2019 Q4 Jewish Voice Today Magazine by Jewish Voice Ministries International

4TH QUARTER 2019

JEWISH VOICE TODAY MAGAZINE

THE JEWISH VOICE HEAR O’ ISRAEL! FESTIVAL OF JEWISH MUSIC & DANCE

IS GOING WHERE IT’S NEVER GONE BEFORE! (Find out where on page 14!) PLUS

PASSOVER & YOM KIPPUR: PROPHETIC BOOKENDS by Rabbi Jonathan Bernis THE STORY OF ROSH HASHANAH

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Today!

Right now, Jewish people in Israel and across the globe are suffering and need to hear the Gospel.

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You Meet the Need: • Humanitarian Aid • Ministry in Israel • Sharing the Gospel with Jewish People and their Neighbors

SHALOM Dear Partner in Ministry, Shalom, my friend! We want to truly experience the power and mystery of faith in the days and weeks ahead during this holiday season. That’s why we’ve dedicated this fourth quarter edition of Jewish Voice Today to unpacking the Fall Feasts and Chanukah. God wants to meet with you. Think about that for a moment – the Creator of the entire universe and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob wants to connect with you. And while that should be enough to amaze you, God has even provided certain times and ways for us to engage with Him. Through the Scriptures, He shows us when and how. That’s what this edition of Jewish Voice Today is all about: helping you discover the meaning of the Fall

Feasts and Chanukah, exploring their significance, uncovering the prophetic images of Yeshua ( Jesus) and their purpose to grow your faith as you enter into God’s presence. In fact, this Chanukah will be especially significant as we will be in Poland to celebrate the holiday and provide the opportunity for the Jewish people there to experience Yeshua ( Jesus). See page 14 for more exciting details! I pray you’ll experience God in a new, meaningful and powerful way, and as you read, please also pray about giving a generous gift. Your support would be a tremendous blessing in our work of providing both physical and spiritual care to Jewish people and their neighbors. God bless you! To the Jew first and also to the Nations,

Jonathan Bernis

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The opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of Jewish Voice Ministries International. Any form of reproduction of any content in this publication without the express written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. © 2019 Jewish Voice Ministries International. All rights reserved. All Bible references TLV, unless otherwise noted.

MAKE AN ETERNAL IMPACT Become a

SHALOM PARTNER

Today!

Right now, Jewish people in Israel and across the globe are suffering and need to hear the Gospel.

Your Monthly Gift Provides Immediate Care

You Meet the Need: • Humanitarian Aid • Ministry in Israel • Sharing the Gospel with Jewish People and their Neighbors

Jonathan Bernis

You Get a Monthly Update Showing Your Impact

Say “Yes!” to becoming a Shalom Partner! jewishvoice.org/shalompartnership • 800-299-9374

Jewish Voice Ministries International P.O. Box 31998 Phoenix, AZ 85046-1998 USA 602-971-8501 1-800-299-9374 www.jewishvoice.org

Jewish Voice Ministries Canada P.O. Box 476 Maple Ridge, BC V2X 3P2 1-855-793-7482 www.jewishvoice.ca

Jewish Voice Ministries UK Admail 4224 London W2 4UN 1-855-993-7482 www.jvmi.co.uk

/JewishVoice /jewishvoicetoday @jewish_voice

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Passover And Yom Kippur: Prophetic Bookends

PASSOVER AND YOM KIPPUR:

PROPHETIC BOOKENDS BY JONATHAN BERNIS

t sunset on October 8th, Jewish people worldwide will observe the moad (appointed time) of Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. On this day, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, Jews from every background, from the most Orthodox to the least observant, will go to synagogue to ask God to forgive them of their sins. In Israel, everything will completely shut down. Cars will not be allowed to be driven on the roads; the television stations will stop broadcasting and shops will close. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed on the streets. This is the only day of the year when Israel completely stops. That is how important the Day of Atonement is. And yet the Jewish people will observe this day without understanding its full meaning – because this is a prophetic event that can only be seen by those who have eyes to see. In Hebrews 10:1 (NIV) we read that “the law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming – not the realities themselves.” In other words, the events, festivals and rites of ancient Israel contained more than just the initial observance or meaning ... they were a roadmap that pointed to greater redemptive events that would take place in the future.

TWO SHADOWS Yom Kippur occurs just after the start of the Jewish calendar year. Later, in the spring, Jewish people observe another major feast: Passover. Both are important and beautiful. But I believe these two moadim, or appointed times, are, in fact, the most important and the most prophetic of the entire Jewish calendar. Now, at first glance, Yom Kippur and Passover may appear to have little in common. But when we look deeper, we find that they both point directly to the Messiah, Yeshua ( Jesus). When seen together, they give a complete picture of God’s redemptive work through Yeshua: from His first coming, when He willingly died for our sins, to His second, when He’ll come again in great power and glory. Let’s start with a look at Passover.

PASSOVER – MESSIAH AS THE LAMB For 400 years, the children of Israel were slaves in

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Egypt. They cried out to God for a deliverer; and through Moses, He answered them. As Moses wrestled with Pharaoh for the release of his people, God decreed ten plagues upon Egypt as judgment. Each was terrifying in its own right, but it was the tenth and final plague that brought Egypt to its knees: God sent an Angel of Death to kill every firstborn male child. Now, remember, the Israelites were still living among the Egyptians at this time. They would have been vulnerable to this plague, too, had it not been for God’s protection. And that protection came unexpectedly through a Lamb. God instructed Moses to tell each Israelite family to take a young, healthy lamb, without blemish, and to kill it. Each family was to paint the lamb’s blood, like a secret signal, on their doorposts. The Angel of Death would see the blood and know to pass over the house, God decreed in Exodus chapter 12. The children who lived behind a door covered with the blood of a lamb would not die. Even the language of this story should sound familiar to Believers: the children of Israel are spared by the blood of the lamb. Not only is this event – the original Passover – the greatest event in the history of Israel; it’s a shadow of an even greater salvation: the Gospel. It’s in this early story, tucked inside the book of Exodus, where we first see a glimpse of the Messiah as a sacrificial Lamb. Like the people of Israel, we need saving from death. Like the people of Israel, God offers us protection through blood: the blood of a young, healthy Lamb, without blemish (sin) – Yeshua! It is when we apply the blood of this Lamb on the doorposts of our hearts that the angel of eternal death passes over us. The image of a lamb is used to describe the Messiah time and time again throughout the Scriptures. Isaiah 53, though written hundreds of years before Jesus was born, is one of the clearest Messianic prophecies we find in the Old Testament. It says: He was oppressed and He was afflicted yet He did not open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter, like a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He did not open his mouth. —Isaiah 53:7

4th Quarter 2019

Passover And Yom Kippur: Prophetic Bookends

PASSOVER AND YOM KIPPUR:

PROPHETIC BOOKENDS BY JONATHAN BERNIS

PASSOVER – MESSIAH AS THE LAMB For 400 years, the children of Israel were slaves in

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4th Quarter 2019

Passover And Yom Kippur: Prophetic Bookends

To a Jewish person’s ears, this Scripture sets bells ringing. It sparks a shock of recognition – because we know all about a lamb that saves. We remember that lamb, honor its significance, and thank God for our rescue through that lamb every spring at Passover. It’s as if Isaiah was going out of his way to be obvious: my dear Israel, God used a lamb to save you once. He will do it again, through the sacrificial Lamb, Jesus, the Messiah!

YOM KIPPUR – GOD AS JUDGE After the terror and death of the plagues in Egypt, Pharaoh finally released the Jewish people out of captivity. God led them, through Moses, out from Egypt into the wilderness. It was here we see God set the stage for another high and holy moed: Yom Kippur. The Day of Atonement. While the Israelites lived in the wilderness, God gave Moses a set of instructions. This was another shadow meant to point to a fuller, future reality. He said to build a tabernacle with three areas. First was an outer court, then an inner court. Only the priests from the line of Moses’ brother, Aaron, could enter here. But even beyond this inner court was the third compartment: the Holy of Holies. This was where the Shekinah – the glory of God – dwelt. This is

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Passover And Yom Kippur: Prophetic Bookends

where the Ark of the Covenant was carefully placed. And once a year, the high priest – and he alone – could enter this mysterious place. Here, he would offer the blood of the sacrifices to atone for the sins of Israel. God was specific in His instructions. He required blood sacrifice to atone for sin. As we are told in Leviticus 17:11, “For the life of the creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your lives – for it is the blood that makes atonement because of the life.” This is restated again in Hebrews 9:22, “And nearly everything is purified in blood according to the Torah, and apart from the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

THE FINAL “YOM KIPPUR” – MESSIAH AS THE LION We see in Passover and Yom Kippur two very different pictures of the Messiah. First, at Passover as the Lamb who comes to lay down His life as a sacrifice. Then, at Yom Kippur as the returning Messiah who comes in glory and power as the righteous Judge of all flesh. It can be difficult at first glance to reconcile the images of God that we see in these two prophetic bookends: the sacrificial Lamb at Passover, and the

wrathful Judge who demanded a blood sacrifice on Yom Kippur. In fact, the ancient sages found they simply couldn’t reconcile these, and so they taught that there must be two Messiahs: the Lamb, and the Lion. The very same Old Testament Prophet – Isaiah – who described the Messiah as a sacrificial Lamb in chapter 53 elsewhere describes Him in much stronger terms: He will strike the land with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. —Isaiah 11:4 Isaiah was sharing a glimpse here of the Messiah when He would come a second time. Here, he’s speaking of Yeshua’s return to the world, when he will cast a final judgment on the people and usher in a golden age of peace and prosperity. I believe this final judgment, at the Messiah’s Second Coming, is the ultimate fulfillment of Yom Kippur. In those days, Scripture says Yeshua will come as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah “with power and great glory” to “gather His people” and establish His Father’s Kingdom on Earth (see Matthew 24 for a breathtaking account of this exciting day).

HOW WE PLAY OUR PART

Then I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication, when they will look toward Me whom they pierced. They will mourn for him as one mourns for an only son and grieve bitterly for him, as one grieves for a firstborn. In that day there will be a great mourning in Jerusalem ... . —Zechariah 12:10-11 Zechariah is describing a turning here: the turning of the people of Israel to belief in the Messiah, Yeshua. When God’s people finally confess “blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” I believe it will usher in the final judgment – the final Yom Kippur – and the beginning of God’s beautiful Kingdom here on Earth. That means we – and you – are Kingdom workers! What a privilege to be part of this great plan. What a privilege to celebrate the sacrificial Lamb each Passover and to look for the final fulfillment of Yom Kippur each autumn. It is my prayer that God will lift your eyes this season to the heavens, where He will come again, soon, in glory!

This may be surprising to you, but I believe we are living in the Last Days now. I believe the work we are doing at Jewish Voice to bring the Good News to the Jewish people is a pivotal part of God’s plan as we move toward the final fulfillment of Yom Kippur. Just look at this prophecy from Zechariah:

4th Quarter 2019

Passover And Yom Kippur: Prophetic Bookends

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Passover And Yom Kippur: Prophetic Bookends

HOW WE PLAY OUR PART

4th Quarter 2019

HEAR O ISRAEL HEAR O ISRAEL BOOKMARK

Keep your place in any book with this deluxe, leather-like bookmark. This dual-tone maroon bookmark has matching stitching around the edges to ensure a durable, long life. The words of Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One” – are debossed in gold foil on the front, and a maroon ribbon complements the design and adds functionality for marking your page. Bookmark measures 1.5” W x 5.5” H, plus the ribbon.

NEW

HEAR O ISRAEL JOURNAL

This handsome journal has many uses. You can use it to record your personal thoughts, Bible study notes or prayer requests. Each of the 400 lined pages is edged in gold and includes a Scripture verse. A maroon ribbon bookmark will keep your place. The leather-like cover is dual-tone maroon with matched stitching and is debossed with the words of Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.” This striking journal measures 5.5” W x 8.5” H.

HEAR O ISRAEL PLAQUE

“Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One!” The words from Deuteronomy 6:4 are the cornerstone of the Jewish faith. Yeshua affirmed them when He declared that He and the Father are One ( John 10:30). This wooden plaque will offer spiritual truth and inspiration as it adorns your wall. The plaque measures 15.5” H x 11.5” W and has a saw-tooth hanger for mounting.

See enclosed reply to request yours today.

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This Hear O Israel set is our special gift of thanks to you when you partner with JVMI with your gift of $100 or more to help transform lives through the love of Yeshua ( Jesus) and see all Israel saved.

4th Quarter 2019

HEAR O ISRAEL HEAR O ISRAEL BOOKMARK

NEW

HEAR O ISRAEL JOURNAL

HEAR O ISRAEL PLAQUE

See enclosed reply to request yours today.

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4th Quarter 2019

The Significance of Rosh Hashanah

The

Significance of Rosh Hashanah BY DR. MICHAEL BROWN

lthough I grew up in a Jewish home in New York, we were not a religious family, and the Jewish community in which we lived was not religious. That meant that sometimes, on a Saturday morning, my father would get an emergency phone call. “Abe,” the caller would say, “could you come and join us right now at the shul [synagogue]?” You see, in Jewish tradition, to have an official public service, you need to have at least 10 men present. But on some Sabbaths, there would only be 9, including the rabbi. So, my dad would quickly shower then hurry over to the synagogue, just to meet the necessary quorum. That’s how little religious interest there was in our community. But when it came time for the High Holy Days, like Passover in the spring or Rosh Hashanah in the fall, the building would be packed. In fact, the synagogue had to build an annex that seated more than 300 people. Everyone got religious at that time of the year. For me, though, these services were a drudgery, and before I became a follower of Yeshua – when I was a drug-using hippie rock-drummer – I not only found the services boring; I found them bizarre. Yes, in my ignorance and unbelief, I found the Prayer Book very odd, saying to myself once, “This

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God must be on some kind of ego trip, wanting us to repeat all these great things about Him.” Thank the Lord for His incredible mercy. He did not treat me as my folly deserved. But as far as understanding the significance of these High Holy Days, I must confess that they took on no real significance to me as a new Believer. I came to faith in a little, Italian Pentecostal church, and every day was the same to us. Sunday was no different than Monday (although we did have a Sunday morning service). Easter was no different than Memorial Day (which, of course, had no spiritual significance to us). As for the biblical (and Jewish) calendar, we hardly thought about that. It was Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, all day, every day. But that doesn’t mean that there is no significance to certain times of the year. That doesn’t mean that the biblical calendar has no meaning. To the contrary, Jesus brings that calendar into its fullest meaning. Through Him, our understanding is deepened. When it comes to the Fall Holy Days, there is a sense of awe that I have; a sense of sobriety. For a traditional Jew, it is an especially sacred time of the year, a time of soul-searching and repenting, a time of repentance and new beginnings. In traditional Judaism, the biblical Feast of Trumpets becomes Rosh Hashanah, the New Year.

But this is not a time for partying and celebration. It is a time of accounting. The trumpet blast represents a wake-up call. As explained by Moses Maimonides (1135–1204) in his Laws of Repentance, this is the message of the trumpet (shofar) blast: “Wake up from your sleep, you sleepers! Arise from your slumber, you slumberers! Examine your deeds! Return to God! Remember your creator! Those of you who forget the truth in the futilities of the times and spend all year in vanity and emptiness, look into your soul, improve your ways and your deeds. Let each of you abandon his evil ways and his immoral thoughts.” The next 10 days, from the first day of Tishrei to the 10th day, are called the Days of Awe, culminating in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. On this day, for a 25-hour period, religious Jews do a complete fast and spend most of the time in the synagogue, confessing their sins and asking for mercy, determining to turn from disobedience to obedience. And it is at this time that they believe the Lord determines whether or not to inscribe their names in the Book of Life for another year. Obviously, as a born-again, blood-washed follower of the Messiah, I have a very different perspective on forgiveness of sins. Through Yeshua’s death and resurrection, we have been forgiven, and we walk in that reality 24/7. When we do wrong, we turn from it and receive fresh cleansing, but we know that we have already been redeemed and that our eternal atonement has been purchased. Still, I recognize that, in the spiritual realm, something is happening during the Fall Holy Days. Just the fact Throughout Scripture, the shofar has been at the center of the nation of Israel and God’s Chosen People. Shofars have traditionally heralded the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, and ended the day of fasting on Yom Kippur. Even to this day, the shofar is a part of Jewish culture, especially in Israel.

that so many Jews are crying out to God for mercy and forgiveness means that this is an opportune time for the Spirit to turn the people of Israel to Yeshua the Messiah. And because the themes of divine judgment are in the air, there’s a sense of unusual sobriety I often feel as the season turns from summer to fall. I’m not alone in feeling this way. There are prophets who get their annual marching orders from the Lord at this time of the year. There are men and women of the Spirit who sense this is a special time of the Father speaking to His children. And there are others who simply realize that, while every moment in the Lord is sacred and holy, there are times and seasons when He speaks and acts and moves in unusual ways. All the more, then, should we present ourselves afresh to God at this special time of the year, turning away from everything impure, renewing our hearts and minds in total devotion to the Lord, asking Him for fresh revelation and insight through His Word, and interceding for the salvation of the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Let the people of God say amen! Dr. Michael Brown Dr. Michael Brown is the founder and president of FIRE School of Ministry in Concord, North Carolina, Director of the Coalition of Conscience and host of the daily, nationally syndicated talk radio show, The Line of Fire, as well as the host of the apologetics TV show, Answering Your Toughest Questions, which airs on the NRB TV network. Since becoming a Believer in 1971, he has preached throughout America and around the world, bringing a message of repentance, revival, reformation and cultural revolution.

It is our special gift of thanks to you when you partner with JVMI with a gift of $1000 or more to help transform lives through the love of Yeshua (Jesus) and see all Israel saved. Just use the enclosed form to request this extraordinary silver-plated shofar with our deepest gratitude.

Colors, textures and finishes vary in these natural horns, but all are beautiful and fully functional. Silver trim designs vary. Sizes of the Large Kudu Shofar range between 36–40 inches in length including curvature.

4th Quarter 2019

The Significance of Rosh Hashanah

The

Significance of Rosh Hashanah BY DR. MICHAEL BROWN

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4th Quarter 2019

Wondering at Yom Kippur — Making the Connection

WONDERING AT YOM KIPPUR – MAKING THE CONNECTION

Yeshua Messiah is not like the High Priests who needed to make offerings for their own sins before they could address Israel’s. His sacrifice was made once and for all, atoning for our sin completely.

t’s the holiest day of the Jewish year. Observances differ today from those of long ago, but Yom Kippur’s focus remains the same: man’s need for atonement. Fasting and Sabbath rest remain vital components of Yom Kippur; however, there is no longer a Temple at which to make the sacrifices God ordained. What was it like in ancient days when the blood of animals atoned for Israel’s sins one year at a time? Imagine with us a pensive Israelite explaining the day.

) The air around the tabernacle is thick today. It is Yom Kippur, the annual Day of Atonement when the Almighty, Holy God covers our sin. We haven’t eaten anything. God commanded that we afflict our souls, so we fast on this day. He also commanded a complete Sabbath, so, we don’t do any work. There is nothing to keep our minds off the

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hunger we feel, nothing to distract us from the meaning of this day. It seems that’s how God wanted it. The sacrifices are unpleasant. The young animals are the hardest to see die. Their big eyes and gentle features attest to their youth and innocence. A young bull, a ram, and two goats will be sacrificed today. One of the goats will be slaughtered and one led outside the camp into the wilderness, bearing Israel’s sins. Other holidays require more sacrifices, but on the Day of Atonement, I see most clearly why they die. They die because of our sins. If we didn’t sin, the affliction of this day would not be necessary. God is so holy that if Aaron, the High Priest, does something wrong today, he could die. Here is what he must do: First, Aaron will fully bathe – not just washing his hands and feet like for his service on other days. Normally, his priestly attire is bright and colorful, but today, he wears special garments of white linen. By

the end of the day, his clothing will be as red as crimson with the blood of the animals dying for our sin. Before Aaron can offer a sacrifice for Israel, he must cover his own sin and his family’s. He is required to slaughter a young bull, putting its blood into a bowl. Adonai told us that without blood, there is no forgiveness of sins. The life of a creature is in its blood. It dies so that we may live before our Holy God. Next, Aaron will place coals from the altar into a firepan and top them with two handfuls of incense. He’ll take the smoking pan behind the curtain and into the Holy of Holies. This is the one day each year when he goes into the presence of the Lord. The cloud from the incense will cover the Mercy Seat, which is the “atonement cover” over the Ark of the Covenant where the glory of the Lord dwells. Without this cloud, Aaron would die. Then he’ll bring in the bull’s blood and sprinkle it seven times onto the atonement cover. After this, he’ll slaughter the sacrificial goat and sprinkle its blood on the Mercy Seat. Aaron must also make atonement for the Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting and the altar to cleanse them from the sins that they have born over the last year. Aaron will lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the sins of Israel. Another man will take the goat outside the camp and lead it into the wilderness. This symbolizes our forgiveness and the removal of sin from among us. With this, our sin is covered – for now. It is only temporary. I know that tomorrow, new sin will enter the camp, if not by me, then another. Next year, we will do this all over

again ‒ the day of solemn rest, no work, fasting, afflicting our souls in reflection on our guilt, and worst of all, the innocent dying for the guilty. It’s the cost of covering our sin before the Holy God. We all sin, and without blood, there is no forgiveness. Year after year, the innocent die for our guilt. How could it be otherwise?

) We are left to wonder if, in the days of sacrifices, the Israelites ever pondered: What if God would accept a once-and-for-all offering to atone for sin. Could there ever be such a perfect sacrifice? Biblical history provides the answer. Isaiah 53 foretells the suffering Messiah who bears our sins. But He was pierced because of our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities…. We all like sheep have gone astray. Each of us turned to his own way. So ADONAI has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. – Isaiah 53:5‒6 A single sacrifice to finish the matter of our sin forever? The New Covenant book of Hebrews reveals the connection between Yom Kippur’s annual events and Yeshua’s ( Jesus’) once and for all offering. This book, written specifically to Jewish people, explains that Jesus is both our High Priest and the sacrifice, the offering and the One delivering it. But when Messiah appeared as Kohen Gadol [High Priest] … He entered into the Holies once for all – not by the blood of goats and calves but by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. – Hebrews 9:11‒12

Yeshua Messiah is not like the High Priests who needed to make offerings for their own sins before they could address Israel’s. And His was made once and for all, atoning for our sin completely. He has no need to offer up sacrifices day by day like those other kohanim g’dolim [high priests] – first for their own sins and then for the sins of the people. For when He offered up Himself, He did this once for all. – Hebrews 7:27 With Jesus’ last breath, He said, “It is finished” ( John 19:30). The atoning work He was sent to do was complete. The author of Hebrews affirms this finality by revealing that Jesus then sat down. When this One offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God – waiting from then on, until His enemies are made a footstool for His feet. For by one offering He has perfected forever those being made holy. – Hebrews 10:12-14 For those who place their faith in Jesus’ sacrificial death, there is no more condemnation, no more separation from God, and no more sacrifice for sin (Romans 8:1, 5:1‒2, Hebrews 9:28). Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15)!

4th Quarter 2019

Wondering at Yom Kippur — Making the Connection

WONDERING AT YOM KIPPUR – MAKING THE CONNECTION

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4th Quarter 2019

The Open Door We’ve Been Waiting For!

The

OPEN

DOOR

We’ve Been Waiting For!

In 1993,

just four years after the fall of the Soviet Union, God called Jonathan Bernis to an innovative form of outreach to share the Good News of Yeshua ( Jesus) with Jewish people in the former Soviet Union. The Hear O’ Israel! Festivals of Jewish Music & Dance were born.

The Hear O’ Israel! Festivals of Jewish Music & Dance have a rich and powerful history in these areas, and there is something new on the horizon! Right now, God has opened the doors for Jewish Voice to host one of our life-changing Hear O’ Israel! Festivals of Jewish Music & Dance in the heart of Poland. Once the home of a vibrant and thriving Jewish community, the country’s 1,000-year Jewish history was all but erased by the evils of Hitler and his Nazi regime. Millions died, and among the few who survived, many hid their Jewish identity in an effort to escape past trauma and avoid

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This Festival brings more opportunity to celebrate the miracle of God’s work among His people and to also share the lifetransforming message of Yeshua! The power of the Gospel will be demonstrated through song and dance. We pray that the Jewish people of Poland will experience what the Scriptures describe: “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16 NIV).

These Festivals are vibrant celebrations of Jewish culture, heritage and history, showcasing world class vocalists, musicians and dancers from the U.S., Israel and Europe. During each performance, Jonathan shares his testimony and a clear, simple opportunity to respond to the Gospel and also to receive prayer. Over the past 26 years, there have been more than 20 Festivals all over the world including Eastern Europe, Latin America, India and more! During that time, more than half a million people have attended!

future persecution. For decades, Jewish life was but a remnant of the past, an echo in the empty spaces left by the Holocaust.

This year, as Chanukah and Christmas converge, our team will put on a world-class holiday show in Poland that celebrates the shared history of the Jewish people and Poland.

But things are changing in Poland! Today, Poland is experiencing a revival of Jewish life and culture. The country is in the process of reclaiming all aspects of its Jewish heritage. With the rise in popularity of DNA tests, Polish Christians in both the Catholic and Protestant churches are discovering that they have a Jewish parent or grandparent. And throughout Poland’s major cities, there is a growing fascination with all things Jewish ‒ food, music, history and art. People are celebrating Jewish culture as an integral part of Polish cultural identity.

JEWISH VOICE

Hear O’ Israel! Festival of Jewish Music & Dance in the heart of Poland DECEMBER 13-23, 2019

And God is placing Jewish Voice Ministries right in the middle of it! This endeavor is the first-ever of its kind for JVMI in Poland.

4th Quarter 2019

The Open Door We’ve Been Waiting For!

The

OPEN

DOOR

We’ve Been Waiting For!

In 1993,

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future persecution. For decades, Jewish life was but a remnant of the past, an echo in the empty spaces left by the Holocaust.

This year, as Chanukah and Christmas converge, our team will put on a world-class holiday show in Poland that celebrates the shared history of the Jewish people and Poland.

JEWISH VOICE

Hear O’ Israel! Festival of Jewish Music & Dance in the heart of Poland DECEMBER 13-23, 2019

And God is placing Jewish Voice Ministries right in the middle of it! This endeavor is the first-ever of its kind for JVMI in Poland.

4th Quarter 2019

The Open Door We’ve Been Waiting For!

OUR THANK YOU GIFTS TO YOU

As you give today, we want to thank you with these gifts of appreciation. It means so much to have you standing by our side as together we stand with Israel. Thank you for your faithful prayers and financial support.

For your gift of $30 or more:

bookmark, journal and our Hear O’ Israel! plaque. It will make an inspiring addition to your house décor, sharing the words of Deuteronomy 6.

But it’s so much more: Jonathan will give a stirring message presenting Yeshua as the Messiah who is longed for by the Jewish people and was given for the sin of us all. He will also share God’s plan for Israel and the Jewish people. To make this Festival a success, we need your help! It’s urgent that we do everything we can right now to ensure as many Jewish people as possible in Poland encounter Yeshua the Messiah.

We must seize this precious moment in history! We’re taking a HUGE step of faith to walk through this open door. Will you take a step of faith with us and send a gift of support? Through your gift today, you can give Jewish people the once-in-alifetime opportunity to encounter Yeshua.

As our special thank you for your gift of $30 or more today, we’ll send you a special Hear O’ Israel! bookmark that includes the words of Deuteronomy 6:4 in gold foil on the front: “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.” We’ll also include our Hear O’ Israel! journal to record your personal thoughts, Bible study notes or prayer requests. Each of the 400 lined pages is edged in gold and includes a Scripture verse. If you can send a gift of $100, we’d like to bless you with the

You see, this isn’t just about the music and the dancing. We’re asking for your help to make a difference in someone’s eternity! Please give quickly and as generously as you can.

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These are small tokens of our appreciation for you and your generosity to help more Jewish people experience and encounter Yeshua, the Messiah, through our Hear O’ Israel! Festival of Jewish Music & Dance in Poland. Use the enclosed response form to send your gift of support today. Your wonderful partnership means so much as together we reach the Jewish people in the heart of Poland and around the world. Thank you for your faithful support.

Hear O Israel Bookmark Keep your place in any book with this deluxe, leather-like bookmark. This dual-tone maroon bookmark has matching stitching around the edges to ensure a durable, long life. The words of Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One” – are debossed in gold foil on the front, and a maroon ribbon complements the design and adds functionality for marking your page. Bookmark measures 1.5” W x 5.5” H, plus the ribbon. Hear O Israel Journal This handsome journal has many uses. You can use it to record your personal thoughts, Bible study notes or prayer requests. Each of the 400 lined pages is edged in gold and includes a Scripture verse. A maroon ribbon bookmark will keep your place. The leatherlike cover is dual-tone maroon with matched stitching and is debossed with the words of Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.” This striking journal measures 5.5” W x 8.5” H.

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For your gift of $100 or more: Hear O Israel Bookmark Hear O Israel Journal Hear O Israel Plaque “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One!” The words from Deuteronomy 6:4 are the cornerstone of the Jewish faith. Yeshua affirmed them when He declared that He and the Father are One (John 10:30). This wooden plaque will offer spiritual truth and inspiration as it adorns your wall. The plaque measures 15.5” H x 11.5” W and has a saw-tooth hanger for mounting.

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For your gift of $1000 or more: Large Silver-Trimmed Kudu Shofar This beautiful shofar is made of a Kudu horn and is exquisitely adorned with handcrafted silver-plated accents. In ancient days, the shofar was blown to announce the beginning of religious holidays, ceremonies and even battle. Today, the shofar is sounded at the feasts of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Colors, textures, and finishes vary in these natural horns, but all are beautiful and fully functional. Sizes range between 36–40 inches in length, including curvature.

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For your gift of $50 or more: Chanukiah Enjoy your own Chanukiah, the nine-branched candelabra of Chanukah. This original design is unique to Jewish Voice Ministries International with our Star of David and wheat stalk logo revealing our call to see a great harvest of many souls come to the Light of the World – Yeshua. This metal Chanukiah is pewter-toned with gold-toned accents 3110 and will surely inspire your Chanukah celebration.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FAITHFUL SUPPORT.

4th Quarter 2019

The Open Door We’ve Been Waiting For!

OUR THANK YOU GIFTS TO YOU

For your gift of $30 or more:

bookmark, journal and our Hear O’ Israel! plaque. It will make an inspiring addition to your house décor, sharing the words of Deuteronomy 6.

You see, this isn’t just about the music and the dancing. We’re asking for your help to make a difference in someone’s eternity! Please give quickly and as generously as you can.

Jewish Voice Today 1-888-921-4582 jewishvoice.org/magazine

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2180

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR FAITHFUL SUPPORT.

4th Quarter 2019

Seasons of Giving

SEASONS OF GIVING BY PAUL WILBUR

or the last seven or eight years, my family has attended a wonderful, large independent charismatic church in Jacksonville called Celebration Church. The lead pastor, Stovall Weems, and his wife, Kerri, are responsible for some 20,000 people on three continents! By this time, you may have even seen Pastor Stovall and I along with Jonathan on one of the Jewish Voice broadcasts telling the story of how Yeshua visited Celebration Church last year on Passover (go to: jewishvoice. org/watch/all). As you might imagine, it was a transformational moment in the life of pastor Stovall and the entire church family! Why mention this here? Let me take a few lines to explain. Prior to Passover 2018, Celebration Church was a dynamic, Spirit-filled, evangelistic, worshiping church ... but with no real understanding of the importance of Israel, the Jewish people, the Feasts, the Kingdom, and more. The large and anointed staff was concerned with growing a large church even larger and becoming more influential in the cities where they were planted. The theme or motto of the church was “The God First Life,” and they were doing just fine until a divine interruption changed everything. From the very first moments after Pastor Stovall had his encounter (an open vision) with the living Jesus, his perspective on many things gained a Kingdom supercharger. He became a voracious reader and student of all things Kingdom. One of the major shifts was the emphasis on the Table of the Lord, communion. Others were water baptism, the Feasts and the Shabbat in particular. One of the biggest

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motivators toward all this was found in what we know as “The Lord’s Prayer” found in Matthew 6:9–13. The phrase that really began to take on a whole new meaning is verse 10, which says, “Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth … AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.” How so? You see, while we were celebrating the Passover here in Jacksonville, Florida, it appears that Heaven was celebrating the Passover there at the appointed time! Do you see what I am saying here? The intention for us all being “a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a people belonging to God” is that we would be a mirror reflection of heavenly life right here on earth … as it is in heaven! And this has carried over into all aspects of our lives ever since this divine encounter. The language of our worship has changed to a more intimate expression, taking time to listen for the voice of the Spirit and to minister His life to one another during the services. Our homes have become a focal point for raising up sons and daughters in faith, dad and mom as the priests of their home, opening up their doors to welcome neighbors and guests, and to introduce them to Yeshua. The table of the Lord has been extended to our homes, and the covenant of His body and blood is shared in most homes on Shabbat. Giving has also been radically affected by this Kingdom download. Offerings and tithes are now brought to the house of the Lord and placed in tzedakah boxes mounted on the walls. We no longer pass buckets or offering baskets after a lengthy teaching on the blessing of giving. People will come during worship as families and present their tithes

and offerings to the Lord with thanksgiving and prayer. “So what about Israel and the Jewish people?” you might ask. Well, this year, for the very first time, Celebration Church celebrated the Feast of Firstfruits by receiving a ‘first fruits’ offering that is being placed into ministries we know and love in the land of Israel! In fact, on a recent trip to Jerusalem together, Pastor Stovall whispered in my ear, “no Jew left behind.” I knew what he meant, and he is demonstrating his convictions with remarkable results. You see, giving, like anything else in the Kingdom, is the result of a relationship, not done out of necessity or obligation. The Kingdom operates on an entirely different system from the kingdoms of this world. The world’s system is one of buying and selling, debt, percentages, obligations, bills, etc. But God’s Kingdom is built on sowing and reaping, seedtime and harvest. In fact, Yeshua himself said that if you do not understand this principle, then you will not understand anything about the Kingdom! In Romans 1 the Apostle Paul tells us that the Gospel is to the Jew first and also for the nations. Again, sowing and reaping, in their proper order, done as a result of a relationship, will yield incredible blessings.

There were three times every year when the Lord told Israel to come up to Jerusalem to meet with Him. The instructions were very simple: come before the Lord – and do not come empty handed. We are finding that simple obedience is much more effective than a sacrifice. I admit, some of these things we have been walking in are not familiar to the western church world. But, they are firmly rooted and grounded in Scripture, and when done in the Spirit, out of love and relationship, the fruit is undeniable. So this High Holiday season, I pray for you and your house to have an encounter with the Living Yeshua that will see His Kingdom come and His will be done on earth … as it is in Heaven! Paul Wilbur Paul Wilbur is an internationally-acclaimed worship artist, song writer, pastor, author and teacher. For over 40 years, Paul has been leading worship before crowds of thousands in the Middle East, Latin America, Africa and Asia, and bringing his anointed Kingdom message directly to the people of Israel. His partnership with Integrity Music has resulted in award-winning projects with sales in the millions and a Latin Dove Award for best live praise and worship album of the year. There is no end in sight for this worldwide ministry.

RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY WILL OR TRUST!

DON’T LET THE GOVERNMENT

DECIDE HOW TO DIVIDE YOUR ESTATE

Jewish Voice has partnered with the Financial Planning Ministry to provide COMPLIMENTARY WILL AND TRUST PLANNING to JVMI partners like you. You will have peace of mind knowing your gifts will be blessing God’s Kingdom well into the future. When you make a legacy gift to the Abraham Promise Fund, you will be a part of proclaiming the Good News of Yeshua to hurting Jewish people all around the globe for generations to come.

JOIN with us and create an enduring legacy of reaching the Jewish people with the Gospel! Call 1-855-550-1455 or visit jewishvoice.org/apf to learn more. Voice 19 Jewish Abraham Promise Jewish Voice TodayFund 1-888-921-4582 jewishvoice.org/magazine

4th Quarter 2019

Seasons of Giving

SEASONS OF GIVING BY PAUL WILBUR

Jewish Voice Today 1-888-921-4582 jewishvoice.org/magazine

RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY WILL OR TRUST!

DON’T LET THE GOVERNMENT

DECIDE HOW TO DIVIDE YOUR ESTATE

4th Quarter 2019

The Mystery of the Chanukah Menorah

The Mystery of the Chanukah Menorah BY ASHER INTRATER AND RON CANTOR

he Bible speaks of the menorah, or lampstand, on three levels: one in the Torah, one in the Prophets and one in the New Covenant. Moses was commanded to build a seven-branched golden lampstand and place it in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:31–40). The priests were required to take care of the lampstand, but there was no clear teaching as to the spiritual meaning of the menorah. When there is no clear teaching on something in the Torah – such as the Feast of Trumpets – it is often because it can only be understood in light of the New Covenant. In the Chanukah story, the Jews, led by Judah Maccabee and his small army, defeated the Syrian king, Antiochus Epiphanies. It was considered a miracle that this tiny army of Jews could defeat the massive Syrian force. Antiochus Epiphanies devastated Jerusalem in 168 B.C.E. He defiled the Temple, offered a pig on its altar, erected an altar to Jupiter, and prohibited Temple worship [sacrifices]. He also forbade circumcision on pain of death, sold thousands of Jewish families into slavery, destroyed all copies of Scripture that could be found and slaughtered everyone discovered in possession of such copies. He resorted to every conceivable torture to force Jews to renounce their religion.

The Menorah

After the surprising Jewish victory, the temple, including the menorah, was rededicated by the Maccabees as they celebrated the new holiday of Chanukah (Chanukah means dedication). The Hebrew word for the Chanukah lampstand is Chanukiah. It has nine lights that represent the eight days the menorah in the temple remained lit, despite having only enough oil for one day (according to tradition) and an extra candle, called the shamash, that is used to light the others. Though most American Jews call this a menorah, it is not a replica of the tabernacle menorah. Nevertheless, it was clearly meant to represent the temple menorah in Jewish religious tradition, as it commemorates the miracle of the seven-branched menorah during the temple’s rededication.

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A Sign of Restoration On the second level, the prophet Zechariah saw a vision of a mystical menorah with two olive trees – one to each side. This symbolized the Lord restoring Zion and the temple by the power of His grace and Spirit (Zechariah 4:1–10). This vision became the basis for the symbol and seal of the modern state of Israel.

The Body of Messiah

The third level is found in the book of Revelation, in which John has a supernatural vision of Yeshua in a glorified form, standing in the midst of seven lampstands. It is more likely, if we are going to be consistent with Scripture, that it was either a menorah that John saw, with seven branches, or seven menorahs with 49 lights in total. The word for lampstand in the Hebrew Scriptures is almost always menorah, a sevenbranched candelabra. In the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the same word is used for menorah as John used for lampstand in Revelation. In the Hebrew New Testament, lampstand is translated as menorah. Furthermore, the menorah(s) in Revelation are made of gold, just as God told Moses (Exodus 25). Each branch of the menorah (or each menorah) represented the seven churches or congregations of Asia Minor (Revelation 1:12, 20), which are symbolic of all types and streams making up the international ecclesia, or body of Believers. And let’s not forget – everything in the temple was an earthly shadow of a heavenly reality (Hebrews 8:5). The menorah represents the worldwide body of Believers. As the Mosaic lampstand found expression in Jewish religious tradition, Zechariah’s prophetic vision found expression in modern Zionism, and John’s vision pictures people of every tribe, tongue and nation being glorified by the power of God.

Unity Brings God’s Fire

We know that the menorah in the temple had to be built according to the pattern God gave Moses (“See that you make them according

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The Mystery of the Chanukah Menorah

The Mystery of the Chanukah Menorah BY ASHER INTRATER AND RON CANTOR

The Menorah

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The Body of Messiah

Unity Brings God’s Fire

We know that the menorah in the temple had to be built according to the pattern God gave Moses (“See that you make them according

4th Quarter 2019

The Mystery of the Chanukah Menorah

to their pattern being shown to you on the mountain” (Exodus 25:40)). So, if John’s vision of a sevenbranched menorah was representative of the united body of Believers, then fire must also have meaning. Without the menorah, you cannot have fire – certainly not a contained, managed, focused fire. Once the menorah was built, it could be lit. In the same way, when the Believers gathered on Shavuot (Pentecost) in unity – with one purpose and focus, waiting on the Holy Spirit – they became a spiritual menorah that could be lit, and the Spirit came as tongues of fire. In fact, the image of the 120 with flames of fire upon them is an image of one menorah with many branches. Each branch is on fire, doing the will of God. When the menorah is in place – just as Yeshua instructed (“you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49)) – the fire or Holy Spirit could not only fall upon, but also function through each Believer. The fruit was that 3,000 men, plus women and children, were born again that day. The lesson is that, like the menorah, the body of Messiah must be built according to the heavenly pattern. Yeshua tells us in John 17 that His deep desire is for unity. Only when the body is in unity can the Spirit flow as He desires (Acts 2). Gossip, backbiting, dissensions, jealousy and the like all work to thwart the authentic fire of God.

Only the Servant Can Light the Candles

It is interesting that in Jewish tradition, it is that one special candle, the shamash, that leaves His special position above the other candles to come down and give light to the other unlit ones. Shamash means servant. Once the shamash has brought light to the other candles, He then takes His place, once again, above the others. Unbeknownst to most religious Jews, this is played out in Philippians 2:6–11: Who, though existing in the form of God, did not consider being equal to God a thing to be grasped. But He emptied Himself – taking on the form of a slave [shamash!], becoming the likeness of men and being found in appearance as a man. He humbled Himself – becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

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For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Yeshua every knee should bow, in heaven and on the earth and under the earth, and every tongue profess that Yeshua the Messiah is Lord – to the glory of God the Father.

Shine Your Light! One more thing. According to Jewish tradition, we are to take the lit Chanukiah and place it in a window to declare the Chanukah miracle to all who would see it. Was Yeshua thinking of this (even though the tradition came later) when He said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on a lampstand so it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16)? Or, “I am the light of the world. The one who follows Me will no longer walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” ( John 8:12)? You also might find it interesting to know that Yeshua himself celebrated Chanukah. In John 10:22, it speaks of Him being in Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication (Chanukah). What is the lesson? 1. Strive for unity (Philippians 1:7) 2. Expect the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–4) 3. Let your light shine (Matthew 5:14–16) Asher Intrater Asher Intrater is the President of Tikkun Global, a Messianic family of congregations, leaders and ministries dedicated to the dual restoration of Israel and the Church. He also leads Revive Israel an international prayer ministry in Jerusalem. He is the author of Who Ate Lunch With Abraham? and Covenant Relationships, amongst other titles.

Ron Cantor Ron Cantor is the director of the Tel Aviv-based, Messiah’s Mandate, a Messianic ministry dedicated to Jewish evangelism, teaching and leadership development. Cantor also travels internationally teaching on the Jewish roots of the New Testament. He serves on the pastoral team of Tiferet Yeshua, a Hebrewspeaking congregation in Tel Aviv. He is the author of the popular novels Identity Theft and Leave me Alone, I’m Jewish, amongst other titles. Follow him at @RonSCantor on Twitter.

Celebrate the Miracle of Lights Enjoy your own Chanukiah, the nine-branched candelabra of Chanukah. This original design is unique to Jewish Voice Ministries International with our Star of David and wheat stalk logo revealing our call to see a great harvest of many souls come to the Light of the World – Yeshua. This metal Chanukiah is pewter-toned with gold-toned accents and will surely inspire your Chanukah celebration.

Receive this thank you gift when you send your very generous gift of support of $50 or more to bless Israel and the Jewish people all over the world with hope and healing. See enclosed reply. 3110

Yom Teruah and Rosh Hashanah “It is for you a day for sounding the shofar.” —Numbers 29:1 Yom Teruah • The Feast of Trumpets

Yom Kippur Rosh Hashanah • The Head of the Year

“However, the tenth day of this seventh month is Yom Kippur, a holy convocation to you, so you are to afflict yourselves.” —Leviticus 23:27

Tishrei 1 – September/October

Yom Kippur • Day of Atonement

Scripture References: Leviticus 23:23–25, Numbers 10:9–10 & 29:1–6, Ezra 3:6, Nehemiah 8:1–12 Prophetic Fulfillment: Matthew 24:30b–31, 1 Corinthians 15:51–52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17

Tishrei 10 • September/October

Shanah Tovah Umetukah (SHAH-nah toh-VAH oo-may-TOUK-ah) A good and sweet year! L’Shana Tovah! (le-SHAH-nah toh-VAH) For a good year!

Scripture References: Leviticus 16:29–34, 23:26–32, Hebrews 9:11–14, 22–24, 10:1–25 Prophetic Fulfillment: Hebrews 9:26b, Romans 11:25–26, Isaiah 59:20, Jeremiah 31:33, Zechariah 12:10 Tzom Kal (TSOHM kahl) Have an easy fast.

4th Quarter 2019

The Mystery of the Chanukah Menorah

Only the Servant Can Light the Candles

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Receive this thank you gift when you send your very generous gift of support of $50 or more to bless Israel and the Jewish people all over the world with hope and healing. See enclosed reply. 3110

Yom Teruah and Rosh Hashanah “It is for you a day for sounding the shofar.” —Numbers 29:1 Yom Teruah • The Feast of Trumpets

Yom Kippur Rosh Hashanah • The Head of the Year

“However, the tenth day of this seventh month is Yom Kippur, a holy convocation to you, so you are to afflict yourselves.” —Leviticus 23:27

Tishrei 1 – September/October

Yom Kippur • Day of Atonement

Scripture References: Leviticus 23:23–25, Numbers 10:9–10 & 29:1–6, Ezra 3:6, Nehemiah 8:1–12 Prophetic Fulfillment: Matthew 24:30b–31, 1 Corinthians 15:51–52, 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17

Tishrei 10 • September/October

Shanah Tovah Umetukah (SHAH-nah toh-VAH oo-may-TOUK-ah) A good and sweet year! L’Shana Tovah! (le-SHAH-nah toh-VAH) For a good year!

4th Quarter 2019

This Is A Sacred Season

THIS IS A

SACRED SEASON BY SCOTT VOLK

ne of my favorite things in the world is spending time with my wife and children. Sometimes, we will plan family vacations as much as a year into the future so that those dates can be put onto all of our calendars in order that nothing will get planned that will interrupt our time together as a family. These designated times are some of the most rewarding days of the year for me, as our entire family focuses on spending time together and enjoying one another. If I, as an earthly father, could look forward to these days with such anticipation, imagine how much more our Heavenly Father anticipates days that He has set aside on His calendar to spend time with His children! You might say to yourself, “God doesn’t put dates on a calendar to meet with me!” And to that, I would respond, “Oh yeah?” In Leviticus 23, it clearly states that God sets aside specific times during the year to meet with His children. They are literally called God’s appointed times or feasts (moedim in Hebrew), and they are specific days each year where our Father desires to meet with us. In other words, He clears His “calendar” on those days to focus on being with us. He describes

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these days as, “My appointed times” (Leviticus 23:2). These appointments take place in the spring and fall of each year, and they have been on His royal calendar for over 3,500 years, since the days when He redeemed His people from their slavery and bondage in Egypt! Understanding the fact that God has initiated these annual appointments with us, it would behoove us to make sure that our calendars are cleared in expectation of this royal appointment. As the fall feasts are upon us, let’s quickly review the significance of the spring feasts in anticipation of what is ahead in the fall feasts.

Passover (Leviticus 23:4–8) – the blood of the Passover lamb saved the firstborn sons of Israel on the night of Passover. Fifteen hundred years later, Yeshua gave His life on Passover, fulfilling this feast and becoming our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:9–14) – on the first Sunday after Passover, the first sheaf (first fruit) of the barley harvest was presented at the Temple. And, on the Sunday after Passover 2,000 years ago, Yeshua rose from the dead, becoming

the first fruits of those who will be resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:20–23).

Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15–22) – this feast, celebrated 50 days after Passover. Pentecost, which is the Greek name for this day, literally means fiftieth. It is a time of thanksgiving for the early wheat harvest and provides faith and hope for an abundant fall harvest. Amazingly, it was at this time in Acts 2:1–4, when the Lord poured out His Spirit. Between the spring and fall feasts, there is a gap in the calendar which many believe is a sign of the age we now find ourselves in. It’s the season between the Lord’s first coming and His second coming. As surely as each of the spring feasts were fulfilled during Messiah’s first coming, that’s how surely the fall feasts will be fulfilled through His second coming! These feasts occur quickly, one after the other: Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets), Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) and Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles).

Rosh Hashanah or Feast of Trumpets

(Leviticus 23:24) – Jewish people around the world observe this special day by praying and hearing the sound of the shofar (trumpet). According to one religious Jewish website, “the blowing of the shofar represents the trumpet blast that is sounded at a king’s coronation.” This feast points to the time when Messiah will return as the coronated King! 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (NIV) states “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God...” As we approach this holy day on the Lord’s calendar, we prepare our hearts for His coming and set ourselves apart for His purposes. “Blow the shofar in Zion! Sound an alarm on My holy mountain! Let all living in the land tremble – for the day of Adonai is coming – surely it is near!” ( Joel 2:1).

Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement (Leviticus

16–17; 23:26–32) – Jewish people around the world spend this day fasting and seeking the Lord. It is the one day of the year that the High Priest was able to enter the Holy of Holies, offering the blood of the bull and goat to make atonement for the children of Israel (Leviticus 17:11). As Believers in Jesus, we understand this feast as foreshadowing what the Messiah did for us through His own blood as He willingly gave His life as an offering so that our sins could be atoned for and forgiven (Hebrews 9:11–12). Many Believers in the Messiah believe that this special day corresponds with both His second coming as well as the day of Israel’s salvation when “all Israel shall be saved” (Romans 11:26).

Sukkot or Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33–43) – This incredible feast, also known at the Feast of Booths, serves as a reminder to the nation of Israel how God supernaturally provided for them when He brought them out from the land of Egypt. Jewish people around the world build their own sukkah (temporary hut or shelter), where many of them will eat and sleep for seven days. These structures symbolize the frailty of life and our dependence on God to sustain us. In the wilderness, the Jewish people had nothing but God, and they were totally dependent on Him – He was all they needed. Zechariah prophesies that when Messiah returns, all nations will honor the King of kings by celebrating this feast together annually in Jerusalem. And, at that time, Yeshua will be enthroned in Israel as our King and will, once again, be all that His children need! As we enter into this sacred season on the Biblical calendar each year, let’s remember to pray for the peace of Jerusalem as we set aside time to remember both what the Lord has done in the past as well as what He will do in the days ahead during this most important time of the year! Scott Volk Scott Volk is a Messianic Jewish Believer who came to faith in 1975. After graduating from North Central University in Minneapolis in 1988, Scott has served in various pastoral capacities in Arizona, Florida and North Carolina. After more than 20 years in pastoral ministry, Scott founded Together For Israel, a non-profit ministry that exists to partner with the Church for the salvation of Israel (Romans 11:26).

4th Quarter 2019

This Is A Sacred Season

THIS IS A

SACRED SEASON BY SCOTT VOLK

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the first fruits of those who will be resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:20–23).

Rosh Hashanah or Feast of Trumpets

Yom Kippur or Day of Atonement (Leviticus

4th Quarter 2019

Hebrew School WITH

RABBI JACK ZIMMERMAN

The Parallels of Passover and Yom Kippur Question: Which Biblical festival presents us with the imagery of a lamb that is sacrificed, so that the blood can cover our sins – Passover or the Day of Atonement? Answer: Yes. While the Book of Leviticus shows us that each of the festivals have their own distinctive elements, there is an important correlation between Passover and Yom Kippur – also known as the Day of Atonement. The common thread can be summed up in one Hebrew word. It looks like this: It’s pronounced, “cha-TOT” and is the Hebrew word for sin. But the definition is actually much broader than that. The word not only refers to the sin, but also to the sinner (as found in Amos 9:8), and to the offering given to atone for the sin (See Leviticus 6:18). In that sense, the word is quite unique: the same word that is used to define the problem also defines the solution. So, how does all that apply to the two festivals we already mentioned? Passover is a story about sin and redemption. While the account in Exodus tells us that the Egyptians were in sin, it does not reveal to us what is yet another truth – that the Israelites had been sinful as well. You won’t find that fact in Exodus, but you will find it in – of all places – Ezekiel. In Ezekiel chapter 20, we read in verses 8–10 where God says of the Israelites: But they rebelled against Me and were unwilling to listen to Me. None of them cast away the detestable things that were before their eyes, nor did they forsake the idols of Egypt. So I resolved to pour out My fury upon them, to expend My anger upon them in the midst of the land of Egypt. But I acted, for the sake of My Name, to keep it from being profaned in the eyes of the nations, where they

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were, in whose sight I made Myself known to them, to bring them out from the land of Egypt. So I led them out from the land of Egypt and brought them into the wilderness. On their final night in Egypt, God instructed the Israelites that their only path toward redemption was for each family to slaughter a lamb, then take the lamb’s blood and smear it on the lintel (crossbeams) and doorposts of their houses. Interestingly, when you smear the blood in such a fashion, you make the shape of the Hebrew letter chet which is the first letter in our word pronounced cha-TOT, the word for sin! With this in mind, the symbolism becomes clear: the blood of the lamb on the lintels and doorposts, covered the sins of the people; they were thus freed from slavery and bondage. Having now been redeemed, they had the hope and security of knowing that one day they would reach the Promised Land. While Passover could be seen as the “opening act” in God’s end-time redemptive and salvific plan, Yom Kippur could just as easily be seen as the final glory – in more ways than one! Every year in ancient Israel, on the 10th Day of the month of Tishrei, God instructed the Israelites that their only path toward redemption was for each family to offer a lamb that would be slaughtered. The blood of the lamb would cover your sin; you were thus freed from being a slave to sin, no longer in bondage. While this yearly ritual was only a temporary solution, the patterns of Yom Kippur (and the Passover that came six months earlier), are forerunners of our Lamb of God, Yeshua ( Jesus), who, through His blood brought us redemption and the hope and promise of knowing that one day we would reach our true Promised Land – the day the Father brings Heaven to Earth! May this issue of our magazine and the symbolism of this festival season be a blessing to you in your journey for truth, and for the one true Messiah of all.

Hebrew School WITH

RABBI JACK ZIMMERMAN

Jewish Voice Today 1-888-921-4582 jewishvoice.org/magazine

R A B B I JAC K

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