חבל משיח  “Chevlei Mashiach” means the “Birthpangs of the Messiah.” Messianic Judaism (All Judaism is by theory Messianic) teaches that the arrival of Mashiach is accompanied by birth pangs. This is also sometimes referred to as the “Time of Jacob’s Trouble.”

Jewish writings often refer to the birthpangs of Mashiach – Chevlei Mashiach. These birthpangs are the corporate suffering of the Jewish people and of the Messiah who sits at the right hand of the Father and cries with us until the time of the final redemption comes. Only our Father in heaven knows the time and hour of Mashiach’s coming. We are now at the conclusion of the Galut (exile). We have been through the labors of beirurim – (sifting) and refining with all their attendant trials. Moreover, we have been through some of the "birthpangs of Mashiach," those awesome events that have taken place in our generation (Israel as Nation, Jerusalem as its capital, Sanhedrin established, the war in Iraq, etc). It is now clear and obvious that we are standing at the threshold of the Redemption. Like Yosef and His brothers, Maran Rabbeinu Yeshua HaMashiach has been kept hidden from His brethren until the appointed time. Our holy Rabbi has been made king in a Gentile world that has changed his name, identity and appearance. Yet like Yosef, all this will have been for the purpose of a great redemption. But now the day has come when he must remove, as Yosef did, his Gentile clothes and reveal Himself to those who, for a long time, have not recognized him. For two thousand years, He has watched his Jewish brothers suffer, dispersed among the nations without a leader or king. Their suffering has been his own. Surely, in this last generation the birthpangs of Messiah and His people have been the greatest. Yet in the darkest of hours there is hope, for just as birth is preceded  and accompanied by birthpangs, the Sages tell us that there are likewise ‘pangs of Mashiach’ in the generation in which the Son of David will appear. And just as birthpangs hamper a birth, the greatest outcry in that generation will come when the obstacles are most numerous. 

The account of Yosef and his brothers has much to teach us regarding the relationship between Maran Yeshua and the Jewish people. It also speaks of that great event when, as Rav Shaul (Paul says), "All Israel will be saved." (Romim / Romans 11:26) See also: All Israel have a share in the World to Come, as it is stated: "And your people are all righteous; they shall inherit the land forever. [They are] the branch of My planting, the work of My hands in which to take pride."

"Then Yosef could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, ‘Have everyone leave my presence!’ So there was no-one with Yosef when he made himself known to his brothers." When Maran Yeshua HaMashiach returns to reveal himself to his brothers and fight their enemies with them, the Scripture tells us that he too will be alone: “I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no-one was with me… For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of redemption was come. I looked, but there was no-one to help, I was appalled that no-one gave support; so my own arm worked salvation for me, and my own wrath sustained me.” (Yeshayahu / Isaiah 63:3-6) What a terrible day that will be, when the Messiah will have to stand and fight for his people and land–alone. After the Holocaust, nations swore that they would not let it happen again. Yet this very day, the nations of the world are conspiring against Israel and supporting her enemies. How close we are to that "day of vengeance". Not only that, but the Besorah HaTova HaGeula says that when the "time of the Gentiles" is over, then He will reaveal himself to all Israel. (Uri / Luke 21:24) We are close! 

Today we recognize that non-Jews have gentilized our holy Rabbi Yeshua so much, giving him non-Hebrew names and clothing him with garments of false doctrine that have made him unrecognizable to his brethren. Often throughout history, the Jewish people have cried out for the Messiah, but the time had not yet come fully (thousand of Jewish people believe today). Like Yosef, Maran Yeshua himself will remove his non-Hebrew attire and tell them who He is.

Yosef did not say to his brothers, "I am Zaphenath-Paneah;" he said, "I am Yosef!" This will take place very soon!   Restoration is soon to come to Israel. Israel will finally fulfill her destiny as the “Or LaGoyim” "light to the nations." Great weeping will arise out of deep joy and healing. The birthpangs of the Messiah will then be over, and what is soon to come will be as "life from the dead!" A Nation will be reborn and Yeshua, Mashiach Ben David will be revealed.

The Jewish Temple will be rebuilt on Mount Zion and Temple Worship will be reestablished, the word of HaShem will come out of Zion, from the mouth of our holy Messiah. May it happen soon in our days!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B37Mp6mhs3A

Every one who knows the problems of territory, religion, education, and simple racial hate and international involvement, knows that the greatest problem of all is related to the Bible. Jews have for the two thousand years of exile among the nations dreamed of returning to the land of their forefathers, the land of Israel, between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.

People who believe that the Bible is the Word of God give this ancient document the authority of an international contract between God and mankind. The Bible is for those who believe it a living Word that not only tells the story of past ancient history, but also predicts the future and makes a road map for the rest of man s days on this Earth. Those who believe that the promises of the Bible are to be understood literally are called, Fundamentalist.

What is in the Bible that relates to the Land of Israel and causes Jews and those who believe the Bible as Fundamentalist to reject any compromise with the Arabs on the Land of promise?  Here are some Biblical facts on this issue:

1.God s promise to give the land of Israel to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and their seeds forever is repeated more times in the Bible than any other promise. In Genesis alone it is repeated close to twenty times.

2.The promise of God to give the Land of Israel (Canaan) to Israel is given to every one of the patriarchs, to Moses, to Joshua, and to the prophets of Israel.

3.Israel is the only nation that has been exiled for more than one hundred years that has returned home to the land of their forefathers. In fact Israel has returned to the land already three times. Our forefathers returned from Egypt to the Land of God s promise with Moses and Joshua.

After 70 years of exile in Babylon Ezra and Nehamiah returned with a large number of the Exiles back to Jerusalem and the Land of Israel. Modern Zionism is a third time that
God s promises of return to the Land and inheritance of His promises. We are actually living witnesses of this return and rebuilding and restoration of this land and all this is happening before our own eyes and the eyes of the whole world.

I believe that, although, the Biblical promises made by God seem unrealistic right now, they are the most realistic and since God has the power to change people and nations, we who believe Him and believe His Word, must hold on to God s promises and never stop hoping that He will keep His Word in the future as He has kept it in the past.  Who would have believed 150 years ago that there is going to be a Jewish State in the land of Israel and that it will have an army and Jewish farmers, and win wars against the whole and joint force of the Arab countries.

These promises of God to Israel bring a special rational to the people who believe that the Bible is God s Living Word and want to live according to what the Bible teaches. People stand on God’s Word and say to themselves the following:

How can we give this land that is promised to us by the Creator of the World as an inheritance forever to the Muslim/Arabs who have always opposed God and His Word. We read that the Arabs opposed the return of the Exiles from Babylon in the days of Nehemiah also just as they do today: "Now when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the Ashdodites heard that the repair of the walls of Jerusalem went on, and that the breaches began to be closed, they were very angry. 8 All of them conspired together to come and fight against Jerusalem and to cause a disturbance in it." (Nehemiah 4:7-8)

Our God is able and His Word is living and every one of His promises will be fulfilled. Our hope is in God and in His promises, and even if we at times misunderstand God s Word and misinterpret his promises, we know that not one word from God will fall empty.  What to us seems virtual and unreal for God is real and already accomplished.

By Joseph Shulam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MdsolNljD8

The question who is a Zionist is often a sterile (difficult) debate over semantics, rather than one of any substance. Contrary to popular concept, one does not have to be Jewish to be a Zionist. A Zionist is anyone who believes that God gave the land of Israel to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their descendants forever. "Forever" includes today!  Zionist is a term often heard, but it’s not always understood. Many people assume that to be a Zionist, someone must also be Jewish, or conversely, that all Jews are Zionists. This is not the case.

The Zionist movement is not universally supported by Jews. Even today, there are a number of Orthodox Jewish groups that believe that Zionism violates the Torah. For instance, the Neturei Karta, founded and based in Jerusalem, refuses to acknowledge the state of Israel, and makes the false argument that that Torah requires that the land seized from the Palestians in the 20th century must be returned to them.

On the other hand, a number of fundamentalist and evangelical Christians do support ideals of Zionism (The term Zionist can refer to non-Jewish supporters of Israel as well). Their support is religious in nature, sopported by the holy Scriptures. Contrary to popular opinion, Zionism did not begin with the Jewish holocaust, but the (Tanach) Hebrew Scriptures.

Zion is the city of the great King: The references in Scripture to Zion and Jerusalem are to be taken literally as the context may indicate, though they may also be spiritualized since they are a type of His heavenly abode. Those, therefore, who speak against Zion, speak both against God’s earthly and heavenly city.  The Hebrew Scriptures say concerning Zion:

"And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of HaShem’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. (not to Palestine) Yeshayahu 2:2  "And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of HaShem, to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the Torah, and the word of HaShem from Jerusalem. Yeshayahu 2:3

Coming world redemption through Mashiach, peace and prosperity from Zion, the Hebrew scriptures speak:

"For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth." Yeshayahu / Isaiah 62:1

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that brings good tidings [Mashiach's work] of good, that publishes salvation; that saith unto Zion, Your God reignet!” Yeshayahu 52:7

"HaShem will reign forever; your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise HaShem! " (Tehillim / Psalm 146:10).

Biblical Jewish eschatology envisions the construction of The Third Temple in Jerusalem associated with the coming of the Jewish Messiah, and thus, adherents of Orthodox Judaism anticipate a Third Temple. The al-Aqsa Mosque (the golden Pimple) or the abomination that causes desolation will be removed soon, so that it can open the space for the holy Jewish temple. The prophet Daniel says:

He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him” (Daniel 9:27).

The sons of Yishmael (Ismael) say:

The deputy chief of the Islamist movement in Israel Kimal Al-Khatib told thousands of children in a Saturday Islamist protest on the Temple Mount that the Jewish Temple will never be rebuilt. His speech was published in the Jerusalem-based Al-Quds Al-Arabi newspaper Monday morning. “If the Jews think that their mourning will end and they will rejoice by destroying the Al-Aqsa mosque and building their Temple, we say to them that their dream will not be fulfilled and they will continue to mourn. Al-Aqsa is for Muslims only,” he said.

WorldNetDaily’s editor said:

"For the life of me, I don’t know how anyone can ignore what the Bible says about Israel and Jerusalem being the center of things. The very existence of Israel as a reborn Jewish state is a testament to God’s covenant with his chosen people. The United Nations may have been the worldly vehicle to proclaim the nation born in a day in 1948, but it was part of a heavenly plan. Has there ever been another nation that ceased to exist for nearly 2,000 years and was and reborn in a day, just as the prophet Isaiah predicted? I don’t know of any… If we don’t take the Bible seriously, … the Middle East conflict is reduced to a materialistic struggle over worthless real estate. There are forces at work in this conflict that cannot be seen or understood by man. It’s not only the focal point of the world, right now, it’s also the focal point of the spiritual universe."

The funny thing is that the Ismaelim / Edomim (Muslim) say that the Jewish temple never existed at Temple Mount, that its existence is "Zionist propaganda". Now they the say "never be REbuilt", so they admit they were lying before.

This abomination is the Dome of the Rock causes desolation for the worshippers of the true God. 

I think is time to stop thinking that all pictures of Jerusalem should include the GOLDEN PIMPLE. It is time to begin to hunger for the holy Temple of HaShem. The Golden Pimple (Dome of the Rock ) is not holy. It is time to ask HaShem to drop it. And to allow us to rebuild the holy Temple. Amen.

Just remember, it is not the end of the world. It may be just the beginning — or the birth pangs — of a new one." We must fight back, strengthen Israel, and influence.

Parashat HaShavua Lej Leja, también llamada “ve tu” es también llamada parashat Aliyá, que significa en términos propios, “la porción para emigrar a Israel.” Esta parasha nos habla de como nuestro padre Avraham emigra a la tierra prometida, inclusive, como Avraham descendiente de Eber, el es llamado el primer Ivrit / hebreo (descendiente de Eber), y claro el es el primer Sionista.

La parashat comienza, Bereshit 12:2 “12:1 Pero HaShem había dicho a Abram: Vete de tu tierra y de tu parentela, y de la casa de tu padre, a la tierra que te mostraré. 12:2 Y haré de ti una nación grande, y te bendeciré, y engrandeceré tu nombre, y serás bendición. 12:3 Bendeciré a los que te bendijeren, y a los que te maldijeren maldeciré; y serán benditas en ti todas las familias de la tierra.”

Avraham (entonces Avram) hace Aliyá, ósea, se mueve a Israel, casi 400 millas de camino, a un lugar que el no conocía, pero si fue prometido por El Eterno, Baraju Shemo (bendito Sea Su Nombre).

En verdad Israel como nación no es extraña al exilio, por muchos años hemos estado si patria, sin tierra, puesto que El Eterno en sus bondades, para su gloria, y para el beneficio de Israel, nos esparció a las cuatro esquinas de la tierra para proclamar su Unidad en amor a todo el mundo (vea se los 144,000 judíos de Apocalipsis por ejemplo, Hahitgalut / Apocapolipsis 7).

Hoy en día, El Eterno, bendito Sea Su Nombre, nos esta regresando a Su Torá (instrucciones, no leyes), y nos esta provocando a regresar a ellas. El Eterno hoy en día, nos esta revelado aquel que fue traspasado (Zejarya 12 = Maran Rabeinu Yeshúa HaMashiaj), y nos trae a completa Teshuva (arrepentimiento), el nos esta limpiado, preparando para hacer Aliyá un día pronto, para conocer, adquirir la tierra que fue prometida a nuestros antepasados. Hoy en día, hay gente que se junta, y ama a la tierra de Israel, y a su pueblo, y no cree que la tierra de Israel tiene que ser dividía, o compartida con aquellos que odian al judío, y al estado de Israel. Hoy en día, se levantan a diario, tzadikim (hombres justos) que rezan (oran) por el bienestar de Israel, pero también toman el arma, y con una mano trabajan en la tierra, y al otra defienden su patrimonio. Estos son como los Ezras, y Nejemias de antaño, que como dicen el libro de Nejemia “4:16 Desde aquel día la mitad de mis siervos trabajaba en la obra, y la otra mitad tenía lanzas, escudos, arcos y corazas; y detrás de ellos estaban los jefes de toda la casa de Yehudá. 4:17 Los que edificaban en el muro, los que acarreaban, y los que cargaban, con una mano trabajaban en la obra, y en la otra tenían la espada. 4:18 Porque los que edificaban, cada uno tenía su espada ceñida a sus lomos, y así edificaban; y el que tocaba la trompeta estaba junto a mí.”

Estos hombres son conocidos en círculos creyentes en la Biblia como Neo-Sionistas, que significa que son Sionistas activos. Como Neo-Sionistas, entendemos que la tierra de Israel, Eretz Yisrael, esta definida, no por la UN, si no por los textos sagrados que regulan nuestras vidas, y claro esta tierra no solo esta compuesta por Tel Aviv, pero también las montañas de Yehuda, y sus valles. Y claro, entendemos que al ceder al enemigo de Israel, os incapacitamos a adquirir una tierra para ellos mismos, tal vez en Jordán, o Arabia Saudita, pero no en Israel.

Como Neo-Sionista, estamos preocupados con vivir una vida Bíblica que envuelve no solo el pasado de nuestra gente, pero también el futuro en estos tiempos de el retorno del exilio. Como Neo-Sionista, nuestros textos de Torá, los profetas y otros, son nuestros guías, nuestro mapa, nuestro titulo de propiedad, y por ende que la Torá del Eterno es aplicada hoy en el siglo veintiuno.

Así como Avraham, cuando se movió a la tierra de Israel, que el no se preocupo de su futuro monetario en una tierra ajena, ni tampoco de como su familia tomara este nuevo lugar, pero en fe marcho con la promesa del Eterno que Israel, entonces eretz Ca’anan, es de el, no importando los inhabitantes de esta tierra en ese entonces. El no veía con sus ojos, pero con su fe. Así es un Neo-Sionista. Bereshit “13:14 Y HaShem dijo a Abram, después que Lot se apartó de él: Alza ahora tus ojos, y mira desde el lugar donde estás hacia el norte y el sur, y al oriente y al occidente. 13:15 Porque toda la tierra que ves, la daré a ti y a tu descendencia para siempre. 13:16 Y haré tu descendencia como el polvo de la tierra; que si alguno puede contar el polvo de la tierra, también tu descendencia será contada. 13:17 Levántate, ve por la tierra a lo largo de ella y a su ancho; porque a ti la daré. 13:18 Abram, pues, removiendo su tienda, vino y moró en el encinar de Mamre, que está en Hebrón, y edificó allí altar a HaShem.”

Entonces Neo-Sionistas creen sin duda alguna, esta tierra, es su Nájala, su herencia para ellos, por siempre y para siempre. La Torá de HaShem nos dice en Bereshit “15:18 En aquel día hizo HaShem un pacto con Abram, diciendo: A tu descendencia daré esta tierra, desde el río de Mitzrayim hasta el río grande, el río Eufrates; 15:19 la tierra de los ceneos, los cenezeos, los admoneos, 15:20 los heteos, los ferezeos, los refaítas, 15:21 los amorreos, los cananeos, los gergeseos y los jebuseos.”

El Eterno no le dio la tierra a las naciones unida, ni al presidente de los Estados Unidos, G. Bush, ni al Papa, si no, al pueblo de Israel, los descendientes de Israel, y nadie como la Sra. Rice tiene el derecho a decirle a Israel como tratar a aquellos que desean usurpar la tierra que les pertenece, al pueblo de Israel. Israel es nuestra casa, como dicen en Ingles, nuestro “home land”.

Es nuestra obligación como creyentes en las Escrituras de Israel, y como seguidores de Maran Rabeinu Yeshúa HaMashiaj, de convertirnos en emisarios no solo del Mashiaj (proclamando su venida, enseñando aquellos pasajes en las escrituras de Israel que hablan sobre Mashiaj, etc..), pero también, enseñando como embajadores al mundo afuera a amar al pueblo de Israel, a la tierra de Israel, no solo en peticiones de seguridad y bendición sobre Israel de parte de HaShem, pero también usando nuestro capital para bendecir a este pueblo amado del Eterno.

Yo e visto con mis ojos, judíos y no-judíos que dicen que creen en las Escrituras de Israel, pero hablan mal de la tierra de Israel, y del pueblo de Israel. Esto no puede ser, El Eterno perdono al pueblo de Israel por hacer el becerro de oro en el desierto, pero no perdono al los espías por hablar mal de la tierra de Israel, y no solo eso, el también castigo aquellos que escucharon y creyeron el mal reporte que ellos dieron. Así que es nuestra obligación contrarrestar aquellos que hablan mal de la tierra de Israel y su pueblo.

Y creo que no solo es eso. Es comprando productos Israelís, hechos por manos Judías en la tierra santa. Puesto que cuando compramos tal vez vino Israel (que es muy, muy bueno), estamos ayudando a una familia que trabaja la tierra en Hebron, o cualquier otra parte de Judea, y Samaria, ayudando la economía Israel.

En conclusión, es tiempo que comencemos a visitar la tierra de Israel, y conectar mas a este mundo a amar aquella porción de la tierra donde Su presencia siempre esta. Tal vez como Judío no estas llamado hoy a regresar a la tierra que te pertenece, pero si, podes hacer algo hoy en el exilo. Reuní gente en tu casa, compra videos sobre Israel, preséntalos, compren productos Israelies, visiten ya la tierra, hablen de Israel, y rezen por el bienestar de sus lideres, y pueblo en general. Que El Eterno les de el conosimiento de caminar en Sus caminos, y que actuen como un pueblo separado, y no como otro de los pueblos gentiles. Rezen que la tierra de Israel no sea dividida, y que inclusive recupere las tierras que a perdido. Rezen que ejercito de Israel sea protegido, y que sepan defender al pueblo de Israel con mano dura contra sus enemigos. 

Es importante recordarse que cuando el Mesías regresa, el viene a Israel, y no Roma, o Washington, si no a la tierra prometida, Israel, Jerusalén. Cuando el Mesías regrese, el va a reinar como Rey, de una forma teocratica (la democracia es una idea pagana griega) en Israel, los enemigos de Israel ya no se levantaran (puesto que estarán muertos), y la tierra de Israel será alotada a su pueblo Israel. Ydicen las escrituras de Israel en Zejarya “14:9 Y HaShem será rey sobre toda la tierra. En aquel día HaShem será uno, y uno su nombre.”

Sigamos el ejemplo de Avraham, el ejemplo de Melej HaMashiaj…. Tehilim / Salmo “147:12 Alaba a HaShem, Jerusalén; Alaba a tu Dios, oh Sion. 147:13 Porque fortificó los cerrojos de tus puertas; Bendijo a tus hijos dentro de ti. 147:14 El da en tu territorio la paz; Te hará saciar con lo mejor del trigo. 147:15 El envía su palabra a la tierra; Velozmente corre su palabra. 147:16 Da la nieve como lana, Y derrama la escarcha como ceniza. 147:17 Echa su hielo como pedazos; Ante su frío, ¿quién resistirá? 147:18 Enviará su palabra, y los derretirá; Soplará su viento, y fluirán las aguas. 147:19 Ha manifestado sus palabras a Yacob, Sus estatutos y sus juicios a Israel. 147:20 No ha hecho así con ninguna otra de las naciones; Y en cuanto a sus juicios, no los conocieron. Aleluya.”

“Queremos al Mashiaj, y lo queremos ya!” ¡Shabat Shalom,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7Xw8nC2Lps

Since September 2000, Israel and its citizens have been going through dark times. First, Homicide bombers were blowing themselves up (and by that taking lives of innocent civilians with them), and had become an overwhelming, frightening threat to the people of Israel. Then, rockets fired by Hamas from Gaza put hundreds of thousands of Israelis in southern Israel at risk. Israel is being compelled to fight a fierce war against the terror infrastructure of the Islamic forces in the land of Israel, and also against the terrorist group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israel and its citizens need to know their friends and supporters are standing by them at these harsh times!

As concerned citizens, we stand with the Jewish community and proudly raise our voices in solidarity with the people of Israel, a brave democracy that has yearned so long to live in peace.  We firmly support Israel’s right to defend her population against unprovoked acts of terror.

We express our heartfelt concern for the safety of innocent people, Israeli, Arabs living in the land of Israel and Lebanese, who have been hurt most by the brutality of those terrorists who have brought a new level of violence to the area.

We call upon all Islamic terrorist organizations and the regimes that support them to put an end to the terror. We call upon all who care about peace to join us in our support for Israel as she defends herself against the enemies of peace.  We stand with the people and the State of Israel at this critical time. We share their pain and outrage at the terrible loss of life and limb as a result of the Islamic campaign of terror and violence launched against theJewish state of Israel eighteen months ago.

We stand with Israel as it fulfills its most basic responsibility as a democracy: defending the nation and protecting its citizens.  We stand with Israel in demanding that the Arabs living in the land of Israel end the violence and terror, arrest and prosecute the perpetrators, dismantle the Islamic terrorist infrastructure, end the incitement against Israel and Jews, and live up to all its previous commitments.

We stand with our government and with Israel in combating the global threat of terrorism. We stand with Israel as it seeks a true and lasting peace that will assure secure and defensible borders, as well as the safety of its citizens and of all the people in the region. We call on all people of good will to join us in standing with Israel now.

If Arabs living in the Jewish homeland, don’t want to die by accident because Israel is trying to protect their own citizens from Islamic terrorist organizations like Hamas and other Islamic terrorists, maybe they should forcefully disarm Hamas themselves and prove they want peace, because only until peace is preferrable to death will they stop fighting.

If Israel disarms, Israel will die, if Islam disarms, there will be peace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K8IDwtbE-Q

When our Rabbi, Maran Yeshua HaMashiach was crucified the earth shook and the veil of the temple was rent from top to bottom. Surely this had significance, along with the strange miracles surrounding the temple after his death. During 200 years before 30 CE, when the high priest picked up one of the lots, again the selection was governed by chance.  But for 40 years in a row, beginning in 30 CE, the High Priest always picked the lot for “Azazel” first. The odds against this happening are 5.5 billion to one or 5,479,548,800. (To check this calculation 2^40) The lot for “Azazel” was chosen first, contrary to all laws of chance. The “Azazel” lot came up 40 times in a row from 30 to 70 AD!

This is not all, for forty years in a row the red thread tied to the temple door and “Azazel” did not turn white. The second Miracle of the Red Strip happened in the same time frame. Each year the red strip turned white until 30 CE when the cloth remained crimson until the destruction of the temple. The Jerusalem Talmud and the Babylonian Talmud talk of the strange miracles. The Jerusalem Talmud says: "Forty years before the destruction of the Temple, the western light went out, the crimson thread remained crimson, and the lot for the Lord always came up in the left hand. They would close the gates of the Temple by night and get up in the morning and find them wide open" (Jacob Neusner, the Yerushalmi, p.156-157). [The Temple was destroyed in 70 CE]  A similar passage in the Babylonian Talmud states: "Our rabbis taught: During the last forty years before the destruction of the Temple the lot ['For the Lord'] did not come up in the right hand; nor did the crimson-colored strap become white; nor did the western most light shine; and the doors of the Hekel [Temple] would open by themselves" (Soncino version, Yoma 39b).

The Jewish people began to believe their sins were forgiven for another year when the red strip turned white. They noticed the lot picked by Shimeon (Simon) would sometimes be Azazel, and sometimes HaShem. They noticed the crimson thread would sometimes turn white and sometimes not. The Jews began to believe that if the Red wool turned white, their sins were forgiven for another year.  This is the way the OU (Orthodox Union) explain such ritual:

"The eyes of all Israel were raised towards the Kohen Gadol’s order of service, which began toward the break of dawn. On his success, the atonement of all Israel was dependent. When the Kohen Gadol’s service was performed properly, Israel’s total forgiveness was made manifest for all eyes to see. The Kohen Gadol tied a cord of red painted wool between the horns of the scapegoat. Another such cord had been tied by him around the neck of the goat reserved for the sin-offering, so that it might not be commingled with the other goats held for the remaining offering of the day.

The cord used for the scapegoat was later divided in two. One remaining between the scapegoat’s horns, and the other half hung upon the opening of the hallway leading to the Sanctuary, so that all might see it.  In years when the avodah was accepted by God and atonement was granted Israel, both parts of the cord turned white like snow, in accord with the verse, "If your sins should be like red thread, they will turn like snow. (Yeshayahu / Isaiah1) Thereupon all eyes saw God’s forgiveness and the hearts of the people rejoiced."

The next miracle which the Jewish authorities acknowledge was that the temple doors swung open for 40 years beginning in 30CE. The leading Jewish Authority of that time, Yohanan ben Zakkai, warned the Jews of impending doom, that the temple itself would be destroyed. 

The Jerusalem Talmud states: ”Said Rabban Yohanan Ben Zakkai to the Temple, ‘O Temple, why do you frighten us? We know that you will end up destroyed. For it has been said, ‘Open your doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour your cedars’ ” (Zechariah 11:1)’ (Sota 6:3).

The fourth miracle also had the same time frame. Every night for 40 years (over 12,500 nights in a row) the temple lamp stand (menorah) went out of its own accord. The Levites took precautions without avail.

Sanhedrin Judged and Banished. This same year, 30 A.D., the Sanhedrin had to abandon the Chamber of Hewn Stones, near the Holy Place in the Temple, which was its official seat or location. This was about 40 yards southeast of the entrance to the Holy Place. In 30 A.D. the Sanhedrin had to move to another location, called "The Trading Place," farther to the east and a much less significant spot. To be forced to move from a beautiful, gorgeous, awesome location in the Temple to a spot much less beautiful, esteemed, and reverential, must have seemed a terrible "put down." Says the Talmud: "Forty years before the destruction of the Temple, the Sanhedrin was BANISHED (from the Chamber of Hewn Stone) and sat in the trading-station (on the Temple Mount)" (Shabbat 15a).

Forty years before the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D. is 30 A.D. — the very year of the death and resurrection of the Jewish Messiah! Why was the Sanhedrin moved in the very year our Rabbi, Maran Yeshua was crucified? Could it have been forced to do so because of damage caused by the earthquake associated with the crucifixion of our holy Rabbi, Yeshua? (Mattityahu 27:51) Was it direct punishment for their complicity in handing our holy Rabbi, Maran Yeshua HaMashiach over to the Romans and condemning Him to death?  Was this evidence of God’s official displeasure with their actions?

Prior to the War with Rome, Josephus tells us, the Sanhedrin had to move once again. This time they moved to an area outside the Temple complex, in an ordinary part of Jerusalem — actually a place west of the Temple near a building called the Xystus (see Josephus’ Wars of the Jews, V,4, 2). What a demotion and humbling! 

The historical proof is irrevocalbe. Maran Yeshua is real, He is coming back, ready to war the enemies of God, to re-built the Temple (may be like second Chanukkah) would you have emuna (trust) in Him?                            . 

Do you really want Mashiach Now?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfYVZY6ImHk

The 9th day of Av, the fifth month of the biblical calendar, or "Tisha B’Av," marks many of the worst calamities in Israel’s history. Tisha B’Av is preceded by a three week period of fasting and mourning / repentance, starting on the 17th day of the fourth month of the biblical calendar, Tammuz.

Today, Tisha b’Av is observed by religious Jews primarily as a day of mourning over the destruction of the Second Temple.

Tisha B’Av is a day set aside to remember the tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people. There are many. Our Teachers tell us that the sin of the spies in the wilderness took place on this date. Also, the decree of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain to expel the Jews took place on this date. Specifically the day is a remembrance of the destruction of the First and Second Temples. This includes, in both cases, the destruction of Jerusalem and a loss of sovereignty.

Most observances of this nature are designed to remember the fallen. For example, Yom HaShoah is a day set aside to remember the victims of the Holocaust.  

Tisha B’Av is different. The observance is not really designed to remember the fallen but rather to remember collectively the covenant relationship between God and the Jewish people. Perhaps if the events took place in closer proximity to our day, there might be a focus on the victims. Be that as it may, the motif of the service is the remembrance of the covenant. The Book of Lamentations is read and is followed by a series of paragraphs called “kinot” “dirges”.  These poems reflect the sadness of the tragedies and often relate the tragedies to rebellion of the people. However, some of the Kinot reflect the hope of redemption.  It is important for us all to remember Tisha B’Av because we stand with our people of every generation who have suffered at the hands of those who would seek to destroy us.  Just as we stood at Sinai we were there at every juncture of Jewish history. We collectively identify with the tragedies, the rebellions and the victories. On Tisha B’Av we weep with our people over the tragedies of history.

This week’s Haftorah is from Isaiah chapter 40 which begins Comfort ye my people.  This passage begins a prolonged section in Isaiah that promises redemption; that promises the restoration of Israel, land and blessing. The  prophets spoke of a day of darkness that would be followed by a day of victory.

As Messianic Jews we share in that hope. God has given us the assurance of that day when he sent the Messiah. His sufferings epitomize the history of the Jewish people. His resurrection is the hope of Israel. When we embrace our Rabbi, Maran Yeshua, we experience aspects of the resurrection life. We are sad over the travail of our people but we rejoice that there will be the day when the Temple will be rebuilt again and the Messiah will sit on his throne in Jerusalem, the nations will come to Jerusalem and there will be peace.  

From the 17th of Tammuz to the 9th of Av, pray for a spirit of grace and supplication to be released on the Jewish nation. Pray on a very practical level for Israel’s deliverance from evil. Beseech Ribono Shel Olam (the Sovereign of the Universe) to withhold judgment for the sake of the righteous remnant. We believe that the Tikkun (repair) of Tisha Be’Av is belief in Mashiach, to love every Jew, and to have full emunah (faith) in HaShem.

There is a legendary story of Napoleon related to Tisha b’Av. One year on this annual day of Jewish mourning, he was walking past a synagogue when he heard crying and lamenting from within. He inquired as to the reason for their wailing and was told they were weeping over the destruction of their temple.

“When was it destroyed?” he asked. They told him 1,800 years ago. Napoleon reportedly responded, “I vow that this people is destined for a future to worship in their own homeland. For is there any other people who have kept alive similar mourning and hope for so many years?” Afterwards, Napoleon became known for his favorable disposition toward the Jews.

We need Tisha B’Av to remember how great the hope and consolation of Messiah truly is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvKjzOOGawM

Torah Tidbits Audio: Sharp Contrast Between Sedra and Calendar

Weekly Sidra: Ma’sei (Journeys)
Torah Portion: Bamidbar/ Numbers 33:1-36:13
Haftorah: Yermiyahu / Jeremiah 2:4-28; 4:1-4:2

This Ma’sei episode will also serve as ammunition (pardon the choice of words) for those who live here and have family and friends who don’t, but with whom they would like to bring up the topic of ALIYA. The reason we are doing this for Parshat Mas’ei (not that we need a reason and not that we cannot find a connection to many other sedras) is that the MITZVA of YISHUV ERETZ YISRAEL, the mitzva to live in Israel, is found in Parshat Mas’ei. Don’t look in the Rambam’s Sefer HaMitzvot and don’t look in the Sefer HaChinuch (which follows the Rambam’s mitzva-count with only one exception). Look at the Ramban’s list of mitzvot that he finds missing from the Rambam’s list.

The mitzva at issue is known as MITZVA NUMBER FOUR (because that’s its position on the Ramban’s list of additions – don’t worry about the number 613; the Ramban combines many mitzvot that the Rambam counts separately). Mitzva #4 is based on Bamidbar 33:53 – "You shall possess the Land and you shall settle in it, for to you have I given the Land to possess it." The different understandings of the opening "command" of V’HORASH- TEM, aside, according to Ramban, this is the command from G-d to the Jew to settle in the Land of Israel. See further in the Sedra Summary, the other aspects of this mitzva that the Ramban spells out. Ramban makes a very strong case for the various parts of this mitzva being obligatory on the Jewish People… even today. Although a full presentation of this issue is beyond the limited space allotted the Lead Tidbit, let’s touch on a few points.

First, this is NOT an objective presentation of the topic of Yishuv Eretz Yisrael. It is colored by a firm and passionate conviction that G-d com- mands us to live in Eretz Yisrael, that He WANTS us to live our Torah lives in the Land of Israel. Let’s spend some time on the absence of this mitzva on the Rambam’s list of mitzvot (and that of the Chinuch). The Rambam states very clearly and strongly in his halachic work, Yad Chazaka, the imperative nature of living in Eretz Yisrael. He echoes the Gemara in stating that "a person should rather live in the Land of Israel in a city the majority of whose inhabi- tants are idol worshipers, rather than live outside Eretz Yisrael, even in a city with a majority of Jews."

He is clear in echoing the statement that "one who lives outside of Israel is like one who has no G-d." So why isn’t living in Eretz Yisrael on the Rambam’s list of Taryag (613)? Some suggest that the Rambam considers Yishuv Eretz Yisrael as a Supra- mitzva, one that is above, transcends, encompasses, and facilitates other mitzvot. Living in Israel is more than a specific mitzva to live here. Living in Israel (even in our time without the Beit HaMikdash, without a Sanhedrin, without Yovel in effect) brings in its wake a variety of other mitzvot. Living in Israel – according to the Ramban and others – gives the opportunity of fulfilling other mitzvot (even those not dependent upon the Land) on a higher level. Mitzvot of this type do not get numbered by the Rambam among the 613.

But they are nonetheless (and probably more so) mitzvot. Does the mitzva to live in Eretz Yisrael apply in our time or not? Is the mitzva obligatory or "merely" a matter of fulfilling it (CHIYUVIT or KIYUMIT)?

All interesting questions and subject to much discussion. Aside from all of these issues is the clear picture that emerges from the Torah – R’TZON HASHEM – What does G-d want of each Jew? Where does He want us to be? Is this really a question at all?

Parasha Ma’sei

Torah Tidbits PDF files

Phil Chernofsky is the educational director of the Orthodox Union’s OU Israel Center in Jerusalem and editor of the Torah Tidbits parsha pamphlet. Since 1998, he has hosted Torah Tidbits Audio, a shiur on the weekly parsha with witty insights. It airs every Thursday from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Israel time and is downloadable as a podcast on Israel National Radio.

Yom Yerushalayim / Jerusalem Day – the Israeli government proclaimed the holiday of “Jerusalem Day” for the 28th of Iyar, corresponding to the date that the Israeli military liberated those parts of Jerusalem which had previously been in Arab possession.

In 1967 – 19 years after the establishment of the State in 1948 -
The Israelis captured Jerusalem in 1967.

On May 14, 1948, on the day in which the British Mandate over a Palestine expired, the Jewish People’s Council gathered at the Tel Aviv Museum, and approved the following proclamation, declaring the establishment of the State of Israel. The new state was recognized that night by the United States and three days later by the USSR.

For the first time in 2520 years she was independent.
That follows the destruction of the Jewish state 2520 years ago by the Babylonians in 606 BC followed by the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon’s Temple on 9th of AV 587 BC exactly 19 years later. Jerusalem was never to be under Jewish rule until 1967.

“This will be a sign to the house of Israel. Lie also on your left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it. According to the number of the days that you lie on it, you shall bear their iniquity. For I have laid on you the years of their iniquity, according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days; so you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. And when you have completed them, lie again on your right side; then you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days. I have laid on you a day for each year” (Ezekiel 4:3-6).

Each day represents one biblical year. 430 years (390 years plus another 40 years). “And after all this, if you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins” (Leviticus 26:18; see also Leviticus 26:21, 23-24,27-28). 430 years – first 70 years = 360 years x 7 = 2,520 biblical years x 360 day = 907,200 days

If we work backwards from May 14, 1948 and using this information the 907,200 days (2,520 years) prophecy, we arrive at 606 BC

Israel lost its independence in 606 B.C. but Jerusalem was left intact with the Second temple. The “desolations of Jerusalem” began with the annihilation of the city of Jerusalem and the Solomon’s Temple in 587 B.C. According to Jeremiah it was punishment for not yielding to the “Servitude of the Nation” which began in 606 B.C., with the first siege of Nebuchandnezzar – 19 years prior.

On the morning of Shavuot, June 15, 1967 — just six days after the liberation of the Old City of Jerusalem in the Six Day War — the Old City was officially opened to the Israeli public.

In total, 200,000 visited the Western Wall that day. It was the first pilgrimage, en masse, of Jews to Jewish-controlled Jerusalem on a Jewish festival in 2,000 years, since the pilgrimages for the festivals in Temple times Some wept, but most faces were wreathed in smiles. For 13 continuous hours, a colorful variety of all peoples trudged along in perfect order, stepping patiently when told to do so at each of six successive barriers set up by the police to regulate the flow

Enjoy the Day and ponder the fact that the generation that saw her restored would also see the end of the age.

I ponder the number 40 more so for it is a generation. Gods time piece in the end times is Israel and Jerusalem the “cup of trembling” handed the nations.

“Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it… Zechariah 12:2-3

httpvp://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=7B15EF192D5CCC67

Italy is located centrally in the Mediterranean sea and served as an important crossroad and an intersection between North and South, East and West, Sephardic and Ashkenazi culture. That’s why Italy has a very important role in Jewish history and genealogy.

Italy contains some of the oldest Jewish Communities in Europe. Jews arrived in South Italy after the distruction of the First Temple and latter thousands of Jews lived in Rome already before the Christian era. At Roman  time there were ten-fifteen synagogues in Roma (Rome).

In 160 B.C. Simon Maccabeus sent an embassy to Rome to strengthen the alliance with the Romans against the Syrians. The ambassadors received a cordial welcome from the Senate and form the Jews who were already established in town.

Besides Roma, other Jewish communities were in Genova, Milano, Bologna, Ravenna, Napoli, Pompei, Siracusa. Messina and in other in forty places. 

Under the rule of the Emperor Claudius, a census was taken, which estimated the Jewish population of the empire the 7 or 9 percent of the total population.

With the establishment of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman empire by Constantine I in 313, the position of Jews in Italy and throughout the empire declined rapidly. From that time the oppression grew considerably. Until the fall of the Roman empire periods of persecution were followed by periods of quiescence. During the first Dark Ages there were flourishing communities of Jews in Rome, Milan, Genoa, Palermo, Messina, Agrigentum, and in Sardinia. When Italy came into the possession of the Lombards Jews lived in peace in the territories under their rule. Even after the Lombards embraced Catholicism, Jews were not persecuted. Pope Gregory I treated them with much consideration. Under succeeding popes the condition of the Jews did not grow worse; and the same was the case in the several smaller states into which Italy was divided. There was an expulsion of Jews from Bologna in 1172; but they were soon allowed to return. Under Norman rule the Jews of southern Italy and of Sicily enjoyed a great freedom.

When Benjamin of Tudela visited the country between 1160 and 1165 he found large communities "old of centuries" on his route. First he visited Genoa, Pisa and Lucca.
From other sources we know that at that time  Jews lived also in other towns of the North (Aquileia, Ferrara, Mantua, Padua).

By the end of the Middle Ages, Italy had been divided into fifteen different states. Each state had different influence of the Catholic Church, administrative structure and different restrictive laws on the Jews. After wars and annexations the number of these states was reduced to ten.

The position of Jews in Italy worsened considerably under Pope Innocent III (1198-1216). This pope first ordered that every Jew must always wear a special badge. In 1235 Pope Gregory IX published the first bull against the ritual murder accusation. Other popes followed his example.

Large towns such as Venice, Florence, Genoa, and Pisa, realized that their commercial interests were of more importance than politics of the Church and accordingly the Jews found their condition better than ever before. Jews became bankers and merchants, and obtained permissions to establish banks and to engage in monetary transactions.

When in 1492 Jews were expelled from Spain a great number of them took refuge in Italy. In the same year Jews were expelled from from Sicily. The Spanish Jews arrived in Tuscany, Naples, Ferrara and in some other towns. In Rome and Genoa they experienced hunger, plague, and poverty and in many cases were forced to accept baptism in order to escape starvation.

The Jewish communities of Naples and of Rome received the greatest number of accessions and  in some few cases the immigrants exceeded in number the Jews already domiciled.

Arriving from Spain many Conversos returned to Judaism, thus fallig under the jurisdiction of the Inquisition. In 1516 the first Ghetto was estabilished in Venezia (Venice).  Later other ghettos were established. The Church, deeply involved into the fight against Reformation, began a fanatic hunt of forbidden books and in 1553 in the principal cities of Italy were burned all the found copies of the Talmud. In 1541 Jews were expelled from South Italy (Kingdom of Naples).

The Italian Jewish community, with its 2,000 years of history, was formed also by the merger of several Jewish groups that arrived in Italy since Middle Ages:
– 14th century from France and Germany;
– 15th centuries from Spain and Portugal because of the expulsion;
– 16th century because of internal migrations;
– 17th century from East Europe;

Pius V brought into force all the anti-Jewish bulls of his predecessors. He decided to banish the Jews from all his dominions and in in 1555 the Jews were expelled from all the Papal States excepting Rome and Ancona. In these two towns Ghettos were established.

Thus in three phases the Jews were forced to moved

1) from Sicily,
2) from South peninsular Italy,
3) from the State of the Church

An important exception to these restrictions and persecution was the freedom given to Jews who moved to Livorno (Leghorn).

Under the influence of the liberal religious policy of Napoleon the Jews of Italy were emancipated. The new political ideas broke the power of the Church. After the Revolution of 1848 begun a political movement that lead to the political Unification of Italy (1860-1870). Jewish volunteers died in the cause of Italian liberty and the ghettos were opened. After the Unification, in the Italian Kingdom Italian Jews had full civil and political rights.

Italian Jews adopted family names since the 11th century, usually, they either translated their Hebrew names or adopted the name of their place of origin: that’s why  family names are a good resource for genealogy.

As a bible believer I believe that the Palestinian (Arabs from the Arabian peninsula) should have their own state. They should have their own democratic government running their own issue (Hamas not Fatah, who was not democratic elected).

They should have their own territory, which they would be able to rule as they wish, and they should be able to vote for whom they want to with out any interference from any country (USA or any other), and the government voted democratically should be able to recognized and respected by the leaders of world, to respect the choices the people of Falestine makes (remember Hamas which means in Hebrew destruction, was voted by the people as the Falestinian government).

The Falestinian people should be able to create their own history (they got none, they are Arabs from many countries in the Arabian Peninsula, meaning, not natives from the land, squatters).

I believe that as Falestinians, and as Arabs they should have their own state any where they wish to, but NEVER in the land of Israel, the JEWISH homeland, but in any of the Arabian peninsula states they wish to (like South Arabia, Katar, Kuwait, Irak, Lebanon and Jordan) or even in the United States, in stolen lands from other peoples, like New Mexico, Ohaio, Los Angeles, Texas, Puerto Rico, (there is too many to go on) or even Washington (since president O Husain Obama loves them so much).

If any Arab or Christian wishes to live in the Jewish homeland, they should be able to pledge allegiance to the Jewish state. If they do not, they should be able to chose any other place to live, any where else, but ISRAEL, the Jewish homeland. (note from the writer: I do not hate Arabs, I love them, but I do not appreciate their wish to kill the people of God, Jewish people should be able to live in Peace).

The Palestinians should at least be able to pronounce their own name, since in Arabic there is not a P sound, so they sound it as Falesstinians.

I believe the coming of the mahdi, the Jewish anti-Messiah, whom will be defeated by the Jewish Messiah. The God of Israel will establish the kingdom of God here on earth, we will rebuild the Temple, and only those who call the name of HaShem (the God of Israel) will be saved. We want Mashiach now!

Please view this video: A Jewish Response to Barack Obama’s Cairo Speech

Summary: On June 4, 2009, US President Barack Obama delivered a speech in Cairo, Egypt that contained a distorted view of the Jewish people’s historical ties to the land of their forefathers, the land of Israel. This video by the Temple Institute in Jerusalem is a response to that speech.

While president Hussein Obama is busy preaching how peaceful Islam is… did he even just once, casually mention their history of violent Arab colonialism worldwide?

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep quiet! The Religion of Peace? No, they mean the Religion of Piece, a Piece of Israel; Piece of America; Piece of the UK; Piece of Europe; Piece of Asia; Piece of . . . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nImmsxXoLO0

On this, the 53rd anniversary of Israel’s independence, it is all too tempting for friend and foe alike to define Israel, and Zionism, solely by the Arab world’s bloody hostility. To do so is to miss the normal miracles that occur in Israel daily, the millions who are able to live and learn, laugh and play, in the Middle East’s only democracy. To do so is to underestimate the power of Zionism, a gutsy and visionary movement that outlasted the twentieth century’s grander and seemingly permanent revolutions such as Bolshevism, Nazism, fascism and communism.

The sad truth is that over a century after its founding, Zionism seems to be losing its luster. Arabs have demonized Zionism as the modern bogeyman, and many have clumped Zionists, along with Americans and most Westerners, as the Great Satans. The violence of the last seven months has revived the United Nations libel equating Zionism with racism. In Israel, a small but influential group of intellectuals fancies themselves to be post-Zionists, while a negligible but voluble minority of Jews in the Diaspora please man-bite-dog opinion page editors by proudly proclaiming themselves Jewish anti-Zionists.

On this Israel Independence Day, Jews should reaffirm their faith and pride in Zionism, while the world should marvel at its achievements. Zionists must not allow their enemies to define and slander the movement. No nationalism is pure, no movement is perfect, no state ideal, but today Zionism remains legitimate, inspiring, relevant, to me and to most Jews. A century ago, Zionism revived pride in the label "Jew"; today, Jews must revive pride in the label "Zionist."

I am a Zionist because I am a Jew ‘ and without recognizing a national component in Judaism I cannot explain its unique character, a world religion bound to one homeland, a people whose Holy Days are defined by the Israeli agricultural calendar, rooted in theological concepts, and linked with historic events.

I am a Zionist because I know my history ‘ and after being exiled from their homeland 1931 years ago, the defenseless, wandering Jews endured repeated persecutions from both Christians and Muslims ‘ centuries before culminating in the Holocaust.

I am a Zionist because Jews never forgot their ties to their homeland, their love for Jerusalem, and often established autonomous governing structures in Babylonia, in Europe, in North Africa, governments in exile yearning to return home.

I am a Zionist because those ideological ties nourished and were nurtured by the plucky minority of Jews who remained in the land of Israel, sustaining continued Jewish settlement throughout the exile.

I am a Zionist because in modern times, the promise of Emancipation and Enlightenment was a double-edged sword, often only offering acceptance for Jews in Europe after they assimilated, yet never fully respecting them if they did assimilate.

I am a Zionist because in establishing the sovereign state of Israel in 1948, the Jews were merely reconstituting in modern Western terms a relationship with a land they had been attached to for 4,000 years since Abraham ‘ just as India did in establishing a modern state out of an ancient civilization.

I am a Zionist because in building that state, the Jews were returning to history, embracing normalcy, a condition which gave them power, with all its benefits, responsibilities, and dilemmas.

I am a Zionist because I celebrate the existence of Israel, and like any thoughtful patriot, though I might criticize particular governmental policies I may dislike ‘ I do not delegitimize the state itself.

I am a Zionist because I live in the real world of nation-states, and I see that Zionism is no more or less "racist" than any other nationalism, be it American, Canadian, or Czech, all of which rely on some internal cohesion, some sense of solidarity among some historic grouping of individuals, and not others, some tribalism.

I am a Zionist because here in multicultural North America we have learned that pride in one’s heritage as a Jew, an Italian, a Greek, can provide essential and time-tested anchors in a world overdosing on materialism, consumerism, and a sensationalism of the here-and-now.

I am a Zionist because in our world of post-modern identities, I know that we don’t have to be "either-ors", we can be can "ands and buts" — a Zionist AND an American patriot; a secular and somewhat assimilated Jew BUT a Zionist.

I am a Zionist because I am a democrat, and for the last two centuries, the history of democracy has been intertwined with the history of nationalism, while for the last century democracy has been a central Zionist ideal, despite being tested under the most severe conditions.

I am a Zionist because I am an idealist, and just as a century ago, the notion of a strong, independent, viable, sovereign Jewish state was an impossible dream ‘ yet absolutely worth fighting for ‘ so, too, today, the notion of a strong, independent, viable, sovereign Jewish state living in true peace and harmony with its neighbors appears to be an impossible dream ‘ yet absolutely worth striving for.

I am a Zionist because I am a romantic, and the vision of the Jews rebuilding their homeland, reclaiming the desert, renewing themselves, was one of the greatest stories of the twentieth century, just as the vision of the Jews maintaining their homeland, reconciling with the Arab world, renewing themselves, and serving as a light to others, a model nation state, could be one of the greatest stories of the twenty-first century.

Yes, it sounds far-fetched today. But, as Theodore Herzl, the father of modern Zionism said in an idle boast that has become a cliche: "If you will it, it is no dream."

By Gil Troy – The Montreal Gazette, 26 April 2001-B3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdrtZOW60TU

I would like to recommend the below videos, which gives us some history regarding the pogroms and other atrocities incurred by Jews residing in Muslim countries. Jewish people living in Muslim countries were never treated as equal, but as sub-humans, as “second-class citizens” under state-sponsored discrimination and actively persecuted by Islamic militants apart from the government.

Those Jews from New York, Los Angeles, and Montreal are not unfamiliar with Persian, Syrian, Moroccan, and even Yemenite Jewish culture and history. Yet, most others still appear to be rather ignorant of their existence, let alone their histories, which which has paralleled their own.

Some people tent to think that Jewish people in Muslim countries had an easy life, compare to those in Europe. Think again.

In the 1940s, close to a million Jews from Arab countries were expelled from lands in which they had lived for 3000 years. They lost billions of dollars in property and came penniless to Israel. While we hear so much about the "Palestinian" refugees, the plight of the Mizrahi Jews has all but been forgotten.

An estimated 850,000 Jews were ethnically cleansed from Arab/Muslim lands. All were absorbed.

The Jewish exodus from Arab lands refers to the 20th century expulsion or mass departure of Jews, primarily of Sephardi and Mizrahi background, from Arab and Islamic countries. The migration started in the late 19th century, but accelerated after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

About 800,000 to 1,000,000 Jews were either forced out or fled their homes in Arab countries from 1948 until the early 1970s; 260,000 reached Israel in 1948-1951, 600,000 by 1972. The Jews of Egypt and Libya were expelled while those of Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and North Africa left as a result of a coordinated effort among Arab governments to create physical and political insecurity. Most were forced to abandon their property. By 2002 these Jews and their descendants constituted about 40% of Israel’s population. One of the main representative bodies of this group, the World Organization of Jews from Arab Countries, (WOJAC) estimates that Jewish property abandoned in Arab countries would be valued today at more than $300 billion and Jewish-owned real-estate left behind in Arab lands at 100,000 square kilometers (four times the size of the State of Israel). The organization asserts that the Jewish exodus was the result of a deliberate policy decision taken by the Arab League.

To read more about the Jewish Naqba go here

httpvp://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=8F1EE32FE5605735

“Why does the Torah start with the creation, instead of the first commandment given to the Jewish People? Because if the nations of the world ever accuse the Jews of stealing the Land of Israel, the Jews will be able to respond to the nations of the world that the entire world belongs to G-d, He created it and He choose to give the Land of Israel to the Jewish People.” -Rabbi Shlomo ben Yitzhak (Rashi)

"Haven’t we always had earthquakes and famines? Haven’t there always been wars, false prophets and messiahs?" For twenty centuries men have anticipated that our Rabbi, Maran Yeshua’s return would take place in their day.

Nearly every generation thought that Mashiach would be reveal himself in their time, because of the signs they thought they saw in the events of their day. But our Rabbi gave us the key to understand these signs when He compared them to a woman in labor. These things are merely the beginning of birth pangs (Mark 13:8b).

A woman’s labor pains increase in two ways: in intensity and in frequency. The labor pains become more intense and the contractions come closer and closer together until the very end, when the pain is most agonizing, and the contractions almost continuous, one right after the other, and then the child is born. Our Rabbi Maran Yeshua is telling us that the world is going to go through more troubles and disasters, which will increase in frequency and intensity, until the very end, when they are almost unbearable, and nearly continuous, one coming right after the other. Then the Eternal One will send him, a delightful new time in history, the golden age of man.

Since Israel became an independent nation in 1948, the intensity and frequency of these signs have increased like the birth-pangs of a woman approaching her time of delivery, exactly as Messiah foretold. As we get closer to His return, expect these ancient prophecies to come into clearer focus. Major prophecies will develop simultaneously, and the pace of fulfillment will quicken like birth pangs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dzKlmOSCPk

On May 14, 1948 (5th Iyar), the modern State of Israel declared independence, this year it turned out to be on Mon, 9 May 2011 (6th of Iyyar, 5771). For the first time in almost 1,900 years, the Jewish people had a free and independent homeland in the biblically Promised Land.

Every day since that declaration of independence, Israel had been forced to struggle to survive. But Israel has not only survived, it has thrived as a nation. Appropriately, Israelis celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut (יום העצמאות‎ / عيد الاستقلال‎) (Israeli Independence Day) with joyous festivities- parades, picnics, games and speeches.

Yom Ha Atzmaut is a day of celebration not only for Israelis. Jews around the world join in because while Israel is the physical homeland of many Jews, it is the spiritual homeland of all Jews.

Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of the people Israel; Bless the State of Israel, with its promise of redemption. Shield it with Your love; spread over it the shelter of Your peace. Guide its leaders and advisors with Your light and Your truth. Help them with Your good counsel. Strengthen the hands of those who defend our Holy Land. Deliver them; crown their efforts with triumph. Bless the land with peace, and its inhabitants with lasting joy. And let us say: Amen. (translation from Siddur)

Dear Friends, From the bottom of our heart We congratulate you with the Independence Day of Israel & Wishing you peace, success, prosperity & good fortune on this day! May the Lord keep and guard His Land, His sons & daughters always!!! Happy the Independence day!

Happy the Independence day!

יום העצמאות‎ / عيد الاستقلال‎

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHmBiATUono