Archive for the ‘Special Teachings’ Category
Jeremy Gimpel Speaking at Temple Sinai
February 10th, 2010 | 
Author: Jerusalem’s Jeremy Gimpel is Coming to Saint Francisville
Jeremy Gimpel, an internationally known TV, radio and internet personality is coming to Saint Francisville – all the way from Jerusalem, Israel! Jeremy is a host on some of Israel’s most popular television and radio shows; Tuesday Night Live in Jerusalem, A Light Unto the Nations – aired on Israel National Radio and The Singer and Gimpel Show, aired in over 100 Million homes across North America!
Jeremy is in the United States to educate people about Israel, the prophetic ingathering of the exiles (the return of the so called “lost tribes” of Israel) and the importance of Israel in the future of humanity.
He and his co-hosts have dedicated their lives to Israel, the Jewish people and the dream of Zionism. They seek to unite others who stand for these same goals by sharing their visionary message in the mass media and through public lectures. Their sometimes controversial and always entertaining presentations stand in opposition to the mainstream media’s negative view of life in Israel. Rather than presenting Israel as a place of terror and fear, Jeremy and his co-hosts set the record straight by sharing an optimistic view of life in the land of Israel.
Jeremy and his co-hosts have taken the Biblical mission of “being a light unto the nations” to heart and have devoted themselves to sharing this mission through their inspiring message. They seek to build bridges between Jews and non-Jews based upon a shared and common vision of Jewish history and Biblical values.
For more information on Jeremy Gimpel, see his website at www.thelandofisrael.com. The lecture is scheduled for February 11, 2010 at 7:30 P.M. Central Standard Time from Temple Sinai Synagogue in Saint Francisville, Louisiana (4740 Prosperity Street). Roots of Faith is hosting this event and invites all those who love Israel to attend.
There is no charge for admission, but attendees are encouraged to contribute to Jeremy’s organization.
For those who cannot attend the event in person, you will be able to watch via the web at www.rootsoffaith.org/streaming-video.
Hanukkah
Tonight marks the beginning of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. This evening at sundown we begin the 25th day of the 9th Biblical month. In the Talmud it is most often referred to as the “Feast of Illumination”. It is also known as the Feast of the Maccabees, the Festival of Lights and the Feast of Dedication (see John 10:22 in the Christian Scriptures). The origins of this festival are not found in the Bible, but in the book of 1 Maccabees. According to the writer of that work, a “sinful root” by the name of Antiochus Epiphanes rose to power in the year 175 B.C.E.. In 169 B.C.E. he turned his evil intentions against the towns, the people and the religion of Israel. With pomp and arrogance he entered the sanctuary speaking boastful words. He stripped the Temple of all valuable items and shed much blood. In 167 B.C.E., he put out a decree to his entire kingdom. In this decree he stated that all people should be one and that everyone should give up their particular customs. The non-Jews and even some from Israel gladly accepted this new “kingdom religion”. The religion of Israel was profaned in every regard and forsaking the Torah was the watchword of the new socially acceptable religion brought in by the sinful root, Antiochus. A “desolating sacrilege” was erected in the Temple, altars went up throughout the towns, and Torah scrolls were burned in the fire. Women who circumcised their children were put to death and the same fate befell those who were discovered following the Torah.
The book of Maccabees records that “many in Israel stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food. They chose to die rather than to be defiled by food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die. Very great wrath came upon Israel.” In the midst of these trying times a priestly family rose to the occasion. From a garrison in Modein, a man named Mattathias and his five sons mourned over the situation. They were approached by the officers of Antiochus with an offer of riches for violating the covenant of their fathers. Not only did they refuse to profane the covenant of their fathers, but they led a rebellion that ultimately defeated the armies of insolence.
Three years to the day that the altar was defiled, the altar was re-dedicated. It was then determined that every year on this date that for eight days, beginning on the 25th of the 9th month a time of joy and gladness should be observed. Since that time, the re-dedication of the altar has been commemorated in the eight-day festival known as Hanukkah.
In our own day, during this season, we should make an extra effort to stand for the holy covenant and to stand against pagan practices and those influences that oppose the Torah. Around the world, Torah oriented people will be kindling the lights in keeping with the tradition of Hanukkah. I pray that you have a blessed season of renewal to the covenant – a re-dedication of your life to the Torah. It should also be pointed out that today marks the ONLY date on the Hebrew calendar that is specifically attached to a blessing. The promised blessing is found in the prophetic book known as Haggai (2:10-23). There we read the following words; “From this day on I will bless you.”
You are invited to join the congregation of Roots of Faith for a Hanukkah party at Temple Sinai. We would love to see you in person, but you are also welcome to attend via the internet (www.rootsoffaith.org/streaming-video).
I pray a special blessing on all who read these words, and as always – thanks for your continued interest in Roots of Faith. Shalom!
James D. Tabor at Temple Sinai
I am pleased to announce that Dr. James D. Tabor, Chair of Religious Studies, UNCC will be joining us this coming Sabbath. James will be teaching on this week’s Torah portion – Toldoth. His class will focus on Esau and the mysterious “Hand Against the Throne.”
James Tabor is scheduled to be in New Orleans this weekend for academic meetings but has graciously agreed to spend Shabbat with us.
Dr. Tabor is a popular lecturer among academic as well as non-specialist audiences. He is frequently seen in the media and is a best-selling author.
I hope that you will be able to join us live at 10:30 A.M. CST on Saturday for this exciting class. If you can’t make it to Temple Sinai in person, please join by Internet;
Wishing you all a peaceful Shabbat
Following Jesus…Out of Christianity
This class sets forth my beliefs. I hope that those who desire to follow Jesus, will take the time to listen.
You see, I began my journey towards truth from the rank and file of fundamental Christianity. As I read and studied my Bible I soon discovered a vast difference between the religion of Jesus and the religion about him (Christianity). Years ago I came up with three statements that helped me along the way. Since I came from a Christian background, I used my familiarity of the New Testament texts to find my way to the truth. I began to see that “Jesus” had been misrepresented by the “Church”, and felt that I had inherited lies, vanity and things wherein there was no profit – Jeremiah 16:19. I still maintain the highest regard for the historical Jesus of Nazareth who believed in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and in the eternal validity of the Hebrew Bible and taught the people of his day to return to the true faith. Below are the three statements that helped me find my way to the God of Jesus – a WAY that is clearly defined in the Bible that Jesus read. Jesus sought to bring about the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth – which is the goal and meaning of history. His followers would do well to take his yoke and learn from him.
I put my faith in the God of Jesus – commonly referred to as “the LORD”, but known by the designation YHVH in the Hebrew Bible, and referred to by Jesus of Nazareth in the New Testament by the Aramaic term Abba / father. This God is one, and beside him there is no other, neither in heaven nor on earth. He is the Ancient of Days, El Shaddai, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Matthew 19:16ff; John 17:3; 20:17; I Corinthians 15:24; II Corinthians 11:31; Ephesians 1:3, 17; Colossians 1:3; I Peter 1:3; Acts 2:22: 10:38). I do NOT believe that the historical Jesus is or was the God of Abraham, Isaac or Jacob. Furthermore, I do not believe that he ever claimed such.
I put my faith in the Bible that Jesus read – commonly referred to as the “Old Testament”, but strictly and properly referred to as the Hebrew Bible or TaNaKh, an acronym formed by the first letters of three Hebrew words used to designate the three main parts of the Hebrew Bible (Torah – Law, Neviim – the Prophets and Ketuvim – the Writings). (Matthew 5:17ff; Luke 16:16ff, 29; 24:25, 32, 44ff; John 1:45; 5:39, 46; Acts 13:15, 26ff; 15:21, 17:2, 24:14, 26:22; Romans 1:2; 7:12, 14, 22; 10:4; 15:4; 16:26; I Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 3:24; II Timothy 3:15)
I put my faith in the authentic teachings and mission of Jesus – to bring about the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth, to seek and save the lost sheep of the house of Israel (hitherto unaware of their true identity), and to do and teach the Torah of YHWH. (Matthew 5; 10:6; 15:24)
