Monday, June 28, 2010

Please be in emergency prayer for the son of Moshe Feiglin!

Please pray for the speedy recovery of
David Yosef ben Faigie Perel

Moshe Feiglin's son, who was just seriously

injured in a car accident.

Sunday, June 27, 2010

The Nazarite Vow

The Earth belongs to HaShem
"The Earth belongs to HaShem and the Fullness Thereof."

The Nazarite Vow
Is it right for you?


Ben Ruach HaKodesh (John of AllFaith) 11.29.2002 -- updated 6.27.10

Please Note: All biblical citations are from The Complete Jewish Bible

This study is also posted here: http://allfaith.com/Religions/Noahide/nazarite.html


The name of our "Noahide Nazarene Way" refers to our being the spiritual as well as physical descendants of Noach (Noah) and our acceptance of the universal Rainbow (or Noahide) Covenant made through him to all who embrace it. This name also reflects our acceptance of Adon Y'shua HaNatzrati (Master Y'shua of Nazareth) as our Cohen Gadol (High Priest/Mediator with God), teacher and coming Moshiach (Messiah). As Noahide Nazarenes we seek to walk the Way our Master taught rather than according to the subsequent teachings of human reformers. More information about the Noahide Nazarene Way is available elsewhere on this domain.

The Tanakh (or Hebrew Bible) describes a certain vow with a similar name: The Nazarite Vow. It is not necessary for one to undertake this vow in order to consider oneself a Noahide Nazarene or talmidim (follower) of Y'shua. The two terms are not directly related. Nazarites (or Nazirites) are people who choose to place themselves under the Nazarite Vow. For those seeking to glorify HaShem this is an effective way to pursue this goal, but its not for everyone.

The Nazarite Vow is authorized by HaShem in the Torah:

Numbers 6:1 ADONAI said to Moshe, 2 "Tell the people of Isra'el, 'When either a man or a woman makes a special kind of vow, the vow of a nazir, consecrating himself to ADONAI...

From this verse we understand that the Nazarite Vow is a specific authorized undertaking that can be voluntarily embraced by either males or females of the people of Israel.

There may be an assumed prohibition here that Noahide Nazarenes are not eligible to take part in this vow as we are not Jews. One reason for this assumption is found here:

Numbers 6:13 "'This is the law for the nazir when his period of consecration is over: he is to be brought to the entrance of the tent of meeting, 14 where he will present his offering to ADONAI - one male lamb in its first year without defect as a burnt offering, one female lamb in its first year without defect as a sin offering, one ram without defect as peace offerings...

Due to the sacrificial requirements involved some people teach that non-Jews are not able to take part in this vow. Consider however that there are biblical sacrifices rightly performed by the ger toshav or "resident alien" non-Jews.

Leviticus 22:18 "Speak to Aharon and his sons and to the entire people of Isra'el; tell them: 'When anyone, whether a member of the house of Isra'el or a foreigner living in Isra'el, brings his offering, either in connection with a vow or as a voluntary offering, and brings it to ADONAI as a burnt offering...

Noahide Nazarenes (Gentile followers of Y'shua of Nazareth) certainly qualify biblically as ger tzadikim ("righteous gentiles") and so considering that the ger toshav or "resident aliens" are allowed to sacrifice to HaShem and to make vows, how much more so are we who have been "grafted in" among them (Romans 11)? Besides, while it is true that we are not "Jews," we have been grafted in as Israelites by Y'shua as citizens of the Kingdom of HaShem.

Romans 11:15 For if their casting Yeshua aside means reconciliation for the world, what will their accepting him mean? It will be life from the dead! 16 Now if the hallah [Sabbath bread] offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole loaf. And if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you - a wild olive - were grafted in among them and have become equal sharers in the rich root of the olive tree, 18 then don't boast as if you were better than the branches! However, if you do boast, remember that you are not supporting the root, the root is supporting you.
Romans 10:10 For with the heart one goes on trusting and thus continues toward righteousness, while with the mouth one keeps on making public acknowledgment and thus continues toward deliverance. 11 For the passage quoted says that everyone who rests his trust on him will not be humiliated. 12 That means that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - ADONAI is the same for everyone, rich toward everyone who calls on him, 13 since everyone who calls on the name of ADONAI will be delivered.

Therefore scripturally nothing about the Nazarite Vow would disqualify Noahides or Noahide Nazarenes from participating in its blessings and responsibilities.

Another common objection to the entering into this vow today is the absence of the Beit HaMikdash (or Holy Temple). The Second Temple of course was destroyed in 70 CE and the third has yet to be built. Without the Beit HaMikdash of Yerushalayim the requisite sacrifices can not be performed by Jews nor the ger tzaddikim as required.

Remember however that a central focus of Adon Y'shua's reforms is the assurance that HaShem is more concerned about the spirit behind our obedience than that we fulfill "the letter of the law" legalistically. As he taught, Shabbat is made for man, not man for the Sabbath.

The spirit behind the Nazarite Vow is clear: Separation and consecration of oneself to HaShem. Consider the following Holy Writ:

Jeremiah 6:16 Here is what ADONAI says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask about the ancient paths, 'Which one is the good way?' Take it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not take it.' 17 I appointed sentinels to direct them: 'Listen for the sound of the shofar.' But they said, 'We will not listen.' 18 So hear, you nations; know, you assembly, what there is against them. 19 Hear, oh earth! I am going to bring disaster on this people; it is the consequence of their own way of thinking; for they pay no attention to my words; and as for my Torah, they reject it. 20 What do I care about incense from Sh'va or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are unacceptable, your sacrifices don't please me."

As important as the Beit HaMikdash was (and will be in the future) it is not required to serve nor please HaShem (John 4:22-24). As we see from verses like this even when sacrifices are technically correctly offered HaShem still may refuse them if the essential key ingredient is missing:

Micah 6:6 "With what can I come before ADONAI to bow down before God on high? Should I come before him with burnt offerings? with calves in their first year? 7 Would ADONAI take delight in thousands of rams with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Could I give my firstborn to pay for my crimes, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?" 8 Human being, you have already been told what is good, what ADONAI demands of you - no more than to act justly, love grace and walk in purity with your God.

There are things all Noahides are commanded to do as required by the Rainbow Covenant, however Adon Y'shua stressed this essential element of divine service time and time again. HaShem looks at our hearts, our intentions, at not only what we do but why we do them. Whether we are Jews or Noahides what does HaShem require of us? Only to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God in the light we have been given thus far. When we do this our lives will naturally be harmonious with the Seven Noahide Laws and those of the 613 mitzvot (commandments) that apply to us.

As Noahide Nazarenes then we study the Torah and learn from its wisdom and apply its lessons to our lives (Galatians 3:24). Those wishing to press on into deeper spiritual life may choose to embrace the Nazarite Vow.

Under the Vow one is consecrated to HaShem by meeting specific conditions. These rules are not intended to limit ones freedom nor to be observed legalistically as would a mindless slave, but rather they expand ones consciousness by acts of voluntary holiness and heightened awareness of Ruach HaKodesh (God's presence).

Be aware that Adon Y'shua was very clear that Adonai (the Lord) rejects the haughty and the religiously hypocritical (comp. Revelation 3:14-19). One should therefore never undertake this or any other sacred vow for the wrong reasons!

The Nazarite Vow

Nazir: Uncut Hair

The root word nazir denotes something that has been "set apart" or "separated" unto HaShem. It is sanctified and holy unto Adonai. The hair of the Nazarite holds this special consecration. The sanctified uncut hair of the Nazarite is called "nazir" in the sense of a spiritual "crown" worn by those under the Vow. The hair is considered a living, growing sacrifice to HaShem and should be respected as such.

Celibacy

According to the wisdom of the Talmud, one of the reasons a person becomes a Nazarite is to abstain from sexual temptation and to develop self-control in order to more completely serve HaShem. Hence among the vows of a Nazarite is celibacy. Many ancient sources maintain that celibacy promotes spiritual realization and improves focus during prayer, religious studies and states of spiritual ecstasy.

As a means of dedicating ones future family to HaShem an engaged couple might undergo the Vow for the thirty days leading up to their wedding. Rav Paul gives the following insightful comment to married couples in the B'rit Hadashah (books of the New Covenant):

I Corinthians 7:1 Now to deal with the questions you wrote about: "Is it good for a man to keep away from women?" 2 Well, because of the danger of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife and each woman her own husband. 3 The husband should give his wife what she is entitled to in the marriage relationship, and the wife should do the same for her husband. 4 The wife is not in charge of her own body, but her husband is; likewise, the husband is not in charge of his own body, but his wife is. 5 Do not deprive each other, except for a limited time, by mutual agreement, and then only so as to have extra time for prayer; but afterward, come together again. Otherwise, because of your lack of self-control, you may succumb to the Adversary's temptation.

It is permissible for married couples -- upon mutual agreement -- to undertake the Nazarite vow for a set duration in order to give themselves over to prayer and fasting. Those engaging in such vows, following the spirit of the Vow rather than the letter, usually do not feel the need to shave their heads and so on but will unusually observe the dietary restrictions. Hence the Vow gives direction even when not fully implemented. Such short term Nazarites are not entering into the Nazarite priesthood. They are using a modified vow to help them determine how to advance their lives, strengthen their families and their relationships with Adonai. During the execution of such modified vows couples usually live as renounced as possible but typically go to their jobs, raise their children and met their other obligations without interruption. There are many possible applications of this Vow. At the heart of the Vow is ones desire to develop a new/deeper intimacy with HaShem, to more fully determine His Will or to seek His direction. Typically each session of the Vow is for 30 days as described above. Paul warns couples not to exceed realistic durations of prayer, fasting, celibacy and renunciation lest it endanger the marriage and lead them into undue temptation.

Undertaking the Nazarite Vow as a way of Seeking HaShem's blessings is surely an honorable motive for any Noahide Nazarene.

Humility

Another function of the Nazarite Vow is the promotion of humility and the appreciation of the goodness of God. As the Nazarite humbles him/herself spiritual favors are sometimes granted. One may therefore undertake the Vow as an avenue to spiritual purity, realization or spiritual development. One who feels his/her spiritual life is stalled or who desires a greater spiritual reality and connection with the All Mighty may opt to undertake the Nazarite Vow as a centering process.

The Nazarite Priesthood

According to Philo (Philo 1, Legum Allegoriae 249) a layperson who undertakes the Nazarite Vow for purely spiritual reasons automatically becomes as a cohen (priest) of HaShem for the duration of the Vow.

The Cohen Gadol ("High Priest") of all Nazarites is Melchizedek. Adon Y'shua HaNatzrati is the ultimate Cohen Gadol after the Order of Melchizedek) and so clearly this Vow is for Y'shua's talmidim as well.

Special Blessings

In the Tanakh Samson was given the boon of phenomenal strength during the period of his Nazarite Separation. When his nazir (sanctified hair) was removed however so was his added strength:

Judges 16:16 Every day she kept nagging at him and pressing at him, till it bothered him to death, 17 so that he finally told her everything. He said to her, "No razor has ever touched my head, because I have been a nazir of God since I was born. If someone shaves me, then my strength will leave me; and I will be like any other man."

The diverse gifts of HaShem are His to bestow as He sees fit. One who is specifically consecrated to God's service may receive special graces due to undergoing the Nazarite Vow. These graces are always to be used in His service for the betterment of others as one is led by Ruach HaKodesh.

Abstinence from Alcohol and Other Distractions

As Nazarites devote themselves strictly to the service of Adonai they shun all forms of personal enjoyment that might distract their consciousness. Things like alcohol, cigarettes and drugs are therefore avoided by Nazarites. Television, computers, movies and such are likewise avoided unless they are directly related to ones service. The point or spirit behind such restrictions is the need for the Nazarite to remain as focused on his/her service to HaShem as possible. Anything that distracts from the Vow is to be avoided.

Veganism

While under the Nazarite Vow one must carefully avoid all contact with corpses and death. This includes eating animal corpses or foods that contain their byproducts. Hence serious Nazarites maintain a vegan diet for the duration of the Vow.

Entering into the Nazarite Vow

Just prior to making ones Nazarite Vow one should clarify the reasons for undertaking the Period of Separation as well as the duration of the Vow if applicable. If there is not an established time frame one does well to specify that the Vow is to remain in effect until HaShem calls for its conclusion. This is better than making the Vow "perpetual" or "for the rest of my life" as breaking a Vow to HaShem is a dreadful thing. We see from the case of Samson that a vow made to HaShem is not wisely broken!

For this reason it is usually recommended that one vow as a Nazarite for a period of one month at a time. For instance the first Shabbat of the month may be set aside as a time to either end or extend ones Vow for another month. Such an intention should be clearly stated in the Vow.

Numbers 6:1 ADONAI said to Moshe, 2 "Tell the people of Isra'el, 'When either a man or a woman makes a special kind of vow, the vow of a nazir, consecrating himself to ADONAI...

The beginning of the Nazarite Vow requires the candidate to make a clear verbal Vow unto HaShem. Verbally stating ones intention both clarifies the intent and begins the Vow. Remember, in all things it is the intent of the heart that is most important. Read over the requirements that follow and then make your vow to HaShem, specifying what you intend to do in detail as you feel led by Ruach HaKodesh.

Renunciation of Society

The Way of the Nazarite is typically a solitary path, although one need not be a hermit to fulfill it. The root word nazir refers to something that has been set apart or separated, consecrated unto HaShem and His service. So whether alone or with others, the Nazarite must always remain renounced to worldly affairs, focused on HaShem. The Nazarite accepts no secular responsibilities and places no demands on others. Nazarites are given to spiritual contemplation, study and reflection. For this reason it is more difficult to properly practice the Vow while maintaining secular employment and satisfying other worldly affairs. Indeed such would seem to be nearly impossible. As our Master warned, either one will cling to the one and despise the other, or else despise the one and hold to the other (Matthew 6:24). Other than the sort of limited vows discussed above, Nazarites do well to get their affairs in order before beginning the Vow and then maintaining mental if not physical distance from the world.

It is preferable but not required to undertake the Nazarite Vow in the presence of others at a Noahide Nazarene shul or meeting place under the direction of knowledgeable elders and before a congregation would be ideal -- or at least in the presence of spiritually supportive friends if this is not available. One can however take the Vow before HaShem alone. Ultimately the Vow is a private matter between the candidate and HaShem.

Following are specific requirements on Nazarites:

Fruit of the Vine and Intoxicants

Numbers 6:3 he is to abstain from wine and other intoxicating liquor, he is not to drink vinegar from either source, he is not to drink grape juice, and he is not to eat grapes or raisins. 4 As long as he remains a nazir he is to eat nothing derived from the grapevine, not even the grape-skins or the seeds.

Thus, any products containing grapes or grape extracts are specifically forbidden to the Nazarite. In the case of Samson's Nazarite vow all "strong drink" was prohibited as well (Judges 13:7). One will therefore wish to add abstention from all intoxicants to embrace the spirit of this command rather than cling to the letter of the observance only. This will include intoxicants such as caffeine, tobacco, illegal drugs and so on. When making ones vow to HaShem one does well to specify which areas of abstention one will observe. The greater the degree of abstinence one observes the more potent the Vow. In the same spirit one can include other areas of abstention not specifically required. In addition to grape products all intended abstentions should be stated when making ones vow. There's no point mentioning unrelated categories. For instance one who smokes cigarettes would mention his/her abstention from them while a non-smoker would not. One does not abstain from something not partaken.

Halakha

The Nazarite Vow as presented in the Tanakh is directed to Torah observant Jews so it is naturally understood that the complete body of Halakha (Jewish law) -- including Kashrut (the kosher dietary requirements) -- apply for the duration of the Vow even though Noahide Nazarenes are not generally required to observe all the requirements of Halakha. Samson's mother was specifically told to eat no unclean thing while the child, a Nazarite from her womb, was still within her body. Before beginning the Vow therefore one should understand the various requirements and determine to observe them.

Hair

Numbers 6:5 "'Throughout the period of his vow as a nazir, he is not to shave his head. Until the end of the time for which he has consecrated himself to ADONAI he is to be holy: he is to let the hair on his head grow long.

Just prior to making the vow the Nazarite's head is shaved completely and anointed with holy oil. It is essential that no hair remain on the head that might contaminate the sanctity of the nazir as it grows. As a sign of ones righteous intentions it is preferable that this shaving be performed by the candidate or by a Noahide elder, brother or sister, but again, this is not required if it poses undue complications. One may even go to a commercial barbershop to be shaved if other options are not available, being carefully to collect all the shorn hair and keeping it for proper disposal. The anointing/oiling of the head should be done elsewhere just prior to making the vow. The shorn pre-vow hair should be saved and disposed of thusly:

Numbers6:18 "The nazir will shave his consecrated head at the entrance to the tent of meeting, take the hair removed from his consecrated head and put it on the fire under the sacrifice of peace offerings."

As burnt sacrifices are no longer possible it is acceptable to make a fire and toss the hair into it in a respectful manner, giving praise to the name of HaShem.

It is good to make ones Nazarite Vow as soon after being shaved as possible, again in the presence of the Noahide Nazarene community is best if possible. Both male and female Nazarites are required to shave the head completely as a sign of their acceptance of the Holy Vow. As for the beard, there are no specific commands concerning it for Nazarites. However most Noahides will probably honor the Tanakh's injunction against shaving the face in general and leave it uncut during the duration of the vow. There is no need to shave the beard before taking the Vow if one is bearded:

Leviticus 19:27 Don't round your hair at the temples or mar the edges of your beard.

During the duration of the Vow shaving the face or other body parts is obviously prohibited.

Numbers 6:6 "'Throughout the period for which he has consecrated himself to ADONAI, he is not to approach a corpse. 7 He is not to make himself unclean for his father, mother, brother or sister when they die, since his consecration to God is on his head. 8 Throughout the time of his being a nazir he is holy for ADONAI. 9 "'If someone next to him dies very suddenly, so that he defiles his consecrated head, then he is to shave his head on the day of his purification; he is to shave it on the seventh day.

Regarding the Dead and the Need for Humility

Two points here: Avoiding contact with the dead is clearly stated in the text and so does not require comment.

Verse eight reminds us that during the days of ones Vow the Nazarite is to be regarded as being in a special relationship with HaShem and treated accordingly. But as stated above, the Nazarite must carefully maintain humility and not allow this position to lead him astray. The mitzvot or good works of a Nazarite bring multiplied blessings. Likewise the prayers of a Nazarite are more readily answered. The same is true of the negatives that may be done. In every day life one may make certain allowances, however during the term of the Vow purity of thought and deed are especially important. Nazarites need to be conscious of their positions at all times lest the good they intend produces an evil they do not.

Prayers, Blessings and Alms

Due to their special relationship with HaShem people may request beneficial prayers or blessings from Nazarites on their behalf. This is good both for the people and for the Nazarite who should be careful to pray with wisdom.

While the Nazarite requires nothing from anyone, those who contribute funds, food, clothing, etc. to a Nazarite receive blessings from HaShem. As Adon Y'shua HaNatzrati explained:

Matthew 25:40 The King will say to them, `Yes! I tell you that whenever you did these things for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did them for me!'

Conclusion of the Separation

Numbers 6:10 On the eighth day he is to bring two doves or two young pigeons to the cohen at the entrance to the tent of meeting. 11 The cohen is to prepare one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering and thus make atonement for him, inasmuch as he sinned because of the dead person. That same day he is to re-consecrate his head; 12 he is to consecrate to ADONAI the full period of his being a nazir by bringing a male lamb in its first year as a guilt offering. The previous days will not be counted, because his consecration became defiled.

Here we face the consequences of the absence of the Beit HaMikdash (may HaShem establish His Third Temple soon!). As it is not possible to meet these requirements today it is suggested that if ones time of consecration is violated as described above, one should donate to the poor as one is able. One should undertake a full fast to begin immediately upon realizing ones contamination. This fast may last from one to seven days -- the longer the better up to the eighth day. On the eighth lunar day after the defilement ones head should be shaven as before, the hair disposed of as described above, and the same vow for the original period of time should be taken up and properly executed. As the sun sets at the beginning the eighth day after defilement the Nazarite is considered clean as though the interruption had never happened.

Numbers 6:13 "'This is the law for the nazir when his period of consecration is over: he is to be brought to the entrance of the tent of meeting, 14 where he will present his offering to ADONAI - one male lamb in its first year without defect as a burnt offering, one female lamb in its first year without defect as a sin offering, one ram without defect as peace offerings, 15 a basket of matzah, loaves made of fine flour mixed with olive oil, unleavened wafers spread with olive oil, their grain offering and their drink offerings. 16 The cohen is to bring them before ADONAI, offer his sin offering, his burnt offering, 17 and his ram as a sacrifice of peace offerings to ADONAI, with the basket of matzah. The cohen will also offer the grain offering and drink offering that go with the peace offering.

Upon the successful completion of the Vow it is right to honor the goodness of HaShem in empowering the person for the completion with a celebration. Such a celebration can include Noahide brothers and sisters, family and friends. As this is a holy thanksgiving one should make sure that HaShem is the Guest of Honor! The details of the celebration can be left to those involved. It can be a formal affair or a friendly potluck. There are other options for those who don't have a spiritual community and in this Dark Age we must often serve Adonai alone. The important thing is to honor HaShem for the completion of the Vow.

Numbers 6:18 The nazir will shave his consecrated head at the entrance to the tent of meeting, take the hair removed from his consecrated head and put it on the fire under the sacrifice of peace offerings. 19 When the ram has been boiled, the cohen is to take its shoulder, one loaf of matzah from the basket and one unleavened wafer, and place them in the hands of the nazir, after he has shaved his consecrated head. 20 The cohen is to wave them as a wave offering before ADONAI; this is set aside for the cohen, along with the breast for waving and the raised-up thigh. Following that, the nazir may drink wine.

At the end of this celebration the Nazarite's head is again shaved. This time however the nazir is holy and consecrated to HaShem and so it must be handled with great care and respect. As it is cut the hair should be carefully kept together and placed in a container. As before no hair should remain on the head.

Since the Nazarite is not currently able to offer Temple sacrifices to HaShem there is some question about what should be done with the nazir. Some feel that a fire should be built and the hair should be sprinkled into the flames as before. Another option is to make a large round piece of unleavened bread (matzo) into which the hair can be folded and then placed in the fire. Others believe that the hair should be buried, other say it should saved by the Nazarite in a special container as a remembrance of the Vow. I think it would be unwise to save the hair because undue attention may be placed on maintaining it and memorializing the completion of the Vow. In a sense the nazir could become an inadvertent idol. Also because the nazir now belongs to HaShem rather than to the Nazarite from whom it was removed, it should not remain in his/her keeping. To keep it under any circumstances therefore does not seem appropriate to me. Whatever is done, its important to understand that the fire is not intended to be an alter and the rite, however it is played out, is merely symbolic.

Another view that I personally prefer is that the Vow has now been completed and so the Nazarite need not be shaved at all. In any case, the individual Nazarite - in consult with his/her spiritual elders -- should decide the course to take and follow that with due faith.

Numbers 6:21 "'This is the law for the nazir who makes a vow and for his offering to ADONAI for his being a nazir - in addition to anything more for which he has sufficient means. In keeping with whatever vow he makes, he must do it according to the law for the nazir.'"

Another activity that the post-Nazarite might consider is the giving of gifts in thanksgiving. According to ones means donating to Israel, to ones shul or meeting place, to ones rabbi or elders, or to the poor is an appropriate way to show thanksgiving to Adonai. Such mitzvot are optional, but surely pleasing to our God.

Numbers 6:22 ADONAI said to Moshe, 23 "Speak to Aharon and his sons, and tell them that this is how you are to bless the people of Isra'el: you are to say to them, 24 'Y'varekh'kha ADONAI v'yishmerekha. [May ADONAI bless you and keep you.] 25 Ya'er ADONAI panav eleikha vichunekka. [May ADONAI make his face shine on you and show you his favor.] 26 Yissa ADONAI panav eleikha v'yasem l'kha shalom. [May ADONAI lift up his face toward you and give you peace.]' 27 "In this way they are to put my name on the people of Isra'el, so that I will bless them."

There is no set formula to be observed. Following is an example only: If one is a member of a supportive shul or similar group the elders or other Noahides may pronounce these blessings on the Nazarite. In the absence of this one may proclaim them aloud before HaShem and His holy angels asking that His blessings be bestowed upon you. This is part of the celebration described above. The bestowal of these blessings can be part of a great worship time exalting the glory and mercy of HaShem.

The Aaronic Prayer

Following is a possible prayer one might make to HaShem when beginning ones period of separation:

"HaShem my Elohiym, this day I undertake the vow of a Nazarite to the best of my ability for Your pleasure and I ask that You would bless my intention, empower my faithful observance and receive my Vow unto Yourself.
I make this vow for Your pleasure, always dependent on Your mercy to fulfill it. I am led to undertake this vow because of my desire to draw ever closer to You [or, "in hopes that You will bless my upcoming marriage" or so on].
In the presence of my brothers and sisters [if present], my ancestors and the assembled angles I vow the following pledge to You:
From this moment until [state the duration of the Vow] I will abstain from all grape products. I will observe the principles of celibacy. I will abstain from all intoxicants including [list them: caffeine, tobacco, marijuana etc.]. I will shun all contact with the dead and my life will be as a living sacrifice unto You. As a living sacrifice unto You, I am now under this vow. I will neither cut nor trim the hair of my body. The hair of my head will be a nazir or crown for Your holiness. Neither will I cut nor trim my beard, for the duration of my separation unto You as a Nazarite. When my time of separation is completed, I will surrender my consecrated nazir unto You, most Holy HaShem."

If one is assisted in this celebration such may anoint the head of the Nazarite with holy oil, laying hands upon the person and pronounce the Aaronic Benediction:

"May HaShem bless you, and keep you;
May HaShem make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you;
May HaShem lift up His countenance upon you; and give you peace."

If one is alone with HaShem one may pronounce:

"As Your Holy Torah says: "And HaShem spoke unto Moses, saying:
'Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, In this manner, you will bless the descendants of Israel; you will say to them:
May haShem bless you, and keep you;
May HaShem make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you;
May HaShem lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.
So shall they put My name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.'
Please bless Your servant now I pray.

After such a pronouncement when everything else is completed, the nazir is shaved completely (if this is to done) and offered to HaShem. The beard is not included and is not shaved at this time, if at all.

Once the offering of the nazir is made, the post-Nazarite takes a glass of wine, raises it toward the heavens (facing the East) and loudly and joyously proclaims "L'Chayim!" -- "To Life!" and drinks the wine.

Thus ends the person's obligations under the holy Nazarite Vow of Nazarite Separation.

Shalom,
Ben Ruach HaKodesh
John of AllFaith

(6.27.10)



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Bamidbar 5 in the 1917 JPS

(JEWISH PUBLICATION SOCIETY BIBLE).
1: And HaShem spoke unto Moses, saying:
2: Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: When either man or woman shall clearly utter a vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to consecrate himself unto HaShem,
3: he shall abstain from wine and strong drink: he shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of strong drink, neither shall he drink any liquor of grapes, nor eat fresh grapes or dried.
4: All the days of his Naziriteship shall he eat nothing that is made of the grape-vine, from the pressed grapes even to the grapestone.
5: All the days of his vow of Naziriteship there shall no razor come upon his head; until the days be fulfilled, in which he consecrateth himself unto HaShem, he shall be holy, he shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow long.
6: All the days that he consecrateth himself unto HaShem he shall not come near to a dead body.
7: He shall not make himself unclean for his father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his sister, when they die; because his consecration unto G-d is upon his head.
8: All the days of his Naziriteship he is holy unto HaShem.
9: And if any man die very suddenly beside him, and he defile his consecrated head, then he shall shave his head in the day of his cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it.
10: And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, to the priest, to the door of the tent of meeting.
11: And the priest shall prepare one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering, and make atonement for him, for that he sinned by reason of the dead; and he shall hallow his head that same day.
12: And he shall consecrate unto HaShem the days of his Naziriteship, and shall bring a he-lamb of the first year for a guilt-offering; but the former days shall be void, because his consecration was defiled.
13: And this is the law of the Nazirite, when the days of his consecration are fulfilled: he shall bring it unto the door of the tent of meeting;
14: and he shall present his offering unto HaShem, one he-lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt-offering, and one ewe-lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin-offering, and one ram without blemish for peace-offerings,
15: and a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers spread with oil, and their meal-offering, and their drink-offerings.
16: And the priest shall bring them before HaShem, and shall offer his sin-offering, and his burnt-offering.
17: And he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace-offerings unto HaShem, with the basket of unleavened bread; the priest shall offer also the meal-offering thereof, and the drink-offering thereof.
18: And the Nazirite shall shave his consecrated head at the door of the tent of meeting, and shall take the hair of his consecrated head, and put it on the fire which is under the sacrifice of peace-offerings.
19: And the priest shall take the shoulder of the ram when it is sodden, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them upon the hands of the Nazirite, after he hath shaven his consecrated head.
20: And the priest shall wave them for a wave-offering before HaShem; this is holy for the priest, together with the breast of waving and the thigh of heaving; and after that the Nazirite may drink wine.
21: This is the law of the Nazirite who voweth, and of his offering unto HaShem for his Naziriteship, beside that for which his means suffice; according to his vow which he voweth, so he must do after the law of his Naziriteship.
22: And HaShem spoke unto Moses, saying:
23: 'Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying: On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel; ye shall say unto them:
24: HaShem bless thee, and keep thee;
25: HaShem make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee;
26: HaShem lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
27: So shall they put My name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.'

Thursday, June 24, 2010

My Newly Updated History of Israel

I've been working on this project for quite a while and although it will be an ongoing endeavor, I am now ready to share it with those who may be interested.

In this study I begin with the year 1 HH (Ha'luach Ha'ivri) -- i.e. 3761 B.C.E. -- and offer a time line of the history of Israel up to the 1967 "Six Day War" when Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) was restored to the people of HaShem (I will probably be extending it to the current time period later).

There are many such time lines available online however this one includes the dates in both the Jewish and Western calendars as well includes several events not found on other time lines (including a detailed listing of the events during the Passion Week of Y'shua) and seeks to correct many of the errors found in other time lines.

I invite those who may be interested to check out this revised and expanded time line and let me know your thoughts. As always I am open (and grateful) to any corrections, questions or suggested additions you may have. This is a work in progress that I hope will be useful to many people.

Because the time line is so long, I refer you to my Noahide website for it:

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Visit Us At Temple Beth HaSHem!

At various times people in the Northern California area have asked me for a recommendation on a good place of worship for Noahide Nazarenes. I now have a place I can recommend whole heartedly.

While the term Noahide Nazarene is one I coined several years ago, this "Messianic Jewish" rabbi and his congregation are teaching more or less the same things I reference by the term.

Rabbi Larry Levine has recently opened a true Orthodox-based Messianic Jewish shul in the Chico California area (Magalia). I recommend his shul whole hearted -- indeed I am now a member of it and am training under him.

Rabbi Larry was raised an Orthodox Jew. He was educated at a traditional Orthodox Jewish Yeshiva and is incredibly knowledgeable. Through a fascinating experience HaShem revealed to him in his later years that Y'shua is who he says he is. Those in our area are cordially invited to join us for Shabbat services. This shul (temple) is open to everyone regardless of any external considerations. YOU will be welcomed there:


Visit Temple Beth HaSHem!

Temple Beth HaSHem
("House of God")
Rabbi Larry Levine
14798 Holmwood Dr.
Magalia, Ca. 95954
-- Shabbat services Fridays at 7 P.M.
Torah Study Saturdays 11 A.M.

The Return of Y'shua and Psalms 110: Understanding Y'shua as Cohen Gadol and Moshiach

As I often say, it is very important to always be on the lookout for new Light! When I discover -- or it is pointed out to me -- that my views are incorrect I gladly update them. This is very important to do for those who wish to be accurate in their beliefs. None of us have all knowledge! There is always new Light to be realized. Here's a case in point:

For years I have said that no verse in the Tanakh ("Old Testament") foretells two advents or "comings" for the messiah. My regular readers will recall my saying that no doubt. Indeed, this is one of the best arguments Judaism has against the claims of Y'shua as Moshiach. How could something this important not be foretold?

It was!

For the past week or two I have been enjoying fascinating discussions on a predominantly Jewish e-list that focuses on disproving Christian views from the Tanakh. In our conversations I had cited Psalm 110 and the reference there to the one "after the order of Melchizedek," generally accepted by Christians as a prophetic reference to Y'shua (Jesus).

I was rather surprised when I was told that that reference was to David, not to the Moshiach. While digging around for evidence that the reference could not possibly be to David (which it can not be) I "stumbled" onto something I had not expected. That "something" is the topic of this new study.

Please let me know what you think about this in the comments section below.



The Earth belongs to HaShem
"The Earth Belongs to HaShem and the Fullness Thereof."

The Return of Y'shua and Psalms 110:
Understanding Y'shua as Cohen Gadol and Moshiach

By Ben Ruach HaKodesh (John of AllFaith) 06.22.10

Psalms 110:1 A Psalm of David. HaShem said unto my lord ["adon"], Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
110:2 HaShem shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.
110:3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
110:4 HaShem hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
110:5 HaShem at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.
110:6 He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries.
110:7 He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.

This short Psalm reveals an important insight into Master Y'shua and his ongoing ministry that many people, both Jews and Noahide Nazarenes (as well as Nicene Christians) generally overlook.

First we affirm that this is a Psalm of David (not to or about him) as the text clearly says. The Hebrew reads simply: mizmor david: "psalm [of] David" as it is normally translated. The same exact phrase is used in several of his other psalms where David's authorship is not questioned. Every time mizmor david is used it is translated as a Psalm of David and means that he is the author. The authorship of this Psalm is important because it says 'HaShem said to my lord/master..." Whose lord or master determines the context of what is said as we will see. Compare the JPS version on this: The LORD saith unto my lord.

Were this written to or about David rather than by him, as some maintain seeking to conceal the real identity, then 'my lord/master' would be referring to David and the meaning would be completely altered. David of course was never a priest in the order of Melchizedek or otherwise (verse 4) and so this can not possibly be referring to him as "my lord." Indeed recall that due to David's indiscretions HaShem had David's son Shlo'mo (Solomon) build the Beit HaMikdash (Temple) rather than David. This Psalm therefore obviously can not be referring to David. it was revealed to him.

The only other logical interpretation is that HaShem was saying these things to David's lord (adon). David is saying by way of prophecy that HaShem is revealing what follows to and about his master, the Moshiach. As Noahide Nazarenes we understand this therefore to be a direct reference to the ministry of Master Y'shua and to his two advents or comings.

This Psalm then is a prophecy about the Moshiach and includes a very important teaching that is usually missed.

HaShem is prophetically telling Master Y'shua, "Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."

From this we therefore perceive a definite time break: Master Y'shua will be (from David's perspective) present in his first advent however then he will have to wait until HaShem vanquishes his enemies as a footstool (verse 1).

How will this take place and how long will his wait be? Master Y'shua references this waiting period as follows:

Luke 21:24; And they [the Jewish people] shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations [as occurred in 70 CE]: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

How long will these "times of the Gentiles" last? Mark covers this same teaching but records this important point made by the Master:

Mark 13:32: But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

So even Y'shua our adon (master) did not know, but there would be a period of waiting. As I discuss elsewhere we have excellent reason to believe that period is almost up!

Back now to Psalms 110.

Verse 2 tells us that this waiting will continue until HaShem sends the rod of Y'shua's strength out of Zion to rule in the midst of his enemies. There is an important Messianic prophecy referenced here:

Isaiah 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
11:2 And the spirit of HaShem shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of HaShem.

This is the "rod that comes out of the stem of Jesse." This is one of the prophecies accepted by Orthodox Judaism as referring to the Moshiach (See Judaism 101: HERE for confirmation of this -- scroll to the bottom of that page for "Isaiah 11").

We see then that Moshiach will come but then wait until HaShem empowers him, as the rod of Jesse, to defeat his enemies.

What does Master Y'shua do during the Times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24)? David explains!

Psalms 110:4 HaShem hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

For more on the Order of Melchizedek see my study HERE.

During this waiting period Y'shua has served HaShem as Cohen Gadol (High Priest) of the entire world! This is confirmed at many places in the B'rit Hadashah scriptures (New Testament), for instance:

I Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
2:6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

See that? "...to be testified in due time." The word testified is marturion and means to present conclusive evidence.

After Y'shua gave himself up on the starous (execution stake) he had to wait to be vindicated, to reveal his exonerating evidence to the world. The world will not see this evidence until the Times of the Gentiles is fulfilled (Luke 21:24) and HaShem exalts His Son and Servant (Psalms 110:1) Y'shua as HaMoshiach (the Messiah).

In the meantime Y'shua has been conducting the affairs of his office as Cohen Gadol as the mediator between God and humanity.

In due time -- once the Times of the Gentiles are fulfilled -- Y'shua will take up the mantle of Moshiach. By HaShem's power he will defeat the enemies of God and His people (Psalm 110:5,6) and he will bless all those who have blessed Israel and curse all who have cursed them (Genesis 12:1-3). Then will Y'shua be vindicated (I Timothy 2:5,6). He will lift up his head in ultimate victory (Psalms 110:7) and proclaim the establishment of the Kingdom of HaShem.



Children
Of Noah
The Noahide Nazarene Way
Jewish Studies
Christian Studies
Thus Say the Prophets
John of AllFaith's Main Blog
AllFaith.com

Friday, June 18, 2010

"Shabes, Shabes" by Wolf Krakowski

A Nice Yiddish Shabes Song....



"Shabes, Shabes" by Wolf Krakowski

AllFaith Flix: Shabbat ... for Christians?


Shabbat Shalom Everyone!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Flotilla - The Humanitarian Terrorist Ship

They are Trying to Con the World...

But the Truth WILL prevail.

Israel did nothing wrong.

Interview with the Peace Activists of this Heroic Fight!

Two of the Heroic Peace Activists Interviewed:

BANNED BY YOUTUBE: We Con the World, the Turkish 'Aid to Gaza' Song

BANNED BY YOUTUBE:
We Con the World, the Turkish 'Aid to Gaza' Song|5min

YouTube keeps banning this video so if does not show up here you can see it on Pajama TV

Or download it from the copy I posted HERE

Youtube banned this parody after almost 3 million hits. Now it's time to make this vid go VIRAL !! http://www.youtube.com/user/LatmaTV

Click here to buy We Con the World T-shirts!! http://www.nucampaign.org/collections...

Songtext :
There comes a time
When we need to make a show
For the world, the Web and CNN
There's no people dying,
so the best that we can do
Is create the greatest bluff of all

We must go on pretending day by day
That in Gaza, there's crisis, hunger and plague
Coz the billion bucks in aid won't buy their basic needs
Like some cheese and missiles for the kids

We'll make the world
Abandon reason
We'll make them all believe that the Hamas
Is Momma Theresa
We are peaceful travelers
With guns and our own knives
The truth will never find its way to your TV

Ooooh, we'll stab them at heart
They are soldiers, no one cares
We are small, and we took some pictures with doves
As Allah showed us, for facts there's no demand
So we will always gain the upper hand

We'll make the world
Abandon reason
We'll make them all believe that the Hamas
Is Momma Theresa
We are peaceful travelers
we're waving our own knives
The truth will never find its way to your TV

If Islam and terror brighten up your mood
But you worry that it may not look so good
Well well well well don't you realize
You just gotta call yourself
An activist for peace and human aid

We'll make the world
Abandon reason
We'll make them all believe that the Hamas
Is Momma Theresa
We are peaceful travelers
We're waving our own knives
The truth will never find its way to your TV

We con the world
We con the people
We'll make them all believe the IDF is Jack the Ripper
We are peaceful travelers
We're waving our own knives
The truth will never find its way to your TV
We con the world (Bruce: we con the world...)
We con the people (Bruce: we con the people...)
We'll make them all believe the IDF is Jack the Ripper
We are peaceful travelers
We're waving our own knives
The truth will never find its way to your TV
The truth will never find its way to your TV

Noahide Nazarenes and Jews: Two Branches of the One Tree


The Earth belongs to HaShem
"The Earth Belongs to HaShem and the Fullness Thereof."


Noahide Nazarenes and Jews:
Two Branches of the One Tree

By Ben Ruach HaKodesh (John of AllFaith) 06.16.10

The enmity between Nicene Christians and Jews is no where near as intense as it once was. Countless talmidim (followers) of Y'shua are beginning to examine the Jewish roots of our faith and discovering that we have lost much by dismissing the those Roots. Likewise many Jews, still understandably wary, are opening up to the idea that many of us are genuinely committed to them and desirous of real fellowship. This brief study aims at showing that we are much closer theologically that many Jews and Christians suppose.

The prophets of Tanakh give us some very specific insights into what Moshiach will accomplish once he comes. These are recorded here:

    Isaiah 2, 11, 42; 59:20
    Jeremiah 23, 30, 33; 48:47; 49:39
    Ezekiel 38:16
    Hosea 3:4-3:5
    Micah 4
    Zephaniah 3:9
    Zechariah 14:9
    Daniel 10:14

Neither Y'shua of Nazareth nor any one else has fulfilled these requirement. Specifically:

Y'shua did not bring the Jews back to Israel (rather they were dispersed from Israel in 70 CE throughout the world).
He did not instigate the earthly Kingdom of HaShem.
He did not take his seat on the Throne of David.
He did not sit as a judge over the Gentile nations
They did not come to Jerusalem seeking his wisdom and rulings.
The lion did not lay down with the lamb nor was global peace attained.

Moshiach must accomplish all these things. Since no one has, it should be apparent to everyone that Moshiach has not yet come.

However, no single person in history has influenced the world as fundamentally as Y'shua (arguably other than Abraham and Moshe in whose tradition he walks). I am convinced that Y'shua's life, death, burial and resurrection did occur as the B'rit Hadashah (New Testament books) record. While he did not fulfill all of the required messianic prophecies, he did fulfill many of them and the fruit of his ministry is testimony to the truth of his words.

Where are the followers of Simon bar Kokhba? Of Sabbatai Zevi? Of the other would-be Messiahs? Y'shua remains because he was sent by HaShem.

When we study Y'shua's life and ongoing ministry as we have it -- apart from the extra and non-biblical Gentile/Church traditions -- it seems clear to me that he was the one spoken of by the Hebrew prophets but that he came to and continues to serve as Cohen Gadol or High Priest "after the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4/Hebrews 7:1) not as Moshiach. Hence he said, "My kingdom is not of this world" (John 18:36 etc).

Moshiach will rule over the earthly Kingdom as the Tanakh prophets clearly say and as Tanakh knowledgeable Jews point out: Moshiach will rule as king and sit as judge over the earth. Moshiach will do these things from Yerushalayim, the eternal City of HaShem.... Y'shua came as a sacrificial offering and as mediator between HaShem and the world -- I Timothy 2:5 -- as our Cohen Gadol who suffered in all ways as do we but without sin (Hebrews 4:15).

The conditions for his return as Moshiach to save the Jewish people (Matthew 24:22) -- as set out in both the Tanakh and the B'rit Hadashah (especially in Daniel, Matthew 24, II Thessalonians and the Book of the Revelation) -- are now being fulfilled and will take place once "the Times of the Gentiles are fulfilled" (Luke 21:24). When he returns as Moshiach it will be as a fully Torah observant, Shabbat honoring, servant of HaShem. The Jews will not be converting to Nicene Christianity! Both the Nicene Christians and the Jews will be converted to clarified faith in their Moshiach and HaShem his God.

Apostle Paul is clear in his letter to the Romans (chapter 11) that the Jews are and will ever remain the Elect of HaShem. The Gentile followers of Y'shua have been grafted in to assist in their service to HaShem.

We are two branches of the One Faith.

Once Moshiach comes we will become one.

Your thoughts are invited as always.

Shalom Y'rushalayim

    ~ John of AllFaith
    ~ Ben Ruach HaKodesh



Children
Of Noah
The Noahide Nazarene Way
Thus Say the Prophets
Jewish Studies
Christian Studies
Thus Say the Prophets
John of AllFaith's Main Blog
AllFaith.com

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Matthew 23:1-3 and Jewish Authority: With emphasis on the Sheva Mitzvot


The Earth belongs to HaShem
"The Earth Belongs to HaShem and the Fullness Thereof."

Matthew 23:1-3 and Jewish Authority

With emphasis on the Sheva Mitzvot

By Ben Ruach HaKodesh (John of AllFaith) 06.12.10

Also posted to my main blog site HERE

A Noahide reader named Byran asked about the authority of the Rabbis, especially regarding the Sheva Mitzvot (the Noahide Seven laws). My reply may be of interest to some of those seeking to understand the relationship between the Elders of Israel and the Noahide Nazarene Way.

First the verse in question:

Mathew 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

The qualifier Y'shua places here is of critical importance. Obey them, but do so properly.

First, we must always be vary careful to understand who is being spoken to at any given point in Scripture and what the intended message being shared is. Understanding context is always vital.

Y'shua was speaking here to his fellow Jews, not to Gentiles. He was clarifying to them that he was not preaching in opposition to the leaders of the Jewish people. He clearly accepted their authority over him as a Jew. He was however anointed by HaShem to call them to return to the truths expressed in the Written Torah, which he insisted they had lost sight of (during their Babylonian captivity).

Towards the end of this chapter and in the beginning of chapter 24 the Master directly tells the religious leaders of his people that due to their lack of loyalty to HaShem and His Torah Holy Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) and the Beit HaMikdash (the Holy Temple) would be destroyed and Gentile powers would trod Eretz Israel under their feet until the End of the Times of the Gentiles:

Luke 21:24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Both Jews and Gentiles are currently at odds with HaShem's Holy Will as the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible), the B'rit Hadashah (New Testament books) and Master Y'shua make clear. As Gentile/Noahide followers of Y'shua we are answerable to his teachings first and foremost because he is our Cohen Gadol (High Priest), our Mediator with HaShem (I Timothy 2:5). His teachings are perfectly harmonious with those of the Tanakh, even though his interpretations occasionally differ from those of the Rabbis, the Karaite elders and other Jews.

The Way is a Noahide inclusive reform movement that offers a different way of looking at the Torah. Y'shua challenged their interpretations and their devotion to HaShem, not their authority. Indeed his acceptance of their authority is why his harshest words were reserved for them. For instance:

Matthew 23:24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

The Sheva Mitzvot are certainly applicable to all Noahides. They were after all given directly given to us before there was a called-out Jewish religion, even before the birth of Abraham:

The Noahide Laws

1. Worship Only HaShem
2. Honor and Praise HaShem
3. Respect and Protect Human Life
4. Respect the Family
5. Respect the Rights and Properties of Others
6. Respect the Sanctity of all Life
7. Pursue Justice

As for our being under the authority of the Rabbis at this time however, I don't see that in the Tanakh or the B'rit Hadashah. This is an area where I differ with most people who call themselves Noahides.

Gentiles living among Jews are answerable to them ("strangers in the gate" etc) however we have our own covenants with HaShem and our own responsibilities as talmidim (followers) of Y'shua.

Once the Kingdom is established there will be a Jewish priesthood to whom all will submit, but even then, there will be Noahide priests as well (like Melchizedek to whom even Abraham tithed). HaShem is the God of all people: of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile.

As Apostle Paul explains in Romans 11 we followers of Y'shua have been "grafted in" along with the Jews in the service of HaShem as two peoples of one faith (Romans 11:28,29). The Book of the Acts of the Apostles records how the early Way followers sought the Will of Ruach HaKodesh (HaShem's Presence) in this matter. Their determination:

Acts 15:19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
15:20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

Does this nullify the Seven laws? No.

However understand that a central pillar of Y'shua's reform movement has to do with freeing everyone ("Shabbat was made for man not man for Shabbat") -- Jews and Noahides alike -- from legalism (compare Galatians 3:1-). He calls us all to be responsible spiritual adults who need not cite rules and regulations to know and do what is right:

Micah 6:6 Wherewith shall I come before HaShem, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?
6:7 Will HaShem be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth HaShem require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Or as Y'shua explained:

Matthew 22:35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,
22:36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

As talmidim of Y'shua we understand the Torah to be our school master (Galatians 3:24,25). All who live godly lives will fulfill the Sheva Mitzvot automatically because the Seven Laws have been placed within our consciousness to perform.



Children
Of Noah
The Noahide Nazarene Way
Thus Say the Prophets
Jewish Studies
Christian Studies
Islamic Studies
Thus Say the Prophets
John of AllFaith's Main Blog
AllFaith.com

Friday, June 11, 2010

"Is It Shabbos Yet?"-Chabad Of West Pasco

Two nice videos for Shabbos:

This first is really cute and shares good info to boot!

"Is It Shabbos Yet?"-Chabad Of West Pasco

(Chana & Zelda Eber Celebrating their 3rd b-day -- 2008)

Good Shabbos

New music in celebration of the Holy Day of HaShem Our Creator.

Shabbat Shalom Dear Friends!

Officer to Obama: See you in court

An Army officer who invited his own court-martial to resolve for the nation questions about Barack Obama's eligibility to be president has waived a preliminary hearing in his case.

Lt. Col. Terrence Lakin, who refused orders from a chain of command led by Obama, also today released a new video explaining why documentation needs to be released by Obama that could confirm that he qualifies to be president under the Constitution's demand that the office by held only by a "natural born citizen."

Lakin was scheduled for an Article 32 military hearing tomorrow, the equivalent of a civilian preliminary hearing in a court case. But Daniel J. Driscoll, an Army hearing officer, had banned Lakin from bringing in evidence about Obama's birth as well as testimony from Hawaii officials who may have information on the subject.

"In my view our constitutional jurisprudence allows Congress alone, and not a military judicial body, to put the president's credentials on trial," Driscoll wrote in a memorandum determining what evidence the defense for Lakin would have been allowed.

But in a new video, Lakin said the issue is important:

Read More: By Bob Unruh, WND

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Whitman won: What Republicans and Conservatives Should do next.

As expected, Democratic Globalist Party plant Meg Whitman has won the Republican nomination for governor of California, showing yet again that the US and many of the states are being lead by a one party dictatorship and that large segments of the state are politically asleep to what is happening.

This means that in November two staunch supporters of Barry Sotero and Nancy Pelosi will be conducting a mock campaign to further destroy California and assist in the implementation of the coming Global Union.

My advise is for all Republicans and Conservatives to vote for Democrat Jerry Brown for governor.

Throughout his career Jerry Brown has shown himself to be an avowed liberal and proponent of full government takeover and control.

But at least he's honest about it! Unlike Whitman.

In the days leading up to her nomination Whitman aired last minute deceptive ads stating her opposition to illegal immigration, sanctuary cities and so on. What her ad did not say is that she supports legalizing all the illegals. If they are all legal there will be no "illegal immigration" problem.

Sadly, her main opponent Steve Poizner
became a member of the CFR (the globalist Council on Foreign Relations) in 2006 so this was going to be a globalist takeover of the state whichever one won the Republican nomination.

IF conservatives refuse to vote for this deception enmasse it could make a slight positive dent in what the party leaders do next. If they vote for Meg Whitman in November they might as well be voting for Obama and Nancy Pelosi. There are no fundamental difference in their views.

If Whitman beats Brown she will effectively open the borders and begin selling the state on E-Bay (she is its founder).

If Jerry Brown wins he will further open the border and give the state away through incompetence and liberal policies.

We are intensifying our search for a new state to move to. Any suggestions?

We'd like to find a place with a fairly moderate climate (not too hot in Summer nor too cold in winter) and one that is moderately priced... that supports the First and Second Amendments and that is more freedom minded and likely to stand against the federal government as needed.

California needs to completely collapse, to go bankrupt, to hit rock bottom (we already have in education, second amendment protections etc). Then MAYBE Californians will join those awakening in Arizona, Texas and elsewhere and begin the process of waking up.