Shalom!  First of all, this week’s “Yitro” Parashah contains some very important lessons that are applicable for us today in a modern world.  After the Exodus of Israel from Egyptian bondage, a newly-birthed, holy nation of people lived in the wilderness with a need to receive the revelation from God on Mount Sinai on how to forge out its government, judicial laws, and the myriad of practical ways in which to live together peacefully.  In this scenario, Moses’ father-in-law, Yitro, hears about the children of Israel’s successful escape from such a formidable captor and gives praise to HaShem.

“וַיֹּאמֶר יִתְרוֹ בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה אֲשֶׁר הִצִּיל אֶתְכֶם מִיַּד מִצְרַיִם וּמִיַּד פַּרְעֹה אֲשֶׁר הִצִּיל אֶת הָעָם מִתַּחַת יַד מִצְרָיִם:

And Jethro said: ‘Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh; who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians (Sh’mot/Exodus 18:10).

Yet, when Yitro saw that Moses continually spent his entire day, judging the people by himself, from morning to evening, he authoritatively and immediately offered his son-in-law some sorely needed constructive criticism.

וַיֹּאמֶר חֹתֵן מֹשֶׁה אֵלָיו לֹא טוֹב הַדָּבָר אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה עֹשֶׂה: נָבֹל תִּבֹּל גַּם אַתָּה גַּם הָעָם הַזֶּה אֲשֶׁר עִמָּךְ

 “But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing you are doing is not right; you will surely wear yourself out, and these people as well… (Sh’mot/Exodus 18:17)

How commendable is Moses’ leadership!  He sees the urgent needs of the people and does not hesitate to meet those needs…  Even at his own personal expense.  Yet, a serious imbalance had developed, which Yitro observed.  Moses had seriously imperiled his own health and well-being, along with that of his people, by assuming much too heavy a burden.  Therefore, Yitro offers his advice on initiating a hierarchical judiciary system that would allow other capable, God-fearing men to assist.  Subsequently, Moses would only need to judge the most difficult cases.

Does this ancient scenario — which would have inevitably led towards burnout — seem noticeably similar to the heavy yoke placed upon the shoulders of today’s overworked clergy in our synagogues and churches?  What about the stay-at-home Mom who is on call, 24-hours each day, serving as housekeeper, cook, tutor, chauffeur, and bookkeeper for her family?  Is this dangerous, never-ending work cycle descriptive of your own personal schedule?

If so, the wisdom shown by Yitro still applies; our G-d never intended for His People to be destroyed in the fulfilling of our daily responsibilities and ministries.  In the B’rit Hadashah, Rabbi Sha’ul also describes a situation regarding a zealous and overworked young man named Epaphroditus, whom God mercifully healed.  Rabbi Sha’ul wrote,  “So give him a joyful welcome in the Lord; honor such people.  For he risked his life and nearly died working for the Messiah…   (Philippians 2:29-30).

Therefore, let us always be on our guard to make sure that people in our places of worship, family members, and those with special challenges are not encumbered with heavy burdens beyond their ability to fulfill.  If we can lend a helping hand, then let us graciously do so.  If not, then let us not wrongfully assume false guilt.  Our Adonai Yeshua is, lovingly, well aware of every detail of our lives.  He always wants what is best for us — and for others.  Yet, our loving G-d definitely does not want to see us overwhelmed.

Secondly, here are some wise observations found that acknowledges our interconnectivity as human beings from “Everyman’s Talmud: The Major Teachings of the Rabbinic Sages:”

Man was not intended to live alone but as a member of society.  He is a unit in the body of humanity, and that fact creates many duties for him with respect to his relationship with his fellow-men.  His life is not his own to do with as he pleases.  His conduct affects his neighbors as their conduct affects him” (Cohen 184).

Also, Rabbi Julie K. Gordon provides readers with her own personal insights in “The Women’s Torah Commentary.”  This female Rabbi noted in this same Parashah, that the wholehearted response of the community to God’s invitation included both — the men and the women — as Echad, or One, and eagerly ready to work together.

We draw strength from Torah’s teaching that the Israelites positively responded to God’s call that they should be a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6).  Scripture relates the people’s overwhelming acceptance of revelation with these immortal words:  “All the people answered as one, saying, ‘All that Adonai  has spoken we will do!’”  (Exodus 19:8).  Both men and women accepted God’s command to observe God’s covenant.  All the people accepted God’s covenant in one unified voice (Gordon 146).

How glorious it is that the same wonderful invitation has continued on to God’s people under the Brit Hadashah!  The grafted-in Branch of the Church to Israel shares in Her calling as a holy nation and kingdom of priests  to the world (See Revelation 1:6).  Yeshua is our L-rd and G-d, yet He shares the mantle of His sacred responsibility with His people…with, us, His very own Bride.  A people of God, both men and women, working together to establish the Kingdom of God in the earth during His millennial rule — when Yeshua reigns on the Throne of David in Israel.  What glories are yet to be revealed!!

Therefore, let us be eager to complete G’d’s work daily — helping each other, and receiving needful help, too.  Let us be zealous, but not unwise, regarding the body’s natural limitations and physical needs.  Let us earnestly pray for our Clergy and their families in our synagogues and churches, along with volunteering our help – whenever possible.   Finally, let us continue to joyfully pray and serve Yeshua, as we await His glorious Coming.  And let us share in that Blessed Divine work as One people…working together in G-d’s Love.  Baruch ha-Shem.

by: Sylvia (Hodges) Lewis

Works Cited

Complete Jewish Bible. Transl. David H. Stein.  Maryland:  Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc., 1998.

Cohen, Abraham.  Everyman’s Talmud:  The Major Teachings of the Rabbinic Sages.  New York:  Schocken Books, 1949.

Gordon, Rabbi Julie K.  “We All Stood At Sinai.”  The Women’s Torah Commentary:  New Insights From Women Rabbis on the 54 Weekly Torah Portions. Ed. Rabbi Elyse Goldstein.  Vermont: Jewish Lights Publishing, 2000.

Hebrew Tanach Plus:  Sentence by Sentence English Translation.  Bible ClipText For Word.  New York:  TES.

On the evening of January 30th at 10:30 pm our brother Stig went home to Yeshua. He is now singing, dancing and talking and singing before Him! Part of his heart has been left here on earth in the possession of Corrine… until they meet again.

We are all saddened, but this is the time to keep our eyes skyward……

Pray for Corrine and may Yeshua comfort her heart during this time.

Memorial service will be Shabbat, February 11th at 1:30 pm in our Sanctuary.  Come join us as we remember our brother and friend, Stig.
Blessings to all…..May all Zion be comforted.

Rabbi Corey

“It was a little place, not much to look at, in the back of an industrial center. In my excitement, I never actually saw the outside, just a small open door…the portal to an unimaginably beautiful place. As I entered, I was overwhelmed by the warmth. It was not the warmth from a furnace. It was the warmth of the Holy Spirit. I had never been in such a place.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. No sooner had I gotten through the door that Rabbi Corey came running up, gave me a big welcome as one would welcome his dearest friend into his home.  He introduced me to his wife, she exuded the glory of God, and I found God gave her great talent as an artist. Her artwork in the sanctuary, absolutely glowed with the glory of God.

After he introduced me to his wife, he introduced me to several other people, all of whom made me feel like a special guest in their home.  One gentleman, I believe his name was Michael, took me into the sanctuary and moved a chair so I could park my wheelchair in what he called “the place of honor.” He told me his story about why he was named Michael. It was a beautiful story.

The sanctuary was not the least ostentatious but it was glorious. It was brightly lit, not by light bulbs, but by the Glory of God emanating from every single person in that room.  The sanctuary was unique in that one third of the room was devoid of chairs.  Rabbi Corey explained that was the dancing area.  The place of honor that was chosen for me, was in a position where I could turn my chair and watch the dancing.

The Service was beyond amazing.  It was done in Hebrew and translated into English.  Every part of it was carefully and precisely done. What impressed me most was that this was not done in rote as I’ve seen in many congregations. But it was orchestrated to present the most honor, glory and love to God the Father.

I was so filled with this joy and love that I found it difficult to sit still and contain myself. I know why they chose to dance like David.  Because if they don’t dance, they will explode from the joy within.  As I watched them dance, I looked at their faces.  I watched their body language and their movements.  I have never seen such pure unadulterated joy, ever!

Some of the music was very exciting.  Some of it was a bit more subdued.  Their faces, their body language, their movements impressed me strongly. They were in a large circle and would walk one way and then the other, turning in and out.  They turned circles and raised their hands towards God.  but what impressed me most was that they were dancing for the shear joy of dancing!  They were showing immeasurable love for God. And, oh how I wish I could’ve danced with them!

There was a lovely woman who sat with me during the dancing.  Obviously she did not want me to feel left out.  At one point she walked away and came back with a tambourine.  She handed it to me and told me it did not matter how I played it.  With that simple gesture, she made me part of the dancing.  She did not allow me to sit alone, but made it possible for me to be part of the dancing.  Her thoughtfulness filled me with such joy, I can’t even express it!

I felt such happiness in that synagogue, as I never felt before.  I felt at home.  I felt like I belonged.  I’ve never gone into a strange place before without feeling like a stranger.  But here I was not a stranger.  I was drawn into the bigger picture.  I was part of their family!  always there was someone nearby, if I had a question or needed anything.

They took me to the dining hall where I found a place for me at the table, and after asking if there as anything I could not eat, brought me a plate of the most delicious food I’ve ever eaten! It wasn’t fancy.  It was plain, good, delicious food.  It was the most enjoyable lunch I’ve ever experienced.

After lunch, I wandered about a little ad felt very secure.  I attended a meeting called the “Rabbi’s Corner’. Rabbi Corey taught it.  As I listened Rabbi Corey give the sermon and now the class.  I could see the spirit of God upon this man.  I knew God was giving him the words to say.  I knew this! I have heard preachers give sermons and teachers give lectures on things they wrote.  But Rabbi Corey was delivering the message He wrote!

After Rabbi’s Corner, they again, had dancing.  I wanted so much to watch it but my ride was soon to arrive.  I sat in the foyer so I could watch the dancing and watch out the open door for my ride.    A lovely woman shared with me some music and it was beautiful, so full of love and joy!  The few minutes I spent with her will always hold a special place in my heart.

She, like all the others, was so full of joy and love she could scarcely contain it!  That was the reason her sharing was so special to me, as I knew she was anxious to go in and dance.  She waited until her music was finished and she made sure I was fine and then ran to join the dance.

And so, to you, Aviv Judea, you have given me a present far more valuable than anything in this world.  You shared your love for God and for each other with me.  For this I will always be truly thankful.  Know that you will always occupy a very special place in my heart, Aviv Judea.  My extreme gratitude goes out to you and know that I will never forget you.”

——————

The visitor’s name is Catherine Shimozono.  You may want to visit her website and see the other blogs she has written.

http://www.triond.com/users/catherine+shimozono

Meanwhile ….  news got back to Canaan that there was food in Egypt.  The brothers of Joseph [minus Benjamin] stood in front of their brother Joseph, and they did not recognize their own brother!  Joseph recognized them, but chose to remain silent.

It took another time for them to see Joseph, only after Joseph allowed it. Only then, did they realize what they had done and bowed down before him.

There is so much to be said about this.  Let us imagine that it is Joseph that is represented as Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah.  Just like Joseph, He was rejected by his brothers [brethren].  When His Jewish brethren stood before Him, they did not recognize Him.  The allusion to famine is another parallel to this story.  It has been two thousand years of spiritual famine, not knowing their Messiah; two thousand years of persecution and going from nation to nation …without a place to call home.

Our Jewish sages wrote in Genesis Rabbah 91:6, “Since the day that Joseph was stolen, the Holy Spirit departed from (Jacob), so that he saw yet did not see, heard yet did not hear.” Same could be said of Israel during the long years of exile and separation from their Messiah.  God’s Spirit kept them a people through these long and sad two thousand years and He sustained His people where they were, but His Divine Dwelling Presence has been removed from Zion and will not be returned until the coming of Messiah.

Just as Joseph’s brothers eyes were blinded to his identity, upon their return it was Joseph that opened their eyes.  It will be Yeshua that opens the eyes of His beloved chosen people as we approach His coming.  We are in that day.  Time is short.

As it says in Zechariah 12:10, ” I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn.”

May the veil be removed!  Yeshua come quickly! Amen.

The well represented the tomb.  The water welling up is the Holy Spirit.  ”Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation.” Isaiah 12:3.  The resurrection of Yeshua brought forth springs of salvation.

Another thing,  some of us have stones that need to be removed from our hearts and lives. We need to remember to first repent of our sins.  We want to ask Yeshua to remove the sin in our lives.  We first have to do the work, and He will step in and heal us.  We must cooperate with Him.  Let us know that the road to recovery in some of us is quite simple. In others, it is a long process.  But, in either case, let us give the Glory to HaShem first.  I believe that the Father wants to heal us and make us whole, but we need to first make His Son Yeshua, the focus of our lives.

Bottom line:  let us roll the rock from our hearts!!

This past Toldot Shabbat, we focused on the blindness of Isaac.  His blindness was more than just physical, but spiritual.  Isaac loved Esau because of his hunting skills and the meat that he brought home to his dad.  Isaac could not reconcile the evil in Esau, including the selling of his birthright to Jacob and marrying two Hittite women who burned incense to their gods.  Could he overlook this?  He closed down and went into denial.  Rebecca smelled evil and was not in denial after all, her brother Laban was of the same cloth.

The Church has emphasized the fact that Jacob was a deceiver.  It brought out the anti Jewish biases of the Church.  Why was Jacob the only one to be singled out?

Jacob was G-d’s choice from the beginning even before Esau sold His birthright to Jacob. The real deceiver was Isaac.  He deceived himself by his state of denial. HaShem staged the first intervention within the family circle.  With Rebekah and Jacob, HaShem woke up Isaac from his slumber and brought him to reality.  When Isaac came around, it was too late……or should I say, HaShem stepped in to make the crooked straight.

Let us remember, we are all fragile and sinful beings.  We need His correction.  We need to soften our hearts.  We need to be strong enough to face reality and to be truthful about ourselves.  We are all sinners and we all need a Savior.  His name is Yeshua, the Jewish Messiah.  He alone, has fulfilled all the prophecies in the Tenach.  He died, He was buried and He rose from the dead.  All Jewish concepts.

This  is our first of many blogs to come.  I invite you with your opinions.

B’rachot,

Rabbi Corey