The Passive Remnant and the Purposes of God

The term “remnant” is frequently used in and around our circles, but hardly ever defined. What we do know is that we Jewish Yeshua believers are called to be part of his Messianic Jewish remnant. But if so, then what are our responsibilities?

It will do no good whatsoever for us to deal in generalities here. “God wants us to be loving,” or, “God wants us to be like Yeshua,” or even, “God wants us to be good Jews.” All of these are very nice, but totally inadequate because life is not lived in generalities but in specifics. What specifically does God want us particularly to do? Or did never specify? If he never specified, then it is at the very least cruel for him to require us to follow his lead. Without specifying there is no lead.

As I analyze the thrust of Scripture, I conclude that the Messianic Jewish Remnant in particular is specifically called by God to serve as a sign, demonstration, and catalyst of God’s consummating purposes for Israel, and thereby, a blessing to all nations.

The prophets indicate time and again that God’s consummating purposes for Israel include at least seven aspects, summarized nicely for us in Ezekiel 37:21-28:

1. return to the Land (of Israel)
2. spiritual renewal
3. Jewish unity
4. return to Torah-based covenant faithfulness
5. gathering to the Messiah, in allegiance to him
6. communal experience of the Divine Presence
7. vindication of God’s Name through vindication of Israel as His people

The Messianic Jewish Remnant ought to continually and actively serve as a sign, a demonstration, and a catalyst of these consummating purposes for Israel, applauding and assisting wherever and whenever any of the seven areas mentioned above are being advanced, making a practical difference, and measurable progress.

Anything less is unacceptable passivity.

And God never called us to passivity: he called us to service.

MJTI/Stern Center Beit Midrash

Continuing Shabbat at Ahavat Zion.

Messianic Jewish Theological Institute is building the future of Messianic Judaism through offering special high quality learning experiences here each Shabbat afternoon. The classes each last one hour, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM.

The next series, beginning Shabbat, July 11, will be “Dealing with Life’s Losses and Disappointments,” taught by Dr. Ellen Quarry, prominent Marriage and Family Therapist.

If we are honest with ourselves and with each other, we will acknowledge that to live is to suffer. It will do no good to deny this, nor is it necessary to collapse beneath the load. Instead, we need to learn how to access our relationship with God at such times, and what role his support has in our survival and growth through times of difficulty and testing. This is what Dr. Ellen will be discussing with us.

You should come for your own good, and bring that friend who really could use this.

And by the way, if you are not suffering now, just wait. Suffering happens.

We'll see you shabbat, 2:00 PM sharp!

Purim Play 2009 - Gone With The Wind Scene

A scene from our Purim Play.

Many Saw Haman Luthor Thwarted By Esther, Mordachazzam & The Power of G-d

Rudolph Family Productions Presented:

The Search for the Perfect Script
A Play for Purim
Tues, March 10, 2009 7:00pm

It was splendid!  It was hilarious!  New stars and starlets appeared in Beverly Hills as adoring crowds cursed Haman and blessed Mordecai, oozing "Ahhh's" at the mere mention of Esther!''

You had to be there!  There was quite a crowd!  But if you didn't come, you were in good company:  Governor Arnold, Madonna, Barak and Michelle Obama, Warren Buffett, and Catherine Zeta-Jones weren't there either!

Maybe next year!

And MANY thanks for all who performed, all who came, and all who ate a few too many hamentaschen!

 

Torah Talk How-To

Torah Talk is a part of our weekly service as a way to involve young leaders and get a little deeper with the weekly Torah portion with the kids. Remember to engage the kids by looking them in the eye, encouraging their participation, and being fun! Even though the adults are listening, all but one week a month Torah Talk is all about the kids!

Have fun!

Here is how the 10 minute time goes:

1. Begin with the traditional blessing:

Barukh atah Adonai Eloheynu melech ha-olam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav vitzivanu la'asok b'divrei Torah.



Blessed are you O'Lord our God, king of the universe, who sanctifies us by his commandments and commands us to immerse ourselves in the Torah.

To print out the Hebrew, download this pdf file.

2. Review with the children the name of this week's Torah portion and its meaning. If it is a special Shabbat, like the beginning of the new Torah reading cycle, ask what is special about this Shabbat.

3. Ask questions that begin simple and get progressively more difficult (your Torah Talk will always be for the children of the congregation. Every 4th week Michael Kashdan will be leading a Torah Talk for adults and children).

4. Include an insight that connects the Parashah to Yeshua, the Apostolic Writings or the New Covenant.

5. Include an insight or two from the rabbis. For this, check the notes in the Stone Chumash or Chabad Parsha page.

6. Throw boxes of raisins to the children when they give you good answers to your questions, even if the answers are not perfect. Make sure they raise their hands before you call on them.

7. Keep an eye on the watch. You have 10 minutes max from beginning to end. I will keep track of the time as a backup. If we both blank, Rabbi Stuart will play music or poke you on the back with a smile :)

8. End by saying, "Ze HaKol" (That's all).