Posted on 10/28/2011 12:27:42 PM PDT by patlin
Noach 2011
While we normally consider Noach and his generation to be a prime example of how a society can so easily lose it all, there are additional and highly significant lessons and applications very relevant to our times.
We are now still feeling the effects of the 'chamas', ‘the ‘me first’ philosophy, which led to the unscrupulous practices by so many, all too long, especially in the financial world. The ongoing grassroots ‘social protests’ for no special reason, which have spread across North America, are reason enough for concern. The decay from the top has had a ripple effect onto so many other areas including the normalcy of our daily lives. Not only are we living day to day with the anxiety and fears projected by the ongoing daily economic ups and downs, but even more foreboding is the fact that we are unable to project when this flood of economic chaos will end. It's the uncertainty of 'how low is low' that causes all too many anxious days and sleepless nights.
We seek some sort of escape and so Noah's Ark takes on a new sort of attraction. The Noah and his Ark story project a new dimension as we try to navigate the troubled waters. Rather than pitying Noach being isolated in an Ark for days, there is one aspect that might cause us to in fact, even envy Noach. Some might envy the opportunity to duplicate the Noach Ark Experience.
G-d speaks to Noach and instructs him to build an Ark as the whole world is about to self-destruct. Noach and family are instructed to build an Ark where they will be safe and secure. They are able to isolate and distance themselves from the destructive forces inundating the world. So far, it sounds pretty good, that is if you can put the rest of humanity out of your mind and concern. If offered the chance to build an Ark for yourself and your immediate family and sail off, leaving the 'Tzaros’ behind, nowadays we might not discount it out of hand. Put into contemporary terms, this appears to be an attractive alternative-isolation from the comings and goings of society; a bit of a 'time out'. I suggest that it is not only attractive, the 'Noach's Ark' experience, it is highly suggested, realistic and yes, very possible. It's not an Ark of wood or even plastic I have in mind but a concept, a concept that already exists but is somehow under appreciated. It's called SHABBAT- one day a week when we separate ourselves from the normal course of things; when we isolate ourselves and create a special Ark of time with very limited entry as to who and what comes in. For 25 hours we create peace and quiet amidst the tumult that normally surrounds us. This special day of SHABBAT has been our safety net and escape hatch for generations.
But unlike Noach, we do not isolate ourselves constantly. Six days a week we are front and center in the world trying to make a difference. Often frustrating, especially in these trying times, but such is the Jewish human condition. We are out there doing our thing never knowing when one of our actions, one of our words or simply our presence makes a profound difference in someone's life.
It is only on Shabbat that we withdraw from our daily creating and instead create a TEMPLE of TIME so as to take stock of our blessings and our accomplishments and create some 'time out' to gain strength for the next round of human encounters certain to come in the coming week.
With Shabbat comes the realization of the promise of the rainbow. It is G-d's promise never again to subject us to a flood. Shabbat is the reminder that we can suspend the flood of anxiety and despair and celebrate the gift of life and love.
We even have our own personal rainbow each week and it comes in many shapes and colors. There are candles and Kiddush, some Challah and a special family meal which makes for a great start. We can continue the rainbow with some Shul and by keeping the rest of the day special and different.
You can be sure that something even more worthwhile than a pot of gold awaits you at the end the day. The price of gold fluctuates; the rewards of Shabbat are always on the rise.
Yes, Shabbat is Havdalah, making a difference as to how we face the coming week. And so, yes, build an Ark called Shabbat. Enjoy the rainbow of experiences and the payoff will be a better week. Noach with his special Ark was the launching pad for the development of the family of Abraham and Sarah.
Let us build an Ark together and keep that Mishpacha alive.
SHABBAT SHALOM Rabbi Dr. Mordecai E. Zeitz _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________
Haftarah Noach: Is 54:1-55:5
B'rit Hadasha: Mattityahu(Matthew) 24; Luke 17; Acts 2; 1 Kefa(Peter0 3; 2 Kefa(Peter) 2
Does Orthodox Rabbi Zeitz know that a New Testament reading has been attached to his Shabbos schmuz?
In case you didn't notice, I also tagged the thread as other non-christian religion, Messianic & Hebrew study. Those in our group welcome insight from our Jewish brethren
If criticism is all you have to add, it truly continues to be a sad day for mankind and definitely proves the point of Rabbi Zeitz that all of faith, not just Judaism, needs to rest in order for one to actually hear what HaShem has to say to us
http://www.moshiach.com/e-book-noahide-how-to/the-7-laws-of-the-children-of-noah.html
...9. Although the Children of Noah are commanded only concerning the Seven Universal Commandments, they are permitted to observe any of the 613 Commandments of the Torah for the sake of receiving divine reward. The exceptions to this are:
a. Observing the Sabbath in the manner of the Jews (resting from the actions that were needed for the building of the Tabernacle during the Exodus from Egypt)
b. Observing the Jewish holy days in the manner of the Jews (resting in a similar manner to the Sabbath)...
Since all children of Isra’el came from Noah(included the Egyptians who were grafted in by circumcision & abiding by the Torah), the dividing of the nation IMHO is exactly opposite of what Torah teaches. . . The Torah teaches that YHVH’s children are one nation with one set of instructions which is Torah.
Observing the Sabbath in the manner of the Jews, Observing the Jewish holy days in the manner of the Jews
What do you mean by the manner of Jews? Do you consider the oral laws of Sabbath restriction to be of divine origin? I am only speaking of restrictions not instructions for Temple & worship service. When does one cross the line between instruction & restriction thereby adding additional yokes to our lives which YHVH never intended and in fact, HE gave a commandment against adding yokes/burdens.
http://www.dovidgottlieb.com/Rabbi_Gottlieb_Tapes.html
The Oral Law part 1
The Oral Law part 2
The Oral Law part 3
The Oral Law part 4
The Oral Law part 5
When I originally posted the Torah parasha, I specifically was wondering what part of Sabbath is most edifying for our Jewish brethren that a follower of our Hebrew Messiah could gleam edification from? I already have the Siddur, but even that is mostly just the prayers and thus leaves out a lot of specifics as to how one celebrates it in the home. Sure I can search the internet, but I thought maybe our Jewish freeper brethren might like to chime in on what makes the Sabbath special for them?
Well, Moses spent several periods of 30 days communing directly with God, and then spent 40 years teaching the Children of Israel what he had learned. This was all BEFORE he wrote Torah scrolls, which happened only in the last month of his life. If everything was in the scrolls, why all the wasted time?
http://www.aishdas.org/student/oral.htm
...7. When the Torah [Ex. 16:29] says “Let no man leave his place on the seventh day” to what place is this referring? Does it mean his home, his property if he has more than one home, his neighborhood, his city, or something else?...
Maybe they were slow learners.
I see nothing has changed. I come for insight and all I get is “convert to Judaism” or be left out because the Jewish people are special and only they have the law & the Sabbath.
FYI..The Sabbath was anctified on day 7. Adam had instructions frm the beginning that were handed down to his children which were handed down to Noah then to Moses. Really, does one really think that Adam lived in the garden for 70 years and never got one instruction from YHVH except for what to eat & what not to eat? Does one really think Adam did not rest from his daily duties every Sabbath while in the garden?
The instructions & the covenants have been from the beginning, not from Mt Sinai where Judah was only 1 of 12 tribes.
Protectionism can be a evil thing as it keeps YHVH’s lost children from finding HIM.
the Torah is specific in telling us it pertains specifically to work, not worship & worship means getting together with brethren
what part of gathering at home or with friends on the Sabbath is most ediying to you?
...11. The responsibility of The Seven Noahide Laws is a yoke of faith in God. This means that the laws must be observed solely because God commanded them. If the Children of Noah observe these Seven Universal Laws for any reason or intention other than to fulfill God’s will, the performance is invalid and no divine reward is received. This means that if one of the Children of Noah says, “These laws seem sensible and beneficial, therefore I will observe them,” his actions accomplish nothing and he receives no reward.
12. When one of the Children of Noah engages in the study of the Seven Universal Laws, he is able to attain a spiritual level higher than the High Priest of the Jews, who alone has the sanctity to enter the Holy of Holies in the Temple in Jerusalem...
...14. It is incorrect to think that since the Children of Israel have 613 Commandments and the Children of Noah have seven commandments, the ratio of spiritual worth is proportionally 613 to seven. The truth is that the Seven Universal Laws are general commandments, each containing many parts and details, whereas the 613 Commandments of the Torah are specific, each relating to one basic detail of the Divine Law. Therefore, the numerical disparity in no way reflects the relative spiritual worth of the two systems of commandments...
...29. By observing the Seven Universal Laws, mankind is given the means by which it can perfect itself. The individual, through these laws, has the power to refine his essential being, and can reach higher and higher without limit. For it is written, “I call heaven and earth to bear witness, that any individual, man or woman, Jew or Gentile, freeman or slave, can have the Holy Spirit bestowed upon him. It all depends on his deeds.” And it is also written, “Ultimately, all is understood: fear God and observe His commandments, for this is the completion of man” (Eccles. 12:13)...
I have had the privilege of spending many Sabbaths with communities that have famous teachers as part of their congregations. They, like everyone else, travel on foot to synagogue. One has the chance to accompany them on their walks and get a chance to speak privately and get a candid response. Wealthy businessmen, famous physicians, cab drivers and students, there’s a certain egalitarianism, especially because it is forbidden to speak of money!
idolatry, blasphemy, murder, theft, sexual relations, eating the limb of a living animal
actually immediately after the flood it said nothing of “limb:, it merely said only to eat of the living because eating something that was already dead was considered unclean, just as a dead animal could not be brought for sacrifice. There has been several interpretations as to why YHVH chose the “right thigh” in the Levitical laws of sacrifice but YHVH never did expound on this.
and establishing courts of law
Until the Levitical priesthood was established, the leader was always considered the head of all disputes and if the leader could not reconcile it, he then took it to YHVH. Courts were not established until Isra’el was in the promised land. They were run by the Levites, not the house of Judah. During the 1st century & time of Mashiach, the offices were bought not appointed, making the courts illegal according to Torah. The high priesthood was also bought and was not run by true Levites thus it was also corrupt.
Now what about Sabbath(Gen 2:3), sacrifice(Gen 4:3-5) that YHVH gave to ALL children of the world if they would accept it and follow in HIS ways regardless of the tribe they came from. Abraham was a gentile before he became the seed from which Isra’el would rise. YHVH’s seed is not physical, it is spiritual.
“Ultimately, all is understood: fear God and observe His commandments, for this is the completion of man”
Covenant commandments are not separate. Each new one is an addition and is not exclusive to just the ones they were given to(Ex 12:48-50; Deut 29:14-15), thus we all are to obey all covenants that are in Torah from Gen-Deut, not just the house of Judah.
That sounds wonderful being able to gather on foot. I do not have that luxury. I especially like the no talking of money as it is a day to praise & lift up YHVH not promote ones ego.
euteronomy 17
8 If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, even matters of controversy within thy gates; then shalt thou arise, and get thee up unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose.
9 And thou shall come unto the priests the Levites, and unto the judge that shall be in those days; and thou shalt inquire; and they shall declare unto thee the sentence of judgment.
10 And thou shalt do according to the tenor of the sentence, which they shall declare unto thee from that place which the LORD shall choose; and thou shalt observe to do according to all that they shall teach thee.
11 According to the law which they shall teach thee, and according to the judgment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do; thou shalt not turn aside from the sentence which they shall declare unto thee, to the right hand, nor to the left.
12 And the man that doeth presumptuously, in not hearkening unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the LORD thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die; and thou shalt exterminate the evil from Israel.
1 “These are the statutes and judgments which you shall be careful to observe in the land which the LORD God of your fathers is giving you to possess, all the days that you live on the earth.
It wasn't until Deut 17, that Moses got to the commandments concerning courts & court officers as none were in affect for them to learn from. The children were still in the desert. YHVH was the ultimate judge and Moses the high officer of HIS court in cases where the tribal leaders were not able to reconcile differences within their own camp. And I might suggest, also disputes between tribes came before Moses who only took them to YHVH if he could not find reconciliation.(Deut 18:13-26)
Always use the exact title and if it is not English then translate it in brackets.
Thank you for the gentile correction. Much appreciated
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