Shavuot, the Ten Commandments, and the Founding of the State of Israel (1948)
Just received the following from Nehemia Gordon. I believe it was Michael Rood who I first heard connect Shavout (Pentecost) with the Founding of the Jewish State in 1948. It is a very interesting reality. Many people poo poo the significance of the founding of Israel in 1948 because it was done by a "secular" world body (U.N.), but those people forget that YHVH used many secular leaders in the past to accomplish His purposes. King Cyrus of Persia (who YHVH called "anointed") helped Judah return to Zion the first time.
Shalom from exile,
Hanok
Original Post: http://groups.google.com/group/makor-hebrew-foundation/browse_thread/thread/24b3e4a50f8aeedd
From: *** email address removed ***
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 9:05 AM
To: *** email address removed ***
Subject: [Karaite Korner Newsletter] #385: Shavuot, the Ten Commandment, and the State of IsraelShavuot, the Ten Commandments, and the State of Israel
We are now three days away from Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks! The Feast of Shavuot is often associated with the revelation at Sinai in which the Almighty proclaimed the Ten Commandments directly to the ancient Israelites. Scripture never actually connects Shavuot with this event. In the Torah, Shavuot is also known as the "Day of Firstfruits" (Numbers 28:26) and the "Feast of Harvest" (Exodus 23:16). However, the revelation of Sinai does appear to have taken place around the same time as Shavuot. The section in the Torah on the Ten Commandments opens with the statement that the Israelites arrived in the Sinai Desert on the 3rd month, but does not state on which day of the month this was (Exodus 19:1). The Hebrew phrase "on the 3rd month" can also mean "on the 3rd new moon". Shavuot itself is not a fixed day of the month but rather on the 50th day counted from the morrow after the Sabbath during Chag HaMatzot (Feast of Unleavened Bread). Shavuot can fall out any time from 4th day of the 3rd month until the 12th, depending on when the "morrow after the Sabbath" during Chag HaMatzot. This means that the revelation of Sinai might have taken place on Shavuot, even though this is not stated anywhere in the Bible. We can say with confidence that the revelation at Sinai took place around the same time as Shavuot.
Recently I learned about another fascinating connection to Shavuot. In his new book "Restoring Abrahamic Faith" (available from http://genesis2000.org/), Professor James Tabor of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte argues that the State of Israel was established on the biblical date of Shavuot. Most history books simply record that the modern Jewish state was founded on May 14, 1948 and some add that this was the 5th of Iyyar on the "Jewish" calendar. Of course, Iyyar is the Babylonian name used by the Rabbis to refer to the 2nd Biblical Month. On page 99 of his book Tabor writes:
"In 1948 the intercalated 13th month, Adar II, was added to the year, based on [the] mathematical Hillel calendar... However, if one goes by the observation method, as the Karaite Jews, and refrains from adding Adar II, everything is moved back one lunar month... This system of the observed calendar will obviously be restored in the future..."
Tabor concludes that based on the ancient and future biblical calendar there should not have been a 13th month in 1948 and therefore the State of Israel was really founded on Shavuot! This certainly is an exciting suggestion and if nothing else reminds us of the magnitude of the miracle that took place in 1948. Of course, no one was actually observing the Aviv in 1948 so there is no way to know for sure whether the State of Israel was established in the 3rd biblical month or the 2nd. Nevertheless, we can say with confidence that the establishment of the State of Israel took place around the same time as Shavuot.
VIDEO: The beginning of the end of America?
THE SID ROTH RADIO SHOW w/ Jonathan Cahn... on the Harbinger, or the Warnings, the signs of the call to repentance given to America on 9/11/2001.
It was from the following passage that the Senate leader Tom Daschle read the morning after 9/11. Later, John Edwards quoted from the same passage during a 9/11 anniversary.
Isaiah 9:8-20
(8) The Master sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.
(9) And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, that say in the pride and stoutness of heart,
(10) The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.
(11) Therefore YHVH shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him, and join his enemies together;
(12) The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
(13) For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek YHVH of hosts.
(14) Therefore YHVH will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day.
(15) The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.
(16) For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed.
(17) Therefore the Master shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
(18) For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.
(19) Through the wrath of YHVH of hosts is the land darkened, and the people shall be as the fuel of the fire: no man shall spare his brother.
(20) And he shall snatch on the right hand, and be hungry; and he shall eat on the left hand, and they shall not be satisfied: they shall eat every man the flesh of his own arm:
New Moon Report – May 2009 – Third Biblical Month (w/Shavout date sited)
From: *** email address removed ***
Sent: Monday, May 25, 2009 12:59 PM
To: *** email address removed ***
Subject: [Karaite Korner Newsletter] #383: New Moon Report - May 2009 - Third Biblical MonthKaraite Korner Newsletter #383
New Moon Report
May 2009
Third Biblical MonthOn Monday May 25, 2009 the new moon was sighted from Israel. The moon was first sighted from Jerusalem by David Cachicas at 19:46 and shortly thereafter by Nehemia Gordon, Devorah Gordon, Yehoshua Newman, Joelle Crawshaw, Eli Crawshaw, Rick Busenbark, Aviva Azkerman, Sam Crawshaw and Adam Kinghorn.
The moon was also sighted from Poriyya Ilit by Valerie Knowles at 19:55.
This coming Sunday (May 31) is the biblical festival of Shavuot, the 50th day from the morrow after the Sabbath during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. For more information on Shavuot see:
http://www.karaite-korner.org/shavuot.shtml
Nehemia Gordon
Jerusalem, Israel
If you have questions regarding how the "New Moon" plays a part in the reckoning of the Biblical Holidays, CLICK HERE.
AUDIO: End-Time Prophecy in the News – by Eddie Chumney (5-23-2009)
Source: WayToZion.org (5/23/2009)
VIDEO: The Hollow Earth, 2012, and much more by Dr Brooks Agnew
Several years ago I first heard about the "Hollow Earth Theory" from Rodney Cluff (OurHollowEarth.com). He is a mormon who believes some part of the Lost Ten Tribes currently dwell in the interior of the earth. The presentation and the evidence was very lacking and I was much more skeptical then than I am now (although I still have much skepticism)... but when I found out the main expedition leader (Steve Currey) died from brain tumors back in 2007, forcing the cancellation of the trip, I thought "hmmmmm, something stinks". Then I stumbled upon a rather hilarious and semi-recent interview of Rodney Cluff (here) where I found out that Dr. Brooks Agnew, a well known physicist and explorer, had also gotten on the Hollow Earth bandwagon and is actually planning a voyage for August of this year (see APEX).
I was first exposed to Dr. Agnew when watching the documentary "Bracing for Tomorrow". He may be wrong on some or many things, but this man is not some ignorant flake with just a "hunch". He has undeniable intellect and a profound gift of explaining complex science in such a way that even the unsophisticated can understand.
In the following two videos, Dr. Agnew describes the evidence for the Hollow Earth theory while being interviewed on Coast-to-Coast AM.
VIDEO: Tracing lost civilizations through DNA testing
The following report from CNN focuses primarily on ancient Phoenician DNA which seems to have been spread throughout their ancient Mediterranean colonies (which is what ancient history also suggests). This is a very intriguing report in my view partially because of the 10-Israel mixing with Tyre and Sidon in antiquity. The future findings by the Genographic Project may be very helpful in also tracking some of the original 10-Israel population.
Emma and Jacob top names for newborn girls and boys (respectively) in U.S. (2008)
FULL REPORT: http://www.edition.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/05/08/top.baby.names/index.html
Story Highlights:
- "Emma" replaced "Emily" as the most popular baby girls' name in the U.S.
- "Jacob" held the top spot for boys, which it has for a decade
- After 12 years as the top girls' name, "Emily" slipped into third place for 2008
- "Barack" did not make the top 100, but did jump 10,000 spots this year
My Comments: The top names for baby boys and girls in the U.S. are derivatives of significant Hebrew names: Ima and Ya'acov. Fascinating! No further comments.
AUDIO: Interview with Dr. James Tabor on “Restoring Abrahamic Faith” and his personal belief system
Source: RootsOfFaith.org (2/27/2009)
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This week, Ross Nichols introduces something new to his podcast audience.
Ross Nichols taught for 11 weeks on Dr. James D. Tabor’s book, Restoring Abrahamic Faith. This podcast is an interview between Ross Nichols and Dr. Tabor on the main points of Abrahamic Faith.
Here are some of the points from the interview:
- You will hear Tabor define his own personal faith.
- You will learn what it means to be a friend of God.
- Tabor outlines his understanding of the Core Biblical Faith
In addition to these points you will also hear Dr. Tabor talk about his upcoming book on Paul. The discussion of this work, scheduled to appear in print in Spring of 2010 (Simon and Schuster) is an exclusive “sneak” review.
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“Restoring Abrahamic Faith” by James Tabor (book review)
According to the publisher's website (Genesis 2000 Press), Restoring Abrahamic Faith:
"... attempts to set forth in a clear and engaging style an exposition of the ancient Hebrew Faith as revealed in the Hebrew Bible, with a particular emphasis on Abraham, Moses, the Torah, and the Prophets. Restoring Abrahamic Faith offers a compelling proposal for the 21st century, namely a return to the “ancient paths” of the Hebrew faith with Abraham, the first Hebrew, as a prime model. As such it is foundational to the origins of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the three great Abrahamic Faiths that subsequently developed in different directions. Abrahamic Faith takes one back to the beginnings, and thereby offers a perspective that is as fascinating as it is valuable for anyone interested in the biblical tradition.
Brief background: The author, James D. Tabor (Ph.D. 1981, University of Chicago), is Chair of the Dept of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he has taught since 1989.
I knew Tabor's book was going to focus on Hebraic-roots and though I have much interest in that topic, my primary desire in reading it was driven more with curiosity in how he would approach the issue of the House of Joseph (the Lost 10 Tribes). You have to wait until the third major section of the book (titled "The Plan") before he really delves into the Two-House reality in earnest. Since David Horowitz (founder of United Israel World Union) was his mentor, I knew Tabor must have some profound things to say about 10-Israel... and I wasn't disappointed. A brief sample:
These promises of restoration are addressed to both the House of Israel ("the Lost Tribes") and the House of Judah ("the Jews"). One of the most neglected points in the Hebrew Prophets, even among Jews, but virtually unacknowledged among Gentiles/Christians, is their constant emphasis on the total restoration of ALL Israel--meaning all twelve Tribes. Ephraim/Joseph, who has seemingly been lost among the Gentiles, will make himself known to his brother Judah. The results of this reunion will astound the world and alter world history. pg.78
When we have the head of religious studies from a major university making such monumental remarks regarding 10-Israel (e.g., altering world history), the "One-Housers" and/or the oblivious schools of Christendom should be jarringly shoved into the light of reason in regards to Joseph... even if they are barricaded into their worldview with slabs and slabs of misinformation and tradition. In my experience, one of the main reasons Christian ministers will say the "LAW" isn't for Gentiles is because the "LAW wasn't given to Gentiles", but instead, it was given just to "the Jews" (in their "proper" exegetical minds). Hence, I believe much of Christiandom is close-minded toward the Two-House reality partially because they fear the far-reaching ramifications... in the realm of Lawlessness in particular. Exposing Joseph to them, is like rescuing an elderly person from the Matrix, the Red Pill is too traumatizing for them to swallow. Knowing this, maybe Tabor leaves the 10-Israel topic for later in the book. The first two sections of the book brings much compelling "scriptural" reasoning as to why the WAY of TORAH is good and was meant to be Light to all nations no matter if they have a Hebrew or Semitic heritage. The subject of 10-Israel could probably have been left out and the general message would be solid none-the-less. However, I'm thankful he included it and think the outline and flow of the book was very thoughtful and digestible... and think it would likely be so for most all readers.
My only disagreement with the book is Tabor's conclusion that Yeshua (Jesus) was not / is not the same Person as יהוה. If you read the book (and I hope you will) I would suggest reading my article: Is Yeshua (Jesus) the same Person as יהוה (YHVH)?. Tabor would claim many of the New Testament verses that paint Yeshua as Divine were inserted by later scribes in later generations, and he may turnout to be correct wholly or partially (if need be, I will be amiable to Yeshua's corrective voice when he returns). I'm very familiar with the textual criticism of Bart Ehrman and at least partially aware of how NT manuscripts were tweaked occasionally in order to support particular religious doctrines, yet I must refute Tabor's general proclamation that the "god-man" paradigm is entirely Hellenistic. In passages like Genesis 18-19, יהוה appeared in the form of a "god-man" to Abraham; and in Genesis 32, יהוה appeared to and wrestled with Jacob as a "god-man". Yeshua being and having the same mind of יהוה is not necessarily a Greek/Pagan innovation just because the Greeks frequently epitomized "god-man" type legends.
I hate to sound off on a negative note, especially since I agree with the majority of what Tabor writes. So please know... all in all, I greatly respect Tabor and enjoyed, quickly consumed, and highly recommend his book Restoring Abrahamic Faith. I truly do believe it would be a worthy and significant addition to anyone's library even if one doesn't agree with all his conclusions.
Shalom Aleichem,
Hanok ben Isaak
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VIDEO: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Addresses AIPAC Policy Conference 2009
Partial Transcript:
Friends, there is something significant that is happening today in the Middle East, and I can say that for the first time in my lifetime, I believe for the first time in a century, that Arabs and Jews see a common danger. This wasn't always the case. In the '30's and '40's, many in the Arab world supported another country believing that that was their hope. In the '60's, '70' and '80's, they supported another country that was at odds with the Jewish state. But this is no longer the case.
There is a great challenge afoot. But that challenge also presents great opportunities. The common danger is echoed by Arab leaders throughout the Middle East; it is echoed by Israel repeatedly; it is echoed by Europeans, by many responsible governments around the world. And if I had to sum it up in one sentence, it is this: Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. If I had to sum up the opportunity in one word, it would be cooperation - cooperation between Israel and the Arab world and cooperation between Israel and the Palestinians.
Next week I'll be visiting Egypt with President Mubarak, and I plan to discuss both matters with him. We seek expanded relations with the Arab world. We want normalization of economic ties and diplomatic ties. We want peace with the Arab world. But we also want peace with the Palestinians. That peace has eluded us for more than 13 years. Six successive prime ministers of Israel and two American presidents have not succeeded in achieving this final peace settlement. I believe it is possible to achieve it, but I think it
requires a fresh approach, and the fresh approach that I suggest is pursuing a triple track towards peace between Israel and the Palestinians - a political track, a security track, an economic track.The political track means that we are prepared to resume peace negotiations without any delay and without any preconditions - the sooner the better. The security track means that we want to continue the cooperation with the program led by General Dayton, in cooperation with the Jordanians and with the Palestinian Authority to strengthen the security apparatus of the Palestinians. This is something we believe in and something that I think we can advance in a joint effort. The economic track means that we are prepared to work together to remove as many obstacles as we can to the advancement of the Palestinian economy. We want to work with the Palestinian Authority on this track, not as a substitute for political negotiations, but as a boost to them. I want to see Palestinian youngsters knowing that they have a future. I want them not to be hostage to a cult of death and despair and hate. I want them to have jobs. I want them to have career paths. I want them to know that they can provide for their families. This means that we can give them a future of hope, a future that means that there is prosperity for all. And this has proved to be successful in advancing a political peace in many parts of the world.
I believe that this triple track towards peace is the realistic path to peace, and I believe that with the cooperation of President Obama and President Abbas, we can defy the skeptics. We can surprise the world. But there are two provisos that I think have to be said at this point. First, peace will not come without security. If we abandon security, we'll have neither security nor peace. So I want to be very clear – we shall never compromise on Israel's security. Second, for a final peace settlement to be achieved, the Palestinians must recognize Israel as the Jewish state. They must recognize Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people.
A few hours ago, I spoke at the Knesset. We marked the birthday of Theodor Herzl, the founding father of Zionism. Herzl revolutionized the history of the Jewish people, a people that was scattered and defenseless throughout the nations. He revolutionized Jewish history when he published a slim pamphlet called "The Jewish State". This was our salvation and this is our foundation - the foundation of our future and the foundation of peace.
Good night from Jerusalem. God bless America. God bless Israel. Thank you all.
VIDEO: Muslim Demographics (and Ramifications for the House of Joseph)
As a genealogist, I've seen how rapidly a population can grow due to large national birth rates. From documenting much of my own family tree, I found generation after generation and family after family having 8 to 12 children routinely and commonly all over the United States of America. This rapidly exploded the population of America from the 1600s forward. Yet, the "CaucAsian" ancestors of Americans exhibited similar birth rates going back two millennium. Their exponential population growth greatly contributed to the explosive nature of what became known as the "Great Migration Period" which was primarily triggered by peoples moving out of Central Asia shortly after the Parthian Empire collapsed in the 3rd Century AD/CE.
What Happened to the Birth Rates?
If you're familiar at all with this website, you already know that I believe a large portion of the Eurasian population is descended from 10-Israel or the House of Joseph (because of my Biblical literalist/maximalist worldview), thus Europe and America also host "lost" 10-Israel populations that have exhibited Ephraim's promise to be exceedingly fruitful and to become the "fullness of the nations" Genesis 48:19. But what happened to cause the birthrates of America and Europe to start diminishing to such dangerous levels? When did it start and what caused it?
As America and Europe became more urban and industrialized societies, it became much less necessary to have large families for farm labor and more prohibitive for cost reasons (in developed countries, children "tend" to be very expensive). Birth control methods and sadly, abortion (i.e., murder) have also held down the birthrates of developed nations in the west and are being utilized in under-developed nations also. Muslim families living under similar pressures will eventually display similar birthrates. Christians and Muslims have similar reasons for having larger families. One doesn't have a greater "religious" impetus to have children than the other. Larger families are wonderful for numerous reasons, including greater fellowship and social well-being, but large families also grow a particular religion as the above video effectively displayed.
“The man I most emulate is a Muslim unencumbered; a man of small family, and little money, a performer of prayers and a perfect worshipper of God in private, one who is unknown, and hath enough to supply his wants, and when he dieth, he will leave few women to cry for him, and few legacies.” - Prophet Muhammad (570-632) Arabian, founder of Islam, b. Mecca - 'The Sayings of Muhammad' by Sir Abdullah Suhrawardy
I don't believe Muslims are actively and deliberately trying to out breed non-muslim populations in the west, but I do believe YHVH is causing it to happen in order to provoke Ephraim to eventually return to the Land of Israel. In my view, the Muslim AND the Marxist elements in the West and East are the "Hunters" of Jeremiah 16:16 which will, as the passage indicates, will hunt down both the House of Joseph and Judah in all their far-off places in a similar way that Judah already experienced during the Holocaust with the Nazis. I don't believe all Muslims will take part in this "hunting", the same way not all Christians conspired with the Nazis, but I have little doubt it will be none other than Muslim fundamentalists who are most prominent in the wielding of the sword. Before this happens, there will likely be a window of opportunity for Ephraim to escape to Zion, but only a Remnant will go when it is time.
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