A Good Report from the Land: TIME TO BE A MODERN ...

A Good Report from the Land: TIME TO BE A MODERN ...: TIME TO BE A MODERN MACCABEE At the time of Hanukkah, our thoughts always turn to the trem...

TIME TO BE A MODERN MACCABEE At the time of Hanukkah, our thoughts always turn to the tremendous odds that were against the Jewish people in Israel, 2,100 years ago. We came so perilously close to having our people erased from history. It was a time when there was so little light of our Torah left in the Land of Israel, which was surrounded by a sea of darkness. The miracle of Hanukkah - the few against the many, the military victory over the wicked, most powerful army in the world, is a cause for great celebration. Astoundingly, we find that THIS Hanukkah, Israel is once again in a struggle against a savage, barbaric enemy. One that rapes, mutilates, tortures, burns alive and kidnaps our women, children and men; even our babies... Their only 'crime' is that they are Jews; Jews who live in rhe State of Israel. , Israel has mobilized and is fighting deep inside the very nests of these Nazis. But, just as Israel has mobilized the Reserves - it is time for ALL lovers across the world to be "called up" - mobilized as Modern-day Maccabees! No, not to serve in the IDF in either Gaza or on the Lebanese front but to serve in a vital front that stretches around the world. We need these NEW Maccabees to help disseminate information to a world which is astoundingly uniformed, to be the public face of support and caring for both Israel and Jewish communities and individuals around the world. People need to educate themselves to be prepared to defend Israel and to understand the lies of the media and of the terrorist supporters. There are so many ways that people can help - and over the next several blog posts, I will focus on specific projects that everyone can participate it. THIS is the time to stand up for Israel. Time to be a Modern Maccabee!

           Who WILL Populate the Land of Israel in the Future?

                                                                        (originally written in September 2017)

             In his commentary on the Parsha (weekly Torah portion), Rav Nachman Kahana recently came to some startling conclusions.  His article (for Parshat Ki Taizai) was entitled, "Gathering the Ten Lost Tribes from faraway lands."  The entire article is interesting and well worth your time to read it:   http://nachmankahana.com/ki-taitzai-5777/    As fascinating as the entire article is, it is the second half of it that really impresses me.  That's what we'll focus on in this Blog post.  

              In the section of his commentary, "Who will populate Eretz Yisrael in the future?" Rav Kahana's position on the Lost Tribes of Israel is nothing less than paradigm shattering...especially considering it coming from someone with his perspective within the Jewish community.

              A few things you need to understand about Rav Nachman Kahana.  He is an outstanding Rabbinic scholar who is thought of very highly here within Israel's Dati Leumi (National Religious) community.  A prolific author (in both Hebrew and English), he has written15 volumes of commentary on the Talmud.  A renowned educator, he is the Rav of the Chazon Yehezkel (Young Israel of the Old City) Bet Knesset (synagogue) located in the Muslim (occupied) Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City.

             As highly regarded as Rav Nachman is, there's also a strong personal connection for me here.  Rav Nachman's brother - Rav Meir Kahane (yes, spelled differently) was the most significant Jewish influence in my life.  Rav Meir founded the Jewish Defense League and other activist movements in the USA and led the fight to free Soviet Jewry and other oppressed Jews around the world.  Later, serving as a member of Israel's Knesset, Rav Meir was a dynamic voice for Torah Observance, Judea & Samaria and the reclamation of the Temple Mount.  He had the foresight to see the dangers of Israel's Arab population who were not loyal to the State of Israel.  His published work continues to inspire a new generation.

           

             Rav Meir was murdered by Al Qaida in NYC in 1990, in the first act of Islamic terrorism in the United States.  It was from him that I learned to focus on the Tanach (Hebrew Bible), particularly the Nevi'im (Prophets).  It was that intense grounding in the Tanach that actually prepared me to understand what I have been involved with since 1994:  the Prophetic fulfillment that has been occurring with Ephraim (Lost Tribes / "Lost Israel") being awakened across the world.  And it was from Rav Meir that I learned how to be an activist; how to be driven by a mission...a higher cause. I learned to be prepared and to be willing  - to do whatever it might take...There is so much more that I could say about hin - but that will have to wait for another Blog post.   

             Returning to Rav Nachman's article, he begins the section on the future population of Eretz Yisrael by wondering where all the millions of Jews will come from to settle the Golan, Galil, Negev, Yehuda (Judea) and Shomron (Samaria).  Now, it's important to point out - within the classic texts of Jewish scholarship, there is never a mention of the term, "Ephraimite."  That is the term many of us have been using over the last few decades to refer to those people around the world who are coming to the realization that they too are part of Israel.  So, when he uses the term, 'Jew' - you can be thinking, "part of Israel."

             He states unequivocally, that they will NOT be coming from the Jewish communities in the US, Europe or South America.  But he says, "The big numbers will come from the hundreds of millions of Jewish descendants of the Ten Tribes and Anusim (those Jews forced to convert to Catholicism in Spain and Portugal in the 14-15th centuries).  He then adds, "...who will awaken one day to their Jewish heritage."  Hasn't that been what's been occurring for the last thirty years, or so?  

             The thing that is HUGE about what he said is that for many in the Jewish ('Orthodox') community, the feeling is generally that the Tribes must have already returned.  You see, Jewish communities around the world sent emissaries looking for our lost brothers and sisters for centuries.  However, once it was determined that there were no longer parts of the world that remained unexplored - where could they be hiding?  So, it was assumed that somehow, when no one noticed, they kind of snuck back in among their Jewish brothers and sisters.  Considering the amount of prophecies that speak of an enormous multitude returning to the Land and people of Israel, I could never take that theory seriously.  How could such a momentous fulfillment of prophecy - the restoration of ALL of Israel have already occurred and no one even noticed?  

               But, Rav Kahana is the first prominent Rabbi to publicly come out and say that those returning from the Lost Tribes would come from those totally "distant" from their heritage: does that sound like someone YOU might know?  Does it not fit in perfectly with so many people who are not Jewish coming (or perhaps - returning) to the Torah? Rav Nachman even quotes the verse from Yechezkel (Ezekiel) 11:17: "This is what HaShem says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again."   Perhaps he is using words and phrases you might have chosen - but look at WHAT it is that he is saying...He even quotes from the Malbim (famed Biblical commentator of the 19th Century) who, in explaining the verse above from Yechezkel, wrote: "In the future, HaShem will gather the Ten Tribes from faraway lands, those that did not return at the time of the Second Temple, and I will give them the land of Israel."  

             It is actually at the very end of his commentary that Rav Nahman provides another way of looking at this situation of the regathering of 'Lost Israel.'  He wrote: "If your brother Jew is far from you (in the spiritual sense) to the extent that you can no longer recognize any Jewish features in his life.  Bring him into your home (Eretz Yisrael) until his heart is opened and he begins to seek out his Jewish roots.  Then be prepared to return him to those roots."    

            Until now, the conventional wisdom has been that the returning Tribes (their descendants, to be exact) would be Jewish people - and readily recognizable as such. You know, with the same beliefs as the rest of the Jewish people in the world.  But now we have a prominent Rabbinic personality saying, no, they will no longer be recognizable to us - just as the Prophet Hoshea (Hosea) said they wouldn't be (1:9)!  It's another illustration of the story of Yosef (Joseph) playing out, yet again.  The brothers don't recognize him - he doesn't act like they do, he doesn't sound like they do and he doesn't even look like they do - but they're still brothers!  

            The last sentence in his monumental article states: "This is what will be in the near future, when HaShem will awaken the millions of our brothers so distant from their roots, and return them miraculously to us in Eretz Yisrael."   So yes, the stage is being set and part of that is that is that there are so many more that need to be woken up; on both sides of the family.  For those being called out to be Ephraim and for my fellow Jews who have no idea that this has begun to happen.  And just like the story of Yosef - we have brothers and sisters that we don't (at this time) yet recognize....

            If you look at the people around you who have been brought to this understanding, you're only seeing the tip of the spear.  While the full return of ALL of Israel will happen via HaShem's miracles - there is still our part to play.  We really need to start thinking (and living) focused upon Mutual Respect, because ALL of our people are coming home.   

          

         

It's Elul...and the King is in the field...yeah, so what?

                     Yes, it's Elul and as we like to say: "The King is in the field" - which means that HaShem (God) is more accessible to us then at any other time of the year.  It's described almost as if Avinu Shebashamayim (Our Father in Heaven) has 'left' His 'Palace,' or gotten off His 'thrown' and He is coming to us.  We no longer have to approach Him...HaShem is coming to us!  

                    It is THE time of the year that people actually seem to obsess about 'Tshuva' - translated typically as 'repentance' - but more accurately - 'Returning' or better yet - to 'Turn Toward' (back to where they should have been heading...).  Well, they TALK about it...but I am not so sure that people are always thinking about making lasting changes in their behavior, and that's why I have an issue with it....

      Tefila - truly heartfelt prayer is certainly the heart of ANY potential change (or 'return') to what should be our state of being and action(s).  But, why make such a big deal about HaShem "being in the field" if in the end, WE really don't want to change?   Yes, we for sure want to avoid the consequences for actions (or LACK of action...) - but do we REALLY want to change?  Are we ready to DO the things that HaShem has spelled out for us?   

     Come on...I mean even those really, REALLY hard things?  When we say our tefilot (prayers), are we asking HaShem for the strength and focus to stand up for Israel and (and alongside) the Jewish people?   Are we even willing to consider putting aside our personal desires, comforts and interests in order to focus on what HaShem considers IMPORTANT?   

        When HaShem repeatedly speaks of HIS Chosen Land throughout the Torah, why is it that so many now think they can simply nod and ignore it?   At a time when the threats to the State of Israel AND to Jews all over the world have reached a CRISIS level...where is OUR feeling of a 'state of emergency?'  HaShem is indeed in "the field" - and actually He is ALWAYS accessible to us - but do we truly long for that dialogue with Him?   Do we just want to ask for what are OUR priorities?  Or, are we willing to dedicate ourselves for HIS priorities?  

          Just because visiting Israel isn't an option right now, does that mean that we no longer need to be those "Watchmen on the Walls?!"  This world situation has more opportunities for distractions then ever before - which provides the perfect opportunity for us to refocus on HIS priorities...

         Let's approach HaShem THIS year with a new attitude - let's show that we understand HIS priorities and are actually willing to DO something about it.  For all who view themselves as part of HaShem's people, as part of Israel - dare we do anything less?  

                          With Brachot from Modi'in - home of the Maccabees,

                                         HANOCH 

                

                                     YOSEF - Revenge or Reconciliation...?

       Well, it's been a long time (WAY too long) since I've written a blog post, but I have had an overwhelming urge to write some thoughts about Yosef (Joseph).  Strangely enough - the LAST blog post I wrote was also about Yosef because it was Parshat Vayigash (the Torah portion dealing with Yosef and his brothers).  But this one is a bit different in its focus than that other blog post, although both do deal with Yosef.  

        For those who've known me for a while, you're well acquainted with my obsession with the promised regathering of ALL of the Tribes of Israel.  Toward that end, I having been building bridges over the last 27+ years with people who identify as part of Israel.  NOT to replace their Jewish brothers and sisters, but rather to stand alongside us in the Restoration of ALL of Israel.  

        Now, before we go any further - let's be VERY clear about something - we are clearly NOT ready for that to occur at this time.  But, hang in there with me as I share what's been on my mind recently relating to this.  I want us to relate to Yosef and the decisions that he had to make as he faced the prospects of being reunited with his brothers.  I want to review this now, since I think there are vital lessons that can be learned from it by BOTH sides of the family - Jewish AND Ephraimite ("Lost Tribe"). 

         Yosef had LEGITIMATE issues with how his brothers treated him and I totally would have expected him to take revenge against his brothers for what they had done to him - especially selling him to the Ishmaelites.  Frankly, as someone whose heroes include the Punisher character from comics - I really DID expect a massive retaliation/settle-the-score kind of thing.  You know, kind of 'Kill Bill' meets the Tanach (Hebrew Bible)...

         But Yosef, whose heart was filled with the Torah - CHOSE to embrace his brothers unconditionally so they could move forward and be a reunited family once again.  It was that 'falling upon his brothers' instead of punishing them, kind of thing that enabled the Children of Israel to eventually grow into a Nation.  The acknowledgement that FAMILY is still family is a vital lesson that gets overlooked way too often.  Today, we SPEAK 'as if' we were brothers and sisters - but are filled with criticism, disdain and mistrust for each other - even within our respective sides of the family.

           If you indeed want to see the Restoration, to be PART of the Restoration - are you willing to openly embrace your long-lost brothers and sisters?  Even with them believing what they do?  Or, do you want (or NEED) to verbally whip them into shape, first?   To have them renounce who they are so they can be more in line with how YOU lead your life?  We have picked up the lingo of 'Mutual Respect' but do we really mean simply, 'Mutual Toleration' at MOST?' 

          How long will we hold our respective religious lifestyle (with its associated laws, traditions and practices) against each other?  When will we give up the need to ridicule the 'other?'  What about the thinly veiled disdain for each other that so many of us are SO unwilling to give up?  When will we give up trying to proselytize 'them' - realizing of course, that kind of activity is the ULTIMATE in DISRESPECT?  When will we give up trying to PUNISH each other for not being 'us.'  

        Despite all that Yosef suffered - he EMBRACED his brothers; as they were!  Are you still content with doing anything less?  My arms are open toward you - are your arms open toward me?  

                               B'Ahava Rabba (with much love) from Modi'in - home of the Maccabees,

                                                   Hanoch

                                        

  

"It's my brothers whom I am seeking..."

                                        

          When it comes time for Parshat Vayigash, who isn't moved by the recounting of Yosef (Joseph) revealing himself to his brothers?  For years, people who identify as Ephraim, part of Israel (PART of Israel - NOT to replace their Jewish brothers and sisters, but to rejoin them as part of ALL of Israel) have spoken repeatedly of their desire for that ultimate 'Family Reunion.'  But, still - people seem confused as to how to help make that happen.  The key, is actually within the Haftorah (Prophetic portion associated with the weekly Torah portion) for Parshat Vayigash.  It's from the Prophet Yehezekl (Ezekiel), Chapter 37.  Yes, it's the prophecy about the 2 sticks...

          Everyone seems to "know" this prophecy, but so few truly UNDERSTAND it.  As people all over the world have been woken up to understand that they TOO are part of Israel, they're confronted by an obvious issue. Their religious beliefs and practices are SO different than their Jewish brothers and sisters, how can we all become ONE family, ONE people, once again?  Sadly, the focus has been to try to change the beliefs and religious practices on the other side of the family - to conform to their own sense of what it is supposed to be.

         And that's why we need to go back and study Yehezkel, all over again...The 2 sticks are to get themselves organized and they are to identify themselves. Both those who 'are' (of each stick) and those who are associated with or joined to.  They are to begin drawing close to each other - working together and connecting - which seems SO obviously to work together on behalf of Eretz Yisrael - the Land of Israel.  

           And THEN, we will become ONE - ONE STICK - but it is ONLY HaShem that will do that..."they will be joined in My hand..." Yehezkel 37:19.  It's right there, in black and white; so why can't people truly internalize that?  

          So many people seem to be SO intent on trying to turn Judah into Joseph or Joseph into Judah that they totally miss the point.  HaShem will change whatever it is about us that we've gotten wrong!  "...I will not leave you unpunished, but will correct you in (due) meansure."   Yermiyahu 46:28     It is NOT up to us to try to correct our brothers and sisters.  But rather, Avinu Malkenu (Our Father Our King) will do it.  

            When we can accept our brothers and sisters with Mutual Respect (which does NOT mean that you necessarily agree with them - but rather, RESPECT them, regardless..), then it is HaShem that will restore us.  But we are to deal with each other with Respect and Reconciliation and HaShem will restore our nation - as He has promised.  THAT is the Revolution for Restoration!  So, are you with HaShem's plan or are you against it?  

                                With love & hugs from Modi'in - home of the Maccabees,

                                                                   Hanoch 

                                                                    

     

                                             What about those OTHER Golden Calves?  

               

        Everyone knows the story about the Golden Calf, right?  Moshe is up on Har (Mt) Sinai, and the children of Israel have a Golden Calf built for them...boy, talk about an ungrateful group, right?  But there was another time in the history of the people of Israel, where the Golden Calf thing happened, and we even know the exact date it occurred.  AND, we even know the disastrous results, which affect us to this very day.

        We have to go back to the death of Shlomo HaMelech King Solomon and the split in the United Kingdom that he had ruled.  Go to Sefer Melachim, the Book of Kings - the whole story's there.  Rechovam (Rehoboam) remained King of Yehuda (Judah), which essentially was from Jerusalem, South.  Yerovam (Jeroboam) became King of Yisrael - Israel - the Northern Kingdom.  Just as a note, in the Tanach (Hebrew Bible), the (Northern) Kingdom of Yisrael (Israel) is ALSO referred to Ephraim, Yosef (Joseph) and Shomorn (Samaria).  

             Having our one people being split between two Kingdoms would have been bad enough - but Yerovam wanted to have total control over the people in his particular Kingdom. He was concerned that his citizens would travel to Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) to the Bet HaMikdash (Holy Temple) over the pilgrimage festivals (to offer sacrifices) and that they would retain their loyalties to the place that HaShem (God) decided to have His presence on Earth as well as to King Rechovam.

              So, he decided that he would need to changes things - MANY things...he actually built two Golden Calves, placing them at either ends of his Kingdom - Dan in the North and Bet El in the South.  Sefer Melachim (1) Book of Kings tells us that he told his citizens: "You have been going up to Yerushalayim long enough.  This is your God O Yisrael, who brought you up from the Land of Egypt!"

Melachim (1) 12:28

            Yerovam also changed the calendar, creating his OWN holiday!  Moving Sukkot to the 8th month, instead of the 7th month.  But worshipping the Golden Calves? Wow...you could not get MORE distant from the way the people of Israel were supposed to live.           

         This occurred on the 15th day of the 8th month....BTW, that's Cheshvan, the month that just ended.  This is a date where everyone who views themselves as PART of Israel (along with their Jewish brothers and sisters) should use to repent for the actions of their ancestors.   For 26 years, I have been meeting people who have identified themselves as belonging to the people of Israel - through descent from those of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. But, I have YET to meet people who acknowledge this date and use it to educate themselves and their congregations and fellowships.  

          I have always felt you cannot simply claim to be part of the 'Tribes of Israel' if you do not own up to what sent your side of the family into galut (exile) for over 2,700+ years.      

This initiation of IDOL WORSHIP was what is referred to as, "The Sin of Jeroboam" - changing the mode of worship that the People of Israel had been commanded to follow...which was what led to the ultimate destruction of the Kingdom of Yisrael/Ephraim.  That destruction by Assyria led to the dispersal and punishment of the citizens of the Kingdom of Israel.  Being led to Assyria and from there to the very corners of the Earth.  

And now, in 2020, after barely 30+ years of people being woken to the concept that they too may be part of Israel - that process of Restoration and Reconciliation has actually begun to happen!  May we approach each other with love, caring and Mutual Respect - knowing that it is ONLY HaShem who can change us into whatever He feels we need to be.  May ALL of Israel be reunited once again and may we work together to cause it to happen speedily and in OUR days.  

                                 With love & hugs from Modi'in, Home of the Maccabees,

                                                                 Hanoch

                       

           

                                    

What's the deal with Avraham?

                                                      What's the deal with Avraham?

    

           In last weeks Parsha (Torah portion) - Lech Lecha,  we began to read the story of Avraham Avinu, Abraham our father.  Now, before even thinking about the dramatic story of the Akeda - the 'sacrifice' of Yitzhak (Issac) we have to deal with the whole, "Gotta leave home, make a fresh new start" kind of thing.  And besides, the Akeda happens in a later Parsha!  😉

         So really, what's the BIG DEAL?  Avraham is told to go out on his own, right?  Like most of us need to do as we grow into adulthood, to go find his own place and start his own life.  Well...kind of, but not really...He is actually told to leave ("go forth" as most translations like to say) his father's home "...to the land that I will show you."  Bereshit (Genesis) 12:1.  WHY did he HAVE to leave his father's 'house' and go to some land that wasn't even on his GPS - that he wasn't even aware that it existed.  

         We quickly learn that Avraham was to be a 'blessing' and that he would have a 'great nation' made from him.  Avraham was to introduce the knowledge of HaShem (God) into the world.  But, he needed to go to a special, unique place in order to fulfill his destiny.  That place of course, we now know of as Israel, or Eretz Yisrael.  But WHY?  Why couldn't Avraham have simply worshipped HaShem from where he was?  After all, just about everyone reading this lives (currently...) OUTSIDE of the Land of Israel and is forced to worship HaShem and His holy days as best they can, where they are.  So, what's the lesson for all of us that we can apply to our lives TODAY?  

              It wasn't just that this was to serve as a lesson to teach us the uniqueness and centrality of Israel - the very Land from which blessing emanates.  It was to show us WHAT he had to leave behind and more importantly - WHY he had to leave it. 

             In order to properly be an 'Eved (servant of ) HaShem'  - Avraham had to leave everything he was familiar with - his family and what his father had taught him, his culture, his frame of reference (for ALL knowledge) and the very essence of all of the values of the society that he had been raised in.  

            He didn't merely change how he referred to things (giving familiar cultural or religious ideas new 'Hebrew names') but it was a TOTAL remake of every single thing about him and how he would perceive everything from that time onward.  

            No, he wasn't simply encouraged to 'think with a Hebraic mindset' or told to refer to all of his Facebook friends from that moment on as 'achi' (my brother) or 'achoti' (my sister).  He was to truly start fresh - with no preconceived notions.  He wasn't allowed to practice syncretism - he wasn't given the option of seeing what 'worked' or 'fit' within his new 'Hebraic mindset.'  How many of US, would have been, or even ARE willing to do the same?  

             I come across people all the time who are striving in their approaches to understanding HaShem and are trying to reclaim their 'lost' religious beliefs and understanding.  But, how many of them are willing to even consider what some of their brothers and sisters are doing (and how they understand things) in order for them to make the right choices in their personal religious lives?  Yes, even when those brothers and sisters have been doing it for the last few thousand years?  

          Where would we ALL be now, if Avraham had taken the approach of simply doing what he wanted to do, assuring himself that after all, HaShem knew his heart?  Something for us ALL to consider as we ALL struggle to leave behind the baggage we no longer need.  

(in front of Ma'arat HaMachpela - the Cave of the Patriarchs (where Avraham was buried) in Hevron)

                                        With love & hugs from Modi'in - home of the Maccabees, 

                                                                          Hanoch 

         

 

                                        Cheshvan - a month with no holidays; why? 

                                                                             

        Although across the world, 2020 is for sure a year not likely to be forgotten - for us here in Israel, it has taken on an additional meaning.  During almost every holiday this year, we have been in full-blown Lockdowns - either #1 or #2...we have been barred from having family or friends celebrate with us.  It has been THE strangest of holidays...singing from our terrace/balconies during the Pesah Seder, Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Independence Day) without mass gatherings, Yom Kippur where everyone was encouraged to stay home and Sukkot - with no guests allowed into your Sukkah.  But, there were still holidays - something to prepare for and to at least try to enjoy and feel the meaning of those special days.   

        But, it's now Cheshvan - without a single holiday or festival; and the question is: WHY?  Let me lay it our for you as I see it now, when the entire earth is being shaken to its core.  It isn't about what you believe the COVID-19 virus is, or isn't - I am talking about the state of the world today.  Israel for instance, hasn't admitted any visitors since March - almost EIGHT full months - with no change on the immediate horizon.  The last day I worked was March 5, 2020...with no ability to earn a single Shekel since then.  But, while I sat, alone in my Sukkah - I felt a presence descend upon me...one that gave me the sense that the situation of the world wasn't MY issue to fix or even to focus upon.  That the world and its turmoil is in the hands of HaShem (God).  But, I was given the sense that I needed to get 'ready' and that this was a time of preparation.  

        Shortly before Sukkot, I read something that only resonated with me once I was alone in my Sukkah and had that 'experience.'  It's said that upon his release from prison, Nelson Mandela was asked how it was possible that he survived all those 27 years in prison.  Mandela is reported to have replied: "Survive?  I wasn't surviving, I was PREPARING."  We are to be using this time of 'suspended animation' that much of the world is currently in to PREPARE.  And THAT is why we have no holidays now - no distractions, nothing to plan for, nothing to regret not being able to invite people for - NO DISTRACTIONS.  We are to be preparing. Okay, but, "Preparing?!?" - for what?   

       We need to focus on OUR priorities (while letting God be God...) and WORK for the Restoration.  The Restoration & Reconciliation of Judah & Ephraim, based upon Mutual Respect.  And even those living under restrictions right now can and NEED TO continue this holy work.  Have you adopted and organization or community in Israel that you (and your congregations, friends & family) can help support? Are you saving to come to Israel as soon as the doors open?  Have you contacted Mike Clayton and I about our unique Connect to Israel Experience?  Or, were you just thinking of coming to Israel and hanging out at the beaches and bars of Tel Aviv?   Speaking of Mike - have you contacted him to invite him to your group (joinedtohashem.org)?  He's in the US - he can get to you now - but do you really WANT to hear the truth?  Are you PREPARED to hear it?  

        Once the issues of Lockdowns and quarantines (on either side of the Atlantic) are over, I will be returning to the US to deliver a powerful message to my brothers and sisters.  Will you help host me, or ask others to?  Or, is the issue of Mutual Respect just a 'bridge too far' for some - even now, when we are ALL running out of time?  We should be preparing NOW for what we need to be doing - not just hunkering down, waiting for it to all be over.  The sun WILL rise again the day after the US elections, just as it will when we in Israel (likely) head to new elections, once again in a few months.  Stop waiting for the 'genie' to pop out of the lamp - DO SOMETHING now and be prepared to DO MORE.  

        WE have been called, "...for such a time as this..." But, are YOU preparing? Will you be prepared?    

                            With love & hugs from Modi'in - home of the Maccabees

                                                             Hanoch 

No free Falafels in the Middle East...

                                 No free Falafels in the Middle East....

         Just about everyone who visits Israel (or anywhere in the Middle East, actually) has certainly tried falafel.  Those yummy fried balls of mashed chick peas are delicious, addictive and make a relatively nutritious meal - and they are very affordable.  Always reasonably priced, falafel works for those traveling on a budget.  But, there is still a cost - as there is with everything, right?   Well, not everyone seems to believe that...

         With the recent flurry of treaties and accords between Israel, the UAE, Bahrain and the USA there are those who seem to feel that Israel got what it wanted AT NO COST!  Israel, which has always desperately craved the recognition of ANY country in the world, has always prized recognition by those of our Arab 'neighbors'  the most.   There are people who are actually celebrating what they feel is a total bonanza for Israel with no price to pay.  But, let's take a look at the issues behind the dazzle and see what the REAL DEAL actually is.   

         We keep wondering (or, we should be)  about the sale of F-35 jets to the UAE, Israel "suspending" the extension of soverignty in Judea & Samaria, and the creation of a PA ('Palestinian Authority') State.  Let's take a look at each of these elements - but firstly, you have to understand the assumption that this is based upon - the Trump 'Peace to Prosperity' plan, referred to as the, "Deal of the Century" - gotta love those catchy nicknames!  In it, a "Palestinain" State is to be created - an independent country which has never existed before in the history of the world.   And where is it supposed to go?  Manitoba, Canada?  Kruger National Park in South Africa?  No...in Judea and Samaria - the Biblical Heartland of Israel.    

          This 'plan' cuts off 70% of Judea and Samaria (what the world foolishly calls, the "West Bank" - those are our Eastern Hills...the EU needs to get a good map...) to create this PA State.  It also calls for several other areas of land, all illustrated on the map above - including a tunnel to connect this new entity with Gaza.  But to WHOM does the Land belong?   

         "And you shall  take possession of the land and settle it, for I have assigned the land to you to possess."        Bamidbar 33:53

          There is NO mention or thought of allowing ANY foreign entity to exist...but we didn't listen so well back then, and people are NOT listening now, either...

       "...I brought you up from Egypt and I took you into the land I had promised on oath to your fathers.  And I said, 'I will never break my covenant with you.  And you, for your part, must make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you must tear down their altars.' But you have not obeyed Me - look what you have done!   Therefore, I have resolved not to drive them out before you; they shall become your oppressors, and their gods will be a snare to you."    Shoeftim 2:1-3

          So, for the 'gods' of "recognition," money/investments and wanting to be liked by the world, we're ready to turn our backs on our inheritance?  Uhh...how well did that work out for us, previously?  And do not think for one minute that the issue of the 'throwing us a bone' of giving Israel 30% of Judea & Samaria to declare soverignty (they call it Annexation) is something that is merely delayed.   I am not even touching upon the issue of WHO gave the USA (and I LOVE America...) the right to divide the Land of Israel?  It is the eternal possession of the People of Israel, given to us by HaShem.  It is not a property in the game of Monopoly that can be bought, swapped or traded.   

         The UAE has made it VERY clear that the issue of 'annexation' (it is SOVERIGNTY - you cannot annex part of your own country) was stopped by them to make the deal with Israel.  They have said it - loud and clear.  We can plug up our ears and say, "but it's not in the accords..." - but it IS out there in the open.   

         The essence of this deal AND plans to bring in the Saudis (am I the only one that remembers 9/11?) is a "Two-State" Solution....the Trump 'Deal of the Century' CALLS for it...acceptance of it and these accords/agreements/deals are leading, GOD FORBID, to the division of the Land of Israel.  And the sale of F-35's to the UAE is just icing on the cake - now that they're going to be at 'peace' with Israel Srangely, we were never at war with the UAE.  Should we also be signing a 'peace agreement' with Canada?  Hmmmm....    

         Once the USA agrees (and they will....) to sell F-35's to the UAE - how on earth will America deny the Saudis when THEY request to buy them.  Or, when America's great allies, Egypt and Jordan want to buy them?  Do you know how precarious King Abdullah's position in Jordan is now?  Do you think there will never be another regime change in Egypt? 

         Go back and look at the Trump plan map - you see those little numbered circles?  Those are groups of Jewish communities that would be Surrounded by a PA State.  Have you seen the signs in front of the PA occupied areas in Judea & Samaria now?

           Before you cheer these 'Abraham Accords' know what is at stake - Judea & Samaria...a "Two-State" solution and the division of the Land of Israel...

Kol Yehuda - A Voice from Judah

                                         A SECOND BOOK OF JUDGES?

   As people have scrambled to follow all the fast breaking developments in recent diplomacy here - I've been asked, as an Israeli if I can share some insights on the matter.  Everyone seems to think that the recent signing of agreements with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and the USA are ushering in an actual, "NEW Middle East."  So, let's look behind the headlines - but first, let's frame it in a Biblical sense.

   As I have been studying Sefer Shofetim (Book of Judges) I began to notice a pattern which I see playing out before our eyes with these recent 'breakthroughs.' You don't see the correlation?  Hang in there with me...

   The entire book of Judges tell of a time when the Children of Israel ignored the directives to both conquer the Land of Israel and expel the inhabitants - Canaanite idol worshipers.   Why the second part?  The fear was that if we allowed these idol worshippers to stay within our midst, we would be seduced by them and their culture into following their Gods. And, that is exactly what happened repeatedly.   The sanctity of Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel) required us to insure that there was NO idol worship; NO worship of false gods.   But, we ignored it...and were lax in the liberation of our Land - our inheritance from HaShem (God).   

    For this, we found ourselves (again, repeatedly) being oppressed by a variety of rulers - only to then cry out to HaShem for relief, to save us.  HaShem would send a 'Judge' to deliver the people from their oppressors - and it would work; but only for a time.   Time would pass, and in another part of the Land, it would all play out again and again.   Notice that I said, "in another part of the Land?"  Well, one of the most overlooked elements in the narratives in the Book of Judges is that it is about different Tribes of Israel, suffering localized oppression against them.   There was NO unity among the Tribes of Israel...when Judah had to battle against their enemies - no one from Menashe, Ephraim, Dan or any of the other Tribes came to their aid.

   So, what's THE pattern?  

1. Ignoring the sanctity of the Land of Israel by chasing after false gods.

2. Total lack of unity among the people of Israel - 12 separate Tribes were more like 12 mini-states. 

3. PUNISHMENT from HaShem...

4. HaShem forgives us, sends someone to lead us

     And now, we come to 'current events' - IMPLICIT in the agreements with the USA ("Deal of the Century") and the agreements with both the UAE and Bahrain is the impending division of the Land of Israel.  Since June, 1967, when Israel liberated Yehuda (Judea) and Shomron (Samaria) the various governments of Israel have not declared soverignty over these areas - the Biblical heartland/backbone of Biblical Israel.  The Oslo Accords divided those areas between Israel and the 'PA' (so-called, 'Palestinian Authority').  But, their final status was still to be determined.  

     The government of Israel has chosen to ignore declaring soverignty over even PART of Yehuda/Shomron even though the Trump plan (which Netanyahu eagerly embraced) called for it to occur.  Now, it was problematic - because for some reason, the US believed it could set Israel's borders and create a "Palestinian State" - for the first time in the history of the world.  But, at least it brought the issue of soverignty up.  

   The agreements which were signed - (which have still not been made public) imply, if not actually mandate the 'Two-State' Solution.  Creating a PA country in OUR heartland.  So why are we turning our back on an essential part of OUR Land?  Money and recognition...

    We are allowing the modern equivalent of the enemies in our midst not so we can chase after their God.  But so we can follow the God of the modern world - money...  The UAE and Bahrain will be pumping BIG bucks into some of Israel's high tech, cyber security, defense and research industries.  And once we begin milking these golden calves...we will not be able to detach ourselves from them.  And when we are told to create a PA state...we will...And the government of Israel CRAVES international recognition.  It is a real weak spot in the modern Jewish psyche. 

     Against the best judgement of our Defense Ministry - it appears that Netanyahu has given his blessing for the US to sell the F-35 stealth fighters to the UAE...am I crazy to be able to imagine ALL the ways THAT is going to go wrong?  

     Netanyahu can 'promise' that soverignty (no clue why people keep calling it, 'annexation' - how can you annex part of your own country?) is only delayed, but why on earth would we/could we believe him?  Once again, we are back to the 'Two-State' Solution and the Saudi Arabia plan of a PA state in ALL of Yehuda/Shomron.  

      There is NO unity among the people of Israel today...not IN the Land and certainly not outside of it...we have turned our backs on the importance and holiness of OUR Land.  And we are about to pay a frightful price for it...

     May HaShem send a 'Judge' to deliver us....a leader....before it is too late....

                         Hanoch....Elul 28, 5780      Modi'in (home of the Maccabees)

  

 

  

                                    The State of Israel

                               Acknowledge the Miracle!!

        We are living in AMAZING times...from the depths of despair of Yom HaZikaron - our Memorial Day in Israel, we launch into the incredible celebrations of our Yom Ha'Atzmaut - Israel's Independence Day.  But, we are not merely enjoying and appreciating the 72 years since our rebirth, but the MIRACLE IN OUR DAY of reborn, renewed, restored ISRAEL.  

      The Prophet Yeshayahu (Isaiah) asked: "Can a land pass through travail in a single day? Or is a nation born all at once?"   66:8  But, we all know that although our Declaration of Independence happened on 5 Iyar, 5708 (May 14, 1948) it was a process to recreate our sovereignty in the Land given to us by HaShem (God), Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel). 

     It took the efforts of countless individuals to reclaim our Land which had been left desolate by the legions of those who kept it under foreign occupation.  We honor their sacrifices as we continue to develop our unique State.  Never before in the history of the world has a nation been exiled and returned to that exact same land, called by the same name, speaking the exact same language and observing the exact same faith.  But, we have only been given this MIRACLE, because it was promised to us by Avinu Sh'Bashamayim - Our Father in Heaven.  And what miracles has He showered us with?

   

A Land which has been able to be restored to its absolute fertile best - where you don't eat fruit 

or vegetables, but rather the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy

And when Yermiyahu (Jerimiah) shared the prophecy that: " Again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Shomron" 31:4

The vineyards of Shomron have produced some of the world's FINEST wines - from NOTHING...

Israel is 3,000 years old but 72 years young!    

    What other nation in history has gone from a barren land with few natural resources and a poor population to a WORLD LEADER in fields as diverse as: Bio-pharmaceuticals, drip irrigation, cyber security, desalination, military technology and systems, etc?  

But just possibly, our greatest accomplishment is our children!  Israel's Jewish birthrate is higher then the birthrate of any other country in the OECD!  

"I will bless those that bless you..." Bereshit (Genesis) 12:3 - be part of the Blessing that Israel is and you too, will be blessed.  The first step is to acknowledge the MIRACLE that is our Israel!  

With love of Israel from Modi'in - home of the Macabees, 

Hanoch 

"They were swifter then eagles, they were stronger then lions."     2 Shmuel 1:23

     Less then a hour ago, the siren wailed across Israel, ushering in the most difficult day on the calendar for us in Israel.  It is Yom HaZikaron - the Memorial Day for our soldiers and security personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice and those killed by terrorists. 

    It is unlike the 'Memorial Day' commemorations that I remember from growing up in the USA.  Here, when the siren goes off (at night and the following morning) the entire country grinds to a halt.  Drivers pull over on the highway and stand respectfully in silence.  All places of entertainment in the country are closed, musical programming turns totally somber.  Regular programming goes off the television and the picture and name of every single soldier who fell defending the State of Israel is screened.  It goes on all night long and throughout the next day. 

    There are no 'Memorial Day Sales' here...in normal years, relatives and friends of the fallen flock to the cemetery to pay their respects to the fallen.  This year however, is the year of COVID-19 - and that will not be permitted.  The entire country has been forced to mourn indoors; our country has been shut down. 

     For me, I think of my friends who have buried their sons, and all the others who gave everything so that we can have our country.  So that we can enjoy our tomorrow.  We have lost 23,816 soldiers and 4,166 terror victims and our hearts ache for each and every one of them.  Each one was a destiny cut short and life filled with a multitude of possibilities - all ended abruptly and way too soon....

    Personally, I know there is no way to ever repay what they gave up for all of us here in Israel.  But they should know that we will NEVER forget them and that we will cherish their memories for eternity.  And we will comfort those they left behind, who too, have given up something beyond measure. 

    We should never forget that the amazing, incredible country that we've been blessed with has been paid for in full by their blood.  They will be forever honored in our hearts.  May HaShem and the IDF avenge their blood.

    B'Ahava (with love) from Modi'in - home of the Maccabees,
                     Hanoch 

"Upon your walls, O Yerushalayim..."

   

   

The prophet Yeshayahu (Isaiah) tells us: "Upon your walls O Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) I have set (placed) watchmen, who will never be silent by day or by night" (62:6) I have met wonderful people (not Jewish, BTW) from all over the world who have dedicated their lives to actually BEING those 'watchmen' - standing up for Israel in every way that they can.  They actually walk the walls of the Old City proclaiming the right of the Children of Israel TO Eretz Yisrael, the Land of Israel.  It makes sense, right?  After all, aren't these the walls of Ancient Jerusalem, aren't they?  Uhhh...well, no, actually they're not...

   I hope that last sentence didn't make you fall over, did it?  :-) I have guided many people in Jerusalem on their very first visit who have teared up when seeing these walls...One women actually began weeping uncontrollably.  In between sobs, she was saying, "King David, King Solomon..." she was overcome with emotion standing where they did, at the entrance to their Ancient Jerusalem. Except of course - that those walls weren't built by them and that wasn't even the Yerushalyim of THEIR era. 

   

 These pictures (19th Century) are of Sha'ar Shechem - as it's known in Hebrew, the 'Shechem Gate.  In English, it is commonly referred to as the Damascus Gate.

       These walls were indeed built by a ruler - but it was Suleiman the Magnificent who was ruling who ordered them built.  Suleiman was one of the rulers during the period of the Ottoman Turkish occupation of the Land of Israel.  The Ottoman period lasted for 400 years, from 1517-1917. 

      Suleiman had the walls of what today is the 'Old City' built between 1537-1542.  So, the walls are indeed old - since they have been there for almost 500 years.  Old, but not ancient...

      The walls have only had slight changes to them - most noticeably at Sha'ar Yaffo - Jaffa Gate.  That entrance to the Old City is the one that most people visiting Jerusalem will enter. 

    So, where were the walls of ANCIENT Jerusalem?  Can we see them today?  Make sure to check out my next blog, which will be sent out before Pesah (Passover) and I will tell you where they are and maybe even show you a picture or two.   :-) 

    Regards from Modi'in - home of the Maccabees,

            Hanoch 

Yerushalayim - the CENTER of the world

At a time when much of the world is questioning what is truly important and what isn't - for those Bible Believers like us - we already know...

It is Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) which sits at the center of our universe.  Not just within our thoughts, but is the focus of our hearts, the very yearning of our souls... "If I forget you, O Yerushalayim, let my right hand forget its cunning. If I do not remember you, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I do not set Yerushalayim above my highest joy.   Tehillim (Psalms) 137:4-6

The current crisis that the world faces will pass and many will simply return to their 'old life' with no lessons learned.  But, in the midst of all of this I hear the words of the prophet calling out to all of us: "For the sake of Tzion I will not hold my peace, and for the sake of Yerushalayim, I will not be still..."
                 Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 62:1

The purpose of this Blog is to share a GOOD REPORT FROM THE LAND - to enable you to see a bit of OUR Israel through my eyes.  As a licensed Israeli Tour Guide, I am in a unique position to share pictures, history and insights about what I refer to as, the Chosen Land - Eretz Yisrael (Land of Israel).

  There won't be commentary on the political situation in Israel or about the progress in the fight against the COVID-19 virus.  There is more then enough of that online.  My goal is to help CONNECT you to Israel, on all levels.

   I will be posting often - so if there's anything about Israel that you want me to cover - please write me and I will add it to my (very long) list of things to share.   :-)  Now is a good time for you to start (or continue!) saving in your 'Israel Fund' - and I look forward to showing you Israel close up and personal.  But for now, may these Blog posts serve as a light appetizer for the real thing.

Shalom from Modi'in - home of the Maccabees,
                  Hanoch 

Light of the Maccabees (observations on reflecting the light)

 

     Should Hanukkah be a time of celebration and joy?  What's it all about, actually?  Is it really about the miracle of the oil?  What really IS the 'Light of the Maccabees,' anyway?  Growing up in America, the focus of Hanukkah was always celebrating the miracle of the consecrated oil (of which there was only a supply for 1 day, lasting for eight in the rededicated Temple which was cleansed after driving the Greeks from it), eating fried foods and getting presents.

        The lights are wonderful and even, mesmerizing - especially coming at such a cold and dark time of the year.  And particularly in Israel, where it's ALL about Hanukkah; there are no other holidays competing for your attention.

         But, Hanukkah is really ALL about the Maccabees and their heroic struggle to rid the Land of Israel of the Greeks, their Hellenist supporters and redeem the Temple.  We read it in the Al Hanissim ('On the Miracles') section of the Amidah: "You championed their cause, judged their claim, and avenged their wrong. You delivered the strong into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of of the few, the impure into the hands of the pure, the wicked into the hands of the righteous..."  And due to their heroic sacrifices, not only were the Jewish people saved from extinction - but they have provided the inspiration to this very day for our modern day Maccabees - the men and women of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

      From the earliest days of the return, rebuilding and rebirth of the modern State of Israel, the connection has been obvious. 

         The Maccabees, against all odds fought to preserve the Torah, the Temple and the Jewish people.  The 'Light of the Maccabees' is that spirit of dedication, commitment and self sacrifice for what is truly most important in our lives.

         Yeah, the donuts are great; standing in a supermarket and hearing the announcement that there will be a public candle lighting in the center of the store - make you feel like you are all involved in Hanukkah.  Particularly those like me, who have the special privilege of living in Modi'in - the home town of the Maccabees.  But, as the very name, Hanukkah - which means dedication (it's the same root of my name, Hanoch) reminds us - it is a time to (re)dedicate ourselves to the Land of Israel and ALL the people of Israel.  That is the 'Light' that the Maccabees have passed on to us is - and THAT should be our inspiration to rise to the occasion - to: Be Maccabee Inspired!