war will go on..
SimShalom :
Take care, have a good weekend .bye
MIRACLES: OPEN
AND
HIDDEN
__________
g :
hello!!!
SimShalom :
Hi, how are you?
g :
I'm great!
and you?
SimShalom :
Ok thanks..so what is on your mind..?
g :
I was wondering...
what happened to miracles??
why don't they happen anymore?
SimShalom :
They do happen.
g:
but not like they did in the past...
it was so obvious back then...
SimShalom :
It is a good question nevertheless. Judaism does have an answer.
g :
so tell me...
SimShalom :
Well, the basic point is. As long as the two Jewish Temples were in existence, and the majority of the Jewish people lived in the borders of Israel, and did the Temple service, They had kings, priests, and PROPHETS who could communicate with God. Thus God's "Presence" (His 'Shechina') was more evident it was more in the open. And there were therefore many OPEN miracles.
With the destruction of the Temples, the Jewish people are sent into EXILE (Galut or Golus) and likewise God's Shechina also goes into "hiding and exile" and thus the way he runs this world is more "hidden", so the miracles become HIDDEN MIRACLES that are not open, but they are nevertheless miracles, just "camouflaged"..so many things in this world are mircales. The sun shining, the water we drink, the good things that happen to us. They don't ' just happen ' they are miracles just we are vso "blinded" by the superficiality that we don't even beginning to understand.
g :
I'm starting to get it.
SimShalom :
The way God runs the world for the last two thousand years is called thru "Hester Panim" (The Hidden face). Just like a mask covers a face. So this current world is like a "mask" that covers God's Face as he definitely performs miracles all the time. Our job is to know that the "mask" is not the "real thing",
In fact to rely on miracles is an INFERIOR form of belief because it means you expect God to "perform" like an "actor" some miracle for you to believe in Him. A person should have stronger faith than that and believe in God even tho we cannot "see" miracles as we would like to. But the real miracles are all around us. Like the fact that the oceans don't drown us, that the seasons are comfortable and that the Jewish people has survived fop 3,300 years all those are just some miracles...they are not "natural' acts.
g :
:))))
SimShalom (0:31 AM) :
Look at this: "Hidden Miracles"
g :
thank you so much
SimShalom :
Many Open Miracles were experienced by the Children Of Israel when they came out of Egypt (Mitzrayim) at the time of the Exodus, and we accept them because God has put it in His Torah, but even tho they had open miracles all around them it still did not stop them from sinning, forgetting God, and worshiping a Golden Calf. So miracles don't last. You need an inner faith that is not dependent on "outside stimulus" like a miracle to "Keep you connected" to God and keep you "going".
See "The Word of God"
g :
I'll read them all...
SimShalom :
The Festival of PURIM that we just had is significant. Because it is all about 'Hester Panim" the "Hidden Face" of God, how He can perform "miracles" in a way that seems "natural" that is why God's name is the only book in the entire Torah that does NOT have any mention of "God" at all.
It is also an event that happened in the Exile (Galut) in the Babylonian/Persian Exiles and Empires when the Jews were outside of Israel.
Take care, have a good weekend. Bye.
Wednesday, March 19, 2003
HOLOCAUST EDUCATION:
PROS AND CONS
__________
1. Why do you feel that Holocaust Education is so important?
Simshalom: The Holocaust, meaning the systematic killing of over six
million Jewish men , women and children who were civilians and not military
targets,is so mind-boggling an event in world and Jewish history, that it has
changed the way people look at modern life, at how barbaric "civilized"
nations , like Germany, can suddenly become. Most people simply DO NOT KNOW THE
FACTS of what really happened and how cruel it all was. It is an epoch in
Jewish and world history that cannot be shoved aside, and Holocaust Education
is a way of teaching, studying, and learning, and finally remembering what
happened during 1939-1945.
2. At what grade level do you feel that teaching the Holocaust would be
appropriate?
Simshalom: Really at all grade levels.That's the way it's done in the
religious Jewish Torah schools. From the the earliest grades young Jewish
children are taught about the earliest Jewish tragedies such a the destruction
of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem by the Romans 2,000 years ago, and how the
Jewish people were killed and suffered and were sent into exile. Similarly, in
very general outlines Holocaust Education can start from a very young age at
first in very GENERAL OUTLINES and then as the children get older, more
specific details and interpretations can be added with the discretion of the
teacher.
3. What is your opinion on using books such as The Diary of Anne Frank and
movies like Life is Beautiful to add to a Holocaust curriculum?
Simshalom: The Diary of Anne Frank and movies such as Schindlers list all
help to "BRING HOME THE MESSAGE" of how the Holocaust impacted real people who
lived and died in the Holocaust itself. However, it should always be borne in
mind by the teachers that these books and articles are only one person's story
and that each and every one of the Six Million innocent Jews is really worthy
of their own unique story, which unfortunately cannot be told but must somehow
be emphasized.
4. Why do you feel it is important for children to learn about the
Holocaust?
Simshalom: I have mentioned some things above already. Jewish children are
part of the Jewish people and they need to be connected to their heritage.
However, it must also be counter-balanced with OTHER JOYOUS AND POSITIVE
RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCES. Non-Jewish children , who are in any case exposed to
constant violence on Television need to be focused some REAL EVENTS that really
happened and somehow be shown that the junk they watch on TV is nothing
compared to what happened in real life. This is a "tough sell" for the
teacher,and kids will obviously resist this, but the effort must be made to
show the consequences of anti-Semitism and how Germany ruined itself thru it.
5. In your opinion, what is the proper way to go about teaching the
Holocaust?
Simshalom: This is a tough question. I do NOT believe there is a "proper
way" to teach about such a genocidal event. Each teacher and educator will have
to reach into their own VALUE SYSTEM and teach the Holocaust as an example of
how low people can sink without MORALITY. The Nazis were amoral, they gave
themselves the self-sanctioned task of killing out the Jews of Europe.
6. How do you think the Holocaust has made an impact on the Jewish people?
Simshalom: The Jewish people have responded by either strengthening their
Judaism nd Jewish identity or running away from it. After World War Two the
Jews were determined to push on and create their OWN Jewish State of Israel
(1947/8). Almost all Jews supported that. However, with time, many Jews
especially in the United Sates have learned a PARADOXICAL "LESSON" in that they
have somehow "concluded" that being Jewish is "dangerous" and makes one
the "victim" of anti-Semites (such as happened with the Nazis), so quite a
large number of America's six million Jews are driven towards assimilation and
actually seek out non-Jewish marriage partners to "hide their Jewishness" as a
way of "escaping" any future wrath of anti-Semitism. It's a complex question,
that's for sure.
7. Do you feel that those who are not Jewish really understand the horror
that the Jewish people went through?
Simshalom: Most non-Jews cannot understand the Jews' "obsession" with the
Holocaust. Some, such as the African-Americans actually resent it because they
feel they have suffered their own "holocausts" in losing millions of their
ancestors to the slavery and the salve trade. This is understandable, and no-
one can deny their or other nations' suffering. But slavery took place over
hundreds of years at a time when the world was Feudal and undemocratic and
Empires went and subjugated them. The Holocaust of the Jews took place in
MODERN TIMES at the height of the DEMOCRATIC twentieth century, when science
and secularism was supposed to make the world a better place.
8. What are some ways, other than books and movies, to go about teaching the
Holocaust?
Simshalom: This is really a difficult question as how else do people learn
most things today. There are excellent museums, such as the Holocaust Museum in
Washington D.C. New York City and Los Angeles have very sophisticated
Holocaust museums as well. There are live tours to the places in Europe
associated with the Holocaust such as actually visiting the concentration
camps, such as the one at Auschwitz which is still standing there intact. One
can invite guest speakers who are very knowledgeable about the subject. One can
try to find children of survivors to come and talk about what it was like being
a kid of a Holocaust survivor. Then of course there is the Internet which has a
vast ever-growing number of web sites devoted to all angles of the Holocaust.
And example of a fantastic site is the NIZKOR PROJECT
9. Do you think that Jewish children should begin learning about the
Holocaust at an earlier age? In other words, should religious schools teach
the Holocaust at a young age? Why or why not?
Simshalom: I have already this question above.
10. What is it about the Holocaust that you feel is worth while teaching?
Simshalom: This too, I have answered above.
11. What do you say to those who believe that the Holocaust never existed?
Simshalom: Basically, I ignore them , because it just tells me how dumb,
prejudiced, anti-Semitic and cruel they really are in their hearts. I would
have nothing to do with such a person. Arguments will not work with them
really, it's like arguing with people who believe that the Earth is "flat". The
reason that I have nothing to do with them, is that THEY ARE NOT MOTIVATED BY
TRUTH AT ALL. They are really Jew-Haters who are out to use any method to what
they see as their Jewish "enemies" so they resort to lies.
The web site of NIZKOR is spefically directed at Holocaust
deniers. They ask "Given the evidence ... why do people deny the Holocaust?"
and the basic answer they give is that: "The real purpose of holocaust
revisionism is to make National Socialism (NAZISM) an acceptable political
alternative again." Take a look at it's contents.
12. Do you think that something like the Holocaust would ever happen again?
Why or why not?
Simshalom: This is a question ONLY GOD CAN ANSWER. So what's the point of
me saying either yes or no? It could happen if the world would allow it to
happen as happened during the years 1939-1945. It might never happen again,
because this time, almost half the world's Jews live in Israel, and they have a
powerful army with nuclear weapons that would utterly destroy any nation that
comes to kill the Jews. So who knows, this is all SPECULATION. Only time will
tell. We cannot know everything about the future before it happens.
13. After learning about the Holocaust, what do you think the students
should get out of it? What should they learn from this experience?
Simshalom: Honestly, I am not sure what the students will get out of it.
It's such a difficult, complicated and horrifying event in world history.
Perhaps some will learn the dangers of bigotry. Maybe some will develope a
deeper respect for the Jewish people and their sufferings for no other reason
than that they were just being themselves - Jews. Unfortunately, some will
actually enjoy hearing how Jews suffered and were exterminated. Some Christians
believe that all Jews are "cursed" for having "rejected" Jesus as the messiah,
and were somehow responsible for his death on the cross, so they will
actually "learn" that being a Jew will actaully result in the on-
going "punishments" that all Jews deserve( unless of course they decide
to "become" Christians, which many evangelicals would just love to see happen).
A lot will depend on how the Holocaust is taught. If it is constantly
being "shoved down the students throats" and being "preached at" they will
become resentful and angry and just ignore the subject. So it must be taught
with great care and tact, and only at SPECIAL TIMES at the discretion of the
teachers.
14. If you do agree with using movies and books to teach the Holocaust, what
book and what movie would be most effective in a middle school curriculum?
High school curriculum?
Simshalom: I cannot really answer this question. I suggest you contact
Holocaust organizations that specialized in this area, try the U.S.Holocaust
Museum in Washington D.C or the Yad Vashem Holocaust
Center in Israel
15. Do you think teachers nowadays do a worth while job of teaching the
Holocaust? If yes, how so? If not, what can they do better to improve their
lesson plans?
Simshalom: I cannot do justice to this question as I am not familiar with
the HUNDREDS of Holocaust Education programs and the thousands of teachers that
teach it.
16. What do you say to those who think that teaching the Holocaust is not
worth while in a curriculum?
Simshalom: I would say "To each his own". Personally my focus is on
educating other Jews about the Holocaust. To what extent an non_Jewish society
wants to take upon itself the teaching of the Holocaust, THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE
THE EDUCATIONAL P O L I C I E S should have the level of maturity and
sensitivity required to teach about one of the twentieth centuries greatest
calamities.
17. What is your opinion of teachers who leave out the Holocaust unit? What
aspects of history are they ignoring if they refuse to teach this unit?
Simshalom: From the things I have said in reply to some of your questions
above you will have my answers. Basically, I believe that "You can take the
horse to the water , but you cannot make him drink !" If a teacher wants to
leave out the Holocaust "unit" then I think for all concerned it is best that
the teacher's decision be respected, and that someone else be appointed to who
wants to teach this painful subject called the Holocaust.
Friday, March 14, 2003
By the same author as the one below about the Rebbe not being Mashiach,
there is and extremely valuable :
"TALMUD: THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT THE TALMUD"
(REFUTING CHRISTIAN SLANDER ABOUT TALMUDIC TEACHINGS,
ESPECIALLY AS THEY RELATE TO
JESUS)
"Talmud:
Statement of Purpose
There are many lies circulating the internet about the Jewish Talmud. These allegations are supported by "direct quotations" from the Talmud that are frequently wrong or taken out of context. However, most people lack the scholarly background to verify these claims. Most people have no way of knowing that these accusation are false and malicious. What we are attempting is to demonstrate in detail how these accusations are both wrong and intentionally misleading. We are trying to show to the world the real truth about the Talmud.
Written by Gil Student
gil@talmud.faithweb.com
gil@talmud.every1.net
Table Of Contents:
About The Talmud
The Real Truth About The Talmud: Why does this site exist?
What is the Talmud?: An explanation of the history and content of the Talmud
Talmud and Bible: Is the Talmud holier than the Bible?
Jewish People: Is Judaism a religion or a race?
To Tell The Truth: Are Jews commanded to lie about the Talmud?
Gentiles in Judaism: Where do gentiles fit into the Jewish world view?
Alleged Racism In The Talmud
Gentiles Are Human: The Talmud does not consider gentiles to be sub-human
Gentiles Are Human 2: The Talmud does not consider gentiles to be animals
Stealing From Gentiles: The Talmud forbids stealing from gentiles
Paying A Gentile's Wages: The Talmud prohibits Jews from withholding a gentile's wages
Tricking Gentiles: The Talmud forbids lying to gentiles
Killing Gentiles: The Talmud prohibits killing gentiles
Various Accusations: Refuting various accusations against the Talmud
Christianity In The Talmud
Introduction
Jesus In The Talmud: What, if anything, does the Talmud say about Jesus?
The Jesus Narrative: Does the Talmud's narrative of events correspond or differ from the Gospels'?
Christianity: What does the Talmud have to say about Christianity in general?
Jewish Holidays
Blood Libel: Jews never eat blood
Passover: The Passover Haggadah is not racist
Kol Nidrei: Permission to deceive?
Immorality In The Talmud
The Talmud Does Not Permit Sex With A Three Year Old
Sexual Morality in the Talmud: The Talmud's prudence
Rabbi Eleazar and the Prostitutes: The Full Story
Miscellaneous
Schindler's List: The source of the disputed quotation
Israel Shahak's Lie: "A Modern Blood Libel" by Rabbi Dr. Immanuel Jakobovits, former Chief Rabbi of the British Empire (Offsite)
"In The Image Of G-d": Gentiles are created in the image of G-d
"Goy": Is it a derogatory term used by Jews about gentiles?
Rabbi Soloveitchik: Refuting the slander against him
Ethics Of The Fathers: The section of the Mishnah dedicated to the favorite ethical sayings of the sages
Related Links
Recommended Reading "
Send comments and suggestions to:
webmaster@talmud.faithweb.com
"LUBAVITCHER REBBE
IS NOT
MASHIACH"
______
Came across this fascinating web site called moshiachtalk.
Here are the subjects as listed :
Can The Rebbe Be Moshiach? Proofs from Gemara, Midrash, and Rambam that the Rebbe zt"l cannot be Moshiach by Gil Student Buy the book
Printable order form
A sign to hang up in your shul
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction (download)
Chapter 1: What is Moshiach?
Chapter 2: Who is the Rebbe?
Chapter 3: Is the Rebbe Alive?
Chapter 4: Can a Dead Man be Moshiach? (download)
Chapter 5: What Counter-proofs can be Brought?
Chapter 6: Is this Heresy?
Appendix A: Is Yaakov Avinu Alive?
Appendix B: Maharal on Moshiach's Name
Index (download)
Contact the author
Related articles
Moderated Message Board
Genuine Offer
"Synopsis:
During his lifetime, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of blessed memory,
was a highly successful religious leader. His brilliant scholarship and eloquent speaking touched hundreds of thousands of people. Larger than life and presiding in a post-Holocaust world during which Jews returned to the land of Israel in an unprecedented fashion, he was declared by many of his followers to be the Moshiach (Messiah) for whom Jews have waited for thousands of years. His death in 1994 should have dashed those hopes. However, many of his followers have advanced the position that even today the Rebbe can still be Moshiach.
This book is an analysis of this position within the Jewish tradition. What do the doctrinally binding texts say about a dead man being Moshiach? In a presentation appropriate for both the layman and the experienced scholar, this work demonstrates from dozens of texts that according to the authentic Jewish tradition the Rebbe unfortunately cannot be Moshiach."
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
COMPARING
THE JEWISH
SABBATH
COMPARED...
___
O: How hard does your family work to get ready for Sabbath?
SimShalom (2:13 AM) :
ok, there is a good web site that answers those sort of questions fairly accurately:
Look at: JEWFAQ there is info in the middle of the page as you scroll down on
"A Typical Shabbat" (Shabbat is "sabbath" in Hebrew. In fact the English word is derived directly from the Hebrew word, as is very obvious in this case)
O:
I'm just asking because I'm trying to figure out how to have a decent Sunday "Sabbath" that feels restful. I've never succeeded and I would like to get off the treadmill.
SimShalom (2:17 AM) :
mmm, good questions...you need to research those old "blue laws" that used to prohibit work and various activities on Sundays because it was the Christian Sabbath.
A Jewish Sabbath is a very busy day in its own way, it has its own routines and disciplines that seem strange to someone who has never observed it.
O:
My favorite Sunday tradition is the Sunday afternoon nap.
O :
I mourn for Blue Laws.
SimShalom (2:20 AM) :
oh yes, that is also a big part of the Jewish Sabbath, In the winter it's hard to have a decent one because the days are shorter hence the Sabbath day itself is shorter..the summers are great for naps...but don't forget to have an air conditioner running for those muggy days
O:
LOL! If the kids aren't around, Sunday afternoon fun. Would that be acceptable Sabbath Day activity? I am reading the web site while I wait for your messages. I think the idea of the Christian Sabbath as a day of prayer is antiquated and from Puritan times. Maybe Quakers and Mennonites still practice a day of prayer on Sunday, but most Christians do not. Prayer is a part of our services and Christians are told to pray "without ceasing". Those who pray daily would pray anyway.
SimShalom (2:26 AM) :
Paltalk is a universe of its own, with sound (and web cams for a minority)
O: Do you shut off the lights on the Sabbath, or is that sort of like the way Quakers are to Christianity?
SimShalom (2:35 AM) :
As for Sex on the Jewish Sabbath, on Friday night which is the night of the commencement of the Sabbath..., it is actually almost "compulsory" as it is the act of union between husband and wife who unite thru sex and this mirrors the complete"UNITY", or ONE-ness, of God.
O:
Roflol. This is a fun practice!
O:
Christians need to get this straight!
SimShalom (2:37 AM) :
yea . especially the Catholic clergy
O:
LOLOLOL!
O:
Well, some of this, especially the candle lighting, and the blessings look very nice. I think I am going to have to get my family to start getting ready for Sunday a couple of days early.
SimShalom (2:42 AM) :
I am doing a search on Sex on Jewish Sabbath" on Google, some interesting stuff..even how some non_Jews are latching onto some things...
O:
Not cooking, now this is a great idea! However, it is more difficult when Sabbath begins in the morning than when it begins at night. You have the day to prepare.
O:
Really? I will have to look tomorrow.
SimShalom:
Friday is preparation day...some industrious ones start their preparation on Wednesdays!
Sabbath observance is serious *(and fun) but since it is the BED ROCK of Orthodox Judaism (in fact all Judaism) it is taken very very seriously, all based on Biblical Commands about this day
O:
I like that. Part of the Christian rebellion about "legalism" has caused many of these customs to be forgotten or ignored. To our detriment I think because the framework and process for the day has not been replaced with anything other than attending church. The day of prayer thing was "legalistic" in itself and that's why most Christians don't sit in a chair all afternoon praying. OK, I am off to bed now. Thanks for talking. Talk to you again soon I hope.
SimShalom (2:49 AM) :
bye
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
Not my article but
I just had to share it here...
"TWO FACES OF ESAU" :
USA vs.EUROPE ;
USA & EUROPE vs. ISLAM;
USA & EUROPE & ISLAM vs. JUDAISM
____
From: "B.
To: "Go
Subject: Fw: Esau's 2 Faces, by Simon Jacobson
Date: Mon, 10 Mar 2003
-------Original Message-------
From: wisdomreb
Subject: Esau's 2 Faces, by Simon Jacobson
TWO FACES OF ESAU
The Split of the West
By Simon Jacobson
Much talk going on these days about the trans-Atlantic split between the
United States and Europe exposed over impending war with Saddam Hussein. The
immediate disagreement is over Iraq and over the general approach to
terrorists and weapons of mass destruction. But, as experts have already
pointed out, the divisions in the West go much deeper.
Many reasons are being given to explain the underlying differences between
Europe and the United States – from the historical to the political, from
the balances of power to the differing views on G-d and religion.
During the cold war the West was united against their common enemy called
Communism. With the fall of the former Soviet Union over ten years ago, the
same ties no longer bind the West and their deeper rifts are now beginning
to surface.
Robert Kagan, in an article published last summer in Policy Review, and now
expanded in a new book, Of Paradise and Power: America and Europe in the New
World Order (Knopf, 2003), attributes the great divide to two primary
factors. One is that America’s enormous power allows it the confidence to
take on any global challenge, presently, Iraq. Europe on the other hand does
not wield such power, so they inevitably take on a more conciliatory and
compromising stance. Second, due to Europe’s unique experience in World War
II, Europe rejected balance-of-power politics and instead embraced
reconciliation and multilateral cooperation as the principal means to
maintain peace following the world’s most devastating conflict. With time
Europe came to see this approach as its new mission. America’s power and its
willingness to use it “constitute a threat to Europe’s new sense of mission
”
Some have applauded Kagan’s thesis, while others have criticized it as a
form of caricature (“Americans are from Mars, Europeans from Venus”) and
overgeneralization.
Other theories about the rupture of the West have been posited as well. In
the last issue of Newsweek, Christopher Dickey presents the religious angle.
Europeans simply cannot comprehend the religion of America. Religious faith
in America is increasingly tied to individuality and freedom of choice,
while in Europe the exact opposite is true: Religion has always been state
imposed. Dickey writes – citing various European scholars and writers: “To
most Americans it seems natural enough that President Bush…would incorporate
religious references into his speeches. His Manichean descriptions of good
versus evil, with us or against us, are rooted in his reading of the Bible
and strike many in the U.S.A. as strong, righteous and decisive. But all
this sounds to Europeans very much like the kind of theology – or ideology –
that led then to slaughter each other for centuries.”
I would like to submit a few thoughts on the cultural divide between the USA
and Europe by addressing some of the roots of their conflict, not just their
symptoms.
To do so we must first go back to a wedding that took place 3615 years ago.
In Genesis 28:9 the Bible tells us that “Esau went to Ishmael and married
Machlath daughter of Abraham’s son Ishmael.” Esau’s intention in marrying
Ishmael’s daughter was not that simple. The Midrash explains, that Esau’s
plan was to ensnare Ishmael in a plot: “You – Esau said to Ishmael – kill
your brother Isaac. I will kill my brother Jacob. Then we will become one
nation and remain sole heirs to Abraham and inherit the entire land! Ishmael
refused: ‘Am I then like Cain who killed his brother?! No, I will not do as
you suggest.’” Esau’s intention was to then kill Ishmael, and he would
remain the sole heir. When Esau sees that Ishmael declines from joining him
in the plot against Isaac and Jacob, he refuses to go to the ‘chupah’ and
abandons his bride and his own wedding! Only to return 23 years later (after
Ishmael’s death) to go through with the marriage. [1]
This strange wedding – among all the other aspects of the tense relationship
between Ishmael, Isaac, Esau and Jacob – plants the seeds of the
interactions and battles that their children would encounter through the
ages. Just imagine the psychological implications of Esau’s encounter with
Ishmael on his wedding day!
The entire history of confrontation between the Arab-Muslim,
Western/Christian and Jewish worlds can be understood by tracing back to the
roots of their conflict in Biblical times, the battles between Ishmael
(father of the Arab/Muslim world), Esau (father of the Christian/Western
world) and Jacob (father of the Jews) – as I discussed at length in my
articles last year, following September 11th (see www.meaningfullife.com).
By no means was the conflict isolated to Isaac and Ishmael or Jacob and Esau
As Esau’s infamous wedding attests, Esau and Ishmael had their own share of
differences, besides their commonalities. Both their mutuality and their
conflicts would affect their future progeny and the wars they would wage
against each other. [2]
Esau was clearly a cunning warrior. But as terrible as Esau was, he also had
another side. Being the son of Isaac, Esau in his soul had powerful
strengths. On a root level Esau was directly bound to the tzaddik Isaac, and
by this virtue he maintained a profound spiritual integrity.
Esau in other words had two faces, two sides. His material side was an
aggressive warrior, ready to kill and destroy. His other face was connected
to sanctity. [3]
Now, let’s turn the clock forward. Isaac and Jacob’s children go on to
receive the Torah at Sinai, the blueprint how G-d wants us all to live. The
process that begins with Abraham comes to fruition seven generation later at
Sinai, and then consummated and implemented in the Temple, which is erected
in this week’s Torah portion.
1300 years later, in the 1st century of the Common Era, Esau’s descendants
(Rome) would begin to return to Abraham’s original teachings, as documented
in the Bible. Six centuries later, so would Ishmael’s children with the
birth of Islam in the year 622 c.e.
Yet this was just a start, barely. The conflicts between these nations –
children of Ishmael, Esau and Jacob – was just to begin. History is witness
to the massacres carried out in the name of religion. No one will ever know
how much blood was spilled in the European rivers all in the name of faith.
Yes, originating in Rome, all of Europe became the source of so much
destruction, spreading to the Middle East, and of course Israel.
Centuries upon centuries passed. Despite all the persecution and darkness,
the Torah values of Abraham endured, flourished – ultimately refining the
world. Finally, after all these years, Esau/Edom was beginning to be tamed.
With the American Revolution – with the support of France, mind you – a new
stage in history began. Esau finally began to embrace the true values of
freedom and justice. After years of despotism and monarchial control, the
fundamental equality of all human beings was being recognized. Esau
established a country built on the Divine right of each human being to be
free – as declared at Sinai a little more than three millennia earlier!
But the other part of Esau’s personality was not gone. People don’t change
that quickly. Esau’s second face reared its head from time to time, or
perhaps more often than that. European Esau was to still to perpetrate its
greatest assault against the children of Jacob – with the genocide in the
20th century, using all the tools of modern technology.
Yet Esau is as complex as he is enduring. His two faces keep emerging.
Perhaps the time has come to finally tame all of Esau. This is possibly the
root cause and deeper meaning behind the deep rift in The West – the split
between Europe and the United States. After years of celebrating their
alliance, Esau’s both faces are emerging, instigated by Esau’s confrontation
with… Ishmael!
Perhaps the West today – children of Esau – is suffering from the anguish
Esau felt on his wedding day so many years ago. The effects of Esau’s
confrontation with Ishmael – whether to align himself with Ishmael or not –
still linger on today.
The two faces of Esau surface yet again. On one hand Esau wanted to betray
Ishmael. On the other hand he did offer to join forces with him, but it was
Ishmael who refused the offer. Then again, Esau ultimately did marry
Ishmael’s daughter. What offspring were born of this union? What forces were
unleashed by this marriage?
Sooner or later everyone has their day of reckoning. Esau has to now account
for the fact that he “went to Ishmael” – for his alliance or battle with
Ishmael. Which one will it be?
The divergence of the United States and Europe is an unprecedented
opportunity for both sides of the ocean to do a sincere soul searching in
understanding their true roles in history, and finally make peace between
both sides of Esau and with his brother Jacob, his father Isaac and
grandfather Abraham.
Balancing power, justice and peace has been a struggle that has plagued
nations throughout history. How do we reconcile between a higher moral
standard while leaving room for diverse approaches. The struggle has also
included the battle between religion and science, between faith and
individuality – between G-d and the universe.
The West has split into two camps – the two faces of Esau. Two views on
politics, power, justice and even G-d and religion.
Europe is still holding on to one face of Esau – the one that is still
struggling with G-d and justice. Europe, perhaps as a result of their long
bloodstained history, is still afraid of addressing these issues head on.
Instead they opt for ignoring G-d or just making Him irrelevant to daily
secular life. After seeing how religion can be a destructive force, when
abused and controlled by the corrupt, this side of Esau is terrified of
addressing good and evil and is afraid of confronting Ishmael for its
iniquities after Esau has wreaked so much havoc and shed so much blood in
the name of Christianity.
The second face of Esau – emerging in the New World, on the other side of
the ocean in a new hemisphere – this side is not afraid, and on the contrary
carries with pride proudly carries the banner of G-d together with freedom
and liberty. [America, unlike Europe, had to fight a war for its freedom
religion and expression. Europe fought a war for its life, but has yet to
fight for its own true beliefs]. Indeed it is because “in G-d we trust” that
we have the guarantee that “all men [read: people; hey this face of Esau is
also still in need of some market corrections…] are created equal.” It is
precisely this faith in G-d that gives us the right to defend freedom and
not allow any tyrants – religious or not – and any religious fanaticism to
dictate the terms and kill whomever they consider to be ‘infidels.’
Is it possible that in America Esau has finally evolved and matured to the
point that G-d and right and wrong can be integrated into life without
compromising our diversity and personal liberties? Is it possible that this
above all things is America’s true calling?
How interesting it is that after all these thousands of years Esau and
Ishmael resume their negotiations that began on their marriage day 3615
years ago. And that it is Ishmael who is forcing Esau today to confront
himself and his attitude to G-d, justice and truth?
And in turn, Esau is impelling Ishmael to confront his beliefs as well.
Esau and Ishmael are both compelled to ask the question: What would our
father Abraham say to us today? Is our father Abraham proud of our behavior?
What would he want us to do, how would he want us to behave?
Interesting as well is the fact that this week we read
And how appropriate is it that we read this week about the erection of the
Mishkan, the portable sanctuary in the wilderness, which was the precursor
for the Holy Temple in Jerusalem?
Following the exodus from Egypt and the revelation at Sinai, the children of
Jacob build the Mishkan, from the cedars planted by Jacob years ago.
We don’t really know where the children of Esau and Ishmael were at the time
What we do know is that years later, Rome – the children of Esau (Edom) –
destroyed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. And we know the immortal and
powerful words of the Midrash: Had the nations of the world known how much
they benefit and are blessed by the Holy Temple they would have surrounded
it with legions of armies to protect it from any harm. [4]
The Temple in Jerusalem was a window between heaven and earth. It infused us
with the power to integrate spirit and matter – G-d and the universe. Had
the nations known that, they would have appreciated how much they were in
need of the Temple – how it could have helped Esau and Ishmael to find their
way to G-d.
Yet they didn’t consciously know, so they destroyed the very force that
would have been their salvation. But they only destroyed the physical
structure, not its spiritual essence. The holiness of the Temple remains on
that spot forever. This eternity is manifested in the Western Wall [West yet
again, hmmm]. Especially evident when it snows over the Wall (as I can
testify).
And this eternal sanctity works its way, perhaps slowly, but persistently
throughout history.
The nations may not have known the power of the Temple, but something in
them sure does sense the power of Jerusalem. Just witness the battles
Ishmael and Esau have fought for control of the center of the universe.
Today there are children of the West that stand firmly behind Israel. In
Israel I met an entire group of Christians who came from Texas and Oklahoma
to help the Israeli army and show their support and solidarity for Israel.
Yet we need no reminder of Esau’s other face…
The split between Europe and the United States gives us hope that Esau is
coming around. Like all rifts, this one has the power to reveal a deeper
truth.
Each generation is like a link in the chain of history. Each generation has
its role in the unfolding drama of integrating the material universe with
its purpose and mission statement. The United States today can play a
special role in this work. The foundations of this country are built on
absolute principles of faith and trust in G-d. The USA is not just a country
of economic opportunity. The success of corporate America and unprecedented
prosperity is a result of an unwavering mission statement: All equal, in G-d
we trust, diversity and individual, e pluribus Unum – under one G-d.
This country must align itself with its mission – the business of this
nation must reconnect to its higher calling. Then and only then does this
country earn the right to hold itself out as an example to the world. Simply
being a nation of great wealth and enormous military muscle does not by any
means give it the moral high ground. Other nations, religions and peoples
have much longer traditions and histories than the relatively new world of
the United States. But this country can demonstrate something unique to the
world. As a country, it can rise above its own national issues and serve as
a beacon of light teaching the world the universal principles of all
humankind – the principle upon which this nation was founded – how to live
in peace with G-d.
Not its firepower, but its selflessness earns this country the right to
serve as an example to other nations.
After all the years of American prosperity and resulting complacency,
perhaps the United States is on the threshold of a new revolutionary war –
the final frontier. And it is indeed a great honor and merit and
responsibility and gift to be part of this drama and affect its destiny.
Had the nations of the world known how much they benefit they receive from
the Holy Temple in Jerusalem they would have surrounded it with legions of
armies to protect it from any harm. What a haunting question: Had they only
known?
But do they know today?
[1] Midrash Or Ha’afeilah at the end of our portion (cited in Torat Shleimah
note 27). See also Bereishis Rabba 67: 8. Midrash Tehillim 14:2.
[2] See Abarbanel, Mayonei Yeshua (intro to Daniel), 2:3.
[3] See Likkutei Sichos vol. 15 pp. 192.
[4] Bamidbar Rabba 1:3. Tanchuma Bechukosei 2. See Talmud, Sukkah 55b.
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