April 16, 2018 / 1 Iyar 5778

Transcription

1 From: Bulletin Editor Subject: United Israel Bulletin - April 16, 2018 Date: April 16, 2018 at 2:58 PM To: livetospin@gmail.com April 16, 2018 / 1 Iyar 5778 A global publication by World Union Press Editor, Ross K. Nichols Social Sites Publishing important Biblical research and messages of current interest since 1944.

2 Photo taken by the Editor at Independence Hall, where the original Declaration of Israel's Independence was declared on May 14, Israel's Independence Day On Thursday, April 19th, Israel will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Declaration of its independence. The original date of the declaration was Iyar 5, 5708 corresponding to the Gregorian date May 14, Initially, the celebration always took place on the 5th of Iyar, but in 1951, in an attempt to avoid violation of the Sabbath, it was determined that when the 5th of Iyar occurs on Friday, the celebration would be held on the preceding Thursday. That is the case this year, and so Israel's Independence Day celebrations will commence at sundown on Wednesday, April 18th. At United Israel, we believe that the establishment of the modern State of Israel, is a sure sign that God has initiated, in modern times, His fulfillment of ancient promises extending back to patriarchal days. I encourage readers of the Bulletin to see Ralph Buntyn's fascinating article, When Prophecy Echoed in the White House. This article reveals some interesting "behind the scenes work" by our founder David Horowitz, leading up to the world's recognition of the modern State of Israel. Now, and since our founding, United Israel World Union has been a strong advocate for the Nation of Israel, and so from the Board and Officers of UIWU, we want to wish a very Happy Birthday to the Modern State of Israel on this, its 70th anniversary! We would also like to note that on the day preceding Independence Day, we recognize Israel's Memorial Day - a day established to remember service personnel who fell in defense of Israel. Memorial Day in Israel, has also been extended in purpose, to remember those who have died at the hands of

3 extended in purpose, to remember those who have died at the hands of terrorists. This year, Yom HaZikaron commences at sundown on Tuesday, April 17th. We at United Israel, remember the fallen soldiers and victims of terror in Israel, with our brothers and sisters in Israel. The Israel Bible A friend wrote the Editor to inform him of a forthcoming publication of the Hebrew Bible. The new Israel Bible will be available through Israel 365. This Tanakh, looks to be a wonderful addition to the library of any who love Israel, whether Jewish or non-jewish. The Israel Bible will have the Hebrew text, as well as English translation and transliteration allowing students to learn to master their Hebrew. The Israel Bible contains extensive commentary, and this includes contemporary commentary on the role of the modern State of Israel in the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. The bible is edited by Rabbi Tuly Weisz, and will be published by Menorah Books - a division of Koren Publishers of Jerusalem. The list price for this bible is $59 and is expected to ship in June We are looking forward to the new Israel Bible. For more information, please see the information on Israel365's website here. This is a special edition meant to coincide with Israel's 70th anniversary. The Editor intends to purchase one of these for the United Israel Center South's library.

4 Letter From the Birmingham Jail On April 16th, 1963, 55 years ago today, the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., penned his now famous Letter from the Birmingham Jail. The content of the letter was a response to criticism of the use of public, social activism advanced by Dr. King. In the letter, he defended and advanced the strategy of non-violent resistance towards racial discrimination and social injustice. One of the famous quotes from that letter said, "Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere." Justice in Hebrew is mishpat, a word which is used many times in Scripture. See for example the beautiful passage contained in the words attributed to ancient Israel's prophet Amos. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream. (Amos 5:24) And in the days where injustices are common, let us each look for ways to advance the cause of justice, and always speak out against those who would oppose the ways of Jehovah (Genesis 18:19). ~~~~~~~~~~

5 ~~~~~~~~~~ Readers of the Bulletin may enjoy an article written by the editor, and available on the United Israel website, entitled, Martin Luther King Jr., and the Torah of Moses. Letter from the Birmingham Jail, is available here for those who are interested in reading it. A Legend Says Farewell The latest post by Ralph Buntyn has been posted on our website. This is the 38th in his popular and informative Remembering David Horowitz Series. To whom does Ralph refer in his title, A Legend Says Farewell? He graduated from the University of Warsaw with a law degree, but never practiced law. He led a Zionist militant group that proclaimed a revolt against the British, but won the Nobel Prize for Peace. He made bold and daring moves as his nation s Prime Minister, but resigned in depression and seclusion. And he had a long and special friendship with UN journalist David Horowitz. Read this story and more in the latest segment of Remembering David Horowitz titled: A Legend says Farewell. Ralph Buntyn is Executive Vice President and associate editor of United Israel World Union. A historian and researcher, his many articles and essays have appeared in various media outlets.

6 The Ephraim Plot, Biblical Tamar Park UIWU Ephraim Memorial at Biblical Tamar Park David F. and Patricia A. Tyler Ministers and Members of the Board of Directors, UIWU Biblical Tamar Park is managed and maintained by Blossoming Rose - the curator of the 55 acre park. The park is situated along the ancient spice route, and surrounded by names and stories known to us from ancient biblical history. Names on road signs, such as Ir Ovoth, Paran, the Ascent of the Akrabim, and the Wilderness of Zin to name a few, inform visitors that they have entered a region evidenced from the Bible. United Israel World Union works closely with the staff of Blossoming Rose and looks for ways to work with this organization to further their vision and goals. Recently, United Israel's David and Patty Tyler worked with Blossoming Rose to set up memorial plots at Biblical Tamar Park. These memorial plots are to be for those who want to honor their loved ones who have passed with a memorial plaque. There will be twelve sanctuary sites at the Park named after the twelve tribes of Israel. The sites are located among the trees, at least 40 ft apart, and consist of some desert stones, a stone bench, and a cement marker where a brass plaque will be placed with the name and picture of the person being honored.

7 This plaque is for our son, Daniel Townsend Tyler, who passed away last year at 34 years of age. The Significance of the Site The location of Ir Ovot (Numbers 21:4, 10 and 11 and Number 33:45) is important in both the history and the eschatology of the Hebrew Bible. Ir Ovot (Hebrew: ע יר א ב ת,עיר אובות, Ir Obot; lit. City of Oboth), was an agricultural cooperative (kibbutz) in Israel s, located in the northeastern Negev's Arava region, and still refers to a small, group of homes near New Ein Hatzeva. It is the site of an extensive archaeological complex known as Tamar Fortress or Hatzevah Fortress (Hebrew: חצבה ( מצודת which dates to the 10th century BCE (United Monarchy/First Temple period). Oboth / Ovot is one of the places where the Israelites stopped during their Exodus journey as reported in the Book of Numbers. They camped there between Mount Hor and Ije Abarim ( Iyei-Ha avarim) when they resumed traveling after the death of Aaron. Given the fact that Ir Ovot is on the Spice Route of ancient times it was most certainly used by the prophets and others in the Hebrew Bible on their way to Mt. Horeb (Sinai). On the route from Paran to Jerusalem, one must pass by Ir Ovot. It is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible that God himself went by this place, for instance in the book of Habakkuk 3:3: God came from Teman, And the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah His glory covered the heavens, And the earth was full of his praise. David, King of Israel, went there to meditate. In 1 Samuel 25:1 he went to Paran and had to pass by Ir Ovot. And Samuel died; and all Israel gathered themselves together, and lamented him, and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran. Today modern day Paran is a short drive from Ir Ovot.

8 Even the Fiery Law was in the Almighty s hands when he came by this way, Deuteronomy 33:2. And he said, Yehovah came from Sinai, And rose from Seir unto them; He shined forth from mount Paran, And he came from the ten thousands of holy ones: At his right hand was a fiery law for them. The still quiet and incredible beauty of Biblical Tamar Park is a tribute to anyone who might want to remember their loved one with such a memorial. If you are interested, please contact us at UnitedIsraelNortheast@gmail.com. In closing let us remember the promise given to the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 35:1-2). The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing; the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon: they shall see the glory of Yehovah, the excellency of our God. Blossoming Rose is aptly named for this promise. For more on Blossoming Rose, please visit their website here. Jon Langberg's Movie Reviews

9 Direct By: Anna Zielinski The Book of Daniel Main Actors: Lance Henriksen, Robert Miano, Kevin McCorkle, Andrew Bongiorno, Rolf Saxon Film Distributor: Pure Flix Entertainment Summary: Summary: In 605 B.C., Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians, and many of their best young men were taken into captivity, including Daniel. Daniel was taken to Babylon to serve its powerful King, Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel's example of boldness and faithfulness to God in the most difficult circumstances had eternal impact on the people and kings that he encountered. This Biblical epic tells the heroic and timeless stories of Daniel, as told in the Bible. Author s Review & Grade: This movie makes an effort to pattern the movie after the story of the life of Daniel. This movie reflects Daniel s unwavering devotion to God. It also shows that even someone being used as an instrument of God s will is not enough. There are times when God decides to intervene. Now for the nuts and bolts of the movie: The quality of the sets was not what I would consider up to par. The quality of acting was not as good as it should have been. For quality acting, the more an actor portrays that he is living the part, the better the overall movie production. I felt as though that the actors for the most part really were not as believable as they should have been. On a 1 to 5 scale, I give this movie a 2. It is OK for everyone, no bad scenes. This is a low on the list Movie Night at the Learning Center qualified movie.

10 qualified movie. Lions, Shepherds and Queens Oh, My! Title Lions, Shepherds, and Queens (Oh, my!) Imprint Distributed by Warner Home Video, Big Idea Description Title from pre-release promotional materials. Summary In the humorous retelling of the Bible stories of Daniel and the lions den -- Dave and the giant pickle -- Esther...the girl who became queen; teach kids that you can be and are special in the eyes of God. Author s Review & Grade: I have to say there are some good chuckles here. I selected this video to watch the story of Daniel as I had already captured the other two shows previously. The animation tells us things about Daniel s adherence to his faith in God. There are a few things in the show that aren t exactly covered in the bible. For instance, I never knew that the lions and Daniel had pizza the night he was placed in the lion s den. This is still a good message for the kids and a very entertaining show. On a 1 to 5 scale, I give this Movie a 4. It is OK for everyone. I m sure this is back room for the kids Movie Night at the Learning Center material.

11 The Month of Iyar - Ziv A Month of Light, Radiance, Healing & Counting of the Omer Part of an ongoing series entitled Hidden Sparks Beneath the Surface By Elisheva Tavor aka Betty Tabor Givin All the months are interrelated, each connecting to the next in the cycle of the seasons, the round of the year set up by The Creator from the beginning for our benefit to make up what we call time like a beautiful string of pearls each is significant to the whole and each carries within it a special spark that lies hidden beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered! Tonight begins the new month of Iyar, or the second month, as it is referred to in the Torah. It is a month sandwiched in between the two Giant months, that of Nisan, the month of the Exodus from Egypt and Sivan, the month of Matan Torah, the Giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. Re-cap To re-cap a bit, in our last article we quoted from the Torah when HaShem, referring to Nisan said: This month shall be for you the head of the

12 referring to Nisan said: This month shall be for you the head of the months. It is the first for YOU of the months of the year. (Shemot/Exodus 12)! When HaShem said, this month is for you It is as if to say, it is your very own! We spoke about how amazing this was! We know from reading the account in Exodus that to these Hebrew slaves that basically owned nothing, this month did indeed become their very own for it was given over to them given over to them as the month of their redemption! They were to teach it to their children and to their children s children throughout the generations dor v dor (love that phrase)! And now it has come to us to you and you and you because we have attached ourselves to HaShem, Torah and the Jewish people! Halleluyah!!! Baruch HaShem. Given this background of Nisan, we can see that the first month was quite a significant one. But what of the second month, the month of Iyar? Having been redeemed from Mitzrayim, that narrow place, were the Children of Israel with their new found freedom ready to go straight to Sinai and receive HaShem s Torah and be brought into Eternal Covenant with Him as described as occurring in the month of Sivan? No! Iyar-A Bridge This is where the month of Iyar comes in, sandwiched right here in the middle of the two Giants, Nisan and Sivan, where we have the major Festivals of Pesach and Shavuot Given this placement, one might at first suppose this month to be insignificant, but that is not at all the case as we shall discover in this article. The month of Iyar has a definite purpose as do all things created by HaShem. According to the Jewish sages, Iyar is a month of Light and a month of Healing. A month that Rabbi Richman refers to as a bridge from the past to the future It is a bridge from slavery to freedom, from Pesach to Sinai The Children of Israel needed a bridge between these two major Festivals, these mo edim, these meetings with HaShem. They needed a time to take stock, to prepare and to purify themselves just as we do today. His Presence and the Redemption Going back to Pesach for a moment and the events leading up to this amazing Festival, you may recall the account at the burning bush when HaShem told Moshe that He was to free his people from slavery in Egypt and bring them out of Mitzrayim? And what did HaShem answer to Moshe when he asked, Who shall I say sent me? His response was Eheyeh asher Eheyeh. The translation most of us are more familiar with is I Am what I Am or I Will Be What I Will Be, Rav Moshe Dror Cassuto of the Emunah Channel has an interesting

13 Rav Moshe Dror Cassuto of the Emunah Channel has an interesting teaching on Eheyeh asher Eheyeh which provides some additional insights. He says that HaShem is saying, I will be with you, but then again He repeats, I will be with you, meaning I will be with you in the redemption out of Egypt (the first redemption) and I will be with you in the desert, as you build the Mishkan/Tabernacle, as you go into the land and build the temple and on through the centuries through the exile, through all the persecutions, the pogroms, the Holocaust, up through the establishment of the State of Israel and beyond I will be with you into the future redemption which will be the final redemption! Jeremiah 16:14 powerfully brings out this promise regarding the future redemption, Therefore, behold the days are coming says HaShem, when it shall no more be said, As HaShem lives, that brought up the children of Yisrael out of the land of Mitzrayim, but, As HaShem lives, that brought the children of Yisrael from the land of the north, and from all the lands into which He had driven them and I will bring them back into their land that I gave to their fathers. Rav Dror also said that there is even a deeper more personal meaning to HaShem s words here, Eheyeh asher Eheyeh and that is, I will be with you as YOU are with me. In other words, I will be with you and reveal myself to you as you open yourself up to me. We know that HaShem is always with us, but it is up to us to let him in. And how do we do that? How do we let Him in? Through acknowledging His Presence at all times, in all things Through G-d Consciousness even in the dark especially in the dark, when we are hurting, challenged, bewildered, when we don t know what to do. HaShem, the Source of all Light We let Him in through letting in the Light, like a rheostat on a light switch, the light may be dim at first, but as we turn the dial, it gets brighter and brighter and soon the room that was once dark is filled with The Glorious Light which is a manifestation of The Kavod, His Very Presence. In the beautiful words of the Aaronic or Priestly Benediction, The Light is His Countenance, His Face and we ask that it shine upon us! We read of that Brilliant First Light in the account of the Creation in Beresheit The Book of Genesis, and it resurfaces all through the Torah, the Prophets, the Psalms and the Writings in the Tanach and in our prayers in the Jewish Prayer Book called the Siddur which acclaim HaShem as the Source of all Light! The name Iyar (אייר) is formed from the root word ohr - (אור) - light - representing the burst of light that was released into the world first at Creation and then again with the Exodus from Egypt, and again at Sinai, and will again be released during the Final Redemption!

14 The prophet Isaiah in the first few verses of chapter 60 reflects this concept of glorious Light breaking forth from the darkness which will cover the entire earth and all creation and brings it down to a personal level when he says, Arise, shine, for your light has come! Iyar is also known in as Ziv which means brightness or radiance so is in direct correspondence with ohr, which means light and from which we have the root word for the month we have just entered, the month of Iyar. HaShem, the Source of all Healing The month of Iyar is not only a month representing Light, but one of Healing. It is the month during which the manna began to fall from heaven while the Children of Israel were in the desert; and according to the Midrash, the month in which the well of Miriam bringing them fresh water, began to travel along with them. The Jewish sages teach that the Manna provided not only physical nourishment, but spiritual nourishment which was rich in healing qualities for the body and soul alike. Likewise, they point out that the name Iyar, in Hebrew, is an acronym for the words, "Ani HaShem Rophecha" - "I am HaShem your healer," ה רפאך) (אני words which G-d spoke to Israel after the crossing of the Sea of Reeds, at Mara where they encountered the bitter waters. Significant Events in the Month of Iyar It is significant to note some special dates that come during the month of Iyar, dates both ancient and more modern. Solomon began building the first Holy Temple or House for HaShem.(I Kings 6:1) 14 Iyar Pesach Sheni Referenced in II Chronicles 30 Instituted by King Hezekiah for those who were unable to keep the first Pesach 18 Iyar Lag B Omer corresponds to the 33 rd day in the omer-count, having to do with remembering the death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, the renowned author of the Mishna and one of the main authors of the Zohar and his son Rabbi Elazar. It also corresponds to remembering the disciples of Rabbi Akiva of whom many thousands had been struck by a plague during the Omer count and on 18Iyar stopped dying. In Israel and in Jewish communities all over the world it is customary to rejoice and have picnics and give their little 3 year old boys their first haircut. On 5 Iyar, 1948 the State of Israel was officially established! And it was in the month of Iyar in which the Israel Defense Forces, in the miraculous 1967 Six Day War, liberated and reunited the city of Jerusalem. and the Temple Mount which sits in the heart of the city and is the heart of the nation the place in which HaShem the Creator of the Universe chose to place His Name. (II Kings 21:4).

15 Bridging the Gap- Counting of the Omer During the month of Iyar, we bridge the 49 day gap between Pesach and Sinai by dedicating ourselves to the counting of the Omer. In the counting of the Omer each evening, we look inward, take stock of ourselves and do teshuvah, asking for strength to correct our faults and our weakness, both as individuals and as communities and groups attached to Israel. With humility, penitence and kavanah (intent) we turn our hearts towards our Creator and endeavor to once again dedicate ourselves to be all that we were created to be as we walk with Him. May we all be blessed with light, with health and with renewed determination to live purposeful lives as individuals and fulfill our destiny as a community united as One before HaShem. Amein! The Glory of the LORD כבוד יהוה In this teaching, Ross investigates the uses of the Hebrew phrase a phrase translated as the Glory of the LORD. The phrase is used 36 times in the Hebrew Bible. It is generally understood to speak of a manifestation of the presence of YHVH. But, what precisely is the Kavod? When did it appear? To whom? For what purpose? When did it depart, or when was it last seen and where? What about the re-appearance? Is it described in the texts of the Hebrew Bible? In this class, Ross covers the main texts associated with these questions related to the subject. Click here for the audio and video files of this teaching.

16 75th Annual Conference We hope that many of you will be joining us for our upcoming United Israel Annual Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina the last weekend of April. This year s meeting marks the 75th annual meeting as well as the beginning of our 75th year as an organization. The event will reflect upon our rich past, highlight our current activities, and look forward to our future work. For more information on the program, hotel reservations and conference registration, please visit our Conference Information page. It should be noted that it is important for you to register online. Even if you think that we know you are coming, you still need to register. We will use the registrations to make name tags for attendees. Online registration can be done on the Conference Information Page link here. There is no charge for registration, but contributions towards the costs of the conference can be made on our Donate Page. We appreciate your support.

17 Join Jono, Ross and Tovia on Tanakh Tour Four! Join Jono Vandor, Ross Nichols and Tovia Singer for their fourth Tanakh Tour of Israel. The popular tour is scheduled from November 11-19, 2018 and is already filling up. There are still a few spots left. In order to secure your seat, go to our tour page, watch the promo video, read the testimonials, check out the photo galleries of past tours and then pay your deposit to guarantee your seat on the tour! Do it soon before all the available seats are taken. Here is the link.

18 From the Torah The Torah reading this week, for those who follow the annual cycle of readings is Tazri'a - Metzora (Leviticus 12:1-15:33). The associated Prophet reading is found in II Kings 7:3-20. "Remember the Torah of my servant Moses, the statutes and judgments that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel" (Malachi 4:4 English / Malachi 3:22 Hebrew). Support United Israel World Union For those who wish to donate to United Israel, please visit our Donate Page. United Israel World Union, INC, is a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit. All contributions are tax deductible. Your financial support enables us to do all that we do. You can make a one time donation or set up a recurring contribution. We provide all that we do at no charge, trusting that those who benefit from our work, and who are able to do so, will support the work financially. In this way, everyone who wants to learn can do so. We appreciate your interest in, and support of UIWU. Donate to United Israel Submitting Content to the Bulletin According to the original Constitution and By-Laws of United Israel World Union, Inc., the Bulletin is to "serve as the main organ of the corporation and the chief medium of unification for all members and units of United Israel World Union Inc. It will contain important Bible data and messages of current interest." The same document states that "members are invited to contribute correspondence and data for the Bulletin." Do you have an article, an item of interest, a prayer request, an

19 Do you have an article, an item of interest, a prayer request, an announcement for our readers, or other newsworthy material? Feel free to submit them for review and possible inclusion in a future edition of the UI Bulletin. Send correspondence to the editor here. Unsubscribe This message was sent to livetospin@gmail.com from bulletin@unitedisrael.org Bulletin Editor United Israel World Union 2101 Sardis Rd North Suite 110 Charlotte, NC