Beth HaDerech; Messianic Jewish Congregation, Toronto, Canada

Messianic Jewish Emuna: Divine Fences

(Pirkei Avot 3 Mishnah 17) “Rabbi Akiva said: Mockery and levity accustom a man to immorality. The transmitted Oral Torah is a protective fence around the Torah; tithes are a protective fence around wealth; vows are a protective fence around abstinence; and a protective fence for wisdom is silence.” All fences, whether physical or spiritual, all serve a purpose which is to guard and protect something precious contained inside. Fences are built around most homes and businesses to keep out thieves and even wild animals when it gets dark. However, the fences here in this Mishnah serve a much deeper purpose in our lives as believers, to protect us from spiritual darkness and corruption. The Oral Torah has sustained the Jewish people for thousands of years, directing the path of their lives in regards to how the Torah is lived out, otherwise known as Halacha. Within the Messianic Jewish world, there is much debate in regards to our relationship to the Oral Torah, and in the words of our Holy Rabbi Maran Yeshua, not mine we see a direct endorsement of the Oral Torah and the Halacha of the Rabbis. (Mattityahu/Matthew 23:1-3) “Then Yeshua addressed the crowds and His talmidim: “The Torah-teachers (Rabbis) and the P’rushim,” He said, “sit on the seat of Moshe. So whatever they tell you, take care to do it. But don’t do what they...