Biblical Basics | Hebrew Nation Online: Recent Episodes
Hebrew Nation Online | Biblical Basics
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “Vayetzi,” Genesis 28:10-32:3) the story of Yakov/Jacob as he journeys to the land of his father’s family, is told first-hand of his birthright and the promises, and acquires his own wives and family.
The Erev Shabbat reading:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SSM-11-28-25-Vayetzi-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3Mark’s Sabbath Day midrash probably raises more questions than it answers. Most of which are, at best, ambiguous from what we are told in the story. But these are human beings, of course — flawed people, who make mistakes — and thus more interesting and even relevant to where we find ourselves today. Yakov married daughters of Laban. While certainly not Canaanites, Laban himself is hardly a saint. And why did Raqel/Rachel steal his teraphim, fake gods?
There is a lot of setup here: The man who is forced to leave home to escape his own brother’s wrath soon comes to a place he’s almost certainly HEARD about, but suddenly – He sees first hand and KNOWS about those promises. What was hypothetical is Real. And yet there are still struggles ahead, and the man who asked for, and received, the place of the firstborn is deceived himself, because “it is not done so here,” to put the younger in place of the first-born.
Ultimately, Laban seems to take advantage of his son-in-law. There is animosity. He is, after all is said and done, still a pagan.
And that, too, is just as relevant now as ever.
Vayetzi: ‘Flawed people and Hard Questions: Do you Love Messiah more than Bacon?’
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/WT-CooH-11-29-25-Vayetzi-Labanite-xtians-do-you-love-Yahushua-more-than-bacon-podcast-x.mp3The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:
Love and Torah – what’s love got to do with it? This study series is based on the “Two Great Commands” – love Yahweh and love your neighbor.
How does the Creator define our relationship with Him? Continuing in John chapter 15, Rabbi Steve Berkson explores the ‘Love/Hate’ aspects of our walk. Rabbi Berkson points to verse 18, where the Messiah, out of love, tells His disciples and us that if He was hated and rejected by the world, then we would be hated and rejected too.
Why would “the world” hate you?
What or who is “the world”?
What does the movie, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, have to do with us and “the world”?
Then, moving into John chapter 14, Rabbi Berkson clarifies what Yeshua meant when He said, “I go to prepare a place for you…” You should be very excited when you hear what Rabbi Berkson has to say about that.
Once again, Rabbi Berkson breaks down these passages to help you gain a deeper understanding of what Yah expects of you, so you can do it and receive the blessings.
Visit our website, https://mtoi.org, to learn more about MTOI.
https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can reach MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our website, mtoi.org, YouTube, and Rumble every Saturday at 1:15 p.m., and every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time for Torah Study Live Stream.
Custom MaryI wish I had a dollar for every time I've heard someone say, "It's just man's tradition. It's just a custom." At its worst misunderstanding, the tradition or custom is seen adversarial to Torah obedience and as evil. As a simply uninformed understanding, it's a lack of research or direction into how Yeshua taught and lived customs and traditions...of men. For instance, the letter of the Torah does not say to go to a synagogue every Shabbat. But how should one "hear" the Word, which is a commandment? Synagogues were an answer to that question. The Torah was read every Shabbat, so Scripture tells us that Yeshua went to synagogue every Shabbat: •And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. (Lk 4:16) Yeshua wouldn't do something evil, so this was a good custom even if the Torah does not say, "Thou shalt enter the synagogue every Sabbath." How to differentiate among the direct mitzvah (commandment), the custom or tradition that helps one to do the mitzvah, and an outright tare? The answer comes from knowing that the Word is the seed from which we grow fruit and that the heart's intent is a vital indicator of the fruit grown from it. My offer to help with a Biblically sound way to look at customs and traditions for believers was to write the booklet: Truth, Tradition, or Tare: Growing in the Word. This brings us back to our topic of hospitality over the last several weeks. Hospitality is how we invite the very Presence of Adonai into our homes, towns, and gatherings. In the following account of hospitality, the hostess is a woman named Martha, and she had a sister named Mary (Miriam). Custom dictated that a host or hostess like Abraham and Sarah provide a safe refuge, water for washing, and food and drink for their guests. It was customary. Traditional. Martha busied herself providing these customary things for Yeshua and his disciples, but Mary was more, well, I'm going to say it...not Custom Mary: •Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Lk 10:38-42) Martha was missing something in her hospitality, just as we can miss it in any custom or tradition we practice: why do we do it? To strengthen our relationship to the Holy One and His Word? Or to earn righteousness or the esteem of others through our own efforts? Yeshua gently pointed out to Martha the important aspect of customary hospitality: it is to strengthen the relationship between the ministry of the Word and the recipients of the Word. To make it come alive. In this case, the Word was literally alive in Martha's home! In fact, Yeshua would have greeted the home with peace when he entered, just as he instructed his disciples to do. Instead of receiving the peace, Martha remained in a state of worry and bother. She did not receive the blessing. Mary, however, was eating and drinking it in, getting to know what the Living Word should be in her life. The custom of hospitality is to enable Kingdom ministry, to provide a temporary little Temple sanctuary for the minister. Martha was not wrong if she wanted to continue preparing food to serve the disciples, but she was wrong if it became contentious and destroyed the very relationships she should be strengthening with other believers. Yeshua was well able to perform a miracle of bread, oil, wine, fish, or any other meal she was serving. He'd certainly done it for others who offered what little they had, and so had Elijah. And I'm sure he was prepared to wait if her meal took longer. After all, he was there to grace her with his Presence, not to grade or promote her on culinary skills. He wanted her to drink him in! To Martha, however, the customary, traditional way a woman of the First Century was viewed as valuable was in her domestic skills. To Yeshua, his custom was to invite all to sit and learn at his feet. Male, female, Jew, non-Jew, slave, free...all could learn and grow in the ministry of the Word. It was the better part of hospitality. It didn't negate the need to feed and house the visiting ministers, the other part, but it was the better part of the whole equation. Perhaps, Yeshua is saying, the point of the serving is forging peace with people and Heaven. Hospitality is the designated vehicle for it. Yeshua didn't pick Martha's home so she could become righteous through serving; he picked her because she believed in him; she already was righteous. She just needed some extra training like he had to correct his other disciples on things like fighting over higher positions, water-walking, and poor demon management. A righteous guest seeks a righteous home for hospitality, and he/she has the authority to bless that sanctuary home with peace: •“Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. As you enter the house, give it your greeting. If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.” (Mt 10:9-15) ”The House” is a euphemism for The Temple Yeshua clarified hospitality: it is receiving by 1) providing refuge, food and drink, and water for washing as well as 2) receiving his Word. Yeshua had to remind Martha to receive the Word, too. The heart of the Temple was in the hidden place of the ark, the Word of the Torah emplaced between the two cheruvim where the Voice would speak. Out loud. Hospitality is how the average person enters the holy Sanctuary to experience the Voice and Presence of Adonai through His designated ministers of the Word. •“You shall keep My sabbaths and revere My sanctuary; I am the LORD.” (Le 19:30) What did First Century Jews understand about this commandment? And why did Yeshua instruct his disciples so specifically about hospitality as they ministered in his name and authority? Rashi explains it in his comments to Vayikra (Leviticus) 19:30: •“’And revere my Sanctuary.’ He should not enter the grounds of the Temple neither with his staff, nor with shoes on his feet, nor with his moneybelt, nor with the dust that is on his feet, i.e., he should not enter with dirty feet. And although I enjoin you to have reverence with regard to the Beit HaMikdash [Temple], nonetheless, ‘you shall observe my Sabbaths; the construction of the Beit HaMikdash does not override the Sabbath.” Contextually, Rashi’s point is that Sabbath will occur in every place for all time, and so commandments specific to the Temple services will be overridden by commands specific to Shabbat. As Yeshua understood about the magificent Temple, it would not long endure. Instead, the righteous of the earth would have to function as little sanctuaries in the nations where they lived and were sent. He would continue to build the Temple through them and to send the Presence, the Ruach HaKodesh. In practice, Yeshua sent his disciples to continue his work; in order to do that work, they would need holy homes to provide Temple hospitality. For this, the home would need to be a “worthy” one. The family would need to conduct its daily life toward the preservation of holiness of Shabbat. Such a family was fit for Kingdom ministers, and those minister-guests were obligated to treat it with the same courtesies as they would enter the Temple itself. Yeshua’s requirements were identical to the customary Temple protocols for entry. A home that provided water to wash the feet was a prepared holy temple. As the repentant sinful woman washed Yeshua's feet with her tears, receiving his forgiveness, so a righteous home signaled receiving the guest with physical water as well as receiving the Word of shalom he or she brought to the house...and House. The reverence of Shabbat is linked to entering the Temple itself, placing that home in a very high spiritual status, worthy of blessing for its hospitality. The disciples would bless the homes of Custom Marys the same as they would proclaim blessings in the Temple, for the host was standing in to bless them as the priests would bless the tribes coming up to worship, and all, even those "night watcher" servants of exile from among the nations, offered blessings to YHVH.
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “Toldot,” Genesis 25:19-28:9)…
The Erev Shabbat reading – and thus the title of the parsha – begins with “These are to ‘toldot’, or generations, of Isaac…”
…but it is really the beginning of the story of Yakov, or Jacob, and the father of the nations, Israel:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SSM-11-21-25-Toldot-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3Mark’s Sabbath Day midrash is a deeper look at what has been called “enigmatic.” There are certainly elements, of this story in particular, that have been regarded as “problematic,” even, in terms of things done by characters we might be inclined to emulate. For example, why does Rivkah (Rebeccah) decide to deceive her husband? Why does Yiztak/Isaac apparently FALL for it? Or even merit possibly BEING deceived? And, why is Yakov accused to being a ‘supplanter,’ or even “stealing” the birthright?
Some of those questions are certainly easier with the benefit of hindsight.
But there are others that, even in being asked, give us a greater insight into what is REALLY happening than we might otherwise imagine.
“Toldot: What’s With Isaac?
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/WT-CooH-11-22-25-Toldot-Whats-with-Isaac-Enigmatic-until-hindsight-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:
It’s not that the news is particularly bleak this week, although the attempt to turn the festering ‘Civil War 2.0’ bloody is hitting new seditious lows.
But host Mark Call suggests that it is time to realize ‘the gloves have come off.’ We have long known the Waste-Stream Media is lying, and that what happened in 2020 was nothing short of a totalitarian coup. But it’s time now to address:
What’s REALLY Going On?
Love and Torah—what’s love got to do with it? This series explores the “Two Great Commands’: loving Yahweh and loving your neighbor.
What does John 15 reveal about Yah’s kingdom structure?
How does John 15 connect to Genesis 1’s creation account?
What was the first instruction given to humanity?
When Yeshua told His disciples to keep His commands, which ones did He mean?
Did Messiah add to Torah?
In John 15:15, Yeshua told His disciples they are no longer servants but friends. What is the difference between a servant and a friend? How do we define ‘friend’? Since Messiah said this to His disciples, how does it apply to us today?
Rabbi Berkson carefully analyzes these passages again to help you better understand what Yah expects of you—so you can do it and receive His blessings.
Visit our website, https://mtoi.org, to learn more about MTOI.
https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can reach MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our website, mtoi.org, YouTube, and Rumble every Saturday at 1:15 p.m., and every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time for Torah Study Live Stream.
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “Chayei Sarah,” Genesis 23:1-25:18)…
The Erev Shabbat parsha reading begins with two of the most important precedent stories of original principles that form the very backbone of English Common Law. First, Abraham buys the first plot of land recorded for all time in human history, and outlines the elements of ‘Contract.’ And immediately after that, Scripture show not only what “agency” is, or what it really means to “come in the Name of” a Master, but even what a “good and faithful servant” looks like:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/SSM-11-14-25-Chayei-Sarah-teaching-podcast-xxx.mp3Mark takes a different approach to the Sabbath Day midrash this time. Since the principles are literally ancient, and so clearly formed the basis for the Common Law in England, and then were understood, likewise, by the Founders in the united States as the basis for the most fundamental elements of the Constitution — why are they no longer even taught? Why do the ~~lawyers~~ liars in the DC Swamp evidently disregard their contracts, their duties as supposed servants of THEIR masters, the American people, and even their oaths?
And that lack of trust – based on failure – now pervades virtually every institution.
We see where it has led.
But there is more to this story, in particular. Abraham, while he was literally blessed in “all things,” and live a long life, ‘full of days,’ and is literally regarded as the Father of our Faith, did not see the fulfillment of the primary promises YHVH gave him. He was told they would spend time in ‘bondage,’ but did not see them multiply as the stars in the heavens. And the only land he actually owned during his own life was that burial ground. And yet he KNEW, and saw – just as clearly as he saw the Son of Promise – that those promises would come to pass.
So do we. But from a different perspective, that of knowing all of this has been reserved, put in place, and, yes, done, for us.
Which gives us an obligation. Because ALL of these fundamental principles that underlie ALL of society, are based on Trust. In ourselves, to obey, in others, to do as they agree, and in Yahuah, to carry out His will, “on earth, as it is in heaven.”
As a world which has failed to honor that promise falls apart, the Remnant MUST keep it.
“Chayei Sarah: It’s ALL about Trust”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/WT-CooH-11-15-25-Chayei-Sarah-Ancient-principles-precedents-ALL-involve-Trust-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:
Love and Torah – what’s love got to do with it? This study series is based on the “Two Great Commands” – love Yahweh and love your neighbor.
Beginning this teaching in John 15:5, Rabbi Steve Berkson explains what Messiah Yeshua meant when He was exhorting His disciples to “stay in Me and He in them,” and how that statement could also be understood as, “if you are in covenant with Me.” Without the Spirit of Messiah (His intrinsic nature) in us, it is impossible to be in covenant with Him and His Father.
• What is Covenantal Fruit?
Moving on, Rabbi Berkson expands on a crucial point for developing a correct mindset when dealing with those around us, centered on the phrase “he is broken off and thrown away.” This leads him into passages in Matthew 13 and Romans 11 that were not in his notes.
• What is the role for the Kingdom that surpasses all of our ‘pay grades’?
• Is your being considered a “darnel” or a “tare” predestined?
• Do you hold preconceptions about what leadership should look or sound like? What’s the danger in that?
Rabbi Berkson does a “reset” of a ‘faith idea’ most of us have been taught throughout our lives, specifically the notion of “ask whatever you wish and it shall be done for you.” What is the terrible word that precedes the Messiah’s statement about ‘asking’?
Toward the end of the teaching, what started as a side note turned into an inspiring life-coaching moment as Rabbi Berkson discussed being unequally yoked, then shifted focus to those who are single and looking for a mate.
A must-watch! Rabbi Berkson once again dissects the words in these passages to give you a deeper understanding of what Yah expects of you, so that you can do it and receive the blessings.
Visit our website, https://mtoi.org, to learn more about MTOI.
https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can reach MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our website, mtoi.org, YouTube, and Rumble every Saturday at 1:15 p.m., and every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time for Torah Study Live Stream.
The Second Story and the Third HeavenThis week I'd like to visit the architecture of resurrection. Yes, such a thing is possible! Scripture gives us several examples from literal buildings. Last week's newsletter gave a hint with the resurrection patterns in the homes of the women who extended hospitality to Elijah and Elisha. There are even more examples than that. Just to review, the last several newsletters have investigated the Torah's ancient call to hospitality, not just a a nice thing to do, but as a vital preparation to inherit the Kingdom. Our hospitality study trail through the Torah, Prophets, Writings, and New Covenant started with Song of Songs 5:1, a restoration of the Bride and Bridegroom to the Garden of Eden: •"I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh along with my balsam.I have eaten my honeycomb and my honey; I have drunk my wine and my milk. Eat, friends; drink and imbibe deeply, O lovers.” Elijah in 1 Kings 17:9 protected the widow and her son during the famine. Because she used the last of her flour and oil to feed the prophet of YHVH, she never lacked during the tribulation. She also hospitably gave him an upper room in which to dwell during the famine. In return, her son was resurrected from the dead in that upper room. Because she ministered to the man of God during an apocalyptic famine, she received multiplied miracles of nourishment and resurrection. And in Elisha’s “double portion” fashion, he performs two resurrections for the hospitality of the upper room. First, the barren Shunnemite woman is rewarded with a son, and then later the son is resurrected from the dead: •"Now there came a day when Elisha passed over to Shunem, where there was a prominent woman, and she persuaded him to eat food. And so it was, as often as he passed by, he turned in there to eat food. She said to her husband, “Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God passing by us continually. Please, let us make a little walled upper chamber and let us set a bed for him there, and a table and a chair and a lampstand; and it shall be, when he comes to us, that he can turn in there.” (2 Ki 4:8-10) The Shunemmite furnished her upper room with the furniture of the Mishkan. She made a little House for the Presence to dwell over the daily activities of her lower rooms. Elisha, a righteous visitor, was the stand-in for the very resurrecting Presence of Adonai. The upper room is the highest room of our home, a set apart place, yet attached to the rest of the home. What we furnish in the upper room blesses the rest of the home...or not. It can be where heaven meets earth...or not. When the Shunnemite woman constructed an upper room, imagine it as a third story built atop their own living quarters in the second story. Not a brand-new building, but one atop the existing one. Although now more symbolic because its examples are drawn from building construction in ancient times, today we still have upper rooms, those spaces we make to host the righteous believers who will accept our invitations. The visitor becomes the presence of Yeshua in our homes, especially during Shabbat. During the Iron Age (1000–586 BCE; the First Temple Period), the "four-room house" dominated Israelite architecture. The four-room house with pillars was widespread already, but it often had more or less than four rooms. The majority of houses only had three rooms, but could also five or more. The house had long rooms and a transverse broad room in the back, which could be partitioned by walls or columns. The ground level housed valuable livestock and had a working area for storage, weaving, food preparation, or other working tasks. The second level had the living quarters. A rooftop had an area for drying certain products, such as flax or fruits, and it was used as sleeping quarters in the intense heat of the summer for the cool breeze. Below are photos of the four-room house located at the Tamar Fortress. Its size suggests it belonged to a prominent administrator, and it is incredible that its stones were not repurposed for construction under the rule of other empires such as Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome, or even the Byzantine. It is a very clean view into the early Israelite construction, characterized by undressed stones. Undressed stones are fitted into the wall or building in their natural shape, while later dressed stones are hewn into uniform blocks.The Upper Room pattern continues into the Newer Covenant. Yeshua affirms this by directing his disciples to follow a man with a water pitcher to an upper room where the host will have prepared a place for them to eat the Passover together. The experience is profound for the disciples, especially the foot-washing. He re-establishes the heavenly "Upper Room" hospitality pattern for their future Kingdom work: •“When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” (Ac 1:13-14) And it leads to the selection of another disciple (Ps 109:8) to take Judas’ place, for he had been one to receive his “portion,” or blessing from Yeshua’s ministry, like an inheritance for his position: •“For he was counted among us and received his share in this ministry...” (v 17) ...Therefore, it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us—one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” (Ac 1:21-22) The Land of Israel is something inherited at the resurrection. It is more than just a physical piece of property! It is set apart from the inheritance of the nations. Each of the twelve disciples received his share of the hospitable donations of food, drink, or money while they ministered with Yeshua, and in the Kingdom, they would also receive an eternal inheritance for their work. It was vital that Judas' replacement was an eyewitness to Yeshua's resurrection, for resurrection is what anchors our second story to the third story. What happened in the physical ministry on earth was anchored to the Third Heaven, also called Paradise or the Garden of Eden. Another upper room resurrection: •“So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them...and he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.” (Ac 9:39;41) Had Dorcas made these garments to clothe the righteous and widows of her congregation? Surely she didn’t just have a room stuffed full of garments! She was doing acts of hospitality to the needy in the holy community by making garments to give away. Don't you love the association of women, especially widows, with the resurrection of the Upper Room? Elijah's widow, the Shunnemite woman, the women disciples and Miriam the mother of Yeshua gathered in Acts 1:14, the disciple Dorcas and widows gathered to mourn her? This "New" Testament has some pretty Old roots, doesn't it? "A wise woman builds her houseBut the foolish tears it down with her own hands." (Pr 14:1) These wise women were building a third story, an upper room in their homes, as a testimony to the resurrection of the dead through Yeshua. They served their household faithfully, and they served the household of faith in their second stories from the resources of the ground floor: feeding, clothing, praying, preparing, lighting, sanctifying, learning, washing, listening...and those second stories became the third stories. They invited the saints to the Upper Room, a sanctuary to remind us of the return to the Garden of Eden, the dwelling and inheritance of the righteous ones. When Yeshua returns, the righteous who have inherited the Third Heaven will administrate from a purified Jerusalem with him, and they will guide many upward from their First Story, the animal kingdom over which mankind was to rule. The millennial reign will be so awesome that even the earthy First Story will be restored to its creation glory. So what's your story? Are we carving time for prayer, study, and hospitality, building the Upper Room, or just spending all day on the ground floor feeding the donkeys and cows? Although it seems strange to build a house on top of a barn, it makes a lot sense, too. The flies would be drawn down instead of up. Another Upper Room example was in the ministry of Paul, this one associated with Motzei Shabbat (the going out of Shabbat on Saturday night): •On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul began talking to them, intending to leave the next day, and he prolonged his message until midnight. There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered together. And there was a young man named Eutychus sitting on the window sill, sinking into a deep sleep; and as Paul kept on talking, he was overcome by sleep and fell down from the third floor and was picked up dead. But Paul went down and fell upon him, and after embracing him, he said, “Do not be troubled, for his life is in him.” When he had gone back up and had broken the bread and eaten, he talked with them a long while until daybreak, and then left. They took away the boy alive and were greatly comforted. (Ac 20:7-12) Would you like to know more about Paul's "first day of the week" resurrection experience in the upper room? It is densely packed with prophetic words and phrases you can put in your study toolkit, so look for the newsletter next week!
Love and Torah – what’s the connection? This study series is centered around the “Two Great Commands” – love Yahweh and love your neighbor.
Psalm 119, verse 150, continues this teaching, where Rabbi Steve Berkson explains that those who pursue mischief have a different agenda than Yahweh and are far from His Torah. These individuals lack an intimate relationship with The Creator. They may outwardly do what is right, but their hearts are far from Him.
Rabbi Berkson also explores the distinction between “mercy” and “grace/favor,” providing a clear understanding of these terms.
King David, the psalmist, wrote about those who “have not sought Your Laws” and called them “the wrong ones.” Do you seek His Laws?
Lashon Hara, Hebrew for “evil tongue,” is a term many people are familiar with but may be confused about its true meaning. Rabbi Berkson delves into the meaning of this term and its impact on your life and the lives of those around you.
Rabbi Berkson offers some of the best life coaching available as he explores the intricate world of human relationships, including dating, marriage, and raising children. He highlights relationship attributes such as “default expectancy” and “understood expectancy,” helping you understand how these attributes can affect you.
Rabbi Berkson once again dissects the words in these passages, providing a deeper understanding of what Yahweh expects of you, enabling you to fulfill His expectations and receive His blessings.
Visit our website, https://mtoi.org, to learn more about MTOI.
https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can reach MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our website, mtoi.org, YouTube, and Rumble every Saturday at 1:15 p.m., and every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time for Torah Study Live Stream.
Parsha “V’zot HaBerakhah” (Deuteronomy (chapter 33 through the End of the Book, and the entire Torah) is the final reading in this cycle, and the life of Moses.
The Erev Shabbat reading begins there:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SSM-10-10-25-V-zot-HaBerakhah-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3This Sabbath Day midrash comes during the week of Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles — not only the actual time of the birth of the Messiah, but the heart of the yet-to-be-fulfilled prophecies of the Greater Exodus, the Revelation, and the Wedding Feast. It’s also when the annual Torah cycle readings conclude, and begin again.
V’zot HaBerakhah: This is the Blessing – the Cycle Begins Anew
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/WT-CooH-10-11-25-V-zot-HaBerakhah-cycles-into-Bereshiet-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:
Just after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, host Mark Call did a show outlining the engineering concept of “transient effects,” that happen whenever any system – including an entire society – is hit with a “shock to the system.”
Since then, the only thing we now know about that tragic event is that the story surrounding the patsy is patently unbelievable, even to the point of insulting our intelligence. So the FBI is still lying. And this even AFTER they finally admitted to having the better part of 300 agents provocateur in the crowd during the 9-11 Fedsurrection.
Today we here the Far Left – who were just fine with troops enforcing mask mandates, Zyklon-B injections, and practicing for gun confiscation – whine about the “constitution” when it threatens their Beautiful Wickedness. The Truth is – we HAVE seen real martial law, the real weaponization of “intel agencies,” and lawfare, and State-sanctioned terror and invasion.
It’s a bit late to whine about “tyranny,” and “dictatorship,” and a POTENTIAL police state. We’ve seen it. And the precedent has been set.
The question is – can we survive the Transient necessary – if it’s even possible! – to restore the Rule of Law and an actual Republic.
Join Mark Call for part II of the look at Transients – and Terror.
Love and Torah – what’s love got to do with it? This series explores the “Two Great Commands’: love Yahweh and love your neighbor.
Focusing on our hearts and minds towards the Creator and His Torah, Rabbi Steve Berkson continues our journey through King David’s writings in Psalm 119. Starting at verse 145, he highlights how David links petitioning God with explaining why we seek His help and why we believe He should answer. Rabbi Berkson questions whether, when we call out to the Almighty, “Answer me,” we can honestly say, “I observe Your laws.”
The Creator initially made us to receive from Him. Through faith in Messiah Yeshua and living righteously, we become a ‘new creature’ that moves from earthly, basic things to heavenly ones. This ‘new creature’ learns to be a ‘giver,’ like the Almighty.
What do Jews and Christians agree on? What does Yahweh desire from you?
Rabbi Berkson again breaks down these passages to deepen your understanding of Yahweh’s expectations, so you can fulfill them and receive His blessings.
Visit our website, https://mtoi.org, to learn more about MTOI.
https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can reach MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our website, mtoi.org, YouTube, and Rumble every Saturday at 1:15 p.m., and every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time for Torah Study Live Stream.
Parsha “Ha’azinu” (Deuteronomy (chapter 32) is the second-to-last reading in the Torah, and the life of Moses. It is, specifically, the second “Song of Moses,” that he sings, as a “witness against” them, and us, immediately prior to his death.
It’s also a warning that hits as close to home now as it ever has.
The Erev Shabbat reading begins there:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SSM-10-3-25-Ha-azinu-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3This Sabbath Day midrash comes just after the ‘most holy’ day of the year, Yom Kippur, and right before the final, climactic week of the Fall Feasts, the time of Sukkot, aka the Feast of Tabernacles, or booths, or even ‘mangers.’ Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa notes that the confluence of this reading, and the Song of Moses, at this time at the heart of the Fall Feasts should suggest two major admonitions from Scripture: “Know the times and the seasons,” and that, furthermore, “NOW is the time!”
Sukkot is almost certainly the time when the Messiah, Yahushuah, was actually born. But how many of us have heard, “I don’t care – I love Xmas anyway,” and similar excuses for accepting what we “know or should know” is a lie. Is this the year to stand on Truth?
We also know, or should, that the word “jesus” never even existed until about 16 centuries as the Messiah walked the earth after that birth. No one EVER, not once, called Him by that name. And it thus cannot be (Acts 4) the “only name” by which we can be saved. Does that matter? Most of us have again heard, “I don’t care,” or “what difference does it really make?”
So, if His birthday doesn’t really matter, nor does His real Name, what about His Doctrine? Did He “do away with the law,” or is that – as Mark strongly suggests – perhaps the Biggest Lie in all of human history?
Does His Doctrine matter? Did He change it? Did He really change His Instruction about His moedim [appointed times], His Sabbaths, food, money, marriage – and just about anything else men decided they didn’t like from His Word?
Ha’azinu: When Does it Finally START to Matter?
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/WT-CooH-10-4-25-Ha-azinu-WHEN-Does-it-Start-to-Matter-podcast-xx-1.mp3The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:
Torah teachers Pete Rambo and Mark Call continue the special series of round table sessions on one of the most important, and certainly overlooked and misunderstood, subjects in Scripture, the “Two Houses” that came from the Twelve Tribes.
They literally permeate the prophets, and in particular things that have not yet come to pass, but are still largely an enigma to “churchianity.” For reasons that are being made clear.
Because host Mark Call and his house will be observing the Biblical High Holy Day of Yom Kippur this week, this edition of the “Come out of her, My People” Show will deal with the ‘WHY’ of that, and especially the “Why NOW?”
Love and Torah – what’s love got to do with it? This study series is based on the “Two Great Commands” – love Yahweh and love your neighbor.
Moving forward in Psalm 119, Rabbi Steve Berkson has a few questions for us;
When you see people not guarding the Torah, what is your reaction? (Psalm 119:136)
What if you never got to see what happens to those who don’t listen to Elohim? (Psalm 119:138)
How has Christianity confused us regarding “salvation”?
Why did Elohim allow all that horrible stuff to happen to Job?
Why do you want eternal life? Are you trustworthy with it? Do you really understand what that life will be like?
What is Yahweh’s “Love Language”?
Rabbi Berkson once again dissects the words in these passages so that you will have a deeper understanding of what Yah expects of you, so that you can do it and receive the blessings.
Visit our website, https://mtoi.org, to learn more about MTOI.
https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can reach MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our website, mtoi.org, YouTube, and Rumble every Saturday at 1:15 p.m., and every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time for Torah Study Live Stream.
A Host of TroublesThen the LORD sent Nathan to David. And he came to him and said,“There were two men in one city, the one rich and the other poor.The rich man had a great many flocks and herds.But the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb which he bought and nourished; and it grew up together with him and his children. It would eat of his bread and drink of his cup and lie in his bosom, and was like a daughter to him.Now a traveler came to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take from his own flock or his own herd to prepare for the wayfarer who had come to him; rather he took the poor man’s ewe lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.”Then David’s anger burned greatly against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the LORD lives, surely the man who has done this deserves to die. He must make restitution for the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and had no compassion.”Nathan then said to David, “You are the man! The rich man was quite a host! The hospitality he offered his guest was not real hospitality at all. He faked his compassion for the weary traveler. He was so stingy that he killed another man's beloved pet and passed it off as his own sacrificial gift for the guest's benefit.This would be a prime place for a political commentary on the current state of affairs in the United States' political situation, but the reader is intelligent enough to understand that facet of the parable. Fake hospitality deceives people into thinking the host really cares and has compassion. What the wicked host offers is nothing more than someone else's hard work and property.To review from last week's text in this heavenly hospitality series, a righteous guest seeks a righteous home for hospitality, and he/she has the authority to bless that home with peace:“Do not acquire gold, or silver, or copper for your money belts, or a bag for your journey, or even two coats, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker is worthy of his support. And whatever city or village you enter, inquire who is worthy in it, and stay at his house until you leave that city. As you enter the house, give it your greeting. If the house is worthy, give it your blessing of peace. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace. Whoever does not receive you, nor heed your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. Truly I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.” (Mt 10:9-15) Yeshua sent out his disciples as his messengers. They were to practice what they'd seen Yeshua do: teach, preach, immerse, comfort, exhort, rebuke, heal, and so on."Let love of the brethren continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it." (He 13:1-2)These are not random strangers who visit, but "brothers" in the faith. No doubt the rich man had some level of acquaintance with the poor man he robbed. He knew where and when to steal the poor man's lamb, perhaps while the poor man was working or gone to the market. A lamb who was raised like his own daughter would not have been left unguarded very often. The rich man's act was premeditated, cunning, a masquerade of righteousness over a filthy act of cruel robbery.Strangely, Scripture links two concepts in the same neighborhood, called smikhut (placement). Those two concepts are lack of hospitality and fornication/adultery.In David’s case, he was the adulterer “rich man” who slaughtered the poor man’s lamb to prepare for the guest. This was also in the neighborhood of hospitality to strangers and "angels" in Hebrews Thirteen. Just skip one verse down:“Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (He 13:4)A wicked person may seem to offer hospitality, but the real motive is self-serving. They are not really serving the traveler or needy person; they are enhancing their own appearance of kindness. The hospitality is not for the benefit of the guest, but for himself. In the following account, the Messiah calls out fake hospitality.While the host had the means to extend genuine hospitality toward Yeshua, he'd only invited him out of curiosity to hear a new word, listen for something with which to entrap his guest, or to look hospitable to the rest of the townspeople. Instead, an unwelcome visitor extends hospitality that Simon did not:“Turning toward the woman, He said to Simon, ‘Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair...’ “You did not anoint My head with oil, but she anointed My feet with perfume. For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Lk 7:44-47)The sinful woman understood the principle of hospitality better than the man who simply was curious to hear an insightful word from the teacher. Like many interactions in the Body of Messiah today, it would feed the host’s pride or critical skepticism, both of which fuel false feelings of self-worth. The repentant woman's hospitality was of the kind that welcomed the Bridegroom to the Garden with incense of sacrifice.Simon was thinking Yeshua didn't know what kind of woman anointed his feet. What Simon didn't acknowledge was it was the woman she used to be. She was repenting, bringing a sacrifice of her own, perhaps all she could afford, not someone else's hard work of repentance. If she had been a loose woman, this was not the generous, hospitable woman who washed Yeshua's feet intimately with her hair. She wanted a new relationship with Heaven through the Sent One, not a fake one. She wasn't faking her interest in Yeshua. She wanted to change. She had more than a little love.One way we signal this desire to truly repent is with generosity, especially to the needy and poor righteous. This is one of the "Big Three": prayer, repentance, charity leading up to Yom HaKippurim.Real charity.Love much, be forgiven much. Real charity doesn't care about who is in the room judging what kindnesses we give to a brother or sister. It wants a genuine relationship with Heaven. It doesn't offer someone else's work as their own. It does not seek its own reward for that gift. Any human being on earth can do an act of kindness that connects himself only to the recipient. One who desires to restores hospitality with the Presence of Elohim will see the face of the recipient as the face of Yeshua even if it is one of the "least of these."One who does not attribute his or her act of kindness to Heaven is usurping the very source of kindness inside every human being. This compassion is the stamp of the Creator! Even wolves will raise orphan pups and feed the wounded in their pack; how much more should human beings acknowledge that our Creator Elohim created us with a desire to help one another?If that's not plain enough, then consider this: A person who takes credit for being compassionate and charitable is offering someone else's gift as his own. Compassion was something planted in us by our Creator. Gifted. We are all re-gifting generosity to bring Heaven down among us.Sodom and her four satellite cities were known for lewd behavior. In rebuking Israel, Ezekiel points out another symptom of their wickedness:“Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy.” (Ezek 16:49)Likewise, the Tribe of Benjamin was nearly wiped out for rapacious inhospitality.Likening Israel to Sodom recalls Sodom’s lack of hospitality to visitors. They were beyond inhospitable and stingy, they were lewd and murderous. They moved the Presence of Adonai farther away from the cities, not closer to it. Ever wonder why one of the "angels" didn't continue on to Sodom with the other two (Ge 19:1)? Perhaps the one Avraham called YHVH wouldn't set foot in it.And like Yeshua told Simon, gratefulness to Heaven for our own undeserved gifts should affect how we receive and love guests.Avraham had already rescued the Sodomite cities in order to recover his nephew Lot when they were carried away as spoils of war. Were they grateful and generous to others in need after their rescue? No, they did not become grateful hosts to righteous guests. They became worse. And dared anyone to judge them for it.Yet, the Day of Judgment arrived for Sodom and for King David's adultery and manslaughter of another for his own sin. Later, David repents and writes,"Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge." (Ps 51:4)May we repent before Yom HaKippurim if we have mistreated brothers who are the face of Yeshua at our table. (Mt 25:45)
Parsha “Vayelekh” (Deuteronomy (chapter 31) is one of the final chapters in the Torah, and the life of Moses. It includes the ‘charge’ given to Yoshua/Joshua as he prepares to take over leadership of the mixed multitude, to “Kazakh!” – or, “Be strong, and of good courage.”
It’s also a poignant warning about the “End of Days” – arguably, now.
The Erev Shabbat reading begins there, and also sets the stage for the final “Song of Moses”:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/SSM-9-26-25-VaYelek-teaching-podcast-xxx.mp3During the Sabbath Day midrash, Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa focuses on a prophecy that now seems to be at minimum, ‘in-progress’: “You will do evil in the sight of YHVH, and provoke Him through the work of your hands.”
But it is no coincidence that this portion is read during the time of His Fall Feasts, and we are now – or should be – preparing for the singular moed of His Appointed Times about which He warns so clearly, do it – or else!
Warning: Some will again be offended. They will say His Feasts are ‘old’, and “done away with.” As if He preferred the pagan replacements, and couldn’t manage to say so. YHVH certainly made the reason for His anger, and our continued exile, abundantly clear. And in this case, the warning and importance could not be clearer. Even if we have been lied to about it!
Vayelekh: This is the Year to Make SURE you ‘Know the Season’
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/WT-CooH-9-27-25-VaYelek-The-SEASON-is-Vital-to-Know-and-DO-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:
Torah teachers Pete Rambo and Mark Call, after the summer hiatus, return for a special series of round table sessions on one of the most important, and certainly overlooked and misunderstood, subjects in Scripture:
the history and prophetic understanding of the “Two Houses,” that came from the Twelve Tribes.
Note: Pete Rambo’s excellent book on the topic is: Ten Parts in the King
No nuclear war mushroom clouds YET…
but it certainly isn’t for lack of trying.
And just what are we supposed to believe, anyway? We heard that Iran was just “two weeks away” from having a nuke for about two decades now. And even the “intelligence community” can’t keep the lies straight, it seems.
But if Big Brother Deep State manages to finally get their WW3 to ‘go nuclear,’ does the actual Truth matter anyway?
Mark Call suggests that it does, but not for the reasons we’re being told.
“Truth is the First Casualty of War…
…and Lies are the Primary Weapon of the Adversary”
I have chickens. They are not my chickens. They belong to the neighbor. He already had chickens in a chicken coop. Now he has ten more chickens. They are not in the chicken coop. They are in my yard. My flowers. Digging holes in the yard and around the foundation of the house. Pooping on the porch. Hanging out.I tried playing red-tail hawk sounds really loud. I tried taking watermelon rinds and veggie scraps over to their property, but they still lurk in the shady spots and follow me around every time I go outside to work. They just stick around.It took me a whole day to lay chicken wire under the flower bed mulch to keep them from destroying my carefully designed and freshly-planted flower beds.We let the neighbor know, but so far, we still have sticken’ chickens.I even told them the story of when Billie Idol went missing, but while they enjoyed story time, they don’t connect Billie’s demise to their current situation.Chickens are like that.When I was four years old, my first pet was a chicken named Slicker.Grandma’s cat Fuchsia ate it.I didn’t connect a cat to Slicker’s current situation.I was telling a good friend about our sticken’ chickens yesterday, and we were chatting about the danger of Moses’ forty days of absence on the mountain. The Israelites and mixed multitude pretty much gave up on his return. In spite of every miracle they’d seen, they couldn’t wait forty full days for the next one. Not only that, they started breaking the Big Ten. An idol. Sexual immorality. You know the story. They’d been delivered from slavery in Egypt; they’d been immersed as a congregation in the Reed Sea; they’d witnessed the glory of Adonai and agreed to His covenant at the mountain…and yet, they had sticken’ chickens from Egypt. They went right back to feeding slavery to sin. “For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea...” (1 Co 10:1-2)The tunnel of the Reed Sea was like a birth canal. Immersion has always been a symbol of a resurrection that is more than symbolic. On the Third Day of Creation was a birth of life from the water to fruit trees. On the dawn of the Seventh Day of Passover, the Israelites completed a supernaturally fast, effortless journey through the Reed Sea.Likewise, immersion (mikveh) is undertaken as a rebirth. The pattern is this: • Water represents spirit (as does fire) • The earth is the substance of mankind, adam • When YHVH turns the sea into dry land as a way of escape, that which was spirit became substance/flesh in order to provide a new beginning for Israel/mankind, a resurrection from the sin decay of mere earth to earthly life with the spirit, a promise of wholeness and perfections completed from above • New life follows a mikveh in Messiah, the Great Hand of YHVH.This is the mystical picture of the Reed Sea. When YHVH turned the sea into dry land, he figuratively resurrected the Israelites. When the natural body dies, it returns to the earth. In Messiah Yeshua, the bared arm of YHVH, mankind is resurrected from earth through water.“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it? Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.” (Ro 6:1-7)When we turn back to sin, we’re not quite dead enough.Few who entered the Reed Sea mikveh entered as newborns in physical age; Israelites and the mixed multitude entered in various stages of aging. In that sense, we understand why a mikveh symbolizes rebirth, yet it is available to all ages for their various reasons.Regardless of the age entering it, emerging from the mikveh is a re-set upon emerging. Immersion is a type of resurrection, especially as the water becomes the “dry land” of burial. It is a fresh start for a newborn who has yet to choose sin.Purities of obedience begin in the home...“There are seven dwelling places listed in the Seder Gan Eden, and in each there is a righteous woman who teaches the Torah: Batyah, daughter of Pharaoh, Yocheved, mother of Moses, Miriam, sister of Moses, Huldah the Prophetess, Abigail, David’s wife, and beyond this point, the matriarchs, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.” In one source, those who enter Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden) go through four transformations through their learning experience. Upon entry, the righteous individual is changed into a child and tastes the joys of childhood (Raphael, p. 187)… “When the Torah was first given, it was taught to the women first. It is written, ‘Thus shall you say to the house of Jacob’ – the women – ‘and tell the sons of Israel’ (Ex 19:3).” (Kaplan, p. 59)Whether literal or not, the principle is that purity and obedience are first learned in the home, the domain of the mother: “My son, observe the commandment [mitzvah] of your father, and do not forsake the teaching [torah] of your mother.” (Pr 6:20)Yeshua reiterated how important childhood is in entering the Kingdom without a habit of sin, without the pride of rebellion against the Word.“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 18:1-4)The humble child is like a slave, not yet inheriting, yet he/she already has everything. Children of every age are equal, yet honor and responsibility according to growth age.There is no least or greatest in that sense. All are children. All begin as little children and need time to experience spiritual childhood because of its pure joy and lack of responsibility. Just because a child is precocious doesn’t mean he/she is ready for the keys to the Kingdom.The Hokey Pokey of EdenYeshua said, “Unless you be “converted” and become like children...”?????? stréph?; to twist, i.e. turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively):—convert, turn (again, back again, self, self about).“Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything...”(Ga 4:1)Immersion into Messiah Yeshua mimics this growth principle, re-setting to childhood for a new cycle, preparing the child to inherit the Kingdom. No getting around it! What the child must not do is mistake himself or herself for the slave who has no inheritance! A slave inherits nothing! A slave has Egyptian sticken’ chickens of sin. A child, though awaiting and learning in the Father’s house, will inherit the estate. The child does not serve because of his past, but because of his future.A child who hangs around slaves, however, may believe he is a slave. He may begin to mimic sins that are not his mother’s training for the inheritance of their father…and Father.This principle is so elementary to our faith. We must mature in our faith, learning to be holy on earth because He is holy in Heaven, our inheritance. Through repentance and conversion, constantly turning around to live innocently according to the “new man” that was immersed in Messiah, we can mature in the Word to inherit the Kingdom:“Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. And this we will do, if God permits. For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.” (He 6:1-8)That’s horrible. Our continued sin crucifies and shames Yeshua again! It is as if we are among those screaming, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” It is as if we whipped Yeshua, spit on him, and drove the nails into his hands and feet. We are false witnesses, for while in one breath we speak of Messiah Yeshua, in the next breath we sin as if Yeshua is dead. If he is alive, we are his little children, learning, repenting, correcting, and trusting Yeshua the Living Word is alive in us. If we practice sin, we proclaim the death of Messiah, but not his resurrection.If we don’t believe Messiah Yeshua is dead, then we need to cease dead works.Dead works, too, are a testimony, not of Messiah Yeshua’s life, but of his death.Let the world see the life of Yeshua in us resurrect us to increasing pure, holy, and faithful works when we trip over sticken’ chickens and fall. We can do the hokey pokey and turn ourselves around, but we must make the connection to our current situation.Although I have sticken’ chickens during the day, at night, they go home to roost. Ultimately, that’s what sin does. It returns to the one who provides it a resting place. Those kinds of chickens should find no place to rest or roost in a believer. Yeshua lives. Let the little child arise from the waters of immersion, no matter what our age. Children were Yeshua’s greatest fans, and he always welcomed them with open arms, no matter how busy he was healing, teaching, and delivering the grownups.How does water relate to the resurrection of the whole spirit, soul, and physical body? When we make transgressions, the spirit of grace offers a path of reconciliation with our Father, our King. If we sincerely repent and immerse, we come up a new creation, a new child. Forget the Fountain of Youth-this water is WAY better! It is a fountain of youth with an eternal inheritance!As we wait for Yeshua's return, let us not grow weary of waiting or become vulnerable to Egypt's sticken' chickens. An inheritance awaits.“For we will surely die and are like water spilled on the ground which cannot be gathered up again. Yet God does not take away life but plans ways so that the banished one will not be cast out from him.” (Wise Woman of Tekoa in 2 Sa 14:14)
For those of us who would like to go deeper into understanding the words in our Bible, Rabbi Steve Berkson doesn’t disappoint in this teaching. Continuing in 1 John chapter 3, Rabbi Berkson reviews verses 1-3 from the last teaching, but then thoroughly dissects verses 4-11, bringing an advanced teaching of the passage, right down to even single words.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
https://www.tiktok.com/@mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our website, mtoi.org, YouTube, and Rumble every Saturday at 1:15 p.m. and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.
The annual Torah cycle reading for this week is parsha “Beha’alotecha,” (Numbers 8:1-12:16), and it is a true potpourri of events and issues, “from menorah to metzorah.”
Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship begins with the Erev Shabbat reading:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SSM-6-13-25-Beha-alotecha-teaching-podcast-xxx.mp3As has been so often the case, but ESPECIALLY now, events in the world again set the stage for the midrash this week.
Have you ever noticed that there is a difference in the words used in rendering “do not covet…” your neighbors’ wife, house, and so on between the two repetitions of the “Ten Commandments?” The words used for ‘covet,” or “lust for,” are different (the Hebrew root is ;chamad’the first time, but ‘avah‘ in Deuteronomy 5:21.) And THAT word is used for those who died b’midbar – in the wilderness – as a result of their lusting for ‘meat.’
The connection, as Mark lays out, may well be that so many today are literally “lusting for death.” And it is a ‘temptation’ that YHVH has given us all the information we need to avoid, along with a means to escape.
Beha’alotecha: “From Menorah to Metzorah then – Lusting for DEATH now”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/WT-CooH-14-June-2025-Beha-alotecha-From-Menorah-to-Meztorah-careful-what-you-LUST-for-esp-NOW-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:
The apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians may well be the ‘most twisted Book in the Bible.’ There is no doubt that much of what he wrote about, even warned about, has literally been “turned on its head.”
Join the Torah Teachers, Ray Harrison, Pete Rambo, and Mark Call as they unpack the reasons why, in chapters 1 and 2.
What kind of relationship do we have with the Creator? Does all of His creation have this kind of relationship? What is the requirement for this relationship to be valid?
Rabbi Steve Berkson begins this teaching episode of the series, Love and Torah, by going to 1 John chapter 3 and embarking on a “Life-Coaching” discourse about relationships involving husbands and wives, parents and children, and how they can serve as examples for the relationship between humans and Elohim.
Does it ever seem like your friends and family don’t understand you anymore since you’ve started your Torah-Observance walk? There’s a reason for that. Rabbi Berkson explains.
This teaching series is packed full of vital information that will help you in your spiritual growth as you walk toward the Kingdom of Elohim, becoming the kind of person that He wants to live with forever.
Subscribe to take advantage of new content every week.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
https://www.tiktok.com/@mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our website, mtoi.org, YouTube, and Rumble every Saturday at 1:15 p.m. and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at the second reading from the Book of Bemidbar, or Numbers, parsha “Naso” (Numbers 4:21 through all of chapter 7.)
The Erev Shabbat reading begins with the ‘head count’ of the families which make up the tribe of Levi, through the process for the ‘sota’, or woman who is SUSPECTED of adultery, through the Nazerite vow, and then the longest, and most redundant, and thus ‘perplexing’ chapter in the Torah:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/SSM-6-6-25-Naso-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3Since Mark has talked about the ‘cup’ placed in the hand of the woman suspected of adultery often, and the connections, from Moses and the Golden Calf to Gethsemane and finally the Whore of Babylon in Revelation, this time the focus of the Sabbath Day midrash is a bit different.
In John chapter 8, while Yahushua is teaching at the temple, a woman is brought before Him — to ‘test him’ the text says — who was allegedly caught in adultery, “the very act.” Whereupon, Mark demonstrates, that most teachings in ‘sun-day skool’ proceed to miss the entire point of the story! And it certainly was NOT that He “did away with the law,” or even “raised the bar,” on His own Word.
There is a larger pattern in evidence here as well.
Naso: “Where is the MAN?”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/WT-CooH-6-7-25-Naso-Wheres-the-Man-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part reading and Sabbath midrash:
The Torah teachers, Ray Harrison and Mark Call, begin a detailed look at what MC calls the “most twisted Book in the Bible,” the Apostle Paul, or Shaul’s, letter to the Galatians.
Water in The Rock, or The Rock in the Water?This newletter is lengthy, so let it serve for two Shabbats. There will be no newsletter next week due to visiting Jacob's Tent services Up to the Mountain.In the last several newsletters, we've taken a close look at the many prophecies embodied in Yeshua's walk on the water of the Galilee in Matthew Fourteen. How different was Yeshua's perception of the walk than Peter and the other disciples'! For the one who was the water in the Rock…and the Rock…in the wilderness for the Israelites, it was no problem to also be the Rock in the water to his students. “He alone spreads out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea…” (Job 9:8)Sometimes it helps to put the Gospel of Matthew back into its original Hebrew text. While no one is certain of where that text might be (only fragments are known to survive), there is a version whose provenance can only be traced so far back in Jewish history, yet it is quite accurate considering it was used by a less-than-friendly readership. It is the Shem Tov’s Evan Bohan version from the Fourteenth Century. The differences between the Hebrew and Greek texts are not drastic.To Yeshua, the stroll on the Galilee during the storm was perceived much differently than his students, who perceived it as dangerous, chaotic, and "contrary." In the Hebrew Matthew version, the word for contrary is neged, or opposing, opposite. Neged has a good side, too, for Adam’s wife Chavah was his ezer kenegdo, or “helper opposite him,” which brings balance. When opposition is a helper, it is because in spite of the opposition, the overall purpose is to achieve unity walking in the Word. The opposite helper pulls the weight of the yoke beside the other, ensuring the burden does not get dragged in endless circles, but can go straight. For example, grace and truth are not opposed to one another. One cannot be practiced at the expense of the other. In Yeshua, they work together.Sarah wasn’t such a good helper when she suggested Hagar as a solution to their problem, but she was a good helper when she advised Abraham to send away Ishmael, who had not internalized the righteousness of his father and threatened the inheritance of Isaac. The disciples did not see the waves of the storm as their ezer kenegdo, or helping opposition, but as a destructive force. They were just rowing in circles in the middle of the Galilee, taking on water.Galilee does indeed imply circles in Hebrew, like a roll or spool, and a wave is a gal, pronounced gahl (not to be confused with other gals). This is perhaps what it has in common with the “circle of the earth,” and why from Isaiah’s prophecy, Galilee came to be called “Galilee of the Nations.” In Jewish tradition, Moses hid the Rock that followed them in the wilderness in the bottom of the Galilee before he died, which explains why Yeshua would have made his early home near the Galilee and begun his ministry there. The Rock was both the water in the Rock, the Rock, and the Rock in the water.It also explains how Yeshua’s ministry prepared the way for the nations to hear the Gospel message from his disciples:“But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.” (Is 9:1-2)As the region of the Galilee represented the Gentile nations in the time from Isaiah to Yeshua’s ministry, so the disciples were dispersed to proclaim the Light of the Word Yeshua to the scattered of Israel as well as the Gentiles who dwelled among the raging waves of tormenting wickedness.Even as we are rescued, we are tested of the Ruach HaKodesh, the Holy Spirit, who also is described as a “Helper.” An ezer kenegdo may seem contrary, yet it is a necessary instrument of contention from the Father before we officially enter into “the bond of the covenant” with Him. While we said “We will do and we will hear” at many Shavuot feasts in our wilderness of the peoples, a final reckoning under the Shepherd’s rod will occur at a future Feast of Trumpets (Rosh HaShanah) so that the bond may be sealed at Yom HaKippurim before we enter into the chuppah of Sukkot with Yeshua:“I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you from the lands where you are scattered, with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out; and I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will enter into judgment with you face to face. As I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will enter into judgment with you,” declares the Lord GOD. “I will make you pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant; and I will purge from you the rebels and those who transgress against Me; I will bring them out of the land where they sojourn, but they will not enter the land of Israel. Thus you will know that I am the LORD.” (Ezek 20:34-38)If there are rebels, they will be purged in the wilderness of the nations, but the testing and refining process will not feel good to any believer even if they are not sifted out by the test.When we follow Yeshua, we will encounter the contrary waves of the Galilee, for we fish people in “Galilee” of the nations. For many walking with Yeshua, whether on land or sea, they realize that they are already a long distance from where they departed, but yet are quite a distance from where they are going. At this point, turning around might seem easier because that's the way the wind is blowing. Just ride it wherever it blows, right?It really isn't the easiest way out of the storm, though. Hebrew Matthew 14:24 says the disciples’ boat was b’emtzah, or “in the middle of, the center of” the sea. It’s just as far to go back as it is to go forward, yet fear makes going back to the wilderness of Egypt, the starting place, seem less painful and scary than riding out the storm.It isn’t.When Yeshua steps into our “boat,” the journey will be over in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. “So they were willing to receive Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going” even though the text states they were three or four miles along the water (Jn 6:21), and Matthew says they were in the center of the Galilee.Yes, going forward feels like going nowhere because every stroke of the oars meets resistance. What discouraged Peter mid-walk was that the wind was chazak, or "strong.” A strong force was at work on the Galilee. The forces that test us ARE strong. The disciples could have no better object lesson of struggle not being against flesh and blood, but against “principalities and powers in high places.” No wonder the disciples thought Yeshua might be a not-so-friendly-ghost, or in Hebrew, a sheid (demon).On the other hand, their struggle was against flesh and blood…their own fears and limitations to act in the storm."But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary." (Mt 14:24)Two words describe the reason for the disciples' fear: "battered" and "contrary."The Greek word for “battered” is:basaniz?The KJV translates Strong's G928 in the following manner: torment (8x), pain (1x), toss (1x), vex (1x), toil (1x).to test (metals) by the touchstoneto question by applying tortureto tortureto vex with grievous pains (of body or mind), to tormentto be harassed, distressedIn Sodom, Lot was also tortured by the wickedness surrounding him:"...for by what he saw and heard, that righteous man, while living among them, felt G928 his righteous soul tormented G928 day after day by their lawless deeds)..." (2 Pe 2:8)The disciples were figuratively among the nations, “battered” by the waves, their righteous souls tortured at the level of Sodom’s wickedness.In the Hebrew Matthew, the wording is slightly different: “The boat was in the midst of the sea, and the waves of the sea were driving it because the wind was contrary.”While the Greek describes the waves as tormenting the disciples, the Hebrew is dachaf, which means pushing and shoving. Who or what are these deathly tormenting, pushing, shoving, waves driven by contrary, neged wind?“When the waves of death surrounded me, the floods of ungodliness made me afraid.” (2 Sa 22:5)It is ungodliness that tests us just as it tested Lot and every other righteous person in Scripture. Yes, ungodliness is very frightening. Every stroke of the oar that should impel us forward to the goal meets strong resistance. We’re pushed and shoved. Faith in Yeshua, however, can cause the storm to give it a rest.Think of this. Although it feels as though we’re not stronger than the wicked waves, going wherever the contrary ruach shoves us, the opposite is true. In the boat with faith in Yeshua, we DO have control over the direction of the boat even in the storm. Obedience to the Word is a definite direction, not drifting. When we invite Yeshua into the boat, it shortens the journey to where we’re going. The longer we struggle against it alone with our fears, the longer it will take.Yeshua is still the Rock in the water of the nations. When we walk on his Word, we walk on a solid foundation.And eventually, the nations will stand still and watch the salvation of YHVH like the Israelites did while Yeshua arranged the waters of the Reed Sea for their journey home. The nations will have to watch Yeshua be the cloud, the bridge, the strong hand that leads His people to their destination in the City of Comfort. When the Israelites crossed the Reed Sea, the waters below them became dry land; the waters to their right and left hardened into brick-like stone walls, and the water above them was the cloud: “For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea...” (1 Co 10:1-2)Remember this from the beginning of the “Walking on Water” mini-series:“All the waters of the world were split when the sea was split. Ten miracles occurred at the sea. First, that it split. Second is that it was made like a dome or a roof and Israel walked under the water. The water was under, on the sides of and over Israel. Third, it was dry under them, so that Israel should not smear their feet with mud. Fourth, for the Egyptians, the earth was all mud and slime and they sank into it. Fifth, the water was congealed and hard as stone. Sixth, the water was not congealed completely, but it was congealed a section at a time. It was like large boulders, in the expectation that when the Egyptians would drown, the hard water would smash their heads, like stones. These pieces were on top of each other, like a brick wall.” (Tze'enah Ure'enah, Commentary to Beshalach)Understanding the symbolism of the Galilee in relation to the crossing of the Reed helps us to make the connection between the Exodus from Egypt and the coming Greater Exodus. The ancient rabbis carefully read the Exodus text, and they saw the “stone wall” composition of the sea walls when it parted to make a way for Israel to cross the earth on its journey home. The pushing, shoving, tormenting waves of the world were frozen in place so that they could not move, forced to watch the salvation of YHVH’s strong right hand Yeshua as he led Israel to a supernatural existence:“Terror and dread fall upon them;By the greatness of Your arm they are motionless as stone;Until Your people pass over, O LORD,Until the people pass over whom You have purchased.You will bring them and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance,The place, O LORD, which You have made for Your dwelling,The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established.” (Ex 15:16-17)When the Israelites completed their journey, the "stones" fell on one another, wicked smashing wicked.Imagine what the gathering of Yeshua will be like. The wicked will be frozen, unable to move, while Israel exits the natural world and begins walking in the supernatural world of Eden. It’s a realm of heavenly waters where supernatural meets the natural, just above us.Peter said to Yeshua, “If it is you, command me to ‘Bo!’”?Yeshua said, “Bo!”“Come up here!”Step on up, students. There’s a Rock in the waters.
Torah, or “the Law” – what’s love got to do with it? Rabbi Steve Berkson unpacks and verse by verse illuminates the Gospel of John chapter 14 and 1 Corinthians chapter 13, also known as the “Love Chapter”. This teaching series is packed full of vital information that will help you in your spiritual growth as you walk toward the Kingdom of Elohim, becoming the kind of person that He wants to live with forever.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
https://www.tiktok.com/@mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our website, mtoi.org, YouTube, and Rumble every Saturday at 1:15 p.m. and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.
This is a special week, beginning what will almost certainly be a “special” month, even if it ends up spectacularly Evil.
There have already been two massive, X-class, Earth-directed CMEs this week, arriving soon, and that may be just a harbinger of the fireworks intended to come. Man-made or not.
It’s also even a time when, calendar differences notwithstanding, most who read “Scripture-as-Written,” will seek to celebrate, or ‘remember’ the Fall Feasts of YHVH. And, likewise, the birth of our Messiah – even if ‘the world’ doesn’t get it. All of which means:
“It’s OCTOBER — Surprise!!!”
So pay attention. And “be not deceived.”
• Can people return to Darkness once they’ve been in the Light? (Isaiah 59:1-10)
• What does it mean to “speak falsehood”?
• How do “works” provide, or not provide, a “covering”? (Isaiah 59:6)
• What are the two types of Darkness?
• What is “thick” darkness?
• How does the Light work in us toward others around us?
• What does the phrase “In Your light we see light” mean?
• Are there those who could be called the walking dead?
Rabbi Steve Berkson identifies the problem people encounter while walking the straight-and-narrow. At some point they begin to doubt, which can turn into disbelief in the deliverance of Yah. This problem moves them slowly into darkness, a place of groping around and not finding their way. However, even in that darkness there is still mercy and compassion in that through the gift of repentance, then heeding the voice of an anointed-appointed, the Light can lead them back to the path of life.
Parsha “Nitzavim,” (Devarim or Deuteronomy 29:10 through 30:20) is, according to Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship, not only perhaps THE most succinct, two-word summary of the Torah, but the parsha that is also most central to understanding what is arguably THE Biggest Lie since at least Genesis chapter 3.
And the Erev Shabbat reading lays the groundwork for that claim:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SSM-9-27-24-Nitzavim-teaching-podcast-xxxx.mp3But that is again just the beginning.
WARNING: This is yet another reading in the continuing series that you will certainly NOT hear in sun-god-day school.
The Sabbath day midrash is about that Big Lie, and the fact that the refutation is right there in Deuteronomy chapter 30:
“The Law has been done away with…nailed to the cross…it’s OLD Testament…and, besides, NOBODY buy Jesus could POSSIBLY keep ‘the Law.’ It’s TOO HARD for you!”
When, in fact, He says it is NOT too hard for you.
As things come to a head – it is more important than ever that we be able to answer, “in season and out,” from His Word, exactly WHY we need to “come out of” EVERYTHING that is based on the Lie that got us exiled in the first place.
Nitzavim: “Debunking THE Biggest LIE Since Genesis 3 “
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WT-CooH-9-28-24-Nitzavim-Debunking-the-Biggest-LIE-in-History-podcast-xxxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
This teaching begins a new series of teachings on the subject of darkness and light. From Genesis to Revelation the Bible has much to say and teach us about these two things that we humans experience in our physical world. While darkness and light are two separate entities, they are dependent on each other. Scientists have studied darkness and light extensively, not only on this earth, but also beyond into the universe. They have measured the speed of light at 186,000 miles-per-second. The brightness of light can be calculated in units called lux or to use the precise scientific terminology, illuminance.
In this teaching, Rabbi Steve Berkson lays the foundation for the rest of this series in the meanings of darkness and light that goes beyond the physical and into the spiritual aspects of which the scriptures present for our knowledge and understanding, so that the Light will shine in our lives!
Take advantage of new teachings every week.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 p.m. and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.
The Bride's Wilderness LaundromatThe wilderness journey brings up all sorts of practical questions. Practical questions often lead to impractical, but not impossible, answers. Although the Israelites looted the Egyptians, it is unlikely that the garments lasted for forty years in the harsh desert. How did they keep up with the laundry? What about the children born who would need clothes of their own?Having done my laundry in the Aravah several times, I know from experience that clothes hung on a line to dry have a coating of sand by the time they dry and I take them down to fold them.The pillars of cloud and fire, as well as the cloud cover in which the Israelites walked, provided supernatural assistance in these practical questions. The hint is found in the following verses:“Your clothing did not wear out on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years.” (Dt 8:4)“I have led you forty years in the wilderness; your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandal has not worn out on your foot.” (Dt 29:5)Egyptian clothes surely wear out. The sandals even more so with a nation on foot. These supernatural garments and shoes must have come from somewhere. The Midrash explains:“From where did they obtain clothing to wear throughout the forty years that the people of Israel spent in the Wilderness? They were from what the ministering angels clothed them. Thus it is written, ‘I clothed you (Israel) in rikmah (Ezekiel 16:10).Rikmah is a royal garment.” (Midrash Rabbah Shir HaShirim 4§23)The hint in Ezekiel is that these splended, durable garments were garments of royalty, fit for a royal priesthood. They were also fit TO a royal priesthood.It was thought that the supernatural garments grew with the person like a shell grows with the chilazon, the snail from which techelet (blue) dye is extracted for tzitziyot to remind Israel of the mitzvot. From infant to adult, the garment grew. This helps us understand how the commandments grow with us when we continue to set our affection on what is above, learning to use what is below for the service of Heaven. The commandments become bigger and stronger in their protection and beauty as we grow because they are growing with us!This passage in Ezekiel is thought to describe Israel’s bridal agreement to betrothal at Mount Sinai when they said, “We will do and we will hear”:“Then I passed by you and saw you, and behold, you were at the time for love; so I spread My skirt [wing, kanaf] over you and covered your nakedness. I also swore to you and entered into a covenant with you so that you became Mine,” declares the Lord GOD. Then I bathed you with water, washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil. I also clothed you with embroidered cloth [rikmah] and put sandals of porpoise skin on your feet; and I wrapped you with fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck. I also put a ring in your nostril, earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your dress was of fine linen, silk and embroidered cloth.” (Ezekiel 16:8-13)Israel the Bride was at the time for “love,” or able to Shma, to hear and to love with all her heart, soul, and strength. At that time, the ministering angels were thought to clothe Israel with miraculous garments that did not wear out and give them the sandals that did not wear out. They were also given two royal crowns, one for “we will do” and one for “we will hear.” After the golden calf, those crowns were taken away and the “jewelry” were retrieved, but the miraculous royal garments and sandals remained upon them. (Dt 8:4) Like the Kohen HaGadol, every member of the royal priesthood was clothed in “garments of honor and glory.”The Midrash asks:But did the clothing not need washing? “The pillar of cloud, which accompanied the nation throughout their journey in the Wilderness, brushed against the clothing and cleansed them.” (ibid 4§23). The garments could withstand the fire of the pillar of cloud because they were manufactured in Heaven. These were garments with the smell of the blessed field, a place of eternal life. The fire actually refined the garments instead of destroying them!Likewise, Yeshua’s garment of salvation and robes of righteousness, which we may put on, have a Garden fragrance of eternal life and a royal priesthood, a fragrance of Lebanon, as Chapter Four of Song of Songs says. Lebanon is from lavan, which means “white.” Salvation and obedience are white robes from the pleasant Land of the Garden. A great "cloud of witnesses" to the commandments of God and the testimony of Yeshua wears clean, pressed white garments:“When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.” (Re 6:9-11)If, according to Rashi, the garments were also pressed daily, does that seem too fantastic? Perhaps not! The cloud and fire was the Bridegroom’s way of keeping the Bride’s garments of glory washed, pressed, and perfectly sized: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless. So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, because we are members of His body.” (Eph 5:25-30)Remain in the Word, and the spiritual water and fire will clean your salvation garment and robes of Yeshua's righteousness daily. It will even give them a fine pressing so that there is not even a wrinkle in your commandment-keeping as you journey through the wilderness of the peoples. No wrinkles also means you've grown into them and matured in the journey. What might have seemed overwhelming at the beginning of the journey, you'll find was nothing to worry about. Your garments grew with you, and you grew into the garments!
Parsha “Ki Tavo,” (Devarim or Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8) is arguably the most well-known, and fearsome, catalog of blessings, and especially, cursings, in all of Scriture.
The Erev Shabbat reading literally lays out the case for the fact that are not only well-deserved, but already “in progress” for a nation which has turned from YHVH, and is in fact “jonesin’ fer judgment.”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SSM-9-20-24-Ki-Tavo-teaching-podcast-xxx.mp3But that is just the beginning.
WARNING: This is yet another reading in the continuing series that you will certainly NOT hear in sun-god-day school. And the fact that the curses are so well-deserved, and so lied about, is the reason why we had better be paying attention.
Only this world doesn’t. Not even close. And that is why this reading should be such a jarring “eye-opener.” The promised curses are arguably well-under way, and the rest close at hand,
In the Sabbath day midrash, Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa literally lays out the case for judgment, based on what the Whore Church as done not only IN SPITE of His Word, but TO it.
The curses outlined are specific to what can happen – and DID – when those who failed to “keep My commandments failed to do so, and were, as promised, kicked out of the land.
But there are other curses, too, for things generally done in secret. At least, they were. Now they are open, and even “proud” of ’em.
And Mark suggests that there is a good case to be made that the curses are still “on the table.” And what we have already seen, and are seeing, makes an even stronger case that there is more to come.
And His people should plan accordingly.
Ki Tavo: “When you have been KICKED OUT of the Land – Do the Curses Still Count?”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WT-CooH-9-21-24-Ki-Tavo-When-you-have-been-KICKED-OUT-of-the-Land-what-curses-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
This week the Torah teachers are joined by Hebrew Nation’s Dr. Richard Ruhling, to continue the study of the Book of the prophet Isaiah/YesheYahu, from chapter 47 into chapter 48.
Mark Pitrone in the hospital, and prayers are requested for his healing and protection.
In Luke 14:1-14 we see Yeshua teaching about honor and shame using the example of the seating arrangement at a wedding feast, making the point about how shameful self-exaltation can be and how honorable it is to have genuine humility. As He was teaching He used a phrase, “resurrection of the righteous”–what does this mean?
How are your vertical and horizontal relationships? Do you understand your place and role? Do you understand that if you have a place of authority over others that you also have an authority over you? Do you conduct yourself accordingly with honor? Are you showing the same kindness and patience to others that was shown to you?
Do you have a “limited definition” of evil? How is evil defined in scripture?
When is public correction of someone appropriate? By whom? What was Paul’s instruction to Timothy his student?
What does the phrase, under the yoke, refer to?
To whom is due “double respect/honor”?
Bringing this teaching to its conclusion, Rabbi Steve Berkson’s desire is for you to understand that as you conduct yourself in ways that bring honor to Messiah and the Father, honor/respect/esteem will come back to you from them and those around you.
Take advantage of new teachings every week.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 p.m. and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.
The Wild KingdomAs we approach the High Holy Days, we prepare to read a passage of Scripture on The Feast of Trumpets called The Akeidah. It refers to the binding of Isaac. A key verse is this:Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering? Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” So the two of them walked on together.” (Ge 22:7)For now, notice two things:1. Isaac respectfully addresses Avraham, "My father."2. Avraham responds, "Hineni." "Here I am, my son."They are in unity as to what is about to happen. Avraham will sacrifice Isaac, and Isaac will be figuratively resurrected from the dead. From henceforth, there is no question as to the line of succession. Two sons. One will be labeled "a wild donkey" (Ge 16:11-12), and one will receive the promise of a Land, Covenant, and People to pass along to his offspring. Although Avraham longed for Ishmael to live before Adonai, the birthright was awarded to the one who would sacrifice himself. The son walks with the father. The Son walks with the Father. When it is time for Isaac to in turn bless one of two sons, he nearly makes a mistake. Rivkah his wife knows that Esau unburdened himself of the birthright for a bowl of stew. He "hated" the promise, though later he sought it carefully with tears when he realized he wasn't entitled to the blessings if he didn't accept the birthright. Believers are not so different today. They quickly claim the promises, but when it comes to the obligations of the Torah, they are nowhere to be found. They're just playing a wild game. In order to deceive Isaac, Rivkah instructs Jacob to dress in Esau's special garment and to put goat skins on his arms.“So he [Jacob] came close and kissed him; and when he smelled the smell of his garments, he blessed him and said, “See, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field which the LORD has blessed...” (Ge 27:27)Although the voice didn’t add up to Isaac, the pleasant field fragrance was apparently a singular aroma, one not easily duplicated or confused with another. Where did it come from?The sages say it was from the blessed field of Creation, the garment Elohim made for Adam when he drove the first couple from the Garden. The garment was handed down to Noah, but after the Flood, the fear and dread of mankind fell upon the animal kingdom. With the special garment, though, the animal kingdom continued to have no fear. It still held the fragrance of obedient Eden. The animals would approach anyone wearing the garment, recognizing his authority in the Creation. It is thought that eventually Nimrod "the mighty hunger before the Lord" took control of the garment, which gave him power over the animals. When people saw this special power, they submitted themselves to him, giving him dictatorial power. At some point, Esau killed Nimrod and took this pleasant garment for his own:Then Rebekah took the best (chemdah) garments of Esau her elder son, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son. (Ge 27:15)????????? ??????? ???????????? ?????? ??????? ???????? ????????? ?????? ??????? ????????? ???????????? ??????????? ??????? ????????????????? chemdâh feminine of H2531; delight:—desire, goodly, pleasant, precious.Chemdah [chamud/chamuda] can apply to precious things like jewelry or clothes, but it especially applies to the Land of Israel, the reflection of the Garden above it. Here are some examples of its use in context with the Land:“Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe [??????????] in His Word...” (Ps 106:24)“...but I scattered them with a storm wind among all the nations whom they have not known. Thus the land is desolated behind them so that no one went back and forth, for they made the pleasant land desolate.” (Zech 7:14)Israel, “the pleasant Land,” is the most beautiful inheritance one may have among all the nations that the peoples may inherit. Those who bear the lingering fragrance of obedience founded on their belief, or faith, will be collected from the nations to inherit with “sons”:‘Return, O faithless sons,’ declares the LORD; ‘For I am a master to you, and I will take you one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.’ “Then I will give you shepherds after My own heart, who will feed you on knowledge and understanding. It shall be in those days when you are multiplied and increased in the land,” declares the LORD, “they will no longer say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the LORD.’ And it will not come to mind, nor will they remember it, nor will they miss it, nor will it be made again. At that time they will call Jerusalem ‘The Throne of the LORD,’ and all the nations will be gathered to it, to Jerusalem, for the name of the LORD; nor will they walk anymore after the stubbornness of their evil heart. In those days the house of Judah will walk with the house of Israel, and they will come together from the land of the north to the land that I gave your fathers as an inheritance. “Then I said, ‘How I would set you among My sons and give you a pleasant land, the most beautiful inheritance of the nations!’ And I said, ‘You shall call Me, My Father, and not turn away from following Me.’ (Je 3:14-19)That's the key. Those who return will say, "My Father" and not turn away from Him and His commandments as Esau did. Esau, the Red One, the wild red beast of Revelation, is a human in whom the soul practices subjugation of the spirit. The spiritual authority of the Father is only their second thought, hindsight, with regret for the goods lost, not necessarily the rift with the Father. As an example, Esau took two idolatrous wives without his parents’ permission, and only later did he take a daughter of Ishmael.Esau only regrets selling his birthright when he realizes the “loot” of the blessing was also forfeited. The scarlet beast is fully invested in the economic system to satisfy his soul. He serves the Father to obtain the goods and crown. He loves competition and games because he loves to win. That's why he hunts. Not just to eat, but to win. The taste of wild game is the reward of the hunt, fueling feelings of superiority and dominance over the creation. In Esau's case, he doesn't even want to wear the garment of the blessed field to hunt the wild game for his father. It's not enough of a challenge if the animals just walk up to him. It wouldn't have the taste of "wild" game. Notice the difference and progression of these “my fathers” related to garments:Then he [Jacob] came to his father and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am (Hineni). Who are you, my son?” (Ge 27:18)Then he [Esau] also made savory food and brought it to his father; and he said to his father, “Let my father arise and eat of his son's game, that you may bless me.” (Ge 27:31)When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me, even me also, O my father!” (Ge 27:34)Jacob approaches in shepherd-skins and says, “My father.”Esau approaches and orders his father to arise, eat what he has hunted instead of shepherded, and bless him.Only after Esau realizes what has happened is he humbled to plea, “O my father.”Yeshua explains that real "food" is not wild, but obedient work on the obligations of the birthright: "Jesus said to them, 'My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.'" (Jn 4:34)So, who are you, my son? Who are you, my daughter? Are you wearing the garment with the fragrance of obedience in Eden? Are you serving the Father for the loot, or to sacrifice for the sake of all the souls who will be added to the Kingdom? Now is the time to examine our garments. Do they smell of the fruitful, sown seed of the diligent servant who went weeping on his way, carrying a bag of seed? Or do they smell of wild game? When the last shofar blows, he who wept first will reap gladness and joy. He who practiced disobedience will weep last, find out that his reward was only in the physical world, the here and now. His garment could not withstand the fiery swords of the cheruvim at the entrance to the blessed field. Seek first the Kingdom, the birthright of the redeemed. It may feel as though you are bound, but you will resurrect to more riches than eternity can hold.At the resurrection, only then all the things of the blessings will be added to you. Walk on with the Father. Forever. Please SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to get new teachings.
Parsha “Ki Tetzi,” (Devarim or Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19) is not only one of the most NOT-PC parashot in the Torah, but the fact that it IS should tell us exactly where things stand, on the Road to Judgment.
For example, the very first segment, often called the ‘war bride,’ sounds like something that ‘modern feminism’ would call barbaric. Until they see the alternative. Perhaps much sooner that they expect. The fact is, His Word does not “oppress” women, it protects them.
The Erev Shabbat reading literally lays out the case for the fact that the lessons here have become to UNPALATABLE to a nation that despises His Word that it is literally “jonesin’ fer judgment.”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SSM-9-13-24-Ki-Tetzi-teaching-podcast-xxx.mp3But that is just the beginning.
WARNING: This is yet another reading in the continuing series that you will NOT hear in sun-god-day school. Which is again why what He RREALY says will surprise some. Which in itself is another commentary on the “lies we have inherited from our fathers.”
Only this world doesn’t. Not even close. And that is why this reading should be such a jarring “eye-opener.”
iterally lays out the case for judgment, based on what the Whore Church as done not only IN SPITE of His Word, but TO it.
In the Sabbath day midrash, Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa literally lays out the case for judgment, based on what the Whore Church as done not only IN SPITE of His Word, but TO it.
In the process, it is illustrative to see just how much of the ‘rhetorical device’ Yahushua used in the Sermon on the Mount, His very first public address, comes right from this parsha. And how, immediately after He warned about teaching that even “the least of” His commandments can be broken, so many translations have done EXACTLY that with His Words.
From marriage, to money, this is one that goes to the very heart of what is wrong with a nation, and a world, which hates His Word.
Ki Tetzi: “Jonesin’ fer Judgment.” Which commandments have we NOT been taught to break?”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WT-CooH-9-14-24-Ki-Tetzi-Its-SO-NOT-PC-Jonesin-fer-Judgment-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
Mark Call welcomes back author and torah teacher Pete Rambo of natsab.com this week for ‘Part Two’ of the discussion of what could be called “Barriers to Torah.”
This week we take on a few of the other ‘sacred cows’ (or pigs, to start with) that we have been told, at best, to ignore. We understand that so much of what we have been taught is SUPPOSED to be “church doctrine” is not actually from Scripture at all, but is sometimes even antithetical to it.
And sometimes, it even seems people love their bacon and Easter eggs more than they love Him, or His Word.
There are no doubt going to be some things in this discussion that will offend some. But, after all, that is what He warned us would happen, right?
Show notes:
Pete’s books: Repairing the Breach
Authority, Headship, and Family Structure
Ten Parts In The King
all available from his websites:
natsab.com 113Restoration.com
Some additional show notes: Pete sees the ‘Zadokite’ dates for the Fall Feast this year as:
Yom Teruah September 18th
Yom Kippur September 27th
Sukkot October 2nd thru 9th
Pete also again mentioned
“Exposing the Spirit of Ashtoreth” by Jacob Foulk.
There are events in your life that reflect whether or not you bring honor or shame to Messiah and the Father. In Luke 9:23 we hear Yeshua Messiah lay out the requirements for being a follower of Him. What does it mean to take up your stake daily? How does that bring honor? Have you been called into this walk to be miserable? Do you feel trapped in a cycle of guilt caused from your perception of “not ever getting it right”? You can break out of that cycle through using a gift that has been given you by the Father–what is that gift? “Yahweh is not so concerned with what you did wrong, rather, He wants to see what you do next–do you acknowledge the wrong and repent, or do you act like “oh well, no big deal”? The honorable way is to own the mistake, use the gift of repentance and move forward.”
Are there things or people in your life that are toxic to your walk? How do you deal with them honorably?
Rabbi Berkson breaks down Matt 19:16-30: Why was eternal life asked about and not “salvation”? Why did Yeshua say “If you wish to be ‘perfect’”? What does ‘perfect’ mean in this interaction? Rabbi Berkson connects a few scripture dots to clarify the meaning of ‘perfect’. Was Yeshua speaking only of this man’s material possessions?
Take advantage of new teachings every week.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services and Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 p.m. and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.
Charm SchoolHave you ever seen something in a Judaica catalog or shop that made you scratch your head? Symbols are always a hot topic in our circles, and often the discussions are full of extremes. In our quest to be willingly obedient to the Word of Adonai, sometimes it's obvious we never went to charm school. Or charm and symbol school.Frank Houtz, may his memory be for blessing, did an excellent job addressing fears of idolatory in words and symbols in his lecture, “Discerning Between Good and Evil” (2010), and he presents a reliable hermeneutic to identify customs that are indeed evil from those that mean exactly what those who use them believe them to mean. In Creation Gospel Workbook Six, we address some of the controversy: “The Magen David (Star of David) is a good example of symbolism that has been appropriated by some pagan religions. Because of that, some believers with a poor hermeneutical skill set have averred that the Magen David is a pagan symbol. Without adding anything but common sense to Houtz’ insightful, careful work with the subject, the obvious questions are, “What is the symbol’s primary source, and what did the Magen David mean to the people who began to identify with it?”If pagan cultures at some time appropriated the symbol, it has no bearing on what it originally meant to those who began to use it, for the Fourth Day of Creation of sun, moon, and stars antedated by far any pagan identification. I’m sure no Christian wants Christianity judged by the number of cross necklaces worn in mug shot photos or at lewd, filthy concerts. Just because trees have been worshiped as gods and used as pagan symbols doesn't mean we can have trees in our yards.The symbol of the Magen David is accepted universally as a symbol of the Jewish people. It is not so much an ancient Israelite symbol, but more cultural and ethnic identity. At this point in history, it is the observance of the Biblical moedim that sets apart Israel from the heathen nations, making the association of the Magen David with paganism antithetical. The Jewish people have long been associated by other nations both with the moedim of Scripture as well as the symbol of the Magen David. Monotheism. (Scroll down for full communication from Frank)But what about other symbols, like charms? There is a fine line between a symbol of remembrance or identification and believing the symbol itself has power that belongs to the Creator. For instance, in times past, our congregation was accused of worshiping a Torah scroll. No, we respect the Word; it is valuable to us.Now if we marched the scroll down to the local ATM, held it up to the machine and believed it would miraculously spit out $10,000 every time, there's a bronze serpent problem.Twenty-four ornaments of the Bride are based on the richness that Israel used to seduce her lovers instead of her Bridegroom who gave them to her:“...and the LORD will make their foreheads bare. In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, headbands, crescent ornaments, dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume boxes, amulets, finger rings, nose rings, festal robes, outer tunics, cloaks, money purses, hand mirrors, undergarments, turbans and veils. Now it will come about that instead of sweet perfume there will be putrefaction; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of well-set hair, a plucked-out scalp...” (Is 3:18-24 NASB)In the Shabbat livestream, we’ll examine the spiritual significance of each of these bridal ornaments, but one of them, the amulet, is a head-scratcher. That’s primarily because we’re only familiar with the corruption of the symbol, not the Scriptural, Hebrew meaning of it that makes it an ornament fit for a bride.amulets [lehashim] ?????? a whisper, i.e. by implication, (in a good sense) a private prayer, (in a bad one) an incantation; concretely, an amulet:—charmed, earring, enchantment, orator, prayer.Are they forbidden magic and superstition, or is there a more ancient use?The variety of necklace-type adornments links the wording of how to lay tefillin to wearing a pendant, amulet, necklace, etc.My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you. Keep my commandments and live, and my teaching as the apple of your eye.Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. (Pr 7:1-3)My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. (Pr 3:1-4)The above is very much like the description of how Yeshua grew in Scriptures and with people, the exact vertical/horizontal relationship found in the two greatest commandments, love Adonai and love your neighbor. “And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” (Lk 2:52)My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life... (Pr 6:20-23)A permitted Bridal amulet should have the Word in some form that draws you to hear the voice of the Ruach guiding you and protecting you from sin. The writing is silent, “whispered,” like the Ruach in a still, small voice. Traditionally, Jewish amulets contain a verse of Scripture. Those containing mystical combinations of Hebrew letters are sketchy because of the Scriptural understanding of an amulet’s function: to remind the wearer of Adonai’s protective power. If the wearer doesn’t understand the words or symbols, it is not the thing to wear because it’s missing the mark. Different contexts of lachash, the root of amulet, which is connected to protection from harm:Positive“O LORD, they sought You in distress; they could only whisper a prayer, Your chastening was upon them.” (Is 26:16)“The captain of fifty and the honorable man, the counselor and the expert artisan, and the skillful enchanter.” (Is 3:3)Negative“If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.” (Ecc 10:11)“For behold, I am sending serpents against you, adders, for which there is no charm, and they will bite you,” declares the LORD. (Je 8:17)The Word destroys the venom of the serpent, which is the “trick” of snake charmers. They remove the fangs and venom ducts before training it. If the snake bites before that, it harms. The Bride has no fear of snakebite, for the Word neutralizes venomous lies. The serpent may bite, but it cannot destroy. Shake it off. This enrages the serpent in Revelation.*The context is honorable people, so likely an orator or Scriptural wordsmith who is skilled with writing prayers for amulets.Literally, “master of the tongue”As an ornament of the Bride, an amulet represents a hushed prayer, a reminder of Scripture for protection. The daily prayer, the Amidah, is prayed in a whisper. Although silent, the amulet connects the wearer with the Scriptural prayer. It's fine to wear a necklace or any other jewelry with Scripture or its symbols if it is a reminder of the One who holds the power.Why are amulets associated with protection? If we read the contexts around the Proverbs passages concerning the binding of Torah around the neck or fingers, the promise is that it will “keep you from the evil woman, from the smooth tongue of the adulteress.” (Pr 6:20)Scripture mentions snake charming as the evil example of amulet use. It is not the amulet that will prevent the snake from biting; it is the relationship of the wearer to the Word on the amulet and the One to Whom the prayer is directed. One cannot behave any way one wants and expect the “amulet” of tefillin or a Shema necklace to protect him or her. Snake venom is false doctrine...another reason the 24 ornaments should be completed. The number twenty-four represents the original number of the books of the TANAKH. The more we immerse in the Word, the Son of Elohim, the more protection we have against evil. Using it as a magic charm undercuts the actual use of an amulet, a piece of jewelry that reminds us of our intimate relationship with the Bridegroom and the Word He sent us to bind us to Him. A “hamsa hand” charm can no more prevent evil than not stepping on a crack will preserve our mothers’ backs or pointing a cross at a vampire will keep it away. If there were vampires. Which there is not.Except for vampire bats.There’s those.
Parsha “Vaetchanan,” (Devarim or Deuteronomy 3:23 – 7:11) is, very what might be called the heart of the heart of His Torah, because it includes not only the ‘reiteration’ of the Ten Debarim (Sayings, Words, or ‘commandments’) but also what the Messiah Himself called the “greatest commandment” of all.
First, he Erev Shabbat reading of some of the most central commandments in the Bible:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SSM-8-16-24-Vaetchanan-teaching-podcast-x.mp3In the Sabbath day midrash, Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa makes the case that there is FAR more to the instruction here than many of us have been led to believe.
It’s a ‘razor’ that is key to understanding how to discern His Truth from the “lies we have inherited from our fathers.” And a ‘church’ that, all too often, attempts to turn his very Word ‘upside down.’
The deception He warned us about is here. But we can ‘see that your are not deceived.’
WARNING: This is another rather blunt message, because time draws short.
“Vaetchanan: The Razor!”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WT-CooH-8-16-24-Vaetchanan-The-Razor-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
The Torah teachers take a deeper, albeit shortened, look this week at the Book of the prophet Isaiah/YesheYahu, chapter 43.
What qualified Yeshua to be able to teach with authority? Under who did He disciple? This is the question that the First-Century religious authority asked Yeshua right after He healed someone in a synagogue on Shabbat, as we find in the book of John chapter 7.
Yeshua informs them that He has been discipled of His Father, something they could not understand or accept. They then attempt to publicly shame Yeshua.
Moving into chapter 8, verse 12, we find Messiah Yeshua again teaching in the Temple and the Pharisees again coming to Him in an attempt to again publicly shame Him. Yeshua continues to proclaim what and who He is, giving honor to His Father.
The way Yeshua received honor from His Father is something that we can do also today–what is it? (John 8:29)
John 8:32 is mostly quoted and taught as a self-standing verse, “and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” However, this verse starts with the word ‘and’–what proceeds is vitally important, what is it?
Take advantage of new teachings every week.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
Dog FoodYour lips, my bride, drip honey;Honey and milk are under your tongue,And the fragrance of your garmentsIs like the fragrance of Lebanon.The Torah, the Word of Adonai, is compared to milk and honey. The more we learn, the more we do. The more we learn, the more we can speak with spiritual intelligence.Midrash Rabbah 4§22 says:If one can make his words pleasing like honey and milk mixed together when he is speaking [under your tongue], then he is fit to say words of Torah [honey drops from your lips]...he must incorporate multiple branches of Torah knowledge in his addresses, like the different tastes of honey and milk mixing together.The "different tastes" can mean incorporating different parts of Scripture into one's words, or it can mean selecting the words to fit the understanding level of the hearers. Incorporating different parts of Scripture in an exhortation or teaching is likened to the twenty-four adornments of the Bride listed in Isaiah. Just as the high priest may not serve if he is missing even one of his eight garments, so the Bride should be well-versed (!) in all of the Word so that she may present them as delicious meals that are both appreciated and digested. The Midrash continues:Before one undertakes to present a reproachful sermon to an audience, he must determine that his message of inspiration and reproof will be so appealing to its recipients that it can potentially turn them around, transforming ‘unclean’ sinners into pure and holy people. Only when one’s sermons meet this ‘milk-and-honey’ standard-when they resonate with the masses and inspire them to repentance-does he have license to give them; otherwise, they are better left unsaid.Anyone who says words of Torah in public, and they are not pleasing to those who hear them is like the bride, who is pleasing to people when under her wedding canopy, it would have been better for him had he not said them. If the audience does not appreciate them, the words of Torah that he is imparting will suffer disgrace. One must ensure that he teaches Torah using the choicest of words, entirely free of inaccuracy or imperfection. A teacher should not teach according to his or her own disappointments, hurts, anger, fears, or grief. Those words will not be beautiful, nor will they move people to repentance. Life experiences inform what we teach, but personal emotions should never be allowed to direct the Word in a way to inflict one's own anger, fear, or disappointment onto the hearers. Those types of tantrums disguised as teaching or preaching bring reproach to the beautiful Word.Additionally, if the teacher is unfamiliar with the whole Word, or the teaching is not in harmony with the whole Word, the teacher will teach inaccurately. This is the danger of fixation on one doctrine. There is another danger as well...Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. (Mt 7:6)While this sounds harsh, look at the Torah clues to Yeshua’s warning. Dogs may eat trafe, or “torn” meat, that which does not meet the criteria of food for the holy community. Such food is not slaughtered precisely, without cruelty, according to high standards. Dogs slaughter and eat their food through strangling and tearing. Yeshua isn't calling people dogs and pigs; he's using the analogy to show how the food offered needs to fit the eater.Pigs do not recognize as valuable what is valuable to humans. They only value what goes into their stomachs. The beautiful pearls of Scripture are not useful to them.It’s important to know your audience or students. Teach over someone’s head, and the time is wasted. Insult their learning level, and the time is wasted. In a mixed audience, try to hit somewhere in the middle. Teach to the students’ needs, yet stretch them to holier places. Challenge with milk and honey until they can consume holy meat without tearing it in the processing.If they are “hogging” on a single doctrine, consider whether the pearls of Torah will be trampled in their pursuit. Their appetites may need to change before the whole Word is appreciated.The prophets often proclaimed the Word to people who didn’t heed their words, nor did they repent. They often tore and trampled the prophets or killed them.On the other hand, a remnant heard. If you are inspired of the Ruach HaKodesh to proclaim the Word, then do so. You might be planting seeds of repentance such as Stephen planted in Paul even as he was being martyred. Stephen’s dying sermon was full bridal adornment, taking the hearers on a TANAKH tour. Peter’s Shavuot sermon moved thousands. We don’t have control over what the hearers do with the Word, whether they will let it encourage them or cause them to repent.The remnant heard and repented, passing along the Scriptures we have today. What is the balance then? Milk and honey, or fiery hellfire diatribes?It’s not that you can’t speak hard words, but how they are delivered. Kindness and truth are intrinsic to the Torah. Truth draws the spirit, while kindness draws the soul. If we disregard the whole person who is listening, our lecturing may reveal a soul sickness within ourselves, not those whom we are “reproving and correcting.” Moses and Aaron paid dearly for “you rebels.” The Israelites weren’t rebelling, they were grieving. When someone says, “It's just the way I feel,” it's all and only about what they feel. Assume that whatever follows will not be balanced with truth or balance. The person is telling us plainly that facts don't matter and he or she has no concern for the object of their words or actions in that situation. He or she is telling the truth about one thing: the person only cares about how he feels.Maniacal social media posting usually gratifies those who are “with” us, distances even more those who aren’t, and confuses others. Such careless dissemination of the Word is only marginally for the benefit of the hearer or reader. It is primarily for the careless, soul-controlled sower worshiping his or her current perceptions.Who knows how much inaccurate “out loud” thinking has dropped into a reader’s or hearer’s heart when we fancy ourselves a Stephen being martyred for truth? The Word is beautiful. Delicious. Fragrant. Pleasing. It is the teacher's job to instruct so that the beauty of the Word is imparted.It is also important for the student to find a teacher who has the ability to impart the Word in a way that is milk, honey, and eventually, meat to the soul. Not every teacher fits every student. If the teacher's delivery doesn't click, then it's no reason to tear or trample the sower. Find a teacher able to click and coach into holier spaces of service.A few weeks ago, Ulpan-Or Hebrew Newsletter wrote:The Hebrew word for donkey (in general) is "khamor” - ????.Khamor also refers to matter / material / clay - ????.Both are derived from the same Hebrew root - ???In Exodus the verse states:???? ??????? ?????? ?????????, ????? ?????? ?????????, ???????????, ??????? ??? ????? ????????, ??????When you see the donkey of your enemy being overburdened by its burdens, don’t ignore it. It’s incumbent upon you to help relieve its burden.You observe "khamor", meaning - your physical body and the coarse materialism of life – and you see that it is your enemy, opposing all things spiritual, and feeling overburdened by the sublime responsibilities of the soul. You may then think of ignoring your body so that it does not distract you from fulfilling your calling. You may even want to punish the body through asceticism and self-affliction.Says the Torah: No! You are responsible to support, refine and elevate the material aspect of your being - the "khamor", even if it appears to be your enemy. Thus, our Torah portion reveals the following principle:At times, when we are unable to hear the voice of the spirit within us, we must listen to our material body’s voice. (summarized from Ulpan-Or Newsletter, July 19, 2024)Throwing harsh words into the ether is like screaming to make yourself heard in the crowd around the Tower of Bavel. Throwing harsh words at believers without understanding their physical and emotional state is not something a teacher should do. Like the Israelites complaining about the water, there may be more to know about the situation before firing off Word canons.Most likely, the fiery words of Torah are falling on uncomprehending ears. Another stick thrown on their donkey. A trampled pearl. Torn beyond recognition. Shouldn't they hear the Word as milk and honey, as truth to the spirit AND kindness to the soul?This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God... (Ja 1:19-20) If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? (Ja 2:15-16)Sometimes what the body and soul need are milk and honey. Nurture a disciple, know them, and form a relationship. Just as a mom knows what her children can eat or not at each stage of growth, the teacher selects the Words. No tearing or strangling necessary when the students grow into appeciating solid, holy meat fit for a nation of royal priests.
The annual cycle reading for this week begins a new Book, and the final Book, in the Torah, or Books of Moses, and it also marks the final chapter, and month of his life. It is also something of a valedictory, in that it is a speech which is both his last address, as well as a summary of what has come before, and more.
Parsha “Devarim,” (Devarim or Deuteronomy chapters 1 through 3) is, very literally HaDebarim, or The Words, that Moshe spoke to ‘kol Israel,’ as they prepared to enter the land.
The English name for the Book suggests that it is a ‘second reading’ or summary, of the Torah, or Instruction delivered through Moses, but many students of His Word have suggested that the structure of the Book is that of a covenant treaty, between a King and His vassals.
And this parsha lays the groundwork.
The Erev Shabbat reading:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SSM-8-9-24-Devarim-teaching-podcast-x.mp3As Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship has often noted, the single Book of Deuteronomy itself is not only recognized as the foundation for the English, later American, Common Law, but is also THE most quoted reference by the Founders and the ‘Committees of Correspondence’ in our founding era.
Is this a Covenant that still applies to His people? His Remnant must understand.
WARNING: This is a blunt message, because time draws short – and strong language.
“Debarim: Are We The ‘Remnant’?”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WT-CooH-8-10-24-Devarim-Covenant-Treaty-BE-the-Remnant-CooH-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
The Torah teachers take a deeper look this week at the Book of the prophet Isaiah/YesheYahu, chapter 42.
Why did Messiah Yeshua say, “I do not receive honor/esteem from men”? Rabbi Steve Berkson brings some understanding as he relates from John chapter 5 the heated interaction between Yeshua and the religious authority at that time.
Take advantage of new teachings every week.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
This week, the regular reading cycle includes a “double portion,” Matot/Masei (Numbers 30:2 through the End of the Book)
========== More detail to be added later ==================
The Erev Shabbat reading:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/SSM-8-2-24-Double-parsha-Matot-Masei-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3 “Matot/Masei: Real Authority – the Answer is 42 – and it’s ALL too MUCH!”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/WT-CooH-8-3-24-Double-parsha-Matot-Masei-Its-TOO-Much-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
There are others who teach this subject from a historical perspective, but what does the concept of honor and shame mean to you today?
When you interact with others, do you even think about what is honorable or shameful?
How can you apply honor and shame when in this Western Culture, morality has taken such a beating.
The definition of right and wrong, good and bad, honor and shame seems to be shifting sand. There is no longer a conventional understanding/agreement as to these concepts. Thankfully, there is a rock that has always been there, providing stability and direction for the human condition.
In this series of teachings, Rabbi Steve Berkson brings understanding and clarity to the subject of Honor and Shame from the principles and examples that can be found in the owner’s manual for this life–the Word of the Creator.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
The Torah parsha this week, “Pinchas,” (Numbers 25:10-30:1) might be thought of as “part two” of the story that began last week with Balak and Bilaam, and ended with at least a bit of a ‘cliffhanger’ in the story of the deaths and plague associated with how Bilaam evidently managed to get the people of Israel to curse themselves, when he was not able to.
And Pinchas, son of Eleazer the Kohen, and thus grandson of Aaron himself, did something dramatic, even shocking, to stop that plague. And perhaps the fact that he was rewarded by YHVH with the “Covenant of Peace [Shalom]” might even raise some eyebrows, especially today.
What follows is then another “head count,” and ultimately a reminder of the “Appointed Times of YHVH, as described by the Erev Shabbat reading:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SSM-7-26-24-Pinchas-teaching-podcast-x.mp3Last week, in the first installment of the story, Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship touched on the end of the story as well, and of Bilaam, and how he got himself killed. Deservedly.
But the story this week is Pinchas, and how he merited the Covenant of Shalom (Peace) from YHVH Himself, and for being “zealous” (qanah, in Hebrew) for Him.
There is, of course, peril in thinking we can cavalierly “do likewise.”
But these are perilous times anyway. So it’s a mistake to fail when we should act, too.
“Pinchas: ‘Was Pinchas Doing God’s Work?’ “
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/WT-CooH-7-26-24-Pinchas-Was-Pinchas-Doing-Gods-Work-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/WT-CooH-7-26-24-Pinchas-Was-Pinchas-Doing-Gods-Work-podcast-xxx.mp3
He thought he had finished the teaching on The Covenant in the last episode, however, Rabbi Berkson felt there were still some things that needed to be talked about. He points out that at first glance what is going on in chapters 9 and 10 really don’t affect our walk, but after a prompt from his Boss to double-check those chapters, here we are!
If you’ve ever been told that the Book of Hebrews is just too hard to understand, then you definitely should watch this episode. Rabbi Berkson breaks down verse by verse, passage by passage, passionately relating the revealed meanings so that you understand and benefit.
Questions:
• What’s the difference between committing sin by ignorance or defiantly?
• Was there forgiveness of sin under the sacrificial system?
• How is the covenant at Sinai meant to be a “parable” of something?
• In Hebrews 9:10, the author uses the term “set straight”–what does this mean?
• Is there a difference between redemption and forgiveness?
• What exactly did the blood shed by Messiah Yeshua do that surpassed the sacrificial system?
Take advantage of new teachings every week.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
The Filling StationWhen I was around four years old, my aunt borrowed my dad’s work truck, probably to carry a load of tomatoes to market. If you’ve never had a freshly-picked southwest Arkansas-grown Bradley tomato, you don’t know what you’re missing. My Aunt Frances took me along, and she pulled into a filling station to get gas. For those of you too young to know what a filling station is, it’s a lot like a gas station, but there’s someone there to pump the gas, often dressed in a uniform. He checked the tire pressure and cleaned the windshield while the gas pumped. Eventually, they called that “Full service.” Back then, it was the only kind of service. The attendant asked my Aunt Frances what kind of gas she wanted. My aunt wasn’t sure what Dad used, so she asked me, “Hollisa, what kind of gas does your daddy put in this truck?”Happy to have the right answer to a very adult question, I replied, “He gets Fillerupregular.” Nowadays, I suppose it’s even more important to select the right kind of fuel for different kinds of engines. In the Kingdom of Heaven, often disputes arise about grace vs works because we are pouring the wrong kind of fuel. The fuel is wrong because the question is wrong. The question is wrong because of a misunderstanding of the fundamentals of salvation, grace, obedience, and holiness. Like my four-year-old understanding of gasoline, often we simply parrot what we’ve heard someone say, someone older or wiser than we. We memorize the answer before we understand the words. There is a reason two cheruvim guard the entrance to the Garden. Death cannot dwell there. Sin falls under the legal purview of death. Rebellion and transgression sins transfer a person under the custody of death. To allow a sinner to enter the holier spaces of the Presence is to consign them to the custody of death. It’s like trying to drop a quarter into the slot only big enough for a dime. The way to the most powerful dwelling of the Divine Presence grows narrower as we walk with Adonai. Salvation begins the walk, but sanctification is a lifelong process of letting the Ruach HaKodesh shape us and strip away impairments that might delay our ability to stand and serve in holier places of the Presence. Adonai does not want us foolishly scampering into a holier place than that for which our obedience has prepared us. Just as there is glory to glory, life to life, growth to growth, so there are different kinds of “death.” Death is a matter of separation. The Mishkan drew levels of holiness in the Camp of Israel. The pattern of the kohanim illustrates how a nation of priests should approach the holy spaces of ministry in holy garments so that they are not cut off...You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. You shall speak to all the skillful persons whom I have endowed with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister as priest to Me. These are the garments which they shall make:..(Ex 28:2-4) ... “They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they enter the tent of meeting, or when they approach the altar to minister in the holy place, so that they do not incur guilt and die.” (v. 43)Even the Kohen HaGadol could die from his service!It doesn't mean he wasn't saved from the second death, but that he couldn't fit into that holy space in disobedience.Rashi comments to the passage above: “When they enter the Tent of Meeting...and die.” See that you have learned from this verse that a Kohen who performs the service lacking any of the Kohen’s garments in subject to death.” This is a death “at the hands of Heaven,” not execution by the courts. It may or may not have an immediate visible effect to the natural eye.Rashi to Ex 28:41 “With them you shall dress Aaron your brother and his sons with him; you shall anoint them [with anointing oil], and you shall fill their hand, and you shall sanctify them, and they shall be Kohanim...” “Any filling of the hands in Scripture is an expression of inauguration when one enters upon a matter to be acknowledge as holding it from that day on that is called filling of the hands...filling the hands connotes taking full possession of something, e.g., a position of authority.”Even though Aaron’s sons Nadav and Avihu had died in a holier place of the Presence than their obedience and level of consecration permitted, nevertheless, Aaron was required to stay in the Mishkan because the anointing oil was upon him. The authority and responsbility had been poured into his hands.As Kohen HaGadol, his consecration had prepared him for the realm of holiness, the incense service, for which his sons had not yet been authorized. Obedience and consecration fills our hands with the authority of the Holy One to serve in the holier places, and unlike the rest of Israel, Aaron was limited in how he could grieve. The anointing prepares us for the suffering we will do in order to “fit” in those holier places of the Presence. How does this enrich our understanding of Boaz’ statement to Ruth not to appear before Naomi “empty-handed” in the House of Bread, Beit Lechem?Filling our hands with offerings when we approach the holy places such as Mishkan, Mikdash, or even our local congregation, is an affirmation of our position as a Kingdom of Priests willing to serve in the holier spaces. Juxtaposed with these extensive explanations of the Kohen HaGadol’s garments in Exodus 28 is a comprehensive list of oil-infused matzah “lechem,” “challot,” and “rakik” in Exodus 29:2-3.Ruth was engaging in an act of consecration on the threshing floor of Beit Lechem. Boaz acknowledged her clean garments, her anointing, her request for a holier place of the Presence of Adonai. A marriage should create a holy place for the family to thrive in the service of Adonai. Most likely, Boaz had been longing for this moment of pouring into her hands this promise of a closer place in his home, extending his authority into her hands to minister on his behalf, encouraging Naomi of restoration.This should inspire us to never have a garment lacking as we await the Bridegroom. Let us never lack for oil to anoint our gifts of “poor man’s bread” or for oil of anointing on our heads and hands as royal priests of the Kingdom. As we grow in obedience, we will grow in respect to our salvation and step into the holier places attained only through service and suffering for the sake of the Word. What if we despair of family or friends who don’t seem to be preparing to stand in the holier places of the Presence?“Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” (Ro 14:4)While it is important to pray for the unsaved, yes, often the saved are not interested in dwelling in holier places in eternity. Maybe they are so consumed with their own interests that we doubt their salvation. The good news is that there are many realms of holiness, just like the Israelite camp. Although many servants may not be able to stand in the Temple, there are less holy spaces that they can be made to stand where the brightness of the Divine Presence will not bring about the second death. Yeshua taught in Luke 14:7-11 that we shouldn’t make assumptions about one another’s “place” in the Kingdom, but to remain humble servants:And He began speaking a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been picking out the places of honor at the table, saying to them, “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for someone more distinguished than you may have been invited by him, and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then in disgrace you proceed to occupy the last place. But when you are invited, go and recline at the last place, so that when the one who has invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher’; then you will have honor in the sight of all who are at the table with you. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”If we strive to obey the Word, let it not be in order to gain a reward of a higher position over others, but for the intimacy of holier places to serve and linger near the “livelier” realms of holiness.Please SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to get new teachings.
Most people probably remember this story based on the name of the character who talked to YHVH more than the King for whom the parsha [“Balak” (Numbers 22:2-25:9)] is named.
More memorable, still, is “Balaam’s Talking Ass” – who isn’t actually named in story at all – but has registered as one of the most colorful, even humourous, vignettes in Scripture.
The Erev Shabbat reading:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SSM-7-19-24-Balak-teaching-podcast-xxx.mp3The Sabbath Day midrash:
“Balak: Was Bilaam (aka ‘Balaam’) the Bill Clinton of his day?”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/WT-CooH-7-20-24-Balak-Balak-Bilaam-the-ancient-Bill-Klinton-podcast-xxxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
Host Mark Call welcomes back special guest, author, and former well-known HNR personality Daniel Holdings to talk about “Why there is no power in ‘the Church,” and what that means in a time where ever-bigger lies are being revealed – just as we have been promised.
Moving into the letter to the Hebrews chapters 7-9, a comparison or contrast of not only the two priesthoods, Levitical and Melchizedekian, begins to be made, but also a comparison of the two temples–earthly and heavenly.
Then, arriving at the key verse that has to do with the Covenant, 7:22, Rabbi Steve Berkson proposes a better, more understandable translation and interpretation of the Greek behind the English.
Rabbi Berkson points out a significant revelation regarding the thought that the Torah and Covenant was “weak” and “earthly” which is that they were not what was weak or earthly, but rather, it was the human-beings that were operating within the Torah and Covenant. You will not hear that on a Sunday!
If you’ve ever been told that the Book of Hebrews is just too hard to understand, then you definitely should watch this episode. Rabbi Berkson breaks down verse by verse, passage by passage, passionately relating the revealed meanings so that you understand and benefit.
Questions:
• What does New York pizza have to do with the Covenant?
• What are the “necessary adjustments” that were made regarding the two priesthoods?
• How can Messiah Yeshua serve as a High Priest since He is not of the correct lineage?
• The Torah cannot perfect anything?
• In what way was the Torah (Law) “weak”?
• In what way is the “new covenant” better? Better than what?
• Verse 28 talks about an “oath” relating to the Torah–in what proximity was this oath?
• Why are some words in the Bible italicized?
• Some say that because we don’t have a Levitical Priesthood in place today, tithing is no longer necessary–is this true?
Take advantage of new teachings every week.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
That's not like you.He wasn't himself.She's having a bad day.Ever say that to or about someone?After the beloved Miriam's death, the gracious Moses and Aaron go missing:And the people of Israel, the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month, and the people stayed in Kadesh. And Miriam died there and was buried there. Now there was no water for the congregation.And they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. And the people quarreled with Moses and said, “Would that we had perished when our brothers perished before the Lord! Why have you brought the assembly of the Lord into this wilderness, that we should die here, both we and our cattle? And why have you made us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this evil place? It is no place for grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, and there is no water to drink.” Then Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the entrance of the tent of meeting and fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared to them, and the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water. So you shall bring water out of the rock for them and give drink to the congregation and their cattle.” And Moses took the staff from before the Lord, as he commanded him.Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” These are the waters of Meribah, where the people of Israel quarreled with the Lord, and through them he showed himself holy. (Nu 20:1-13)When Moses and Aaron took the message to the congregation, did they transmit the Glory of the Presence? Was it consistent with Kadesh, a place of testing in holiness?When they delivered the message, did Israel see what they saw in the Tent of Meeting?In Chukkat, there are three examples of the “sanctification of the Name” to witnesses through the death of a righteous person:1)The death of MiriamThe death decrees of2)Moses and3)Aaron.Before that, the deaths of Nadav and Avihu...Then Moses said to Aaron, “It is what the LORD spoke, saying, ‘I will be sanctified by those who are close to Me, and before all the people I will be honored.’ So Aaron, therefore, kept silent.” (Le 10:3)When a righteous person is judged or simply passes away peacefully, it definitely creates awe, mourning, and fear in those who see or hear it, thus sanctifying the Name.But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Since you did not believe in Me to sanctify Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore, you will not bring this congregation to the land which I have given them.” They are the waters of strife, where the children of Israel contended with the LORD, and He was sanctified through them. (Nu 20:12-13 Artscroll)As a result, the trio were all removed from the congregation before entering the Promised Land. Missing.A garden locked is my sister, my bride,A rock garden locked, a spring sealed up. (So 4:12)A hint to our missing persons, Miriam, Moses, and Aaron, may be found in the “eyes of the people,” the Bride being tried in the wilderness:“Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water.” (v 8)“...to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel...” (v 12)Einayim (pl), ein, "eye," or "sight" also means a spring, a fountain. Had Moses and Aaron spoken tenderly to the sealed “rock garden,” it may have released the holy spiritual power of faith, hope, and love within the Bride. Instead, they scolded angrily, and it released only natural water. This did not really help the congregation through the test, only pointed out their shortcomings.Nothing has changed in our Exodus story at this point. Israel is the Bride being tested according to the mitzvot, particularly the Ten Words they agreed to at Har Sinai:“You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.” (Dt 8:2)In this week’s Torah portion, we can find tests of at least five of the first six Words:First Commandment (Exodus 20:2)I am the Lord Your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.Second Commandment (Exodus 20:3-6)You shall have no other gods beside Me.Yet, Moses and Aaron say, “Shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?”Third Commandment (Exodus 20:7)You shall not take the name of the Lord Your God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain [falsely, in vanity, in emptiness]Moses and Aaron's words are not exactly a vow, but a violation of the spirit in which the message was received. It was passed on to the people in a spirit of anger, not holiness. “And the glory of the Lord appeared to them, and the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water. So you shall bring water out of the rock for them...” In other words, Moses and Aaron, “do it like this...” in a spirit of glorious assurance just as you're experiencing it in the Tent of the Assembly.Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:8-11)Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy.We’ll come back to this one.Fifth Commandment (Exodus 20:12)Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord God gives you.“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron's sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing.” (Ex 15:20) “You rebels...”Miriam was a mother in Israel, a prophetess, and the congregation needed to mourn her and honor her memory. Instead, Moses calls them "rebels," a play-on word to Miriam's name [Hamorim-Miryam]. As a result, they did not progress to the Land.?????????--???????Sixth Commandment (Exodus 20:13)You shall not murder.“Death and life are in the hand of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (Pr 18:21) “You rebels...” The text implies that the water stopped because Miriam died. The people were grieving more than just the loss of water, but Moses and Aaron, likely exhausted from grief themselves and the weight of leadership, went missing that day. They murdered the congregation's reputation by calling them rebels when the Holy One knew it was a grief and glory problem, not a rebellion. They were accused with Moses and Aaron's own shortcoming that day.Maybe the simplest explanation is found in the beauty associated with the Tried Bride...Your lips, my bride, drip honey;Honey and milk are under your tongue,And the fragrance of your garmentsIs like the fragrance of Lebanon. (So 4:11)Torah is milk and honey; it should be pleasant to those who hear it. The Bride's fragrance is that of Lebanon, the "bones" of the Temple structure. It houses the Presence and glory of Adonai. The words spoken to the Bride of Israel should have comforted them with their pleasant encouragement and released the fragrance of Adonai's glorious Presence.Midrash Rabbah 4§22: “Anyone who says words of Torah in public, and they are not pleasing to those who hear them is:Like the fine flour that floats on top of the sieve, it would have been better for him had he not said them.Like the bride, who is pleasing to people when under her wedding canopy, it would have been better for him had he not said them.If the audience does not appreciate them, the words of Torah that he is imparting will suffer disgrace.One must ensure that he teaches Torah using the choicest of words, entirely free of inaccuracy or imperfection.The midrash is explaining that if the teaching is not in harmony with the whole Word, the teacher will teach inaccurately, not discerning the hearts of those listening. Moses and Aaron needed to bring the whole glorious experience they had in the Tent of Meeting to the people whose hearts were grieving. Assurance of help coming. By omitting it, this test in the wilderness brought disgrace to Israel, especially Moses and Aaron.Fourth Commandment (Exodus 20:8-11)Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy...Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.Where is this in the story of the rock? It is in the equivalency of expression in holiness. Even as we are in the “wilderness of the peoples” seeking to draw close to the Presence of Adonai, so He has provided us the cooperative means just as He provided a Tent of Meeting to the Bride in the wilderness...You shall keep My sabbath is equivalent to reverencing the sanctuary.Our test in the wilderness of the peoples is to keep the Shabbat! As the Levitical priesthood guarded the holiness of the Mishkan and Mikdash, so the royal priesthood guards the sanctuary of holiness by creating a place of assembly in the Presence of Adonai so that we are filled with His glory to pass on to those in need.You shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. You shall speak to all the skillful persons whom I have endowed with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him, that he may minister as priest to Me. These are the garments which they shall make:..(Ex 28:2-4) ... “They shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they enter the tent of meeting, or when they approach the altar to minister in the holy place, so that they do not incur guilt and die.” (v. 43)Rashi: “When they enter the Tent of Meeting...and die.” See that you have learned from this verse that a Kohen who performs the service lacking any of the Kohen’s garments in subject to death.” This is a death “at the hands of Heaven,” not execution by the courts. Leaders and priests are tested to see if they will uphold the holiness of Adonai; so is His royal priesthood. If the priests are lacking a garment, they suffer a kind of death different from a typical death. Likewise, the royal priesthood will be tested for her bridal garments. She will be tested for the Ten Words to which she agreed. She should lack nothing faith supplies for her beauty.As Boaz tested Ruth, and as The Holy One tested Israel in the wilderness as a Bride, so we are tested in the wilderness of the nations, “abroad”:To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (Ja 1:2-4)It is believed that the manna was provided in Moses’ merit and the pillar of cloud in Aharon’s merit. The water came from the Rock in Miriam’s merit.The three siblings operated as a unit. Although the para aduma was burned in the second year in the wilderness for use in the Mishkan, the Torah portion inserts it in Chukkat, drawing the connection between the purifying water of the ashes of the red heifer and Miriam’s life, which helped to purify Israel. In this test, perhaps Moses and Aaron could have helped the Bride release the faith Miriam modeled for them, not simply to give them, but to teach them to operate their gifts from within themselves. Moses and Aaron were to speak, not strike, the rock to release its water. Who knows if the whole congregation could have learned from their example to release Garden words with faith and kindness?Sometimes we need, “Suck it up, Buttercup.”Sometimes we need, “Words of life and healing are within you...release it.” When we grieve over a missing person or opportunity, we are vulnerable. We may complain, lash out, or go missing ourselves. Chukkat is the story of the whole community. What happens when it is not the leaders who are missing, but the members of the congregation?Therefore, if the whole church assembles together and all speak in tongues, and ungifted men or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are mad? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you. What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. (1 Co 14:23-26)The Holy One is sanctified in the eyes of unbelievers when ALL contribute to the assembly. There are different kinds of prophecy, but all involve a telling or affirmation of the Word, which convicts, heals, provokes to repentance, encourages, comforts...because it is manifest through gifts, it is exactly what the grieving, exhausted, or rebellious heart needs to hear. If, like Moses and Aaron had a bad day grieving for their sister, a leader goes missing on Shabbat, a royal priesthood can stand in the gap even though they may also be grieving. Their willing presence directs attention to Heaven and releases pure, clean water for the needs at hand.It is a Bridal test of released, purifying waters. The words we speak in the assembly should be milk and honey: purifying, edifying, provoking to repentance, comforting, healing, encouraging, inspiring joy.When leaders or congregants go missing, the Bride has a hard day of testing. What is worse than a Bride who dies trying? One who never tried dying.At least Moses, Aaron, Nadav, and Avihu died serving. Our presence on Shabbat invites the holy Presence to dwell among us. It honors Him, not our emotion of the day or our purposes. He will be sanctified when someone goes missing, one way or another.So on those days when I'm not quite myself yet, but I'm not anyone else either, that's a day to speak less as I serve, as Aaron remained silent about Nadav and Avihu. Let the assembly step in and release pure water.Let us honor the Holy One in the assembly, using His gifts just as we received them so that they become glory to His Bride.
Parsha “Chukat” (Numbers chapters 19 through 22:1) is, in at least one way, the second parsha in a sequence that arguably has to do with “rebellion.” Although in a very different way.
The Erev Shabbat reading:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SSM-7-12-24-Chukat-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3The Sabbath Day midrash —
“Chukat: Meribah – Mara – Contention – and ‘I Blame Moses’ “
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/WT-CooH-7-13-24-Chukat-Meribah-Mara-and-I-Blame-Moses-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
Continuing the journey in the Book of Hebrews towards the key verse, chapter 7, verse 22, where it talks about Messiah Yeshua being a guarantor of a “better covenant”, Rabbi Steve Berkson begins this episode in chapter 6 to provide more context building up to the understanding of The Covenant.
Picking up from where he left off in the last episode, 6:4-6, Rabbi Berkson finds a nugget of gold in verses 7-8 as it talks about ground, rain, plants and tilling, which leads him to John 15 and Matthew 13 as they connect with those things and how they relate and apply to our own lives.
Then, moving on through chapter 6, we look at “eagerness vs. sluggishness” and how it relates to belief and patience. Rabbi Berkson coins a phrase “eagerness shift”. Have you experienced this in your walk?
If you’ve ever been told that the Book of Hebrews is just too hard to understand, then you definitely should watch this episode. Rabbi Berkson breaks down verse by verse, passage by passage, passionately relating the revealed meanings so that you understand and benefit.
Questions:
• Hebrews 6:7-8, what is the ground and who does the tilling?
• Why would Yeshua tells his disciples to “stay in Him”?
• What happens to “thorns and thistles” or a branch that is no longer a part of the tree?
• John 15:11, has joy been done away with?
• Who is the “Tiller of the Ground”?
• What is an “eagerness shift”?
• Hebrews 6:19 talks about an “anchor of the life”–what does an anchor do?
Take advantage of new teachings every week.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
A Tried BrideIn Creation Gospel Workbook Five Volume Four (Bamidbar), students are challenged with the following exercise:Draw a circle on a sheet of paper, but don’t close it. Inside write all the gifts, abilities, and characteristics that you KNOW are completely you. Don’t write what you’d like to be or do, but what you already know describes you. Let the circle sit for a few days or even weeks. Add or remove as necessary. It is okay to consult close friends or family who know you well. When you’re satisfied that what’s inside that circle describes what can be definitively known about you, close the circle. This simple exercise helps us to explain the problem in the Torah portion Korach this week:Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against the LORD; but as for Aaron, who is he that you grumble against him? (Nu 16:11) The leading administrators from the tribes of Reuven and Levi became jealous and bitter against Moses and Aaron. They are influencers of their generation. Moses reminds them that they were each given important leadership roles and service in the Body of the their future Messiah, but for some reason they became angry with Adonai; however, Moses and Aaron were the physical scapegoats for their jealousy. Moses wants to know why they were picking on Aaron. Who was he but an assigned agent of the Holy One? Authority comes from Heaven, not personal ambition or the ability to influence people. Aaron was a man walking in obedience to his gifts and calling; he was walking in the Way. When a disciple walks in The Way of obedience to Adonai, then he walks in a power of the Ruach HaKodesh that threatens the satan. Aaron was walking in the power of THE NAME. He was operating to the best of his ability in the gifts and abilities he’d been given to intercede for Israel. We saw his Divine gift early in the story when he met Moses and willingly interceded as a speaker for Moses when Moses was still struggling to walk in his own gift of administration...which he'd learned early in the house of Pharaoh, then abandoned for a time while he learned shepherding in the wilderness.The simple circle warmup exercise above was taken from a rabbi who was teaching on confusion and doubt. It is better to inventory one’s strengths and weaknesses early in a journey than to leave the path littered with ill-fitting armor and unrealistic dreams. In this context, the exercise points out where Korach and his assembly, and we as well, covet and enter spaces and places not apportioned by HaShem. Once the circle is closed, spend all your effort developing what’s inside it, never what is outside it. This is your portion. If something else will be added later, it will grow from what is inside the circle, not what is outside. The warmup exercise of drawing the circle is a way of helping disciples avoid doubt and confusion as to their roles in the Body of Messiah, families, work, etc. Every disciple must build the “name” or reputation and deeds uniquely apportioned to him in this world. The writer of Proverbs acknowledges that a Godly balance is desired in the portion: Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is my portion… (Pr 30:8)The Father knows how to apportion His gifts to His children. He supplies food and water inside the circle, like the Garden of Eden. The difficulty for most of us is that we don’t want to close the circle. We want to keep our options open so we can be or have more or be responsible for less. This brings us back to Shavuot and the story of Boaz and Ruth. Once Boaz realizes who Ruth is, he doesn’t react exactly as we’d expect him to. Yes, he invites her to his table, makes sure she gleans more with less effort, and she’s protected in his field. What he doesn’t do is lavish gifts or an all-expenses paid new home and car. Or donkey. He doesn’t woo her with expensive gifts. If he is such a close relative, and we know that from the first time he laid eyes on her he was attracted, why not roll out the red carpet?Even as she sweats to glean in his field, Boaz and the whole city know this about Ruth's name, her reputation:“Now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you whatever you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence." (Ru 3:11)Boaz wants to see if she would be content with her portion. Having been Divinely guided to his field, would she be content in it and grow into maturity with him, or would she seek a faster way to the top outside his authority? Would she follow the reaping crowd to new fields? This was the testing of the future bride as the testing of the Bride in the wilderness. Korach and the other leaders had the potential to build within their assigned positions. Had they applied the energy of coveting Aaron and Moses’ positions into developing their own, imagine what a blessing they would have been to Israel. They failed the test of the Tenth Word:Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:17) You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, nor his wife, his man-servant, his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is your neighbor’s [in order to steal it].Boaz tried Ruth to see if she had any residue of covetousness, a rebellion against her portion. And then, Boaz demonstrates he also follows the principle of authority by refusing to “steal” Ruth from a man who had a stronger legal claim to her and the property:“Now it is true I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I. Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the LORD lives. Lie down until morning.” (Ru 3:12-13)And Ruth waited for the result. Boaz would do what she couldn't. Yes, working within one’s circle takes longer, but the result is less confusion and doubt in the Body and Bride of Messiah. Today we struggle with so many people who are adept with technology beyond their sense of responsibility to the Body of Messiah. They are called “influencers,” and they love to gather a crowd. Because the goal is to influence and gather, not to build and gather, they daily subvert the work of local congregations. Those congregations provide face-to-face opportunities to explore the Word, an opportunity to follow the model of Yeshua by physically attending a congregation each Shabbat, and by gathering at the feasts. The local leadership knows the sheep by name and reputation: when they hurt, when they need help, and when they triumph. ?They are not driven by a single doctrine, which often contributes to feelings of self-righteousness among those crowded around the influencer. The local pastor or rabbi wants to build and feed the flock on healthy fields and pastures where they can grow within the circle of their portion on a balanced diet, not the Sugar-Pops of the latest "wow."Influencers gobble up “likes” and statements of affirmation. Some of them even thrive on negative feedback…I suppose they think negative attention is better than no attention. Attention is their food, a feeling of power. This is covetousness, not of a good gift, but often in order to steal the attention of the flock and plant “grumbles.” Coveting a good thing is a good thing, but not to the point we “steal” from someone else’s place in the Body:And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. All are not apostles, are they? All are not prophets, are they? All are not teachers, are they? All are not workers of miracles, are they? All do not have gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak with tongues, do they? All do not interpret, do they? But earnestly desire the greater gifts. (1 Co 12:28–31)Yes, desire the greater gifts, but allow them to grow out of the circle of gifts Adonai has placed within us. A greater gift must stand the test of the wilderness. Influencers know how to gather a crowd, but the question is whose authority will they trample and steal to achieve their goals? How many flocks will they scatter? The attention-gobblers might take a lesson from Korach and his band. The average Israelite may be left standing in doubt, but the Ruach HaKodesh is not confused. The single-doctrine attention-gobblers might even pull people with completely different agendas into the same demonstration or challenge to authority, but Korach's family and the Reubenites, if successful in their power play, would have soon turned on each other. In the end, they both thought they deserved the authority. They certainly wouldn't have shared it as they demanded Moses and Aaron do!The Boaz and Ruth example shows us the discipline of hard work and patience that establishes a spiritual legacy passed on to children. We can be gobbled up by the wilderness, or we can diligently serve the community in the wilderness so that we become a community in the Land of Promise.A tried Bride.Circle closed.
Join host Mark Call on this Independence Day, 2024 for a special in-depth look at what he demonstrates is THE Most Important Document Ever Written ORIGINALLY in the English Language, the Declaration of Independence…
…and why it has NEVER been more important to understand exactly what that means.
Now we understand and should try to relate to the First-Century audience as the author of the letter makes the case for Messiah Yeshua’s place in the “big picture” and in the lives of the individuals as their standard of lifestyle was about to go away–the destruction of the Temple by the Romans and the suspension of the Aaronic/Levitical priesthood.
With that said we now go into chapter five where the author explains the differences between the Aaronic/Levitical priesthood and the Melchizedekian priesthood.
Then from chapter five Rabbi Steve touches on chapter six where we see a passage that has perplexed many, verses 4 through 6, specifically the word ‘impossible’. Does the passage tell us that some are doomed to destruction with no return?
If you’ve ever been told that the Book of Hebrews is just too hard to understand, then you definitely should watch this episode. Rabbi Berkson breaks down verse by verse, passage by passage, passionately relating the revealed meanings so that you understand and benefit.
Questions:
• If Messiah Yeshua takes on the role of High Priest (Heb 3:1) and does not qualify for the Aaronic – Priesthood, how can He be in that role?
• What “perfected” Messiah Yeshua? What do we struggle with?
• How does one become “dull of hearing”? What does it mean to be “dull of hearing”?
• What are “dead works”?
Take advantage of new teachings every week.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
Parsha “Shelach Lekha” (Numbers chapters 13 through 15) begins with a story that is often just called “The Spies,” because that might be sufficient to remind us what happened. Which is true, and because the story is also truly tragic, but – as is usually also true – there’s “more to the story.”
The Erev Shabbat reading:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SSM-6-28-24-Shelach-Lekha-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3The Sabbath Day midrash will probably upset a lot of people. But, of course, so will what’s coming.
“Shelach Lekha: Anointed? Or ‘Elected’? And by Who?”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WT-CooH-6-29-24-Shelach-Lekha-Anointed-or-Elected-and-by-Who-podcast-xxxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
This exciting episode begins the letter to the Hebrews. The goal of going through this letter is to get to chapter 7 and verse 22 where it speaks of Yeshua being the guarantor of a “better covenant”. What does this mean and hasn’t it caused a lot of trouble due to mainstream Christianity’s interpretation of this verse? But, in order to do that, Rabbi Steve Berkson starts us on the journey from the beginning of the letter in order to understand, through context, what the author is saying leading up to chapter 7.
If you’ve ever been told that the Book of Hebrews is just too hard to understand, then you definitely should watch this episode. Rabbi Berkson breaks down verse by verse, passage by passage, passionately relating the revealed meanings so that you understand and benefit.
Questions:
• Why was the letter to the Hebrews written? What was going on at that time?
• What happens when the structure of your way of life no longer exists?
• Where does Messiah Yeshua fit into the picture of what was happening at that time?
• What perishes and what remains?
• Does the letter to the Hebrews talk about transitioning to a different set of laws?
• Hebrews 4:10 talks about resting from one’s own works–what could this mean?
Take advantage of new teachings every week.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
A Wedding of WordsPart TwoRecap: Each year, it is traditional to read the scroll of Ruth at Shavuot. We might say the three scrolls of Ruth, Esther, and Song of Songs are the Bridal Scrolls of return from exile.What happened to Israel in leaving Egypt at Pesach is what happened to Ruth in leaving Moab and arriving at the House of Bread (Beit Lechem) at Pesach. The Israelites left Egypt as strangers there before she became a Bride, and Ruth left Moab to become a stranger inside the gate of Judah before she became part of the Bride.Israel and Ruth moved to holier places in their journeys.The setting of Ruth’s story is Beit Lechem, the House of Bread, where Judah was recovering from the famine. The wilderness also was a place of miraculous, Heavenly Bread and Living Water. A place of covering, anointing, preparation, and clean clothes for a nation of priests. The wilderness was where the Bride was purified with the Torah as she walked as she walked after her Bridegroom, picking up what He dropped for her each morning.Let’s see if there are wilderness template parallels in the story of Ruth:The Ten Words to the Brideat Shavuot, Mount Sinai,Via Moshe, Friend of the Bridegroombecome Ten Witnesses to the Bride’s purity and offspring.If what happened to Israel in the wilderness at Mount Sinai happened to Ruth, then we should be able to find the Ten Words at work in the Megillat Ruth. Last week, we found the first four commandments. This week, we'll find the remaining six:Fifth Commandment (Ex 20:12)Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord God gives you.Ruth honors her father and mother in a way that many have had to when their parents were idolators and habitual sinners...she doesn't do what they would want, but what her mother "in Torah" would want. Her disobedience to her parents to honor her Heavenly Father is the only way to honor her earthly parents.All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth and came to a people that you did not previously know. (Ru 2:11)Enjoying "long days on the earth" is a kind of security that is thought to allude to eternal security in the Kingdom of Heaven.Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, shall I not seek security for you, that it may be well with you? Now is not Boaz our kinsman, with whose maids you were? Behold, he winnows barley at the threshing floor tonight. Wash yourself therefore, and anoint yourself and put on your best clothes, and go down to the threshing floor; but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking. It shall be when he lies down, that you shall notice the place where he lies, and you shall go and uncover his feet and lie down; then he will tell you what you shall do.”She said to her, “All that you say I will do.” So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law had commanded her. (Ru 3:1-6)In Ruth, the Moses role and priesthood role along with “young men” shifts to Naomi as the friend/mediator between bride and bridegroom, and the young women (na’arot) are emphasized instead of young men (na’arim). Boaz tells Ruth to follow his young women. This shift in emphasis honors the “mother” [in law]. Whereas Moses instructs Israel what to do, Naomi instructs Ruth, who obeys her in all.Then Moses came and recounted to the people all the words of the LORD and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words which the LORD has spoken we will do!”Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Then he arose early in the morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. He sent young men of the sons of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD. (Ex 24:3-5)She said to her, “All that you say I will do.” So she went down to the threshing floor and did according to all that her mother-in-law had commanded her. (Ru 3:1-6)Naomi's instructions to Ruth to wash herself and her garments and anoint herself echo Moses instructions to the Israelites to prepare to meet the Bridegroom:“Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow and let them wash their garments; and let them be ready for the third day, for on the third day [first fruits of barley] the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Beware that you do not go up on the mountain or touch the border of it; whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.” So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people, and they washed their garments.” (Ex 19:10-15)Ruth's obedience also echoes the Israelites':Ex 19:8 All the people answered together and said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do!” And Moses brought back the words of the people to the LORD.Ex 24:3 Then Moses came and recounted to the people all the words of the LORD and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words which the LORD has spoken we will do!”Ex 24:7 Then he took the book of the covenant and read it in the hearing of the people; and they said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient!”Sixth Commandment (Ex 20:13)You shall not murder.Seventh Commandment (Ex 20:13)You shall not commit adultery.Ruth is recognized for her clean conduct:So she lay at his feet until morning and rose before one could recognize another; and he said, “Let it not be known that the woman came to the threshing floor.” (Ru 3:14)Ruth does nothing but request redemption and marriage from Boaz, and Boaz in turn protects her reputation by sending her away before she can be seen so that there will not even be an appearance of evil. Boaz makes sure her reputation is not murdered by evil talk. Even before he knows her intentions, Boaz takes steps to protect her reputation and purity:Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen carefully, my daughter. Do not go to glean in another field; furthermore, do not go on from this one, but stay here with my maids. Let your eyes be on the field which they reap and go after them. Indeed, I have commanded the servants not to touch you.” (Ru 2:8-9)Boaz even acknowledges that Ruth has pursued a husband for the sake of sanctifying the Name of the Holy One, not simply to have a young handsome husband or a rich one:“May you be blessed of the LORD, my daughter. You have shown your last kindness to be better than the first by not going after young men, whether poor or rich.” (Ru 3:10)Seventh Commandment (Ex 20:13)You shall not commit adultery."It was not Boaz’ habit to inquire about young women. What caught his notice was her exemplary conduct and knowledge of the Torah. She would only glean two ears out of three, for three ears remain the property of the farmer (Pe’ah 6:5, Shabbos 113b). She did not mingle or jest with the young men harvesting, nor did she lift her skirt or bend immodestly as she gleaned." (Midrash Rabbah)Going after men opens the door to sexual immorality, akin to idolatry. Let the righteous man notice a young woman’s dedication to the Word first.Eighth Commandment (Exodus 20:13)You shall not steal [a person].Ninth Commandment (Exodus 20:13)You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:14)You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, nor his wife, his man-servant, his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is your neighbor’s [in order to steal it].Boaz acknowledges that there is another who is legally entitled to redeem Ruth and her deceased husband's property. Rather than make the transaction secretly because he loves Ruth, Boaz takes it to the proper court to make the transaction. He refuses to steal her from one who might take up the claim. He testifies to the truth both to Ruth and before the court.Now it is true I am a close relative; however, there is a relative closer than I. Remain this night, and when morning comes, if he will redeem you, good; let him redeem you. But if he does not wish to redeem you, then I will redeem you, as the LORD lives. Lie down until morning.” (Ru 3:12-13)Ruth is also an honest worker.And she said, ‘Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ (Ru 2:7)Even though Torah gives the poor the right to glean, in her modesty and humility, Ruth asks permission.And thus, both the Israelites and Ruth married their bridegrooms and Bridegroom, making a covenant of wedding Words, 'til death do us part.Please SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to get new teachings.
Parsha “Beha’alotecha” (Numbers chapters 8 through 12) is a reading that spans what seems to be a number of ‘disparate’ stories. Is there a common theme?
The Erev Shabbat reading:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SSM-6-21-24-Beha-alotecha-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3The Sabbath Day midrash is all about ‘prophets’. Moses, elsewhere, writes about a prophet ‘like unto Moses’ that will eventually appear. In this parsha, we get some of the details about what that might look like – and ultimately did.
But there’s more, and it includes the haftorah and Brit Chadasha readings, too. And there are a lot of questions that might help us ‘connect some dots.’
Like, who are Eldad and Medad, and why are those two named, when the other 70 that we to help Moses’ burdens were NOT? And who are those two witnesses in Revelation chapter 11?
And why does Moses self-describe as the most ‘meek’ (or is it something more?) man on the planet?
“Beha’alotecha: Prophets, Witnesses, and Being Teachable”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SSM-6-22-24-Beha-alotecha-On-Prophets-Witnesses-and-Being-Teachable-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
Moving forward from last week, Rabbi Steve Berkson takes us into Romans chapters 11 and 12, then to Ephesians chapter 2, where he interprets the writing of the apostle Paul quite a bit differently than most of us have ever heard taught before.
Because of this, Rabbi Steve clarifies further his position on the understanding of “grace” or favor, specifically whether it is merited or unmerited. Could it be both? In this message we see the beauty of the kindness and faithfulness of our Creator as He offers the opportunity to enter into His Covenant even though we have done nothing up to that point to deserve it.
Questions:
• Romans 10:17 talks of “hearing by the Word of God”, is there an underlying message that is lost in the translation?
• What exactly is the “Good News”?
• What is the “disease” we see in the Bible from start to finish?
• All people before Acts 2 could not be “righteous” because they didn’t have the Holy Spirit? • Can you empty yourself?
Take advantage of new teachings every week.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
A Wedding of WordsRuth's One-Way FlightEach year, it is traditional to read the scroll of Ruth at Shavuot. We might say the three scrolls of Ruth, Esther, and Song of Songs are the Bridal Scrolls of return from exile.There are many wonderful ideas about why Ruth commemmorates the giving of the Torah in addition to the story's setting, the time between the first fruits of the barley harvest at Pesach and the wheat harvest at Shavuot.Sometimes the simplest answer is the most memorable. What happened to Israel in leaving Egypt at Pesach is what happened to Ruth in leaving Moab and arriving at the House of Bread (Beit Lechem) at Pesach. The Israelites left Egypt as strangers there before she became a Bride, and Ruth left Moab to become a stranger in Judah before she became part of the Bride.The clue is in the wings that carried the Israelites and Ruth to their destinations, the wildernes and the Promised Land. In Hebrew, "wing" is kanaf (??????). And why were they carried their places? To engage in a covenant of the Ten Words:“You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings (??????), and brought you to Myself.” (Ex 19:4)“May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings (??????) you have come to seek refuge.” (Ruth 2:12)He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering (??????) over your maid, for you are a close relative.” (Ruth 3:9)Were Israel and Ruth flown to a place of refuge, or were they moved to holier places in their journeys?Yes.“Thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘In those days ten men from all the nations will grasp the garment (??????) of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”’” (Zec 8:23)The setting of Ruth’s story is Beit Lechem, the House of Bread, where Judah was recovering from the famine. The wilderness also was a place of miraculous, Heavenly Bread and Living Water. A place of covering, anointing, preparation, and clean clothes for a nation of priests. The wilderness was where the Bride was purified with the Torah as she walked as she walked after her Bridegroom, picking up what He dropped for her each morning.Let’s see if there are wilderness template parallels in the story of Ruth:The Ten Words to the Brideat Shavuot, Mount Sinai,Via Moshe, Friend of the Bridegroombecome Ten Witnesses to the Bride’s purity and offspring.Think of the Ten Words (Commandments) as Ten Witnesses, the observable grace of the Bride in preparing for her Bridegroom according to their everlasting agreement. Ruth's character exhibited this grace in the Word, witnessed by ten elders of Beit Lechem:...for all my people in the city know that you are a woman of excellence. (3:11) He took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” So they sat down. (Ru 4:2)Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today...(v. 9)All the people who were in the court, and the elders, said, “We are witnesses. May the LORD make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, both of whom built the house of Israel; and may you achieve wealth in Ephrathah and become famous in Bethlehem. Moreover, may your house be like the house of Perez whom Tamar bore to Judah, through the offspring which the LORD will give you by this young woman.” (v. 11-12)Numerous times in Deuteronomy Moses called heaven and earth as well as the Israelites to be witnesses "today" of the importance of obeying the Words of the covenant. Ruth's obedience to the Ten Words had risen to such heights that she broke the "Moabite barrier," a passage in the Torah forbidding marriage to a Moabite, for they were stingy and inhospitable to their kin, Israel, as they passed in the wilderness.Ruth, however, was the exact opposite: hospitable, obedient, humble, and loyal to her words of fialty to Naomi, Judah, Israel, and the Elohim of Israel. Because of this repentance, a new understanding of the commandment against Moabites was found, just as Moses found a new understanding of the laws of inheritance through the five daughters of Tzelofechad. Now the judges realized that the prohibition was against marrying male Moabites, for the wording, when examined closely, suggested the injunction was against the males, not females [who had put away idols].If what happened to Israel in the wilderness at Mount Sinai happened to Ruth, then we should be able to find the Ten Words at work in the Megillat Ruth. We'll start this week with the first four commandments of the Ten Words, then continue next week, b'azrat HaShem.First Commandment (Ex 20:2)I am the Lord Your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.Second Commandment (Ex 20:3-6)You shall have no other gods beside Me. You shall not make for yourself any graven image, nor any manner of likeness, of any thing that is heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.Then she said, “Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and her gods; return after your sister-in-law.” But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the LORD do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.” (Ru 1:15-17)While Orphah returned to the house of her people's idols, Ruth firmly declares she is entering the "lodge" of Naomi to become one of her people worshiping their Elohim...'til death do they part.You shall have no other gods beside Me.Part of acknowledging only one Elohim is to eat only His food, only His Word, His manna. A phrase sometimes appears in Scripture: "which your fathers did not know," indicating a new thing, sometimes good, sometimes bad, such as Daniel 11:38 describing strange gods previously unknown.“He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD.” (Dt 8:3)In Beit Lechem, the House of Bread, Naomi continues to mentor Ruth in the precepts of the Torah which her fathers did not know because they served other gods. As Ruth sustains Naomi with physical bread, Naomi teaches her the manna-bread she will need to remain "long" in the Land. Boaz, too, instructs Ruth on how to remain safe gathering the Bread of the Word and where to drink safe water in his field. He acknowledges her allegiance has changed from the gods of her father's house to embrace a people and Elohim she did not previously know:Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Listen carefully, my daughter. Do not go to glean in another field; furthermore, do not go on from this one, but stay here with my maids. Let your eyes be on the field which they reap, and go after them. Indeed, I have commanded the servants not to touch you. When you are thirsty, go to the water jars and drink from what the servants draw.” Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” Boaz replied to her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law after the death of your husband has been fully reported to me, and how you left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and came to a people that you did not previously know. (Ru 2:8-11)Third Commandment (Ex 20:7)You shall not take the name of the Lord Your God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that takes His name in vain.When an Israelite takes an oath in the Name of YHVH, it should be performed and true in every way. Ruth swears to remain loyal to Naomi and the Elohim of Israel until death, and Boaz swears to take Ruth as his wife:“Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the LORD do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.” (Ru 1:17)Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, “You are witnesses today that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and Mahlon. Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, to be my wife in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance, so that the name of the deceased will not be cut off from his brothers or from the court of his birth place; you are witnesses today.” All the people who were in the court, and the elders, said, “We are witnesses. (Ru 4:9-11)Fourth CommandmentRemember the Sabbath, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work; but the seventh day is a Sabbath unto the Lord Your God, in it you shall not do any manner of work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your man-servant, nor your maid-servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger that is within your gates; for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested on the seventh day. Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.In trying to send Orpah and Ruth back to Moab, Naomi uses the term "rest" to describe what they will find with their husbands. In the case of Ruth, the words turn out to be prophecy of Ruth's shabbat rest under Boaz' wing, in his house as well as in the House of Adonai:And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each of you to her mother’s house. May the LORD deal kindly with you as you have dealt with the dead and with me. May the LORD grant that you may find rest, each in the house of her husband.” (Ru 1: 8-9)The commandment requires even the stranger within the gates of Israel to rest on Shabbat as well. Boaz treats her well even though she is a stranger, teaching later generations that an obedient stranger at the gate is a stranger on the way in to clinging to the Covenant of Ten Words, not on the way out. She should be treated well since the sign of her faithfulness to the Elohim of Israel will also be the Shabbat like the native-born:Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” (2:10)The next "rest" passage alludes to a Shabbat Shabbaton, or High Sabbath of the feasts via its number and grain symbolism:So she held it, and he measured six measures of barley and laid it on her. Then she went into the city. When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did it go, my daughter?” And she told her all that the man had done for her. She said, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said, ‘Do not go to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Then she said, “Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out; for the man will not rest until he has settled it today.” (Ru 3:15-18)Six can represent the six days of work. Boaz sends the six measures to Naomi, knowing she'll understand his intent to bring rest to Ruth. Naomi in turn assures Ruth that "the man will not rest until he has settled it today." Boaz is taking the sixth day as a "preparation day" to settle the matter in court so that they can rest on the seventh in unity.Remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy.I am the Lord Your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.The First Fruits of the barley is a reminder that Israel was brought out of the house of bondage. For Ruth, too, Boaz measures six measures of barley to signal that she has left Moab and the house of bondage to idols, and her journey to "Sinai" has occurred at the same season at the Israelites' journey:First fruits of Barley: “You shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread; for seven days you are to eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the appointed time in the month Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt. And none shall appear before Me empty-handed. (Ex 23:15)So she held it, and he measured six measures of barley and laid it on her. Then she went into the city. When she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “How did it go, my daughter?” And she told her all that the man had done for her. She said, “These six measures of barley he gave to me, for he said, ‘Do not go to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’” Then she said, “Wait, my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out; for the man will not rest until he has settled it today.” (Ru 3:15-18)In the two passages above, the term "do not go empty-handed" appears in reference to the barley feast. Something interesting is happening here!Naomi is like Moses and the priesthood, friends of the Bridegroom, “matchmaking.” Moses led the people to the mountain to meet the Bridegroom at Sinai, and the priesthood drew the Israelites close to the Presence of the Bridegroom through the Temple services...a Temple that Ruth's offspring would fund, plan, and build!Using a female in the role of matchmaker or friend of the Bridegroom is another symbolic layer: righteous women in Scripture often represent the work of the Ruach HaKodesh working in the lives of men and Israel, such as Rachel and Leah "building" the house of Israel. Both advised Jacob to return to the Promised Land and to leave the exile of living with idol-worshipping Laban.Boaz' reasoning that Ruth should not return to Naomi empty-handed is also a subtle reference to the way he perceives Ruth's status has changed. She is now a Hebrew, not a Moabite as his servant erroneously told him. This precept applies uniquely to a Hebrew servant set free from bondage, not a foreigner:“When you set him free, you shall not send him away empty-handed. (Dt 15:13)And this refers to an offering brought by males to the Temple:“Three times in a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses, at the Feast of Unleavened Bread and at the Feast of Weeks and at the Feast of Booths, and they shall not appear before the LORD empty-handed. (Dt 16:16)Ruth is being inducted into the Covenant People Israel, welcomed under the wing of Boaz just as Israel was taken to the wilderness on eagles' wings. Like Israel, she was saved from the house of bondage. Acting on that salvation, she begins learning the Torah, doing works of kindness, obeying the Ruach HaKodesh as symbolized by Naomi, which brings her to the holier places of Boaz' House of Bread. Not to be saved, but to reach for a holier space of intimacy. She was already saved. Now she would have offspring to dwell in those holier places of the Covenant.She asks Boaz, ““Why have I found favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” (Ru 2:10)He noticed her modesty, her obedience, her loyalty, her willingness to pursue the Covenant. In Acts Chapter Two, a similar group of proselytes of the gate also gathered at Shavuot and witnessed to the Ruach HaKodesh, the Friend of the Bridegroom. On that Shabbat Shabbaton, the former strangers to the Feast of Shavuot were assured they were no longer strangers to the Covenant of Ten Words: “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” (Ac 2:39)They were called, like Ruth, to the feast. “At mealtime Boaz said to her, ‘Come here...’” (Ru 2:14)Please SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to get new teachings.
Parsha “Naso” (Numbers 4:21 through chapter 7) continues with the numbers – this time the other sons of Levi, and their assignments, but continues with SO much more. Including what Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship suggests is one of the most central in Scripture, even if is perhaps also one of the most ‘overlooked.’
The Erev Shabbat reading:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SSM-6-14-24-Naso-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3The Sabbath Day midrash begins with an observation about a common thread that connects every aspect of the apparently disparate elements of this parsha, submission, and the Authority to which it is rendered.
But it is the ‘cup of abominations’ that not only ties the pieces together, but should help us understand what it at play today, and coming to a head ‘soon’.
“Naso: Submission and Authority”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WT-CooH-6-15-24-Naso-Submission-and-Authority-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching WILL be here – if the server will ever upload it!
The Torah teachers continue the study of the Book of the prophet YesheYahu, or Isaiah, into chapter 40, which begins an entirely different theme…and one of the most well-known, as Ray points out, in classical music.
David and Mark discuss some of the major events (and insanity) of the last week, but, more importantly, how those of us who know what is already in-progress can share with friends, loved ones, and maybe even our local sheriff, to help them come to grips with “coming Reality.”
As he continues in Romans chapters 10 and 11, Rabbi Steve Berkson has received some clear insight on a couple of troublesome verses. Understanding the context of the letter to the Roman assembly is the key, as he explains in the first part of this teaching. Not only the context in this letter, but also, context from the Tanakh as the apostle Paul references it time and time again to establish his points. Context is critical to gaining the correct understanding and interpretation, especially when it has to do with the writings of Paul.
Questions:
– When the word ‘saved’ or ‘delivered’ is used, is it clearly understood, ‘saved’ or ‘delivered’ from what? Does it refer to a future event?
– What does it mean to be “sent”? Isn’t there a “Great Commission” on all of us?
– Some teach that Israel has been “replaced” because God is done with them–is that true?
– What is pre-destination, divine selection and being chosen? Are they one and the same?
– What is it that a Gentile has that a Jew would be jealous of?
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
Nahum 1:1515 Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news,Who announces peace!Celebrate your feasts, O Judah;Pay your vows.For never again will the wicked one pass through you;He is cut off completely.
Parsha “Bemidbar” (Numbers 1:1 – 4:20) begins the Book who’s Hebrew name literally means “In the Wilderness.” And that certainly fits.
So, actually, does the English moniker ‘Numbers,’ because it has a lot of those. And this first parsha gives us a major clue as to why that will be so important.
The Erev Shabbat reading begins with another important point: What is commanded is more than a mere ‘census,’ although “headcount” is perhaps a better rendering. But, literally, what Moses is told to do is “lift up the head,” of all of the fighting-age men of Israel. And everything about the process, the description, and what is recorded tells us about His attitude concerning His people.
And that time “in the wilderness” is central to our understanding.
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SSM-6-7-24-Bemidbar-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3The Sabbath Day midrash connects the ‘greater Exodus,’ promised by Moses and other prophets, the time “in the wilderness,” and the related prophecy of Hosea, and a look at cycles, and timing. We are told to “come out of her,” and not participate in the myriad, obvious, undeniable sine, wickedness, abomination idolatry, and perversion of a world which hates YHVH and His Word.
Sukkot, obviously symbolic of the coming ‘wedding feast,’ is also a time to remember and even practice to be “in the wilderness.”
Can we not start early?
Bemidbar: Pray to be “B’midbar – in the wilderness“
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WT-CooH-6-8-24-Bemidbar-To-be-Wooed-In-the-Wilderness-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
The Torah teachers continue the study of the Book of the prophet YesheYahu, or Isaiah, and the story of King Hezekiah, through chapters 38 and 39.
And, yes, what we he thinking?
Can you say that the things you are suffering now because of your faith are not worthy to be compared to the honor (glory) that shall be revealed in you?
Who’s the ‘he’ that “searches the hearts”?
Is it true that nothing can separate us from the love of Messiah?
Romans 10:4 reads that Messiah is the end of the law for righteousness–what does the word ‘end’ mean in that sentence?
Did Paul misquote Moses in Romans 10:6-8?
As we’ve progressed through the book of Romans, we see how the apostle Paul addresses two major issues among his congregation: 1. The rift between those who are native-born Israeli and those of the nations (Gentiles), and, 2. Paul refers to at least two sets of “laws”, the Torah and the “law of sin and death”.
In this teaching, Rabbi Steve Berkson slowly and methodically takes us through Romans chapters 8 through 10, untangling 2,000 years of erroneous understanding and twisted teaching. He exposes the more sensible scenario in which Paul would actually be writing to his Roman congregation about being Torah observant and not the other way around.
Take advantage of new teachings every week.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
Parsha “Bechukotai” (Leviticus 26:2 through the end of the Book) contains one of the two most dramatic sets of ‘blessings and cursings,’ but particularly cursings, in all of Scripture. And it is, as Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa demonstrates, utterly relevant now.
First, the Erev Shabbat reading:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SSM-5-31-24-Bechukotai-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3The Sabbath Day midrash starts with a reminder: We are NOT in the land; we’re in exile.
But America’s Founding Fathers knew that. In August, 1776, Ben Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson were tasked with coming up with a suggested design for the Great Seal of the united States. Both Franklin and Jefferson wanted a depiction of then-Israel from the Exodus. Ben Franklin described a scene from the ‘parting of the Red Sea,’ with the inscription, later adopted, that “Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God.”
Yet they also clearly understood what was at the heart of the message of Leviticus chapter 26: “IF you will walk in My statutes, and keep My commandments,” you will be blessed. They believed that in this New land, there was a Covenant to be kept.
But now, what is beyond doubt is not merely that it has been broken, but that what He says in verse 15 is true: That this has become a nation, and a world, that rejects His statutes, and has a soul which abhors His laws. And, evidently as a direct result, “those that hate you,” do “rule over you?”
And what, exactly, does it look like when YHVH Himself “appoints terror over you?”
Mark Call, of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship, observes that we are about to find out.
But do we consent to that “other master?”
Bechukotai: The Covenant is clearly broken – so Where Are We in Those Curses?“
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WT-CooH-6-1-24-Bechukotai-ITs-WAY-too-Late-Unless-podcast-xxxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
Isaiah chapter 37 could be called a great story of Faith, and of Truth.
And it is followed up, in chapter 38, by what Ray Harrison points out is one the two most dramatic illustrations in Scripture of what might constitute proofs for ‘Divine Intervention’ in astronomy.
News, commentary, and some questions that are arguably long overdue. Why do we trust a level of Evil that is nothing short of Satanic?
What other teacher do you know that can reference Star Wars and The Who, and do a Yoda impersonation in the same teaching?
What is the critical thing of which Christians will not accept the biblical definition?
For what purpose are you “set free”? Does the Torah ever lead to death?
When is the one time you should have full self-sovereignty?
After understanding the first issue the apostle Paul was addressing in Romans which was how the “law” applied (or not) to the Gentiles who were being drawn to this faith, Rabbi Steve Berkson now unpacks the second issue, understanding what law Paul is referring to, by going to chapters 5 through 8.
Take advantage of new teachings every week.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
Gardener's Guideto the Tree of LifeDays of Elijah Preparing the BrideShe is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,and happy are all who hold her fast. (Pr 3:18)The Torah is a tree of life, and obeying it is the path to fruitfulness. This fruitfulness deepens the relationship, stitching earth to Heaven, where the roots of the Tree extend upward. After all, our eyes really see the world upside down and turn it "right" side up. Or is it? Studying the Word rights the world in the mind and circumcised heart of the diligent disciple of Yeshua.One of the frequent metaphors in Scripture is that of a tree representing a human being. "I see men like trees walking." (Mk 8:24) The Torah brought to life in a human being is indeed like a tree of life walking. In fact, the Torah gives specific instructions on how to plant a tree:When you come into the land and plant any kind of tree for food, then you shall regard its fruit as forbidden [orlah, uncircumcised]. Three years it shall be forbidden [orlah] to you; it must not be eaten. And in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, an offering of praise to the Lord. But in the fifth year you may eat of its fruit, to increase its yield for you: I am the Lord your God. (Le 19:23-25)The above passage from Torah portion Kedoshim, Holies, provides a teaching moment from Sefer HaChinnukh §246 and 1 Corinthians 10:23-30. Sefer HaChinnukh is a set of books explaining each commandment in the Torah. Since the Days of Elijah prepare the way of Yeshua's return, the holiness of the tree, representing human beings, instructs us in how to develop our circumcised hearts in holiness. One of the traditional views of Elijah is that he is associated with circumcision, zeal for the Torah.Holiness is often the result of a process. For instance, the seventh day of Creation was the first thing called holy in Scripture, and it was the result of a process of creation.Holiness in the Mishkan or Mikdash was something to be maintained and guarded after processes of purification.Holiness in a person is a matter of growing in sanctification. The mitzvot are the method of achieving holiness, not salvation. Since the tree is often a metaphor for human beings in Scripture, the growth of a goodly (fruit) tree is a metaphor for growing in holiness.In simple terms, a tree “planted” in the Land of Israel must be set apart for three years before its fruit may be eaten freely by anyone (assuming holy portions are removed first even after it ages into circumcision). In the fourth year, its fruit is to be eaten in the Temple by the owner or turned into money with a fifth added to be taken to the Temple and enjoyed. Only after the tree loses its orlah status is someone subject to a guilt offering if he/she took a holy portion designated for the Temple. If someone were to eat the set-apart fruit by mistake then, it would require a guilt offering plus a fifth, which is for taking holy things unwittingly.Three Levels of Holiness:The tree is planted in Israel and grows for three yearsThe tree is holy to Adonai to be consumed by the planter only in Jerusalem, circumcisedThe tree finally is subject to terumah, holy tithes, firstfruits, shmittah, yovel, but otherwise freely consumed or sold by the owner; also a person may opportunistically eat of it (but not gather).By the Torah’s expression, this law applies only in the Land of Israel. The sages, however, see some doubt, and have extended this law of tree orlah, un-circumcision outside the Land of Israel. Although they do not extend the fourth and fifth year (and beyond) requirements because a Temple is lacking, they do prohibit eating the uncircumcised fruit for the first three years. This includes only trees planted in the ground, not trees in a container.The opportunistic eater presents a problem: he/she does not know the tree’s age-stage of holiness. Trees don't have signs with their birthday written on them.In general, in Jewish law where there is doubt, the sages ruled stringently, not permitting it. However, in the case of the orlah (uncircumcised), “That which is certain is forbidden; what is in doubt is permissible.”So which is it? It is explained thus...“...if an Israelite has a tree of orlah in his garden and his neighbor comes and eats of its fruit, he is not duty-bound to inform him at all that it is orlah. The sages of blessed memory used the expression, ‘It is a doubt to me, and I will eat’; in other words, as long as a man does not know for certain that it is orlah, he is allowed to eat of it....’ Only if he knows it is forbidden is he punishable by whiplashes.” Sefer HaChinnukh §246If a passerby doesn’t ask if it is orlah, he is permitted to eat it. This extends grace to the hungry traveler, yet the owner of the tree is still developing a deeper relationship with Adonai.Now let’s see if Paul’s reasoning doesn’t make better sense when it comes to eating clean food in general...All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. Eat anything that is sold in the meat market without asking questions for conscience’ sake; FOR THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S, AND ALL IT CONTAINS. If one of the unbelievers invites you and you want to go, eat anything that is set before you without asking questions for conscience’ sake. But if anyone says to you, “This is meat sacrificed to idols,” do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience’ sake; I mean not your own conscience, but the other man’s. For why is my freedom judged by another’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I slandered concerning that for which I give thanks? Whether then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Co 10:23-31)Although an “unbeliever” can be an idol-worshiper, very often in the New Testament it is a Jewish person who has not believed Yeshua for various reasons. In such a case, the food they would serve would be kosher. He/she is not obligated to notify the eater anything about the meat. The eater is not obligated to ask.See below a sample of the variety of ways "unbeliever" is used:If “anyone” informs you a meat was sacrificed to idols, don’t eat it so the server will be convicted by his conscience. Don't assume the relationship between the gardener and Heaven is growing in holiness! Quite the opposite! The eater's freedom is limited if the server informs him of idolatry.The model of the orlah is that the owner of the tree (an Israelite) is not obligated to tell an eater of the tree’s status, for the “doubt” makes the eater free to give thanks and enjoy the fruit. If, however, the grower informs the passerby of the tree's orlah status, the eater may not eat.The tree’s growth is a holy relationship between the planter gardener and Adonai, not an opportunistic eater. An Israelite gardener is assumed to have fulfilled all Torah Tree of Life requirements pertaining to the tree, making it "kosher" and spiritually healthy to eat for anyone.Now, in review, can we see that “holy eating” is:the result of a process. something to be maintained and guarded after processes of purification.for the owner of the food growing and developing in sanctification.for the passive recipient to give thanks and glory to the Creator. Since the deep, obligatory relationship is primarily between tree owner and Heaven, the amount of fruit a passerby eats is regulated by the Torah (Dt 23:24). The meat a guest eats is limited by the meal and whether the host is serving [clean] meat in good conscience.For the serendipitous eater for momentary pleasure or fellowship, the experience is limited to moments of thankfulness and glorying in the providence of Adonai, the first owner and Creator of food. The tree owner, like the tree, grows into the holiness of circumcision and becomes a guardian of the Word."anything" is assumed to be anything Scripturally defined as foodPlease SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to get new teachings.
Parsha “Emor” (Leviticus 25:1-26:2) is both notable – for one specific English word – and also problematic, because it applies “in the land,” where we’re NOT any more, and arguably because it is even more foreign to our anti-Torah economic and ‘world’ system than almost anything else except the dishonest weight of the Almighty Fiat Dollar itself.
But, ‘Jubilee’ we’ve HEARD of, even if to no real effect.
And, again, what with the world melting down, and at the brink of civil and world war to boot, what would a REAL ‘great reset’ accomplish at this point anyway?
First, the Erev Shabbat reading:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SSM-5-24-24-Behar-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3It seems clear from the reading that that one of the primary prerequisites of the ‘shmita’ rest for the land, and then the 50 year ‘yovel’ – or “Jubilee” – was TRUST: that Yahuah would actually do what He promised, so that His people would have sufficient provision for the rest years.
Ultimately, history – and Scripture – shows they did not. We still don’t.
“Proclaim liberty throughout the land, and to all the inhabitants thereof,” is the inscription on the Libery Bell in Philadelphia, and it comes from this parsha, Leviticus 25:10. But that’s just one of the disconnects with Scripture today.
A even bigger one has to do with the entire concept behind that verse. And a world economic system, based on an abomination to YHVH, that will soon demonstrate why His plan was so much better – because a ‘reset’ every 50 years beats societal collapse.
THAT is virtually inevitable now.
And the “Babylonian Exile,” was said to be so that The Land could have its rest. Something that was commanded to be done, that wasn’t. In contrast, much of this next judgment seems to be a function of things that He commanded NOT be done, that are. And are taught in schools, too, as a slap in His face.
Behar: Trust in a Time of Cyclical Churn and Turmoil“
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/WT-CooH-5-25-24-Behar-Trust-amidst-the-Churn-podcast-xx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
Why was Messiah Yeshua “delivered up” and then “raised”?
Is Yahweh “obligated” to us?
What is the one thing on which Jews and Christians agree?
Is the apostle Paul teaching his congregation against circumcision of the flesh? Is “circumcision of the heart” a concept exclusive to the New Testament?
This teaching is particularly challenging for the teacher and for the listener/disciple because of how the apostle Paul chose to word his thoughts in this letter to the beloved, set-apart ones in Rome.
Taking us into Romans, chapters 4 and 5, Rabbi Steve Berkson brings clarity to this problematic text through context (who is speaking, to whom is the speaking directed, when, why and where), redefining terminology (circumcision/uncircumcision to covenanted/not covenanted), and by moving slowly through the text, not glossing over any phrase or passage.
Take advantage of new teachings every week.
To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
In this teaching, Dr Hollisa Alewine shares some very basic yet important hermeneutic principles, which will encourage us on how to dig deeper into His WORD and not misinterpret the true meaning of the text.
Parsha “Emor” (Leviticus chapters 21 through 24) continues the theme of “holiness” – but this time for a group of people that many ‘christians’ would now see as irrelevant. After all, we have new ‘priests’ today, and the sons of Aaron seem to have been displaced centuries ago.
And, besides, with the world melting down, and at the brink of civil and world war to boot, what difference does it make?
The Erev Shabbat reading:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SSM-5-17-24-Emor-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3The continuing theme of Kedoshim is to “be set apart.” Emor comes next.
And the kohenim, or priests, were not only to be “set apart” themselves, but to teach what that means, and were held to a “higher standard” as well.
Bitterly ironic, however, and especially now, is that what replaced the priests of YHVH were ultimately a pagan imitation, where mandated marriage to virgins was turned on its head, to mandated celibacy – except for what Yahuah made clear was abomination.
Arguably, what has happened since should be no surprise. But it will still be denied.
Emor: Compare and Contrast! “
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/WT-CooH-5-18-24-Emor-compare-and-contrast-Rightly-Divide-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
This week the Torah teachers continue the study of the Book of the prophet Isaiah with chapter 35, and then into chapter 36, and a siege.
In the face of 2,000 years of twisted teaching, Rabbi Steve Berkson asserts that the apostle Paul was not teaching that the Torah had been “done away with.” Rabbi Berkson proposes that the word “law” must be clarified so that we can achieve a better understanding of what Paul wrote.
In this teaching, Rabbi Steve Berkson begins to analyze the book of Romans from start to finish, chapter by chapter, verse by verse, to answer the question, “Are You Covenanted?”
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
This week we'll cover the Torah portion Kedoshim, or "Holies" and we'll tease apart some profound details in the account of the woman caught in adultery.Leviticus 19:1-20:27Amos 9:7-9:15Psalm 15John 8:2-11"You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Le 19:18)Kedoshim, the “holies,” is nestled in the very heart of the Torah. This commandment stitches itself to heaven and earth. Heaven and earth are two witnesses.If we love Adonai, then we will love His people. Loving His people on earth pleases Him above, for He is “glorified through his people.” Heaven should be glorified on and through the earth.“Then all your people will be righteous; they will possess the land forever, the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, that I may be glorified. (Is 60:21)“Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” (Jn 14:13)“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Le 19:18)In the explanation of the holy commandment to love one's neighbor, the Torah student is told it's the most obvious thing:“This is a great principle in the Torah. Many commandments in the Torah depend on it: Thus, a person who loves another as himself will not steal from him, will not commit adultery with his wife, will not cheat him of goods or oppress him with words, will not move his boundary and will not harm him in any way. So are many other religious duties bound up with it; the matter is evident to every understanding person.” (Sefer HaChinnukh #243)Yeshua wasn’t kidding. All the commandments really do hang on two!“...Whoever derives honor through the disgrace of his fellow-man, has no share in the world-to-come. On the other hand, when a man behaves toward his fellow in a way of love and peace, and friendship, seeking his advantage and rejoicing in his good fortune, Scripture refers to him in the verse, ‘Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’ (Is 49:3)” (Sefer HaChinnukh §243)In the Gospel of John, Yeshua elaborates on how the holy commandment will work on earth to glorify Heaven:“A new [chadasha-refreshed] commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn 13:34-35)The KJV translates Strong's H2318 in the following manner: renew (7x), repair (3x).Outline of Biblical Usage:to be new, renew, repairto renew, make anewto repair(Hithpael) to renew oneselfStrong’s Definitions ?????? châdash, to be new; causatively, to rebuild:—renew, repair.The KJV translates Strong's H2319 in the following manner:new (48x), new thing (4x), fresh (1x).Outline of Biblical Usage: new, new thing, fresh?????? châdâsh; from H2318; new:—fresh, new thing.Yeshua wasn't teaching a brand-new commandment; he was teaching how to refresh and repair the commandment they already had by explaining its function. By loving one another, the greatest commandment, to love Adonai with all one's heart, soul, and strength, would be fulfilled in such a way that the whole world could see it!Loving one’s neighbor as one’s self is impossible if the Torah is not written on the tablets of the heart. If we love our neighbor, we will not disgrace him or her. It is a commandment that has a "refresh" button! Each day, we must remind ourselves to hit "refresh and repair" on our hearts where Adonai has written love.This explanation is found in context. A person who embarrasses another believer is behaving disgracefully toward ADONAI!A person who behaves peacefully with other believers and honors them glorifies ADONAI, not the person. It honors the Father through the person. It also sets apart in holiness the one who honors others as a disciple of Yeshua in the eyes of all men. This is ONE HEART.“You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Co 3:2-3)“Love your neighbor as yourself” is embedded in Leviticus among many statutes of holiness. If you love your neighbor, and you are holy, you will not perform those transgressions. If you love Adonai, you will not perform those transgressions; therefore, all the holy Torah hangs on those two."Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made." (Ga 3:19)Yeshua is the Promised Seed. In him, we have, are, and will be made perfect in love. A day is coming...if we will continually and faithfully "refresh" with the Father's mercy and His Ruach...when Yeshua will need only two tablets of our hearts to hold 613 commandments. We will be the perfect testimony and witness of Heaven through the earth.
This week the Torah teachers continue the study of the Book of the prophet Isaiah with chapter 34.
Many of us are dealing with people who just “don’t get it,” and don’t seem to recognize just how serious the situation in the world has become.
And there definitely some stories and events that should be helpful when it comes to overcoming ‘cognitive dissonance,’ and what George Orwell called “doublethink” in 1984.
But there seems to be more going on than just mass insanity, or even mere stupidity.
Note: The book that Mark makes a number of references to in the second segment of the show is “The Indoctrinated Brain,” by Dr. Michael Nehls, MD.
*“The Biggest Hurdle”*
Who are you allowing to have authority in your spiritual life, your faith? Is it possible to have more than one authority as it pertains to your halacha, your walk?
What does it mean to be “unequally yoked”? What is the “twisted truth”?
Many of you no longer believe in Santa Clause, but there’s another “clause” that you still believe in…
What is it you are not supposed touch, ever!?
Does this world belong to the Creator, or not? How does that affect you?
As he wraps up some final points in 2 Corinthians 6, Rabbi Steve Berkson counsels and trains those under his care to get from here now to where YHWH receives you.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
The Last Three WarningsandShabbat HaGadolThe Days of Elijah begin with Passover. Join us as we explore the role of Shabbat, especially Shabbat HaGadol, and the three foot festivals as a warning for Bride to prepare for the coming of the Bridegroom. Together we'll unpack the language of zealous striking in the feasts. This Pt 2.
Parsha “Acharei Mot” (Leviticus chapters 16 through 18) is the regular reading for this week, following the Feast of Unleavened Bread. But we did take a look at that week, Mark decided to look at some of the ‘common elements,’ including statutes and ordinances that span the gap between chapters 18 and then 19, which begins parsha “Kedoshim.”
The Erev Shabbat reading explains the rationale, and the understanding to ‘be ‘qadosh‘ [set-apart, or ‘holy’] because “I AM” qadosh.
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SSM-5-3-24-Acharei-Mot-2-Kedoshim-pt-1-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3It is undeniable, when reading from the end of chapter 28 of Leviticus, and the fact that YHVH says that for committing these ‘abominations’ the land literally “vomited out” those inhabitants. And then He then continues, that “YOU shall be set-apart, For I YHVH am ‘qadosh.’
And looking at the news, and the fact that virtually EVERY SINGLE transgression and outright abomination He outlines is now being subsidized, taught in the cesspools, and even mandated as political correctness – AmeriKa, and most of the West, are due for judgment, if not extreme vomiting out.
What does that say to the rest of us?
into Kedoshim: Things that Matter When Things Come Apart “
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SSM-5-4-24-Acharei-Mot-2-Kedoshim-pt-1-Things-that-Matter-when-Things-Come-Apart-Yahushua-vs-jesus-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
The Torah teachers continue the study of the Book of the prophet Isaiah into chapter 33, which includes what may be THE fundamental basis for the structure of the form of government we were SUPPOSED to have:
The separation of powers.
It’s right there in Isaiah 33:22, the Founders knew it, and every American should.
Continuing with Paul’s Corinthian congregation, in his second letter he reaffirms his leadership and authority under Messiah (2 Cor 3:1). Consider that the congregates were primarily Jewish under a system that built fences around the Torah and who knew the Torah from a “letter of the law” perspective in contrast to the new teaching about the “spirit of the law”.
In this message to the Body of Messiah, Rabbi Steve Berkson breaks down some of the difficult concepts from the apostle Paul that are misunderstand and, therefore, misquoted by many to declare that the law (Torah) has been abolished.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
The Last Three WarningsandShabbat HaGadolThe Days of Elijah begin with Passover. Join us as we explore the role of Shabbat, especially Shabbat HaGadol, and the three foot festivals as a warning for Bride to prepare for the coming of the Bridegroom. Together we'll unpack the language of zealous striking in the feasts.
Parsha “Acharei Mot” (Leviticus chapters 16 through 18) is typically read in the timeframe of the Passover, and the week of the ‘Feast of Unleavened Bread,’ or Chag HaMaMatzot, but seems to have more to do with a major element of the Fall Feasts – the Day of Atonement.
The Moed of First Fruits is arguably the day when the Risen Yahushua, as The First Fruit of Adam-kind Himself, made the required offering of Himself for us to Himself, in the place where He has put His Name.
“When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the cohen:
And he shall wave the sheaf before Yahuah, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the cohen shall wave it.
And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he Lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto Yahuah….
And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.” (Leviticus 23:10-12;14)
?While Rashi disagrees, and the rabbinic tradition thus ends up with a date which does NOT always fall of the First Day of the week, I contend that (as Yahushua obviously did) the ‘morrow after the WEEKLY Sabbath’ is what the verse means. Which is today (28 April). It is also the day which therefore begins the ‘counting of the Omer’ – seven Sabbaths plus one, or 50 days.
And, perhaps dramatically, if not also ironically, THIS year the ‘sighted new moon’ that marked a “beginning of months” for us (Exodus 12:2) was observed directly by literally millions of witnesses!
The Erev Shabbat reading:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SSM-4-26-24-Acharei-Mot-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3This year there is quite a bit of variance between calendar understandings. Not to mention the fact that the ‘sighted’ new moon this year was a bit more spectacular than usual as well. So Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship has decided to depart from the ‘suggested’ annual Torah cycle reading schedule, and make some observations based on a confluence of events, and teachings.
By now, perhaps it should not surprise us that His Word, and His warnings, are ever-more-important.
Acharei Mot: Blood, Iniquity Complete, and Pervasive ‘Chametz’ “
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WT-CooH-4-27-24-Acharei-Mot-Pervasive-Chametz-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
The Torah teachers continue the study of the Book of the prophet Isaiah into chapter 32, and some parallels that look back at Isaiah chapter 3, and also look familiar on TV today.
Is the wearing of a headscarf (or kippah for males) what is being discussed in 1 Corinthians chapter 11?
Why does Paul talk about headship or authority structure in 1 Corinthians chapter 11? What does it have to do with drinking of the cup and eating the bread? How does it connect to being covenanted?
Rabbi Steve Berkson dissects this controversial chapter and brings clarity to the real meaning of headship and authority structure of the Body of Messiah.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
THAT'S SO LAMEWith the eclipse so recent, literally putting a point on the new year of the feast cycle at the New Moon (Rosh Chodesh), it seemed proper to emphasize this year's pilgrimage through the feast. This is true specially in the United States where the eclipse bisected an already very divided nation.The eclipse gave us a glimpse of a wedding ring, which for believers in Yeshua, is the covenant, particularly Shabbat, the sign of our betrothal. We protect its holiness while we await the Bridegroom's return. During each eclipse, we have a dramatic reminder.For Americans, at the very least, I take this as a warning. Repent. Be set-apart. No more lukewarmness toward the feasts and Shabbat.Pray.Pray for the world, but especially Israel and our nation.The new moons are a zikaron, or remembrance. It is an appointed time for Adonai to "remember" us, which means to purpose an action pertaining to us.Attend Shabbat and each feast with like kind and like mind. Gather however you can. Each year at Pesach, you may have have started the journey through your last "sealing" on earth as we know it. It is your protection to the tribulation that accompanies those final days. Even as I write this, the ancient beasts of Babylon and Medo-Persia are crouching at the door.In apostolic times, the Biblical feasts were seen as a seal of protection to those who celebrated them. Seven feasts, seven seals. Sound familiar? You can find the details in Creation Gospel Workbook Six.We are living in a miracle so great that almost everyone is missing it...even those who are the miracle! What is even greater than the Exodus? The Greater Exodus! Israel being gathered from all the nations to return to her covenant, the Living Torah, and her Promised Land of covenant.Isn't that greater than the Reed Sea parting? After all, it's been almost 2000 years since a large group of people dared to proclaim Yeshua the Messiah and walk in obedience to his Torah simultaneously. As with the wilderness journey, the arguments and chaos frequently obliterate the miracle-consciousness.First, however, before the journey home, the "moral" return begins in the lands of exile. Before we walk and leap on the way to celebrate the foot festivals of Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot, we need healing. Thousands upon thousands are being healed of enmity against the Word and their Jewish brothers and sisters walking in the covenant.In ancient times, Jeroboam put up barriers on the highways of Israel to prevent the tribes of the Northern Kingdom from journeying to Jerusalem to celebrate the feasts. By separating brothers, which is the seventh and most wicked of abominations, the northern tribes quickly lost their identity among the nations. To undo this separation has to be a work of the Ruach HaKodesh.To reiterate how the Ruach works to knit together like kind, rather than scatter and separate, I'm including Chapter Two of Standing With Israel: a House of Prayer for All Nations. It describes how prayer brought Jew and non-Jew together at the time of the afternoon prayer and Temple sacrifice. This prayer is named after the sacrifice, the Minchah. It is also called Shemoneh Esrei, or Eighteen, after its eighteen individual prayers.STANDING WITH ISRAEL: A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL NATIONSCHAPTER TWOJEW AND GENTILE: PETER AND CORNELIUSThe Shemoneh Esrei, whatever its form evolving in the Second Temple era, is a common prayer for both Jews and “God fearers” in Acts of the Apostles. Peter and John observe the hour of prayer: “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.” In Acts, Peter and John are still accustomed to praying in the Temple at the appointed hour, and they encounter a lame man, likely a Jew, at the hour of Minchah prayer, the ninth hour. This is three o’clock. The lame man’s inability to walk in the life of the covenant people makes him poor. He asks alms at the Beautiful Gate (Yaffa Gate), and receives silver and gold of the Kingdom, which is strength to walk into the Temple of Israel as a strong man. His waiting for alms at the gate parallels the common term for a non Jew who practices some of the Torah, but who has not yet converted to Judaism; he is a “proselyte of the gate.” Although he is a native-born Israelite, there is yet a barrier between him and the inner Temple courts, for none blemished in body could enter into those precincts. The correlation to Minchah prayer and the poor lame man is found in Jewish law. In Berachot 34b of the Talmud, the code of Jewish law and commentary, we read, “The Minchah has the same high degree of holiness which is generally brought by a poor person.” The reason is that a poor man may have to fast his daily bread in order to afford his offering, so his Minchah has a heightened degree of holiness. Adonai’s concern for the poor is evidenced by the many provisions in Leviticus for the poor man to bring an offering of reduced cost, whether turtledoves and meal in place of flesh, or a single lamb instead of several. This poor man’s Minchah request for help from the disciples of Yeshua is endowed with special favor from his Father in heaven.Peter and John’s Shemoneh Esrei prayers of faith at the 3 o’clock hour of Minchah minister healing to the poor lame man. This restored Jew sees the beautiful feet of Peter and John, who bring him the good news of Messiah Yeshua. He no longer has to sit outside the Beautiful Gate like a Gentile, separated from the joy of the “foot festivals,” the pilgrimage feasts of Adonai, but he can walk, leap, and praise Adonai in the Temple. Yeshua is the Beautiful Gate to the House of God. By faith in the blood of the Minchah Lamb, who was sacrificed at the hour of prayer as an everlasting memorial, the restored Israelite can enter the Temple on strong feet. The cripple is reunited with his Jewish brothers and his Messiah in the life of the covenant. He affirms the blessing of the Shemoneh Esrei, “Blessed are You, O Lord, who heals the sick of your people Israel.” Cornelius is also in Minchah prayer when he is visited by the angel. “He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.” While many English readers would picture Cornelius as kneeling in prayer with clasped hands as Christians do today, the true picture would look much different. Cornelius learned of the One God of Israel from Israelites; therefore, he learned how to pray from Israelites! Picture Cornelius standing in his home facing Jerusalem. He takes three steps back, then three steps forward, symbolically stepping into the Presence of Adonai. He begins to pray, “My Adonai, open my lips, that my mouth may declare your praise…”Cornelius’ Minchah prayers are accompanied by acts of kindness to the Jews of his community. He offers not only the sacrifice of his lips, but good deeds of the Torah. The text calls Cornelius a “God-fearer.” A God-fearer is a Gentile, a “proselyte of the gate,” who has accepted the one God of Israel and who has begun to keep some of the commandments. Cornelius the God fearer also observes the Jewish hour of prayer: “And Cornelius said, ‘Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing.” In the waning decades of the second Temple, the hour of prayer is the ninth hour. This places the prayer “between the evenings,” between noon and sundown, three o’clock, the time of unity for day and night.Even the time of month when Cornelius prayed is evident. Rabbi Munk reminds us that “The Torah ordains ‘On your days of rejoicing and your holy days and on your month’s beginning, you shall blow the trumpets over your offerings that they may be to you a memorial (zikaron) before your God.” Just as the Jews place goodwill money offerings in the Temple trumpets to accompany their prayers, Cornelius’ good deeds are offered with prayer, and together they ascend as a memorial offering, a zikaron, for the angel says, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” Cornelius’ Minchah prayer and gifts to the poor parallel Peter’s Minchah and gift to the poor, not silver and gold, but healing. Rosh Chodesh, the first day of the lunar Biblical month, is a day appointed for sacrifices of prayer and good deeds to be an especial zikaron to Adonai. This may be Cornelius’ exact day of prayer. When one is fasting as Cornelius says he is the day of his visitation, a significant benediction of the Shemoneh Esrei is inserted. The fasting benediction is a fervent plea to Adonai to answer the prayer: Answer us, Adonai, answer us, on this day of our fast, for we are in great distress. Do not pay attention to our wickedness; do not hide Your Face from us, and do not ignore our plea. Please be near to our cry; please comfort us with your kindness – before we call to You answer us, as it is said: ‘And it will be that before they call, I will answer; while they are speaking, I will hear.’ For You, Adonai, are the One Who responds in time of distress, who redeems and rescues. The answer to Cornelius’ fervent Minchah prayer is that indeed, while he is yet speaking, Adonai hears and answers. Cornelius is rewarded with not only acceptance of his zikaron offering of prayer, but redemption for his whole household, and the gate is opened for the unification of the Jew and Gentile in the Commonwealth of Israel. The Orthodox Jewish translation of the New Testament plainly connects the zikaron (remembrance) to the unification of Jew and Gentile through the sacrifice of Messiah. Paul urges the Ephesians to Have zikaron (remembrance) that you were at that time unrelated and separate from Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach, having been alienated from the citizenship in the Am Berit, from Yisroel, being strangers to the Beritot HaHavtacha, lost, and having no tikvah (hope) and without G d in the Olam Hazeh. But now in Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua, you, who formerly were in the outermost courts, have been broughtnear by the kapparah of the dam of Moshiach. Therefore, then, nolonger are you zarim and aliens, but you are fellow citizens of theKadoshim and bnei bayit members of the household of G-d.The KJV translates the same passage:Therefore remember, that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh…that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ...For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one…that in Himself He might make the two into one new man…for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household…Paul’s placing of believing Gentiles within the Am Berit, or as most English translations read, the Commonwealth of Israel, and the Gentiles’ inclusion with the bnei bayit, or Children of the Household, gives credence to Rabbi Munk’s comment on a portion of the Minchah Shemoneh Esrei: “The third group (of prayers) comprises the spiritual preconditions for the reunion of the nation of Israel under the rule of G-d. According to the prediction of the prophets, the spiritual and moral foundation will have to be laid before the rehabilitation of our people can take place.” Cornelius’ commandment-keeping, acts of kindness to the Jews, and participation in a “Jewish” prayer lay the moral foundation for the rescue and reunion of Israel under the rule of God.Apathy, hatred, and jealousy among Israelites is so lame it prohibits entry to the House. Where do we think we're going?A lame person cannot fully engage the Shabbat and feasts, a Beautiful Gate into the Presence of our Father at His feasts. He is separate from the House. We are being healed. Rise up and walk. Walk to Shabbat. Walk to the Passover seder with a staff in your hand, ready to collect the seven seals of Yeshua's kingdom. They are seven beautiful gates, and each week, the Shabbat gate protects you and beautifies you for the Bridegroom while you journey between the feasts.Healing is available for Jew and non-Jew. One household. One House. A foot-festival is approaching quickly.The zealous spirit of Elijah says, "The King is coming." Prepare.
Parsha “Metzora” (Leviticus chapters 14 through 15) is almost like “part two” of something many people might tend to skip over anyway.
But don’!
After all, this malady hasn’t been seen in – at least! – many centuries. So how could it possibly be SO relevant to exactly what is happening now?
Start with this question:
How is it that so many people could be duped into injecting something into their bodies that turned out to modify their DNA and destroy their immune system? And many of them even believe two men can have a baby, or that someone who cuts off their genitalia can be magically transformed into some other ‘gender’.
Yet they laugh at people for suggesting that some ancient ritual involving two birds might have something to do with cleansing a skin problem?
You can’t see a ‘virus’, any more than a radio wave. Or a demon. Or a DNA double-helix.
How do we know what is ‘technology,’ and what is ‘magic?’ Or superstition.
Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship suggests that the more something in the Bible — especially where there is SO much detail about it! — that doesn’t seem at ALL relevant now, just might end up being vital. Especially when we figure out just what we’re up against.
The Erev Shabbat reading is again about the details:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SSM-4-19-24-Metzora-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3The Sabbath teaching and midrash lays out the key question. And the conundrum.
Metzora: How can we believe in ‘magic’ but not Scripture?”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WT-CooH-4-20-24-Metzora-ANY-suffieciently-AdTech-is-Indistinguishable-from-Magic-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
In one of his letters to the Corinthians Paul talks about the cup that Yeshua gave to his disciples and said, this is my blood of the renewed covenant. (1 Cor 11:25) Why was Paul talking about this cup? What does it have to do with the covenant? What was the issue in his congregation?
What does “immersed into Mosheh (Moses)” mean?
To get to the understanding of 1 Corinthians 11: 25, Rabbi Steve Berkson backs up to chapter 10 in order to gain the contextual framing necessary to understand the real meaning of that one verse, as Paul intended for his congregation.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
Getting StonedBiblically, that is.Torah contains many commandments. Some of those are positive, "you shalls," and some are negative, "you shall nots." Most frequently, the negative commandments carry tangible punishments such as restitution, whiplashes, hanging, or even stoning. Sometimes no punishment is prescribed, or a vague phrase, "he shall be cut off from his people." It has been speculated to be banishment or shunning, and some sources say this is a Divine punishment, not a human one.Let's take a closer look at stoneable offenses, which will help us to understand a Divine punishment in John's Revelation.“You shall also say to the sons of Israel: ‘Any man from the sons of Israel or from the aliens sojourning in Israel who gives any of his offspring to Molech, shall surely be put to death; the people of the land shall stone him with stones.’” (Le 20:2)“Now a man or a woman who is a medium or a spiritist shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.” (Le 20:27)“Moreover, the one who blasphemes the name of the LORD shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone him. The alien as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death….Then Moses spoke to the sons of Israel, and they brought the one who had cursed outside the camp and stoned him with stones. Thus the sons of Israel did, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.” (Le 24:16, 23)“Now while the sons of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering wood on the sabbath day…Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘The man shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp.’ So all the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him to death with stones, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.” (Nu 15:32-36)Idolatry, dark arts, blasphemy, and desecration of the Shabbat are the most explicit of the commandments that carry a death penalty of stoning. An additional commandment against adultery is linked to idolatry:Thus they went in to Oholah and to Oholibah, the lewd women. But they, righteous men, will judge them with the judgment of adulteresses and with the judgment of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses and blood is on their hands. ‘For thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Bring up a company against them and give them over to terror and plunder. The company will stone them with stones and cut them down with their swords; they will slay their sons and their daughters and burn their houses with fire. Thus I will make lewdness cease from the land, that all women may be admonished and not commit lewdness as you have done. Your lewdness will be requited upon you, and you will bear the penalty of worshiping your idols; thus you will know that I am the Lord GOD.’” (Ezekiel 23:44-49)The Ezekiel passage is addressed to two nations in their state of apostasy, Oholah (Northern tribes of Israel) and Oholibah (Judah). They are also called mystically "Babylon" and "Egypt" because they carried with them the adulteries/idolatries of Egypt and Babylon and continued to practice them. Their example was a message to other "women," or nations.The vital transition in Revelation is that first Israel is warned through the "moedic memos" to the Seven Assemblies of Revelation. Next, those nations from which they carried the adulterous idolatries are judged. The smaller to greater pattern may also be seen in Zechariah 14:17 when he prophesies that the commandment that initially was specific to Israel of going up to Jerusalem for the foot festivals of Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot will extend to the other nations in the millennium.It then explains why John prophesies in the Revelation to the world that they will suffer the same sentences applied to Israel for the "stoning" offenses. As those nations transition to King Yeshua's rule over the earth, they, like Pharaoh, will suffer stoning for stubborness concerning control of Israel and the commandments of Adonai.To understand how stoning was performed, we have to erase our memories of high school reading assignments such as "The Lottery" or news images of men stoning women in Afghanistan. While throwing stones at someone until they are dead is one way of stoning, the Biblical method is rarely explained outside of Judaism.The Jewish understanding of how to perform stoning is rooted in Moses’ warning at Sinai to protect the people from the hailstones by which they would be stoned if they approached the mountain:“And you shall set bounds around it for the people, saying, ‘Guard yourself from ascending the mountain or touching its edge; whoever touches the mountain shall surely die. A hand shall not touch it, for he shall be stoned or he shall be cast down; whether animal or person he shall not live; when the blast of the ram’s horn is drawing out, they will ascend the mountain.” (Ex 19:12-13)Judicial orders of stoning in ancient times consisted of first, pushing the guilty one off a high place, such as a cliff. This was the "casting down." If the person were to somehow survive the fall, then he or she would be stoned, sometimes placing a heavy rock on the chest to prevent breathing. First the fall, second the stones.Exodus 9:25 was a plague of hail in Egypt which affected unbelieving man and beast: “Now therefore send, bring your livestock and whatever you have in the field to safety. Every man and beast that is found in the field and is not brought home, when the hail comes down on them, will die.”’” (v. 19)This is just after a pestilence upon the beasts of Egypt (but not of the prepared Hebrews) which knocked them off their feet (Re 2:22-23). Likewise, those following the idolatrous teaching in Thyatira, which corresponds to the fourth feast of Shavuot, will be thrown on a sickbed and afflicted with pestilence for eating things offered to idols. Egypt and Babylon. Fallen, fallen. The unprepared "believers" and the rebellious world: fallen, fallen.This equivalency sounds very familiar from the Revelation of John, which describes those who conform themselves to the image of the beast.The nations are judged at the blowing of the shofar at Yom Teruah in the fall, whereas Shavuot, the conclusion of Pesach, is the warning to the righteous among all nations to prepare. If prepared by “holiness and washing” (Ex 19:14), they will be prepared to cross the boundary and ascend the mountain at Yom Teruah without fear of stoning or being cast down.Put that in the context of ascending into the cloud, "going up" as the resurrection, then it makes sense why Israel could not ascend until a specific shofar was heard, the Great Shofar of Yom Teruah that accompanies Yeshua's return.It is the plague of the Seventh Angel, corresponding to Shabbat and Sukkot, that stones the nations of the earth. If we read the context of Revelation 16, it references Babylon, recalling the Tower of Bavel when mankind agreed to challenge the boundary of heaven to achieve eternal life. Their attempt to approach the mountain without holiness and washing results in this:“And huge hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, came down from heaven upon men; and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, because its plague was extremely severe.” (Re 16:21)Egypt and Babylon were the sources of the idolatry-adultery of Israel and Judah. Egypt handed off the authority of the serpent to the first beast kingdom, Babylon. Israel and Judah will be judged first. The righteous among them will wash themselves and their "clothes" (garment of salvation, robes of righteous deeds) and be prepared to go up to the mountain at Shavuot (not saying they will).The nations and the lukewarm among Israel and Judah will hear the Great Shofar at Yom Teruah, yet not be prepared to ascend. If they try, they will be "stoned." What would keep them from ascending, or worse yet, being "stoned"?Adultery/idolatry, dark arts, blaspheming, and profaning Shabbat are all associated with the punishment of stoning.Warn, judge, cast down, stone.Yeshua uses the language of Yom Teruah, when he comes like a thief in the night, to warn the world to be "awake" on Judgment Day. Yom Teruah is the opening of the books, and Yom HaKippurim is the closing ten days later, a period known at the Terrible Days, the Great and Terrible Day of Adonai:“Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his clothes, so that he will not walk about naked and men will not see his shame.” (Re 16:15)The preparation for Shavuot at Sinai to receive the Torah included washing one’s clothes. This warning was given through Moses. The Torah.The clothes must then be “kept,” or guarded, shamar. This guards the person's body. Likewise, the preparation for Yom Teruah is to stay awake: “Awake you sleeper, arise from the dead...” The warning is to “keep” one’s clothes, which were washed to prepare for Shavuot, all the way to the Great Shofar, the Resurrection of the Dead at Yom Teruah.Discerning the Body of the Bride on Shabbat is to guard the first of the moedim, to guard one’s clothes. Guarding one’s clothes from Re 16:15 has a Hebrew cognate, shamar, which is also used in the “wedding ring” of Shabbat as shamor et yom ha-shabbat:“Observe the sabbath day to keep it holy, as the LORD your God commanded you.” (Dt 5:12)??????? ???????? ????????? ??????????? ????????? ??????? ?????? ?????????It is because of this warning of stoning at Shavuot that Jewish scholars scrupulously read guidelines concerning stoning offenses in the Torah. “He shall be stoned or he shall be cast down” (Ex 19:13 Artscroll) explains how the death sentence is executed. If a person is observed committing a stonable offense, he should be warned, just as the Israelites were warned to wash and keep themselves and their garments until the Presence was revealed on the mountain.The beast will try to "ascend" in rebellion, not obedience, with the stonable offense of blasphemy:There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. And he opened his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. (Re 13:5-6)Adultery/idolatry, dark arts, blasphemy, Sabbath-breaking.The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship demons, and the idols of gold and of silver and of brass and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; and they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries nor of their immorality nor of their thefts. (Re 9:20-21)The offender is warned first. If he does not repent (stop), then he is judged. When he is found guilty, he is stoned. The very presence of believers who obey the Word of Adonai and proclaim Yeshua's testimony serves as a warning to the nations. Those "lukewarm" believers who are a little like obedient Israel and a little like the rebellious world will be assigned a place with unbelievers, at least for a time. (Lk 12:46)They failed to warn the idolators, magic-workers, blasphemers, and Sabbath-breakers. Maybe they've even engaged in it themselves like the Thyatirans. What we do, how we walk before others is the testimony of Yeshua that can warn the world and protect them from falling down and from the hailstones of judgment. Why wouldn't the Master be angry when He returns if His own witnesses have treated His Shabbat casually?Those sentenced by the court to be stoned areFirst pushed down from a high stoning place. The fall may kill them.Should he survive the fall, he will be stoned with stones.Yes, as Israel is judged, so will the nations follow quickly:“The great city was split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell...” (Re 16:19)First they will be warned like Pharaoh with plagues. Then they will fall. Then they will be stoned.Have you entered the storehouses of the snow,Or have you seen the storehouses of the hail,Which I have reserved for the time of distress,For the day of war and battle? (Job 38:22-23)The message to Laodicea, the Seventh Assembly, is to not think that being "lukewarm" concerning the Shabbat would adequate covering to survive the Presence that is encountered at the resurrection of the dead in the cloud on the Mountain.It isn't.It wasn't in the wilderness, and it won't be when we hear the Great Shofar. Yeshua gives the warning:"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, 'I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,' and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent." (Re 3:15-19)Every Shabbat could be the most important Shabbat of your life. We've been warned. Don't get stoned. Why else would the most important number in Revelation be seven? We've seen the Words. We'll hear the sound. Soon, we will see the sounds.
Here’s another one of those paraschot that just seems to be SO “old testament,” and that has perhaps even been used as a poster child for “done away with.” After all, it’s a ‘disease’ that hasn’t been seen for centuries, except in a few Bible movies, and isn’t really “leprosy” at all, anyway. So who cares?
Which is why Mark suggests we ought to!
Parsha “Tazria” (Leviticus chapters 12 through 13) also at least has something to do with the ‘eighth day,’ when an infant male child is to be circumcised. But it also comes from a section that is ‘politically incorrect,’ in a world that so hates His Word, and then introduces a concept that might be even more “out of favor.”
The Erev Shabbat reading lays out all the sordid details:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SSM-4-12-24-Tazria-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3The sages suggest that a person being overcome by the malady of ‘tzaraat’ and exiled outside of the camp was a sort of testimony that Elohim Himself was publicly pointing out that individual’s wrongdoing.
Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship has suggested in the past that perhaps the “NOT-leprosy” that is described in Scripture, but has not actually been SEEN in centuries might in some ways thus be a type of ‘blessing’ for His people, in that the ‘evil tongue’ might be revealed for what it is, while repentance is still possible.
Such detail about a ‘plague’ that probably hasn’t been seen anywhere on the planet for over a thousand years. And if the ‘evil tongue’ of lashon hora is the proximate cause – you have to wonder why it isn’t more common in today’s world of “calling evil good,” and vice-versa, than ever.
So why no more? And why not – especially – in a time when truly reprobate “leaders” give a whole new understanding to the term “evil tongue,” or lashon hora.. don’t we “unclean, unclean” as bumper music for every fake newscast?
Tazria: Why? They Have NO Shame!”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WT-CooH-4-13-24-Tazria-Why-no-Tzaraat-they-Have-NO-Shame-podcast-xxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
Ray Harrison is back this week with the other Torah teachers, Marks Pitrone and Call, and they continue the study of the Book of the prophet Isaiah/YesheYahu into chapter 30.
On what issue do Christians and those who are Messianic Torah Observant agree?
How did Abraham obey Torah before Mt. Sinai? (Genesis 26:4-5)
What is the whole point of Torah observance?
When Yeshua gave his disciples the bread and wine, saying this is the new covenant in my blood, did He start the ritual called communion?
What did Yeshua mean when He cried out “It is finished!”?
Moving into the Brit HaDashah (New Testament), Rabbi Steve Berkson continues clarifying the understanding of being covenanted with our Creator.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
One Size Fits All"Tzav""One Size Fits All!"We’ve probably all been duped by that assurance! Sure it fits, as long as you don't mind sleeves so long you could make it into a straitjacket!One size definitely doesn’t fit all. Do we trust the ad enough to order it online? Do we hire a personal shopper who knows our taste, our height, our weight, body shape, even arm length?How about prayer? Does one size fit all?That’s a common question even though it is not usually worded that way. Frequently I hear objections to Jewish prayer as vain repetition. It’s an uninformed way of looking at it, but we often simply repeat what someone who we respected told us. As we allow the Ruach HaKodesh to turn our spiritual life upside down repeatedly, that may be one area that turns. To help coach new-to-Torah believers in the basics of Jewish prayer, I’ve written books such as Standing With Israel: A House of Prayer for All Nations, Messianic Shabbat Service, and Creation Gospel Workbook Six: Hebrew Prayer and Worship Traditions. Rather than cover that ground again, I thought I would reiterate one of the principles of Hebrew prayer. Although the basic daily, feast, and Shabbat prayers are fixed and do not change, they do not need to. The Temple service was the same. Fixed. As the daily prayers took the place of the Temple services after its destruction, they too, were fixed.There is room in the Amidah prayers for spontaneous, personal conversation with Adonai. The point of Hebrew prayer is that the person is transformed with each prayer. When I pray the Amidah in the evening, I am not the same person who prayed it that morning. The conversation with Adonai changed me. As immersion into Messiah Yeshua makes me a new person, so does the fire of the Ruach burn me on the altar each day.This is why it is so difficult to advise someone on which siddur (prayer book) to purchase. It’s kind of like picking out someone else’s clothes, especially if you don’t know them personally. I’d need to know several things:1. Do you want Hebrew text, English, or both?2. Do you want an English transliteration?3. Do you need a daily siddur, Shabbat siddur, or a combination of both?4. Do you want a Messianic siddur?5. Large print, or are you good with a font the size of a gnat’s tattoo in the pocket size?You get the gist. This week’s Ulpan-Or newsletter on the Torah portion is an excellent illustration of the personal relationship with prayer. The ashes from altar that burn down from the previous day are symbolically placed beside it. Today’s sacrifice will be a new one. Today’s prayers will be new because we are new, re-born of fire and water. With their permission to reproduce, I’ve included Ulpan-Or's lesson below:TORAH PORTION "Tzav"This Shabbat we will read Torah Portion "Tzav".In our Torah Portion Tzav, G?d instructs Moses to command Aaron and his sons regarding their duties who offer the offerings on the altar in the Sanctuary.The fire on the altar had to be kept burning at all times.It is interesting to notice that each and every morning, the first order of the day in the Holy Temple was for the priest to remove a small portion of the ashes from the altar and place it on the floor just next to the altar.Why particularly the priest had to start each day with removing ashes from the previous day?What was the purpose of this ritual?The purpose of this ritual was not merely to tidy up the ashes left over from the fire that had burned all night. The priest only had to remove a very small symbolic amount of ash.And, in fact, after the first priest would remove a small portion of the ashes, the other priests would place the remainder of the ashes in a large heap in the center of the altar.Why is it so important that it’s the first ritual performed in the Temple, - the first step in the service of G?d?What is the significance of lifting and removing the symbolic amount of ashes?Let us think. What are ashes? These are what is left over from the previous day’s service.Your yesterday, may have been perfect.Yesterday, you may have achieved a lot with your talents and strengths.But, …. That was yesterday.However, if you do the same thing today, you do not grow spiritually.If you repeat what you did yesterday - then you are merely stuck in the past.You remain the “Old You”.So, the ashes that represent “the old me” must be removed, in order to clear the way for “the new me,” that today will actualize today’s greater potential.That’s why the first step in serving G?d each morning is the realization that that the ashes that represent “the old me” must be removed, in order to clear the way for “the new me,”One must tell himself – Tomorrow will be totally different - not just “a bit different,” The next day’s potential would be so much greater.Unlike in the Beatles’ song “Yesterday”, one should not long for yesterday, but rather look onward for a better tomorrow.Remembering the exodus from Egypt is so central to Judaism.Egypt in Hebrew is Mitzrayim - ?????, and it means “constraints.”So, if today you are in the same spiritual space that you were in yesterday, you are in Egypt – you are constrained. The verse in the Torah insists that you “remember the day you left Egypt all the days of your life.”Each morning when we wake up, we need to remember to symbolically remove the ashes of yesterday and not limit ourselves to the person we were yesterday.As Dr. Joe Dispenza says in his book: “Breaking the Habit of being yourself: “If you want a new outcome, you will have to break the habit of being yourself, and reinvent a new self."
Parsha “Shmini” (Leviticus chapters 9 through 11) appears to be an unusual combination. It begins on the ‘eighth day,’ with the climax of the consecration of the priests, Aaron and his sons, and only appears to end when “there came forth fire from before YHVH.”
Those same words frame the tragedy of the death of his sons Nadab and Abihu when they offer “strange fire,” which – clearly most importantly – He did NOT command.
Why, then, does He talk about food next?
The Erev Shabbat reading sets the stage:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/SSM-4-5-24-Shmini-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3And the confluence of those events set up the questions. What does ‘strange fire’ even mean? And why did it merit sudden death?
Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship suggests that the story of Ezekiel chapters 8 and 9 offers some insight: What was it they “knew, or SHOULD have known?”
It is true that, “to whom much is given, much is expected.” And in Ezekiel 9:6, YHVH does tell the destroying angel to “begin at My sanctuary.”
But, wait – we don’t have a temple, or even a mishkan, any more. No priests, either, to hold to a higher standard. And any issues about “ritual purity” and food don’t fit any more, either.
Maybe that’s another indicator. Especially now.
With the ‘next bioweapon release’ seemingly at-hand, not to mention the biggest economic meltdown in history, and an attempted nuclear escalation of mention WW 3, doesn’t it seem far less insane to trust YHVH rather leaders who have demonstrated a desire to serve Death?
And since there are things on the horizon that we cannot control, doesn’t it make sense to obey Him as best we can in the things we can?
Shmini: Knew, or Should Have Known”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/WT-CooH-4-6-24-Shmini-Knew-or-SHOULD-Have-Known-WHO-to-Trust-podcast-xxxx.mp3The combined two-part teaching is here:
Discussing how the hell-bug of Abaddon is overcome by believers who connect the generations with the Word. with special guests Howie and aline George.
Parsha Nitzavim [“you are standing THIS Day…” from Deuteronomy 29:9 through chapter 30] contains what I contend is one of the most graphic and undeniable refutations of some of THE Biggest Lies in all xtianity…things that are NOT in the Real Book, but get taught in sun-god-day skool as if they actually were. It also […]
“Come out of her, My people” is an admonition. It is blunt, and should be clear, but has also been engineered, by the ‘prince of this world,’ to be as difficult as Evil can possibly make it.
And it turns out, not surprisingly, that there are multiple aspects to the process of ‘coming out,’ and maybe increasing “degrees of difficulty” – there is a hurdle that needs to be addressed.
What is coming is, and should be, downright terrifying to those who do not KNOW Who they serve!
There is a level of warfare against not just the American people, but the world, that most simply cannot comprehend, or even believe. But it will terrify them, whether they believe, or not.
What is SHOULD do is cause a re-evaluation…
What is the definition of evil? Is keeping the Covenant really that big of a deal? Hasn’t it been “done away with” because of the Messiah? Who are the teachers today? What is the leadership structure today? Isn’t it now all about the “Holy Spirit”? What is the “essence” of all covenants?
Digging deeper into what it means to be in covenant, Rabbi Steve Berkson continues to uncover exciting treasures that have been obscured by the erroneous teaching of a system that uses the word covenant, but really has no clue as to what being in covenant means.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
Wars of Kings is a foundation for using the template of the first Exodus to understand the Greater Exodus and the accompanying plagues in the Book of Revelation. Click on Wars of Kings to go to the first segment of the Wars YouTube video. Part of this week's teaching will continue with the rest of the plagues, providing examples from our time to connect with the texts.Please SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to get new teachings.
Parsha “Ki Tavo” (Deuteronomy 26:1 thru 29:8) is the most well-known collection of “blessings and cursings” in the Bible. There is, of course, much more. But this year, there’s an additional twist as well. Having taught this for a number of years at this point, and noting just how relevant – and DESERVED – those […]
The Torah teachers continue the detailed study of the Book of Ezekiel the prophet, and complete chapter 45, and head into 46.
And as several previous prophecies have, this one invites a question: If the ‘temple’ that seems to be described in this section is a still-future event, then why does Yahuah keep talking about the importance of keeping His feasts, and making offerings there? If the ‘church’ is right, and tells us that all those “old” things have been ‘done away with,’ well…that can’t possibly be.
Continuing in Deuteronomy, Rabbi Steve Berkson shows us how to recognize certain words and phrases continuously linked to help you understand what they’re about. What do you suppose is the phrase that links to the Covenant?
As we look at a “covenant within the Covenant” made with the tribe of Levi we see that one of the responsibilities of the Levites was to bear the Covenant (Ark of the Covenant) and to establish the Torah as the foundation of Israel. Who has that responsibility today?
As a part of Covenant-Keeping we are told by Yahweh not to worship Him in the same way the Gentiles around us worship their Elohim. What do you see around you today that is going against that commandment?
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
Wars of Kings is a foundation for using the template of the first Exodus to understand the Greater Exodus and the accompanying plagues in the Book of Revelation. Click on Wars of Kings to go to the first segment of the Wars YouTube video. Last week's teaching explained up to plague five, and part of this week's teaching will continue with the rest of the plagues, providing examples from our time to connect with the texts.
Please SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to get new teachings.
Parsha “Ki Tetzi” (Deuteronomy 21:10 thru chapter 25) is unique in a number of ways. Not only is it “maximally politically INcorrect” – which itself speaks volumes – but it contains more ‘statutes, judgments, and commandments’ than just about any other parsha in the Torah, with the possible exception of Mishaptim itself. But, as Mark […]
The teachers complete the study of Ezekiel chapter 44 and continue into chapter 45. Some of the strictures on the cohenim, or priests, in this section we saw in the Torah. But the emphasis on “teach My people” the difference, between the holy and unholy, clean and profane, is key. And certainly explains a lot.
A special note up front from host Mark Call: This was a tough show to do, folks. It’s a topic that has been on my heart, and my mind, for a while now, and finally “came to a head” this week. And I knew it would strike a nerve. But until I actually went through […]
As he said he would, Rabbi Steve Berkson spends a bit more time teaching on Deuteronomy 4:9. He points out the emphasis placed on the exhortation to “guard yourself” lest you forget the words your eyes have seen. How does one “see the words”? The second part of Deu 4:9 instructs the reader to make […]
The Greater Exodus will have its own challenges, but is Perfect Attendance possible? If we see it as the presence of every chosen one, then Scripture indicates yes, it is more than possible, but promised. Our working text is Song of Songs Chapter Four:
Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn sheep which have come up from their washing, all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost her young.
Translations will vary. Some will say “all of them perfect” or “not one of them is missing.”
This “twins and pairs” passage of the Song of Songs is also seen by the sages as hinting to the missing daughters of Jacob, of whom there is only the brief mention in Genesis 37:35. Where did these daughters come from? Scripture is often so subtle when it reveals information about women in Scripture that the hint is often read over without notice.
Although Scripture only names one daughter, Dinah, who is believed to have been a single birth, the sages believe that each son was born with a twin sister. Like Rachel, whose name means “ewe lamb,” she was thought to be a twin to Leah as Jacob was a twin to Esau. Where did these daughters go? Why aren’t they mentioned in the descent to Egypt? Were they too attached to the Land of Israel to descend, preferring instead to remain?
We have no answers, but we have a deliberately-placed hint, and in addition to its plain meaning, that not one sheep of the flock of Israel will be missing when they cross over the Jordan, we also have some insight as to Joel’s prophecy, quoted by Peter in Acts Two, that the latter days of prophecy will be characterized by a pouring-out of the Ruach HaKodesh on both sons AND daughters, male AND female servants. Not one will be missing when they come up from their washing. In fact, maybe they never were missing, just unseen.
The twinning aspect is seen in the 24 courses of the Temple service. This may explain much about Acts Two and Peter’s explanation of Yoel’s prophecy of “sons and daughters,” “male and female servants.” In the “House,” or Temple, the male AND female disciples were praying on Shavuot, commemorating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, the “mountain of testimony” also from Chapter Four of the Song of Songs: “...your hair is like a flock of goats that have descended from Mount Gilead.”
The 24 courses were a twinning, or “perfection” of the twelve. The 24 mishmarot priestly watches would each consume the sacrifices with their teeth: “Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn sheep which have come up from their washing.”
Three times of year the 24 courses are equal, or ”perfect,” all in attendance. These times are Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. While only those kohanim on duty would eat the sacrifices at other times, at the foot festivals they all were present to serve, so they shared equally. Every priest was part of the Perfect Attendance of the feasts. There were also the 24 watches of the Levites who served for a week on a rotating basis, functioning as gatekeepers and singers, along with other duties. The kohanim and Leviim were mishmarot who “watched over” the Israelites by seeing to the sacrifices and doing the work for Adonai’s atonement.
In addition to the kohanim and Leviim were the royal priesthood on duty. They served for a full month rather than a week, providing continuity during the changing of the Levitical and priestly courses, just as each tribe represents a month on the calendar. The royal priesthood provides year-round service. This royal priesthood ministered to the needs of Israel and the nations on behalf of the king, just as we do today. As the kohanim were to the tribes of Israel, so the tribes of Israel were to the nations.
The 24,000 men were sent from each tribe, one tribe per month, to serve as maamadot who were at the king’s disposal. They assisted in the execution of royal duties and ensured the security of the Israelites while they worshiped. They also fasted, recited Scripture, and prayed, like Channah (Annah), who remained in the Temple day and night. Their duties of security, administration duties as assigned by the king, fasting, and prayer/Scripture reading is consistent with the identity of the tribes as a royal priesthood.
This is unique from the kohanim and leviim, for the 24,000 both served in the Temple and mingled with the people, conducting Kingdom business. At the feasts, the royal priesthood from the twelve tribes would also have Perfect Attendance, for all were required to present themselves in Jerusalem for Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot.
Although only the able-bodied males were required by Torah, the prophetic perfection of the commandment in Acts Two included the women as well, just as Channah was sought as a witness to the infant Yeshua's birth, for she served as a member of the Tribe of Asher. Likewise, the royal priesthood of Yeshua’s disciples assembled at The House (Temple) with Perfect Attendance on Shavuot, and the Ruach HaKodesh fell on them, equipping them to execute the King’s commandments and see to His business on earth, declaring His mighty deeds through their testimony of Yeshua’s resurrection.
Another line from the Shir:
“Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth is beautiful.”
Another translation:
“Your speech [midbarekha] is beautiful.”
Your sons and your daughters. Your male and female servants. Not one is missing, and their testimony of Yeshua and the commandments of Elohim is beautiful.
“It will come about after this that I will pour out My Spirit on all mankind; and your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on the male and female servants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. (Joel 2:28-29)
Will you be serving the King of Kings at the upcoming feasts? If we all show up, then no matter the exact date of the Greater Exodus, we have
PERFECT ATTENDANCE!
Please SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to get new teachings.
Parsha “Shoftim” (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9) begins with the word which means “judges,” and proceeds to describe a set of instruction having to do with the “rule of law,” and ‘justice,’ and concepts of what an honest, trustworthy judiciary looks like that is so foreign to us today it’s no WONDER the Whore Church is happy that […]
Wars of Kings is a foundation for using the template of the first Exodus known as the "Wars of Kings" to understand the Greater Exodus and the accompanying plagues in the Book of Revelation. Go to the first segment of the Wars from last week. Last week's teaching explained the template and the plague on the waters, and this week's teaching will complete the rest of the plagues, providing examples from our time to connect with the texts.
Parsha “Re’eh” (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17) begins with the single word “Behold!” Or, more simply, in the modern English, just “See.” Which is what most of xtianity has refused to do for at least 1700 years now. And it’s pretty easy to actually read this one, and see why. The Erev Shabbat reading and commentary of the […]
Is there such a thing as a covenant within a covenant? Does the word ‘forever’ always mean what you think it means? What exactly is a “Covenant of Salt”? Does it still apply to us today? What are the challenges to understanding the Bible? How do “The Beatitudes” go hand-in-hand with the “Covenant of Salt” […]
Wars of Kings is a foundation for using the template of the first Exodus known as the "Wars of Kings" to understand the Greater Exodus and the accompanying plagues in the Book of Revelation. This week's teaching explains the template and the plague on the waters, and next week's teaching will complete the rest of the plagues, providing examples from our time to connect with the texts.
Sometimes the Torah portion reading almost seems like it could have come from today’s news. Other times, we know the message applies, but we have to search a bit to make what later often turn out to be obvious connections. This week, it’s a bit of both. Parsha Ekev (Deuteronomy/Debarim 7:12-11:25) begins with a promise. […]
The teachers complete the discussion of Ezekiel chapter 42 and the prophesied temple, and continue into chapter 43. Where there is a warning which must not be overlooked.
A covenant made between two parties has certain expectations of performance. When those expectations are not met the covenant has been broken or breached. When a covenant has been broken there will then be another expectation–consequences. In this lesson of “Are You Covenanted?”, Rabbi Steve Berkson focuses on the consequences of us breaking our covenant […]
we looked at key “prepping” points for the Greater Exodus as children of Sarah, Jerusalem above and temples of the Ruach HaKodesh. We saw the need to:
guard against wickedness entering her house, a temple of the Ruach HaKodesh pray for her generation (until the Holy One Himself seals our lips) obey the Covenant, especially assembling on Shabbat and at the feasts, conspicuously holding daily "services" the lost may easily find because they are landmarks
This week, we’ll identify the traits of the warriors of a thousand generations gathering to Jerusalem. Here is our working text:
?Your neck is like the tower of David, Built with rows of stones On which are hung a thousand shields, All the round shields of the mighty men. (So 4:4)
To understand a thousand shields and generations, we look at the First Mention of a thousand:
To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; behold, it is your vindication before all who are with you, and before all men you are cleared.” (Ge 20:16)
When Avimelekh “redeems” Sarah’s reputation to a thousand generations, the earlier part of the story gives context.
In ancient times, rape was viewed as less permissible than killing the husband and then taking the wife. For this reason, Avraham twice uses the deception "Say you are my sister" to protect himself. In a sense, the serpent “killed” Adam and then had access to Eve, perhaps the source of some strange doctrines pertaining to the serpent and Eve. It is a spiritual metaphor, not a physical relationship. In Sarah, the 1,000 generations were in jeopardy, yet her reputation, which was held captive, was redeemed with 1,000 pieces of silver. In Messiah Yeshua, the serpent killed the Bridegroom, yet he resurrected, zealous with love stronger than the grave.
Once confronted with the plague on his house because he held Sarah unlawfully, Avimelekh seeks to rectify the wrong and clear Sarah's name to lift the plague.
“And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What have you encountered [ra-ah-”seen”], that you have done this thing?” Abraham said, “Because I thought, surely there is no fear of God [Yirat Elohim] in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife. Besides, she actually is my sister...” (Ge 20:10-12)
Avraham worried that there was no Yirat Elohim, or fear/reverence of Elohim. This is the seventh spirit of Adonai listed in Isaiah, which Creation Gospel students know quite well! It is the Shabbat spirit. Why does Avraham say "Elohim" instead of "YHVH"? Perhaps it is because he does not think Avimelekh knows the Creator as YHVH, as Pharaoh did not, but probably he was familiar with variations of "El" or "Elohim" as Creator. The important point is that Avraham did not identify any reverence (also translated as fear) of Elohim in Avimelekh's city-state. Where there is no reverence of Adonai, there is little respect for rule of moral law.
It is no accident that Yirat Adonai is connected to Shabbat and the Temple:
“You are awesome [norah, from yareh, ?????? ?????], O God, from Your Sanctuaries.” (Ps 68:35/36)
“From where does the awe of God issue forth if not from the Holy Temple? Thus does it state, ‘My Sabbaths shall you observe, and My Sanctuary shall you fear [tira-u ?????????] (Le 26:2).’” (Shir 4§7)
“This verse indicates that the Sanctuary is sanctified in its destruction just as it was sanctified when it still stood.” (ibid)
Fear of Elohim is what Avraham pointed out was lacking among Avimelekh’s people, who would murder him for access to his wife as the serpent “murdered” Adam to corrupt his children with sin. Just as Adam and Eve (bride and bridegroom) lost their dwelling place in the Garden, so the serpent seeks to prevent the Bride and Bridegroom from entering in sanctity of Torah covenant.
Sarah, representing her descendants Israel, maintained her sanctity in the Fear of Elohim, which preserved 1,000 generations. Prophetically, the Vineyard of Israel is already “cleared before all men” by 1,000 pieces of silver. The thousand shields are a thousand generations, Israel. How are they "conspicuous" in their generations? One way their necks are like the Tower of David, the Temple, is their observance of Shabbat. They both are a Sanctuary and reverence His Sanctuary. They cease from their labors on Shabbat because they continue to reverence Him. These are the offspring of Sarah and Avraham. These are the warriors of a thousand generations, polishing their shields in reverence for the Holy One. Because they remember the covenant of Torah, He remembers them:
Remember His covenant forever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations... (1Ch 16:15) He has remembered His covenant forever, the word which He commanded to a thousand generations... (Ps 105:8)
The warrior comprehends the Word:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend (G2638) it. (Jn 1:1-5)
The Torah is a light, and the commandment is a lamp. The Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. The Torah is the Word. The Word is the Torah. The one who "comprehends" this is a warrior:
“comprehend” G2638 katalamban? Sept. for ????????, ?????, also for ?????, etc.; (from Homer down); to lay hold of; i. e.: to lay hold of so as to make one's own, to obtain, attain to: with the accusative of the thing; the prize of victory
The Torah is a Tree of Life to those who take hold of her. To comprehend something Biblically is not just to understand how it works; it is to grab it! Take hold of it! Pursue it! Seek it!
Its many contexts support the meaning of actively seeking for [and finding] something. Darkness is the “place” and identity of those who do not seek the Word actively; therefore, they cannot obtain. The Word must be sought to obtain its Light of the Torah and Lamp of Mitzvah (commandment). We are not passive recipients. This is the inheritance of Sarah’s Tent to the children of Avraham.
Now let's look again at the fuller context of the 1,000 generations of Israel:
“The covenant which He made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac. He also confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, saying, ‘To you I will give the land of Canaan, as the portion of your inheritance.’” (1 Ch 16:16-18)
Psalm 105 repeats 1 Chronicles 16.
“All the thousands and myriads that crossed the Jordan River and whom I shielded (from the Canaanite kings), I shielded only in the merit of the one who came for a thousand generations, i.e, Yehoshua [Avot 1:1]. And it is not you alone who depended upon the merit of Yehoshua, but all shiltei, the mighty men, for anyone who rises and rules and prevails over his evil inclination, such as Moses in his time, David in his time, and Ezra in his time, their whole generation depends on their merit.” (Shir 4§7)
Anyone...ANYONE...who seeks the Word of Yeshua, takes hold of it, and lives by it, is a mighty warrior and a shield for his or her generation. The hopelessness of this generation reflects the Evil One's desperate last attempt to keep the shield of the last generation from taking its place on the Tower of David, the Temple. Yeshua taught the warriors of 1,000 generations how to pray:
Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from [the, G3588 ho] evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
As Yehoshua was a mighty shield to 1,000 generations, the sages and Yeshua (contraction of Yehoshua) teach that ANYONE who rules over “the evil” in his generation becomes a shield to that generation. The world depends upon those shields who defend the spiritual stature of the “Tower of David.” While the evil inclination will be bound for the duration of the millennium, it is those who fight it in their generation who are the warriors and shields standing between utter destruction and salvation, like the Temple. They are the little sanctuaries offering gifts and sacrifices on behalf of the nations in each generation.
The context of “The Lord’s Prayer” is acknowledgment of the sovereignty of Adonai and His role as supplier of help in both earthly needs and the spiritual need for strength to withstand the evil inclination, which becomes a satan to accuse us.
We cease secular work and our “own thing” on Shabbat because we are shields hung on the Tower of David, protecting the world by reverencing His Sanctuary, who we are, on His holy Shabbat.
“If because of the sabbath, you turn your foot from doing your own pleasure on My holy day, and call the sabbath a delight, the holy day of the LORD honorable, and honor it, desisting from your own ways, from seeking your own pleasure and speaking your own word, then you will take delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; and I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” (Is 58:13-14)
To delight in the Shabbat and become a functional sanctuary, we have to change our hearts from “Oh, how awesome I am” to “Oh, how awesome He is!” Otherwise, we will seek our own pleasure rather than what pleases Him. What pleases Him is to minister to others and bring them into the “House” so that He may be a sanctuary to all, and they in turn may become little sanctuaries. This is the context of Isaiah 58.
A shield is something strong. It protects the holiness and righteousness of Israel and Shabbat because it acknowledges Heaven’s sovereignty in a world that does not serve the King over kings. In a world that increasingly scorns the moral laws of the Word, we are conspicuous. Although it feels as though we are being attacked, it is simply the world counter-attacking the conspicuously different faithful shields of their generation.
Observing Shabbat and letting His Word sustain us become a strong place for others, a refuge of many shields from generations past who revered Adonai. Because the tower is conspicuous, people may find it. The context of Isaiah 58 details the many ways we as little sanctuaries can minister ”daily bread” to others and bring them into the House in reverence.
“The fear of God issues forth to the entire world through their knowledge that His Presence rests within the Temple; hence, the Temple serves as a standing testimony to the world that God’s Presence dwells among Israel...the verse juxtaposes Sabbath observance with reverence for the Temple to intimate that just as the commandment to observe the sanctity of Sabbath is everlasting, so the reverence one must have for the Temple is obligatory forever-even in its destruction.” (4§7)
In the meantime, the shields of Israel are sanctuaries who show “all men” the Fear of Elohim by honoring Shabbat with the same reverence as if the Temple still stood, for a measure of its sanctity and its Bridegroom resides in her, the descendants of Sarah.
Take hold of the Light of Yeshua...conspicuously...and become a shield of your generation. Those who sanctify the Shabbat and reverence Adonai are those preparing to move into their inheritance.
Parsha “Vaetchanan” (Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11) might be considered one of the ‘most important’ in the entire Torah: it includes not only the ‘second reading’ of the Ten Debaraim/Words/Sayings/Commandments, but also what the Messiah called the Greatest Commandment of all. So, it’s certainly “feature packed.” The overview and reading from Erev Shabbat: But, as Mark Call of […]
The Daughter of Babylon Part 2 - Who is the Daughter of Babel? Originally posted Feb 2020 but I think you'll see that the last 3 1/2 years and continued almost daily events have only served to strengthen the validity of this message which appears even more urgent today than ever. Is Jeremiah 50 & 51 all about ancient Babylon and was this prophecy of her destruction already fulfilled since Babylon is just a bunch of half rebuilt ruins? Will the ancient city of Babylon be rebuilt to fulfill the end time Daughter of Babylon prophecies? Or perhaps is end time Mystery Babylon the Great already in existence just waiting for Jeremiah's prophesied invasion from the North by a multitude of great nations?
Covenanted people need not worry–Yahweh is faithful to His side of the covenant. In this episode, Rabbi Steve Berkson places emphasis on “emunah”, which is Hebrew for faith/trust/belief, as it pertains to being covenanted with our Elohim. Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org. Like us […]
In the last teaching, we saw how The Footsteps of Messiah are directly linked to the feasts. More specifically, it is the three “foot festivals,” also known as the chagim:
Pesach Shavuot Sukkot
A feast is not just a moed or chag, but mikra [convocation]. It is a planned happening. Here is our working text:
Your neck is like the tower of David, Built with rows of stones On which are hung a thousand shields, All the round shields of the mighty men. (So 4:4)
Prophecies are planned things, but we don’t always understand they are guides that inform every generation...prophetically, a thousand generations, thus “a thousand round shields.” Because the neck is a vulnerable spot, the Tower of David is an excellent analogy. It is tall and conspicuous in Jerusalem, yet a thousand shields cover it. Likewise, in the Shabbat Blessing After Meals, every week we acknowledge that Adonai is a tower of salvations to His King, a Shield keeping His promises to 1,000 generations of Israel [1,000 is a symbolic number-don't get out the calculator!]
“He is a tower of deliverance to His king, And shows lovingkindness to His anointed, To David and his descendants forever.” (2 Sa 22:51)
In return, the righteous of each generation walk in the Covenant, and they become shields for their generations. The obedient service of Israel protects the earth in their generations from total calamity. It almost makes me wonder if the sealing of the saints in Revelation and the half-hour silence is not just to protect them, but also to silence them from interceding so that the final destructions can be loosed.
Like a mikra, or appointed time of the feast, the prophecies of the gathering of the twelve tribes of Israel are already known. The Temple was the focal point of gathering, and the Tower of David thought to represent it. Rather than the modern Tower of David built in the Second Century BC on the ruins of earlier fortifications, the Biblical tower is thought to be the Temple itself:
Pesikta Rabbati 33:1 R’ Avin the Levi said: “our neck is like the Tower of David, built as a model …” What does talpiyot mean? The hill toward which all turns are directed. [tel-hill; "the holy hill," the Temple Mount]
Proverbs 15:6 “The house of the righteous one [i.e., the Temple, built by David] is a tower of strength, but with the entrance of wickedness, it is polluted.”
Tosafot on Berakhot 30a:10:1 The Gemara concludes that the verse “as the tower of David”, refers to the Beit Hamikdash [Temple]. ??????? literally means a landmark.
The House, or Temple, is a metaphor for Israel, something Paul emphasized. The Temple past, present, and future is the place where it all "happens." It is part of the prophecy of the Greater Exodus to gather a single people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. What could possibly unite that remnant from every nation on earth? The appointed times.
On the other hand, isn't Israel still very scattered? Some faithful, like Joshua and Caleb, visit the Land of Israel and attend the feasts anyway, setting steps in the Land, giving a good report, and establishing a claim to their future inheritance. Even if they are prevented from living there now, they will be back at the conclusion of the Greater Exodus!
Others cannot afford it or are too feeble. Nevertheless, they continue guarding and serving in the lands of their exile faithfully. They gather for the feasts and understand that they are little temples stationed wherever they are to testify to the Covenant by being "conspicuous," like a tower hung with a thousand shields.
These are the shields of their generation, leaving no generation's place with an empty spot. Because the rows of stones graduate higher and higher, each generation builds on some strength or advances a step higher than the previous ones. This allows them to "shield" their generation with obedience and prayer. Scorn for the shortcomings of previous generations completely misses the point of restoration from such low spiritual places. Instead, appreciate the sacrifices each made to prepare another layer for the next generation's shield.
Preparing for the Greater Exodus is a matter of protecting and serving with one’s individual temple, something about which Paul obsessed in his letter to the Corinthians, by all reports a real wild bunch of believers:
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1Co 3:16 If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are. 1Co 3:17 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 1Co 6:19
In what reality would the Temple service omit the daily sacrifices, prayers (incense), renewal of the menorah's oil, the special Shabbat sacrifices, and the seven feasts? Only in an apostate reality of the harlot riding the Beast, eras when wickedness was allowed through the gates of the Temple and Israel failed in her twenty-four watches at every level: priestly, Levitical, plus each tribes' 24,000 representatives who served each month on a schedule.
The House, or Temple, is a metaphor for Israel, something Paul emphasized. There was no point in using it to teach the Corinthians about their role unless he intended for them to correlate it to the Temple patterns. Paul’s rabbinic training explains his obsession with this metaphor, which matches that from the Jewish sages’ insight into the destruction of both Temples:
Proverbs 15:6 “The house of the righteous one [i.e., the Temple, built by David] is a tower of strength, but with the entrance of wickedness, it is polluted.” (Midrash Rabbah Shir HaShirim 4§7) The Gemara concludes that the verse “as the tower of David”, refers to the Beit Hamikdash [Temple]. ??????? literally means a landmark. (Tosafot on Berakhot 30a:10:1 ) “Now, does it not stand to reason that if to His Temple the Holy One, blessed is He, showed no favor, then when He comes to exact retribution from those who destroyed it, all the more so will He not show them favor?” (Midrash Rabbah Shir HaShirim 4§7)
Yeshua’s own conspicuous “Temple” was torn down and rebuilt for all mankind’s redemption in three days. (Mt 26:61; 27:40) There are consequences for Israel allowing wickedness into the Temple, and likewise there are consequences for those saved by Yeshua's death, burial, and resurrection who invite wickedness back into the Temple of their bodies. Those who destroy it will repay the Holy One, including those who engage in self-destruction.
This is why a life of repentance is necessary to maintain holiness in the temple of the Ruach HaKodesh. We must conduct the services daily. We are a "landmark" wherever we are, something and someone who will be noticed either for a beautiful "neck," growing spiritual stature, or for a polluted waste of opportunity because of harlotry. Those who grow, pray, and obey, are the shields of their generation.
To understand a thousand shields and generations, we look at the First Mention of a thousand:
To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; behold, it is your vindication before all who are with you, and before all men you are cleared.” (Ge 20:16)
Silver represents a redemption-price. Sarah's reputation was redeemed before all men.
Sarah is a prophetess known for both physical and spiritual beauty. She appeared much younger than her age, having vitality from a spiritual source. Her barrenness was Divinely-appointed, perhaps waiting until she (and Avraham) attained a height, a tower of faith and noticeably righteous living to pass on to Isaac. This protected him the Land from giants. Abraham was even friends with giants! There was no reason for the ten spies to be discouraged by giants, but to be conspicuously righteous in one’s generation is to stick his or her neck out.
Righteousness in Yeshua is taller than giants.
Sarah’s “neck” was unfettered by foreign kings, and unlike the scarlet harlot in Revelation, she does not make covenant with the Beast. In Sarah’s case, she did not enter in covenant with Pharaoh, the Dragon-king, nor Avimelekh, a Canaanite king. The 1,000 pieces of silver “clear” her reputation before the entire world. She maintains spiritual integrity and prominence. This is Israel, Sarah above, Jerusalem above, “a thousand generations” and “kings of peoples” which will descend from her.
Until she is released by both Pharaoh and Avimelekh, plagues descend upon their houses. In the generation of Moses, when Pharaoh doesn’t let Israel return to its Promise, plagues descend upon his house and all Egypt, much worse than when Sarah brought the first plague upon Egypt (symbolic of the world, the wilderness of the peoples, the wilderness of Egypt, Ezek 20:35-36).
Revelation describes the plagues that will also descend upon the nations of the earth until they release the Woman Israel who is not rightfully theirs, the descendants of Sarah and Abraham, the last exodus of the 1,000 generations. The gathering of the Greater Exodus will be tribulation on earth, but necessary to release the Woman Israel and clear her name before “all men.” That means all.
Next week, we’ll take a closer look at the prophecy pattern concerning Sarah and her descendants, illustrated by Yeshua, and then taught by the apostles. As Israel prepares for her gathering, she must:
guard against wickedness entering her house, a temple of the Ruach HaKodesh pray for her generation (until the Holy One Himself seals our lips) obey her Covenant, especially assembling on Shabbat and at the feasts, conspicuously holding daily "services" the lost may easily find because they are landmarks
This week the regular annual cycle followed another double-parsha, but Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa wanted to spend more time on Matot, and instead decided to combine the last parsha of Numbers/Bemidbar into this week, where the “stages” seem to fit better with Moshe’s “introduction” besides. So, Masei (Numbers 33 through the end of […]
This week the teachers complete the look at the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, chapter 40, and continue into chapter 41.
May the sound of the shofar wake us up to life that only comes from the Father through His Messiah. From Yom Teruah 2018, this message by Rabbi Steve Berkson goes deeper into some of the responsive reading of the liturgy. Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our […]
In the last episode, we saw how The Footsteps of Messiah are directly linked to the feasts. More specifically, from among the seven moedim, it is the three “foot festivals,” also known as the chagim:
Pesach Shavuot Sukkot
Nahum explains:
Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace! Celebrate [chag, verb] your feasts [chag, noun], O Judah; pay your vows. For never again will the wicked one pass through you; He is cut off completely. (Na 1:15)
The key to hearing the footsteps of Messiah is to know and celebrate the feasts of Adonai, which are in perfect synchronization with the footsteps of Messiah Yeshua’s return. Here is our working text:
Your neck is like the tower of David, Built with rows of stones On which are hung a thousand shields, All the round shields of the mighty men. (So 4:4)
Mah karah? In Hebrew, mah karah means, "What happened?"
A feast is not just a moed, but mikra [convocation]. It is a happening. If something just happens randomly, karah. Mikra, however, is a planned happening. It may appear random to the unspiritual eye, but it didn’t just happen. It was planned to happen.
We accept that prophecies are planned things, but we don’t always understand there is a method to the planning that informs every generation...prophetically, a thousand generations, thus “a thousand round shields.” Compare the definitions of karah below. See how similar they are? They are pronounced the same, yet one is a random happening, and one is a planned happening. Feasts are planned happenings; therefore, planned prophecies. In fact, H7121 is a "calling" to something. These are two side of the same word-coin. We can live our lives randomly, or we can walk in our calling.
Parsha Matot (Numbers 30:2 through chapter 32) begins with the topic, and what “YHVH has commanded,” concerning vows. And, as Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship has suggested literally every time it’s taught, it is in his opinion one of the most vital foundations for understanding marriage. As well what has been done to […]
What is/are the sign(s) of The Covenant? Is baptism/immersion a sign of The Covenant? Who are those that are a part of The Covenant? Rabbi Steve Berkson takes some time making sure we understand what it is we’re involved with–The Covenant between The Creator and us. It is important we are not going on what […]
Parsha Pinchas (Numbers 25:10 – 30:1) is in fact “the rest of the story,” and more, from last week, and the end of ‘Balak,’ where the daughters of Midian began to seduce the men of the mixed multitude into pagan practices. And, again, no question, it is one of the most “problematic,” and no doubt […]
There’s only one covenant that we should be concerned about, right? What if there are more than one covenant in play, with some overlapping others, that we need to understand and be concerned about? In part 2 of this teaching on covenants, Rabbi Steve Berkson gets into more detail about Yahweh’s covenant with Noah, Abraham […]
The Footsteps of Messiah are directly linked to the feasts. More specifically, from among the seven moedim, it is the three “foot festivals,” also known as the chagim:
Pesach (Passover) Shavuot Sukkot
Nahum explains:
Behold, on the mountains the feet of him who brings good news, who announces peace! Celebrate [chag, verb] your feasts [chag, noun], O Judah; pay your vows. For never again will the wicked one pass through you; He is cut off completely. (Na 1:15)
The key to hearing the footsteps of Messiah is to know and celebrate the feasts of Adonai, which are in perfect synchronization with the footsteps of Messiah Yeshua’s return. Although we do not know the exact date of his return, we are commanded to rehearse these foot festivals so that we will be ready every year. Additionally, by rehearsing, the next generation is show the way to salvation in Messiah Yeshua and the path for growth and maturity. Let’s return to our working text, the Shir HaShirim, Song of Songs, focusing on the context of Chapter 4:1-5
How beautiful you are, my darling, how beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves behind your veil; your hair is like a flock of goats that have descended from Mount Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn sheep which have come up from their washing, all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost her young. Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth is beautiful. Your temples are like a slice of a pomegranate behind your veil. Your neck is like the tower of David, built with layers of stones on which are hung a thousand shields, all the round shields of the warriors. Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle that graze among the lilies.
In past newsletters, we did more in-depth study of these verses. In a nutshell, they describe the spiritual growth of Israel in the Exodus from Egypt. To recap:
• The glory of Adonai is the glory "hair" of Israel, who descend from Mt. Sinai after their meeting with Him. • They came up from their two “washings,” the crossing of the Sea of Reeds and the washing to prepare for their meeting at Mt. Sinai. • Israel’s agreement to “do and hear” the covenant is a scarlet thread, two lips acknowledging their redemption. • The pomegranates are the commandments. • The neck is the increase in spiritual stature. • The shields are the “perfect” and symbolic 1,000 generations promised to Abraham and Sarah. • The two breasts are the twin tablets of the commandments, Moses and Aaron, Joshua and Elazar.
Let's return to "your hair is like a flock of goats that have descended from Mount Gilead."
Previously, we considered an explanation of this flock as referring to the sons of Israel crossing from the territory of Laban into Israel. Although Laban pursued, he was prevented from harming the flock, “not one of them has lost her young.” Laban and Jacob made a pile of rocks [galeed] to commemorate their covenant of no harm, a “mound of testimony.” (Ge 31:47-48) After the covenant at the mound of testimony, Jacob was about to cross the Jordan to return to the Land of Promise. This is the seed prophecy for Israel later entering into covenant at another mound of testimony, Mt. Sinai, and then crossing the Jordan to the Land of Promise.
This Jordan [Yarden] crossing is mentioned in all three components of the TANAKH. Tanakh is an acronym of:
Torah Neviim Prophets Ketuvim writings
In the first mention of a miraculous water crossing in the Torah, the literal flocks of goats and sheep followed Jacob, creating a “pairing” with the sons of Jacob, the twelve tribes. In Genesis 32:11, Jacob refers to the importance of the crossing:
“For with my staff I crossed this Jordan.”
The Midrash Rabbah explains, “He placed his staff in the waters of the Jordan River, and God miraculously parted the waters for him.” 4§6
Later, Jacob’s descendants will experience the same miracle following a shepherd of their generation.
In the Prophets, Joshua reminds the Tribes of Israel of their forefather Jacob’s [Israel’s] prophetic crossing to encourage them, using heaps of stones to illustrate:
Now the people came up from the Jordan on the tenth of the first month and camped at Gilgal on the eastern edge of Jericho. Those twelve stones which they had taken from the Jordan, Joshua set up at Gilgal. He said to the sons of Israel, “When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, ‘What are these stones?’ then you shall inform your children, saying, ‘Israel crossed this Jordan on dry ground.’ For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as the LORD your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed; that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, so that you may fear the LORD your God forever.” (Jo 4:19-24)
Joshua reminds Israel of their forefather Israel's testimony of crossing the Jordan with his staff and its miraculous parting. If Jacob (Israel) crossed at the same feast time, he crossed in the first month. The Jordan in spring is gushing from winter rainwater, which makes the miracle all the more notable. This parting and pairing of the water crossings is commemorated each year in the Passover Seder with the recitation of the Great Hallel. Psalm 114 (Writings) is part of the Great Hallel recited at the conclusion of the Pesach seder:
1When Israel went forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, 2 Judah became His sanctuary, Israel, His dominion. 3 The sea looked and fled; the Jordan turned back. 4 The mountains skipped like rams, the hills, like lambs. 5 What ails you, O sea, that you flee? O Jordan, that you turn back? 6 O mountains, that you skip like rams? O hills, like lambs? 7 Tremble, O earth, before the Lord, before the God of Jacob, 8 Who turned the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a fountain of water.
The point is rehearsal. The second Jordan crossing occurs during the Pesach week, just as the crossing of the Reed Sea occurred during Pesach week forty years previous. Prophecy recycles because that is its structure, the structure of the universe.
Joshua tells the Israelites to pass on the Jordan crossing to their children just as Moses told them to pass on the Passover to their children. By using Moses’ language, Joshua assumes the leadership of his new generation of prophecy with Elazar the High Priest. They are now the “two breasts” of our Shir.
This is the importance of rehearsing and passing along the feasts in every generation as though the great miracles happened to us personally. Because prophecy transcends time, we were there. We are there. We will be there. We taste something of the Divine nature of the Sacred name when we walk in the footsteps of Messiah, who will one day part the seas of the peoples to return his faithful ones to their Land of Promise. The question is, are we walking out our own generation of these prophecies? May it be so!
In Part Two, we'll look more closely at another word for the feasts to learn even more about the importance of ear tuning to the Footsteps by keeping the feasts.
This week the regular annual cycle is a double-parsha (Chukat, Numbers chapters 19 through 21), and then parsha Balak, chapters 22 through 24…and a bit more. Admittedly, Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa thinks that’s a bit much for one week’s study, but at least it’s an interesting combination, for reason’s we’ll explore. First, the […]
The teachers complete the look at one of the most notable, and certainly not-yet-fulfilled, wars in the Bible, from Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39.
Now that you’ve learned about the relationship between salvation, faith and works, and that “saved” is not a status in the “Are You Saved” series, it makes sense to learn about the one thing that could be considered a status worth bearing–being “in covenant” or “covenanted”. In this series Rabbi Steve Berkson begins to define […]
Ask most people who have even just a bit of knowledge of the Bible who “Korah,” was, and you’ll hear the response: rebellion. And what happened to him is almost as well-known: he was taken alive ‘into the pit’ as the earth opened up. This parsha (Korach, Numbers chapters 16 through 18), and the associated […]
Ezekiel chapter 38 begins the discussion of one of the most famous wars in the Bible, often known simply as the ‘Ezekiel 38-39 war,’ or Gog vs. Magog.
If we already “possess” everlasting life, why are we instructed by Messiah Yeshua in John chapter 6 not to labor for the bread that perishes but rather for the bread that is remaining unto everlasting life which the Son of Adam gives? What is that “bread” referring to? How do men get this concept wrong? […]
Most people know of the story of ‘the spies.’ Most who have heard Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa before have probably even heard him refer to it as the ‘first recorded VOTE in history,’ too. And the wrong side won. THIS year, though, the story has a “special resonance.” It hits even closer to […]
The prophet Ezekiel’s vision of the ‘two sticks’, one for the Judah and his companions, the other for Ephraim and his companions, which become echad in His hand, is arguably among the most important in the Bible. And certainly NOT yet fulfilled. This week the teachers go into the details of that one, and the […]
Now that even most who have denied the obvious must reluctantly admit that the “United States of America” most of us grew up in has been conquered, the tough question remains: What NOW? The answer hasn’t changed. But the urgency certainly has, and the TOOLS to do it have never been more vital to understand. […]
This week Mark had a very important mitzvah on the Sabbath Day, so the only teaching for this week is the Friday Torah parsha reading and summary, for Beha’alotcha (Numbers chapters 8 through 12):
Do you, right now, have eternal life? Do you possess everlasting life as Messiah taught about in the Gospel of John chapter 3 verse 36? This week’s teaching from Rabbi Steve Berkson is on the topic, Possessing Everlasting Life. This is an important topic to clarify simply because most people are taught that salvation “equals” […]
When folks begin studying prophecy, it is common for them to identify which prophecies have been fulfilled and which haven’t, especially as it pertains to Yeshua. When the feasts of Adonai are fully grasped, this adds another burst of enthusiasm for identifying which feasts Yeshua has already fulfilled and which he has yet to fulfill. For some, there is a bit of smugness, as if to entice those who don’t keep the feasts to join in so they’ll understand prophecy, too.
Well, sure, the feasts are for everybody, but there’s no need to be smug. Prophecy is not a one-and-done proposition, and this is part of the richness of the feasts, which cycle with the years. It’s easy to see that Yeshua fulfilled the spring feasts of Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits of Barley. On the other hand, doesn’t the writer to the Hebrews spend multiple chapters explaining how Yeshua fulfilled the fall feasts, especially Yom HaKippurim?
So did he, or didn’t he?
Ummmm...
Yes.
Let’s turn to the Shavuot as the axis of the feasts to unpack the cycle of prophecy, at least until some future time when prophecy will cease:
Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. (1 Co 13:8)
This doesn’t mean that there will no longer be any gift of prophecy; it simply means it becomes inoperative. The spiritual gifts in the world to come will become unnecessary, for the righteous will be in perfect tune with the realm of the Ruach (Spirit). The challenges that necessitate these gifts will no longer exist. The spiritual pillars that are now commemorated with “time” will be part of our internal clocks, which don’t need calendars, just a well-tuned ruach, for in that day, the trees will bear fruit every month even though there will be no sun or moon to signal seasons or even day and night. Days, months, hours, years, and so forth, will form a reality that until now we only experience with the natural “clocks” of Creation. Let Shavuot guide into understanding of how Yeshua’s footsteps might sound.
Having left behind the salvation of Passover, Shavuot is the appointed time to grow from milk to solid food by Rosh HaShanah. As at Sinai, it requires a willingness to “do and hear,” or receive the Word of Moses and Yeshua. The Ruach enables this process:
“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?” (1 Co 3:1-3)
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed [“inexperienced”] to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. (Heb 5:12-13)
Paul and the writer to the Hebrews do not expect the non-Jews to whom they write to continue in milk. Jewish tradition says a remnant of the nations desired the Torah when it was offered at Mt. Sinai. In Acts 2 at Shavuot, this desire was satisfied for the proselytes from the nations, and they returned to their nations with the Good News of salvation and covenant. Along with verses from Psalm 119, Psalm 67 is read each day of the counting of the omer to Shavuot. These peoples are to mature to Sukkot:
God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us—Selah. That Your way may be known on the earth, Your salvation among all nations. Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. Let the nations be glad and sing for joy; for You will judge the peoples with uprightness and guide the nations on the earth. Selah. Let the peoples praise You, O God; let all the peoples praise You. The earth has yielded its produce [people]; God, our God, blesses us. God blesses us, that all the ends of the earth may fear Him. (Ps 67:1–7)
Shavuot commemorates both the giving of the Torah at Sinai as well as the Firstfruits of the Wheat harvest. The Seed of the Word is beginning to mature, ready to commit to the covenant anew, to learn and grow to the fullness of Sukkot, which celebrates the ingathering of everything: winevat, threshing floor, fruit of the ground, fruit of the tree, flocks and herds.
The fruit of the olive tree, however, creates a link between Sukkot and the next Passover. Because olives just begin ripening at Sukkot, it is too early to bring tithes, and perhaps even firstfruit in some late-ripening years. Processing the olive fruit is time-consuming, and it can take several weeks to harvest, process, store, and do the accounting necessary to separate tithes for the priests and Levites. The late winter fiscal year for tree fruits also affects when tithes and firstfruits might be brought. Season overlaps season, and feast overlaps feast, never disconnecting:
“Behold, days are coming,” declares the LORD, “When the plowman will overtake the reaper and the treader of grapes him who sows seed; when the mountains will drip sweet wine and all the hills will be dissolved.” (Amos 9:13)
These cycles of the feasts explain why a prophecy may be fulfilled many times, never exactly the way it was previously, but according to that template. New generation, new fulfillment.
The blessings upon the tribes are sometimes oblique, but the blessing on Judah is fairly straightforward, an excellent example of the growth principle.
“Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down to you. Judah is a lion’s whelp; from the prey, my son, you have gone up. He couches, he lies down as a lion, and as a lion(ess), who dares rouse him up? The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. He ties his foal to the vine, and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine; he washes his garments in wine, and his robes in the blood of grapes. His eyes are dull from wine, and his teeth white from milk.” (Ge 49:8-12)
Milk grows teeth for solid food. Wine is for grownups, especially associated with the Feast of Sukkot. At Sukkot, the Torah scrolls are re-rolled to start reading in the new cycle with Genesis (Bereishit). Judah has grown strong adult teeth to digest the Word. Inheritance is for the mature, not infants or children. A child who will inherit is taught, guided, rehearsed, and prepared to manage that inheritance. Some will faithfully grow in each feast cycle so that they may inherit the Kingdom. Others will live as little children perpetually, unwilling and unable to manage tasks assigned by the Holy One.
Judah is the focus of the above Messianic prophecy, but a rule of Scripture is that it must first apply at the simple level. What applies to Messiah Yeshua will also apply to Judah and Israel, for it is understood that each tribe has some measure of every blessing, but the blessings identified with them are evident and characteristic. For instance, there were kings from other tribes, but Judah is assigned the scepter and dynasty. Israel is a royal priesthood, but Judah will provide the king, and the Levites provide the priests.
In Judah’s blessing, he is identified both with a young donkey and its mother; it is a blessing of both growth and continuity that is echoed in the lion symbols. Judah is first a cub (gur aryeh), next a lion (ari), and then a lioness (lavi). Even though context presents child, male, female, all three symbols collectively are “he,” yet they symbolize the same tribe. Believers as individuals mature from nursing children to mature adults to adults with the ability to nurse new believers:
"But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children." (1 Th 2:7)
The Corinthians and Thessalonians were once "strangers to the covenant," yet the apostles who ministered to them refused to allow them to remain little cubs in the Word. They were supposed to grow to solid food and become teachers of the Word. The whole Word. The term for "cub" in Judah's blessing is gur aryeh. Gur shares the same two-letter root with the ger, the Hebrew word for stranger. A stranger in Israel is just a newcomer to the Word, but he or she will not stay a cub.
The stranger in Israel is there to learn, grow, and engage the covenant, not to remain a stranger. They are to become fellow-citizens with all the rights and obligations of Israel when they take the covenant yoke of Kingdom with Yeshua. The good news is that putting your neck in the yoke with Yeshua means that he is strong enough to make the burden easy, and he won't drag you along if you need more learning time. He has sent the Ruach HaKodesh to teach us.
As long as these cycles of the feasts continue, until the resurrection of the dead, we have the opportunity to do two kinds of growth each year:
grow in a new cycle individually, like the shoots of the olive plant that will mature the fruits at Sukkot grow together as Israel into the vine of Sukkot maturity
The wrap-up of Ezekiel chapter 36 includes some other references to the ‘greater exodus’ arguably still yet-to-come, and sets up one of the most well-known prophecies from Ezekiel.
Big Brother, and his master, the “Prince of this World,” and all of his Public-Private Partners want you to believe, and affirm – on penalty of Guess What – that June is Pride Month. And just exactly what does that MEAN? Pride in what? And is there ANY PLACE in all of Scripture where such […]
Continuing in the book of Revelation, Rabbi Steve Berkson takes us into chapter 3 where we find Messiah Yeshua continuing to give His praise and correction to the seven assemblies.
In this teaching Rabbi Steve asks questions such as, “what does the word ‘complete’ mean?”, “Why does Messiah Yeshua refer to Himself as a thief?”, “What about this idea of being worthy?”, “What is meant by ‘white garments’?”
When the text talks about “name”, what does that actually mean? Is it really a name?
Who are the ones referred to as “the synagogue (or congregation) of satan”?
All the way to the very end of Revelation, by what do we see that each of us will be rewarded or judged?
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
What have I done today?Other than talk to the carrots, that is.By now, I should have the newsletter teaching completed, pasted in the latest news from the orphanage, recommended a new book, and dropped in a reminder to register for REVIVE and mention that a new bloc of discounted rooms for the conference is now available. I should have answered a dozen emails and a phone call. I should have cleaned my bike chain and lubed it. I should have made something fresh for Erev Shabbat instead of being happy with plating up leftovers. I should have sprayed the north side of the house with cleaner. I should have. Should have. But I didn't.My mom of blessed memory called them the “Shouldsandoughts.” I did blanch, cold-shock, and vacuum-seal four freezer bags of asparagus from the garden. And make a maple-bourbon-pecan sauce for the sweet potatoes for oneg tomorrow. After that, I went back to the garden. Seems like I always go back to the Garden when I’m in this state of mind. Yesterday, I received word that Rick Daviscourt passed away, may his memory be for blessing. You may not know him. In fact, I never met him in person. We emailed and texted about Torah things and the ministries, how to support one another, but I can’t even remember how I first knew about his ministry. He has a girls’ home in Peru we support whenever we can, called Restoring Hope International. Rick was providing the girls a Torah-based home to be safe in. On March 22nd, Rick knew his diagnosis and prognosis, and he sent out his final newsletter. He wrote:"I want to thank all of you who have been praying for me and personally encouraging me through my battle with pancreatic cancer. Honestly speaking, most of us will struggle in one way or another in our lives. So, I really do not consider my struggle as being more important than the next person's difficult struggle. I have met and continue to meet people who seem to have it much worse than what I am going through - even if they are enjoying perfectly good physical health. Life on this planet, unfortunately, causes great obstacles for many of us - sooner or later.Even though my Whipple Surgery was successful in removing the tumor in my pancreas, it did not stop there. Now, after even more chemotherapy, this cancer has spread to different areas of my liver and continues to spread in that organ. I have been given 6 months to live.I am so grateful to our Creator for having given me this many years of life, most of which have been happy and productive for me! In several weeks, I will turn 67. And many of you have greatly helped to enrich my life's experience through your support and encouragement. You are so appreciated!Being able to work with God in starting our children's home in Peru has been such an honor and privilege for me. What an adventure that has been!With respect to those who are dealing with serious illnesses, etc..., I would like to reference the Book of Job, in the Old Testament. Neither he nor his friends had the least little idea as to why he, Job, became so ill and lost so much, including his children. His supposed friends were accusing him of this and of that - all of which were untrue. His wife told him to curse God and die... Also, it is very important to take into account what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28 to the end of that chapter. First of all, a person cannot come to God - to Christ - unless God calls and draws that person to our Savior and Messiah. That person must love Him, God, with all his/her heart and soul (Deuteronomy 11:13). In my case, I have dedicated my life - both internally and externally to this end. I remember very well, the morning when our Lord invited me to give my life to Him. I will never, ever forget that special moment. So, as many of you already know, there are no easy "Canned Answers" to many of the complex issues of our lives and world. Some things are not for us to know…"Day before yesterday, Rick was heavy on my heart, and I wasn’t sure why. Prayer is the only option at such times, and I sent a donation, not knowing anything additional I could do. Yesterday I found out he’d passed away. So that was it. Can you grieve over a person you’ve never met face-to-face? So today, I went to the garden. I pulled suckers from the tomatoes, nodded to the poblanos, anchos, and jalapenos to keep up the good work, and guided the cucumber vines up their cages. I kneeled and picked away the weeds from the beets and carrots by hand because they’re too young and tender for the hoe. I suggested that they get a move on with their growing so they’d be easier to deal with. I’m getting too old and stiff to crawl around in the dirt. Did they have any idea why good people like Brad, Rick, Charles, and Mark left us so soon? No, they didn’t, but I left them in neat rows to think about it. Some things are not for us to know, remember?The cranberry beans, green beans, and Jacob’s cattle didn’t have any answers, either, but they endured the hoe without too much complaining. The cantaloupes and watermelons were pretty quiet, too. Just sat there and yellow-flowered me, which I take as a grin. The potatoes needed some shovel work, which I think they appreciated. I told them to give me a holler if they saw any of those striped beetles. It looked like something chewed the tomatillos, but they’re tough, and they get tougher as the summer wears on. I’ve picked tomatillos even after a light frost.You’d like my homemade salsa verde.Then I hoed the other garden with the corn and purple hull peas and butternut squash. I noticed some of the pole beans I’d planted to grow on the corn stalks were breaking the surface. The Three Sisters garden. They were all coughing dust, though. We need a good rain. Good rain. Not a gully-washer. Even the weeds weren’t too committed to the heavy clay. The purple hull peas have been passed down from my grandpa. My Uncle Jimmy gave me some to get started years ago. He started his from Grandpa's. We’re not sure how many generations they go back. I just thought you’d like to know that. Most of them are in the Garden now. My relatives, not the peas. With Rick. And Brad. And Charles. And Mark. If I had to have a last meal, I think it would be purple peas and cornbread and sliced tomatoes and watermelon. Funny how people on death row get to pick a last meal, but the saints, not usually. Maybe none of them would have a taste for it anyway.I finished up by checking the sweet potatoes and raised beds. All good. Sweet strawberries, but they’re not big talkers, and you have move the leaves away to find them and get them before the ants do. “Consider the ant, thou sluggard.” I doubt a sluggard would be reading Proverbs anyway. So here I am considering the ant. Not to worry. They don’t eat much. Tomatoes are volunteering in the strawberry, asparagus, and onion beds. You have to weed them out, but I leave a couple. I think they’re the little yellow pear tomatoes. Later in the summer, it’s like candy on the vine. The sun chokes are getting tall. They’ll make pretty yellow flowers as tall as the sunflowers I let grow around the bird feeders. It’s too early for persimmon and pawpaw fruits to set, but the apple trees look good. It will be a race to see whether the deer will clean out the fruit from the lower branches before we do. The fig tree is spreading, and even though I thought the new cherry tree was dead, I see a little branch sprouting out the bottom. A definite maybe.Some things are not for us to know. Yet.Memories must do for now. Ever notice how deeply the grooves are cut into the record of memories? No wonder records used to get stuck and just go round and round. Like today. When you can't concentrate, you concentrate.Like Rick wrote, a “Canned Answer” would be an insult to both the deceased and their Creator. When great, righteous people are transplanted into the Garden, they deserve our continued wonder. We should challenge our own ideas about what we “deserve” quantified in mere years and whether what can be accomplished there is somehow of less value than what we can accomplish here. Maybe the goodness there is exactly what they deserve, and because we see only the carrot top, and the deep red strawberries hide from us, we struggle round and round.This week, our Torah portion Bamidbar includes a census of the tribes for war. The army of Israel is not like other armies. Israel must first “pass muster” with Adonai Tzvaot, the Lord of Armies. When Israel falls into idolatry and other serious sins, their army is usually defeated, even routed shamefully. Israelite soldiers must pass a test of courage even before they are admitted to the ranks:Have you betrothed a wife, but not married her? Go home.Have you built a house, but not lived in it? Go home.Have you planted a vineyard, but not consumed its fruit? Go home. (Dt 20:3-8)Such a person is planning to fail! He started with good plans, then at some point, he could not envision a successful outcome, one of the jobs we accomplish in prayer-work. If he fell in battle, then someone else would marry his wife, live in his house, and tend his vineyard. In fact, both the “house” and the “vineyard” are sometimes used as euphemisms for a wife, the wise woman and the Proverbs 31 woman who builds the house and is the fruitful vine. The wife, in turn, symbolizes the work of the Holy Spirit in his life (see Workbook Four). The Ruach (Spirit) is what implants successful vision within a believer.Relating this to the No Place for Chickens Part Two last week, the spiritually deficient soldier did well at first, planning and imagining his life in the future, but when the enemy approached, he was unable to also plan and envision a victorious outcome to his prayer. This cowardice would become a cancerous discouragement to his fellow soldiers. A soldier planning a desolate house will be rewarded with a desolate house, for he does not remember the exhortation of the war priest:“Hear, O Israel, you are approaching the battle against your enemies today. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, or panic, or tremble before them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.” (Dt 20:3-4)If the soldier cannot go forward with confidence after that reminder, he’s hopeless in battle!In the following lament over Jerusalem, Yeshua evokes two important passages in the Torah:1) the Ruach Adonai hovering over the surface of the waters at Creation and (Ge 1:2)2) the torah of the hen and chicks, which assures the chicks’ safety if they will stay under their mother’s wings or in the nest with her. (Dt 22:6)The Jewish sages say that the Ruach hovering over the Creation waters was Messiah, whose obedience would bring order out of chaos, light out of darkness. The verb used for “hovering” is merachefet, which describes how a mother bird beats her wings violently to call her chicks. Also in the tradition, the palace of King Messiah is located in the Garden of Eden. It is called Kan Tzippor, or “The Bird Nest.” King Messiah’s job is to gather the Father’s chicks back into the Garden, to minister the Word to them so that they can be restored to their original habitat. Frequently, the chicks are obstinate:“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! For I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, ‘BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!’” (Mt 23:37-39)What can be derived from Yeshua’s lament?
What is the “Two House” understanding of Scripture, history, and prophecy?
How do we explain to those who ‘just don’t get it’ why it is SO vital to understand the ‘the law’ has NOT been ‘done away with’?
And how can people ostensibly read the same Bible and come to diametrically opposite conclusions about, well, EVERYTHING?
This is a special two-part teaching that Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa has put together as an “overview” of just exactly why Paul so specifically warned against “another jesus whom we have NOT preached.”
“From the Sermon on the Mount to Jeremiah 16:19: Big Lies Inherited from the Whore Church Fathers”
Part 1:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SSM-6-2-23-Wild-Card-Session-Food-Marriage-MotB-and-the-SotM-teaching-podcast-xxx.mp3Part 2:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WT-CooH-6-3-23-Pt-2-Big-Lies-Inherited-from-Whore-Church-FATHERS-edited-xxx.mp3The combined full two-part teaching is here:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SSM-2-3-June-2023-Wild-Card-Session-2-part-Food-Mrrg-MotB-Big-Lies-Inherited-from-the-Whore-Church-Fathers-combined-podcast-xxx.mp3
There is a particular blessing for those who read, hear and guard the words in book of Revelation. (Rev 1:3) Knowing this, Rabbi Steve Berkson takes us this week into Revelation chapters 2 and 3 where we see the apostle John write messages to seven assemblies as dictated by Messiah Yeshua. • What do these messages have to do with salvation, faith and works?
• What is the one statement that is consistently in the beginning of each message?
• Should we apply the meanings of these messages to our lives today? Why? Can we even understand what is being said?
Don’t miss out on new teachings every week. For more information about MTOI (Messianic Torah Observant Israel), visit our website at http://www.mtoi.org
Join us on Social media!
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoiworldwide
We are located in Cleveland TN. If you would like to know more about us, we would love to hear from you! Feel free to visit us on our website wwww.mtoi.org, email us at admin@mtoi.org or call us at 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE Streamed on our Main YouTube Channel every Shabbat at 1pm (EST) and every Tuesday for Torah Study Live Stream at 8pm (EST)
Parsha Naso (Numbers 4:21 through all of chapter 7) is on the agenda for this week’s Torah portion, but after the Sabbath this week is the 50th day of the counting of the Omer, and thus the day of Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks.
The Erev Shabbat reading of the parsha begins with the last part of the first “head count”, of the families of the Levites, but continues with some elements that are not widely studied by much of ‘mainstream Christianity.’
The Erev Shabbat reading helps explain why:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SSM-5-26-23-Naso-teaching-podcast-x-then-.mp3There are any number of places in the Torah, and in the prophets, where specific sequences of words seem to be used to “set off” a particular story, or make an emphasis, and often to connect elements in the text that might otherwise seem separated.
But there are other ways the Author uses His Word to draw our attention to connections. Imagery is one.
And this parsha demonstrates more than one of them.
The process for determining the guilt or innocence of the ‘sota’ or woman who’s husband SUSPECTS adultery is one such. The image of the ‘cup’ which contains the “water of bitterness that causes the curse” may be one of the most dramatic images in Scripture. It arguably appeared at the giving of the Torah – at this very time of year – and WILL appear at the climax in Revelation 18. But, most importantly, it was the cup which Messiah drank for us. Even though the identity of the guilty was not in question.
Which is why Mark Twain may have been right about prophecy and imagery in Scripture, too. It may not repeat precisely, but ‘rhymes’.
“Naso – and Shavuot: Rhymes in Scripture”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/WT-CooH-5-27-23-Naso-the-Sota-Nazerite-Imagery-and-Rhymes-in-Scripture-podcast-xx.mp3
The combined two-part podcast is here:
What does the “Great Falling Away” prophesied in Scripture look like? Are we there yet?
David Justice and Mark Call discuss some of the major news events of the week, the collapse and meltdown still in-progress, and how some of the judgments that may be on the near horizon might play out now, given what we have seen.
Continuing on the topic of “you’re going to be judged according to your works”, Rabbi Steve Berkson reviews and reiterates 1 Peter chapters 1 and 2, adding even more insight and revelation to the words of the Apostle Peter (Kepha).
- If your relationship with your Creator is like a marriage, what do you expect from Him? What does He expect from you?
- What is “submissive obedience”?
- What were the futile behaviors of the fathers?
- What was at the beginning and will be at the end?
As Rabbi Steve takes us into 1 Peter 2, he asks the question, what does it mean to be a newborn babe spiritually? What is this “picking up” and “putting down” all about?
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
This week the annual Torah cycle reading begins the third Book in the Torah of Moshe.
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa Fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “Behmidbar” (Numbers/Bemidbar 1:1 through 4:20),
The Erev Shabbat reading of the parsha begins B’midbar – literally, “In the Wilderness,” which is a great description of the Book. But so, actually, is “Numbers”.
The Erev Shabbat reading explains why:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SSM-5-19-23-Bemidbar-teaching-podcast-x.mp3There are a number of the “Words in Red” spoken by Yahushua that seem ‘troubling’ to many people. Especially if they have been taught about a warm, fuzzy, ‘popularized jesus’ who is Oh-So-Tolerant, doesn’t have a whip, and didn’t say a lot of the things that the Real Messiah evidently DID.
Likewise, there is a lot about the life of the prophet Hosea that much of “xtianity” would prefer to ignore, perhaps for reasons that SHOULD be obvious, given the lesson of his marriage. But it’s what is prophesied to happen “Bemidbar,” or ‘in the wilderness,’ to those who where once “lo ami” (NOT My people!) that seems to connect all of those disconcerting elements.
And they may even explain why the warning about “another jesus, whom we have not preached,” is so vital to understand. Especially now.
“Bemidbar: Fake vs Real Yahushua – and Is It Insanity, Demons, or 4GW?”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/WT-CooH-5-20-23-Bemidbar-4GW-Insanity-and-the-Real-Yahushua-podcast-xxx.mp3
The combined two-part podcast is here:
Why are your actions or “works” important? Rabbi Steve Berkson continues teaching about the relationship between salvation, faith/belief and works/actions by taking us to the letter from Peter, an emissary/apostle of Messiah Yeshua, to the chosen, and dissects what he said about being born-again and living in obedience by the Ruach.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. Please click the “LIKE” button if this video has been a blessing. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
Prayer makes you think.For instance, who was better prepared for what happened after midnight in the Garden of Gethsemane, Yeshua or his disciples? Why?Apparently, Peter needed to go to bed with the chickens, and by the time the cock crowed three times the next morning, he’d denied Yeshua and run away. Just hours before, Peter didn't imagine such a thing were possible.An often-quoted proverb helps us to understand the inner process of prayer:“As a man thinks within himself [b’nafsho], so is he...” (Pr 23:7)"B'nafsho" is "in his soul." The soul is defined as a bundle of appetites, emotions, desires, and intellect. The soul thinks. We don't usually hear the beginning or the end of the proverb, though. The beginning of the proverb is:“Do not eat the bread of a selfish man or desire his delicacies...”The rest of the verse is: “...he says to you, ‘Eat and drink!’ But his heart [lev] is not with you.”The heart is sometimes seen as the mind, interconnected with the soul. Even scientists understand there is a "heart brain" that communicates with the head brain. In context, the proverb warns us that in spite of the generous words he says, a selfish person’s silent soul and heart think the opposite and wish that you would not accept.The connection between prayer and the proverb is that it is possible to pray one thing with the lips, yet not to really believe it or want it to come to pass. It is possible to pray one thing and think the opposite. Yeshua struggled in this like we do, yet he prayed the perfect solution in the Garden of Gethsemane:"Nevertheless, not my will, but Yours be done."
This was either the week where average Americans began to awaken to the fact that what was once their country has been successfully invaded, or that it was in fact, conquered long ago. And it is also the week where the regular Torah portion gives us a stunning revelation of WHY.
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa Fellowship for a two-part look at a double parsha “Behar/Bechukotai” (Leviticus/Vayikra chapters 25 through 27), and what marks the end of one of the most “unpopular” Books in the whole Bible. Perhaps the fact that it is both so prescient, AND so ignored gives us a major clue.
The Erev Shabbat reading of the parsha begins where the narrative does “B’har” or ‘in the mount’ of Sinai, and covers everything from the sabbaths of the land, in the land, to the Yovel, or Jubilee, year, through obedience to His statutes and ordinances and the SECOND most famous set of curses for rebellion in His Torah, to things that are ‘devoted’ – and to Who.
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SSM-5-12-23-Behar-Bechukotai-teaching-podcast-x.mp3The inscription on the Liberty Bell, which begins, “Proclaim Liberty throughout the land,” comes from this week’s Torah portion. And so do some of the curses which are so clearly playing out now in place of the liberty.
In the Sabbath day teaching this week, Mark connects the warning to “those who walk contrary to Me,” in an escalating series of curses, to things that were once unthinkable, but now undeniable: like “those who hate you shall rule over you,” but, sadly, that is only the beginning.
It is the invasion across the extinguished southern border which began to sound SO much like the ‘curse of the week,’ however. And it comes from the set in Deuteronomy chapter 28, which led Mark to suggest some comparison between those warnings. And a connection which is also an explanation.
“Behar/Bechukotai: Comparing Curses – or – did jesus Do Away With the LAW?”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/WT-CooH-5-13-23-Behar-Bechukotai-Comparing-Curses-or-did-jesus-Do-Away-With-the-LAW-podcast-x.mp3
The combined two-part podcast is here:
This week the Torah Teachers explore Ezekiel chapter 35.
Notes: From Ken’s comment on the Greater Exodus – Jeremiah 16:14-15
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/TTRT-5-9-23-Ezekiel-ch-35-podcast-x.mp3
Contrary to the vast majority of those who twist the writings (2 Peter 3:16) and teach that “works” are no longer important or necessary, Rabbi Steve Berkson brings us to the understanding of why “works” are important.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
Thanks to the availability of rabbinic reference books, most people now understand that the rooster crow in Jerusalem wasn't likely on the Temple Mount. When Yeshua warns Peter that he will deny Yeshua by the third rooster crow, the meaning is likely referring to the official Temple trumpet blowers, who signaled the Temple's daily activities from special posts on the Temple Mount. To this day, you can view the tumbled stone on which they stood, which was found lying in the rubble at the base of the Temple Mount in 1968.It is forbidden to raise fowl in Jerusalem because of the “Holy Things”, [fowl may bring impurity in to sacrificial items] nor may priests raise them [anywhere] in the Land of Israel because of [the laws concerning] pure foods. (Mishnah Bava Kama 7)On the other hand, the rooster was used to signal the trumpet blowers when it was daylight, which was especially important on feast days with so many to accommodate in the services. Where was this rooster? Perhaps just outside the city walls, in which case, he would be easily heard.The Temple was no place for chickens.Now that you are called into covenant of royal priesthood with the Holy One of Israel, a little Temple sent to the nations, there's still no room for chickens. There's no room for a people too afraid to obey the Word.The appearance of Yeshua as the conqueror in Revelation is one of authority, and his feet are bronze, just like the bronze sea of the Temple. Seas in Scriptures often represent the peoples. The washing of water by the Word is what Yeshua sacrificed himself for on the altar. It is also what a royal priesthood is called to do. No chickens.
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa Fellowship for a two-part look at double parsha “Emor” (Leviticus/Vayikra chapters 21through 24). And this time the parsha contains references to a lot of things that don’t even exist any more, which – as we will see – make it all the MORE relevant.
The Erev Shabbat reading of the parsha is again first; ‘command’ (emor) Aaron, it says, about things that have to do with his priesthood. Not only does that line no longer exist (at least, as such) – but much of the strictures are ‘insensitive’ and “NOT-PC” on top of it. Which certainly should tell us SOMETHING.
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/SSM-5-5-23-Emor-teaching-only-bad-recording-x.mp3One of the interesting aspects of this parsha is how much has to do with things we can NOT do, either because most of us are not of the line of cohenim, and may be lost anyway, or are things we’ve been LIED to about, and told don’t matter any more – like His ‘appointed times.’
But in fact, the opposite is probably true, and for reasons that might not have even been conceivable only even a few months ago.
So in the Sabbath day midrash, Mark suggests an entirely different approach to the lessons here.
“Emor: Dueling ‘Priesthoods’ – Melek-Tzadik or AI”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/WT-CooH-5-6-23-Emor-a-Priesthood-of-Melek-Tzadik-or-AI-edited-bad-audio-podcasat-xx.mp3Note: Apologies for the audio quality. Mark installed a brand new audio panel, had it working well, and then Windows decided to change the software configuration. So this is a ‘backup’ recording.
The combined two-part podcast is here:
The teachers complete the study of Ezekiel, chapter 34, including a look at what might be called the “Greater Exodus,” still yet to come.
In part 9 of “Are You Saved?”, we read through James (Ya’akov) chapter 2 and now understand that faith/belief and works are intertwined so that one without the other cannot exist.
In this lesson, Rabbi Steve Berkson takes us to the book of Hebrews, chapters 11 and 12 to show us proof by examples that “by belief/faith” those “heroes” that came before us were inspired by “salvation” to exemplify their belief/faith with their works.
What is meant by “the substance of what is expected, and the proof of what is not seen”?
How did Moses see Him who is invisible? (Heb 11:27)
If our walk of faith is compared to a running a race to receive a prize, how does today’s society ruin that analogy? (Heb 12:1)
How does the Father keep us on the right path?
If “grace” is the “unmerited favor” of Elohim, how can one fall short of it?
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
It doesn't take long to learn about Passover and Sukkot, but Shavuot? What, exactly, are we supposed to do? There is a lot of celebration, storytelling, camping, and general hilarity during our bookend feasts of Passover and Sukkot, but I've had more than one email or student question concerning Shavuot and what to "do." Just eat dairy products? Just stay up all night reading Torah? That's it?No, no, that's not it. Shavuot forms the axis of the foot festivals. They are called foot festivals because these are the feasts that Israel was expected to walk to three times per year. The more fortunate could ride donkeys. As we listen for the footsteps of Messiah, then where else should we listen the most closely? Yes, the foot festivals.Two most important themes of Shavuot are the bringing of the firstfruits of the wheat and commemorating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.Our working text in the Footsteps of Messiah comes from Song of Songs Chapter 4:1-5. In past newsletters, we related these two symbols, a flock of goats and clean sheep as the nation of Israel come up from her two washings, the crossing of the Reed Sea and the three-day washing to prepare for the visitation at Mount Sinai to receive the Torah. The goats represent the Israelites descending from "Mount Gilead," or the "Mount of Witness," symbolizing Sinai, where they witnessed the Words in fire, smoke, hail, and rain:How beautiful you are, my darling, how beautiful you are!Your eyes are like doves behind your veil; your hair is like a flock of goats that have descended from Mount Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn sheep which have come up from their washing, all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost her young. Your lips are like a scarlet (shani) thread, and your mouth is beautiful. Your temples are like a slice of a pomegranate behind your veil. Your neck is like the tower of David, built with layers of stones on which are hung a thousand shields, all the round shields of the warriors.Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle that graze among the lilies.The goat's hair formed a covering for the Tabernacle: "All the skilled women spun with their hands, and brought what they had spun, in blue and purple and scarlet material and in fine linen. All the women whose heart stirred with a skill spun the goats’ hair." (Ex 35:25-26)After the “mount of Witness,” the Israelites begin to work under the inspiration of the Ruach HaKodesh with Betzalel and Oholiav. As an aside, it is a given within the ancient Jewish way of viewing the Revelation at Sinai, that the offer of the Torah was made to the other 70 nations on earth as well as to Israel. Out of those 70, there was a remnant who desired the Torah, yet only one nation that unanimously, and with ONE VOICE replied, “We will do and we will hear.”
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa Fellowship for a two-part look at double parsha “Acharei Mot/Kedoshim” (Leviticus/Vayikra chapters 16 through 20) — and another of those portions that is not only filled with a variety of interesting instructions and commandments, but so many that are now so “politically incorrect” as well.
The Erev Shabbat reading of the parsha is first, from the “Azazel” and the Day of Atonement, to forbidden relationships, to a number of other ALMOST as equally ignored strictures, there are plenty of reminders in here about why so much is wrong with a world which ignores His Word:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SSM-4-28-23-Acharei-Mot-Kedoshim-teaching-podcast-x.mp3And this time around, the focus for the Sabbath Day is on those OTHER ignored elements. In Matthew 7:13-14, Yahushua tells us that the “way which leads to destruction is broad,” while “narrow is the gate, and difficult the way which leads to life,” which is why “few that be who find it.”
Which is decidedly NOT the message most hear from a church that declared so many of those not-PC commandments “done away with,” anyway. No wonder most choose to ignore His warning.
This parsha includes what He called to second most important commandment, too: “love your neighbor as yourself.” But it’s the CONTEXT there that, by omission, is just as vital to our understanding. Time for some tough, but vital, questions.
“Acharei Mot / Kedoshim: the Narrow Path”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WT-CooH-4-29-23-Acharei-Mot-Kedoshim-That-Narrow-Path-podcast-xx.mp3
The combined two-part podcast is here:
This week special guest David Justice, co-host of the Drive Time Friday show, joins Mark to talk about a subject both of them turn out to have been studying for years: the corporate 501c(3) IRS-approved ‘church.’
If you’ve ever wondered why “there’s no power in the church anymore,” or why most pastors are scared to death to confront the REAL issues of the day, and the Evil that now passes for politics…this will help.
But it’s really at the very HEART of what we need to “come out OF.”
Note: Referenced in the program is Peter Kershaw’s website, for Heal Our Land ministry, at www.hushmoney.org. His book is “In Caesar’s Grip.”
In Matthew 24:12 Yeshua taught that because of the increase in lawlessness, the love of many will become cold–what is the love that’s connected to the Law (Torah)?
When Yeshua said, “But he who shall have endured to the end…”–what is meant by “to the end”?
Moving from there to the parable of the talents, Matthew 25:13-29, Rabbi Steve Berkson explains the idea of possessing and not possessing, entering into the joy of the Master, and how critically connected these concepts are to salvation, belief and works.
Rabbi Steve then takes us to the second chapter of James (Ya’akov) where we see a direct connection of belief in Messiah Yeshua to works. What is it that Ya’akov calls the “Law of freedom”? Does a person’s “belief” save them?
In this teaching Rabbi Steve Berkson continues clarifying our understanding about the relationship between salvation, faith and works, with a subtopic of guarding the commands and possessing the Witness.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
The double Torah portion has a common thread: Those in need of purification, healing, and restoration must go through the agency of a human priest. This human priest is a type and shadow of Messiah Yeshua, a priest after the order of Malkhi-Tzedek. With types and shadows, expect some things to be identical, yet other things to be slightly different in application. As Pastor Mark and Tammy like to say, "patterns and principles."The one seeking restoration brings his or her various offerings to the doorway of the Tent of Meeting. From there, the service works its way inward to the bronze altar. The flames of the bronze altar purge out sin, and they provide atonement, or covering. It is from these very coals that the incense service moves the process of restoration even closer to the Divine Presence, the golden incense altar.In performing their services, the Cohanim were required to wear a turban-like headcover (the high priest wore a type of crown on his) and to be girded with a belt, or sash. Without these, the priests could not perform the service. In contrast, the metzorah, or leper, was required to let his hair go loose and wear torn clothes. These practices were forbidden to the priesthood when they served in the holy spaces, for they are identified with death and mourning.Then Moses said to Aaron and to his sons Eleazar and Ithamar, “Do not uncover your heads nor tear your clothes, so that you will not die and that He will not become wrathful against all the congregation.” (Le 10:6)“As for the leper who has the infection, his clothes shall be torn, and the hair of his head shall be uncovered, and he shall cover his mustache and cry, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’” (Le 13:45)“The priest who is the highest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil has been poured and who has been consecrated to wear the garments, shall not uncover his head nor tear his clothes.” (Le 21:10)The moral of the story? Those who minister on behalf of others have fewer “rights” and more “atonement, covering” responsibilities. Priests are not allowed the depth of grieving behaviors permitted to others.So what does that have to do with us?Following the pattern, from Shavuot onward, members of a royal priesthood need “working clothes,” not just a garment of salvation:A headcover, possibly a “credit crown”An untorn garment (why else was Yeshua’s garment left whole?)A sash or beltShavuot is the axis of the journey. The Mishkan and priesthood were inaugurated at Sinai to serve the tribal kingdom of royal priests. We should expect these priestly clothes to be explained in the context of Sinai. Having followed the Presence from Egypt to Sinai, from ”animal food” barley to the finest of wheat at Shavuot in untorn garments of salvation, it was time to receive the additional garments and crowns of a royal priesthood. When the Israelites said, “We will do, and we will hear,” they were awarded two...no, one...crown(s).Please SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to get new teachings.
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa Fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “Tazria” (Leviticus/Vayikra chapters 12 through 13) — and several lessons that are dramatic, not only because they are now so “politically incorrect,” but so at odds with what we have seen in the world – for centuries even – that the contrast is almost stunning.
Still though, there’s something strangely ‘familiar’ in the detail here, even if much of it may have been “turned on its head.”
The Erev Shabbat reading of the parsha is first:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SSM-4-21-23-Tazria-teaching-podcast-x.mp3In Torah cycles past, Mark has suggested that since the plague in this parsha, tzaraat (NOT ‘leprosy,’ which is quite different) for literally centuries, and certainly seems to be a physical skin condition resulting from a spiritual isse, we might ask the question, ‘Why?’ Or, why NOT?
And, since, “those He loves, He chastens,” doesn’t that say something negative about a world where even shame no longer seems to modify truly insane actions?
So, this time around, it’s a different question that sets the stage: Do we think that even if YHVH was to bring a massive plague of tzaraat on those who Evil Tongues are SO evil, that it would even make a difference?
But then again, here’s food for thought: Maybe we DID have just such a ‘plague’. Consider, The Adversary, HaSatan, is not very original. When we had real ‘cohenim,’ they were to look at the detailed description of the plague in this parsha, and then determine, literally DECLARE, that it was, or was not, ‘tzaraat’. Then the ‘metzora’ who was afflicted was to go outside the camp, maintain separation, and warn people away by saying, “unclean, unclean,” to anyone who approached.
With the Gain-of-Function Wuhan Plague, which we now know was developed on the US taxpayer’s dime, it was the High Priest of the Great God Science, Tony Fauci, who declared who and what was “unclean.” They had to put on the Mask of Shame, and maintain Social Distance, and even engage in ritual injections.
But the “Evil Speech” part was certainly familiar!
There is SO much in this portion…once the ‘dots connect,’ you can’t UN-see it.
“Tazria – Replacing Circumcision on the 8th Day with Castration in the 8th Year…and More”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WT-CooH-4-22-23-Tazria-Circumc-on-8th-day-or-castrated-in-8th-year-podcast-xxx.mp3
The combined two-part podcast is here:
The teachers explore the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, into chapter 33, and what is probably one of the most clear metaphors – to us, hopefully – in Scripture:
the ‘Watchman on the Wall.’
Teaching further on the topic of guarding the Torah and possessing the Witness, Rabbi Steve takes us to Luke 10:25 to look at Messiah Yeshua tested by someone considered as “learned.” Here, the word “inherit” is connected to eternal life. What does this mean? How does it bring a critical understanding to being “saved”?
In this passage, we also see the question, “What must I do…”; how did Yeshua respond? Is salvation through Messiah the same as receiving eternal life?
Finally, in Luke 8, we find the parable of the Seed and the Sower. Rabbi Steve takes us backward through Yeshua’s explanation of this parable to understand it uniquely.
If the “soil” is symbolic of the heart of a person, are people locked into the type of “soil” they find themselves to be, or can people choose the kind of “soil” they would like to be?
To what is the “fruit” referring?
What is the key word most people overlook when reading about “good soil”?
In your excitement about discovering the truth of Torah, was your first reaction running to tell your family and friends all about it? Rabbi Steve gives some crucial advice on how to avoid being blown out when starting your Torah-observant life.
Rabbi Steve continues to unpack and expand the understanding of this vital relationship between salvation, faith/belief and works through scripture.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa Fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “Shmini” (Leviticus/Vayikra chapters 9 through 11) — and perhaps some insight as well into why what he refers to, especially now, as the ‘whore church’ would prefer to ignore it.
This one includes the death of the sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, for offering “strange fire” before Yahuah, which “He had not commanded.”
But there’s much more to it than that.
The Erev Shabbat reading of the parsha is first:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SSM-4-14-23-Shmini-teaching-podcast-x.mp3This midrash, too, begins with a question: What were they THINKING? But the answer may sound even a bit TOO familiar.
And one of the biggest indicators is another ‘atbash,’ which Mark suggests is a bit similar to what we might now see as a Biblical Hebrew equivalent of an HTML tag, like a text equivalent of a flashing red sign.
And that setup, the warning, the event, and everything that follows seem to emphasize why we are to understand the “difference…between the unclean and the clean,” and the “holy” as opposed to the profane.
Again, the emphasis is that the “sharp, two-edged sword” of His Word TEACHES us to divide things.
“Shmini – Kadosh to YHVH – and NOT Profane Fire”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WT-CooH-4-15-23-Shmini-Foreign-Profane-to-YHVH-podcast-xxx.mp3
The combined two-part podcast is here:
Messiah Yeshua said, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate…” (Luke 13:24). Do salvation and reward require effort? What is that effort? To where does the narrow gate lead?
What does the saying mean, “Our righteousness is as filthy rags”?
In Acts 16:30, someone asked, “What do I have to do to be saved?” How are we saved?
Do we ‘need’ the writings of Paul, Peter, or the other writers of the New Testament? Can a person lead another to the narrow path that leads to the Kingdom of Elohim without those writings?
What should be the correct order of reading and better understanding the books of the New Testament?
In Matthew 19:16-22 we see Yeshua telling a man to sell what they own and follow Him, but he went away sad because he had great possessions…what are you attached to that would keep you from wholly following the Messiah? Possessions? Family? Friends? Job? Career? What is it you love more than Him?
Rabbi Steve Berkson continues to clarify the relationship between salvation, faith/belief, and works.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
The Footsteps of Messiah are echoing through the earth. Yeshua is returning for the righteous, to gather them. He is coming to judge the wicked as well. But what about the "in-betweens"? From the beginning until today, there are "believers" who don't believe so much that it changes their lives significantly. What should they know about these Footsteps?The model is found within the feasts of Israel, which culminate in the final feast, the Feast of the Nations, Sukkot (Tabernacles). Three of the seven feasts are the chagim, or "foot festivals" in which Israel was commanded to go up to Jerusalem to celebrate: Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot. Those who are expecting the Footsteps of Messiah Yeshua might also check where their own feet have trod in expectation. Have they proclaimed the Good News of Messiah and the commandments of Elohim?There are three seasonal firstfruits contained within the foot festivals: barley (Pesach), wheat (Shavuot), and everything else (Sukkot).At barley, Yeshua resurrected. In Egypt, the Israelites were delivered from sin and death at Pesach. There was little “Torah” to obey, they simply trusted in the lamb’s blood and followed the cloud in faith.At the wheat harvest of Shavuot, the Israelites made a commitment to the full Torah based on their deliverance by and in the cloud so far, which was in faith. They were in the wilderness. Not yet resurrected in body, but not dead in Egypt, either.At Sukkot of the nations, a cloud of greater resurrection would occur, one that included the nations. It is then that the Torah cycle concludes, rolling up the commandments. The Torah scrolls are re-rolled at this foot festival, and the reading begins again in Genesis 1:1. Sukkot leads to Pesach, a new beginning.Let's return to Shavuot, which comemmorates the giving of the Torah at Sinai. Every year, Israel accepts the yoke of the Torah anew at Shavuot, firstfruits of the wheat, echoing the commitment, "We will do, and we will hear."Oddly, the day is never celebrated as one of repentance from sin. Tradition sees the intervening weeks between Pesach and Shavuot as time to do work removing the “encrustations” of sin left over from Egypt, yet Shavuot itself has no repentance themes. In fact, the mussaf sin offering, an extra offering required on feast days, does not apply to Shavuot. It is as if the Israelites are considered sin-free when they received the Torah.Why?Our Footsteps text is the Song of Songs. From there, we read:“Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth is beautiful. Your temples are like a slice of a pomegranate behind your veil.” (So 4:3)The symbolism of the pomegranate is thus: the pips represent the individual commandments, because the number of pomegranate pips is approximately 613, the number of the commandments. The high priest wore a garment hemmed with bells and pomegranates, and these made a musical noise as he walked, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Walking in the Word should be both musical and pleasant!Another symbol of the commandments is jewelry. When Israel sinned with the golden calf, Moses made them remove their jewelry, the ornaments of a Bride. When people removed their gold rings to make the golden calf, they already exchanged the righteousness of Adonai for an idol, and stripping them of the rest of their jewelry pointed out that if they could not remain faithful for 40 days, then they were not ready to enter the Land of Israel.If the ornaments represent commandments, then it is easy to see that they were adorned with "commandments" on credit to await Moses' return from the mountain with the rest of the Torah. As we've established in the last few newletters, this was the righteousness of Yeshua, the Living Word, credited into their accounts before they had a chance to walk in them. This is the same righteousness the apostles assured the Gentile believers that they'd been credited when they came to faith in Messiah Yeshua. Commandments wouldn't make them more saved, but they would result as they walked faithfully in the righteousness of their salvation, Yeshua. The Ruach HaKodesh would teach them from that starting point, just as Yeshua promised, and just as was experienced in Acts Two at Shavuot. While they learned, grace would abound.The fulness of the Torah is promised the betrothed. If we continue to walk faithfully, repenting as necessary, then Adonai makes us to stand and live in the righteousness of them before we fully realize perfection of the body. He clothes our “red” souls. The soul is associated with Esau, or Edom, the "Red One" because it is a bundle of appetites, emotions, desires, and intellect, which must be disciplined by the Ruach (Spirit) within each person, represented by Jacob in the twin analogy.The righteousness is not our own, for we did not invent it! It is the righteousness of the Father and His son Yeshua, our salvation. Our pips are red, reflecting the salvation and redemption of our red souls. Proverbs Thirty-one is a parable of the Ruach HaKodesh. This is what the Ruach does, it clothes us in the righteousness of Yeshua, which protects us from the judgment of snow (Job 38:22-23):“She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.” (Pr 31:21)The lips like a scarlet thread is the mouth of the righteous, and the Word spoken through them in prayer and faith is a protection against judgment. The betrothed of Yeshua have slice of red pomegranate on their foreheads. Out of 613 pomegranate pips, only a small number apply to each person. It takes a full house of Israel with a functioning Temple and priesthood to observe them all. Each person, however, has his or her own slice, depending upon whether the person is son, daughter, father, mother, merchant, farmer, seller, buyer, animal herder, etc. The number may grow or shrink as the person ages or changes occupation. Just a slice of the whole.“Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth (speech) is beautiful”When we confess our faith in Messiah Yeshua and make our equivalent expression to "do and hear" the commandments given by the Father through Moses, we declare our Intention to walk in the Word, which is counted as “doing well,” righteousness credited before learning and performance:“Go near and hear all that the LORD our God says; then speak to us all that the LORD our God speaks to you, and we will hear and do it.’ The LORD heard the voice of your words when you spoke to me, and the LORD said to me, ‘I have heard the voice of the words of this people which they have spoken to you. They have done well in all that they have spoken.” (Dt 5:27-28)When we make this declaration with true intention, it is believed that we receive two crowns of Torah: Royalty and leadershipWe are welcomed into a royal priesthood nation, and we begin to learn the instructions through which we will lead others to salvation. The righteousness is awarded to us on credit, and we are clothed in scarlet against the day of judgment.The garments of of righteousness are seen as having protective power to guard against sin, like the scarlet clothes of the Ruach HaKodesh.When we know what sin is, then we can walk worthy of the credit in our accounts and avoid sin while learning to do good as well. Once we know what sin is, then it is easier to avoid it. When we avoid it, we avoid the judgment and consequences that follow rebellious sin.What if it's not rebellious, just ignorant? (Nu 14:9) This is the where grace abounds while we learn. Yeshua knows our suffering and that we are still housed in a corruptible body. For this, he makes intercession. We long for the resurrection of this Old Man Chametz to be raised incorruptible so that we no longer have to live on credit.Rebellious sin, however, is a retreat to the "in-between," or lukewarm status of the Laodiceans. But what about the person who just retreats? He or she doesn't really sin rebelliously, just passively? What if there is no attempt to know Yeshua in the fellowship of his suffering for the sake of righteousness? This, too, is rebellion. Passive aggression is still agression. Passive rebellion against doing good is still rebellion. For those who are lukewarm in redeeming their time, there are ten days between the Feast of Trumpets and Yom HaKippurim for them to repent before the Feast of the Nations at Sukkot.As we count toward Shavuot, let us commit anew to our slice of the yoke of the Torah and the testimony of Yeshua.
This week, by most reckonings of the Biblical Feast calendar (no, certainly not all) begins the week of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which includes the Passover seder or meal.
Not surprisingly, there are a number of choices for readings during His true Holy Days, including those passages which describe them. It’s also a season where the ‘regular’ sequence of Torah readings may get a bit “out-of-sync” – especially when calendar issues come into play. So Mark chose to do the look at parsha Tzav (Leviticus chapters 6 through 8) on Erev Shabbat, and then go a bit ‘further afield’ for the Sabbath day midrash.
The Erev Shabbat reading of the parsha Tzav:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SSM-4-7-23-Tzav-teaching-only-podcast-x.mp3No question about it: the Pesach (Passover) timeframe, and the week of the Feast of Unleavened Bread that follows it, is one of the most important in all of history. Whether people who disagree on how and why understand that how and why, or not.
But, at least it helps to explain why there is so much ‘division,’ and perhaps even why He said He came “not to bring peace, but a sword,” and warned that many would be “offended” by Him.
Just as Mark suggests again, and with no shortage of proof, that He is “offended” (or worse) by having the Most Important Event Human History re-named after a (and this fits today!) trans-sexual pagan fertility goddess and celebrated in ways YHVH repeatedly calls “abomination.”
But there is a far bigger question. WHY does all of that matter? And what should those who seek to “follow Him,” DO, when we see the Truth?
But the “pieces ALL fit.” From the “olah” offering – which “goes up” to heaven, to “unleavened bread” – to the only, singular sign that He gave to an “evil and adulterous generation” (hmm…was He talking THEN, or NOW, or maybe almost continually?)
– and the answer is the same now, as it was when the FIRST Judas sold out to “the Adversary.” But it was hardly the only time.
This teaching is one to share. Because the “sharp, two-edged sword” of His Word tends to divide things.
“Pesach – and His REAL Holy Week”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WT-CooH-4-8-23-Tzav-the-Real-Holy-Week-podcast-xxx.mp3
The combined two-part podcast is here:
This week’s show is a bit different, just as this week itself is. And for a number of reasons.
One of the questions people should be asking now is, “how much worse does it have to GET…before people begin to see it?” But if we have read Scripture, we already know the answer: A LOT. And many will literally ‘shake their fist’ at Him before they accept what will, by then, have already happened.
So what about the rest of us? Now? There are things we need to consider. Now.
“Do we have a prayer?”
What does the Hebrew name Yeshua mean? Why was Yeshua born into this world as the Messiah?
In this teaching Rabbi Steve Berkson continues the topic on the relationship between salvation, faith/belief and works by looking at Yeshua as the Savior…the one who saves.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
Perhaps a better title would be Who you don't know.Can hurt you.With Passover approaching, our Footsteps of Messiah text of the Song of Songs becomes ever more relevant. It is providing us with more than just prophetic understanding of our time, but even with practical advice that we'd expect more from Proverbs than the love song of the ages found in the Song of Songs. In fact, it is customary to read the Song of Songs during Pesach.
Parsha “Vayikra” (Leviticus chapters 1 through 5) — because it’s the first in the Book — thus shares the name, and is certainly one of those challenges that, let’s fact it, much of “xtianity” would prefer to ignore. And it starts of with a bunch of ‘sacrifices,’ besides. Which, as Mark Call points out in this two-part look, isn’t even the right Hebrew word; these are offerings (korban) rather than the root word ‘tzebach.’
But why does that matter? Because how can people who don’t even understand “Torah 101” about that difference then grasp the real significance of what Yahushua actually DID…much less why it has never been more important to us?
The Erev Shabbat overview of the whole parsha :
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SSM-3-31-23-Vaykira-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3Another warning for the Sabbath teaching this week. Those who prefer the paganism associated with spring fertility rites, and “bunnies and eggs” to His Truth will no doubt take offense at this one, in particular. Just as He also warned.
But there is a bigger warning here as well. Most of the ‘boring sacrifice stuff’ that we’ve been lied to about has another characteristic that the Whore Church likes to overlook: it’s all about “unintentional sin.” But the claim that “I didn’t KNOW any better,” only works once. When people KEEP doing that which He says NOT to do, the claim that it was done in ignorance wears thin.
“Vayikra: How Many Times Can IGNORANCE Be an Excuse?”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/WT-CooH-4-1-23-Vayikra-B-shagagga-only-applies-ONCE-podcast-xxx.mp3
The combined two-part podcast is here:
Our Footsteps of Messiah series has focused on the prophecies contained in the Song of Songs. Once we reach the fourth chapter of the Song, some of the prophecies are repeated, yet we can glean more in-depth understanding with the first chapters already established. In Chapter Four, we read:* How beautiful you are, my darling, how beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves behind your veil; your hair is like a flock of goats that have descended from Mount Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn sheep which have come up from their washing, all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost her young.
The Song of Songs describes how beautiful the Children of Israel were when they came up from their washing of the Reed Sea like a flock of clean sheep:* How beautiful you are, my darling, how beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves behind your veil; your hair is like a flock of goats that have descended from Mount Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn sheep which have come up from their washing, all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost her young. Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth is beautiful. Your temples are like a slice of a pomegranate behind your veil. Your neck is like the tower of David, built with layers of stones on which are hung a thousand shields, all the round shields of the warriors. Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle that graze among the lilies.
Although the Israelites were in the middle of a “holiness sandwich,” nevertheless they were unharmed. They were walking on credit in righteousness they hadn’t personally attained. Instead, they walked in the righteousness of Yeshua, the living Word. They believed Adonai, which means they believed His Word as spoken to them through Moses, a metaphor for the Torah. At that moment that the Israelites came up from the washing of the Sea unharmed, the Midrash says that the following from our Song was said of their uprightness:* “Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth is beautiful. Your temples are like a slice of a pomegranate behind your veil.”
The pomegranate is a symbol of the Torah’s 613 commandments, for the number of pips in a pomegranate is around that number. The symbolism of the pomegranate pips as the 613 commandments suggests the doctrine taught by the apostles:* For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.” (Ro 4:3) * for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. (Ro 10:10)
Salvation comes with the potential to fulfill the righteous and holy commandments. We are given mercy and grace while we walk and learn in the wilderness, preparing to ascend to the Promised Land. Drop down a couple of verses, and the Song reads: “Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle that graze among the lilies.” One the applications of the two breasts is the milk of the Word, demonstrated by the two tables (tablets) of the Ten Commandments. If those two breasts represent the two (twin) tablets of the Torah given at Mt. Sinai, then their formation into something mature (613) would come through further instruction from Moses in the wilderness.Ezekiel 16:6-14 rebukes the Israelites who later rebelled and walked in the very sins from which He’d delivered them. Adonai reminds them of how He found them struggling in their birth blood, twelve tribes now a nation in the midst of another nation, struggling to emerge from Egypt. He describes how He waited for them to grow up and to meet Him at Sinai to receive the Words of their promise at betrothal:Of note in Ezekiel 16 is: “…11 I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck. 12 I also put a ring in your nostril, earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head.” (ibid)What are these ornmaments to Israel?* “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching; indeed, they are a graceful wreath to your head and ornaments about your neck.” (Pr 1:8-9) * “My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck.” (Pr 6:20-21)
Like children, the Israelites were guided from Egypt to Sinai by Moses, Aaron, and “mom” Miriam (Micah 6:4; Ex 15:20). The children walking in the credit of Yeshua’s righteousness were given the Big Ten at betrothal, which hang on the Big Two, and eventually Moses would teach them the fullness of the 613 so they could be “married” and enter the Land of their Promise. The two tablets represented how the Israelites would grow in respect to their salvation from Egypt, the realm of sin and death. Why were the commandments written on two tablets?The sages asserted that each brother of the twelve sons of Jacob had a twin sister. Half of the commandments focus on our relationship to Elohim, so they are the “father” commandments. As Paul taught the Corinthians, the man’s head represents the glory of Elohim restored to the groaning Creation:* “For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man.” (1 Co 11:7)
The other “twin” tablet is the “mother commandments,” which teach us the human relational Torah. The female “twin” head represents the glory of mankind restored in the Creation, which groans for human beings to walk in the revealed righteousness of Yeshua, the Word of Elohim:* For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now. And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. (Ro 8:18-25)
The Creation is groaning because like Israel, who had the potential to mature into 613 seeds of the pomegranate from the Big Ten, the Creation, too, is encoded with a greater potential than has ever been realized outside of the Garden of Eden. It is groaning because it wants to be growning! I know. Bad pun. Most puns are.Let’s identify some bullet points related to our study:* There is a glory to be revealed to human beings. This is symbolized by the “heads” in the congregration: men, the revealed glory of Elohim in the Creation, and women, the revealed glory of human beings in the Creation * Creation has an expectation of this, it is “encoded” for greater growth and fruit * Human sin prevents the Creation from breaking free of its slavery to corruption. Until the glory is revealed, it is in childbirth, the life within prepared, yet held back. * Likewise, the human body before resurrection is encoded with the ability to live in glorious immortality, yet is not revealed until full redemption of the body. * The Ruach HaKodesh is our “firstfruits”, or the hope of the resurrection to glory.
At Mount Sinai, the Israelites promised, “We will do, and we will hear.” They were again credited for righteousness they hadn’t yet learned or earned, but Adonai would give them time to grow in their salvation beyond the milk of the Big Ten.
Rabbi Steve Berkson focuses on the topic of “Who Shall be Saved?”, as he takes us to the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 13. There we find the parable Yeshua taught about “The Wheat and the Tares” – which was meant to describe two types of people within the congregation of Elohim.
How do we know today who is which? Does that responsibility rest on us? If Elohim knows about this (He does), why does He allow it? What will be done and when? By whom?
From there Rabbi Steve moves to Paul’s letter written to those who were in Rome–those who’s eyes and ears were opened and whose hearts were ready to receive–those who should know better. In chapter 11 Paul begins by posing the question, “Has God rejected His people?” Rabbi Steve points out that even then people were consumed with “Who gets in and who doesn’t”.
So much so that in chapter 11 we read Paul explaining the plan of Elohim through a metaphor using olive trees. What are the branches? What is the root? What is the real problem going on here?
This teaching is loaded with what you need for your daily walk and to understand more deeply the love of the Father toward you.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
Parsah “Pekudei” (Exodus 38:21 through the End of the Book) is the last Torah portion in the Book of Exodus. It does sound quite a bit like something we’ve heard before, not even that long ago (and there’s no doubt a point there…) and seems to have some OTHER ‘redundancy’ as well (OK, arguably for a similar point.)
Most of us have probably heard the claim that, especially since this is all “old” testament, and now everyone is the ‘temple of God’ anyway, none of this matters. Besides, it’s not “salvific.” Scripture ‘as Written’ says something very different. And this parsha is a pretty good proof of it.
The Erev Shabbat overview of the whole parsha :
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SSM-3-24-23-Pekudei-teaching-podcast-x.mp3The Sabbath day teaching this week – as it probably must – picks up where He left off. We do see the completion of all the things He has laid out for them, and commanded to be done, via Moshe. And vitally, it seems- because He repeats the phrase no less than EIGHTEEN times in this Torah portion alone! – they finished the mishkan (tabernacle) “according to ALL that YHVH commanded Moshe, so did they,” and then also erected it “as YHVH commanded Moses.”
But it’s some of the connections in this parsha, both to others that precede, and prophecies that follow, and to very current events, that will prove most…thought provoking.
Some will find this discussion refreshingly blunt, some will be offended. (But on that score, we have been warned: Matthew 11:6, 13:57, 15:12, 24…and many others.)
It appears that the Book of Exodus ends with another ‘atbash,’ an “open and close” set of verses which dramatically underscores whatever is nested withing. But this one is particularly poignant NOW, ‘for such a time as this.’ In so many ways.
“Pekudei: A Great Big ATBASH aroundd ‘El Kanah’ – Why?”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WT-CooH-3-25-23-Pekudei-Great-Big-Atbash-around-El-Kanah-podcast-xxx.mp3
The combined two-part podcast is here:
There are no less than three separate places in the Gospels where Yahushua tells us that, eventually, things that are hidden will be revealed. Certainly that is beginning to happen now, at least on SOME very big issues.
The quotation in Matthew 10 not only warns that those who follow Him will be “hated by all,” but says that we must “endure to the end.” It turns out to be one of a number of places where He gives us some insight into what it means to have “faith.”
But it’s not enough just to “believe in Him,” after all, “even the demons believe, and tremble; we are to BELIEVE Him. And just what does THAT mean?
Just maybe it has something to do with why so many lament that there’s “no power in ‘the Church’.” But why should there be, if they are, as Paul was seeing over nineteen centuries ago, following after “another jesus, whom we have NOT preached?”
We may not be able to “move mountains” – yet – but we can at least begin to find what He called the “Narrow Path.”
Let’s talk about “Faith” — especially when it’s all coming apart.
Has the One who chose a group of people from among a group of people and set them apart unto Himself rejected those people? Has now another group of people replaced them? Weren’t there promises made according to The Covenant that was made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? Wasn’t there an expectation by the chosen people that those promises were for them?
What does the Prophet Ezekiel have to say about the chosen people? What are the “sticks and bones” in Ezekiel chapter 37 all about? What are the “graves?” How do they connect with something Yeshua Messiah said?
What is “the stuff before the then?”
Rabbi Steve Berkson unpacks all this and more here in part 4. He also reminds us that periodically we need to stop and evaluate where we are in our walk to determine if we’re on the right path or if we need to backup to where we made a wrong turn and get back into the right direction.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
Our Footsteps of Messiah series has focused on the prophecies contained in the Song of Songs. Once we reach the fourth chapter of the Song, some of the prophecies are repeated, yet we can glean more in-depth understanding with the first chapters already established. In Chapter Four, we read:* How beautiful you are, my darling, how beautiful you are! Your eyes are like doves behind your veil; your hair is like a flock of goats that have descended from Mount Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn sheep which have come up from their washing, all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost her young.
In a previous lesson, we looked at “Mount Gilead” as a wordplay with “mountain of rolling (continual) witness.” There is a literal mountain range in Gilead, but there was Mount Sinai, where the Israelites responded to the covenant invitation with “We will do, and we will hear.” From the heights of spiritual ecstasy at Mount Sinai, the Israelites descended “like a flock of goats” to become a light and witness to the nations. Goats are often symbolic of sacrifice for atonement. Indeed, Israel has suffered sacrifice to hold onto their covenant agreement at Sinai, reflecting the suffering of Messiah for the sake of the nations.Next, the prophecy refers to Israel as “a flock of newly shorn sheep which have come up from their washing.” Sheep are often symbolic of the innocent, compliant, and easily led. The sages point to the “washing” as the journey through the Reed Sea in their escape from Pharaoh. A second washing was the three-day preparation of washing for the visitation at Mount Sinai. The first washing at the Reed Sea is of particular interest since it explains in more detail the apostles’ doctrines of mercy, grace, and torah. While there has been a long history of poor understanding and applications of the relationship among them, the foundations are in the Exodus from Egypt.The twelve tribes of Israel grew in their Egyptian captivity. With courage, the midwives salvaged the “young” of the sheep, protecting them from Pharaoh’s death squads.* “Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn sheep which have come up from their washing, all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost her young [???????? H7909].”
??????? shakkul; from H7921; bereaved:—barren, bereaved (robbed) of children.There was not a long list of commandments for the flock of Israel to keep while they were being saved.1. Listen to Moses’ warning about the plagues. 2. Circumcise. 3. Slaughter a lamb, apply the blood to the doorposts, and eat it. 4. Leave Egypt. 5. Follow the pillar of cloud.
That’s pretty much it. There were no 613 commandments, or even the Big Ten. Not even the Shema or “love your neighbor.” These were simple, demonstrated acts of faith. The details of the 2, the 10, and the 613 would come later in the wilderness.There is a play-on word with “all of which bear twins.”?????? tâ?am; a primitive root; to be complete; but used only as denominative from H8380, to be (causatively, make) twinned, i.e. (figuratively) duplicate or (architectural) jointed:—coupled (together), bear twins.Ta’am is sometimes translated as “perfect.” The flock may be seen as not only complete, but perfect as in upright, with moral integrity:* “Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be blameless. [???????]” (Ge 17:1)
The children of Abraham would also be counted like their father, upright. It didn’t mean without sin or mistakes; it meant walk and work on the revealed things each day. The Midrash Rabbah presents a homily concerning “all of them are perfect, ta’am which have come up from their washing.” They point out that in spite of being herded and guarded between the Presence of Adonai Himself and the Angel, the Israelites came up from the Reed Sea unharmed by the intense holiness that was experienced between them. Although not yet walking in the commandments, nor had they even agreed to, the Israelites were already walking by faith. They were on the path, leaving death behind, yet obedience lay before them, a journey to prepare them to go up into the Land of their inheritance.
This Torah portion begins, and is named for, the SECOND use of the word “Vayakhel” in Scripture. Except, this time it’s Moses that “gathers together” ALL of the assembly, not as a mob, but to hear, and do, what Yahuah commands.
Parsha Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20) returns to the topic of what those who have just escaped death should build together. And there seems to be a lot of emphasis in the text on their ‘heart condition’.
Perhaps we should take note of what a ‘near death experience’ can do for our perspective, especially if we end up with wise and willing hearts.
The Erev Shabbat overview of the whole parsha :
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SSM-3-17-23-Vayakhel-teaching-podcast-x-1.mp3The Sabbath day teaching this week beings right where He does. And where Mark suggests (again, because He does!) we should focus today, even though it might not ‘sit well’ with our sun-god-day neighbors: His Sabbath. There’s a reason He set it off with the ‘torah-tag’ equivalent of bright bold flashing text in the last parsha, and starts right there again after Moshe gathers them together THIS time for the right reason.
But it’s the repeated references to the ‘wise-hearted’ that should set the context. Is this society, too, on the brink of death – economic, spiritual, medical/bio-weapon, and perhaps of even the fiery, nuclear form? True, most who have been dumbed-down into slavish complacency are oblivious to what is coming, but that doesn’t mean WE shouldn’t be ready for the time when THEY will panic.
“Vayakhel: In THIS God We Trust”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SSM-3-17-23-Vayakhel-teaching-podcast-x.mp3
The combined two-part podcast is here:
The teacher complete the study of Ezekiel chapter 30.
Does the prophecy here for “Egypt”, or Mitzraim, not sound a BIT like modern AmeriKa-with-a-K, that might be equally ‘prideful’?
News and commentary for Black Biden Monday, 13 March, 2023.
It’s been a Long Time Comin’ – but the Fiat Buck Debt Collapse and Bank Contagion, the snowball of which was certainly rollin’ downhill last wee, has become a Big Deal.
And, if things weren’t already bad enough – the BidenFuhrer (or he earlobe doppelganger, at least) took to the airwaves Monday morning to administer the Kiss -er, Hair-Sniff of Death: “the banking system is SAFE.”
Uh, oh.
But it’s not like those pulling the Puppet Strings haven’t had THIS one in planning for a long time.
Don’t miss this update of Where We Are – and what we already knew is Coming Soon.
What’s wrong with Christianity? Aren’t there “good people” there? Most of us who are now in the Messianic Torah Observant community came from Christianity. Wasn’t there anything good we learned from being there?
Can’t we bring something over with us as we’ve transitioned to Torah observance?
Didn’t we consider ourselves as “saved” while under that system?
What deadly disease can the system of Christianity be compared to?
Rabbi Steve Berkson brings extremely important answers and perspective to these and many other thoughts and questions regarding “come out of her my people”, as well as “get her out of you my people”.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
Guest Lisa Merwin from River of Life Tabernacle shares her expertise on how to start and minister with banners during worship.
After a couple portions that might be called “setup,” for the upcoming construction of the mishkan, or tabernacle, this week parsha Ki Tisa (Exodus/Shemot 30:111 through chapter 34) returns to the story of what happens while, and after Moshe returns from his first trip up Mount Sinai.
And it’s not pretty.
In fact, it is perhaps one of the most painful and tragic stories in the whole Book. All the more so because it keeps repeating.
But, again, it’s the ‘What?’ AND the ‘WHY’ that are key to our understanding.
The Erev Shabbat overview of the whole parsha :
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/SSM-3-10-23-Ki-Tisa-teaching-podcast-xx.mp3The Sabbath day teaching this week certainly has to address what Mark suggests is one of THE most succinct stories out there to address the question, “what is Torah-obedience?”
Even if part of the story has undeniably ‘negative connotations.’
The ‘golden calf’ is probably the most well-known example in the entire Bible of what has become a synonym for idolatry. And the irony is that its fame is well-deserved as well, because it is so PERSISTENT. Which is the problem.
Because virtually everything about the story fits as well now as it ever has.
“Ki Tisa: Worship Him AS He SAYS”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/WT-CooH-3-11-23-Ki-Tisa-What-does-Torah-observant-MEAN-Worship-Him-as-HE-says-podcast-xxx-1.mp3
The combined two-part podcast is here:
After a quick review of part 1, Rabbi Steve Berkson continues exploring the doctrine of “once saved, always saved” and the relationship between salvation, faith and works.
Rabbi Steve plays the little game called, “What if I had the power to live forever and could choose those with whom to live forever.” During the Pesach seder, the tradition of “The Four Cups” is performed–the four cups being Sanctification, Deliverance, Redemption and Acceptance, aka, “the “salvation process”.
In this teaching Rabbi Steve focuses on the last three cups. Deliverance–deliverance from what? The Law? Which law? Redemption–what is redemption? Who was redeemed and who was the redeemer? Acceptance–where do we see an acceptance by The Creator of a people? What did that look like? How do you know if you’ve been accepted? Is there an expectation by anyone to do something?
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
The teachers discuss Ezekiel chapters 28 into 29.
And, among some related things, just who, or what, is the Prince of Tyre?
This week, as they look at a week of news that continues to probe ‘just how deep the rabbit-hole goes,’ Mark and David finally “go there.”
Where?
Maybe even, ‘where no man has gone before.’
But how much more weird can things actually get?
Special guest Brent Winters, the Common Lawyer, again joins Mark to complete the discussion of some elements of the history of the “common law” that are SO important to understand ‘in such a time as this.’
Last week Brent introduced the concepts of the “Law of the Land,” as opposed to “the law of the city,” which is ultimately antithetical to the Law, or Instruction, of our Creator. “Lex Rex,” or “Rex Lex?”
But it turns out that forcing people back IN to those cities is not at all a ‘new’ concept.
Do you really understand what it means to say “I’m saved!”? From what are you saved? How were you saved? When did this “salvation” happen? Now that you are “saved”, what more is there to do? Are you saved by “faith” or by “works”?
Rabbi Steve Berkson addresses these questions and more as he begins this series that is crucial to having a solid foundation of your faith.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020.
Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
The Torah portion this week, parsha Terumah, (Exodus/Shemot 25:1-27:19) takes a departure from the narrative of Moshe and the sons of Israel, or mixed multitude now in the wilderness near Mount Sinai, to begin the exposition of something that will play a major role in events that will play out next.
This is the first installment of instructions that begin with “take an offering” (terumah) from every man whose heart makes him willing, to begin the construction of the mishkan, or tabernacle.
The Erev Shabbat overview of the whole parsha :
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/SSM-2-24-23-Terumah-teaching-podcast-x.mp3The Sabbath day teaching this week begins with the concept of the ‘pattern’ that YHVH says He would show Moses. Many who have studied this portion share a similar sentiment, that without being shown, even though the text description is detailed, to actually BUILD the mishkan seems like an almost impossible task.
And the same might be true for dealing with the challenges we face today. Which leads to a common question:
“Terumah: Have We Been Shown the Pattern?”
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/CooH-2-25-23-Terumah-Have-we-Been-Shown-the-Pattern-podcast-xxx.mp3
The combined two-part podcast is here:
https://hebrewnationonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/DTF-2-24-23-MGC-DJ-No-Time-for-Rebellion-to-Him-podcast-xx.mp3David Justice and Mark Call wrap up a week of news where the prophecy that things “hidden, will be revealed” is finally beginning to sound like ad understatement.
Increasingly, it is undeniable that those in positions of power – if not real Authority – really do intend to kill as many people as possible. To the point where it’s barely even being hidden any more.
Team Deep State is “double-dog daring” the rest of the nuclear armed world to hit us. The same servants of Satan who oversaw the biggest toxic chemical spill in recent memory did the unimaginable, and proceeded to light it off, turning a major disaster into a nuclear-scale toxic devastation – but won’t even say the key word – DIOXIN – out loud. And they know what the result will be, even if those who still believe the Ministry of Truth won’t until it’s way too late.
And there’s another Arkancide that makes even the worst Bill ‘n Hitlery jokes seem tame. But it connects the dots.
And it’s what we do now that really matters. Be not deceived, and don’t miss this one.
This week Mark welcomes back special guest Brent Winters, the Common Lawyer, who has a background and expertise that this first show in a set only begins to explore.
Regular listeners understand that the ‘common law’ is a fundamental element of what was the Constitution for these united States. The Declaration of Independence laid out the fundamental, “self-evident Truth” that we have Rights that are given to us by our Creator, and that the purpose of government IS to ‘secure those Rights.’
Join us as Brent lays out the beginning of a much bigger picture.
And one that is fundamental, if we seek to come out of a system that is ‘foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws.’
We can only return if we know what has been lost.
Brent Winters’ books, articles, study guides, and classes may be found at:
www.commonlawyer.com
Can the dead come to life today? Rabbi Steve Berkson kicks this teaching off by taking you to Ephesians 2 where the Apostle Paul writes about the dead coming to life. This is also found in Colossians 3 where it reads, “If, then, you were raised with Messiah…”
Do you know what things to do to please your spouse? Are you doing what is pleasing to The Creator, in the way He intended? Rabbi Steve takes you to Matthew 22 to begin to understand what you need to do in order to please Abba. We see Yeshua quoting the “v’ahavta”, Deuteronomy 6:5-9, saying that we should love Yahweh with all of our mind. Also as is written in Philippians 2:5 that you “let this mind be in you that was also in Messiah Yeshua.” The word ‘let’ indicates a personal responsibility to allow this to happen.
In Romans 12 Rabbi Steve brings out that it is your “reasonable service” to renew your mind so that you will know how to please your Heavenly Father. Again, it is evident that it is your responsibility to do this as you are motivated by love–His for you and yours for Him.
Yeshua said, “take my yoke upon you”, referring to His teaching and discipleship. Rabbi Steve takes you to Luke 24 to make the point of discipleship under an anointed and appointed teacher being crucial to learning the correct way of thinking about how you walk out your faith.
Take advantage of new teachings every week. To learn more about MTOI, visit our website, https://mtoi.org.
Join us on Social media!
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtoiworldwide
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtoi_worldwide
You can contact MTOI by emailing us at admin@mtoi.org or calling 423-250-3020. Join us for Shabbat Services & Torah Study LIVE, streamed on our YouTube Channel every Saturday at 1:15 pm and every Friday for Torah Study Live Stream at 7:30 pm, eastern time.
One of the most distressing...if not THE most distressing thing...about learning Torah within a community is that it too frequently leads to learning Torah outside a community. In our livestream on Shabbat, I plan to present a simple overview of leadership principles that may help you whether you are a congregational leader, home fellowship leader, family leader, or just want to learn how to be a good follower.
Those community principles are often challenged because we don't have good study tools in our toolbox, and without them, we can adopt all kinds of variations of understanding and practice from a single commandment. Those variations become divisive when it affects what the community can observe together.
In this week's newsletter, I'd like to pass on to you what I spent lots of time and money learning in college. No charge! It can be of tremendous help when navigating through divergent understandings of Scripture. If we understand the difference between meaning and significance, it could squash a lot of arguments over what a Scripture means, especially when we look as smug as our friend up there when we're convinced we found THE explanation instead of ONE explanation.
For instance, over the last couple of years, we've been studying the Song of Songs. It is a parable, poetry, song, commentary, elucidation of Torah, and prophecy, so it is rich in symbolism, and we've enjoyed deriving lots of interpretations of each verse's significance based on passages with similar context and even Hebrew wordplay. When one encounters Biblical symbolism, it is important to remember:
When parsing a passage of Scripture, the application of wordplay should not derive a new meaning even though a new significance is expected.
Let’s review these two principles of hermeneutics and the definition of hermeneutics.
The post Dr Hollisa Alewine – Leading the Flock Pt 1 (Chayei Sarah) first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
This week Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship takes a two-part look at the parsha which essentially covers the life of Yitzak/Isaac, and introduces his two sons Esau and Yaakov. That alone makes it vital to our understanding, but – no surprise, of course – there’s far more here. It’s also one of the […]
The post Mark Call – Parsha “Toldot” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
The entire universe is subject to the harmony of both physical and spiritual laws. Without these laws being kept, there is chaos and confusion – just like today! After the rebellion of Satan and one-third of the messengers, please notice there was a need to recreate the earth again.
The post Satan’s Devices Part 2 first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
The Prince of the Power of the Air transmits attitudes and feelings to affect human behavior Ephesians 2:2 And you were dead in trespasses and sins, which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, of the spirit that is now working […]
The post Satan’s Devices Part 1 first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
The teachers discuss the Book of Ezekiel, chapter 18.
The post Torah Teachers’ Round Table – Tanakh Edition – Ezekiel ch 18 first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Mark Call and David Justice take some time for a special Thanksgiving Day week program.
The post Drive Time Friday first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Tithing is a part of the Restoration Process–of coming into observance of the Torah. Rabbi Steve Berkson takes us into the book of Nehemiah, chapters 9 and 10 to teach us that as we come into covenant with the Creator, become obedient to His Torah, which includes tithes and offerings, so that those who are […]
The post Now Is The Time w/Rabbi Steve Berkson | Covenant Community 101 | Tithing: Appreciating Blessings | Part 3 first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
“A canopy (apiron) has King Solomon made for Him, from the wood of Lebanon. Its pillars he made of silver; its covering was gold, its seat was purple wool, its inner side was decked with love by the daughters of Jerusalem.” (So 3:9-10)
This week, we continue from last week's lesson on the chariot of King Solomon. If you didn't have a chance to read it or print it, click here. We'll weave in a couple of themes from this week's Torah portion, Vayera, particularly the second time Avraham calls Sarah his sister and the binding of Isaac on Mount Moriah.
Vayera “and appeared”
Genesis 18:1-22:24
2 Kings 4:1-37
The post Dr Hollisa Alewine – Footsteps of Messiah Part 47 – (Slaughtered Gold) first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at the final parsha specific to the life of Abraham, parsha “Chayei Sarah” (Genesis chapter 23 through 25:`8). It’s also what Mark calls THE “Common Law” parsha, because it details some of the singularly most fundamental concepts – by means of stories – […]
The post Mark Call – Parsha “Chayei Sarah” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Ezekiel chapter 17
The post Torah Teachers’ Round Table – Tanakh Edition – Ezekiel ch 17 first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
There is an old parable of the king’s daughter that explains some points of the developing relationship between the King and His daughter, Israel, from the time He removes her from Egypt to the time He brings her across the Jordan into her inheritance. (Midrash to Shir HaShirim 3§15)
The post Dr Hollisa Alewine – Footsteps of Messiah Part 46 – (Chariots of Fire Pt 2) first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look, among other important things, perhaps the most significant event in the life of both Abraham, and his son Yitzak (Isaac) – also known as the Akieda, or ‘binding of Isaac’…parsha Veyeira (Genesis chapters 18 through 22) The sequence again begins with the Erev […]
The post Mark Call – Parsha “Vayeira” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
The Torah teachers complete the look at the Book of Ezekiel, chapter 16 this week. Which seems quite fitting, given the world today.
The post Torah Teachers’ Round Table – Tanakh Edition – Ezekiel ch 16 (conclusion) first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
What is “tithing”? What does the word ‘tithe’ even mean? What are we supposed to “tithe”? Who gets this “tithe”? Now, before you get the idea that this teaching is a covert fundraising effort, know that this teaching is for you, for your benefit, and for you to know that the Creator has your good […]
The post Now Is The Time w/Rabbi Steve Berkson | Covenant Community 101 | Tithing: Appreciating Blessings | Part 1 first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
If the picture of Israel coming up from the wilderness to cross into her inheritance is of the tribes, then those tribes are guarded and surrounded by those among them who can expertly wield the Word of Adonai, full of the Spirit and flowing with its Rivers as promised by Yeshua during the Feast of Sukkot (Jn 7:38). Even in the “terrors of the night,” the exile, these warriors commit themselves to protecting against the flood of evil that threatens the holiness of the House of Israel.
“The sixty mighty men-these are the sixty myriads (600,000) that came out of Egypt from the age of twenty years and above/below.” 3§14
“Now the sons of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, aside from children.” (Ex 12:37)
“But Moses said, “The people, among whom I am, are 600,000 on foot; yet You have said, ‘I will give them meat, so that they may eat for a whole month.’” (Nu 11:21)
“...even all the numbered men were 603,550.” (Nu 1:46)
“...a beka a head (that is, half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary), for each one who passed over to those who were numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for 603,550 men.” (Ex 38:26)
Why the disparity in the Midrash? Is it sixty myriads of mighty men above the age of 20 or below?
The Midrash points back to the exact wording of the text from Song of Songs 3:7:
“...sixty warriors around it, of the warriors of Israel.”
?????? ???????? ?????????????? ????????? ?????????? ?????? ???? ??????????? ???????????
The repetition in the verse describes sixty warriors from the warriors of Israel. The Hebrew preposition and prefix mem is read as “from,” so “from the mighty warriors of Israel.”
If there were sixty myriads in the wilderness 1) at the time of the Exodus, then the prophetic implication is that at the time of 2) the greater Exodus, there will be sixty myriads of mighty warriors descended from the original sixty myriads of the twelve tribes. As the verse could also describe 600,000 immediate descendants under the age of twenty, children from the original 600,000, so it could describe descendants of Abraham and Jacob who would also become sixty myriads of mighty warriors surrounding those traveling to the Promised Land.
“I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you from the lands where you are scattered, with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out; and I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will enter into judgment with you face to face. Just as I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will enter into judgment with you,” declares the Lord GOD...and I will purge from you the rebels and those who revolt against Me; I will bring them out of the land where they reside, but they will not enter the land of Israel. So you will know that I am the LORD.” (Ezek 20:34-36; 38)
Although many have been instructed in the Word, a day of judgment is coming for mankind. Either we will accept the measures of the Word in the wilderness of the peoples, or we will rebel against them, just as many Israelites did in the wilderness. Those who “come up” from the wilderness to reign with King Messiah will be those who accept the Word and agree to remediate any misunderstandings or gaps in understanding so that they may be faithful judges with King Messiah. From the Creation, the appointed times were set as measures of iron so that mankind could thrive on earth.
This helps us to draw an inference pertaining to the Creation Week.
On the First Day, Light was separated from darkness, and the earth had light, but not dependent upon sun or moon. Plants grew in the Light on the Third Day. In Revelation, plants once again grow in this supernal Light. (Re 21:23-26; 22:2; Ezek 47:12)
On the Fourth Day, the sun, moon, planets, and stars were put in place “for the sake of the moedim.” This proto-prophecy alerts us to the fact that there would be exiles of the night in which we would no longer spiritually discern the appointed times as in the Kingdom of Heaven, but would instead depend upon signs in the night. The shomrim (guards of the Torah and especially Shabbat) and sovevim (night watchmen) know the night watches.
This significant day of Creation was emplaced within a Creation that already had Light!
In CG Workbook One, you learned of the play-on word of moed, “from eternity.”
The moedim are spiritually-discerned times, discernible from the Beginning, and discernible at the End, without the need of the natural substance of the heavenly bodies.
Although they were put as signs in the heavens, placing too much emphasis on the minutiae could lead one to forget that strife over such things may lead him/her AWAY from the goal of developing the spiritual perception of what time and times actually are: openings for obedience that stands eternally. In the reign of King Messiah Yeshua, mankind will regain the wisdom of the stork, who knows her “moed.”
Even the stork in the sky knows her seasons [???????????]; and the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane keep to the time of their migration; but My people do not know the judgment of the LORD. (Je 8:7)
What we learn of the moedim in natural time, we simply transfer into the realm of supernatural time, which does not depend upon the physical signs of sun, moon, or stars. It is spiritually discerned:
I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. In the daytime (for there will be no night there) its gates will never be closed; and they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it; and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Re 21:22-27)
There will be no “night” there, which means the inhabitants are no longer subject to the nights of exile from the Holy City Jerusalem.
And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illuminate them; and they will reign forever and ever. (Re 22:1-5)
The fruit will still be borne according to “time,” the months, yet a perception of the month beyond the physical world is granted to those who eat of the tree of life and are healed by it.
So is the Torah a Tree of Life or a Sword? Is the Word a rod of iron or an ageless support of Truth?
Yes.
It’s never been a matter of whether the Torah was life and instructions in godliness. It’s only ever been a matter of how mankind perceived its seasons and brought forth its fruits. As we come up from the wilderness of the peoples, we travel in Clouds of Glory, or as the rabbis call them, Sukkot of Glory. We learn the Torah of Moses. We bring forth fruit with the Spirit promised by Yeshua at Sukkot. We aren't just marking time in the wilderness of the peoples; we are dwelling in Sukkot, a privilege we celebrate as the seventh moed, a number of completeness.
Each Sukkot, the ushpizin, or Seven Shepherds and the Eighth Prince ask, "How have you dwelled in Sukkot of Glory?" Have you dwelled in what masquerades as reality, the natural world, or have you dwelled in the Spirit of Glory, using the natural world as a mere vessel and glimpse of that Kingdom for which you prepare each day?
The post Dr Hollisa Alewine – Footsteps of Messiah Part 45 – (Time Travel in the Footsteps of Messiah Pt 2 & Chariots of Fire) first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at the first parsha to examine the details of the life of Abram, later Abraham, the “first of the patriarchs” in Scripture. Parsha Lekh Lekhah (Gen. 12:1 – 17:27) begins with the words which begin his journey of obedience and blessing: “Come out” […]
The post Mark Call – Parsha “Lekh Lekhah” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
There are some who declare that tithing is not for today–is this true? If tithing is instructed that we do it, shouldn’t we? Aren’t we promised that in our obedience we are blessed? Rabbi Steve Berkson delves into the “mechanics” of tithing–how much, the Seven-Year Cycle, etc. Then we learn about how tithing is a […]
The post Now Is The Time w/Rabbi Steve Berkson | Covenant Community 101 | Tithing: Appreciating Blessings | Part 2 first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Are you a beginner to the feast?
Are you “seasoned” in the feast?
Did you literally travel to Jerusalem, or did you travel to Jerusalem in your sukkah?
Our Sukkot trip to Israel was, as usual, filled with “kisses on our cheeks” from the Holy One, especially a visit from the ushpizin! I’m sure, however, that your Sukkot was filled with joy and wonder as well, whether it was in your backyard sukkah, on the apartment balcony, or camping with like-minded believers. While I would have loved to spend an evening with each one of you during Sukkot, reflecting on how our last several newsletter lessons from the Song of Songs was preparation for our “coming up and out of the wilderness” celebration, we’ll have to settle for a review via email. Next year…in Jerusalem!
The post Dr Hollisa Alewine – Footsteps of Messiah Part 44 – (Time Travel in the Footsteps of Messiah Pt 1) first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
The parsha for this week, Noach (Gen. 6:9 through 11:32) tells us more about what “as it was in the days of Noach” could mean. But there is, interestingly, a WHOLE lot of “ambiguity” in some parts of the story as well. The sequence again begins with the Erev Shabbat reading: This week it’s time […]
The post Mark Call – Parsha “Noach” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
In chapter 16 of the Book of Ezekiel, the prophet is told to “cause her [meaning Israel, arguably both then AND now] to know her abominations.” That may be why this is such a long chapter…still.
The post Torah Teachers’ Round Table – Tanakh Edition – Ezekiel ch 16 (con’t) first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Just how much more obvious can it get? Still, maybe that’s the Good News. Join David Justice and Mark Call as they discuss the key news of the week, and even the significance of “outright Satanism” being admitted in some quarters.
The post Drive Time Friday first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Concluding this series, “Endure and Receive the Crown of Life”, Rabbi Steve Berkson brings verse after verse, multiple witnesses, the different authors all saying the same thing, that through suffering and enduring the trials that come along, holding fast to our faith, showing ourselves as trustworthy servants, we will receive the Crown of Life. Don’t […]
The post Now Is The Time w/Rabbi Steve Berkson | Endure and Receive the Crown of Life – Part 8 “Receiving The Crown” first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
At the conclusion of His Fall Feasts, it’s time to turn back again to the Beginning, and the Book of Genesis, aka “Bereshiet” and the first Book AND Torah parsha in the Torah. The parsha for this week — IN the Beginning, Bereshiet (Gen. 1:1 through 6:8) is arguably one of the most FUNDAMENTAL of […]
The post Mark Call – Parsha “Bereshiet” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
The Torah teachers complete the study of the Book of the prophet Ezekiel from chapter 14 through and into chapter 16.
The post Torah Teachers’ Round Table – Tanakh Edition – Ezekiel ch 14 into 16 first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
The Torah teachers continue the study of the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel into chapter 14. Yes, the parallels with modern paganism certainly continue. But, perhaps most importantly, it becomes clear — if we “diligently seek Him” — that idols of “wood and stone,” and the false prophets and priests that worshiped them, are pikers […]
The post Torah Teachers’ Round Table – Tanakh Edition – Ezekiel ch 13 into 14 first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Did you know that our faith walk has been compared to a sporting event? That one who would endeavor to win has to play by the “rules” or else be disqualified. What would you do to win the greatest prize ever offered? What is that prize? Rabbi Steve Berkson starts us in 1 Corinthians 9:24 […]
The post Now Is The Time w/Rabbi Steve Berkson | Endure and Receive the Crown of Life – Part 7 “Receiving The Crown” first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Song of Solomon 3:7-8
7
“Behold, it is the traveling couch of Solomon;
Sixty mighty men around it,
Of the mighty men of Israel.
8
“All of them are wielders of the sword,
Expert in war;
Each man has his sword at his side,
Guarding against the terrors of the night.
The post Dr Hollisa Alewine – Footsteps of Messiah Part 43 – (Sixty Mighty Men) first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
The Torah parsha for this week is the final installment in both the Book of Deuteronomy, thus the entire Torah, and the life of Moses: V’zot HaBrakah (Deuteronomy chapter 33 through the End of the Book.) The sequence again begins with the Erev Shabbat reading: The Sabbath Day teaching this week — for reasons that […]
The post Mark Call – Parsha “V’zot HaBrakah” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Starting off with a powerful verse from 2 Corinthians 10:18, Rabbi Steve Berkson continues what he started in the last teaching on the third topic from James 1:12 of being “proved” or tested through trials. Don’t miss out on new teachings every week. For more information about MTOI (Messianic Torah Observant Israel), visit our website, […]
The post Now Is The Time w/Rabbi Steve Berkson | Endure and Receive the Crown of Life – Part 6 “Proved” first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
As the serpent was a deceiver in the beginning, so he continues to deceiver or commit sorcery, against humankind who cling to Babylon, the first beast kingdom:
“…and the light of a lamp will never shine in you again; and the voice of the groom and bride will never be heard in you again; for your merchants were the powerful people of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your witchcraft.” (Re 18:23)
The righteous who obey the Word with the power of the Ruach HaKodesh will never illuminate the way in fallen Babylon again, for they have risen into the Garden, their inheritance. The merchants’ “witchcraft” deceived the nations, and the vehicle was the “powerful people of the earth,” those who controlled the leopard-spot systems perfected by Rome. Here is the reference information on witchcraft:
Strong’s G5331
pharmakeía, from G5332; medication ("pharmacy"), i.e. (by extension) magic (literally or figuratively):—sorcery, witchcraft.
Outline of Biblical Usage
the use or the administering of drugs
poisoning
sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it
metaphorical of the DECEPTIONS and seductions of idolatry
Before we condemn all medicine and the entire medical system, let’s put pharmakeia in context.
The Hebrew cognate to pharmakeia is our familiar word for flaming ministers of fire: lahat.
Its root is also lahat, the flame of fire that describes the ministering angels or the consuming fire of Elohim. Oddly, the same flaming fire can describe both heavenly ministers of fire and sorcerers:
“Then Pharaoh also called for the wise men and the sorcerers, and they too, the soothsayer priests of Egypt, did the same with their secret arts [?????????????].” (Ex 7:11)
Drugs can be sorcery when we misuse them to deceive into disobedience of the Word. They deceive us into engaging in immoral, deathly, hopeless, faithless behaviors that perpetuate slavery to sin and death. Poisoning, however, is an important definition because the wormwood poison of Israel is to HEAR the Word, yet in their hearts believe that Elohim would not judge them for their sin!
“Now it is not with you alone that I am making this covenant and this oath, but both with those who stand here with us today in the presence of the LORD our God, and with those who are not with us here today (for you know how we lived in the land of Egypt, and how we passed through the midst of the nations through which you passed; moreover, you have seen their abominations and their idols made of wood and stone, silver and gold, which they had with them); so that there will not be among you a man or woman, or family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from the LORD our God, to go to serve the gods of those nations; that there will not be among you a root bearing poisonous fruit and wormwood. And it shall be when he hears the words of this curse, that he will consider himself fortunate in his heart, saying, ‘I will do well though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart in order to destroy the watered land along with the dry.’ The LORD will not be willing to forgive him, but rather the anger of the LORD and His wrath will burn against that person, and every curse that is written in this book will lie upon him, and the LORD will wipe out his name from under heaven. Then the LORD will single him out for disaster from all the tribes of Israel, in accordance with all the curses of the covenant which is written in this Book of the Law." (Dt 29:14-21)
Drugs to treat a legitimate health issue are not sorcery! In most cases, they are not ideal, but they can preserve or prolong life. Drugs, however, are frequently used to transgress the boundaries of life as defined in the Word, creating "soul trafficking."
If a human being wants to be deceived or blur the lines of obedience, then drugs offer a way to tap into a realm forbidden to human beings. Drugs must be used with caution because they can be illusionists, like sorcerers, that enable belief that death is life. Perhaps this is why the Greek pharmakeia reflects the Hebrew lahat, a flaming minister of fire. This fire will destroy those who attempt to manipulate it for evil and rebellion, just like those who hear the Word and poison their hearts into determining that there will be no judgment for sin. Of course there will!
The worst drug is the one with which believers (Dt 29 wasn’t written to heathens!) poison themselves, injecting a determination to sin in spite of the Word they heard from Moses.
The post Dr Hollisa Alewine – Footsteps of Messiah Part 42 – (Shaking Principalities and Powers Part 6 : The Sorcerer’s Tail Pt 3) first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
This week, Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship takes a two-part look at parsha “Ha’azinu” (Deuteronomy chapter 32) and the end of the week that includes Yom Kippur, and the second-to-last portion in the Book, and thus the Torah. The sequence agains begins with the Erev Shabbat reading, in the context of the Fall […]
The post Mark Call – Parsha “Ha-azinu” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
This week the Torah teachers start into the Book of the prophet Ezekiel, chapter 13. Would you believe he (and He) is AGAIN evidently talking to us? Especially when it comes to “false prophets”.
The post Torah Teachers’ Round Table – Tanakh Edition – Ezekiel ch 13 first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Why endure? One reason is that through the enduring process, you have the opportunity to walk as the Messiah Yeshua walked. Isn’t that something that is required of us? To continue showing us where endurance is talked about, Rabbi Steve Berkson takes us to Luke 21 where in verse 19 we see Yeshua telling His […]
The post Now Is The Time w/Rabbi Steve Berkson | Endure and Receive the Crown of Life – Part 5 “Why Endure?” first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
In last week's issue of Footsteps, we explored how “sorcerers” can produce signs and wonders that imitate the Heavenly wonders. As the Footsteps of Messiah approach, even the elect must guard themselves from a particular hazard: sorcery (Re 9:21; 18:23). The Beast will be given the power to produce signs and wonders, even the ability to call down fire from Heaven like the two witnesses (Re 11:5). But is it real, or is it a sorcerer’s illusion catering to what rebellious humankind WANTS to see? Review these couplets/equivalencies: “He makes the winds (ruachot) His messengers, Flaming fire (lahat) His ministers.” (Ps 104:4) These flaming ministers of fire can consume, for they are “serving” the fire of Elohim’s judgment... We looked at a midrash commentary to Jacob’s wrestling match with the angel. At the conclusion of the night, the angel corrected Jacob’s thinking that he was dealing with a “man” all night. In fact, he was dealing with a ministering angel, a fiery minister, some believe Esau’s angel.
The post Dr Hollisa Alewine – Footsteps of Messiah Part 41 – (Shaking Principalities and Powers Part 5 : The Sorcerer’s Tail Pt 2) first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “Vayelekh” (Deuteronomy chapter 31 alone) which does perhaps seem a bit ‘short’ for a parsha, but is nevertheless still not at all short of “meaty”. The sequence begins with the Erev Shabbat reading and the certainly helps to “set up” that […]
The post Mark Call – Parsha “Vayelekh” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
This week the Torah teachers explore the Book of Ezekiel, chapter 12, and into 13.
The post Torah Teachers’ Round Table – Tanakh Edition – Ezekiel ch 12 into 13 first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Continuing in the theme of “Why Endure?”, Rabbi Steve Berkson ponders if a human being can live without limitations. If we can do all things through Messiah who strengthens us, where are the limitations? Who imposed them? Rabbi Steve takes us first to James 5 where we see the duty we have been given to […]
The post Now Is The Time w/Rabbi Steve Berkson | Endure and Receive the Crown of Life – Part 4 “Why Endure?” first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
In last week's issue of Footsteps, we considered how powers and principalities functioned in their tasks and how Israel is not like the other nations even though she is scattered among them. As the Footsteps of Messiah approach, even the elect must guard themselves from a particular hazard: sorcery (Re 9:21; 18:23).
The names of the Torah portions provide a unique narrative when we put them together week to week. Last week, it was Ki Teitze, "When you go out." This week, it is Ki Tavo, "When you go in." The details in the mitzvot might distract us from the spiritual inheritance for which these Torah portions prepare us: The Land of Promise, Israel, and the Garden, our original inheritance hovering just above it, waiting to be "married" to the physical territory once again.
Once the righteous are resurrected like Yeshua, once again they can navigate physical and spiritual realms as the Father designed, but they will need to have internalized the commandments that rule our exit Ki Teitze and re-entry Ki Tavo to that special place prepared for us. In preparation, Israel must study the Word so that she will not be deceived by sorcery and witchcraft, tools of the Beast. As there are holy signs and wonders, so there may be deceiving signs and wonders.
These are the words of the covenant that the Lord commanded Moses to make with the people of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant that he had made with them at Horeb. And Moses summoned all Israel and said to them: “You have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders. But to this day the Lord has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear. I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn off your feet. You have not eaten bread, and you have not drunk wine or strong drink, that you may know that I am the Lord your God. And when you came to this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan came out against us to battle, but we defeated them. We took their land and gave it for an inheritance to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manassites. (Dt 29:1-8)
Review these couplets/equivalencies:
“He makes the winds (ruachot) His messengers,
Flaming fire His ministers.” (Ps 104:4)
These flaming ministers of fire can consume, for they are “serving” the fire of Elohim’s judgment...
“His breath sets coals aglow, and a flame goes forth from his mouth.” (Job 41:21)
“Like fire that burns the forest, and like a flame that sets the mountains on fire.” (Ps 83:14)
forest=stronghold of the beast mountains=nations
“Fire goes ["walks"] before Him and burns up His enemies all around.” (Ps 97:3)
Fire also “walks,” such as the voice of Elohim walked in the Garden seeking Adam and Eve after they sinned. The enemies are saviv, encircling, as the Rivers did the Garden. The cheruvim, flaming ministers of Elohim, were placed at the entrance of the Garden with flaming swords to prevent re-entry and access to the Tree of Life in the midst of the Garden. This information helps us to understand that there is proper and authoritative spiritual fires who perform the will of Adonai. The more we walk in the Ruach, the more we can differentiate between ministers of holy fire and deceivers who may appear to work wonders in fire.
Let's turn back a few lessons to re-examine Yeshua's sheep speech and how it relates to Jacob's wrestling match with the angel. Yeshua, when questioned as to whether he was the Messiah at Chanukkah, started talking about sheep knowing his voice. Tradition says that the wrestling match with Jacob and Esau’s angel began with sheep!
This is strange, but it explains Yeshua’s sheep speech as a clarification of Kislev 25 when the Mishkan (Tabernacle) to house the Divine Presence was completed in the wilderness, surrounded and covered in the "Clouds of Glory" or *Sukkot of Glory. The Feast of Dedication was Chanukkah in winter. The context s not just an allusion to the celebration of Chanukkah as a “Sukkot sheni,” like a second Passover which could be celebrated if a person were unclean or on a far journey. Chanukkah became a Sukkot sheni after it was missed due to the Greek Abomination that Causes Desolation. For the whole story, see The Seven Shepherds: Hanukkah in Prophecy.
The setting of the challenge to Yeshua was significant, for if the Mishkan were completed during Chanukkah, then as Messiah, Yeshua would be the one who would unite the twelve tribes and lead them out of the "wilderness" of exile into their inheritance, destroying all their foes. Yeshua's answer to the challenge of his authenticity was a sheep speech.
This is from the Midrash Rabbah:
The angel appeared to Jacob that night at the Jabbok stream as a shepherd and robber chief. “This one (Jacob) had sheep and that one (the angel) had sheep. The angel said to Jacob, ‘Bring across the Jabbok stream what is mine, and I will bring across what is yours. The angel brought across Jacob’s flock in the blink of an eye...” 3§6
With that illustrative story in mind, now consider Yeshua's answer:
At that time the Feast of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple area, in the portico of Solomon. The Jews then surrounded Him and began saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep. My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. Jesus replied to them, “I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?” The Jews answered Him, “We are not stoning You for a good work, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.” Jesus answered them, “Has it not been written in your Law: ‘I SAID, YOU ARE GODS’? If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be nullified), are you saying of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do them, even though you do not believe Me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I in the Father.” (Jn 10:22-38)
The “blink of an eye” reference in the Midrash points to Yeshua’s “eternal life” statement. We will be resurrected to eternal life in the blink of an eye. Yeshua is the holy flame that protects the Father’s sheep so they may re-enter the Garden of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’s inheritance.
The Midrash goes on to tell how Jacob kept going back across the stream, and there would be more sheep...all night long! The night is the exile. Finally, Jacob realized it was sorcery, an illusion that there were more sheep each time, and he said, “Sorcery! Sorcery! You are a sorcerer, for sorcerers are successful at night!” 3§6
Jacob’s sheep would have followed him, for they knew his voice. These other sheep were “Esau’s.” They belonged to The Red One. Once the illusion was discovered, the angel knew the day was breaking, and he revealed himself to Jacob.
The post Dr Hollisa Alewine – Footsteps of Messiah Part 40 – (Shaking Principalities and Powers Part 4 : The Sorcerer’s Tale Pt 1) first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
As the annual Torah cycle begins to come to conclusion, the parsha this week (Nitzavim, Deuteronomy 29:10 through chapter 30) is the one that Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa Fellowship suggests — especially given season and confluence of global events at literally Biblical levels — is perhaps the most vital of all. It’s certainly […]
The post Mark Call – Parsha “Nitzavim” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
The Torah teachers continue the study of the Book of the prophet Ezekiel through chapter 10, and then 11.
The post Torah Teachers’ Round Table – Tanakh Edition – Ezekiel ch 10-11 first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
If you’ve ever been frustrated watching not just a once-great nation, but an entire world self-destruct, while a Happy Clappy Church that can’t tell the difference between “love” and “abomination” allows death to be sold to their children as ‘tolerance’– this is a show that may help. Have you heard about the “Overton Window?” That’s […]
The post Drive Time Friday first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
This week host Mark Call welcomes back author, documentary film creator, and familiar voice to HNR regulars, Daniel Holdings. We’re coming up on the time of the Fall Feasts, and arguably the biggest ‘cusp’ in US history: a confluence of economic, social, political, and spiritual upheaval greater than anyone alive has probably seen. And maybe […]
The post “Come out of her, My people” Show ~ Mark Call weekly first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Yeshua said to his disciples, “But he who shall have endured to the end shall be saved.” What? So, saying the “sinner’s prayer” or taking the “Romans Road”, isn’t that how “salvation” is achieved? What does Yeshua mean by “endured to the end”? What end? Endure what? Rabbi Steve Berkson clarifies what it means to […]
The post Now Is The Time w/Rabbi Steve Berkson | Endure and Receive the Crown of Life – Part 3 “Why Endure” first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
What was unique about the exodus from Egypt was that an entire NATION was taken out of another one. Such things may happen after a defeat in war, but typically it is not an entire people group. In the case of the exodus, the entire nation of Israel was removed from another country. Unprecedented! It is so unprecedented that the Torah documents it so we can understand the greater exodus. Miraculously, Israel will be removed from all the nations where they are scattered. Intact. It is such a big deal that it is mentioned three times (Dt 4:20; 1 Ki 8:51; Je 11:4) in reference to Egypt as the "iron furnace" of refining. Israel who passes through the fire in the "wilderness of Egypt" will be brought out intact:
"...which I commanded your forefathers on the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, ‘Listen to My voice, and do according to all that I command you; so you shall be My people, and I will be your God,'"
Egypt was a "pre-wilderness" to refine out those who had fallen too far into idolatry to even begin the wilderness journey to the Promised Land:
“I will bring you out from the peoples and gather you from the lands where you are scattered, with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with wrath poured out; and I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there I will enter into judgment with you face to face.Just as I entered into judgment with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will enter into judgment with you,” declares the Lord GOD...and I will purge from you the rebels and those who revolt against Me; I will bring them out of the land where they reside, but they will not enter the land of Israel. So you will know that I am the LORD.” (Ezek 20:34-36; 38)
An incredible refining takes place in the wilderness of the peoples, but the good news is that it is preparatory to the journey home! The rescue from "Egypt" will follow the first refining process. However, as in the days of the first exodus, some will rebel in the greater exodus, and they, too, will not cross the borders of their inheritance. From furnace to furnace.
The first miracle in the journey, however, is how an entire nation was removed from Egypt; in the greater exodus, it will be how an entire nation is removed from all the nations.
The post Dr Hollisa Alewine – Footsteps of Messiah Part 39 – (Shaking Principalities and Powers Part 3) first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
Join Mark Call of Shabbat Shalom Mesa fellowship for a two-part look at parsha “Ki Tavo” (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8) which is again not only ‘meaty’ but downright SCARY to those who don’t like what it says. Which makes it again one of the most important – especially NOW. The sequence begins with the Erev Shabbat reading, […]
The post Mark Call – Parsha “Ki Tavo” teaching from Shabbat Shalom Mesa first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.
The teachers examine one of the most striking stories in the Book of Ezekiel, in chapter 9, and the parallels continue. This is His Mark, that was applied to all of those who “sigh and cry” at the abominations being done…a mark that saves.
The post Torah Teachers’ Round Table – Tanakh Edition – Ezekiel ch 9 into 10 first appeared on Hebrew Nation Online.