April - 2009
Greetings to everyone!
It seems that no matter what form of ministry with which we are familiar, whether Christian, Jewish or Messianic, this is a very busy time of year for all those in leadership and those who are living out their faith calling. In the Christian community, Lent is drawing to a close with the approach of Holy Week – it starts on April 5th with Palm Sunday. As Lent ends, the studies and courses and seminars which have been aimed at getting believers to look more deeply into their faith walk now bring us closer to the time of Yeshua’s entry into Yerushalayim, the cleansing of the temple, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and finally, the Sunday of the Resurrection.
In Jewish circles, the festival of Purim with all its revelry has come and gone, and anticipation is now building for the Spring Festivals of Pesach, (Passover); Hag HaMatzah (Feast of Unleavened Bread) and Yom HaBikkurim or Sfirat HaOmer (first fruits). Here at BRT, as a part of the Messianic community, we are preparing for both sets of Festivals, with the excitement and expectancy which enhances the knowledge that the ancient Feast Days of Judaism have laid the foundation for God’s fulfillment of His promises made to the people of Israel as they wandered in the dessert. While it may be unfortunate to see how 2 millennia of celebrations have altered the practices of “The Way” in the early centuries following the ministry of Yeshua and the first Apostles, it needs also to be pointed out that the two series of Holy Days cannot, and indeed must not, be separated from each other. What is needed is sensitive teaching around the characteristics of each set of practices to see how they are related and entwined in a beautiful tapestry woven by Elohim Himself.
Which ever stream of faith practices holds your devotion and commitment, Joan and I join to wish you the very best of blessings from the Lord, and our prayer is that you will consider all the aspects of these very special and Holy Days, whether you are considering the roots of your Christian faith, or the fulfillment of hundreds of years of Jewish traditions and practices, to be realized in The Awaited Messiah.
This Month’s Teaching: “Aspects of Passover”
Pesach (Passover) and Hag HaMatzah (Festival of Unleavened Bread) were originally separate entities, but today, because they are so closely tied together, they seem to be combined as far as celebrating them goes. The marking of these Festivals continues over a period of seven days. The first day of the Festival is always on the 14th day of Nissan (sometimes ‘Nisan’) on the Jewish Calendar (cf. Exodus 12:18). Originally this month was called Aviv (Abib) until the return from exile which began about 537 BCE. It was, and is, the first year of the month in Biblical terms, (not to be confused with Tishrei, the first month of the secular calendar initiated by the familiar Rosh HaShanah festival). On the day preceding Hag HaMatzah, (the 13th of Nissan) a search is made in every household to find and eliminate Chametz (leaven or yeast). The Bible tells us (Exod 12:15) that during the 7 days – from the 14th to the 21st – no one is to eat anything with leavening in it – Hence the “Festival of UN-leavened bread. On the evening of the 14th, the celebration of Pesach, or Passover begins. This recalls the night on which Elohim “passed-over” the homes marked by the blood of the Lamb, and completed the 10th plague against pagan Egypt, so that the Israelites would be redeemed from their bondage as slaves. Moses is instructed later that Pesach and the seven day period of Hag HaMatzah are to be remembered as permanent festivals throughout all the generations (Exod 12:14 and Deut. 16:1-8) The Festival of First Fruits (Sfirat HaOmer) was added to the Spring Festivals at the time of the Spring harvest after the Israelites entered the Promised Land (Leviticus 23:9-14). It too, is required to be a permanent remembrance of God’s blessing throughout the generations of God’s People.
With the passing of years, and having a greater understanding of the redeeming work of God, certain practices encouraged by Elohim came into the Pesach celebration. The Passover Seder has always been recognized as a “living festival”, open to new ways to teach about how Elohim is continuing to intervene in the life of His community of faithful followers. Certain entities have been added to the original meal which took place on that remarkable night we still call “Passover”. What we know about the original Seder meal is that lamb was the main “nosh”. This was instructed by God, and like everything else about the Seder, the lamb served a purpose in what Elohim was teaching. A second surety is that by the end of the first year of the Exodus, unleavened bread (Matzah) would also have been part of the meal. One must realize that every aspect of the Seder, every article of food, whether actual or symbolic, serves a purpose in teaching about God’s mercy and deliverance (past and future). That is why the festival is meant to be permanent – to help teach our children about the redemption of humanity by a loving and caring, merciful and just God.
At some point in time, likely shortly after the Chosen People, the Children of Israel, had settled in what had been called Canaan, the meal began to be elaborated upon in order to promote further teaching. The taking of wine was divided into four events in the teaching segment of the Seder. At the same time, new understandings of the Unleavened Bread dictated that three special pieces of Matzah were separated out from the rest to be used for illustration to the participants. Both these items, as do all the items on the Seder table, “look” backward and forward.
The Four Cups of Wine:
On every main Seder table, one will find four cups or chalices. (At an individual’s place, one’s cup is simply filled four times, so make sure the wine is of top-notch quality). Each cup points to a promise made by Elohim in the story of the Exodus. Technically there are seven promises stated, but the last three, although partially fulfilled are not yet complete, and so do not have a part in the teaching. In Exodus 6:6ff, we read: “Say therefore to the sons of Israel, I am Adonai, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgements. Then I will take you for my people, and I will be your God and You shall know that I am the Lord Your God, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land which I swore to give to Avraham, Yitz’chak and Ya’akov, and I will give it to you for a possession; I am the Lord.” (NASB with assistance from CJB)[1]
The first cup is the Cup of Sanctification.It begins the meal. In an action similar to saying a blessing before a meal, it marks what is to come as special and from God. Just as Elohim took the Israelite people and separated them from both Egypt and from the pagan world, making them a peculiar people unto Him, the first cup reminds us that God separates us from the unbelieving world and by Grace makes us holy so that we can be considered His.
Somewhat into the teaching time of the Seder, we encounter the second cup, commonly called the Cup of Judgement because of the phrase “I will execute judgement against all the gods of Egypt” (Exodus 12:12). It is sometimes also referred to as the Cup of Praise, or sometimes more crassly, the Cup of Plagues. The later name arises because the cup comes at the time when the 10 plagues brought against Egypt are recalled during the seder, and God is offered praise for His saving Grace, experienced by all who were under His divine protection. (Time and space prohibits further discussion of this aspect of the Exodus story, but suffice it to say, that God’s mercy was plentifully offered to the Egyptian people as well. It was not God’s wrath which brought about the plagues, but the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart and that of his advisors.)
I want to skip over the third cup for a moment, and proceed to the fourth. This is known as the Cup of Acceptance, or alternately the Cup of Praise. This cup comes at the end of the Seder, just before the closing. It marks the acceptance by Elohim of His people, sanctified, rescued, and redeemed. The taking of the cup is accompanied by the singing of several of the Hallel psalms (120-134) also called psalms of ascent. These are praise psalms traditionally sung as one climbed the stairway to the temple mount, or even as they approached Yerushalayim itself from the surrounding valleys.
The Third Cup has perhaps the greatest bearing on us as believers and followers of Messiah. It is called the Cup of Redemption. This cup comes just after the main meal in which everyone takes part, and helps us to re-enter into the teaching again. In Exodus, Elohim says to Moshe, “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm”. The reference is clear: God is about to act to overcome the tyranny of Egypt, to release His people from the prison of Slavery. He does the first part of this by bringing them out of Egypt in what we know today as the Exodus itself. However, the second part of this promise comes a few days later, as they stood by the Red Sea. The people are caught between drowning in the waters and being slaughtered by Pharaoh’s advancing army. Moshe is told “… and as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land.” (Exodus 14:16) It is this stretching out of the hands which is the final mark of Israel’s redemption. By it they are rescued and set totally free from Egypt.
But there is more to the story. It is this third cup which also figures so strongly in the completion of God’s promise to all of humanity. It is Shaul who realizes the full importance of the Cup of Redemption. He records in his first letter to the Corinthians the following: “In the same way, after supper, He [Yeshua] took the cup, saying ‘This cup is the cup of the covenant [re]new[ed] in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’” Yeshua was pointing to a new redemption, about to happen in and through His own death. I am told (and I have not checked this out completely, but hold to it because it makes sense) that the Exodus passage speaking of “an outstretched arm” is actually poorly interpreted, and that it should read “with outstretched arms”. We know of course that Yeshua, within hours of sharing this third cup of redemption, will truly and completely redeem all mankind by dying on the Tree (Cross) with “outstretched arms. The words of Elohim, spoken by Moshe 1500 years earlier were truly prophetic!
The Afikoman
Although the eating of Matzah was almost certainly part of the first Seder while still in the wilderness, some aspects of its use have been made somewhat more elaborate. There is no indication when this “lesson” was added to the teaching during the seder, but it could well have been during the exile in Babylon, or shortly after the return of the refugees. Of course, it could have pre-dated both as well. What we can be sure of, is that it was standard practice by the time of Yeshua.
On every table at the Seder, there is a pile of Matzah ‘crackers’. These resemble saltines, but they are usually about 8 inches square. Three of the Matzot (plural form) are taken and placed inside a special linen case. The case has three partitions, so one matzah goes in each section. For the devout Jew, these matzah speak of the unity of the Israelite nation, one people bound together in their patriarchs Avraham, Yitz’chak and Ya’akov. This is because the sack, known as the Matzah Tash gives it unity, but within are the three individual wafers. Others say that it alludes to the people of Israel, bound by the priesthood, signified by Aharon, the Levites and the other families, or “Cohen”, “Levi” and “Israel”. Still others claim that it refers to the breads of sacrifice: 1 ‘loaf’ for the daily meal, 2 ‘loaves’ for the Sabbath and the third special ‘loaf’ for the feast day. I suspect there are likely other renditions of what it means as well. None of these stories that I have encountered so far, however, can account for what happens to the middle piece. Once again, we see Adonai revealing - through action - the prophetic completion of His plan.
The Matzah Tash figuratively unites the three persons of the Tri-unity of God: The Father, The Son and the Ruach HaChodesh (Holy Spirit) into one. There are two terms used in Hebrew which express the concept of “one”. The first is Yechid (Ye-cheed). This means “one and only one”, as in the direction to the people: “bring me ‘yechid’ bull for sacrifice.” Another example would be one grape by itself would be ‘yechid’ grape.
The second word is Echad. It means one, but it is one item made up of more than one ‘ingredient’ (for lack of a better word). It is one or more thing(s) joined with another, but making only one end product. For instance, the grape from above, if left with its brothers and sisters, would make ONE cluster. In a marriage, a man and a woman are joined together to make ONE entity, a partnership. But the best example comes from a 3500 hundred year old prayer.
In the Shema, the Statement of Faith repeated weekly in every synagogue and shul, we say: “Shema Yisrael, Adonai Elohaynu, Adonai ECHAD”. (Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, The Lord is ONE). We know that God is One, and yet, He has revealed Himself to us in three persons so that we can more fully comprehend His completeness.
At every Seder meal, the Seder leader, or Papa, will reach into the Matzah Tash, pull out the middle piece, (which would logically stand for “the Son”. He will then break it in half, and wrap one piece in a linen napkin. The first half is used in the remainder of the teaching before the meal. During the meal, while no one is looking, the other half, known as the Afikoman, is secreted away in a safe hiding place.
Following the meal, the Afikoman is hunted for by the children. The one who finds it cries out “I found the Afikoman!!” and brings it to the Papa, who gives him a reward, thus redeeming the afikoman so that it can be used in the rest of the seder.
For the devout Jew today, the Afikoman, which is a Greek word meaning “that which comes later”, is explained simply as the dessert of the Seder demonstration. For the believer, it means much more. The allusion is clearly to Yeshua, who was broken for our transgressions, and buried over a period of three days, and then resurrected from His tomb by the Father. The Seder Papa will take this Afikoman, break it into pieces and distribute it around the table for all to enjoy. This is what Yeshua did in the Upper Room, but for the believing community He gave it new meaning. We read, again in 1 Corinthians 11:23 “… The Lord Yeshua, in the night in which He was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, ‘This is My body, which is [given/broken] for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.’” Both Luke and Matthew include these words in their account of the Lord’s Supper, which was actually the Seder Meal of the Passover. For the believer, it gives a whole new understanding to the claim of the seeker when he or she cries out: “I have found the Lord”. On another plane, we know that Yeshua is the bread of life, and as we partake of this Afikoman, we are also reminded of an ancient prayer which in part, reads: “Blessed Lord, who hast caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn , and inwardly digest them, that …. we may ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life…” given us in Your Son.
Many think that Christians should not take part in the Seder. I vehemently disagree. What better way is there to learn what lies at the root of these most Holy Days, whether the feast days of the Jewish community, or the foundations of Holy Week, then through full involvement. My response is affirmed by the fact that Yeshua Himself took part in all the Jewish Feast Days, not the least of which was Passover. If Elohim meant the Feast Days to be a means of prophetic teaching for His people, then should we too not be sitting at the feet of the Master and learning all we can?
The admonition to celebrate these days as “a permanent ordinance” was not just to the Jewish people. It can be shown that the Exodus involved people other than the descendants of Israel, people from Egypt, from former gentile backgrounds, who joined the Israelites. Furthermore, Shaul tells us that believers are “grafted into” the vine which is Israel itself. Isn’t it time to perhaps examine what these instructions mean to us today? I want to encourage every believer to consider what these Holy Days indicate for you.
[1] NASB is the New American Standard Bible, Zodhiates Edition and CJB is the Complete Jewish Bible, translated by David Stern)
Speaking Engagements
As announced in the last newsletter, I joined a group of presenters giving a series of talks at Emmanuel over the past few Sundays. The series was very good, with interesting insights into the lives of King Josiah, Mary (the sister of Lazarus), Paul and of course Jonah, which was my topic. We have yet to hear about King David, a talk which was delayed due to illness. Interest amongst those who attended remained high throughout, and I commend the many from the congregation who faithfully attended. It is stimulating, from my point of view, to see so many believers who desire to learn more about the Scriptures and the personages who have helped shape our faith.
On Maundy Thursday (April 9th) , I will be speaking during the evening service at Emmanuel. I will be drawing on the Pesach Seder to investigate the two washings which occur as part of the Seder teaching. We read about how Yeshua was moved to alter one of these events (it is controversial as to which one) so as to wash the feet of the disciples before the Seder meal was served. What purpose could He possibly have had?
The Rev’d Peter Robinson, pastor at Emmanuel, has indicated that he will taking some vacation time and a consecutive sabbatical period to do some studying and writing over the summer months. I have been asked to cover the services for him from May through August. Although this will inhibit me from going on speaking engagements on Sunday mornings, other opportunities and times are still available. I look forward to this opportunity to both help Peter by releasing him from his duties and to take the helm as it were, if even for a short period. Emmanuel has become a spiritual home for me, and the people there are very friendly, supportive as well as being well informed.
Chavarah Activities and Bible Study
As far as our Chavarah (small group) activities go, we will continue through most of the summer, as long as I can keep up the pace at least. We carry on our study of Parsha passages, having recently completed the readings of all of Genesis and Exodus. We have learned so much – about the patriarchs, the promises and covenant of Elohim and His relationship with His people, about the Exodus and the development of the Tabernacle, and its Sacrificial worship, but of most importance of course, is the connection these all have with who we are, how we worship, and how we live today. Having just started into the book of Leviticus, a journal which gets deeply into the laws of ancient (and modern orthodox) Israel, we will soon be looking at things like the Food Laws. If you would like to be a part of these studies, please call me or e-mail me for further information. See the contact information at the end of this letter.
Our Chavarah will be marking the Passover with a small celebration on Erev Pesach (April 8th). This is the beginning of the Festival. It says in Exodus 12:16 “And on the first day you shall have a holy assembly, and another holy assembly on the seventh day; no work at all shall be done on them, except what must be eaten by every person, that alone may be prepared by you.” We will be going through the Haggadah (the story of the first Passover) and then sharing in a little repast.
It’s not too late to book a Seder demonstration, or alternately a short descriptive message about the Passover for your church group, or for that matter for a small group in your own home. For more information please call or e-mail today.
From The “In Box”
I get lots of letters, e-mails and phone calls from people who have comments or questions.
Recently, I was approached by a friend and fellow clergy about a couple of inquiries he had. I was asked to comment on the writing of a well known contemporary scholar and author and his views. For copyright and legal reasons, I will not mention the author’s name. In responding to the inquiry, however, I noted that as believers, and as responsible members of a faith community rooted in the life and faith of Israel and Judaism, we must be alert and vigilant against any claims which even remotely appear to replace the centrality of Israel, as a people and a nation, in the plan of God.
There is no entity which Elohim will ever raise up to take the place of His chosen ones. Yet there are several attempts by man to do just that. The scriptures are quite clear in this matter. Those who have descended from Avraham, Yitz’chak and Ya’acov have a favoured place in the heart of Avinu (Our Father). For a time He has graciously (that is Grace-fully) allowed that as believers in His Son, Yeshua of Nazareth, who was born, lived, taught, condemned, died and was raised and ascended to His right hand again, we have been grafted in amongst the branches of the true vine. This will, however; have a brief period of availability, and Elohim will again return His pleasure to Israel. Whether it be Britain, the Church, or a particular faith group, or any other entity, there is no claim to the crown which belongs to His chosen.
(It should be noted, however, that this does not rule out the practice of sharing the Gospel of Yeshua with our Jewish brothers and sisters. Yeshua Himself said that He came to give life and to give it in its fullest and most abundant form. To help the Jewish people come to such a fullness, revealed to humanity in the person and deity of the Messiah, is to help them become “all that they can be”. This is a worthy and divine calling, and should be both lauded and supported by all who care about their fellow ‘man’.)
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A couple of weeks ago I was talking with our daughter who shared that she was so thankful for my last newsletter. It seems that a friend of hers who is dating a young Jewish girl was talking about the Festival of Purim. He didn’t know too much about it, he said. Well, it seems that our daughter was able to tell him a few things about it based on last month’s teaching. I was so touched by her story that I was moved emotionally. This is what it’s all about, folks!
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I was speaking recently with another recipient of the Newsletter. He also thanked me for the teaching which is provided by this means of “mass” communication. He reported that he learned some new information about Purim which he found helpful in understanding his own faith. As we spoke, I shared with him that a number of people have said the same or similar things to me. You know, as a teacher, I realize that this is what it is all about. This is precisely why I have altered the format of the newsletter. It enables me to reach a large number of people with which I might not otherwise be able to connect. You should also know that your prayers and your financial support go together to make this possible.
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Sometime ago, I was approached by one of the ministries supporters. She asked if I would mind if she photo-copied the newsletter she had just received and shared it with some friends of hers. Of course I was overjoyed to give her permission. Again, you see, we are teaching ministry. Any way in which we can faithfully get the word out to the world, is a step forward for the Gospel and the Kingdom. If you would like similar permission, I only ask that you let me know about it first of all so that I can give my blessing.
Some Personal Updates
Shortly after sending out the last newsletter to the e-mail recipients, I was driving along highway 407, returning home. Near the area which I know to be right behind our home, I noticed a number of fire trucks, fire-fighters and other emergency personnel. Lights were flashing brilliantly, and men were carrying hoses over their shoulders, returning to the trucks. At first I thought it must have been a vehicle fire, but I wasn’t sure. When I got home I discovered a little more. Out our back window there is a huge area of open land. It is the hydro right of way, and beyond that what I suppose is part of the right of way for 407. While it is mostly weed and grass covered, there are also a number of trees and some swampy areas.
What I discovered was that there had been a huge grass fire which (I later learned) had stretched from almost the highway, into some of the bush area, crept through the swampy parts, climbed up over a large knoll that resembles an old Railway line, and come down into the field toward our neighbourhood. PTL, the fire-fighters had stopped its progress before it became really threatening, but it came quite close to the tree in which the Hawks have built their nest.
I read yesterday in the local paper, that a second fire had caused the fire-fighters to come to the area of Bayview Avenue and 407 last week. One can only wonder what is going on.
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Joan is now well established back in the Richmond Hill Bouclair store. Her new manager seems to be scheduling the staff in a more organized fashion, and the tension has eased up a bit for everyone. Thank you for your prayers in this matter.
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Don’t forget about our rapidly approaching Heritage Tour of Israel. Most of our e-mail family should have received a brochure recently. If you do not get the newsletter by e-mail, and would like to have the brochure, I would be happy to mail it to you. Our trip will take place on November 7th to 16th and the basic costs, which include everything but airport taxes and personal insurance is $2979.00 (Airport taxes run about $345.00 at present. They are regulated by the airport and so are subject to change.) All that is needed before September 7th is a deposit of $300.00 which will accompany your registration form, (which is 2/3 refundable up to August 7th).
Prayer Requests
Please continue to pray for us. A recent trip to the doctor revealed that I have some previously masked health threats (not yet serious, but getting there), so I have been trying to change a few of my bad habits – mid-night snacking, excessive intake of Iced Tea, (none since January 1st), and a better diet, etc. Old habits are hard to break so your prayers are much coveted (I know, I know) for this area of my life.
Pray also for Joan, for her work and her health. As we age, we both begin to realize more and more new limitations upon our abilities.
Continue to storm the heavenly gates also that Elohim will release new speaking engagements for BRT Ministries. There have been a few nibbles, but we could really use a few good bites. The reason BRT exists is to teach the church about our Faith Roots, about how the Scriptures themselves bind us together with our Jewish brothers and sisters, especially during the first century, and how we need to re-consider the teaching of Acts 1 through 8.
Finally, I ask you also to uphold in your daily prayers our finances and our bills. As with any ministry, there are ongoing costs. Along with that of course are our personal finances. Pray that God will continue to bless us through Joan’s work and my own limited income of pension and salary from BRT Ministries.
Know that each of you are a vital and much-loved link in our ministry here. Our prayer for each of you is that Elohim will bless you in your daily lives and faith growth. May He abundantly pour out His riches on you and those you love. May you experience the joy of serving Him in all you do each day.
"Y'varehch'cha Adonai v'yeesh m'recha –
May the Lord Bless you and Keep you."
It seems that no matter what form of ministry with which we are familiar, whether Christian, Jewish or Messianic, this is a very busy time of year for all those in leadership and those who are living out their faith calling. In the Christian community, Lent is drawing to a close with the approach of Holy Week – it starts on April 5th with Palm Sunday. As Lent ends, the studies and courses and seminars which have been aimed at getting believers to look more deeply into their faith walk now bring us closer to the time of Yeshua’s entry into Yerushalayim, the cleansing of the temple, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and finally, the Sunday of the Resurrection.
In Jewish circles, the festival of Purim with all its revelry has come and gone, and anticipation is now building for the Spring Festivals of Pesach, (Passover); Hag HaMatzah (Feast of Unleavened Bread) and Yom HaBikkurim or Sfirat HaOmer (first fruits). Here at BRT, as a part of the Messianic community, we are preparing for both sets of Festivals, with the excitement and expectancy which enhances the knowledge that the ancient Feast Days of Judaism have laid the foundation for God’s fulfillment of His promises made to the people of Israel as they wandered in the dessert. While it may be unfortunate to see how 2 millennia of celebrations have altered the practices of “The Way” in the early centuries following the ministry of Yeshua and the first Apostles, it needs also to be pointed out that the two series of Holy Days cannot, and indeed must not, be separated from each other. What is needed is sensitive teaching around the characteristics of each set of practices to see how they are related and entwined in a beautiful tapestry woven by Elohim Himself.
Which ever stream of faith practices holds your devotion and commitment, Joan and I join to wish you the very best of blessings from the Lord, and our prayer is that you will consider all the aspects of these very special and Holy Days, whether you are considering the roots of your Christian faith, or the fulfillment of hundreds of years of Jewish traditions and practices, to be realized in The Awaited Messiah.
This Month’s Teaching: “Aspects of Passover”
Pesach (Passover) and Hag HaMatzah (Festival of Unleavened Bread) were originally separate entities, but today, because they are so closely tied together, they seem to be combined as far as celebrating them goes. The marking of these Festivals continues over a period of seven days. The first day of the Festival is always on the 14th day of Nissan (sometimes ‘Nisan’) on the Jewish Calendar (cf. Exodus 12:18). Originally this month was called Aviv (Abib) until the return from exile which began about 537 BCE. It was, and is, the first year of the month in Biblical terms, (not to be confused with Tishrei, the first month of the secular calendar initiated by the familiar Rosh HaShanah festival). On the day preceding Hag HaMatzah, (the 13th of Nissan) a search is made in every household to find and eliminate Chametz (leaven or yeast). The Bible tells us (Exod 12:15) that during the 7 days – from the 14th to the 21st – no one is to eat anything with leavening in it – Hence the “Festival of UN-leavened bread. On the evening of the 14th, the celebration of Pesach, or Passover begins. This recalls the night on which Elohim “passed-over” the homes marked by the blood of the Lamb, and completed the 10th plague against pagan Egypt, so that the Israelites would be redeemed from their bondage as slaves. Moses is instructed later that Pesach and the seven day period of Hag HaMatzah are to be remembered as permanent festivals throughout all the generations (Exod 12:14 and Deut. 16:1-8) The Festival of First Fruits (Sfirat HaOmer) was added to the Spring Festivals at the time of the Spring harvest after the Israelites entered the Promised Land (Leviticus 23:9-14). It too, is required to be a permanent remembrance of God’s blessing throughout the generations of God’s People.
With the passing of years, and having a greater understanding of the redeeming work of God, certain practices encouraged by Elohim came into the Pesach celebration. The Passover Seder has always been recognized as a “living festival”, open to new ways to teach about how Elohim is continuing to intervene in the life of His community of faithful followers. Certain entities have been added to the original meal which took place on that remarkable night we still call “Passover”. What we know about the original Seder meal is that lamb was the main “nosh”. This was instructed by God, and like everything else about the Seder, the lamb served a purpose in what Elohim was teaching. A second surety is that by the end of the first year of the Exodus, unleavened bread (Matzah) would also have been part of the meal. One must realize that every aspect of the Seder, every article of food, whether actual or symbolic, serves a purpose in teaching about God’s mercy and deliverance (past and future). That is why the festival is meant to be permanent – to help teach our children about the redemption of humanity by a loving and caring, merciful and just God.
At some point in time, likely shortly after the Chosen People, the Children of Israel, had settled in what had been called Canaan, the meal began to be elaborated upon in order to promote further teaching. The taking of wine was divided into four events in the teaching segment of the Seder. At the same time, new understandings of the Unleavened Bread dictated that three special pieces of Matzah were separated out from the rest to be used for illustration to the participants. Both these items, as do all the items on the Seder table, “look” backward and forward.
The Four Cups of Wine:
On every main Seder table, one will find four cups or chalices. (At an individual’s place, one’s cup is simply filled four times, so make sure the wine is of top-notch quality). Each cup points to a promise made by Elohim in the story of the Exodus. Technically there are seven promises stated, but the last three, although partially fulfilled are not yet complete, and so do not have a part in the teaching. In Exodus 6:6ff, we read: “Say therefore to the sons of Israel, I am Adonai, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgements. Then I will take you for my people, and I will be your God and You shall know that I am the Lord Your God, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. And I will bring you to the land which I swore to give to Avraham, Yitz’chak and Ya’akov, and I will give it to you for a possession; I am the Lord.” (NASB with assistance from CJB)[1]
The first cup is the Cup of Sanctification.It begins the meal. In an action similar to saying a blessing before a meal, it marks what is to come as special and from God. Just as Elohim took the Israelite people and separated them from both Egypt and from the pagan world, making them a peculiar people unto Him, the first cup reminds us that God separates us from the unbelieving world and by Grace makes us holy so that we can be considered His.
Somewhat into the teaching time of the Seder, we encounter the second cup, commonly called the Cup of Judgement because of the phrase “I will execute judgement against all the gods of Egypt” (Exodus 12:12). It is sometimes also referred to as the Cup of Praise, or sometimes more crassly, the Cup of Plagues. The later name arises because the cup comes at the time when the 10 plagues brought against Egypt are recalled during the seder, and God is offered praise for His saving Grace, experienced by all who were under His divine protection. (Time and space prohibits further discussion of this aspect of the Exodus story, but suffice it to say, that God’s mercy was plentifully offered to the Egyptian people as well. It was not God’s wrath which brought about the plagues, but the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart and that of his advisors.)
I want to skip over the third cup for a moment, and proceed to the fourth. This is known as the Cup of Acceptance, or alternately the Cup of Praise. This cup comes at the end of the Seder, just before the closing. It marks the acceptance by Elohim of His people, sanctified, rescued, and redeemed. The taking of the cup is accompanied by the singing of several of the Hallel psalms (120-134) also called psalms of ascent. These are praise psalms traditionally sung as one climbed the stairway to the temple mount, or even as they approached Yerushalayim itself from the surrounding valleys.
The Third Cup has perhaps the greatest bearing on us as believers and followers of Messiah. It is called the Cup of Redemption. This cup comes just after the main meal in which everyone takes part, and helps us to re-enter into the teaching again. In Exodus, Elohim says to Moshe, “I will redeem you with an outstretched arm”. The reference is clear: God is about to act to overcome the tyranny of Egypt, to release His people from the prison of Slavery. He does the first part of this by bringing them out of Egypt in what we know today as the Exodus itself. However, the second part of this promise comes a few days later, as they stood by the Red Sea. The people are caught between drowning in the waters and being slaughtered by Pharaoh’s advancing army. Moshe is told “… and as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land.” (Exodus 14:16) It is this stretching out of the hands which is the final mark of Israel’s redemption. By it they are rescued and set totally free from Egypt.
But there is more to the story. It is this third cup which also figures so strongly in the completion of God’s promise to all of humanity. It is Shaul who realizes the full importance of the Cup of Redemption. He records in his first letter to the Corinthians the following: “In the same way, after supper, He [Yeshua] took the cup, saying ‘This cup is the cup of the covenant [re]new[ed] in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’” Yeshua was pointing to a new redemption, about to happen in and through His own death. I am told (and I have not checked this out completely, but hold to it because it makes sense) that the Exodus passage speaking of “an outstretched arm” is actually poorly interpreted, and that it should read “with outstretched arms”. We know of course that Yeshua, within hours of sharing this third cup of redemption, will truly and completely redeem all mankind by dying on the Tree (Cross) with “outstretched arms. The words of Elohim, spoken by Moshe 1500 years earlier were truly prophetic!
The Afikoman
Although the eating of Matzah was almost certainly part of the first Seder while still in the wilderness, some aspects of its use have been made somewhat more elaborate. There is no indication when this “lesson” was added to the teaching during the seder, but it could well have been during the exile in Babylon, or shortly after the return of the refugees. Of course, it could have pre-dated both as well. What we can be sure of, is that it was standard practice by the time of Yeshua.
On every table at the Seder, there is a pile of Matzah ‘crackers’. These resemble saltines, but they are usually about 8 inches square. Three of the Matzot (plural form) are taken and placed inside a special linen case. The case has three partitions, so one matzah goes in each section. For the devout Jew, these matzah speak of the unity of the Israelite nation, one people bound together in their patriarchs Avraham, Yitz’chak and Ya’akov. This is because the sack, known as the Matzah Tash gives it unity, but within are the three individual wafers. Others say that it alludes to the people of Israel, bound by the priesthood, signified by Aharon, the Levites and the other families, or “Cohen”, “Levi” and “Israel”. Still others claim that it refers to the breads of sacrifice: 1 ‘loaf’ for the daily meal, 2 ‘loaves’ for the Sabbath and the third special ‘loaf’ for the feast day. I suspect there are likely other renditions of what it means as well. None of these stories that I have encountered so far, however, can account for what happens to the middle piece. Once again, we see Adonai revealing - through action - the prophetic completion of His plan.
The Matzah Tash figuratively unites the three persons of the Tri-unity of God: The Father, The Son and the Ruach HaChodesh (Holy Spirit) into one. There are two terms used in Hebrew which express the concept of “one”. The first is Yechid (Ye-cheed). This means “one and only one”, as in the direction to the people: “bring me ‘yechid’ bull for sacrifice.” Another example would be one grape by itself would be ‘yechid’ grape.
The second word is Echad. It means one, but it is one item made up of more than one ‘ingredient’ (for lack of a better word). It is one or more thing(s) joined with another, but making only one end product. For instance, the grape from above, if left with its brothers and sisters, would make ONE cluster. In a marriage, a man and a woman are joined together to make ONE entity, a partnership. But the best example comes from a 3500 hundred year old prayer.
In the Shema, the Statement of Faith repeated weekly in every synagogue and shul, we say: “Shema Yisrael, Adonai Elohaynu, Adonai ECHAD”. (Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, The Lord is ONE). We know that God is One, and yet, He has revealed Himself to us in three persons so that we can more fully comprehend His completeness.
At every Seder meal, the Seder leader, or Papa, will reach into the Matzah Tash, pull out the middle piece, (which would logically stand for “the Son”. He will then break it in half, and wrap one piece in a linen napkin. The first half is used in the remainder of the teaching before the meal. During the meal, while no one is looking, the other half, known as the Afikoman, is secreted away in a safe hiding place.
Following the meal, the Afikoman is hunted for by the children. The one who finds it cries out “I found the Afikoman!!” and brings it to the Papa, who gives him a reward, thus redeeming the afikoman so that it can be used in the rest of the seder.
For the devout Jew today, the Afikoman, which is a Greek word meaning “that which comes later”, is explained simply as the dessert of the Seder demonstration. For the believer, it means much more. The allusion is clearly to Yeshua, who was broken for our transgressions, and buried over a period of three days, and then resurrected from His tomb by the Father. The Seder Papa will take this Afikoman, break it into pieces and distribute it around the table for all to enjoy. This is what Yeshua did in the Upper Room, but for the believing community He gave it new meaning. We read, again in 1 Corinthians 11:23 “… The Lord Yeshua, in the night in which He was betrayed, took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and said, ‘This is My body, which is [given/broken] for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.’” Both Luke and Matthew include these words in their account of the Lord’s Supper, which was actually the Seder Meal of the Passover. For the believer, it gives a whole new understanding to the claim of the seeker when he or she cries out: “I have found the Lord”. On another plane, we know that Yeshua is the bread of life, and as we partake of this Afikoman, we are also reminded of an ancient prayer which in part, reads: “Blessed Lord, who hast caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn , and inwardly digest them, that …. we may ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life…” given us in Your Son.
Many think that Christians should not take part in the Seder. I vehemently disagree. What better way is there to learn what lies at the root of these most Holy Days, whether the feast days of the Jewish community, or the foundations of Holy Week, then through full involvement. My response is affirmed by the fact that Yeshua Himself took part in all the Jewish Feast Days, not the least of which was Passover. If Elohim meant the Feast Days to be a means of prophetic teaching for His people, then should we too not be sitting at the feet of the Master and learning all we can?
The admonition to celebrate these days as “a permanent ordinance” was not just to the Jewish people. It can be shown that the Exodus involved people other than the descendants of Israel, people from Egypt, from former gentile backgrounds, who joined the Israelites. Furthermore, Shaul tells us that believers are “grafted into” the vine which is Israel itself. Isn’t it time to perhaps examine what these instructions mean to us today? I want to encourage every believer to consider what these Holy Days indicate for you.
[1] NASB is the New American Standard Bible, Zodhiates Edition and CJB is the Complete Jewish Bible, translated by David Stern)
Speaking Engagements
As announced in the last newsletter, I joined a group of presenters giving a series of talks at Emmanuel over the past few Sundays. The series was very good, with interesting insights into the lives of King Josiah, Mary (the sister of Lazarus), Paul and of course Jonah, which was my topic. We have yet to hear about King David, a talk which was delayed due to illness. Interest amongst those who attended remained high throughout, and I commend the many from the congregation who faithfully attended. It is stimulating, from my point of view, to see so many believers who desire to learn more about the Scriptures and the personages who have helped shape our faith.
On Maundy Thursday (April 9th) , I will be speaking during the evening service at Emmanuel. I will be drawing on the Pesach Seder to investigate the two washings which occur as part of the Seder teaching. We read about how Yeshua was moved to alter one of these events (it is controversial as to which one) so as to wash the feet of the disciples before the Seder meal was served. What purpose could He possibly have had?
The Rev’d Peter Robinson, pastor at Emmanuel, has indicated that he will taking some vacation time and a consecutive sabbatical period to do some studying and writing over the summer months. I have been asked to cover the services for him from May through August. Although this will inhibit me from going on speaking engagements on Sunday mornings, other opportunities and times are still available. I look forward to this opportunity to both help Peter by releasing him from his duties and to take the helm as it were, if even for a short period. Emmanuel has become a spiritual home for me, and the people there are very friendly, supportive as well as being well informed.
Chavarah Activities and Bible Study
As far as our Chavarah (small group) activities go, we will continue through most of the summer, as long as I can keep up the pace at least. We carry on our study of Parsha passages, having recently completed the readings of all of Genesis and Exodus. We have learned so much – about the patriarchs, the promises and covenant of Elohim and His relationship with His people, about the Exodus and the development of the Tabernacle, and its Sacrificial worship, but of most importance of course, is the connection these all have with who we are, how we worship, and how we live today. Having just started into the book of Leviticus, a journal which gets deeply into the laws of ancient (and modern orthodox) Israel, we will soon be looking at things like the Food Laws. If you would like to be a part of these studies, please call me or e-mail me for further information. See the contact information at the end of this letter.
Our Chavarah will be marking the Passover with a small celebration on Erev Pesach (April 8th). This is the beginning of the Festival. It says in Exodus 12:16 “And on the first day you shall have a holy assembly, and another holy assembly on the seventh day; no work at all shall be done on them, except what must be eaten by every person, that alone may be prepared by you.” We will be going through the Haggadah (the story of the first Passover) and then sharing in a little repast.
It’s not too late to book a Seder demonstration, or alternately a short descriptive message about the Passover for your church group, or for that matter for a small group in your own home. For more information please call or e-mail today.
From The “In Box”
I get lots of letters, e-mails and phone calls from people who have comments or questions.
Recently, I was approached by a friend and fellow clergy about a couple of inquiries he had. I was asked to comment on the writing of a well known contemporary scholar and author and his views. For copyright and legal reasons, I will not mention the author’s name. In responding to the inquiry, however, I noted that as believers, and as responsible members of a faith community rooted in the life and faith of Israel and Judaism, we must be alert and vigilant against any claims which even remotely appear to replace the centrality of Israel, as a people and a nation, in the plan of God.
There is no entity which Elohim will ever raise up to take the place of His chosen ones. Yet there are several attempts by man to do just that. The scriptures are quite clear in this matter. Those who have descended from Avraham, Yitz’chak and Ya’acov have a favoured place in the heart of Avinu (Our Father). For a time He has graciously (that is Grace-fully) allowed that as believers in His Son, Yeshua of Nazareth, who was born, lived, taught, condemned, died and was raised and ascended to His right hand again, we have been grafted in amongst the branches of the true vine. This will, however; have a brief period of availability, and Elohim will again return His pleasure to Israel. Whether it be Britain, the Church, or a particular faith group, or any other entity, there is no claim to the crown which belongs to His chosen.
(It should be noted, however, that this does not rule out the practice of sharing the Gospel of Yeshua with our Jewish brothers and sisters. Yeshua Himself said that He came to give life and to give it in its fullest and most abundant form. To help the Jewish people come to such a fullness, revealed to humanity in the person and deity of the Messiah, is to help them become “all that they can be”. This is a worthy and divine calling, and should be both lauded and supported by all who care about their fellow ‘man’.)
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A couple of weeks ago I was talking with our daughter who shared that she was so thankful for my last newsletter. It seems that a friend of hers who is dating a young Jewish girl was talking about the Festival of Purim. He didn’t know too much about it, he said. Well, it seems that our daughter was able to tell him a few things about it based on last month’s teaching. I was so touched by her story that I was moved emotionally. This is what it’s all about, folks!
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I was speaking recently with another recipient of the Newsletter. He also thanked me for the teaching which is provided by this means of “mass” communication. He reported that he learned some new information about Purim which he found helpful in understanding his own faith. As we spoke, I shared with him that a number of people have said the same or similar things to me. You know, as a teacher, I realize that this is what it is all about. This is precisely why I have altered the format of the newsletter. It enables me to reach a large number of people with which I might not otherwise be able to connect. You should also know that your prayers and your financial support go together to make this possible.
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Sometime ago, I was approached by one of the ministries supporters. She asked if I would mind if she photo-copied the newsletter she had just received and shared it with some friends of hers. Of course I was overjoyed to give her permission. Again, you see, we are teaching ministry. Any way in which we can faithfully get the word out to the world, is a step forward for the Gospel and the Kingdom. If you would like similar permission, I only ask that you let me know about it first of all so that I can give my blessing.
Some Personal Updates
Shortly after sending out the last newsletter to the e-mail recipients, I was driving along highway 407, returning home. Near the area which I know to be right behind our home, I noticed a number of fire trucks, fire-fighters and other emergency personnel. Lights were flashing brilliantly, and men were carrying hoses over their shoulders, returning to the trucks. At first I thought it must have been a vehicle fire, but I wasn’t sure. When I got home I discovered a little more. Out our back window there is a huge area of open land. It is the hydro right of way, and beyond that what I suppose is part of the right of way for 407. While it is mostly weed and grass covered, there are also a number of trees and some swampy areas.
What I discovered was that there had been a huge grass fire which (I later learned) had stretched from almost the highway, into some of the bush area, crept through the swampy parts, climbed up over a large knoll that resembles an old Railway line, and come down into the field toward our neighbourhood. PTL, the fire-fighters had stopped its progress before it became really threatening, but it came quite close to the tree in which the Hawks have built their nest.
I read yesterday in the local paper, that a second fire had caused the fire-fighters to come to the area of Bayview Avenue and 407 last week. One can only wonder what is going on.
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Joan is now well established back in the Richmond Hill Bouclair store. Her new manager seems to be scheduling the staff in a more organized fashion, and the tension has eased up a bit for everyone. Thank you for your prayers in this matter.
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Don’t forget about our rapidly approaching Heritage Tour of Israel. Most of our e-mail family should have received a brochure recently. If you do not get the newsletter by e-mail, and would like to have the brochure, I would be happy to mail it to you. Our trip will take place on November 7th to 16th and the basic costs, which include everything but airport taxes and personal insurance is $2979.00 (Airport taxes run about $345.00 at present. They are regulated by the airport and so are subject to change.) All that is needed before September 7th is a deposit of $300.00 which will accompany your registration form, (which is 2/3 refundable up to August 7th).
Prayer Requests
Please continue to pray for us. A recent trip to the doctor revealed that I have some previously masked health threats (not yet serious, but getting there), so I have been trying to change a few of my bad habits – mid-night snacking, excessive intake of Iced Tea, (none since January 1st), and a better diet, etc. Old habits are hard to break so your prayers are much coveted (I know, I know) for this area of my life.
Pray also for Joan, for her work and her health. As we age, we both begin to realize more and more new limitations upon our abilities.
Continue to storm the heavenly gates also that Elohim will release new speaking engagements for BRT Ministries. There have been a few nibbles, but we could really use a few good bites. The reason BRT exists is to teach the church about our Faith Roots, about how the Scriptures themselves bind us together with our Jewish brothers and sisters, especially during the first century, and how we need to re-consider the teaching of Acts 1 through 8.
Finally, I ask you also to uphold in your daily prayers our finances and our bills. As with any ministry, there are ongoing costs. Along with that of course are our personal finances. Pray that God will continue to bless us through Joan’s work and my own limited income of pension and salary from BRT Ministries.
Know that each of you are a vital and much-loved link in our ministry here. Our prayer for each of you is that Elohim will bless you in your daily lives and faith growth. May He abundantly pour out His riches on you and those you love. May you experience the joy of serving Him in all you do each day.
"Y'varehch'cha Adonai v'yeesh m'recha –
May the Lord Bless you and Keep you."
