Parasha Va'etchanan & Sermon: Affliction is Good

Shalom and Blessings;

The protests here are now getting violent and bloody. Tuesday night five anti-Netanyahu protesters were attacked by a group of pro-Netanyahu protesters and the result was injuries and arrests; there seems to be no end or letup in sight. The protests and riots are taking place in Tel-Aviv, Jerusalem and Caesarea where Netanyahu has his private home. Our city, Ashkelon, thank God is quiet. The government has approved a payout of stimulus checks to all Israelis; singles will be receiving the equivalent of $220.00 U.S while a family with up to three children will be receiving the equivalent of $880.00 U.S. Netanyahu's justification for distributing the money this way, while the unemployed are standing in food lines for handouts, is that people will spend the money they receive on Israeli products and services and that will stimulate the economy to created jobs; we are praying he is right. Ellen and I have determined to do our part.

Since the Israeli air strike this week on Syria which killed a Hezbollah fighter, Hezbollah has attempted to infiltrate into Northern Israel to carry out a terror attack. By the grace of God they were detected by a female solider manning the surveillance cameras and then repelled. No one believes that Hezbollah wants to escalate the conflict into an all-out war, but no one is taking any chances either and our military has beefed up their presence along the Israel-Lebanon border.

My cold has improved but I am still experiencing congestion and excess mucus discharge. Please continue to pray that I will be totally healed. Miriam is out of the hospital and in a recovery hotel, Karin's symptoms did not develop into a serious case of Covid, however, Yafa has been placed on a ventilator, we have not heard about her since. Please keep her in prayer. 

Hi Ellen here…hoping you are all well, we are keeping you in our prayers.  Well it has been an eventful week as you read above…Yes, our friend Miriam is recovering nicely.  As she is now in a "corona" hotel her son Matan is in the north as part of the anti-terrorist attacks by Hezbollah…all calm now but Jack and I pray a hedge of protection for our IDF troops.  You know I was thinking, with all that is going on, as believers we are to be joyful…but I truly believe we can suffer from a bout, although a small one, of depression.  It came to me concerning Elijah…after receiving threats on his life from Jezebel he sat down and prayed in the desert feeling worn out and lonely…"I have had enough Lord…take my life, I am not better than my ancestors." 1Kings 19:4…Elijah seemed to have given up hope.  Although we strive not to get to the point of death…depression sometimes comes over us as a wave of sadness and hopelessness.

Let us purpose this week to turn our sadness into garments of praise and dwell only on the good things…remember to give thanks in ALL things, we love you Lord.

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

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

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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Parasha Deuteronomy & sermon: "We are a tool in God's toolbox"

July 24, 2020 

Shalom and Blessings; 

We are continuing to see coronavirus cases rising, there is now over 30,000 people infected with more than 430 deaths. Israelis are notorious for disregarding instructions and they insist on partying and even have large raves. The virus hit close to home when three of our friends were diagnosed positive. Two are in the hospital in stable but serious condition and one in under home quarantine; please pray for Miriam, Yafa and Karin. The situation is worse now than it was at the height of the first wave. Ellen and I are still taking every precaution, staying home as much as possible and not tempting God. The political situation has not changed much; confusion, accusations, finger pointing, chaos and rhetoric are the order of the day in our government. The social workers went on strike and then the nurses, thank God they are back to work now, but riots are still happening in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem nightly. I am sure that under the circumstances the Prime Ministers are doing the best they can, but 'too little to late.' 

Kenya is beginning to open up, but still too soon for us to travel there. Although their numbers are low, they cannot be trusted. Testing is not like what it is in Israel. Also our flight always connects through Addis Ababa and Ethiopia is in worse shape than we are, so flights have not resumed between our countries. 

Still no news on our new name registration for the congregation, we are anticipating it to happen any day now. Once our registration is confirmed we will be renting a new meeting location, with a western style bathroom, B'H (Praise the Lord). We will also be setting up channels for those wishing to financially support the congregation and our ministry efforts. Please keep the congregation and the membership in prayer. 

Breaking News: I came down with what appears to be a cold. Please pray for Ellen and me. 

Hi Ellen here…At this present time when shopping is no longer enjoyable; eating out at your favorite restaurant, no longer fun; visiting with friends and enjoying conversation and laughter is covered by a mask…what to do? Well I am praying a lot more and thinking of ways to better my relationship with HIM. Here are some questions for you and me: Do you love unconditionally? Would you lay your life down for a friend? Do you forgive and move on? Are you humble and meek as Yeshua? Are you full of HIS compassion and mercy? Are you displaying grace to others? Are you seeking the kingdom of God first? Are you displaying self-control? Do you use God given authority with love? Are you obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit? I don't know about you but I have a lot of work to do on myself this week…I'll check back with you next week and we can all compare notes. This new month is called Av. Av means Father…so let us all call out to our Father in heaven to help us to change. 

A sideline…my friend sent this to me not long ago: Satan knows your name, but he calls you by your sin. God knows your sins, but call you by your name…Love you all, really! 

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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Matot - Masei & Sermon: "I Want You To Shema"

Shalom and Blessings

God is shaking the earth and Israel is right in the middle of it. Just about everything that can be shaken is being shaken. The government is in shambles and has no idea how to solve the economic problems the coronavirus has caused. There are almost daily protests on the streets of Jerusalem that start out peaceful but break into violent clashes with the police. Protesters attempted to overrun the police a few nights ago in front of the Prime Minister's residence in an effort to break down the door. Netanyahu's popularity is plummeting and confidence in our government is at one of its lowest points ever. God does not condone violence nor do I, but I cannot say that I blame people for being upset; they have no work, no income, their business are going bankrupt and the government is offering very little financial support. I only wish that they would realize that the One who sent this plague is the only One who can stop it and if they would call on the name of Yeshua it could all be over. I'm reminded of a passage of Scripture that describes the hearts of the people during the end times:

Revelation 16:10-11 The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in agony and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.

Save your people Lord Yeshua, redeem Israel from all her troubles!

 

Hi Ellen here…well you heard the news from Rabbi…in fact the headlines are "Barring a Miracle Israel is Headed for a Second Full Lockdown!"  By the time this is all over we will have to get used to another kind of "New Normal".  I was thinking about our history of "wandering Jews and seeing how we all had to get used to a new normal…Abraham and Sarah were told to leave their home and settle in a strange land, hence a new normal.  David had to live in caves to hide from his enemies, hence a new normal. The apostle Shaul was a devout Jew, a Pharisee of Pharisees and become a devout Believer in Yeshua, hence a new normal…Hang on everyone, we can do it because God strengthens 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

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Parasha Pinchas & Sermon: Soul, Spirit And Body

Shalom and Blessings; 

All of Israel's attention is turned towards the Covid-19 pandemic. The infection rate has not only surpassed what it was when the virus first started, it has almost doubled that rate. Just the other day Benny Gantz, the Minister of Defense and Co-Prime Minister went into quarantine after coming into contact with someone who was infected. The armed forces are also not exempt, as high ranking officers and servicemen had to be quarantined. 'Round and round we go, where it will stop nobody knows.' God help us! 

Ellen and I are taking particular precautions due to my vulnerability. We do not venture out unnecessarily and we protect ourselves when we do go out. In some cases, like when we have to go to the hospital, we change our clothes and shower when we get home. It has been very difficult, we feel isolated but God has given us a balcony overlooking the Sea and every night He paints a beautiful sunset sky for us. 

One thing this time has done for us is that we are able to pray more, study the Word more, listen to various teachings more, and share the Word more. We have also learned how to do extreme spiritual warfare and we take on the devil at least twice a day, firing missiles of prayer at him, his demons and principalities of evil; not one has missed its target. 

Hi Ellen here…Yes we are on that isolation merry go round once more. Tel Aviv and Jerusalem have the highest numbers of infections; our little city of Ashkelon is faring well but that does not mean it could change. We continue to pray for people's hearts and minds to be transformed so that rebellion is not center stage but obedience and compliance with the directives would prevail. 

There has been something on my mind this week other than Covid. When Jack and I visit the hospital for tests and checkups I am moved by the children…my first concern is for my husband of course, but the Lord has him in the palm of His right hand! We see children in wheelchairs with no hair on their heads; children pulling along IV poles with multiple bags of medicine and feeding tubes in their tiny noses…we see children who have not had an opportunity to be just that, children! They have had to grow up into accepting adulthood in the blink of their beautiful big eyes. It has just moved me to thank the Lord even more for allowing us to have lived a full life…Please let us pray for the little children in hospitals everywhere. 

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

THIS WEEK'S SERMON LINK: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kifguijylm7coco/Soul%2C%20Spirit%20And%20Body.m4a?dl=0

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

Rabbi Jack & Ellen 

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Parashot Chukat - Balak & Sermon: "Test of Fire"

Shalom and Blessings

 

Last week in my update, I made a typographical error (probably more than one, but I'm only confessing one). I reported that on the 26^th I was three months cancer free. Actually I have been three YEARS, and now six days cancer free, Praise God! I have other good news; my Video Fluoroscopy was very encouraging. Not only will I not need a PEG (feeding tube), but Ellen no longer has to puree my food. I can now eat my food chopped, which will make it a lot more appealing to me. I am not sure it will lighten Ellen's load, however, so please keep us both in prayer. I did have an aspiration problem with liquids though, and have been limited to carefully drinking only clear, purified water. Ellen and I have placed a miracle healing request in God's Prayer Request Inbox and we are anticipating an answer any day, PTL! Please join us in that prayer.

 

Ever since the government relaxed restrictions, Covid-19 infections have rocked to a level above the previous high. New restrictions have been put into place, but we are not expecting a return to total lockdown, the economy could not sustain that. Already the tourist industry has been decimated with thousands out of work, plus countless employees of the shops, hotels and restaurants that depend on tourists have fired staff.

 

The honeymoon is over between Benny Gantz and Bibi Netanyahu and every day it appears more like the annexation of portions of the West Bank is on life support. Guess the 10 spies won out again. It will be interesting to see what God does next. Bibi's bribery and corruption case is almost garnishing more news interest than Covid-19. Sadly he is looking more and more guilty with each passing day. A wealthy friend, who is a witness in his case, gave him 2.5 million dollars towards his defense, however, the Attorney General held it up because, as long as he is Prime Minister it would be an illegal gift; which means he would have to resign to receive it. Kind of a catch twenty two; resign if you are found guilty; resign if you want to defend yourself! 

 

Hi Ellen here…not much to report on other than THANK YOU LORD!!!  Jack's visit to the hospital was tense at first but then came the relief of God's will in our lives.  As Jack was going through yet another rigorous test I sat in the waiting area praying, praising and thanking our ALMIGHTY for what was transpiring in the other room…my spirit lit up and was impressed by the fact that HE does not do anything half way.   To clarify my experience I can share this…I know without out a doubt that my God is healing my husband incrementally and is preparing Jack and I to be able to receive the manifestation of HIS whole and miraculous healing so as to glorify HIS holy name.  I would ask you if there is something you are praying for and have not received…check yourself out and ask HIM if you are ready to receive what HE has for you!  Blessings…please pray for Arnie, Donna, Gill, Greg, Joe, Rosemary, Rivkah, Yoni and Hadar for healing 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

 

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Parasha Korach & Sermon: "What are you doing here?"

Shalom and Blessings

The buzz here is still the annexation of parts of the West Bank. It amazes me how the nations of the world balk when other nations try to meddle in their affairs, but no one seems to mind meddling in Israel's affairs. Whether annexation will be good or bad for Israel, in my opinion, is not up for discussion. Judea and Samaria were given to Israel by the God of heaven and earth, this is His land and not ours, and therefore, no matter how things may look in the natural it does not have any relevance, God works in the supernatural. Last week we studied in Parasha Shelach Lecha. The children of Israel refused to accept that God had given them the land of Canaan and so they saw the inhabitants as giants and themselves as grasshoppers. In the supernatural, however, the battle was the Lord's and not theirs. With all the opposition and treats Israel is facing from around the world, there is a good chance history will repeat itself!

The 26^th I will be three months cancer free and God gets all the Glory; He has healed me!!! The 24^th I had my quarterly ENT check-up and we were encouraged by the result. The Dr. said; "everything looks very good." With that observation he extended the time between visits to every four months; PRAISE GOD!!!

Swallowing has not been an issue, since we have been following the Swallow Clinic's instructions and Ellen has been pureeing my food. We are both confident that I will not need a feeding tube, which we believe will be confirmed after the Video Fluroscopy appointment next week. What an awesome God we serve. Please keep us in prayer.

 

Hi Ellen here…Great news about our Rabbi but he forgot to tell how he Lord has opened the door for him… the "fluoroscopy" was scheduled for July 14^th and that seemed eons away!  God is faithful as He opened the door for this coming Tuesday…June 30^th.  We will be updating you next week hallelujah!  The Lord is so gracious as He is strengthening Jack and me in the area of endurance.  A few weeks ago I spoke on waiting but endurance goes deeper. In Philippians 4.13 it says "you can do hard things"…enduring through time, doctors' appointments, false diagnosis and BAD word descriptions can shake a person's world but with Messiah in us all things are possible…thank God!

 

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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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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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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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… 

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

Rabbi Jack & Ellen

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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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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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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