"Hear Oh Yisra'el, Yahweh Our Elohim, Yahweh is One"
A Good Report - Ben and Ruth
A Good Report - Ben and Ruth
As we arrived at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, we had no idea of the challenges and experiences that lay ahead. While our itinerary looked full, we were not aware of just how full it was. We were going to encounter some 62 different people in 50 different locations over the next 12 days. We were about to meet our brother, Judah. We also were given a significant task to perform by YHVH, that we will explain later.
We spent five days in Jerusalem, followed by four days in Judea and Samaria and back to Jerusalem for the final three days. We met with rabbis, teachers, attorneys, political activists and just plain folks from many walks of life.
Our purpose in the meetings (encounters) was to have an open dialogue with Judah regarding their perspective of the ten lost (or scattered) tribes and to introduce ourselves as descendants of the House of Joseph, or Israel.
The reactions were very interesting and varied. Some were not aware of this at all. However, most understand what the prophets of the Tanak have written and believe that Messiah won’t come until their long lost brothers are brought home. These also believe that it is incumbent upon Judah to “bring” Joseph/Ephraim home and that their brothers will need to convert to Judaism in order to return. The challenge for us was to let them know that our belief in Yahshua as Messiah, and HIS divinity, is a core belief and is central to who we are. While we are Torah observant and express our faith in a Hebraic way, for us to convert to Judaism would mean that we would become Judah and trade one lost identity for another. We also made our belief clear that it is by the Hand of YHVH that this “regathering” would happen and that we believe that “Hand” to be Yahshua HaMoshiach.
We know that these encounters were overwhelming for our brothers (and proved to be for us, also). But, the reactions were generally positive.
The bravery and pioneer spirit of those in the “settlements” were awe-inspiring. It needs to be said here, that people around the world should not trust the media reports regarding these so-called “settlements.” These are cities. Most are in excess of 20 years old and are established communities with schools, permanent houses, stores, libraries and populations in the thousands. They are holding the land in obedience to YHVH against all odds. These brave souls have carved out a life in the wilderness and made it bloom. The question was asked of a resident of Kfar Etzion, “How come you always put settlements in the middle of parks?”
Approximately three weeks before we left for Eretz Israel, the Torah portion for the week included Deut. 27 & 28 (the blessings and the curses). As we read that portion in congregation, YHVH spoke to no less that three members of our tour. HE told us to do as Joshua had done: go to Mt. Gerizim and Mt. Eval and declare those blessings and curses on behalf of soon-returning Ephraim and blow the shofars to call Ephraim home. Shekem/ Nablus is today an Arab city and off limits to us. So, on Wednesday, October 29th, 2003 / 3 Cheshvan, 5764 from atop Mt. Avraham (which overlooks Mts. Gerizim & Eval and Shekem beneath) ten Ephraimites read Deut. 27 & 28, declaring the blessings and curses then, along with our guide, a Yehudite, blew the shofars to call Ephraim home.
We are just ten ordinary people. But we acted in obedience to the leading of the Ruach HaKodesh and feel that something monumental was enacted in the heavenlies. As we turned from our view of the Mts. of blessings & curses to view the valley that Joshua brought our forefathers through from the wilderness, we saw a brilliant rainbow beneath us. We feel that this was a sign that YHVH accepted our act of obedience.
We were granted many favors and blessings from our Father on this trip. One that we will never forget was our visit to the Temple Mount. Although it was difficult in the “natural” to walk softly and not pray, YHVH poured out a blessing of shalom in our spirit and we felt truly in our Father’s presence and we had nothing to fear. It was awesome to walk that ground and know that His Kavod dwells there, even in the presence of a mosque and armed soldiers. After this wonderful afternoon, we had the further blessing to meet with Gershon Salomon of the Temple Mount Faithful and Rabbi Chaim Richman of the Temple Institute.
To close our report, we can only encourage all who read this to visit Eretz Israel, meet your brothers and sisters, encourage and support them with your prayers, your kind words and your tourist dollars. Lobby your government representatives to support Israel in the “settlements'” right to exist.
Please know that YHVH, in HIS time, will regather the House of Joseph/Ephraim back to the land and restore the Kingdom to Israel. But, we should extend our hand in love and solidarity, to our brothers in The Land.
Shalom,
Ben & Ruth
Cherith and Crew learn about Mathew in Hebrew from Karaite Nehemiah Gordon.
Shabbat Rest and refreshing.
