Shabbat Shalom - Parasha Vayigash - God's Prophetic Plan and Seasons of Trials !!!
In mourning ...
The Monsey Stabbing Just a Short Drive From My Home
People are scared. Coming just weeks after the horrific Jersey City shootings, many wonder if they will ever feel safe to shop in a kosher supermarket, walk to synagogue or send their children off to school. And this isn’t only happening in our quiet, sleepy suburban town. My daughter tells me that in Chicago, a local kosher grocery just steps from her home had its window smashed; and days ago, friends suffered from hate crimes in Brooklyn, N.Y. For a while already, there has been a proliferation of open acts of anti-Semitism—acts that make your hair stand on end—in European cities, where many are afraid to openly dress as Jews. The climate of fright is all around us.
https://www.chabad.org/news/
Previously posted ...
Shabbat Hanukkah ííííÎìììì Parasha Miketz - The Great Light and the Grand Menorah !!!
http://conpats.blogspot.com/
This World Was Created For MAN
http://conpats.blogspot.com/
Baruch Hashem Adonai
#ShabbatShalom - Welcome to this week’s Parasha (Torah Portion), which is called Vayigash (Then He Drew Near). We know you will be blessed as you study with us this portion that will be read in synagogues around the world on this Shabbat (Saturday). Enjoy!
In last week’s Torah portion, Miketz, Pharaoh appointed Joseph administrator over all of Egypt in order to save the people of the nation from the coming famine. That famine affected much of the region; and because of Joseph's wise stewardship, the nations looked to Egypt as a source of food. When Jacob sent his sons to Egypt for grain, Joseph recognized them but did not reveal himself right away. He wisely tested their integrity through a series of character challenges. This week, Parasha Vayigash begins with a plea from Judah, brother of Joseph, on behalf of his younger half-brother, Benjamin. A silver cup had been deliberately planted in Benjamin’s bag by Joseph, causing Benjamin to be in danger of having to remain a slave in Egypt. Judah can't bear to return to his father without his youngest brother, Benjamin. He knows that the grief his father will endure for doing so will probably kill him.
You can view this Parasha on our website complete with embedded links ...
Vayigash: Like Judah, Like Yeshua
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Parasha Reading Schedule 5780
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https://hebrew4christians.com/
https://hebrew4christians.com/
Jewish holiday calendars & Hebrew date converter
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The Feasts of The LORD >> http://www.wildolive.co.uk/
Jewish and Israeli holidays 2000–2050
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Zmanim / Halachic - Times performed at specific times
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Special Shabbatot
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The First Shabbat Celebrated (1313 BCE) A Brief History of Shabbat
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Shabbat: An Island in Time
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English to Hebrew to English lookup
https://context.reverso.net/
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https://yiddishkeit101.
The Best Jewish Words You Need To Know: A Yiddish and Hebrew Glossary
https://www.joyofkosher.com/
https://hebrew4christians.com/
A Living Library of Jewish Texts in Hebrew and English translation.
https://www.sefaria.org/
Is Grace Enough? The concept of God’s grace did not begin in the New Testament.
https://free.messianicbible.
Why Are Christians Adopting Jewish Practice of Studying the Weekly Torah Portion?
https://theisraelbible.com/
Restoring the Way Messianic Homeschooling
http://restoringtheway.org/
The Hebrew Name of God: I Am and YHVH
Ehye Asher Ehye אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה and YHVH יהוה - Yahweh yud hey vav hey
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The Controversy Over the Name of Yeshua
The proper Hebrew name for Jesus is Yeshua יֵשׁוּעַ which means salvation.
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Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord of Hosts – YHVH Sabaoth
The name YHVH Sabaoth is used 235 times in the Bible.
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https://free.messianicbible.
God Is Not God's Name - http://www.yhwh.com/gingn.html
The Prophetic Significance of the Passover Lamb
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Is Nazareth Prophesied in Bible Prophecy?
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21 Major Messianic Prophecies
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15 Moshiach Facts Every Jew Should Know
https://www.chabad.org/
10 Sacred Texts of Judaism
https://www.chabad.org/
10 Jubilee Facts to Know
https://www.chabad.org/
Simchat Torah: Celebrating Yeshua – the Word That Dwells Among Us
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When to Celebrate Yeshua HaMashiach's birthday ...
The Joy of Tabernacles when Jesus was Born
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How Yeshua was born on the Feast of Tabernacles by Rabbi Isaac
http://www.calledoutbelievers.
What others have said concerning Yeshua's birth ...
Jesus was born on the first day of the Jewish New Year, known as Nissan 1, in 6 B.C
Rabbi Jonathan Cahn> https://youtu.be/ptlsXtTf6n0 (27:20) .
Dr. Michael Heiser - Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) - Tishri 1, 3759 / September 10, 3 B.C.
> https://youtu.be/zYW7EgLcxc4 (40:33) http://www.cgsf.org/dbeattie/
Holy Hebrew Arithmetic: What Age was Jesus when he became Teacher-Priest?
https://www.jpost.com/Blogs/
The Daniel Timeline
http://www.davidjayjordan.com/
The Book of Revelation In Words of Understanding - Sermon Series (96 page pdf)
https://www.scribd.com/
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Parshat Vayigash
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Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Ralph Messer ...
Simchat Torah Beit Midrash - Joy of God’s Teaching and Instruction
Parashat Vayigash and he approached
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Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Isaac ...
#11 Parashah Vayigash with Torah & Haftarah video studies
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vid> https://youtu.be/6UNvTAOV1AY (1:44:12)
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Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Chaim Richman ...
What Is a Miracle?
vid> https://youtu.be/CLW_FoSy8KI (46:18) 12/29/19
Understanding the true nature of a miracle from a Torah perspective. Rabbanit Rena Richman
delivered this talk at the South Plains Hebraic Center in Lubbock, Texas, on December 15, 2019.
Weekly Torah Portion: Vayigash
The supernal sparks flew when Yehudah approached Yosef. Ready to engage in cosmic battle for the life of Binyamin, Yehudah's anguish turned to joy when Yosef revealed his true identity. We all share in the joy of the reconciled and reunited brothers, and in the return of Yosef to his father Yaakov. This story of reconciliation is the paradigm and blueprint for the great redemption that is to come, when the brothers will once again unite, in heart and soul and might.
Vayigash (Genesis 44:18 - 47:27) Parashat Vayigash is read on Shabbat: Tevet 7, 5780 / January 4, 2020
vid> https://youtu.be/K_W5z0BAXtA (19:52) 1/1/20
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Special ... Broadcasting from Jerusalem with Rabbi Chaim Richman, Yitzchak Reuven
Temple Talk Radio: Joseph’s Reunion with Benjamin: Gazing Into the Future
vid> https://youtu.be/7AwlYV3TxE8 (46:11) 12/31/19
The Centrality of the Temple in the Month of Tevet
Parashat Vayigash and the Resurgence of Anti-Semitism:
Understanding the Historical Template of Exile and Redemption
As we begin the month of Tevet, this week's edition of Temple Talk spotlights the spiritual shift between Kislev and Tevet, and the continued emphasis on Temple consciousness. Yitzchak Reuven and Rabbi Chaim Richman share insights in the Torah portion of Vayigash, and contemplate the reunion in Egypt between Joseph and his brothers and its meaning for us today -- especially against the backdrop of the recent violent acts of anti-Semitism taking place in New York and around the world.
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End-Time Prophecy: Why is the Third Temple so Important?
These phenomenal end-time events are unfolding before our very eyes!
> https://free.messianicbible.
Hillel Richman: The True Location of the Temple Mount: Fully Illustrated
> https://youtu.be/dh5yQiPYuo0 (53:52) 11/11/18 in Lubbock, TX
Rabbi Chaim Richman: The Dedication of the Third Temple
> https://youtu.be/BrU_p7F_mDQ (46:20) 11/11/18 in Lubbock, TX
Special ... Rabbanit Rena Richman: On Suffering
> https://youtu.be/mUY6nz-D-NE (55:43) 11/11/18 in Lubbock, TX
Update On 3rd Temple In Jerusalem
> https://youtu.be/98fJNMSXC8U (15:47) Shaking My Head Productions 3/26/19
https://www.youtube.com/
The Coming Temple - Full Documentary
> https://youtu.be/oKTO8YYs29c (48:17) NuBeat Music 12/21/16
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Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Naphtali “Tuly” Weisz ...
https://israel365.com/ https://www.
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The Portion of Vayigash
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The Israel Bible side-by-side English and Hebrew text along with audio being read in Hebrew.
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You can read Hebrew - The Scholar Set
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Anti-Semitic Attacks in Brooklyn Continue Unabated
by JNS
The incident is at least the 12th reported anti-Semitic attack in New York in the past week. The African-American women approached the 22-year-old Chassidic man and shouted at him “F***k you Jew” and “I will kill you Jews.” One Chassidic woman, 38, told the New York Post on Wednesday, “Why do they keep doing this to us? We mean them no harm, yet they’re always cursing at us and hitting us.”
https://www.
https://nypost.com/2020/01/01/
IDF Prevents Palestinian Terrorist From Carrying Out Stabbing Attack
by Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz
A 15-year old Palestinian terrorist was stopped by the IDF while carrying out a stabbing attack on Thursday afternoon at the Gush Etzion Junction about 20 minutes south of Jerusalem. The terrorist arrived at the location in an Arab taxi, exited the vehicle, and, knife drawn, began to approach a bus stop. An IDF soldier from the Shaked Battalion in the Givati Brigade stationed at the location called for the terrorist to drop his knife and when the terrorist ignored the order, the soldier shot the terrorist in the leg, thereby neutralizing him. vid> https://youtu.be/seclfyxUjN8 (0:12) Arutz Sheva TV
https://www.
Trump Kills Second Most Powerful Man in Iran; Warns of More to Come
https://www.
Omar-Dems-Media Side with Iran Against Trump’s War on Terror
https://www.
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Jared and Ivanka Special w Joseph, Arabella and Theodore ...
Shana Tova to the Jewish people in the U.S., Israel and around the world!
May it be a sweet new year for all! Happy #RoshHashanah - 5780
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As we begin this holiest of days, Yom Kippur - 5780
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That’s a wrap! - 5780
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Mazel Tov 37th Birthday Lara 10/12/82 - 5780
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Mazel Tov 26th Birthday Tiffany 10/13/93 - 5780
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Mazel Tov 10th Anniversary 10/25/09 Forever Love Jared - 5780
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Mazel Tov 38th Birthday Ivanka 10/30/93 - 5780
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Instavid> #WGDP in Morocco - 5780
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Arabella's 'Winter' Puppy Love - 5780
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Happy Thanksgiving! - 5780
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#USMCA Signed - Where is Congress - 5780
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Chag Chanukah Sameach! - 5780
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Happy New Year - 2020
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Hebrew “Trump 2020” Bumper Sticker
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Todah Rabah - beloved Ted Belman writing from Jerusalem, Israel for 18+ years ...
THERE IS NO DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION
Memo to Kushner
by Ted Belman (Feb 13/19)
While most people are patiently waiting for Pres Trump to table his Peace Plan, otherwise known as the Deal of the Century, I have been preparing a Memo to Kushner in which I challenge two points covered in Did Liberman reveal Trump’s peace plan? Yes.
1. Don’t recommend that Gaza become sovereign Palestinian territory. Instead, propose that Gaza be treated as another Area A leaving it to Israel to work together with Egypt and Jordan to find a solution.
2. Do not propose that Palestinians receive “broad economic incentives” in Israel. Instead propose that Israel create economic opportunity for the Palestinians in Jordan.
In my Memo to Kushner, I write,
https://www.israpundit.org/
January 1, 2020 - When the Memo is finalized it will be forwarded to Jared Kushner.
Totally aside from this project, I intend to establish a Think Tank that would focus on two things.
1. Incentivizing Arab Emigration and
2. Jewish Aliya.
Wish me luck. If anyone wants to participate or know more, send me an email at tbelman3@gmail.com
2019 Year In Review: TPUSA Keeps On Winning
vid> https://youtu.be/8nRfi32cNVM (2:05) Turning Point USA
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Turning Point USA Had Another RECORD BREAKING Year In 2019! Check It Out!
...And A Special Thanks To Everyone Who Made It Possible!
Celebrating a decade of life-changing Israeli inventions
From Waze to cancer-busting nano-ghost cells and 3-D printed hearts, The Times of Israel
takes a dive into tech that helps us get where we’re going and keeps us safe and healthy
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https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Deep in the Age of Unreason
by Eric Utter, AMERICAN THINKER
There was once an Age of Reason. Today, we appear to be living in the Age of Unreason. Or insanity. As I’ve noted in previous posts, it is exceedingly difficult today for a sane person to believe what he observes on a daily basis,
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https://www.americanthinker.
Ted Belman, editor and publisher of Israpundit
https://youtu.be/2_2jJpjU3zA (5:10) ILTV ISRAEL DAILY 10/9/17 http://www.iltv.tv/
Ted Belman - 12/3/17
https://youtu.be/EO5kIMNtZwA (1:08:08) Alexander Gendler 12/3/17
The “Jordan-is-Palestine” idea, as the preferred resolution for the Israel-Palestine conflict. The conference was organized together with Mudar Zahran, Secretary-General of the Jordan Opposition Coalition, who lives in England under the protection of that country's police.
>> The Jordan Option, plain and simple
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>> The Jordanian Option is the only game in town
https://www.israpundit.org/my-
3 ways to help Ted Belman ...
Please send checks payable to Ted Belman,
Dan #33, Unit 25, Jerusalem, 93509, ISRAEL
Or go to Israel Institute for Strategic Studies
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Donators will get a US tax deductible receipt.
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Who Are the Tribes of Judah?
https://www.jewishvoice.org/
Who are the “Lost Tribes of Israel” w map
The “Lost Tribes of Israel” are the physical descendants of Israel (Jacob) who – through expulsion,
captivity or – have become disassociated from the generally recognized worldwide Jewish community.
https://www.jewishvoice.org/
> https://www.jewishvoice.org/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
12 Tribes of Israel: The Shevatim
https://www.chabad.org/
Jewish Internal Distinctions
https://www.myjewishlearning.
Types of Jews: Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Mizrahi and More
vid> https://youtu.be/ZUHP6ot-JPg (1:40)
What is Hasidic Judaism? A Brief History of the Movement
vid> https://youtu.be/_SX_TjEG4i4 (5:38)
https://www.myjewishlearning.
https://www.myjewishlearning.
In the 29th Dec 19 edition of Israel’s good news, the highlights include:
http://verygoodnewsisrael.
http://verygoodnewsisrael.
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Yavoh ~ He is coming !
Yahweh - Yeshua - Ruach Ha-Kodesh
Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה
BREAKING NEWS FROM ISRAEL
Minute by minute updates here ...
Watching for Yeshua Ha-Mashiach
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Pray at the Kotel - the Western Wailing Wall
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I CLOSE MY EYES AND LOOK BACK -- A DECADE IN REVIEW
by Jamie Geller
Here's my trip down memory lane, just to a look back at the last decade. The highs, the lows, the personal, the professional, the wins, the losses - all of which I am thankful for. Here is a snapshot of the last 10 years of motherhood, entrepreneurship and aliyah. I spill the beans on the babies, the books and the BILLION views – I tell you the true story, in its entirety. Wishing us all the clarity of 2020 vision, the privilege of greeting moshiach, abundant blessings, health, nachas and mazel in this new decade, new year and always.
Lots of
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Israeli Desserts to Sweeten Your Shabbat
You Will Go Totally Nuts For This Authentic Baklava Recipe
> https://youtu.be/Ie8L4gvn9Ss (1:09) JewLish
fave> https://jamiegeller.com/
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Salted Almond and Pistachio Bark
These Salted Almond and Pistachio Bark are so easy to make, and are perfect when you need
to make a quick (chocolate) dessert! They also make a great gift inside mishloach manot during Purim.
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Shabbos Sides That Are Actually Good For You
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21 Ultimate 'Get-You-Through-Winter' Soup Recipes
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The 8 One-Pot Wonders You Have to See
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The #1 Trick For Crispy Chicken
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Chanukah at the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem
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Brisket Makeover Monday on the Today Show
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Leftover brisket turns into latke sliders, and leftover sweet potato casserole
turns into mini, no-bake cheesecakes.
https://www.today.com/food/
> https://www.today.com/video/
My gift to you: Save $50 on your June Smart Oven with coupon code JEWLISH50OFF
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Jewlish by Jamie (the new Jewlish Cookbook)
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Kosher Meal Kits - The Most Exciting News Since Sliced Bread ... All in one box!
Use the coupon code Jamie30 for 30% off on your first order! https://jchef.com/jamiegeller/
https://www.jchef.com/menu/ - JChef Gabriel (855) 524-3318 Miami
A Healthy Meal Plan for the Whole Family with Jamie and Tamar
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Mazel Tov!!! IT'S No Mistaking Baking ~ 85+ perfect baking every time recipes
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Free Gluten-Free Sides eBook
20 Inspiring Ideas - Sides dishes that just happen to be gluten free and Kosher For Passover
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Free Ultimate Challah eBook ~ Challah Like You Mean It!
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Free Mezze eBook
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Today Show vid - Jamie Geller’s tasty brisket with apples and honey cake (4:44)
> https://www.today.com/video/
> https://youtu.be/mpgS1toiYqA (5:46) https://jamiegeller.com/
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Today Show vid - Cooking Brisket 101 w Megyn Kelly (4:47)
> https://www.today.com/video/
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Brisket 101> https://www.amazon.com/Jamie-
Today Show vid - Use matzo in 4 different ways for Passover w Megyn Kelly (4:54)
> https://www.today.com/food/
Matzo Balls by Jamie Geller
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Today Show vid - How to make delicious latkes and babkas (3:47)
> https://www.today.com/video/
8 Epic Latke Sliders Bonus instavid> https://www.instagram.com/p/
Shabbat Menus
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42 Cooking Tips Because You Asked For Them
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Easy homemade unique BBQ sauce recipes
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The Most Popular Recipe - Year 2017
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vid> https://youtu.be/ApKzja2XnWE (6:39)
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How To Gain Confidence In The Kitchen
– you are not doomed to walk the frozen food aisles forever
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Missing an ingredient? Improvise
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All About (Kosher) Bacon
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Camp Zeke http://www.campzeke.org
Isaac Mamaysky - 212-913-9783 - isaac@campzeke.org
vid> https://youtu.be/GQx5JceFoHU (1:58)
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31 Barry Watson Way, Lakewood, PA 18439
Up to $1,150 off camp for first time families!
How To Tell The Quality of Extra Virgin Olive Oil - EVOO Colavita
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vid> https://youtu.be/6fyNI0Iv2m8 (1:44)
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Jamie Geller Welcome's You
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My Love Affair With Jerusalem
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Media
Jamie Geller's 2019 Show Reel
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Do not be angry with your servant, though you are equal to Pharaoh himself. Genesis 44:18
Shabbat Shalom - Parasha Vayigash - God's Prophetic Plan and Seasons of Trials !!!
Shabbat Shalom
Welcome to this week’s Parasha (Torah Portion), which is called Vayigash (Then He Drew Near).
We know you will be blessed as you study with us this portion that will be read in synagogues around the world on this Shabbat (Saturday). Enjoy!
VAYIGASH (Then He Drew Near)
Genesis 44:18–47:27; Ezekiel 37:15–28; Ephesians 2:1–22
“Then Judah came near [Vayigash וַיִּגַּשׁ] unto him and said, ‘Pardon your servant, my lord, let me speak a word to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, though you are equal to Pharaoh himself.’”
(Genesis 44:18)
(Genesis 44:18)
In last week’s Torah portion, Pharaoh appointed Joseph administrator over all of Egypt in order to save the people of the nation from the coming famine. That famine affected much of the region; and because of Joseph's wise stewardship, the nations looked to Egypt as a source of food.
When Jacob sent his sons to Egypt for grain, Joseph recognized them but did not reveal himself right away. He wisely tested their integrity through a series of character challenges.
Joseph's Brothers Find the Silver Goblet in Benjamin's Pack (1833), by
Alexander Ivanov
Judah Reveals His True Character
This week, Parasha Vayigash begins with a plea from Judah, brother of Joseph, on behalf of his younger half-brother, Benjamin. A silver cup had been deliberately planted in Benjamin’s bag by Joseph, causing Benjamin to be in danger of having to remain a slave in Egypt.
Judah can't bear to return to his father without his youngest brother, Benjamin. He knows that the grief his father will endure for doing so will probably kill him.
He, therefore, pleads with Joseph, saying, “Please let your servant remain instead of the lad as a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers. For how shall I go up to my father if the lad is not with me, lest perhaps I see the evil that would come upon my father?” (Genesis 44:33–34)
Judah seems to realize that his family's situation is related to the evil behavior of his brothers in selling Joseph, and he doesn't want such evil to befall them again if Benjamin is now lost in Egypt.
This confession of sin accompanied by sincere remorse and turning from the sin fulfills the Torah’s requirements for true repentance (teshuvah).
A Jewish man prays at the Western (Wailing)
Wall in Jerusalem.
Judah approaches Joseph privately and explains how it was difficult to bring Benjamin with him to Egypt since he is the only surviving son of Rachel, and his father is very attached to him. He explains that he guaranteed the boy’s safety and is desperate to take his place as a slave.
Joseph, no longer able to control his emotions after seeing his brothers’ repentance, cries out for everyone to leave except his brothers. He wants to be alone with them when he reveals his true identity.
“Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, ‘Make everyone go out from me!’ So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it.’”
(Genesis 45:1–2)
(Genesis 45:1–2)
As Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, he comforts them: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5)
The Recognition of Joseph by His Brothers (c. 1816), by Peter Von Cornelius
God’s Sovereign Plan of Salvation Cannot Be Broken
In placing Joseph in charge of Egypt’s food supply, God wanted to do more than preserve the lives of the Egyptians and the nearby world from starvation due to a present famine.
By installing Joseph in a position of power to save his own family, God preserved the promise He made to Abraham, which included Israel being a blessing to the nations:
By installing Joseph in a position of power to save his own family, God preserved the promise He made to Abraham, which included Israel being a blessing to the nations:
“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
(Genesis 12:2–3)
(Genesis 12:2–3)
Specifically, this promise would be passed down through Isaac, not his brother Ishmael (Genesis 26:3–5); through Jacob, not his brother Esau (Genesis 28:14–15); and the promise of the Messiah would exclusively come through the line of Judah, not his other 11 brothers:
“The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor.” (Genesis 49:10)
The one to whom the sovereign staff of rule belongs is the Messiah.
A Jewish woman recites prayers at the Western
Wall in Jerusalem.
God sovereignly chose Joseph to ensure that His promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (not only of land but also of being a blessing to all nations through the Messiah) would be fulfilled through the line of Jacob’s son, Judah.
Why did God choose Judah?
Perhaps because he is the only brother who showed compassion toward Joseph, saving his life when his brothers wanted to kill him (Genesis 37:26–27). And as we saw earlier, he showed even more compassion toward Benjamin by offering to become a slave in his place.
Both of Judah's acts foreshadowed what Yeshua (Jesus) would do for all of us spiritually.
“By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” (1 John 3:16)
In the end, neither envy, nor jealousy, nor murderous plots against Joseph in his early years could derail God’s love and plan of salvation for us—and the hatred against the Jewish People today still can’t derail it.
Torah scroll
Jacob Reunites with Joseph
“And they told him, saying, ‘Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.’ And Jacob’s heart stood still, because he did not believe them.” (Genesis 45:26)
In this Parasha, Jacob is reunited with his beloved son Joseph.
Imagine hearing that your favorite child, whom you thought had been killed many years ago, is actually a governor of the nation next door!
This perhaps reminds many of us of the shock that Yeshua’s disciples experienced when they were told that Yeshua was not dead, but alive.
They had seen Him die and witnessed His burial; yet, here He was alive and well, walking about because death was unable to hold Him.
“When they heard that Yeshua was alive and that she had seen him, they did not believe it.” (Mark 16:11)
The empty tomb
Joseph invited his father and all of his brothers into exile in Egypt to save them from the famine in Israel. Leaving the Promised Land was not easy.
God, however, assured Jacob that it was right to accept his offer, even though it would begin 400 years of brutal slavery for Jacob’s descendants.
“Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, ‘Jacob, Jacob!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ So He said, ‘I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes.’” (Genesis 46:2–4)
During a previous famine, God instructed Jacob’s father, Isaac, to stay in the land. But, in this instance, God told Jacob to leave.
This shows us how important it is to listen for God’s voice and obey rather than simply go with whatever decisions seem right to us, or rely on a solution that worked in the past.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5–6)
Jewish boys pray at the Western (Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem.
Joseph was not only a powerful man; he was also an excellent provider. He brought his father and all of his brothers to Egypt where he made sure they were well looked after.
“Then Joseph provided his father, his brothers, and all his father’s household with bread, according to the number in their families.” (Genesis 47:12)
Again, we can draw a parallel to Yeshua—the living bread (lechem chayim) who was born in Beit-Lechem (Bethlehem), the house of bread.
The bread that Joseph provided for his brothers sustained them during their lifetime, but the bread that Yeshua gives us sustains life eternally.
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51)
On Friday night just before sundown, Jewish families mark the Shabbat
with a special candle-lighting ceremony. Following that, most families
recite prayers over wine and challah (braided egg bread).
Israel Reunites with Judah
The theme of this wonderful story of Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers, after so many years of being separated, continues in the Haftarah (prophetic reading), with the reunion of the northern and southern tribes of Israel upon their return from exile.
How did this split between the tribes of Israel happen?
After the reign of King Solomon, the nation of Israel split into the Southern Kingdom (represented by the tribe of Judah & Benjamin) and the Northern Kingdom (represented by the ten other tribes, which are collectively called Joseph, Ephraim, or simply Israel).
While both kingdoms sinned, Judah (Yehudah) returned from exile and still exists today as the Yehudim (Hebrew word for Jews). The ten northern tribes went into the nations and became “lost,” although some members of those tribes have returned.
Because of their idolatry, God broke the bonds of brotherhood between Judah and Joseph (Ephraim and Israel):
“Then I cut in two My other staff, bonds, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.” (Zechariah 11:14)
Jewish boys prepare to read the Torah.
According to Jewish thought, the animosity between Joseph and his brothers (all children of Jacob) foreshadows this later split between Judah and Benjamin with the other tribes of Israel (all children of God).
In an amazing prophecy, however, God promises that one day there will again be unity between them.
“Surely I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, his companions; and I will join them with it, with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they will be one in My hand.”’ (Ezekiel 37:19)
To make sure there is no misunderstanding, God plainly explains this prophetic symbolism:
“Behold, I will take the people of Israel from the nations among which they have gone, and will gather them from all around, and bring them to their own land. And I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel.” (Ezekiel 37:21–22)
Of course, there is another reconciliation that God has brought about. Through Yeshua’s sacrificial death on the Roman execution stake—the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile has also been destroyed, resulting in “one new man” out of the two.
Jews and Arabs share the streets of Jerusalem.
Though divisions still do exist, God’s purposes are to reconcile us to Himself and to one another.
“For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the execution stake, thereby putting to death the enmity.” (Ephesians 2:14–16)
There is an even greater reconciliation to come. If we look prophetically at this story of Joseph, we may see that just as Joseph said, “Ani Yoseph: I am Joseph, your brother,” likewise, Yeshua one day will say, “Ani Yeshua: I am your salvation, your brother and your Messiah.” Halleluyah!
When the Jewish people recognize Yeshua as their Messiah, there will also be a great reconciliation that will bring about life-giving change all over the world. How we long for that great day!
“For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?” (Romans 11:15)
A rabbi tends to a beautifully covered Torah scroll.
It is exciting to live in a day when we can see prophecy fulfilled before our very eyes as the Jewish people return home from all four corners of the earth. So few Jews, however, realize that Yeshua is the Messiah of whom the prophecies in the Tanakh (Old Testament) foretell. You can make a difference by standing united with Bibles For Israel as we proclaim the Messiah in these last days before He returns.
Shabbat Shalom from the Entire Bibles For Israel Family!
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