The Messianic Hebrews Community
A. What is a Messianic Hebrew Community like?
At the very foundation of The Messianic Hebrew life is the love of Yahuah and in order to accomplish this we must love our fellow man. At the heart of all of Yahuah's and Yahusha's teachings is to treat you neighbor as you want him to treat you. We are to Love Yahuah first and foremost we are to have no other god before Him. I might add here your god or King is what you put first in your life whether work, play, or hobby. Then we are to love our neighbor as ourselves.
O.K., who is our neighbor?
Everyone is your neighbor. That has never applied more than it does today. With the technology and communication that we have today; we can know as much about what happens half way around the world as we can across town.
We strive to learn and teach our own children first and then others provided they want to learn. We hide nothing. Secrets breed contempt and hate. We strive to be just in all transactions to both our fellow Hebrews and the other people of the world.
We strive to be slow to anger. When struck on the cheek we turn the other to learn if it was out of malaise or something else, this is what Yahuah expects us to do, but hit the other then you are own you own we may retaliate. We are not cowards. As Yahuah is slow to anger we to try to be slow to anger but as Yahuah can be brought to anger so can we and we can be brought there easier than He can.
As stated early the sacrifices that are brought today are used to help the needy and the tithes are used to do the same as well at to support the Synagogue and community. We cherish the ability to serve Yahuah . In the course of doing this we find ourselves following the very foundations of democracy. Which is; that Yahuah does not recognize a distinction between men based on color, creed or position one holds in this life; all men are created equal in His sight. We believe Freedom is to be desired above all other things which we may have in this world. The Right to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is a right given to us by Yahuah. Yahuah made man and man makes slaves out of others and himself. We believe that is no accident that Yahuah has begun to bring the Hebrew people back together in the United States and the world over. It is because of the freedoms we have here. There is no true freedom with out the Laws of Yahuah to govern us. Yahuah's Law brings Happiness, peace, and togetherness.
B. The Messianic Hebrew Community Government
We have a form of government in our community that is a Monarch Democracy in that we have one leader that has the finial decision as to how something is done or not done. This person is like a president in many ways and also like the supreme court in another way. This person is called the High Chief. Under Him is a High Chief Counsel which is made up of thirteen leaders from each tribe including the Levi. These men are selected by the people of their tribe and hold this position for twelve years. They may not hold this position again. They may not have held a position of representative for at least eight years before holding this position. Under these Chiefs are the tribal chiefs One for each Tribe then there is a Tribal chief counsel and then the unit chiefs. The unit chiefs are the ones closes to the people and the number of them are determined by the number of people in each tribe. All chiefs are elected by the people of who they representative.
C. Chain of command in the Messianic Hebrew Community
This has been touched on earlier so here I will simply state the order from the most important in the Messianic Hebrew Community to the least important human in the community. Children, The most important, if they have a problem or question they ask their mother or anyone handy. The mother speaks to her husband in the event he can't answer or solve the problem, he goes to their Rabben. The local Rabben goes to the Unit counsel. They in turn go to the Unit chief. If the problem or question is still not answered the chief go to the Tribal counsel and then they take it to the Tribal chief. In the event the tribal chief can't come up with an answer he then goes to the High Counsel in the unlikely event the problem hasn't been solved or the question still not answered, they go to the High Chief and should the High Chief not be able to solve or answer the question. The High Chief go to Yahuah , and he has an answer for everything.
With in this frame work we have, and in some cases the chiefs are, the judges. Our judges are the one who preside over a hearing as to whether some one is guilty of an offense or not. The ones who make the decision is twelve of their peers. The judge will give a predetermined sentence for what ever the offense. No judge or Rabben or Priest will receive a salary for the post they hold for it is written in: Deuteronomy ( Devarim ) 16:18 - 20 Judges and officers shall you make for yourselves in all your cities and towns, which Yahuah your King has given to you, throughout all of your tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment. You shall not wrest judgment; you shall not respect persons, neither take a gift, for a gift does blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous. That which is altogether just shall you follow, that you may live, and inherit the land which Yahuah has given to you.
D. Do the Messianic Hebrews believe in equality between men and women?
Many people look at the way we worship, that is with the men in front and the women in the back, and wonder do we feel that women are less important than men? The simple and straight forward answer to this is, No Way! Women may well make better teachers and leaders than men and in some cases have. First I will address the Synagogue seating arrangements. Women are the stronger of the sexes in certain cases and the one in question here she is. The women are quit able to sit any where and look past or ignore the men around her. Men on the other hand can not be among women with out his mind wondering and his eyes looking where they have no business looking. Especially in Synagogue where the mans eyes should be to the front and paying attention to what is going on up there. Therefore the women sit behind the men, much like mothers put their children in front of them so as to make sure they do as they are suppose to. Women in our Synagogue are allowed to read from the Torah and to participate in other Synagogue rites. She simply stands behind a short partition so the men can not see her from the shoulders down. We also believe that if there is a just man to rule then he should do so instead of a woman taking that roll because she has a much more important job to do other than to settle petty arguments between men. Women in the Messianic Hebrew community hold a very special and revered place. The women are truly the ones who run things behind the scenes, "pillow talk" if you will.
We encourage our people to send their children to public schools in order to get a good education. At the same time we encourage the people to take an active roll in the school and by doing so we keep up with what is going on in the public school system. By being informed we can help change injustices. We require each Rabben and other leader to provide for his own living. For this reason each head Rabben has several assistance Rabies. People are also encouraged to do some sort of manual labor for part or all of his lively hood. There by keeping with the ideal that man shall earn his living by his own sweat and not from others.
Age is another important factor in our community. Girls "become of age" at the age of twelve and boys "become of age" at the age of thirteen. The reason for this is because girls, for the most part, mature faster than boys. This does not mean that they are grown and no longer need to do as their parents say. It does means that in the decisions of the tribe they have a voice as much as anyone. I may add that no one ever gets to old, or to young, to be given respect and honor. Our old people are kept among us and in the family as long as possible so that we may learn from them and care for them. They may have their own house or live in a community house.
E. If the Messianic Hebrews try to keep themselves
apart from the rest of
the world why do they send their children to public
schools?
The statement that the Messianic Hebrews try to keep to themselves is a bit misleading. We do try to separate ourselves from what goes on in the world for the most part. We do not try to keep only to ourselves. We are commanded to be a light unto the world to teach our fellow man the way The Almighty, Yahuah. Yahuah wants the people to live together and behave. We separate ourselves from the rest of the world in order to become closer to them. Our people live a life to teach the people. Our children go to public schools to teach the children there and so we may know of wrong being done to others.
F. What do the Messianic Hebrews think of manual labor?
We hate it just like everyone else, just kidding there. The people are encouraged to have some sort of manual labor job even if only part time. It helps keep the body and mind strong and in good health. Our elected officials including the High Chief work to provide themselves with the things they want. Things like housing, food, clothing and medical is provided for them by the congregation. Such items as radios, TVs, autos, tape players, and such, they have to buy for themselves. Most of our congregation do something that produces something that people use. On the Messianic Hebrew facilities most of the people are farmers.
G. At what age does the Messianic Hebrews believe a
person become
responsible for their own actions?
This has no exact age because some people mature faster than some and other slower. However the accepted age for most is age twelve for girls and thirteen for boys. The reason for this is that girls seem to mature sooner than boys. This is also the age that they may become betrothed or engaged, and for that matter married. All children born to a Messianic Hebrew family are Messianic Hebrew and are of the Tribe assign to their father or to the tribe their father was born into.. Now this does not mean they have no choice whether to believe the way we do are believe some other way. They may chose to stay with our believes or go else where as soon as the State or parent will allow such things to take place. They are not forced to claim to be anything other than what they wish. We on the other hand will always consider them as Hebrew and of the assigned tribe for ever and their children shall be of that tribe. One is Hebrew because Yahuah has ordained it and once that has been reviled to the person they shall forever be Hebrew and their children and their children forever. This works in reverse too, the persons parents, grand parents, great grand parents and so on is Hebrew.
H. At what age does the Messianic Hebrews believe a person should retire?
A person may retire several times or only once. A person is not required to retire ever. As long as a person feels they have something to give or is able to do something productive they should be encouraged to continue. With age comes wisdom and everyone can learn from the elderly. When a person reaches such an age that they can no longer be productive then they should be allowed to retire in comfort and either live with family if they have family and if not they should live out the rest of their years in well keep retirement homes, if they wish. With a living allowance. This house should be provided by the congregation with no charge to the retiree.
I. Do the Messianic Hebrews believe in corporal punishment?
"Spare the rod and spoil the child." To a point we should all spoil our children and if we love them we do. On the other hand, if the child needs disciplining we need to give it with out much hesitation. Give the punishment as soon as it is possible after the deed is found out. We prefer to use some other form of punishment rather than a belt or paddle, but then sometimes the belt or paddle is the best choose, and it gets the message across quite well if done properly with no ell side effects. Children should be allowed to be paddled in public school as they are in Hebrew school.
J. What do the Messianic Hebrews consider child abuse?
This topic has brought much discussion and not all agree with the standards adopted here. However that is their choice and it is there choice to be Messianic Hebrew as well. Some have argued that if a child is bruised then it is child abuse. I personal have seen people, children included, bruise with very little force. As little force as sitting down or leaning against a post or wall. This therefore is not a good judge of abuse on anyone. Then on the other hand the amount of bruising can be an indicator. One here has to know something about the person with the bruises. For instance how ruff does the person play or what does the person do all day. The one indicator of abuse is blood and /or broken bones and not all broken bones. Once again good judgment has to be used.
What should happen if abuse is suspected? Investigate and that is all. A person should not be removed from a home if abuse is suspected, only when it has been proved. People should be innocent until proven guilty. Some ask well what if they murder the person being abused? If a person murders some one they should be convicted of murder. But a person should not be punished, convicted, or have people removed from the house because of what they may or may not do. We are all subject to murdering someone or robbing someone should we be convicted because what we may do? I don't think anyone would agree that we should. Then why are people so willing to convict someone of abuse just on an accusation?
K. Do the Messianic Hebrews believe in capital punishment?
The simple and straight forward answer to this question is, YES! There are not a lot of things that should warrant the taking of an human life. When a person does do such things then the punishment should be swift and just. The short list of things that justifies the taking of a human life is: the taking of a human life on purpose, in this case it is truly a life for a life. Next is rape. Rape is the taking of a life with out actually killing the person. The person just dies inside. Rape is not a crime of passion but a crime of power. A person should be put to death if that person has sex with an animal and the animal should be put to death as well. A man who has sex with another man should be put to death. These last things are spoken of in the Torah and this is the punishment so stated for such a thing in the Torah. Yes, I said men with men and I did not say women with women. There is a reason I did not say anything about a woman with a woman that reason is the Torah does not say any such thing about a woman. The Abomination when a man has sex with another man is the spilling of his seed on infertile ground. The scriptures where this is written is: Leviticus ( Vayyiqra ) 18:22 Thou shall not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. And the punishment part is in: Leviticus ( Vayyiqra ) 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. Now this is not a hint or a suggestion it is a "Law". It does not say we should be tolerant to their way of life as long as they don't bother us with it. The Torah says plain and straight forward what is to be done.
L. How do the Messianic Hebrews feel about drinking alcohol?
Taken in moderation alcohol can be good for the body, wine especially. Some drink a small amount of wine at the Sabbath meal and at weddings. Some drink a glass of wine with every meal. The point here is moderation. When we drink in excess and start doing our bodies harm or doing others harm then there is a need for that person to put a stop to the drinking.
M. Do the Messianic Hebrews believe in good or bad luck?
Although most of us wish people good luck and hope we have good luck is not saying we believe in luck. It is just a short way of saying we hope that the goodness of Yahuah is with you. Luck is not a chance happening it is really a blessing from Yahuah or the Satan, depending on whether it is something good or bad. Nothing happens be chance. Either one force or the other is behind all that happens. True our own actions generally bring about this happenings but then our actions depend on who we follow, Yahuah or Satin.
N. How do the Messianic Hebrews feel about the freedom of press?
Freedom of press is an absolute necessity if we are to have a free country and free society. Only through a free press can the people be informed of what is going on in the world and in their country. Informed people can make good choices but uninformed people can not. Do we believe that some things such as pornography should be banded? No, if a person wants to do this type of stuff they should be free to do so and if a person wants to spend their hard earned money on such stuff they should be allowed to do so. It is our responsibility to teach people that this sort of thing is wrong not to pass laws against it. If people are willing to do these things and then pay to see it then we have failed them. Under no circumstance should we try to force our beliefs on others.
O. How do the Messianic Hebrews feel about the right
to keep and bare
arms?
Not only should everyone be allowed to keep and bare arms but everyone should know how to use them. Everyone upon completing their formal education should serve at least one year in the armed forces. We encourage our people to buy and learn how to use riffles, hand guns, and bow & arrows. To know how and how not to use a fire arm is some of the best ways to cut down on crime and accidental shootings. The right for every citizen, not convicted of a felony with a weapon involved with the crime, is the only way to insure peace safety and Freedom in any country or land.
P. How do the Messianic Hebrews feel about the freedom of Religion?
This is a question that has always puzzled me when someone ask it? We are a religious group. We cherish freedom as much as anything. We believe that everyone in the world should enjoy Freedom of religion.
Furthermore we believe that no person or group of people have the right to force their beliefs on anyone. Yahuah has never forced his ways on us nor has He given us the rights to force his ways on anyone.
Now we do not say that there should not be laws to protect the people from certain things, such as theft, murder, and rape. These laws are moral laws which have their roots in religion. We also feel that any religious group should have the right to form / build a community of their own religion if they so chose and anyone of another religion should be keep out of this community. The same should hold true to race and creeds as well. The people who chose to go out among the others in public places should be allowed to do so.
Q. What is the Messianic Hebrews beliefs about suicide?
Suicide is quite possibly the worst thing a person can do. It is a sin against Yahuah and yourself to which you can not be forgiven. Simply because in order to be forgiven of a sin you must ask for forgiveness after the sin has been committed, and if you are dead you can't ask for forgiveness. This is a sin for which there is no forgiveness. Reason: one can not be for given for something one is going to do, one must have done the act and be repentant in order to be forgiven. Once a person murders them self they are dead and can not ask for forgiveness.
As to the family of someone who commits suicide there is nothing held against them. They can not control the actions of someone else and should not be punished for what someone else does.
R. Why do the Messianic Hebrews concern themselves
with the rights of
minorities?
Well this should be rather obvious, we ourselves are among the smallest of the minorities. Furthermore what befalls one group is likely to befall another group soon enough. If we can help keep something bad from happening to one group then we can keep it from happening to us. At the same time if we help bring goodness to a group then goodness shall come to us. This is just following one of Yahuah's great Commandments, "Love your neighbor as you love yourself".
S. How many Messianic Hebrews are there?
From talking to people everywhere I go, and especially on the Internet, I have learned that there are a lot of us out there. Many do not belong to The Messianic Hebrew of America or a Messianic Hebrew Congregation. This fact is one reason for this book. This book will let people know who and where we are. This book will also help remove some of the mystery of who we are and what we believe in. I am sure our beliefs will offend some and not others. We do not mean to offend anyone but don't ask us to change just to suite your wants and we want ask you to change to fit our wants. This way we all get along together.
At the time of the writing of this page there are less than one thousand
members in the Messianic Hebrews. We are growing in numbers. People come
and people go. Some think this is the best thing they ever found. While others
find that they just don't quite fit in. Truth being thewy may be more
like ice at the time in order to fit into this world but after they become
a Messianic Hebrew they will become more like water and form to the new container
they are in, The Childern of Yahuah.
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