Parasha Shelach Lecha

Shalom and Blessing;

It's been awhile since I shared about Kenya. Kenya is still in lockdown and the government has restricted travel between cities. They are also reluctant to allow places of worship to reopen. That has not deterred us, however. Our members are in daily contact with each other over WhatsApp and Ellen is posting daily Scripture verses for strengthening and encouraging our members. We have provided a digital copy of our Shabbat Siddur so that all can hold services in their homes on Shabbat. I send both a weekly commentary of the Torah portion as well as an audio sermon each week, both of which I share with you all. I also share a mid-week short teaching. Few of our members have computers, air time on cell phones can be expensive and Wi-Fi is very sporadic, if it's even available, so services over Zoom is not an option. Last week the congregation in Karatina celebrated two Bar Mitzvahs, Yochanan and Victor. Ellen and I sent a video greeting to the boys over WhatsApp and I sent them a special Bar Mitzvah audio/video sermon over YouTube; please pray for the boys and their families. The pictures we received back were such a blessing. Our new congregation's name registration is in process (Etz Chaim), hopefully it will be registered soon. We so appreciate your love, concern and desire to financially support the Messianic Believers in Kenya, in time that will come.

The orphanage in Migori is doing well although food is always an issue. God however, made a way and came to the rescue. All the teaching material that we provide for the congregations in Nairobi and Karatina we have also provided to Migori and we are in regular contact with each other over WhatsApp. Please keep this precious home and shelter in your prayers especially the directors and leaders Evans and Millicent; they work so hard and unselfishly.    

Hi Ellen here…On a lighter side of all this…Even though the LAW here continues concerning the wearing of masks…not many do!  The interesting phenomenon is the face mask has become the chin support.  Although this does not offer any protection I am rather enjoying this new accessory as it covers a multitude of chins.  On a more serious side…infections are rising and more schools have been closed.  We now live on a fourteen day schedule of quarantine and no quarantine; we are not able to travel and food shopping has become a paranoid experience.  In all this there is still HOPE…my life Scripture is so beautiful and I recite it multiple times a day.  Get your Bible and read along with me…Jeremiah 29:11-13:  "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. " HE is all we need…blessings in Yeshua!

Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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Listen to sermon: Discouragement

Parasha Beha'alotecha

Shalom and Blessings

This has been an interesting week for us. I shared two weeks ago about the diagnosis I received from the swallowing clinic and their un-encouraging report. Well I'm happy to say that God has intervened and answered all our prayers. Last Friday I received a call from the technician at the clinic and this is what she told me; "Jack, we may have been too hasty in diagnosing your condition. What we saw, the water and bits of food going down your windpipe, may have been exaggerated by the video tube we had down your throat. We want you to have a non-invasive Video Fluoroscopy so as to properly evaluate what and how much of what you swallow goes into your lungs. If the results are positive a PEG may not be necessary." What an awesome God we serve!! Ellen and I have been praying for this exact thing. Oh yes by the way, we have already changed the way my food is prepared and the results have been very encouraging. Please continue to pray. God is doing a miraculous work, and we will keep you posted.

The news buzz here is centered mainly on the West Bank annexation plan. Jordan has made threats of pulling out of the peace agreement they have with Israel if Netanyahu goes through with the plan. This has prompted the government to send Benny Gantz to meet with Jordan's King Abdullah. No one is sure what good that will do, but it is certainly worth a try.

Things are still heating up along the Israel Lebanon border. Hezbollah continues to build up their forces and Israel has started military exercises in the area. This has prompted the Secretary General of UNIFIL to ask for increased monitoring capabilities and maneuverability along the demilitarized zone between the two countries. Only time will tell what God next has in mind. One thing for sure like Isaiah prophesied: "No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me," Says the Lord. (Isa. 45:17)

Hi Ellen here….As you have read above God is very busy in our lives and I am sure in yours as well!  Yes we have been visiting our wonderful hospital. "SHEBA," and becoming more acquainted with all the different departments …please pray for ALL the staff there, thank you.  Our first appointment at the swallow clinic was truly an experience…we had to wait a very long time for our triage interview …but God always has a plan. A nurse in training was sent up to view all that was planned for Jack. God sent "Achmed", a Palestinian Israeli intern nurse. We struck up a conversation and I believe the heavens opened to show us the hate in this young man's heart for who he called "occupiers". Of course we spoke kindly with him…I asked him if he would only see the beauty in all things instead of the hate. He said yes but you could see how unavailable his spirit was. He told us he wasn't religious but that he was definitely a Muslim and I saw him as an angry young man. What came to mind was that when someone is not willing to come under authority then an authority will come over them. Please pray for arrows of deliverance to enter Achmed's heart and that he will be saved from his present authority and receive Yeshua as Lord and savior…hallelujah!!!

Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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Listen to Sermon: The Jezebel Spirit 2

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Parasha Naso & Sermon: Shavuot - Two Stories

Shalom & Blessings; 

With all that is taking place in the United States amid the violent riots and clashes with police, one might think that Israel is devoid of racism and prejudice. Forgetting about the Arab Israeli prejudices and distrust for each other, which is always looming over this country, one would think, seeing that this country is 70% Jewish there would be no hatred or prejudice among the Jews living here. That sadly, is the farthest thing from the truth. There are two classes of Jews in this country. Yes, Israel has a class system! There are the Middle Eastern Jews, most predominantly from Morocco, Libya, and Tunisia who are known as Sephardic Jews and there are the Eastern European Jews, predominantly from Eastern European countries who are known as Ashkenazi Jews. Although we live together in peace, there is definitely no harmony between us and there always exists an undertone of negative remarks about each other in public life and in the marketplace. Then there is the overt anger and contempt between another two groups; the ultra-orthodox and the secular Israelis, and I think I can include the moderate orthodox into the mix. These groups have no love for each other and the venting of their feelings for each other is most often played out in the political arena. You would think that would be enough, but there is yet one more group who receive the brunt of all Israeli prejudice and that is the Ethiopian Jews. I guess you can categorize them as Israel's equivalent to the American blacks. They sadly are subject to a disproportionate amount of police brutality, racism, housing prejudice and employment prejudice. Yes, Israel can be painted with the same brush of shame as every country in the world. Only salvation through Yeshua The Messiah can erase this hatred and turn it into LOVE. 

I think it is naïve for anyone to believe that man can solve all the problems on earth. We are witnessing these days what I believe to be one of the greatest deceptions of Satan. The world is blaming President Trump for the unrest and riots taking place across the America, expressing that he is inciting hatred. Hatred has existed on earth since the fall of Adam and Eve and Satan's reign on earth. For hundreds of years if not thousands, man has thought that he could bring peace and justice to the earth. Yet today we are further away from peace and justice than we have ever been. The only solution to human conflict is the establishment of God's Kingdom on earth led by Yeshua the Messiah. So Ellen and I are committed to praying for the soon return of Yeshua to establish His Kingdom and finally bring peace and justice to the earth. Please join with us in this prayer. 

Hi Ellen here…Remember we told you about Shelanu…the 24/7 Messianic television station procured by God TV? Well despite threats to shut it down it is still with us, praise God. The programing is full of witness, joy, history and best of all…the Word of God, both in English and in Hebrew. Please pray with us for the continuance, anointing and God's protection to be on Shelanu! May many people be drawn to Yeshua through this ministry! We Love you and are praying for you… 

Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries: 

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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Listen to sermon: Shavuot - Two Stories

Hag Sameach

Hag Sameach Shavuot

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon
coming King.
Rabbi Jack & Ellen

Parasha Shavuot & Sermon: Jezebel Part 01

Shalom & Blessings; 

Ellen and I were struck with a heavy blow Tuesday. First, we would like to share a praise report. We were originally given an appointment for the Swallow Clinic for July 9th. It was disappointing to have to wait so long but we were grateful that our health provider agreed to pay for the treatment and that we got all the proper approval forms. Then the previous Sunday we got a call that a spot opened up and our appointment was moved up to Tuesday May 26th; To God be the glory! Now the heavy blow part! 

You know you are old when the doctor is younger than you, He was probably in his late twenties and his assistant the same or younger. He was very kind and apologetic when he broke the news to us; if left unattended there could be serious complications because of my lack of an epiglottis. As suspected, food and water were going into my lungs which was the cause of my pneumonia; his recommendation, having a feeding tube inserted into my stomach. We have not totally come to terms with that yet we are still praying about it, but failing a miracle, and with God's approval this is the route we will take. Please keep us in prayer. 

What I want to share now some may find controversial, even offensive. It's not my intention to offend, but just to present the truth as I see it: The first and longest manifestation of the anti-Christ is the religion of Judaism. Sadly Judaism, as it has developed through the ages, is based on an acknowledged refusal to accept Yeshua as the Messiah and especially not as God, while still believing in a messiah yet to come. More importantly it rejects the claim of Yeshua to be the Son of God. "Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Yeshua is the Messiah. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son." (1 John 2:22); "but every spirit that does not acknowledge Yeshua is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world." (1 John 4:3). I am sharing this because I believe anyone converting to Judaism may in essence be accepting upon themselves the mark of the beast (the anti-Christ). Messianic Judaism is the real and only true continuation of the relationship with God taught in the Hebrew Scriptures. 

Hi Ellen here…Well you read our news and there has to be some drastic changes in Jack's eating skills and my cooking skills…help us Lord!!! But all our news is not bad because my husband is alive and continues to be cancer free…haSatan is trying but he is already defeated and we are victorious in Yeshua. Please pray with me that God will direct all liquids and pureed solids to exactly where they need to go without aspiration, in the name of Yeshua! Just to mention how adoring, intimate and humorous our God is…when I awoke this morning I opened my daily Bible program with the following Scripture, "Therefore, I tell you, don't worry about your life-what you will eat or drink; or about your body-what you will wear. Isn't life more than food and the body more than clothing? (Matt. 6:25). 

I have an additional request…we have been blessed here in Israel with a Messianic channel in Hebrew! God TV signed a contract with Israeli cable company HOT. There is now 24 hours a day, 7 days a week of Messianic teaching and music…please pray for many Israelis to tune in and be SAVED! 

Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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Listen to sermon: Jezebel Part 01

Parasha Bamidbar & Sermon: God's Will - Learning More

Shalom and Blessings;

As of this writing there have been few cases of COVID-19 here in Israel. This is amazing when you consider the blatant disregard Israelis are having towards social distancing and wearing masks. Beaches opened officially yesterday, but people were packing the beach here in Ashkelon days before that, ignoring the protocols set by the government. Our only hope is that God will have mercy and the predicted second wave will never happen.

Praise God! He answered all our prayers and we located a "Speech Therapy Clinic," they also do swallow therapy. It turned out to be at the same hospital campus where all my other cancer follow-up doctors are located. It was touch and go for a short while because our HMO normally does not deal with that hospital. They considered my swallow clinic request as a new treatment, so at first they rejected me going there. But with the favor of the Lord and the help of our Israeli adopted daughter, the doctor (she is a veterinarian), who wrote our appeal they reconsidered.

The IDF is gearing up for war and a possible invasion of Lebanon, plus they are routinely striking Hezbollah targets in Syria. There has been continuous movement of military equipment to the border of Lebanon and at night we hear fighter jets streaking by from their base in the south headed north. Could this turn out to be "The Ezekiel War"? If so prepare yourself for the "Rapture" or failing that, to meet the anti-Christ! Either way, make sure to be prayed-up and repented-up!

Hi Ellen here…I don't have any news for you as life is a bit sedentary for Jack and me. As you read above concerning the breakthrough of procuring a speech/swallow clinic…here's the thing:  Jack had heard from the Lord many times the night before and the morning of our scheduled appointment…"don't go without proper documentation…" but our basar (flesh), wanted to bulldoze through any red tape but God kept prompting …don't go, don't go…wait. So we were rejected and was forced to wait by HIS hand and tangible circumstances.  Psalm 31.24 says be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait on the Lord! Waiting reveals who you worship…the doctor or the Lord. Waiting is never wasted, it gives us a chance to look back and see what He has already accomplished for us and through us.  Waiting strengthens our faithfulness and keeps us humble! Take courage and wait on the Lord!

Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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Listen to sermon: Gog's Will - Learning More

Parasha Bahar-Bechuchotai & Sermon: Spirit vs. Soul

Shalom and Blessings 

Israel is slowly coming off lockdown but things are anything from normal. Yesterday a 21 year old IDF solider was killed while on patrol in Hebron. He was hit in the head by what they think was a large stone or brick thrown by a Palestinian. He was an only child and the family is devastated. There has been an all-out effort to catch the person responsible, but as of this writing no one has been arrested. 

Our new Unity Government has been formed and the Knesset should have approved it and voted it in by the time you read this update. Both Benny Gantz and Bibi Netanyahu have expressed annexing Judah and Samaria and it is believed that the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to aid and encourage the implementation of Israel's sovereignty over these areas but in time. Needless to say the EU and so many others are in opposition to this happening and threats against Israel are flying around. It is great knowing that God is on our side and His Will always prevails. 

Kenya is still under lockdown so there have been no Shabbat meetings at the congregation. Ellen and I, however, continue to minister to them over WhatsApp and over the internet. Since after the High Shabbat of Passover, we have been counting the Omer with them, sending out short audio teaching messages on various sins that plague even Believers. Each day the group has been humbling themselves and praying for God's deliverance and cleansing as we look forward to Shavuot. We have settled on a new name for the congregation "Etz Chaim Kenya" and are in the process of registering it. We are also looking for a new venue to hold our meeting in Nairobi. Please pray for God's favor for both these needs. 

I have been having some health challenges. My pulmonologist believes that as result of the radiation treatment I received, my swallowing has been effected and either food and or water are finding their way into my lungs. I am now in the process of locating a swallowing clinic in our area to learn how to eat and drink properly for my condition. Please pray that God would lead us to the perfect place and perfect therapist. 

Hi Ellen here…as you read above we are all facing issues on a day to day cycle. We have hope in an everlasting loving God to guide and instruct us in all things…hallelujah! Rabbi and I have been reading a Bible plan for more than 30 years and with each new day comes a fresh revelation and anointing on the God's Word. As I read Psalm 132 I saw something so intimate and so special…I'll share. 

In verses 1-5 David says that he swore to the Lord, the mighty one of Jacob that he would not rest until he finds a place for the Lord, a dwelling place…oh how that made me so happy because without walls, stone, cement and steel we have a blessed and spacious dwelling place in our hearts. Do you have a heavy heart? Well don't despair because the Creator of the universe is dwelling there and where He is there is no trouble, no worry, no despair! Open the door of your heart and sweep out self and allow the Lord to fill it with His glory…Shabbat shalom, we love you! 

Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

Read Parasha

Listen to Sermon: Spirit vs. Soul

Parasha Emor

Shalom & Blessings

Things are beginning to open up here and life is slowly returning to normal. We are hearing such conflicting opinions about allowing school and public places to open but the government has chosen to go ahead with it. Although wear masks still a requirement while out in public, from our observation very few are adhering to it. Ellen and I however, will continue to take all necessary precautions to stay safe, sanitized and healthy. We trust totally in the Lord but we will not tempt Him.

Conspiracy theories are flying around here to the point that I have categorized them all just as that – theories - and throw them into the pile along with Darwin's. Yeshua never cared about the opinions of the world and His last public appearance was on a cross; we are called to follow Him and not the world!

Our new government appears to be holding despite the efforts of those on the left who want to overturn it. The Supreme Court ruled against banning PM Netanyahu from forming a new government and the changes they required to be made in the unity agreement have been agreed to by both parties involved. We believe that the Lord has given us a government for just such a time as this; Netanyahu a statesman and Gantz a general.

Gaza has not stopped harassing us. Tuesday they fired a rocket towards the city of Sderot, no injuries or damage to property was recorded. As usual the IDF retaliated. They sure have a funny way of showing appreciation for our help with their corona virus cases.

Ellen here…In all this tumult and indecision in the world…I would like to share something uplifting and beautiful.  In our small and wonderful city Ashkelon there was an 89 year old Saba (grandfather) whose caregiver was not able to live with him throughout the first two months of the pandemic lockdown. Now I know in some cultures it is not prevalent…such as in the west and modern day Israel but an amazing sixteen year old grandson moved in with his Saba for two months! When asked "will you go?" he responded with, "of course I will go"…we as Believers ask our God most high…hineni, send us. Trust that this young man has moved many to jealousy!  Change us Lord…today!

Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

Read Parasha

Sermon: A Word from the Lord

Parasha Acharei Mot - Kedoshim & Sermon: "Do not be unequally yoked"

Shalom and Blessings

This past week was jam packed here in Israel. We started off with two sad holidays; Holocaust Remembrance Day and then Memorial Day. Memorial day was especially touching for Ellen and I as we watched pictures on television of the brave soldiers who gave their lives so that we can be living in security today in Israel. Sirens sounded at the beginning of both these holidays, but because of COVID-19 there were no public gatherings. Instead everyone in our neighborhood and we assume around the country, stood for a minute of silence and reflection on our balconies. The sadness, however turned to joy as the sirens sounded again the evening of the 28th ringing in the Independence Day celebrations. Once again this day found us on our balcony as our city celebrated by having trucks with lights and music drive through every street in town. It is amazing how good God is when you think of what He has helped us accomplish in just 72 years. 

Things have started to open-up here. All stores with access to a street are now open and schools will start incrementally opening as of Sunday, May 3rd. Sadly for restaurateurs they must still remain closed. Public open markets (shuks) like Muhane in Jerusalem have not yet been allowed to open. The situation has become so desperate for the vendors because they depend on their stalls for their livelihood, that one vendor took his life. Many people here are hurting financially, as we are sure they are all over the world. We continually pray for God's mercy even as we are seeing is judgment being poured out. As bad as things are, God never judges us to the extent we deserve. 

Ellen and I are doing well, staying close to home except for necessities and even then we take every precaution when going out and after arriving home. You are in our prayers. We love you and are blessed that we can share God's word with you in safety from afar. Stay safe and sanitized.

Hi Ellen here…We want to tell you all how much we appreciate you. It is such a blessing to know that we have family all over the world…and that's you!!! We know that this time feels frustrating so let me share some things on my heart. Waiting reveals what you worship…waiting is never wasted…waiting helps us focus on God's faithfulness…hoping in God is never wasted because the ONE who conquered death is in control…God is always at work…even in our waiting!

Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

Read Parashot

Listen to Sermon: "Do not be unequally yoked"

Parasha Tazria-Metzora & Sermon: Strongholds

Shalom and Blessings:

I am sure everyone has heard that we finally have a government in Israel; PRAISE GOD! There are so many political factions in this country so it is amazing that two of the largest were able to finally agree to put the people and country ahead of their political aspirations. Only God could have done this and Ellen and I believe that He gave us a government for just such a time as this. We would also like to point out that if we were not in the midst of a pandemic this Unity Government would probably never have happened; GOD IS SO GOOD! 

Over the past weeks we have not been saying much about our ministry to Kenya, but by the grace of God we continue to teach, preach and help. I have been recording sermons and sending them via WhatsApp to the group. During Passover I did a special three part Passover series and I have been continuing to send Torah commentaries and sermons every Shabbat. Ellen and I did a Passover cooking video on how to make Matzo Brei, which we sent them. Matzo Brei is to Passover as Jelly Donuts (Sufgonyot) are to Hanukah. We are also ministering one on one over WhatsApp whenever someone needs counsel or prayer. Very few of the congregants have computers so Zoom and Skype are not an option for us. 

The Migori orphanage is still one of our important projects. The winter floods destroyed most of their crops and there was a serious shortage of food in the camp. We still have not been able to set up a way to receive donations so Ellen and I have been digging into our savings to help. We are also in constant contact with them, as we are with Nairobi; teaching, preaching and of course helping. If there were a congregation in Canada and the United States that could collect donations for us, withhold the appropriate tax, and support us as missionaries to Africa, we could solve two problems. Those donating could receive tax deductible receipts from their country of residence and we could receive the funds to support and minister in Africa.

Hi Ellen here…praying and hoping all is well with you and your families! We continually pray for our siblings and their siblings and their siblings…yes we are all entering late 60's and 70's but our sandals have not worn out and our eyes have not dimmed (LOL). Jack and I are still in isolation except for a grocery run here and there. Israel is great in delivering all that we need but sometimes you just need a different environment, if only for an hour. Yes we wear masks and gloves and large sunglasses and take all necessary precautions in fact we both look like the first "Invisible Man" film…now I'm really dating myself. Please know that we are praying for all of you, you are our "Drash List Mishpocha" (Commentary List Family) and we appreciate and care for each of you. Please pray for our wonderful groups in Kenya. We are planning to change the name of the congregations and that takes some extra funds and extra time as well, as the Kenyan government is not functioning on full staff and hours. We like "Tree of Life Kenya" A Messianic Fellowship …do you? Be blessed and be a blessing.

Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

Read Parasha

Listen to Sermon: Strongholds

Parasha Shemini & Sermons

Shalom and Blessings;

This was definitely the most interesting Passover Ellen and I have ever experienced and yes, the most inspiring. Israelis have come together as a family worshiping together and singing together from their balconies. We are looking forward to the end of this terrible pandemic and we would never like to experience another one like it but it has shown us that despite the disunity of our government and the differences of our political personal loyalties, Israelis can join together in loving and helping each other. 

The pandemic has also caused another abnormality; we have become the zoo and the wild animals have become the visitors. Yes, the deserted streets have brought out creatures that we normally do not see within our cities. Ellen and I have seen, from our balcony, and entire family of foxes and a mongoose or two. Tel Aviv has seen jackals roaming the streets, and a wild boar was spotted wandering in Haifa. 

Politics have not changed much here, still no agreement between the political parties, at least at the time of this writing. I do not know how others feel but Ellen and I are disgusted by the disregard and hatred our politicians have for each other to the point that they would rather force a fourth round of elections than agree to come together in unity for the benefit of the people and the country. Bad enough our enemies want to destroy us from without; we also have selfish, proud, self-serving politicians destroying us from within. This shows us the depravity of the unsaved human spirit. COME QUICKLY LORD YESHUA REDEEM US AND REDEEM ISRAEL FROM ALL HER TROUBLES. 

Hi Ellen here…yes our lives have become more spiritual, insightful and aware of our heavenly Abba and our earthly surroundings. With that being said I would like to share some of the "stuff" we are going through. I'm somewhat of a clean freak so I now have to become meek in spirit and throw the trash out only two times a week! As one day transcends into the next I have watched my gel manicure grow out without being able to visit my once a month friend to renew and feel complete again; we won't even talk about a hair trim but oddly enough I'm OK with it…so I guess I've become humble in spirit! Rabbi and I continually pray to be transformed into the children and servants God wants us to be…so I am two steps closer…meek and humble…

Let us take one day at a time and ask Abba to remove and refine our spirits…we all desire victory. This week I pray for victory for ALL of us in Messiah Yeshua!!!

Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

Read Parasha

Sermon: Ready to be Used by God

Sermon: Saved by the Blood

Sermon: His Mercy Endures Forever

Parasha Pesach Kol Moed & Sermon: The Interrogator

Shalom and Blessings;

This year's Passover Seder was a special treat and a true blessing. Even though it was not like any other Passover we have ever celebrated, with friends and family sitting around the table with us, it was still a very special time. Imagine, not since the first Passover have we had the opportunity to celebrate the way our ancestors did thousands of years ago, just before leaving Egypt. 

Exodus 21 Then Moses summoned all the elders of Israel and said to them, "Go at once and select the animals for your families and slaughter the Passover lamb. 22 Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning. 23 When the LORD goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

Our Lamb had already been selected; Yeshua the Messiah, He was already acceptable and unblemished, His blood had already been applied to the doorposts of our hearts. This Passover night we symbolically applied it to the doorframe of our apartment's entrance and remained secluded in our home as the angel of death passed us by! 

Come quickly Lord Yeshua, redeem us and redeem Israel from all her troubles.

Ellen here…As I stand in agreement with all that Rabbi has written I would like to add the following. Before sundown we received an SMS from a secular Israeli ministry asking all the people of Israel to go out on their balconies at 8.30 pm to recite the Ma Nishtana…the four questions together. What a joyous time as our neighbors here in Ashkelon emerged onto their balconies and we recited in unison the four questions followed by hag Pesach sameach to each other…ONLY IN ISRAEL!!! We wish you all blessings and breakthroughs as we persevere in this time. Come back Yeshua and redeem us…

Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

Read Parasha

Listen to sermon: The Interrogator 

Parasha Tzav

Shalom and Blessings;

There is nothing much we can add about what is going on here with COVID-19 because you are all experiencing the same things we are, minus the rockets from Gaza, of course! Yes they are still firing rockets and the IDF is still retaliating (tit for tat). What kind of hate and disregard for their own people do these Arabs have, that during a health crisis they think of attacking the country that is willing to help them and is helping them. Prime Minister Golda Meir of blessed memory said; "Peace will come when the Arabs will love their children more than they hate us." Nothing can be truer!!

Ellen and I have proved that you can teach old dogs new tricks. We have learned, with the help of Google, to navigate through the online supermarket sites which are completely in Hebrew, and we received our first to the door delivery; Glory to God! 

We are doing well, the isolation has not gotten to us yet, however, we have gotten to the point where we are thinking of moving our Mezuzah to our refrigerator door because it is the only one we have been opening and closing. We also did something that I recommend we all do. In preparation for the Passover we anointed and pleaded the Blood of Yeshua on the doorpost of our apartment entrance door so that the angel of death would see the Blood and pass us over. 

I can understand the disappointment and frustration we are experiencing at not being able to have family and or congregational Passover Seders. But let us look at it this way; for the first time in history, like the first Passover the children of Israel experienced in Egypt, every family will be alone and there will be a Lamb (Yeshua), for a household (lamb is not served anymore on Passover, Yeshua is the Lamb). So do not neglect having your Passover Seder; this may be a very significant year. If anyone needs assistance in preparing for or running a Seder, please let us know. 

Hi …Ellen here, just want to encourage you with God's Word in Yeshayahu 43.19, "Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Thank You Lord for your Word! 

Visit our blog for more teaching and to view previous Torah commentaries: https://weeklyparasha02.blogspot.com/

Yours in Messiah Yeshua, our Lord, our God, our soon coming King.

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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Listen to sermon: "Do not give up"