Shalom and Blessings;
I know that we are hearing a lot of negativity coming out about the Covid-19 vaccination, so I would like to give you some encouraging news from Israel. It's been reported by the second largest HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) here that since the first vaccination of people aged over 60, deaths and serious illness from Covid-19 has decreased an average of 60%. This means that with the second vaccination we can expect to see even better, more encouraging numbers. This however, has not stopped the skyrocketing infection rate among the Haredi (ultra-orthodox) community, who by enlarge are rebellious against government restrictions. Ellen and I have received our second vaccination with no side effects, Glory to God!
The Knesset has closed down Ben Gurion Airport until January 31. All passenger flights in and out have been suspended. All border crossings have also been closed. I cannot say for certain, but I suspect that this has been done to give health services a window to vaccinate as many people as possible, while limiting the threat of importing any new virus strains. Of the 9 million people in Israel close to four million have already been vaccinated. It is still not clear if the airport will be reopened on January 31, seeing as the Health Ministry is asking for a month-long closure. In the meantime, Israelis continue to suffer economically, emotionally and mentally. Your prayers are definitely needed and appreciated.
A brief teaching:
Luke (1:13) But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14) He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15) for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16) He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17) And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." 18) Zechariah asked the angel, "How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years." 19) The angel said to him, "I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. 20) And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time."
Have you ever wondered why, after Zechariah asked the angle for a sign as proof of what he was saying was true, that Gabriel made him mute? That question is answered for us in:
Proverbs (18:21) The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Zachariah doubted what the angel Gabriel was telling him; therefore, were he to be allowed to speak prior to the birth of John, the negative words of doubt that may have proceeded from his mouth could have affected the outcome of what the Lord had spoken, because there is power in the tongue:
Our words are powerful and can affect eternity and most certainly the direction of our lives, and the lives of those around us, like our families and children. There is power in the tongue, therefore, Believers must learn to bridle their tongue and always speak positive, uplifting words of affirmation.
Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries:
https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/
Rabbi Jack & Ellen
 |
| Read Parasha |
 |
| House of Prayer |
No comments:
Post a Comment