Chanukah Day 02

We spent the evening at The Harvest Chanukah Fair. I think the kids had a great time. 

~ Pastor Michael

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Chanukah Day 01

We kicked off Chanukah at the Colorado Mills Mall. We went to see JITF light a huge menorah in the middle of the mall. They had crafts, donuts, latkes, candy and dreidels. I won a book :)

After this we went down to Jonathan's CD dedication party.

 ~ Pastor Michael

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Dreidel

This is a new Chanukah favorite for us. I'm sure you will like it too:

~ Pastor Michael

Chanukah Resources

Here are some online Chanukah resources:

Messianic:

Biblical Holidays

Hebrew 4 Christians

Hoshana Rabbah

Rabbinic:

Aish

Chabad

Orthodox Union

These links have multiple translations to choose from. I prefer the Revised Standard Version:

1 Maccabees

2 Maccabees

You can find a lot of stuff online. There seems to be more Chanukah stuff online than any other festival.

Enjoy!

~ Pastor Michael

12.13.08 Vayishlach

12.13.08 

Vayishlach - He Sent

Gen 32:4-36:43

Hos 11:7-12:12

We'll try to get back into the Torah study but we may also just talk about Chanukah again. Come prepared!

~ Pastor Michael

Chanukah Parties for Northern Tribes

Shalom Tribes-folk,
It’s time to start planning for your Chanukah celebrations for this year. If you are planning a Northern Tribes or congregational party, there are plenty of dates available! If you’d like to announce a party, please send me the information and I can have it added to the announcements. Below are the dates:

Sunday, December 21st – Candle 1

Monday, December 22nd – Candle 2
Children’s Chanukah Fair in the Gym
7:00pm – 9:00pm

Tuesday, December 23rd – Candle 3

Wednesday, December 24th – Candle 4

Thursday, December 25th – Candle 5

Friday, December 26th – Candle 6

Saturday, December 27th – Candle 7
Gonzales House (Oneg)
5:30pm – 10:00pm

Sunday, December 28th – Candle 8

Chag Sameach! Happy Holiday!

 - Pastor Michael

Motze Shabbat is up and running...

It was a great trip to Texas visiting the family and friends. It's also good to get back to the community.

Our house is open tomorrow night for all those that are interested...

It’s an oneg, bring some munchies and drinks to share!

Let’s get ready for Chanukah!

Shalom!

~ Pastor Michael

11.08.08 No Group This Week!

11.08.08

We will not be meeting this week. We've got a busy weekend ahead and then heading out of town for a couple of weeks.

The McCarthy's will be hosting Motze Shabbat at their house on 11.15.08 and 11.22.08

Please see them for details.

Thanks!

~ Pastor Michael

11.01.08 Noach

11.01.08

Noach

Torah: Genesis 6:9 - 11:32
Haftarah: Isaiah 54:1 - 55:5

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10.21.08 Sukkot Day 8

At Service, the Girls Dance Team performed a special dance to the songs Sisu V'Simchu and Chazak. These are traditional Simchat Torah songs that talk about rejoicing in Torah and being strengthened by Torah. It was a great service.

All in all, it was an awesome Sukkot for me and my family. I hope you had a blessed time during the Fall Festivals too. Now, let's get ready for Chanukah.

~ Pastor Michael

10.20.08 Sukkot Day 7

The annual Sukkot Kid’s Hike. This time a record–21 kids!

Margaret, Jeff and Chris helped me keep track of them all.

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10.19.08 Sukkot Day 6

Worshipping together in the Chapel.

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10.18.08 Sukkot Day 6

Opening Day 6 fire-side at Camp Elim in Woodland Park. It was a night of songs and smores; not much sleep:)

Also on this evening: the McMahon’s opened up their home to those that did not go to Camp Elim–Thanks guys! (send some photos!)

 - Pastor Michael

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10.17.08 Sukkot Day 5

Opening Day 5 and Shabbat at the McCarthy home.

Great time guys! Thanks for opening up your home and sukkah!

 - Pastor Michael

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10.16.08 Sukkot Day 4

Opening Day 4 at the Wooten’s home!

Thank you Chuck and Justina for opening up your home. 

It was a great time! Nice sukkah too!

- Pastor Michael

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10.14.08 Sukkot Day 2

Opening Day 2 at the Bullards with a Chili Cook-off! 

The Bullards and the Wootens tied for first place.

Thank you Bill and Sharon for opening up your sukkah!

 - Pastor Michael

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10.13.08 Erev Sukkot

Celebration at the Gonzales home.

Thanks to everyone that came!

- Pastor Michael

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10.11.08 - Sukkot

I had a great time on Shabbat, I hope you did too. 

Now let's get ready to party for 8 days!

~ Pastor Michael

10.4.08 - Yom Kippur Summary

Wow! Great meeting everyone!

We had a great turn out, a great spread of food, a great discussion on Yom Kippur and a great evening of fellowship! Thanks to everyone that came and participated.

Here are some points to remember from our discussion on Yom Kippur:

Confession of sins is vitally important for Messianic Believers, since it reminds us of our great need for God’s intervention in our lives, and also helps us walk in the truth. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye (plural) may be healed” (James 5:16).  

Eschatologically, Yom Kippur represents the national restoration of Israel at the end of the Great Tribulation period, but it also is a reminder of the terrrible cost of sin in our lives. Sin is so offensive and the debt is so great that it took nothing less than the sacrifice of Yeshua Himself in order to secure our reconciliation with God. We, therefore, should tremble with fear before God in reverent gratitude of His mercy toward us.

God’s order can be seen in the Fall Feasts:

1.) Rosh Hashanah brings repentance.
2.) Yom Kippur brings forgiveness.
3.) Sukkot brings joy.

I hope the Al Chet, prayer of confession (sin list) will be beneficial to you on the next few days leading up to Yom Kippur. This list covers every category of sin that you can possibly think of. However, if you do happen think of any areas that are not covered, please let us know :)

Hope to see you at service this Thursday!

 - Pastor Michael

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10.4.08 - Yom Kippur

If Jesus died for our sins, why do we celebrate Yom Kippur?

The Talmud says: “Remake yourselves by repentance during the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and on the Day of Atonement, I [God] will hold you guiltless, regarding you as a newly made creature.” As believers in Yeshua, we know only He can make us new creatures, and that we cannot remake ourselves. What, then, is supposed to strike such an “awe” for us at the coming of Yom Kippur?

Suggested Reading for our discussion:

Leviticus 17:11

Hebrews 9:22

I Corinthians 15:3

Leviticus 20:26

Romans 7:12

Leviticus 23:26-32

Psalm 35:13

Isaiah 58:3,6,9

Exodus 33:20

Leviticus 16:16, 21-22

John 1:29

Romans 3:25-26

Hebrews 7:26-28

Hebrews 9:11-14, 22-24

Hebrews 10:22

Psalm 51:16-17

Jeremiah 31:33

Matthew 12:36-37

Matthew 5:36-37  

Hope to see your there!

- Pastor Michael

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09.20.08 - Preparing for the Fall Festivals

As we opened the month of Elul we ushered in the season of repentance. This is a time of “Teshuvah” or Returning. What does this mean for us? What does it mean to return? Below is a popular passage to consider during this season.

A Call to Repentance

by the Sephardic Rabbi, Physician, and Philosopher, 

Moses Maimonides also known as the RamBam

Awake, you sleepers, from your sleep! 

Rouse yourselves you slumberers, out of your slumber! 

Examine your deeds, and turn to God in repentance.

Remember your Creator, and don’t be like those who are caught up in the daily round, losing sight of eternal truth.

Don’t waste your year in vain pursuits that neither profit nor save. 

Look closely at yourselves.

Abandon your evil ways and thoughts, and return to the LORD, so that He might have mercy on you!

Suggested Reading:

Psalm 27

Ephesians 5:14

Luke 22:46

Romans 8:1

2 Corinthians 5:10,11

Exodus 34:6,7

I will have devotionals for everyone that attends. This devotional will take you through a step by step process of examining your heart in preparation for the Fall Festivals. It’s a little late, but there is still time…

Shalom!

 - Pastor Michael

Back Up

I am finally back up after losing my hard drive last month. Stay tuned for a new meeting schedule...

Shalom!

 - Pastor Michael

08.09.08 – D’varim

08.09.08

D’varim - Words

Torah: Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22
Haftarah: Isaiah 1:1-27
Apostolic Scriptures: Acts 7:51-8:4

Topic:

“These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel…” (Deut 1:1)

In this weeks Parashah Moshe recaps the past 40 years in the wilderness and the significant events that took place. Some of these events were positive, some were negative. Please be sure to read Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22 before Shabbat. We will discuss some of these significant events and their impact on the people.

Tip:
When you come across an event in the Parashah examine it in order to get a better understanding of its significance; go back through the Torah using the cross references in your Bible.

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07.26.08 - Matot Summary

Motze Shabbat was a blast! Thanks to everyone that came and participated. We had 35 people show up this time! Yee-haw!

Some points to remember from our discussion on Matot (Tribes):

1. Before we take on a vow or oath or make a commitment, we need to appreciate the full magnitude of what we are binding ourselves to. Sometimes VOW = OW.
   
2. Once we’ve made a vow or oath or made a commitment, we need to do everything possible to implement it. Sometimes, it’ better not to make a vow then to make a vow and not pay up (Ecc. 5:4-8).
   
3. In Matthew 5:33-37, Yeshua HaMashiach is describing “Carnal Believers”. Don't swear by His Name to make impressions, prove a point, coerce, etc... Your word should be good enough; don’t vow, let your yes be yes, your no be no.
   
4. The sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben put their flocks before their children (Num 32:16); they were the first to be taken into captivity—Yikes! Get your priorities straight!
   

Shavuah Tov! Have a good week!

- Pastor Michael




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07.26.08 – Matot

07.26.08

Matot - Tribes

Torah: Numbers 30:2-32:42
Haftarah: Jeremiah 1:1-2:3
Apostolic Scriptures: Acts 9:1-22
Related Scriptures: Deuteronomy 23:21-23; Matthew 5:33; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5

Topic:

Making vows requires a maturity and understanding by the person making the vow of the importance and seriousness of the responsibility they are obligating themselves to. (that was a mouthful)

If a young woman makes a vow, her father can annul the vow if he finds it unreasonable. (Num 30:3-5)
If a married woman makes a vow, her husband can annul the vow if he finds it unreasonable. (Num 30:6-15)

1. If a vow can be ‘broken’ by a young woman’s father (her authority) and a vow can be ‘broken’ by a married woman’s husband (her authority), then what principle can we derive from this? Hint: Why do you think Moses specifically instructed the leaders of the tribes regarding vows?

2. Why were the sons of Gad and the sons of Reuben instructed to lead the way into the land (Num 32:1-42)? What were the conditions given to them regarding their request? How can we relate this to the principles of making vows?

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07.05.08 - Chukat Summary

Wow. I had a great time last Motze Shabbat. Thanks to everyone that came over and contributed to the discussion. Great meeting!

Some points to remember from our discussion of Chukat:

1. If God isn’t angry, why should we be?
2. If He says speak, speak and don’t strike.
3. The journey can wear you down and cause you to complain—be sure you are not complaining against Hashem or His servant.
   
4. Don’t make hasty vows. Messiah said not to make vows at all (Matthew 5:33-37).

Shavuah Tov! Have a good week!

- Pastor Michael

07.05.08 – Chukat

07.05.08

Chukat - Regulation

Torah: Numbers 19:1-22:1
Haftarah: Judges 11:1-33
Apostolic Scriptures: John 3:10-21

Topic:
“Listen now, you rebels; shall we bring forth water for you out of this rock?” (Num 20:10)

Questions to consider:
Why was hitting the rock such a big deal?
What was Hashem’s attitude toward the lack of water complaint by the people?
If Moses was the person that hit the rock, why was Aaron not allowed to go into the Promised Land?

Bonus question: Hashem sent fiery serpents against the people because they were complaining, again; but what caused them to complain this time?

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06.28.08 - Korach Summary

Our first meeting was a hit.
Great food. Great fellowship. Great discussion.
Thanks for participating.

Points to remember from Korach:

1. Be content with your position and place–it’s where God wants you.
2. Quit the grumbling–it doesn’t lead to anything good.
   
3. Check your attitude–bad attitudes lead to bad actions.

Shavuah Tov! Have a good week!

- Pastor Michael



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06.28.08 – Korach

06.28.08

Korach

Torah: Numbers 16:1-18:32
Haftarah: 1 Samuel 11:14-12:22
Apostolic Scriptures: Acts 5:1-11

Topic:
“Now Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took action, and they rose up before Moses, together with some of the sons of Israel, two hundred and fifty leaders of the congregation, chosen in the assembly, men of renown. They assembled together against Moses and Aaron…” (Numbers 16:1-3)

Some questions to ponder:
What was Korah’s motive?
How did he get 250 men of renown to follow him?
Why did the 14,700 die?
What was in the Ark and why?

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06.21.08 – Sh’lach L'cha

06.21.08

Sh’lach L’cha – Send on your behalf

Torah: Numbers 13:1-15:41
Haftarah: Joshua 2:1-24
Apostolic Scriptures: Hebrews 3:7-4:1
Related Scriptures: Psalm 95:7-11

Topic:
In this week’s Parashah is the story of the 12 spies – a pivotal time for the Israelites. Their actions would change their destiny and the plan that Hashem had for them. Instead of entering into the land of milk and honey, they would die in the wilderness. Tough discipline – but when Hashem speaks to us we need to be obedient, we need to trust Him.

What happened to the Israelites?

How can we apply this to our lives?

Why Issachar?

The following teaching helps to explain the significance of the name Issachar.

- mg

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Dvar Torah - Parshas Vayechi : Week - After - Week

By Rabbi Label Lam, 5766

“Issachar is a strong-boned donkey crouching between the boundaries. And he saw “Menucha”–rest, that it was good, and the land that it was pleasant, and he bent his shoulder to bear and he became an indentured laborer.” (Breishis 49:14-15)

And he bent his shoulder to bear “The yoke of learning Torah” (Rashi)

Something doesn’t make sense here. Issachar we know was the paradigm of the dedicated Torah Scholar. The reason that he accepts this degree of devotion is that he saw that “Menuchah”-rest is good. How does one follow from the other? If he perceives that rest is good then why does he work extra hard?

The key may come from the very beginning of human history. The verses tell us, “And so the heaven and the earth and all their array were completed. G-d completed, on the seventh day His work which He had done, and He ceased from all His work which He had done. G-d blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because on it He ceased from all His work which G-d created.” (Breishis 2:1-3)

Bothered by the appearance of impropriety that HASHEM had completed the work “on the seventh day” and in light of the contradiction in the verse which states, “He ceased from all His work”, Rashi adds, “What was the world lacking at the end of the sixth day”? “Menucha”-Rest! When Shabbos came, “Menucha”-rest came and then the work (of creation) was complete.” “Menucha”-rest, comes to crown the act of creation. It appears to be more than the absence of work since it is “something” that comes when Shabbos arrives. What is this magical “something” called “Menucha”?

In college I was getting ready for a big exam. I was up almost all night cramming when I realized that I needed some sleep. I set the big ticker, a wind up clock, for six O’Clock and put my head down for what would be a short nap. At one minute to six I awoke with a startle and stared at the clock. The alarm had not rung. “What had startled me into an awakened state?” I wondered. Then it hit me. The clock had stopped at 5:59. It was the jolt of sudden silence that jarred me from my slumber. We joke that when my wife came to Monsey from the Bronx she would wake-up in the middle of the night and shout, “What was that”? And I would answer, “That was the sound of #5 Train not going over head.”

The joy of Shabbos lies in that explosive sense of serenity when Shabbos is ushered in. When Halacha takes the hammer from our hands the pounding of the weekday clock is replaced by a sublime melody of the soul. To those who’ve been there these are mere understatements. There are times when Shabbos is so high that it is beyond what words could ever convey. It is experienced as a clear sign between HASHEM and His loyal Jewish People.

Yet there are other times when a Friday Night can feel like Monday morning. When the week was filled with nasty, brutish, ugly, foolish, and empty action even the brightness of Shabbos is dulled. Without the preparation of “six days shall you work” the seventh day is not felt as a day to returning to HASHEM. Ouch! We have wandered from our purpose in life and we feel it.

However, when after having worked hard and gained ground in goodness through the pedestrian path of the weekdays the spiritual inertia we have generated is felt on Shabbos as an exhilaration of the soul. We are coming closer. “Menucha”-rest is that which follows the hard work, when one can revel in meaningful accomplishments. Maybe we can say that Issachar seeing that “Menucha” is good therefore invested himself that much more in the task of Torah so that when Shabbos, which is a taste of the future world, finally arrives he would then delight in that goodness more and more deeply week after week.

DvarTorah, Copyright © 2006 by Rabbi Label Lam and Torah.org.

The Group Begins...

The Tribe of Issachar Havurah Group will be hosted and led by Pastor Michael & Margaret Gonzales.

The group will meet as often as possible on Motze Shabbat for food, fellowship, Havdalah* and Torah discussion.

5:30 - 6:30 Dinner & Fellowship
6:30 - 8:30 Torah Discussion
8:30 - 10:00 Continued Fellowship and Torah Discussion

*Havdalah ceremony will start at sundown on that particular day.

Use this blog to determine the date and topic of the meetings. The topic will be posted one week before the meeting. Please come prepared.

Please bring a dish and your favorite beverage to share. Alcoholic beverages are welcome.