Tabernacle

Shalom.

Wow look how far we have come since our Exodus from Egypt. We are longer building Pharaoh's palaces but are now building the Tabernacle of Praise. We are no longer in a dry land but a land flowing with milk and honey. How I wish I could have been there, at Mt Zion when HASHEM descended upon the mountain in a thick dark cloud. The glory, the rushing winds, the Voice of the King of Heavens army. We have all heard that this life is simply a training ground, an in-between place, and that the true riches are set aside for us in the age to come.

PARASHAS KI SISA (WHEN YOU TAKE)

Shalom.

Last week we covered the Priestly mandate for the anointing of Aaron, his sons and future generations of Priesthood. Today we will touch on the incense, the cleansing and utensils. However we will not end there. Through our studies especially that of the second half of Exodus we learn first hand what it is HASHEM expects of us. Our marriage to HASHEM  is unlike any other covenant, it is far and beyond, close yet near. Aaron is presented, anointed and directed to by God for the service of ministry. Aaron is not only to minister to the Children of Israel but to HASHEM as well. To serve the people in a way that God intended, is to minister to God. The call to minister, to be a nation of Kings and Priests. Leviticus 19: HASHEM  spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the entire assembly of the Children of Israel and say to them: You shall be holy, for holy am I, HASHEM, your God. 

To love HASHEM; to be a man after His heart and draw close, this should be our reason for living. Blessed is the man who knows without being told, who takes action because its the right thing to do without a motivation for reward. This can only be obtained through love not through fear, and if it is, it still falls short. Yeshua asked, "What father would give his son a stone when he has asked for bread?" So to should be our works before God. Genesis 18: 17 - 19 And HASHEM said, "Shall I conceal from Abraham what I do, now that Abraham is surely to become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall bless themselves by him? For I have loved him, because he commands his children and his household after him that they keep the way of HASHEM, doing charity and justice, in order that HASHEM might then bring upon Abraham that which He had spoken to him."  

Not only should we dress as though we're going before the King, we are going before the King. Therefore not only must we dress appropriately we must cleanse ourselves before entering into His presence. 

At this point Moses has now been on Mt. Sinai nearly forty days, the camp has become restless not knowing when Moses would return. In their anxiety they approached Aaron and ordered him to construct an idol in which they can offer up sacrifices and look upon for leadership. Like so many stories including the one in which Kind Saul was moved by fear and offered up a sacrifice on his own against the direction of Samuel, so too were the Children of Israel moved by fear. This fear was not only a deadly mistake it turned to be a deciding factor overturning the level of holiness for which HASHEM desired. 

I admit that its not easy at times to stand firm especially in the in-between places. We want answers, we need to be assured and most of all we desire to see and take hold of. Standing in a place of transition will be easier on us if its something we planned, so we think. A motor vehicle demands only one of its occupants to steer, while we may all have our opinions, the one driving is in control. This stands true for God. Let go of your own understanding and lean upon the very One who wrote the book. Exodus 32: 1 - 10 - The people saw that Moses had delayed in descending the mountain, and the people gathered around Aaron and said to him, "Rise up, make for us gods that will go before us, for this man Moses who brought us up from the land of Egypt - we do not know what became of him!" Aaron said to them, "Remove the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, sons and daughters, and bring them to me." The entire people removed the gold rings  that were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron. He took it from them their hands and bound it up in a cloth, and fashioned it into a molten calf, They said, "This is your god, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt." Aaron saw and built an altar before him. Aaron called out and said, "A festival for HASHEM tomorrow!" They arose early the nest day and offered burnt-offerings and brought peace-offerings. The people sat to eat and drink, and they got up to revel. HASHEM said to Moses: "Go, descend - for your people who you brought from the land of Egypt has become corrupt. They have strayed quickly from the way I have commanded them. They have made themselves a molten calf, prostrated themselves to it and sanctified to it, and they said, "This is your god, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt.' HASHEM said to Moses, "I have seen this people, and behold! It is a stiff-necked people. And now, desist from Me. Let My anger flare up against them and  I shall annihilate them; and shall make you a great nation."

  

Parashas Tetzaveh (Priestly Service)

Shalom Kohanim.

You shall love the Lord Thy God;

With all your Heart,

With all your Soul,

And with all your Might.

These Words which I command you today;

Shall be in your heart.

You shall teach them to your Children

Speaking of them;

When you sit in your house,

When you walk by the way,

When you lie down and when you rise up.

You shall bind them as a sign upon your hand

And they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

You shall write them on the doorpost of your house

And upon your gates.

Amen Amen.

Last week we read in Parashas Terumah the giving of contributions in order to build HASHEM'S Tabernacle. God ordered Moses to take up an offering from the Children of Israel according to where their hearts lead them. As always we should give because its the right thing to do, not that we should live in a society in which is only willing to receive , but one who has a desire to give. By taking up an offering for contributions, everyone has the ability to contribute to the success of accomplishment. There were many among the community of Israel who had the ability to give but not the ability to serve in the overall construction. Blessed be the Name of God who considers all. 

Now moving forward. We have the blue prints for the Tabernacle, it's soon to be under way but how about those who God will have serve not only the Children of Israel but HASHEM as well. The physical has been accounted for, now the service of ones heart and spirit. Exodus 27: 20 - Now you shall command the Children of Israel that they shall take for you pure olive oil, pressed for illumination, to kindle a lamp continually. In the Tent of Meeting, outside the Partition that is near the Testimonial-tablets, Aaron and his sons shall arrange it from evening until morning, before HASHEM, an eternal decree for their generations, from the Children of Israel.

There is light that will burn continually and it shall glow upon the Testimonial-Tablets. We too are commanded to be a light and a purity, not only when we care too but all the time says the Lord. Abraham was commanded just that, "Abraham you shall walk before Me and be perfect in all your ways." 

While living in the secular world it can be very difficult to enter into the that sacred place, the Holy of Holies. To get a minute image of God's glory and holiness this Parashah must be understood because of its detail and instruction. The following are to be worn by the Priest; 28: 4 - These are the vestments that they shall make: a Breastplate, an Ephod, a Robe, a Tunic of a box-like knit, a Turban, and a Sash, verse 42 - breeches. The breeches were worn to cover ones nakedness, therefore one should always be spiritually clean as well. How is it today that many attend services of some kind and dress as though its just another day. There is a difference between the Holy and secular, the six days and the Sabbath. While many claim that God knows their heart, that over used statement is not an excuse. God knows our circumstances and gives us way when we have no choice on what we have to robe ourselves with. The problem is when we do have the ability and we don't make good with it. Must we have a Temple or the tabernacle here in the book of Exodus in order to do what is right. To go a step further, one must be well dressed in his mind. Do not attend service with hatred and anger in your heart, gossip should shall not be in your presence nor a slandering tongue. 

I dream of the day when I learn to master the path the realm. To truly separate the secular from the Holy not just on Sabbath but on any day. Imagine the life of Aaron, the first High Priest. What one man hungers for another man thirsts. What one man disregards another looks upon it as treasure. 2nd Kings 2: 8 - Elijah took his mantle and folded it over, and struck the water, which split apart this way and that, and they both crossed over on dry land. As they were crossing, Elijah said to Elisha, "Request what I should do for you before I am taken away from you." Elisha said, "You have a difficult request. If you see me taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if you do not , then it will not happen. As they were walking and conversing, behold! - a chariot of fire and horses of fire [appeared] and separated between the two of them, and Elijah ascended to Heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha was watching and shouting, "Father! Father! Israel's chariot's and horsemen!" And then he saw him no more. He took hold of his garments and rent them into two pieces. He picked up Elijah's mantle, which had fallem from him, and struck the water, and said, "Where is HASHEM, the God of Elijah?" He too struck the water and it split apart this way and that, and Elisha crossed over.

Baruch HASHEM! Baruch HASHEM! 

Shabbat Shalom everyone.  

The In-between Places

Peace to you and welcome back. 

Today I would like to talk about the in-between places, a land unfamiliar to us. Like our Hebrew counterparts reading from the book of Exodus, we see that to head somewhere, we must first leave somewhere.  During the process we encounter uncertainties, discomforts and longing for the familiar, because it is there that we know, what was will be. It is the in-between place that will make you or break you. It is a place of mountains and valleys, oceans and streams. As people we get so caught up in the ways of the world and yet we think we are free. We may be in denial.

Where is there a man, family or nation that has never faced a battle. Wealth, power nor wisdom can shield no one all the days of their life.  Jeremiah 9:22 - Thus said HASHEM: Let not the wise man glorify himself with his wisdom, and let not the strong man glorify himself with his strength, let not the rich man glorify himself with his wealth. For only with this may one glorify himself - contemplating and knowing me, for I am HASHEM, Who does kindness, justice and righteousness in the land, for in these is My desire - the word of HASHEM. 

HASHEM is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow so why be confident one moment and the next waiver as with the wind. Perhaps you can sense my own struggles through my choice of words like the artist who illustrates on canvas that which he sees. Exodus 3: 13 - 14 - Moses said to God, "Behold, When I come to the Children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your forefathers has sent me to you,' and they say to me, 'What is His Name?' - what shall I say to them?" HASHEM answered Moses, "I Shall Be As I Shall Be." And He said, "So shall you say to the Children of Israel, "I shall Be has sent me to you.' " God said further to Moses, "So shall you say to the Children of Israel, 'HASHEM, the God of your forefathers , the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has dispatched Me to you. This is My Name forever, and this is My remembrance from generation to generation.' 

My bout with faith and trust has taken me full circle, however, the mind because of its old nature wedges itself between. Let me explain. Death would over take us if we were unable to move forward. Take the earth for example. The earth rotates, we have evening and there's morning, if there earth was to stop spinning rather it be during the winter or summer seasons we would either freeze over or die due to heat. So goes the same for our spiritual and physical growth. Now back to my point. During the beginning years of my walk when the store house was stocked and there was water in the well, I seemed to have had faith. To have faith is easy when there's no lack, when you're employed and you're not avoiding incoming calls. Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying we can't have faith when in lack but it takes a trial or two before we're able to balance our realm. My personal faith came into question when the shelves became empty and my phone lost it's ability to ring. 

We have to be careful not to label everything a divine test, because they aren't always from above. The mirror is a reflection of our outward appearance, how we dress, our smile or frown and our soul and spirit reflect our character. Yes we are responsible just as much as God (Creator of heaven and earth) and HaSatan (The Tempter). I have made decisions that went poorly because I was wanting things as I saw them, after my own desires. If I were to live to 120, I would still be only beginning.  Psalm 30: 4 - HASHEM, You have raised up my soul from the lower world; You have preserved me from my descent to the pit. Sing to HASHEM, His devout ones, and give thanks to His Holy Name. For His anger endures but a moment; life results from His favor. In the evening one lies down weeping, but with dawn - a cry of joy! I had said in my serenity, "I would never falter." But, HASHEM, all is through Your favor - You supported my greatness with might; should You but conceal Your face, I would be confounded.

King David acknowledges that his life will always be in the hands of God. We read in Daniel, Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 the downfall of Kings, princes and nations because of arrogance, pride and greed. We must never forget where we come from nor by who's arm we are delivered.  

The in-between places go beyond our spiritual/physical minds, they are physical places as well. Genesis chapter 6 (Noah), chapter 12 (Abraham) and Exodus chapter 3 are three places in which we see HASHEM forming covenants. Noah with the ark, Abraham leaving his home land, and of course Moses leading the Children out of Egypt into the promise land. All three are important events but lets focus on Moses, Israel and the wilderness. Unable to stand up and fight the Egyptians the Children of Israel were bound to forced labor building Pharaohs kingdom. Little did they know their prayers would soon be answered, but not before further oppression. As always there is the along with the good and this historical event was no exception. Exodus 5:1 - Afterwards Moses and Aaron came and said to Pharaoh, "So said HASHEM, the God of Israel, 'Send out My people that they may celebrate for Me in the wilderness.' " Pharaoh replied, " Who is HASHEM that I should heed His voice to send out Israel? I do not know HASHEM, nor will I send out Israel. So they said, "The God of the Hebrews happened upon us. Let us now go for a three-day journey in the Wilderness and we shall bring offerings to HASHEM, our God, lest He strike us dead with the plaque or the sword." The king of Egypt said to them, "Moses and Aaron why do you disturb the people from its work? Go to your burdens." And Pharaoh ordered the taskmasters over the people and its foreman, saying, "You shall no longer give straw to the people to manufacture the bricks as yesterday and before yesterday; let them go gather straw for themselves. But the quota of bricks that they were making yesterday and before yesterday you shall impose upon them - do not reduce it - for they are lazy; therefor they cry out saying, Let us go and bring offerings to our God. Obviously Pharaoh is not a man with morals, at least not towards the our Jewish people. We must remember that God knew how this would all play out. Throughout the following six chapters HASHEM brings His wrath upon Pharaoh and all of Egypt. His redemption was now at hand. 

Exodus 14: 5 - It was told to the king of Egypt that the people had fled; and the heart of Pharaoh and his servants became transformed regarding the people, and they said, "What is this that we have done that we have sent away Israel from serving us?" Although we were out we were chained, prisoners to our past, thirsting for what words can't describe. For two hundred plus years the crack of the whip was as familiar to ones back then the heat of the sun. Argue with me if you can; and tell me, this experience can it escape one's mind? The weekly Sabbath for me is a foreshadow of the day we enter into HASHEM'S resting place, I like to call that day the eight day. Not until Messiah's return will we have rest from persecution, hunger, heartache or our many enemies. 

At this point in the story we're heading for the sea of Reeds, the enemy is in hot pursuit with death in their eyes as well as their hearts. Their horses are running at full steam, spears are in locked position, soldiers looking to kill, steal and destroy. And our Hebrew ancestors; what did they do to deserve such treatment, after all wasn't Joseph at one time second in command. A viceroy put in charge of all Egypt, after he too was sold into slavery. Yeshua tells the Temple crowd and His disciples that what comes out of a mans heart is what makes him unclean. (Mark 6) Exodus 14: 9 - Egypt pursued them and overtook them, encamped by the sea - all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horseman and army - by Pi-hahiroth before Baal-zephon. Pharaoh approached; the Children of Israel their eyes and behold! - Egypt was journeying after them, and they were very frightened; the Children of Israel cried out to HASHEM. They said to Moses, "Were there no graves in Egypt that you took us to die in the wilderness? What is this that you have done to us to take us out of Egypt? Is this not the statement that we made to you in Egypt, saying, 'Let us be and we will serve Egypt? - for it is better that we should serve Egypt than that we should die in the Wilderness! 

Moses said to the people, "Do not Fear! Stand fast and see the salvation of HASHEM that He will perform for you today; for as you have seen Egypt today, you shall not see them ever again! HASHEM shall make war for you, and you shall remain silent."

HASHEM said to Moses, "Why do you cry out to Me? Speak to the Children of Israel and let them journey forth! And you - lift up your staff and stretch out your arm over the sea and split it; and the Children of Israel shall come into the midst of the sea on dry land. And I - behold! I shall strengthen the heart of Egypt and they will come after them; and I will be glorified through Pharaoh and through his entire army, through his chariots and through his horseman. Egypt will know that I am HASHEM, when I am glorified through Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horseman."

Baruch HASHEM! Blessed be the Name of the Lord!

As I was reading and typing the last chapter in my mind I can see just how small Pharaoh and his men really were. Almost like a child playing with toy soldiers, he sets them up and takes them out. HASHEM does tell us that if we would heed His voice and walk His ways perfectly before Him, He would be the enemy of our enemies and persecute those who persecute us. 

See you soon.

Shalom,

Rabbi Lawrence. 

Moses & Mt Sinai

Shalom.

What can we learn from the life of Moses. We know that he was used by God in a way that most, my self included, could only dare to imagine. From a young age he was called out and separated. Pharaoh ordered a decree because of the mass population growth among the Hebrews that all new born sons be thrown into the nile, only to drown. Through the calling on his life and the wisdom of his mother he lived. After being weaned he entered into the house of Pharaoh only to be raised by his daughter, he had royalty and shade from the sun. The day comes for most of us when we are faced with decisions, decisions that will change the course of our lives, leading us down paths HASHEM had designed. We don't know much about the in-between years, but we do know that Moses left the house of Pharaoh only to work among his brethren. So was moses called out and separated? Yes. However this was only the beginning. 

Like Abraham, Moses was separated to God for a glorious mission, to lead a people. Abraham left his homeland taking his wife, nephew and servants. The beginning of a new era. The seed of a future, the promise of something enormous. Moses however was a link to the promise and covenant that begun 430 years earlier with the words Lech Lecha (Genesis 12). Moses worried for his life escaped Egypt and found a new life among the land of Midian home of Jethro. Years had passed and the cry of the Hebrews could no longer go unanswered, HASHEM was now going to act. Exodus 3: 1 - 10 - Moses was shepherding the sheep of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; he guided the sheep far into the wilderness, and he arrived at the Mountain of God, toward Horeb. An angel of HASHEM appeared to him in a blaze of fire from amid the the bush. He saw and behold! the bush was burning in the fire but the bush was not consumed. Moses thought, "I will turn aside now and look at this great sight - why will the bush not be consumed?" HASHEM saw that he turned aside to see; and God called out to him from amid the bush and said, "Moses, Moses," and he replied, "Here I am!" He said, "He said, "Do not come closer to here, remove your shoes from your feet, for the place upon which you stand is holy ground." And He said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to gaze upon God. HASHEM said, "I have indeed seen the infliction of My people that is in Egypt and I have heard the outcry because of its taskmasters, for I have known of its sufferings. I shall descend to rescue it from the land of Egypt and to bring it up from that land to a good and spacious land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivvite, and the Jebusite. And now, behold! the outcry of the Children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. And now, go and I shall dispatch you to Pharaoh and you shall take My people the Children of Israel out of Egypt."   

At this moment Moses shrinks back and questions God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should take the Children out of Egypt?" Not a day passes by that I don't seek  to hear the Voice of God, the thunder of HASHEM. To be singled out and called upon, to be reluctant and yet still be sent forward. One man, although HASHEM sent Aaron to him, Moses was called to do what had been prophesied to Abraham nearly four hundred years earlier. Genesis 15: 12 -16- And it happened, as the sun was about to set, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold - a dread! great darkness fell upon him. And He said to Abram, "Know with certainty that your offspring shall be aliens in a land not their own - and they will serve them, and they will oppress them - four hundred years. But also the nation they will serve, I shall judge, and afterwards they will leave with great wealth. As for you: You shall come to your ancestors in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. And the fourth generation shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorite shall not yet be full until then. 

This year bondsman, next year we are free.

This year in a home not our own, next year in Jerusalem.

Shalom Children of the most High,

Rabbi Lawrence

Walking In The Shadow of Abraham

Shalom. 

Abraham where have you gone? And what has become of us? To live as a Jew in modern times is not so easy, so what is a Jew to do. Spiritually we struggle at times hungry for the past, never seeming to be satisfied. What I would give for just a moment to have walked with such a man of God, to dwell in his presence. A man of stature called out from among all others to be set apart, not alone, but for a thousand generations. Keep your money and your gifts, I want to be counted among the righteous as was Abraham. Our Torah keeps much from us concerning the dialogue between God and Abraham of an early age. What was said, what questions did our father Abraham put before Elohim, And how did he know to ask such things? Such respect and love did HASHEM have for His servant that he consulted with Abraham concerning the demise of Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 18: 17 -19 - And HASHEM said, "Shall I conceal from Abraham what I do, now that Abraham is surely to become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall bless themselves by him? For I have loved him, because he commands his children and his household after him that they keep the way of HASHEM, doing charity and justice, in order that HASHEM might then bring upon Abraham that which He had spoken of him." For I have loved him said HASHEM. 

Exodus chapter twenty and Deuteronomy chapter five are well known for it is there that we can find the the Ten Commandments (Revelation). The second commandment goes into great detail on what we shouldn't do concerning graven images. It is then we are told the consequences if we choose to be disobedient and the result for heeding His voice. To the third and fourth generation will I bring My wrath says the Lord for those who hate me, but to the thousandth generation My kindness of those who love Me. 

Abraham is loved by HASHEM. Why? Because Abraham commands his children and his household after him to keep the ways of HASHEM. The Shema as quoted in Deuteronomy chapter six is the quint essential of all commanded prayers. Not are they only commanded but one must accept in his or her heart the understanding. Devarim 6: 4 - 9 - Hear, o Israel: HASHEM is our God, HASHEM is the One and only. You shall love HASHEM, your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all you resources. And these matters that I command you today shall be upon your heart. You shall teach them thoroughly to your children and you shall speak of them while you sit in your home, while you walk on the way, when you retire and when you arise. Bind them as a sign upon your arm and let them be ornaments between your eyes. And write them on the doorposts of your house and upon the your gates. 

Unlike a fictional story, the story of Abraham and Genesis lives on. The heart of many men long for such a time, a time when one could stand up without fearing the unrighteous. HASHEM said enough is enough, you have been too long at this mountain, rise up and enter the land I have prepared for you long ago. 

We cannot fear both God and man. We must fear God and God alone.

Shalom.

Parashas Terumah (Contributions)

Well it's Friday afternoon and I'm counting the hours, three and a half hours to go. One must prepare his heart and not just his home. The veil that separates the man from the Holy of Holies is his heart, his actions and his character. What other nation is blessed with the Sabbath? What other nation has a God such as HASHEM? Rather you are a natural branch or a wild branch (grafted in) the Sabbath is a day unlike any other. Not Sunday, nor Wednesday but the Seventh day of the week. 

We have received the Torah (Revelation). We have entered into a marriage by receiving and accepting the Torah and all of HASHEM'S ordinances. Now God is seeking from us our hearts and willingness. How far are we willing to go, are we empty vessels or do we love Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Exodus 25: 1 - HASHEM spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to bnei Israel and let them take for Me a portion, from every man whose heart motivates him you shall take My portion. Verses 3 - 7 speak in detail as to what the children of Israel shall give. HASHEM questions us later in scripture, "What house can you build for Me, heaven is My throne and the earth My footstool." Imagine the glory that dwelled upon the Sanctuary, the divine presence of the Lord in all His Majesty. God is alive in me as I sit think of that moment in time when His Glory was great upon our people. You and I must be pure before Him. No sin, no shame just utter fear of Him. To fear God is not an awful thing for King David in Psalm 111:10 "The beginning of wisdom is the fear of HASHEM." 

25: 8 - 9 - They shall make a sanctuary for Me - so that I  may dwell among them - like everything that I show you, the form of the Tabernacle and the form of all the vessels; and so shall you do.

Our contributions to God should always be from the heart and with joy, it is when we release with pure intentions that it's reward and outcome is supreme. We must go beyond our understanding of faith and trust to receive not what our minds limit us to, but the treasuries of HASHEM. This parashah speaks volumes and its no surprise that it's read along with 1st Kings 5: 26 - 6: 13.  King Solomon was directed to built the first Temple with uncut stone symbolizing long life. 1st Kings 6: 7 -When the Temple was being built, it was built of complete quarried stone; hammers, chisels, or any iron utensils were heard in the Temple when it was being built. HASHEM desires your heart in all its fullness. As you prepare for the weekly Sabbath don't look upon it as it was just another weekly Sabbath, but rather as a wedding in which the Groom is HASHEM. 

SHABBAT SHALOM,

Rabbi Lawrence