It is time to think about the next feast the

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1 Shabbat Beha atlotkha Shabbat 9 June Sivan 5772 Website: Web Ministers: News New Congregation in Paris Last week (Friday) we had our worship in the new congregation of Paris. It was a success, Joseph gave a sermon on the parasha and knew how to contextualize his message for the Jewish people. On Shabbat we were in the SDA congregation of Bagneux to explain our ministry and again Joseph was a very good advocate of our ministry. 3 rd International bible Conference The 3rd International Bible Conference organized by the Biblical Research Institute will be held in Israel from June 11 to 21. More than 350 scholars are expected for this Bible Conference. The General theme is Biblical Anthropology A very interesting topic for our ministry, since the Jewish people has been influenced by Greek and Christian philosophy and theology, accepting Plato philosophy of the immortality of the soul. I have been asked to read a paper on Anthropology in Judaism this opportunity will be a privilege for our ministry to be known and maybe to arouse an interest for new Jewish Adventist ministry in new places in the world. Thank you for your prayers for the success of this important meeting. Next Celebration It is time to think about the next feast the Jewish people will celebrate in order to prepare our congregations for their encounter with Jewish friends. On July 29, the Jews will have a celebration to remember the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem. Both temples were destroyed on the same day, it was on Av 9, which is said in Hebrew Tisha Be av. What will each of your congregation will do? This year Tisha Be av will be on Sunday, in most of the countries in the world it is a day off, maybe some events, could be organized. Here are some examples Prayer meeting for the Jewish people. Lectures on - The reasons of the destruction of the Beth Hamikdash (Temple). Many reasons are given in the Talmud and other Jewish books, Jews have reflected a lot about these catastrophes. - The sanctuary and its symbolism. - The spiritual meaning of the Temple. - Solomon s dedication prayer of the Temple - The two Jerusalem: on earth and in heaven. - The meaning of Jerusalem in the Bible. - Do we have to expect a third Temple? - The Temple in the prophecies - The Temple and Sanctuary in Daniel. - Yeshua and Temple - Yerushalayim in the Brit Hachadasha I am sure that each leader of our Jewish Adventist congregation can make their own choice and even more. 1 Newsletter n 480

2 2 Newsletter Overview Beha alotkha Numbers 8:1-12:16 Aharon is taught the method for kindling the menorah. Moshe sanctifies the levi im to work in the Mishkan. They replace the first-born, who were disqualified after sinning at the golden calf. The levi im are commanded that after five years of training they are to serve in the Mishkan from ages 30 to 50; afterwards they are to engage in less strenuous work. One year after the Exodus from Egypt, G-d commands Moshe concerning the korban Pesach. Those ineligible for this offering request a remedy, and the mitzvah of Pesach Sheini (second Pesach), allowing a second chance to offer the korban Pesach one month later, is detailed. Miraculous clouds that hover near the Mishkan signal when to travel and when to camp. Two silver trumpets summon the princes or the entire nation for announcements. The trumpets also signal travel plans, war or festivals. The order in which the tribes march is specified. Moshe invites his father-in-law, Yitro, to join the Jewish People, but Yitro returns to Midian. At the instigation of the eruv rav the mixed Egyptian multitude who joined the Jewish People in the Exodus some people complain about the manna. Moshe protests that he is unable to govern the nation alone. G-d tells him to select 70 elders, the first Sanhedrin, to assist him, and informs him that the people will be given meat until they will be sickened by it. Two candidates for the group of elders prophesy beyond their mandate, foretelling that Yehoshua instead of Moshe will bring the people to Canaan. Some protest, including Yehoshua, but Moshe is pleased that others have become prophets. G-d sends an incessant supply of quail for those who complained that they lacked meat. A plague punishes those who complained. Miriam tries to make a remark to Aharon which also implies that Moshe is only like other prophets. G-d explains that Moshe s prophecy is superior to that of any other prophet, and punishes Miriam with tzara at as if she had gossiped about her brother. Moshe prays for her, and the nation waits until she is cured before traveling. The Gift of Prophecy Our parasha presents two people that we don t know very well, Eldad and Medad. According to the Jewish tradition these two characters have a special background. Moses establish the first Sanhedrin of 70 elders. But it was not easy to choose 70 people among 12 tribes. If we multiply 12 by 6 we got 72. To make the choice of 70 means that 2 tribes are giving only 5 elders. This could raise some jealousy from the tribes who are under-represented. That is why God has reserved a special gift for the two elders who have not been chosen, they received the gift of prophecy. However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the Tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp. (Num 11:26). But some people were not happy and they complained to Moses, but Moses was pleased that G-d gave this prophetic gift to Eldad and Medad and even he wished that all the people of Israel would be a people of prophets Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD s people were prophets (Num 11:29). It is God who wanted to give the spirit of prophecy on these people I will come down and speak to you. You will be enveloped in prophecy and then I will miraculously take the prophetic spirit that is upon you and will share it with them. (Num 11:16-17). Because of what is written in these verses, the Jewish tradition has seen that all the 70 elders were prophets. Rabbi Frand says The seventy elders became deputized prophets, so to speak, and had the power of Moshe s prophecy transferred to them such that they too could prophesize. The wises of Israel in Targum Yonasan ben Uziel teache an interesting story, they affirm that Eldad and Medad were half brothers to Moses, from the same mother but not the same father. Thus according to

3 the tradition even though the 70 elders received also the gift of prophecy, their gift lasts only one day, while the gifts of prophecy of Eldad and Medad were permanent as children of Yocheved and brothers of Moses. Defamatory speech The Torah states: And Miriam and Aharon spoke against Moshe because of the Cushite woman whom he had married; for he had married a Cushite woman. And they said, Has God spoken only with Moshe? Has he not spoken also with us? (Num 12:1-2). Miriam, Moshe s sister, heard from Moshe s wife, Tzipora, that Moshe had separated himself from her (so that he, Moshe, could receive a prophecy from the Almighty at any time). Miriam felt that Moshe s behavior was improper, since both she and her brother, Aharon, both carried on their respective married lives, yet received prophecy. Miriam related her feelings to her brother, Aharon. Rabbi Packouz (aish.com) says in the name of Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan (The Chofetz Chaim) that from these verses we learn 4 principles concerning lashon hara (gossip and slander), the laws regarding defamatory speech: 1) The prohibition against defamatory speech applies even when the person spoken against is very humble and does not mind if others speak against him. For this reason, immediately after Moshe was spoken against, the Torah states Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth (Num 12:3). 2) Even though many favors have been done for another person, it does not give the right to speak against him. Miriam helped save Moshe s life when he was an infant, but was still punished for her defamatory speech. 3) The prohibition against lashon hara applies even though defamatory speech is not publicize, but only relate it to one person, and that person is a relative who will not repeat it to anyone else. Miriam told only to her brother Aharon what she thought and we know that Aharon would not publicize it. 4) Rabbi Pakouz says also that if you say about a truly great man that his behavior would only be proper if he were on a higher level, but on his present level his behavior is improper, it is considered lashon hara. Miriam felt that Moshe was wrong for separating himself from his wife. She erred, however, since Moshe s level of prophecy was such that at any moment God could communicate with him and his abstention was proper. (Shmiras Haloshon 2:18) The Firstborn In his original plan, God wanted the chief of each family to be consecrated as a priest, The LORD said to Moses, Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether man or animal. (Ex 13:1-2). It was the case with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who were the Patriarchs and the priests of their family. It was the spiritual privilege of the first born, all the first born belonged to God, because on the night of Passover, he could take their life, and spared them Every firstborn male in Israel, whether man or animal, is mine. When I struck down all the firstborn in Egypt, I set them apart for myself. (Num 8:17). But the firstborn of Israel lost this privilege after the sin of the Golden Calf. The Torah states, The first offspring of every womb, both man and animal, that is offered to the LORD is yours. But you must redeem every firstborn son and every firstborn male of unclean animals. (Num 18:15) The Levites took the place of the first born, And I have taken the Levites in place of all the firstborn sons in Israel. (Num 8:18) and because they belong to God, they have to be bought. Thus in the parasha for this week we have the consecration or dedication of the Cohanim for the service in the Tabernacle, The Levites purified themselves and washed their clothes. Then Aaron presented them as a wave offering before the LORD and made atonement for them to purify them. After that, the Levites came to do their work at the Tent of Meeting under the supervision of Aaron and his sons. They did with the Levites just as the LORD commanded Moses. (Num 8:21-22). In a way, the Tribe of Levy became the firstborn of the tribes of Israel and Israel is called also the firstborn in the Bible, it is the firstborn people of God. This is what the LORD says: Israel is my firstborn son (Ex 4:22). Sources: These comments of the parasha are based on comments published by Rabbi Kalman Packouz, Rabbi Zelig Pliskin, Rabbi Ozer Alport, Rabbi Ari Kahn, Rabbi Noson Weisz, Rabbi Naftali Reich, Rabbi Berel Wein, Rabbi Yochanan Zweig, Rabbi Yissocher Frand, Rabbi Yaakov Asher Sinclair from Ohr Somayach, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky. and Rabbi Zalmen Marozov. 3 Newsletter

4 4 Newsletter Torah to the Nations T he Midrash records that prior to Hashem offering the Torah to Bnei Israel, He made it available to the nations of the world. He offered it to the children of Esau (who lived in the land of Seir). When they discovered that it contained the prohibition of murder, they rejected the Torah on the grounds that, by nature, they were a violent people. A similar result occurred when Hashem offered the Torah to the children of Ishmael (living in Paran). They rejected it, for it contained the prohibition of stealing. Don t Separate from your Congregation The story is told of a man who attended synagogue each day. One day he stopped coming to synagogue. After a while the rabbi became concerned and decided to pay the man a visit. It happened to be a very cold day when the rabbi came knocking at the man s home. The man welcomed the rabbi into his home and together they sat down near the fireplace to stay warm. The rabbi inquired as to the man s state of health. He told the rabbi that his health was good. His business was also doing well. In fact, he had no complaints. So why did you stop attending shul? asked the rabbi. I have decided that I could concentrate better on my prayers when I pray at home. Here, I m not distracted by anyone, so now I pray at home each day. The rabbi continued the conversation. Before leaving, the rabbi picked up the fire tongs. He went over to the fireplace and removed one glowing coal from the rest. Then he placed it on the side of the fireplace, away form the other coals. Now watch this single coal and watch the rest! declared the rabbi. While the other coals continued burning and warming the room, the single coal slowly lost its glow until it became completely extinguished and cold. You see what happens to a hot and glowing coal when separated from the others, said the rabbi. This is the reason why you should not separate yourself from the congregation. You should come back to shul and continue praying together with everyone. When we pray together, everyone benefits from the others. But, when one is alone, like the single coal, they will eventually become extinguished and cold. The next day the man was back. Repetitive Practices A great rabbi passed away, and the congregation invited his son to take his place. The deceased rabbi was famous for his sharp insight and wisdom. He initiated many innovations into the synagogue practices. He revamped the system of adult education, introducing refinements in the educational philosophy and the nature of his sermons and lectures. He also upgraded the community s benevolent and charitable programs. The congregation assumed that the new rabbi would be delighted with what his father had accomplished, especially since it would make life much easier for him. But to their dismay, as soon as he was installed as the new rabbi, he began making drastic changes. He reevaluated and restructured the educational system again and made numerous modifications in all the synagogue programs. Why are you doing this? one of the congregant asked him. Your father was highly successful. Why change so many things? Why don t you follow in your father s footsteps? Oh, but I am following in my father s footsteps, said the new rabbi. My father never imitated other people. He always insisted on thinking for himself. I am exactly the same. I will also not step in and do what has already been done without expressing my own insights and originality. EDITOR A newsletter published by the World Jewish Adventist Friendship Center Under the umbrella of the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission Richard-Amram Elofer 4, Abraham Lincoln Jerusalem Israel Tel Fax richard@elofer.com web: jewishadventist.org

5 Haftara Zechariah 2:14-4:7 In the text of the parasha the Lord commanded Aaron To atone the priests: When you bring the Levites before the LORD, the Israelites shall lay their hands on the Levites, and Aaron shall present the Levites before the LORD as an elevation offering from the Israelites, that they may do the service of the LORD. The Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and he shall offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering to the LORD, to make atonement for the Levites.. (Num. 8:10-12). Haftara: Our haftara is about another Priest. Then he showed me the high priest Joshua standing before the angel of the LORD (Zec 3:1). We have in this haftara a beautiful story about Joshua the High Priest, Zerubbabel and the angel of the Lord. We have already spoken about the angel of the Lord, a special angel who is the great Michael, the one who has the power to forgive the sins of Israel (Exodus 23:20). In our story the angel came to give forgiveness to the High Priest Joshua. Now Joshua was dressed with filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, Take off his filthy clothes. And to him he said, See, I have taken your guilt away from you, and I will clothe you with festal apparel. And I said, Let them put a clean turban on his head. So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with the apparel; and the angel of the LORD was standing by.. (Zech. 3:3-5). But also to give to Joshua a special message: If you will walk in my ways and keep my requirements, then you shall rule my house and have charge of my courts, and I will give you the right of access among those who are standing here. (Zech. 3:7). For G-d the requirement is always the same, to be faithful to him. Then the angel give a wonderful promise, the promise of the Messiah called the Branch Now listen, Joshua, high priest, you and your colleagues who sit before you! For they are an omen of things to come: I am going to bring my servant the Branch. (Zech. 3:8) This branch is a branch coming from the genealogy or tree of Jesse and it is called the Branch of the Lord (Isaiah 4:2). Brit Hachadasha Revelation 12:17 The text of our parasha is about leadership and prophetism. Moses establish the first Sanhedrin of 70 elders. But it was not easy to choose 70 people among 12 tribes. If we multiply 12 by 6 we ve got 72. To make the choice of 70 means that 2 tribes are giving only 5 elders. This could raise some jealousy from the tribes who are under-represented. That is why God has reserved a special gift for the two elders who have not been chosen, they received the gift of prophecy. However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the Tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp. (Num 11:26). But some people were not happy and they complained to Moses, but Moses was pleased that G-d gave this prophetic gift to Eldad and Medad and even he wished that all the people of Israel would be a people of prophets Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD s people were prophets (Num 11:29) It was the wish of God for his people, that is why in the Brit Hachadasha he gave the gift of prophecy to his people of believers to Yeshua. An Angel says to Yochanan in the book of Revelation: I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God! (22:9) which is a reference to another word of the prophet who said in the chapter 19 But he said to me, Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (10) and this reference to those who have the testimony of Jesus is a reference to a special people who is presented in the chapter 12, those who obey God s commandments and hold to the testimony of Yeshua (17). The people of God at the end of time is a people who keep the Ten Commandments (Shabbat included) and who hold the testimony of Yeshua, this expression is explained in Revelation 19 as the spirit of prophecy, the gift of prophecy, however the angel spoke about this special people as brothers the prophets. The angel, who expresses G-d s will who would like that His entire people would be prophets. Moses had the same wish; he wanted that the entire people of Israel would be prophets not only Eldad and Medad. 5 Newsletter