The Shofar Newsletter
THE SHOFAR Newsletter of Bet Yeshurun Messianic Assembly
Good News for the Assembly of Bet Yeshurun
No. 1001 / March 24, 2018
Schedule of Gatherings
Schedule of Gatherings
3/24/18 Sabbath(consecutive) 1:30 pm
3/25/18 Sabbath(lunar) 3:00 pm
3/30/18 Memorial for our Messiah’s Sacrifice (Last Supper) 6:00 pm
3/31/18 Pesach (Memorial for YAHUAH's Passover) 6:00 pm
4/1/18 ** Chag Matstsoth(Festival of Unleavened Bread; Day 1) ** 3:00 pm
4/2/18 Chag Matstsoth (Festival of Unleavened Bread; Day 2) 1:00 pm
4/3/18 Chag Matstsoth (Festival of Unleavened Bread; Day 3) 1:00 pm
4/4/18 Chag Matstsoth (Festival of Unleavened Bread; Day 4) 3:00 pm
4/5/18 Chag Matstsoth (Festival of Unleavened Bread; Day 5) 1:00 pm
4/6/18 Chag Matstsoth (Festival of Unleavened Bread; Day 6) 1:00 pm
4/7/18 ** Chag Matstsoth (Festival of Unleavened Bread; Day 7) ** 1:30 pm
4/8/18 Sabbath(lunar) 3:00 pm
4/14/18 Sabbath(consecutive) 1:30 pm
4/15/18 Sabbath(lunar) 3:00 pm
4/16/18 Chodesh (2nd New Moon celebration of the year) 1:00 pm
4/21/18 Sabbath(consecutive) 1:30 pm
4/23/18 Sabbath(lunar) 3:00 pm
** High Holy Days (No Work)
2018 Schedule for Reading the Bible in One-Year
Torah; Bereshith (In the Beginning); Book of Genesis
3/25 - Chapters 27 – 29 3/26 - Chapters 30 – 31 3/27 - Chapters 32 – 34
3/28 - Chapters 35 – 37 3/29 - Chapters 38 – 40 3/30 - Chapters 41 – 42
3/31 - Chapters 43 – 45 4/1 - Chapters 46 – 47 4/2 - Chapters 48 – 50
Torah; Shemoth (Names); Book of Exodus
4/3 - Chapters 1 – 3 4/4 - Chapters 4 – 6 4/5 - Chapters 7 – 9
4/6 - Chapters 10 – 12 4/7 - Chapters 13 – 15 4/8 - Chapters 16 – 18
4/9 - Chapters 19 – 21 4/10 - Chapters 22 – 24 4/11 - Chapters 25 – 27
4/12 - Chapters 28 – 29 4/13 - Chapters 30 – 32 4/14 - Chapters 33 – 35
4/15 - Chapters 36 – 38 4/16 - Chapters 39 – 40
Torah; WayyiQra (And He Called); Book of Leviticus
4/17 - Chapters 1 – 4 4/18 - Chapters 5 – 7 4/19 - Chapters 8 – 10
4/20 - Chapters 11 – 13 4/21 - Chapters 14 – 15 4/22 - Chapters 16 – 18
4/23 - Chapters 19 – 21 4/24 - Chapters 22 – 23 4/25 - Chapters 24 – 25
4/26 - Chapters 26 – 27
Tabernacle Invitation
Interested in joining Bet Yeshurun Assembly? Please contact Pastor ObadiYah by email, telephone, mail, or in person at a gathering of Yahushuah’s Body.
BYA Online Store
(A Message from the Bet Yeshurun Ecclesial Board)
Bet Yeshurun Assembly (BYA) will soon celebrate YAHUAH’s Spring Feasts of Passover and Festival of Unleavened Bread. To help prepare Yah’s set-apart people in obediently and joyfully celebrating these upcoming Holy Days, this article will answer a few questions about these Appointed Times (“Moedim” in Hebrew) which serve as earthly shadows that picture heavenly things to come: (Colossians 2:16-17) “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a Holy Day, or of the New Moon, or of the Sabbath, which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Messiah.”
What are YAHUAH’s spring Feasts called in Scripture?
The first Feast, called Passover (“Pesach” in Hebrew), memorializes the sacrifice of Yahushuah for humanity's sins. His redemptive act was prefigured in the blood of the Passover lambs that marked the release of ancient Israel from Egyptian slavery: (Leviticus 23:4-5) “These are the feasts of YAHUAH, even holy convocations, which you shall proclaim in their seasons. In the fourteenth day of the first month (moon) at even is YAHUAH’s Passover.”
The 7-day Festival of Unleavened Bread (“Chag ha'Matzot” in Hebrew) that follows Passover reminds us to remove the leaven (a picture of sin) from our lives after our covenant with Messiah for His sacrifice: (Leviticus 23:6-8) “On the fifteenth day of the same moon is the Festival of Unleavened Bread unto YAHUAH. Seven days you must eat unleavened bread. In the first day you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no servile work therein. But you shall offer an offering made by fire unto YHVH seven days. In the seventh day is a holy convocation. You shall do no servile work therein.”
Why does BYA recognize the Passover and Festival of Unleavened Bread?
(1) Because of whom YAHUAH is and what HE did, BYA keeps Elohim's commands: (John 3:16-17) “For Elohim so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For Elohim sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.”
(2) Because our Heavenly Father asks His children at BYA to do so: (Leviticus 22:31-32) “Therefore, you shall keep my commands and do them. I am YAHUAH. Neither shall you profane my holy name. But I will be hallowed among the children of Israel. I am YAHUAH who hallows you.”
(3) Because BYA loves the Beloved Son of YAHUAH, Yahushuah: (John 14:21) “He who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves me. He who loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”
(4) Because BYA is to be a holy, set-apart people: (1 Peter 2:9-10) “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous Light, which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of Elohim; which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
(5) Because BYA follows in the footsteps of its Redeemer and King Yahushuah: (John 10:27-30) “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give to them eternal life. They shall never perish, nor shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, who gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one.”
When will BYA meet for YAHUAH’s festive appointments?
It is written that Yah reveals the appointed times to gather and celebrate for His Feasts through His physical creation, specifically in visible signs from the sun, moon and stars: (Genesis 1:14) Elohim said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons (Moedim), and for days, and years.
Elohim commands His people to gather according to His schedule and not on the dates as dictated by man’s calendars or traditions. Yah created the moon, a physical orb in the heavens that men cannot alter, which confirms the dates of His Feasts. (NAB Book of Sirach 43:6-8) “He made the moon also to serve in her season for a declaration of times, and a sign of the world. From the moon is the sign of Feasts, a light that decreases in her perfection. The month is called after her name, increasing wonderfully in her changing, being an instrument of the armies above, shining in the firmament of heaven.”
Scripture testifies that Israel was delivered from Egypt in the first moon of Yah’s Divine Calendar. That first moon follows the spring equinox, which is the day that is marked by equal minutes of daylight (sunrise to sunset) and darkness (sunset to sunrise). That's also the season when Israel's crops such as barley and flax have ripened for harvesting. (Exodus 12:2-6) “This moon shall be unto you the beginning of moons. It shall be the first moon of the year to you. You speak to all the congregation of Israel saying, 'In the tenth day of this moon they shall take to them every man a lamb according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for a house.' If the household is too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the souls. Every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year. You shall take it out from the sheep, or the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same moon and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.”
Like the ancient celebrations of Passover and Unleavened Bread, as modern day Israelites, BYA likewise honors YAHUAH by celebrating HIS Appointed Times during the first moon of the Divine Calendar Year: (Exodus 12:17-19) “You shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread for in this selfsame day I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt. Therefore, you shall observe this day in your generations by an ordinance forever. In the first moon, on the fourteenth day of the moon at even, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the moon at even. Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eats that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is a stranger or born in the land.”
Who are invited to celebrate YAHUAH's spring Feasts?
All Israelites: (Leviticus 23:2) “Speak to the children of Israel and say to them concerning the Feasts of YAHUAH, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my Feasts.”
Non-Israelites didn't keep the Feast! This included those “strangers” who sojourned with Israel (like the foreigners and hired hands who weren't “near” to them as they would leave when their job ended). Yet they could celebrate the Feasts if they became part of Israel's family via covenant with Elohim through circumcision. In other words, if they elected to come “near” (remain) and follow Israel's laws: (Exodus 12:43-49) “YAHUAH said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the ordinance of the Passover. There no stranger shall eat thereof. But every man's servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then shall he eat thereof. A foreigner and a hired servant shall not eat thereof. In one house it shall be eaten. You shall not carry forth ought of the flesh abroad out of the house, nor shall you break a bone thereof. All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. When a stranger shall sojourn with you and will keep the Passover to YAHUAH, let all his males be circumcised. Then let him come near and keep it. He shall be as one who is born in the land, for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. One law shall be to him who is home born and to the stranger who sojourns among you.”
Thus a mixed multitude received circumcision in covenant with YAHUAH to become children of Israel: (Joshua 5:4-6) And this is the cause why Joshua circumcised all the people who came out of Egypt, males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt. Now all the people who came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, they had not circumcised for the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness until all the people that were men of war, who came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the Voice of YAHUAH unto whom YAHUAH swore that He would not show them the land, which YAHUAH swore to their fathers that He would give us, a land that flows with milk and honey.
Ultimately Israel today is all those who struggle with their carnal nature yet strive for YAHUAH's Salvation by holding onto Elohim via Yahushuah, not unlike the patriarch Jacob (Israel): (Genesis 32:26-28) “I will not let You go, except You bless me.”He said to him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Jacob!’ And He said, ‘Your name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel. For as a prince you have power with Elohim and with men, and prevailed.”
Who aren't participating in YAHUAH's Feasts?
(1) “Strangers” (“ben-nekar” in Hebrew) which describes the sons of foreigners as opposed to Israel's holy, set-apart children in Elohim's family. In Greek “xenos” describes aliens of a heathen inclination as opposed to fellow citizens of the saints: (Ephesians 2:19-21) “Now therefore you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of Elohim; and are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Messiah Yahushuah Himself being the chief corner-stone. In whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto a holy temple in Adonai.”
(2) “Foreigners” (“tosab” in Hebrew) which describes temporary lodgers or dwellers, as opposed to natives with citizenship rights. In Greek “paroikos” describes resident aliens, non-committed individuals within a land, or spectators: (Acts 7:6) “Elohim spoke on this wise, that his seed (Abraham's) should sojourn in a strange (foreigner's) land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.”
(3) “Hired servants” (“sakir” in Hebrew) which describes men of wages for a day or year, temporary workers, tipsy individuals or drunkards, someone with no loyalty: (Leviticus 22:10) “There shall no stranger eat of the holy thing. A sojourner of the priest, or a hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing.”Or in Greek, “misthios” which describes wage earners: (John 10:11-15) “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. But he who is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees. And the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep. The hireling flees because he is a hireling and cares not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knows me, even so know I the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
(4) “Uncircumcised” (“akrobystia” in Greek) which describes a spiritual condition in which the corrupt desires rooted in the flesh are not yet extinct. In other words, those not whole-heartedly committed to YAH’s Will: (Romans 2:25-29) “For circumcision verily profits, if you keep the law (Torah). But if you be a breaker of Torah, your circumcision is made uncircumcision. Therefore, if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of Torah, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? Shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfill Torah, judge you, who by the letter and circumcision does transgress Torah? For he is not a Yahudim, that is one outwardly; nor is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Yahudim, who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of Elohim.”
How will BYA celebrate YAHUAH’s Feasts?
BYA has proclaimed holy convocations (see the following schedule of gatherings) as Yah commands for the upcoming Appointed Times (“Moedim”). Our Holy (“Qadosh” in Hebrew) Days include a memorial for the Last Supper of Yahushuah with reading of His passion story from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. After that, we renew our Covenant with Yahushuah in the blessing and breaking of bread, and the blessing and sharing of wine. We also participate in the washing the feet of fellow saints as Yahushuah did for His disciples: (Luke 22:19) “Do this in memory of me.” (John 13:14-15) “If I then, your Adonai and Master, have washed your feet; you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.”
BYA regathers the next evening to read the story that memorializes the Passover sacrifice and Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. After hearing of Yah’s mighty acts from Scripture (Exodus 10-13), we will enjoy a potluck fellowship meal, that includes roasted lamb, unleavened bread and bitter herbs: (Exodus 12:8) “They shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; and with bitter herbs they shall eat it.”
Passover is a one-day Feast that YAHUAH established in remembrance of the perfect Lamb's sacrifice. That evening leads into the 7-days of gathering for Unleavened Bread. Its first and last days are holy convocations, likened onto Sabbaths, as days in which we do no work.
At BYA, the Festival days include praise and worship, prayers, scripture readings and teachings. On these Feast Days, we recall Yahushuah’s death and our spiritual redemption from this world (spiritual Babylon). Our removal of leaven from our homes symbolizes our spiritual willingness to remove sin from our lives. On our spiritual journey of coming to the Father, the spring Feasts become opportunities to reciprocate Elohim's love by recognizing the actions of Yahushuah ha'Masiach.
Yah’s great love for His children led Him to hear Israel’s anguished cries under Pharaoh’s deadly grip of slavery. We likewise follow the spiritual lead of smearing the sacrificial blood on the doors of our homes. In appreciation and faithful obedience, we also cry out for YAHUAH to deliver us from sin’s wages with His grace and mercy.
Spread the message of the Gospel and Kingdom of Elohim. Share your talents and skills with the world. Manifest YAH’s vision for the Assembly of Bet Yeshurun (BYA). All such things are possible via our on-line store found at “messianic.shop.” This website will soon host a collection of many fruitful endeavors among our fellowship.
One may question, how can such things be accomplished via an on-line store? Well, we all know that internet access is not limited by geographical location, time zones or even languages. And Hallelu YAH, Elohim has blessed our many member body with an abundance of creative skills! Whether your talent(s) revolve around song writing, book publishing, garment making, culinary, organization services, carpentry, ornaments that proclaim Kingdom messages, the scope is without limit in regards to the products and services that we can share worldwide. Also remember, every interaction (as in sale) becomes an opportunity to share the hope that lies within us! (1 Peter 1:3-5) “Blessed be the Elohim and Father of our Adonai Messiah Yahushuah, who according to his abundant mercy has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Yahushuah ha'Mashiach from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of Elohim through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”
There might be another question. Aren't we supposed to be removing ourselves from the world's business practices? Actually, Scripture confirms the Believers and followers of Messiah Yahushuah shared their skills with their community, including the Apostle Paul who worked with leather: (Acts 18:3) Because he (Paul) was of the same craft, he abode with them (Aquila and Priscilla), and wrought: for by their occupation they were tent makers.
Yes, even Yah's ancient people were blessed with special skills much appreciated in their community: (Isaiah 41:6-7) They helped everyone his neighbor; and everyone said to his brother, “Be of good courage!” So, the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he who smooths with the hammer him who smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the soldering.”
Many are in need of the skills of carpenters, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, metal workers, etc. and they will pay a fair wage for an honest effort. Since everyone is blessed with a talent, or more, we have a question for BYA. Is ours being used to be profitable servants? (see the Parable of the Talents; Matthew 25:14-30)
Indeed, in using the talents of our minds and bodies we follow the example of our Good Teacher, Shepherd, and Carpenter: (Mark 6:2-3) When the Sabbath day was come, He began to teach in the synagogue. Many hearing Him were astonished saying, “From where has this man these things? What wisdom is this which is given to Him, that even such mighty works are wrought by His hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?”
Thus, for those so interested to do likewise, BYA will utilize speed-of-light technology for opening doors into new locations for our products and services ….. way beyond ….. our local reach (as in think out of the box). We've discussed this idea at congregational meetings, NOW we're moving forward with development of an online store that has the potential to generate revenue for both BYA and product owners.
So here’s what the BYA On-Line Store needs …
- Product Ideas for items that individuals many want to sell on the site (w/ product pictures if available)
- Prayer for YAH’s wisdom and guidance as we move forward with this initiative!
Do you wish to help BYA move forward to fulfill its vision? Do you wish to participate in an endeavor that draws us closer together as the Body of Messiah? Do you wish to help us support others with transforming their ideas into tangible items, in developing marketing plans, and in creating product inventories needed to meet worldwide needs? If you said YES to those questions, the following guidelines will help us collectively get moving:
- For those who want to sell a product or service in the store, please submit: 1) a picture of the product, 2) video and 3) product description between 400 -1800 words
- Guidelines for merchants are being developed (for example, expectation for shipment of product and the shipping costs to be factored into the selling prices of items
- Compensation breakdown will be: 90% for merchants ( if BYA members) and 10% for BYA, or 80% for merchants ( if non-BYA members) and 20% for BYA
So, Heavenly Father, YAHUAH Elohim, I pray that You stir up the creative juices within every one of us that we may all have something to contribute to the selections offered through Bet Yeshurun Assembly and its on-line store! I pray that You bless the works of our hands resulting in a many fold increase for us personally as well as for the Assembly. All the while, giving All glory to You, YAH for the amazing favor poured out upon us as we seek to do Your will upon this earth! This I ask in the NAME of Your Son, Yahushuah ha'Mshiach! In Yah's love, Pastor ObadiYah, Elder Curt, Elder Josiah, and Sis Asaph (On-line Store Manager)
Announcements
Saturday Sabbath worship is highlighted by an important new series on the Book of 2 Samuel. Join us!
Herbal gardening class on Sunday evening April 8, 2018. No charge, contact us for information to register.
Thought for Meditation
“What wisdom can you find greater than kindness?” Jean-Jacques Rousseau