All Joy & Peace

We rejoice in the things the Father has given us as we look to the close of 2013 -- new life, new friends, and new opportunities to share His love and truth with Israel and the Nations. Before we moved to Jerusalem we sold our home and our car, left our families and congregation for the sake of knowing Yeshua and making Him known and we can see His Hand in our lives. The blessing of living in Jerusalem for two years is priceless and the relationships and knowledge we've gained are eternal. Moving back to Kansas City means we have to start over, in a way, but with new eyes and new hearts. We're seeing how the L-rd wants to use the experiences and knowledge from our life in Jerusalem and our unique testimony, and are excited to use our gifts to teach, disciple and share the Good News of Yeshua . We seek your prayers to implement the vision that the L-rd has put into our hearts, for great success as Tom pursues his doctorate at King's University, and for His provision as we seek a new home, vehicle and all the necessities of reestablishing our life in Kansas City (which should be much easier than moving to the Middle East!).

As we step out in faith during this next season we ask that you will continue to partner with us. Please consider giving a one-time, year-end donation to help launch us into this next year. You can donate online by clicking here or mail checks to Tikkun International, PO Box 2997, Gaithersburg, MD 20886-2997. Include a separate note indicating your donation for Remember Jerusalem.

We look forward to seeing many of you again and rejoice that we get to share more meals and laughter with you. Until then, here's a brief look at some of the highlights we've experienced in the last year. Blessings to you, friends and supporters.

"Now may the G-d of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13

 

 

A New Season

Once we returned to Jerusalem in September we began praying into what the L-RD did during the five weeks we were in Kansas City. He powerfully provided the finances, through you, to keep us here through this semester. He partnered us with so many who share a heart for unification between Jew & Gentile through Yeshua and the importance of Israel.

Even though we anticipated being here in Israel for several more years, we both felt that we were to pray and ask the L-RD if He wanted us to stay beyond February.

In asking this question we prayed into many factors, not just finances, in our desire to do His will. We were both in agreement that we desired to serve more. While we definitely serve here in different capacities, Tom is limited because of the amount of time required for his studies. The language barrier also prevents us from serving more within the Messianic Jewish body. At some level, we feel we have come to a crossroads as to whether to begin a very serious modern Hebrew language study program or move on to a new season as the L-RD leads.

Through much prayer, wrestling, and affirmation from our spiritual authorities and the Holy Spirit, He showed us that this season in Israel is coming to an end. And He has even begun to put an excitement in our hearts for the next step in our journey. In coming to this unexpected decision, we reviewed our main goals for being in Israel:

1. Connect with and serve the Messianic community in order to join the Gentile body with the Messianic body here in Israel
2. Study the Bible in its original context to bring more depth to Tom's teaching gifting
3. Learn Biblical Hebrew to strengthen Tom's gift for teaching

He has graciously allowed us to achieve these goals in the 21 months we've lived here and we've gained so much more. But the obvious question is, What about Tom's PhD if you leave Israel?

The academic experience here has proven invaluable -- both inside and outside of the classroom. Tom's calling is to teach, and he is eager to share more about everything that the L-RD has shown him through his studies and living here in the Holy Land. The plan is to continue his doctoral studies at The King’s University (founded by Jack Hayford) in Dallas, Texas. The degree is a Doctorate of Ministry in Messianic Jewish Leadership/Studies and is the only program of its kind.

We believe this is a perfect fit for us. The program is designed for people to continue in their full-time ministry positions while also pursuing a doctoral degree. Therefore, it is set up so that you only come to the campus three times per year (9 days at a time). This is very exciting for us because it will allow us to be in full-time ministry/teaching while also pursuing the doctoral degree.

We plan to return to Kansas City after this semester, in the early Spring, and the L-rd has begun giving us vision for this next step in our ministry. We once again ask for your prayers for our lives and specifically our future ministry. We desire to continue teaching the message that G-d's heart for the Nations is rooted in Israel and because of our experiences in Israel He has equipped us to be able to impart that message in a unique way. We are thankful and excited for the leading hand of the Holy Spirit and have confidence that He is leading us into this new and exciting season.

We value your partnership and will share more details in the coming months and look forward to seeing you again in America! We pray you'll continue to partner with us as we share the message: Remember Jerusalem.

Here or There?

It goes without saying that celebrating the holidays in Israel is exciting and unique. For the last month our grocery store has carried sufganiot, donuts, and I bought several Hanukkah presents and our candles at this same grocery store. We have giant Hanukkah menorahs on all of the round-abouts and our neighbors set their family menorahs out on the ledge for all to see. The holidays feel completely different here, mostly because they actually feel like something, at a national level.

While visiting the Temple Institute (with the PBlakes) I bought Cassidy a dreidel. Once we got it home I took a closer look and realized it's an Israel-specific dreidel. A dreidel has four sides and each side has a letter on it, and some jewels if you have a fancy one like Cassidy. The four letters stand for the phrase,  "נס גדול היה שם", Nes Gadol Hayah Sham – "a great miracle happened there". The ש stands for "there" but the one we have doesn't have a ש. Instead it has the letter פ because it stands for "here".  A great miracle happened here. And that is really fun, even if means you have to put money in the pot during the dreidel game.

Our Israeli dreidel and our American dreidel

Life in the First Century

We visited Nazareth Village once again while Paul, Lauren and Noah were in town. The recreation of first century life on an actual vineyard is always interesting, no matter how many times we've visited. Here you can see how they collected water and cooked. As someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen it looks doable, but definitely hard.

The Study of the Word as Worship

"Judaism considers the study of Torah as the most sublime kind of worship, a way of meeting God, of breaking through the barrier separating the Absolute from the contingent and relative. Human intellectual engagement in the exploration of God's word, thought and law is a great religious experience, an activity bordering on the miraculous, a paradoxical bridge spanning the chasm that separates the world of vanity and infinity. The preoccupation of the intellect with the Torah is a sort of identification with divine thought, the realization of man's longing for companionship with God."
Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik

October 6th

We obviously feel it's very important to pray for Israel, and specifically Jerusalem. But did you know that there are people all over the world who feel this same way? They've taken Psalm 122:6 to heart and have implemented an international day of prayer for the Holy City. Here's a video and link to help you understand what they're doing and why.

The Great Day of Salvation

Today is Hoshana Rabbah, the Great Day of Salvation according to the Scriptures and the Jewish Calendar. Chag Sukkot Sameach, friends!

What a surprise!

We're here!

A friendly reminder to all of our friends, supporters and those curious about what we're doing in Israel:

We would love to see you on Wednesday, August 21st or Saturday, August 24th at 6:30pm at Mike & DeAnn's home, at 20825 West 94th Street, Lenexa, KS 66220. We'll be sharing about what daily life is like in Jerusalem and how you can partner with us and others in Israel to bring His Kingdom to earth. 

We're excited to see you and to also share some unique items from Messianic believers in Israel. The silent auction starts at 6:30 and we will begin sharing at 7:30. See you there!

A bit of Israel

Just to wet your whistle, some items for our silent auctions:

His & Hers Belt Buckles

Mezuzot made from Israeli Olive Wood

Fragrant Anointing Oils

We're Bringing a Bit of Israel to Kansas

Come join us as we share about what's really happening in Israel

In some ways life in Israel is similar to life in Kansas City: we go to the grocery store (overlooking the Dead Sea); we worship with other believers (from Russia, Australia, Canada, and South Korea); Tom studies the Word (in Hebrew); and we keep our ears open for sirens (for bombs and not tornadoes). This August we’ll be sharing about the reality of life in Israel and why it should matter to the Body of Messiah.

Join us on either 

Wednesday, August 21st,

 or Saturday, August 24th, at 6:30pm, 

 as we share photos, videos and stories 

about what’s really going on in Israel. 

We’re very excited about reconnecting with our friends and partners; it’s been a year since we were last in Kansas City. Please pray for our time in the States -- that our meetings will be life-giving and hearts will be stirred to partner with us at Remember Jerusalem.  We need a financial miracle in order to continue our work in Israel!

In addition to sharing each night we’re also having a small silent auction. We’re bringing back Judaica, photographs, first century oil lamps, calendars & more!

Each night begins at 6:30pm 

@ Mike & DeAnn Blake’s 

20825 West 94th Street

Lenexa, KS 66220. 

We will share at 7:30. 

Silent auction bidding closes at 8:45.

In addition to these two nights, Tom is teaching at a local congregation, Kingdom Living, on 

Saturday, August 17  . 

If you can’t come to any of these nights, or would like to meet with us individually, please contact us, we’d love to get together with you!

Contact us by emailing leah@remember-jerusalem.org

Emmylou looks forward to meeting you!

Up Close at the Trial Location

John 18:28-29 says, "Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the Praetorium, and it was early morning. But they themselves did not go into the Praetorium, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. Pilate then went out to them and said, 'What accusation do you bring against this Man?'"

Take a look at the actual location in this video with Tom:

In case you missed the first half of the teaching, here it is:

Archaeological evidence shows that we do know the most probable place where Yeshua was sentenced to death -- at a rarely visited area just outside the walls of the Old City.

On the Balance Between Relevance and Holiness

As one who used to highly encourage the importance of being relevant in order to reach people with the message of Jesus, over time I have walked away from that emphasis.  Why?  While on the surface it may seem to be a more useful on-ramp into the Kingdom to be relevant to the lost people of this world, this perspective too often lacks something desperately needed in our world:  more people of G-d living in holiness.  You might say, “Those ‘holiness people’ are not able to relate to the rest of the world and live in their own religious bubble.”  But is being “holy” the same as being religious? To be holy means to be “other than” or “set apart”.  So how are we to be in this world but not of this world?  How are we to be set apart without living in a “religious bubble”?  How can we know whether we are being holy or religious?

I want to suggest that the evidence for living a life of holiness is the demonstration of the power of G-d in your life.  Being religious does not necessarily lead to the manifest presence of G-d in our lives.  Walking in holiness leads to the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  Think of that miraculous healing you experienced or witnessed.  Think of the time when that man of G-d spoke into your life as if he knew the deep things of your heart.  We have the opportunity to be used by G-d to be a vessel for the outpouring of His Spirit to others.  To bring more people into His Kingdom we need more people of G-d living “holiness” that is demonstrated through the power of the Holy Spirit.     

Where is the power of the Holy Spirit in your life?  Where is the power of the Holy Spirit in my life?  May we all be called to a higher standard of holiness so that our Father will deem us worthy to demonstrate through us His Kingdom on the earth as it is in Heaven.

The Trial of Yeshua

Archaeological evidence shows that we do know the most probable place where Yeshua was sentenced to death -- at a rarely visited area just outside the walls of the Old City.

Join Tom as he explains the archaeological proof in part 1.

Things you look for in toothpaste...

I'm not talking about the 'Liquid Calcium' promoted on this tube, or the 'Maximum Cavity Protection', although those things are great. I'm referring to the words in yellow: כשר לפסח. Kosher L'Pesach = Kosher for Passover. Important details to look out for when you live in Israel.

Great is your faith

On the 15th of July our Hebrew-speaking kehilah, קהילה (congregation/community), had a time of blessing the new babies. Since Emmylou's birth at the end of February four more babies have been born in the small community and two of the other families were present for this time of prayer and rejoicing. Standing in front of so many believing Jews who live in Israel was a bit incredible. To have a child in Jerusalem is a blessing, and so is the opportunity to raise her, and Cassidy, with an awareness of their spiritual family roots. The importance of the Jewish people changes when it leaves the pages of the Bible and enters into every day life. They are not spiritual beings but friends with whom we break bread and laugh and pray. 

That morning Eddie passed the microphone from each mother and we prayed for our daughters (Hallel and Eliyah and Emmylou). Without much time to prepare the one thing that was pressed upon my heart was Emmylou's identity: She is grafted into this family of Jewish believers, to be a help, not a hindrance, and ultimately she is a child of the Most High. 

Why did I pray this? After all, her name has so much meaning. I could have prayed into her role as a warrior, or the goodness of the Father to give us another child after the absence of our sons. But in the situation, surrounded by people who have given up so much to live in the land of their fathers and to hold firmly to their Jewish Messiah I was overwhelmed with the desire to call her into her role as a Messianic Gentile. It's an important role, a calling worth pursuing. 

As if to prove my point Asher taught on faith and referenced Matthew 15:22-28,

And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, "Have mercy on me, O L-rd, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed." But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, "Send her away, for she cries out after us." But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, "L-rd, help me!" But He answered and said, "It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs." And she said, "Yes, L-rd, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered and said to her, "O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire." And her daughter was healed from that very hour. 

Asher admonished us to pray with the passion and trust of the Canaanite woman. For us, as Gentiles, it's a powerful message. This Canaanite mother recognized Yeshua as the Jewish Messiah, connecting him with King David even though her background was not Jewish. Acknowledging Yeshua as the Son of David is a powerful statement for anyone to make.

Yet even when Yeshua tells her that He's come only for 'the house of Israel' and not her she presses Him further. She acknowledges she is not Jewish but does not let this stop her from pursuing His healing. She persists in asking for His "crumbs" (because anything from His table is better than nothing!) and He is clearly moved. He not only heals her daughter but describes her emunah, אמונה (faith/trust), as great. 

This teaching seems a perfect fit for the blessing of Emmylou Achinoam, and our whole family for that matter. There aren't many stories of Yeshua interacting with Gentiles, but this one (and the centurion who recognized Yeshua's authority) shows us that He hears the cries of our hearts, especially when we know our identities within the Body. Knowing our roles as Gentiles, or Jews, brings about greater power and unity within the Body of Yeshua. We are not all the same and that is okay. In fact, that's the way He designed it!

Last Saturday we stood with our Jewish brothers and sisters, heard their prayers for our daughter (thanks to our friend Simcha's translation) and we rejoiced together as "one new man", Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2 -- Go ahead, read the whole chapter).

10 Years and counting

Last night we sat in our living room, finishing off our triple chocolate cake from Kadosh Cafe and watching the candles burn down in our olive wood candlesticks.  As our daughters slept Tom and I talked only briefly about the highs and lows of the last ten years of our marriage -- they seemed pretty obvious. Instead we talked about the possibilities of our future. In some sense this seems futile; we know that our lives are not our own. But in recognizing that He is the One who holds our future then we know that anything is possible. 

Mike Bickle argues through Song of Songs that we should seek two things: to pursue our inheritance and to be Yeshua's inheritance. It's a complicated dance: running after the desires of our hearts, all the while keeping our hearts set on His face. When we attempt this we see the greatest struggles and the greatest victories. It's definitely the reality for us right now. We are excited by the reality that we live in Jerusalem and yet struggle being in a foreign land. This tension creates reliance upon the One who brought us here, and we look for His leading every day in order to make the most of this life. It's not easy, we're not always successful, but we know one thing very well: In our shortcomings, struggles and doubts He pours out grace. I think He allows these complicated situations so we will realize just how big He really is.

O the depth of the riches and the wisdom and knowledge of G-d! How inscrutable are his judgments! How unsearchable are his ways! For, 'Who has known the mind of the L-rd? Who has been his counselor?' Or, 'Who has given him anything and made him pay it back?' For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)
. 

Shavuot in Jerusalem

Happy Shavuot -- let's celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit!

If you can't see the video click here

Was Yeshua a short-hair?!

After spending a year here in Israel we've learned many things. Living in the land, experiencing the seasons and engaging with the environment has given us a different understanding of the Bible. For instance, was Yeshua long-haired like all of the movies and paintings suggest, or did he have a shorter hairstyle?

*Archaeologists have found lice dating back to the first century. "One of the more fascinating finds in this tomb, one that has not received much attention, was the preservation of a sample of Jewish male hair. The hair was lice-free, and trimmed or cut evenly, probably indicating that the family buried in this tomb practiced good hygiene and grooming. The length of the hair was medium to short, averaging 3-4 inches. The color was reddish." This hair was found at an on-going dig Tom hopes to participate in this summer with Shimon Gibson.

Unleavened Shopping

No matter where you live shopping during holidays is different from any other time. The items change with the seasons -- more cranberries and pumpkin at Thanksgiving; candy canes and wrapping paper at Christmas; fluffy bunnies and pastel eggs at Easter. During Passover in Israel the shelves also change -- unleavened specialty items pop up and plastic wrap covers all items containing chametz (leaven).  

This is the baking aisle. See what I mean? No flour or baking soda for anyone.

But if you're shopping in Israel, whether it's Passover or just a regular day of the year, then you'll eventually bump into a soldier. And most times they're carrying large backpacks or guns, or both. 

I think Cassidy finds the plastic-covered shelves more surprising than the IDF soldier carrying the M-16. Just one more reason you feel safe in the city -- no one's going to take your kid or your purse when guys like this are strolling through the grocery looking for matzah.

Resurrection and First Fruits

Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?" But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away--for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples--and Peter--that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you." -Mark 16:1-7

This morning we awoke early, before the sun was up, and made our way to the Garden Tomb. We joined with hundreds of people singing songs of praise to the Risen One. We hope you take this day to celebrate the power of Yeshua's resurrection, His promise of Life eternal with Him and the love He pours out on us every day. 

But the fact is that the Messiah has been raised from the dead, the Firstfruits of those who have died. For since death came through a man, also the resurrection of the dead has come through a Man. For just as in connection with Adam all die, so in connection with the Messiah all will be made alive. But each in his own order: the Messiah is the Firstfruits; then those who belong to the Messiah, at the time of His coming; then the culmination, when He hands over the Kingdom to G-d the Father, after having put an end to every rulership, yes, to every authority and power. For He has to rule until he puts all His enemies under His feet.  -1 Corinthians 15:20-24

The Israeli Palestinian Conflict: 10 Myths Preventing Peace

Happy Passover!

Purim Parties!

The weekend before Emmylou was born we observed Purim, as described in the book of Esther. Every year the Jewish people celebrate the day when G-d turned into good what the enemy meant for bad. At our Hebrew-speaking kehilah (congregation) everyone dressed up in costume, commemorating how Queen Esther hid her identity from King Ahasuerus. The traditional saying at Jewish festivals is "They tried to kill us, we won, let's eat." 

We worshiped with lively music and dancing. It was powerful to sing "Am Yisrael Chai" (The People of Israel Live) with Jewish believers in Israel!

 The kids performed a puppet show/musical and the grown-ups read from the megilah (scroll).

As we walked to service at King of Kings Sunday night we saw these guys dressed up for the holiday. Little did we know the party hadn't even started.

At service the kids performed in front of the whole congregation, singing "I am not forgotten". They sang and did the motions and looked really cute in their costumes. Hearing them sing, "I am not forgotten, G-d knows my name" was a good reminder that even when things are hard He is always near, and never forgets us.

After service we went to dinner with some friends and then headed back toward the train. Outside of a little cafe there were a few people reading the Esther megilat, and leading them was this man, Daniel Boone hat on his head, Hebrew scroll in his hand.

As we approached Zion Square we heard fireworks exploding and loud music blasting. There were people everywhere, many of them in costume. They certainly know how to celebrate their victories!

We feel so blessed to be in Jerusalem to see the people G-d has saved time and time again, regardless of their faithfulness. He is the One that keeps up His end of the bargain, no matter what, and we should all rejoice that He is a covenant-keeping Creator. Let's all celebrate His faithfulness and power, knowing that what the enemy meant for bad, G-d turns into good! Chag Sameach! Joyous Festival!

Emmylou Achinoam

Our second daughter arrived Monday night at 9:05 after a smooth and quick delivery. The grace of G-d was very evident during the whole process -- the baby was never in distress, I was only in labor for three hours and she arrived into my arms healthy, pink and ready for love. We are so thankful for your prayers and care throughout this pregnancy and especially during the labor. Being part of a body so big and loving has made her arrival extremely exciting.

Throughout the last few months we talked through a handful of names we thought appropriate for our daughter. There was never a long list, which made it easy and difficult at the same time. At Yom Kippur we received a prophecy about our baby being a strong warrior and as I prayed about what this meant the L-rd gave me Revelation 9-12. Surely this child will proclaim a powerful message. There are few names for girls that carry the weight of "strong warrior" but when Tom turned to our list of names we gathered while pregnant with Cassidy he found Emmylou. At one point it was our #1 choice for Cassidy, but obviously we ended up not using it. 

Now we can see the leading of the L-rd: Emmylou means famous warrior.

Since I was not 100% in love with the name I asked the L-rd, repeatedly, if Emmylou was supposed to be her name. I heard YES every time. I began to bless her spirit by calling her Emmylou and I started to feel the importance of her name. Now that she is here she is definitely our Emmylou.

The middle name was also a process for us. We did not hesitate with giving her an "American" and somewhat old-timey name, fitting in with our other children, but felt it would be helpful for her to have a more Hebrew/Israeli middle name. Depending on where her Father leads her, she might end up back in Israel and if that is the case we want her to have a name she can use here that will fit more with the culture plus she was born in Jerusalem!

We had several options we considered: Tikvah (Hope), Simcha (Joy), Halleli (Praise). I kept coming back to something completely different -- Achinoam. I first heard this name at our Hebrew congregation and immediately filed it away for later use.

So what does it mean?!

My brother is a delight.

How do you say it?!

Ach- ee-no-ahm. If it's too much to gather phlegm for the Ach, it's ok to say it with a hard 'k' sound. The point is to connect with the eternal perspective that though her brothers are not here they are part of her life and part of her message. 

In the weeks leading up to her birth the L-rd spoke about her middle name. I like the previous names mentioned but none of them resounded in my heart as much as Achinoam (for obvious reasons, right?). Then about a week and a half ago, as I blessed her spirit out of Arthur Burk's book, Blessing Your Spirit With the Blessings of Your Father and the Names of G-d, I felt the stirrings of His timing and His will. The title of the blessing was "Used by G-d to Turn the Enemy's Plans Upside Down" and the scripture was Esther 9:20-22:

Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews throughout the provinces 

of King Xerxes, near and far, to have them celebrate annually the fourteenth and fifteenth days 

of the month of Adar as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month 

when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. 

He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one 

another and gifts to the poor.

We just observed these events in Jerusalem on Sunday and Monday, the holiday called Purim, when young and old alike dress up in costumes, dance in the streets, feast like kings and give gifts of food to each other. It had not occurred to me that my due date was so close to Purim. The two seemed like such separate events. But in that moment of calling Emmylou's spirit to attention and blessing her to recognize that "the death of Jesus on the cross was not the end of something, but rather the beginning" I realized something. I asked Him about her middle name and He told me, no her name is not Hope or Joy or Esther. She is not your Hope, or your Joy. I AM. It is through her that I am giving you more hope and joy, but just like that blessing said, it is about Me. And in that moment I knew Achinoam, my brother is a delight, was the name. It connects her, and all of us, with the eternal perspective that we live this life for His glory, for His Kingdom, and whether we get to delight in our brothers now or when the King returns, it is all a delight because it's from Him.

And now that she is here, in our arms, we are delighting in His ways. Three and a half years after Zeke joined the Heavenly Army we now have another warrior for the Kingdom. And though Achinoam means a singular brother, it represents Zeke and Wyatt and every other loved one that has been called to prepare the way of the L-rd's return. 

A day in her life

Today is Cassidy's 6th birthday! This is just a typical walk to school, speaking Hebrew with Abba while the Orthodox family wonders who we are. In case it doesn't show up (I've been told it's not cooperating) here's a link. She's telling Tom how to ask, "How old is your daughter".

The L-rd Tests the Righteous

Psalm 11:5 - "The L-rd tests the righteous."

A Talmudic saying in response to this Psalm:

Why then should the sufferings be inflicted upon the righteous? The potter does not test the cracked vessel and the Holy One does not test the wicked, but the righteous.

Blessings Abound

Wednesday was a day of personal blessing; we want to tell you that the L-rd has moved in such a wonderful way to encourage us and keep us in Jerusalem! A recap:

-I visited the midwife and the baby is growing well, she is head down (which is the right position), my blood pressure is normal and I checked out pretty healthy. We're awaiting results about a possible infection, so we're asking for prayer that I am infection-free, meaning no UTI's or GBS.

Some friends gave us a nice car seat to use.
Cassidy's baby Lulu loves it.

-Tom negotiated a new lease for the apartment we're currently in. Our lease is up at the end of February (the same time the baby is supposed to arrive!) so it was crucial that we get something resolved. Now that we know we will be in this apartment for the arrival of the baby we can set up the baby's room and put our minds at ease that we don't have to go apartment hunting and furniture shopping.

-We also received news that the special gift for our housing was renewed, so we are able to stay here for a year. Since this was a special one-time gift last year which covered our rent expense we were not counting on this BUT are extremely thankful for it!

-We got our totals for the year-end and are blessed by the people who gave one-time gifts, renewed their monthly pledges and those who increased their monthly donations. We added some new monthly donors and are seeing the number we need to make our budget shrink almost on a daily basis.

Just today, Sunday, we had our appointment for our visa renewal and praise the L-rd, we got it! Even though it should be a given that we would get another visa, nothing is certain, especially in this country, and it can be a very uncomfortable and long process depending on who is in charge of your renewal. We are very thankful that the appointment only took 15 minutes and we now have the paperwork to stay in Israel for another year.

Thank you for your prayers and care! We look forward to sharing more stories with you throughout the year. Here we go!

Bo!

The name of this week's portion is Bo, בוא, meaning enter or go, which reflects what the L-rd says to Moshe in the first verse: Go to Pharaoh. As parents living in Israel we learned this important word early on, even though we used it incorrectly.

In modern Hebrew the word bo (pronounced like bow & arrow) means come, and you use it to call your son or a group of children or people. But when addressing your daughter you use the feminine form, boy, בואי (as if that's not confusing enough, the Hebrew word for she is he, היא). For the first month or so we yelled, "BO!" to Cassidy to get her to hurry up, only to discover that we were using the masculine form -- probably pretty confusing to Hebrew speakers as they looked at our long-haired, pink-skirted daughter. With the help of Cassidy's teacher we realized בואי was the appropriate term, and we now use it quite often, and correctly.

So, Bo, chaverim (friends) let's study the portion this week...

I will cause a hailstorm

Never One to disappoint, this week the L-rd lined up the weather in Jerusalem to reflect His power as told of in the weekly portion. Exodus 9:18-19 says: tomorrow, about this time, I will cause a hailstorm so heavy that Egypt has had nothing like it from the day it was founded until now. Therefore, send and hurry to bring indoors all your livestock and everything else you have in the field. For hail will fall on every human being and animal left in the field that hasn't be brought home, and they will die.

You think I'm kidding...

Curious about the portion? Here's a post briefly explaining what it is. You can always check our left side-bar to find out what the reading is for each week. Hope it blesses you!

And You Thought Genealogy Was Boring

Here is good example of sod (סוד) Hebraic Biblical interpretation. This understanding is the hidden, secret, or mystical meaning of a text. Genesis 5 reveals that G-d’s plan of redemption was written on the very names of men. If Adam and his lineal descendants are lined up one right after the other, the Gospel message is revealed to us when their names are translated from Hebrew to English. All of these name meanings point to the One name, Yeshua, which means salvation.

Adam = Man

Seth = Appointed

Enosh = Mortal

Kenan = Sorrow

Mahalalel = The blessed God

Yared = Shall come down

Enoch = Teaching

Methusaleh = His death shall bring

Lamech = The despairing

Noah = Comfort

When you put this together you have a sentence that reads, ‘Man appointed mortal sorrow the blessed God shall come down teaching; His death shall bring the despairing comfort.’

[96, A Case for God by Jim Jacob]