Messianic Hebrew Laws and Rituals
A. Where do Messianic Hebrew laws come from?
For the vast part The Messianic Hebrew Laws comes directly from the Torah. There are however a few that come from other biblical writings. Even these Laws that do not come directly from the Torah is well grounded in the Torah. Yahuah is the true giver of all laws. Yahuah first gave only two laws. Love Yahuah Thy God with all of your heart soul and being. The second is Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Only when man would not live by these two laws and started their "nit-picking" did Yahuah break these two down into Ten Commandments, Laws, or Instructions. Then after man decided to "nit-pick" even more Yahuah broke these down into even more. After this Yahuah just made them a little harder. Now man will either follow them or suffer the consequence. Another way to put it is we will reap what we sow.
B. What are some of the things a Messianic Hebrew is forbidden to do on Sabbath?
There are Thirty Nine things that we are forbidden to do on a Sabbath, any Sabbath. These thirty-nine things which are forbidden to be done on Sabbath are called "melachos". A "melacha" is a creative act which was done to construct the sanctuary. The architecture and components of the sanctuary conceptually represent the universe. Basically, by refraining from creative acts that were done to construct the sanctuary, we demonstrate our belief that Yahuah is the creator of the universe. The thirty-nine melachos represent thirty-nine classes of creative acts. There are actually thousands of creative acts which fall under these classes and are forbidden.
To help us be more Torah observant our leaders try to explain these with Torah teachings. This help us to insure that our behavior is consistent Torah teachings. The thirty-nine melachos are what the Torah expressly forbids. There are thousands of things that we do or don't do, whose source is grounded in the teachings of the Torah.
Finally, you can't learn everything you need to know about what to do and not to do from just reading a list listing or book. For example, cutting is a melacha. Does this mean that you can't cut your food on a Sabbath? You truly need a guide and /or a teacher to teach you what you need to know, what to do and what not to do.
So, while the list consists of thirty-nine items, you really need to know a lot more in order to do Sabbath correctly. However, a list is a good starting point for the beginning student. Given this introduction, the thirty-nine melachos are as follows:
1 Plowing, 2 sowing, 3 reaping, 4 sheaf-making, 5 threshing, 6 winnowing, (straining) 7 selecting, 8 sifting, 9 grinding, 10 kneading, 11 baking, 12 Shearing, 13 bleaching, 14 combing, 15 dyeing, 16 spinning, 17 un spinning, 18 weaving 19 un weaving, 20 tying, 21 untying, 22 sewing, 23 un sewing 24 tearing, 25 trapping, 26 slaughtering, 27 skinning, 28 tanning, 29 scraping, 30 marking out, 31 cutting, 32 Writing, 33 erasing, 34 building, 35 demolishing, 36 making a fire, 37 extinguishing, 38 finishing something off, 39 carrying.
In the above list are several things I would like to talk about here some are rather self explanatory such as 1 Plowing, 2 sowing, 3 reaping, 4 sheaf-making, 5 threshing, 6 winnowing, 7 selecting, 8 sifting, 9 grinding, 10 kneading, 11 baking, 12 Shearing, 13 bleaching, 14 combing, 15 dyeing, 16 spinning, 17 un spinning, 19 un weaving, 21 untying, 25 Trapping, 26 slaughtering, 27 skinning, 28 tanning, 29 scraping, 30 marking out, 33 erasing, 34 building, 35 demolishing, 37 extinguishing, 38 finishing something off,
The following are a few I would like to explain a little: 3 reaping, 20 tying, 22 sewing, 24 tearing, 31 cutting, 32 Writing, 36 making a fire, 39 carrying.
I will start with "reaping" It is acceptable to pick something for food in the event you have been keep from food for some reason and are very week and unable to continue on until after Sabbath but not to pick more than you can eat at that time.
Second is "Tying" Tying may be allowed in the event it is to cover a person's exposed body parts to help save a life or to bind up an item or person for easier transport.
Next is "Sewing" As anyone who has done any amount of sewing knows sewing is work. When would it be all right to sew on Sabbath? In such a rare case as one is in public and a way from any change of clothing and one rips or tears one clothing and is exposing parts of their body which should not be seen. Then to go into a private place and sew up the garment would be allowed and expected.
Now we come to "tearing" their could be a few reasons where tearing would be allowed. First to tear or cut a cloth to patch your tore garment. It is quite acceptable and expected of you to tear cloth to provide a bandage for someone in an emergency.
Next is "cutting" cutting as mentioned in the above paragraph is acceptable. Also is acceptable to cut ones food to make the pieces small enough to get in to ones mouth and eat with out choking.
Writing? When would it be ok to write on the Sabbath? These cases are rare indeed, one would be expected to write down important instructions for life saving measures or directions for a similar purpose.
Now we come to "Making a fire" This would follow the same reasons as writing. One may kindle a fire or make a fire in the event it is to save a life. After all to save a life is the best "good deed" we can do.
Last is "carrying" what would we be allowed to carry on Sabbath? First food, medicine, clothing and other necessities of the ones in sever need. In short to save a life or property. The property may be all that, that person has or could mean the difference between surviving or not.
We live in an era where communications have changed a lot from biblical times. Back then one was limited in distance that one could talk to some one by how loud they could speak. Today with the aid of Computers and Telephones we can talk to people half way around the world. We can use voice or sign language. Voice being over the Telephone and sign language by means of computer and phone lines. Many have asked about using the computer on Sabbaths to talk with other people around the world. They want to know if it is allowed or not. After long study and deliberation on this subject the conclusion is Yes it is permitted. It would seem that doing this would break the law of "Not to write on the sabbath." The first thing we need to understand is what is writing. Writing is putting words on a surface where they may be read anytime. Words on a computer screen in a "Chat room" or "instance message" are there for only a very short time. Talking in a "Chat Room or Instance Message" is just that talking. The fine line here is whether this "Chat room or Instance Message" is to be "Printed Out" or made into a "Hard Copy" which is writing. Also one needs to remember that on sabbath we are to worship Yahuah. Not many chat rooms I have ever been in could be considered as worshipping Yahuah. Even though we have come to the conclusion that talking in a chat room or instance message is ok on sabbath we highly recommend you not stretch it that far, you may break.
C. What is the Messianic Hebrews views on Sacrifices and Tithing
This may raise a few eye brows, but yes we do believe in animal sacrifices. Yahuah told us what to use in the sacrifices, when to do the sacrifices, and where to do sacrifices. So why don't we do sacrifices? Simple, we do. However the place where we are commanded to do the sacrifices for the entire congregation no longer exist. Therefore we can not do the sacrifices as a congregation as we were told to do them. However, we do, do a form of these sacrifices. They come in the form of or with a part of our Tithing. Tithing is a minimum of ten percent of all that we earn. I can hear it now from some, "here comes the money part". Well we say give unto the government that which is the government's and give unto Yahuah that which is Yahuah's. Something to point out here is Yahuah does not print money. Yahuah gives us life and this is what we are to give back to Him. He also gives us our increase in produce and livestock. This is to say that ten percent of any produce you raise or live stock you get belongs to Yahuah. This is what we are to give. Today there is no Temple to make these offerings at, so we give these things to the Synagogue and or Priest. These things are then used to help or to feed the needy and to help the community as a whole. Our regular tithing goes to the community and then the would be sacrifices go to help the needy. We help not only the needy of the Messianic Hebrews but of the non-Messianic Hebrew around us.
It is commanded by Yahuah that Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of Yahuah thy God which he hath given to you. The scriptures say in Deuteronomy ( Devarim ) 14:22 - 26 Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. And thou shalt eat before Yahuah thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear Yahuah thy God always. And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which Yahuah thy God shall choose to set his name there, when Yahuah hash blessed thee. Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which Yahuah shall choose. And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before Yahuah thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household.
Yahuah tells us what these tithing are to be used for in Deuteronomy ( Devarim ) 14:27 - 29 And the Levite that is within thy gates; thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no part nor inheritance with thee. At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: And the Levite, (because he hath no part nor inheritance with thee,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that Yahuah thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hand which thou doest.
Yahuah also tells us what to do with the sacrifices. However sense we did not do as he said in the first place he allowed the Temple to be destroyed and now we have no place to offer the sacrifices to Him. Therefore we give these, "would be sacrifices," to the Main Synagogue and they are either sold or killed to help feed the poor and needy. I may point out here we are not changing Yahuah's law only making a substitution until the day the Temple is restored. This substitution is to help Yahuah's people, all of them.
D. Do the Messianic Hebrew have "Priests?
We have Priest in the sense that we have a Tribe called Levi and they are the Priestly tribe of the Hebrew. They are not Priest as in the Christian Beliefs. At a time in the near future all Synagogue Rabbens will come from this tribe of Priest. Our Priest are not like the Priest of the Catholic Churches. Our Priest do not hear confessions not does He attempt to forgive sin only Yehshua can do that, and the Priest is not God.
Our Priest conducts Religious services and other religious business.
E. Why do Messianic Hebrew pray at least four times a day?
Most but not all Messianic Hebrew pray at least four times everyday. True some pray less but some pray more. Our first prayer of the day comes at bed time, just as we go to bed. This prayer time is not related to any of Yahuah's commanded service but is our way of giving a little extra time to Him each day. Each person knells facing Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) and prays the "Before retiring at night Prayer", (This Prayer is written in it's entirety at the end of this book under the chapter "Prayers and Services") this is done to give thanks for that day and to ask for a good night's rest, as well as for another day. Our second prayer of the day begins at the time we wake in the morning. This as with the other two coincides with the three services of Sacrifices in the Temple. The Third prayer is at or close to midday. This is a time when we need reinforcement for the day and we get this through this time of prayer. The fourth is at evening just before sun set at the end of the day. This is giving thanks for another day in which we were allowed the opportunity to do good in the sight of Yahuah and man, and to provide for our families.
F. What is Orthodox Messianic Hebrew?
An Orthodox Messianic Hebrew is a Messianic Hebrew who lives a life style as close to the life style as the Messiah did when He was on earth. Another way of saying it is, "We accept Messiah in such a way that we do not cease to observe the Laws of Yahuah given to His faithful servant Moses." It is living a Torah Observant life. It is believing that we are to be a part from this world as we live in this world. It is believing that every word of the Torah and the Instructions are Yahuah given. It is living by these Laws and Instructions that we have been given. It is believing that the Prophecies of the Bible did and will happen without a doubt. It is believing that Yahuah is a loving God and that He is to be feared at the same time.
G. What is Conservative Messianic Hebrew?
A Conservative Messianic Hebrew is a Messianic Hebrew who lives a life style as close to the life style as the Messiah did when He was on earth. It is living a Torah Observant life. It is believing that we are to be a part from this world as we live in this world. It is believing that every word of the Torah and the Instructions are Yahuah given. It is living by these Laws and Instructions that we have been given. It is believing that the Prophecies of the Bible will happen without a doubt. It is believing that Yahuah is a loving God and that He is to be feared at the same time. The only difference is that the Conservative Messianic Hebrew believe that Yehshua is Yahuah in the flesh the same entity.
H. Why do the Messianic Hebrew eat only certain foods?
Once again this comes from the Torah, or the Laws of Yahuah. Yahuah set into law certain things that we could eat and certain things we can not eat. Although it may not kill us to eat these foods they could kill us or cause us bodily harm. The first and foremost reason for not eating the foods that we are forbidden to eat is "self control" or "self discipline" which will help us resist other things that may well cause us harm. It is more like training. If one can learn to say no to these foods then we can say no to things we know will do us harm. I suppose the bottom line here is "obeying Yahuah" not ourselves. It is written in Leviticus ( Vayyiqra ) 11:2 - 47 These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth. Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is cloven footed, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat. Nevertheless these shall ye not eat of them that chew the cud, or of them that divide the hoof: as the camel, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. And the Coney, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. And the hare, because he cheweth the cud, but divideth not the hoof; he is unclean unto you. And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be cloven footed, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you. These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat. And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you. They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcasses in abomination. Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you. And these are they which ye shall have in abomination among the fowls; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the osprey. And the vulture, and the kite after his kind, Every raven after his kind, And the owl, and the night hawk, and the cuckoo, and the hawk after his kind, And the little owl, and the cormorant, and the great owl, And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier eagle, And the stork, the heron after her kind, and the lapwing, and the bat. All fowls that creep, going upon all four, shall be an abomination unto you. Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth; Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind, But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you. And for these ye shall be unclean: whosoever toucheth the carcass of them shall be unclean until the even. And whosoever beareth ought of the carcass of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even. The carcasses of every beast which divideth the hoof, and is not cloven footed, nor cheweth the cud, are unclean unto you: every one that toucheth them shall be unclean. And whatsoever goeth upon his paws, among all manner of beasts that go on all four, those are unclean unto you: whoso toucheth their carcass shall be unclean until the even. And he that beareth the carcass of them shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: they are unclean unto you. These also shall be unclean unto you among the creeping things that creep upon the earth; the weasel, and the mouse, and the tortoise after his kind. And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the lizard, and the snail, and the mole. These are unclean to you among all that creep: whosoever doth touch them, when they be dead, shall be unclean until the even. And upon whatsoever any of them, when they are dead, doth fall, it shall be unclean; whether it be any vessel of wood, or raiment, or skin, or sack, whatsoever vessel it be, wherein any work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the even; so it shall be cleansed. And every earthen vessel, where into any of them falleth, whatsoever is in it shall be unclean; and ye shall break it. Of all meat which may be eaten, that on which such water cometh shall be unclean: and all drink that may be drunk in every such vessel shall be unclean. And every thing whereupon any part of their carcass falleth shall be unclean; whether it be oven, or ranges for pots, they shall be broken down: for they are unclean, and shall be unclean unto you. Nevertheless a fountain or pit, wherein there is plenty of water, shall be clean: but that which toucheth their carcass shall be unclean. And if any part of their carcass fall upon any sowing seed which is to be sown, it shall be clean. But if any water be put upon the seed, and any part of their carcass fall thereon, it shall be unclean unto you. And if any beast, of which ye may eat, die; he that toucheth the carcass thereof shall be unclean until the even. And he that eateth of the carcass of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even: he also that beareth the carcass of it shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even. And every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten. Whatsoever goeth upon the belly, and whatsoever goeth upon all four, or whatsoever hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, them ye shall not eat; for they are an abomination. Ye shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that ye should be defiled thereby. For I am Yahuah your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. For I am Yahuah thy God that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. This is the law of the beasts, and of the fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, and of every creature that creepeth upon the earth. To make a difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.
I. Do Messianic Hebrews need a "Quorum" to hold a religious service?
A Quorum is a Hebrew word or term meaning ten people usually ten men. Jews are required to have ten people in order to hold a prayer service. The ten represent a group of at least ten witnesses that the service was done correctly. It is believed that ten men would be more difficult to bribe into saying something was one way when it was actually another. Therefore the Sages decided that it would be best to have at least ten people to witness something that is important such as prayer.
To the Messianic Hebrew the two people were what Yahuah put together on this earth to do all of his commandments in the very beginning. Therefore two is all that is required to do the will of Yahuah. In keeping with this we require only two people to hold any kind of service except a wedding.
J. Why do Messianic Hebrew believe Circumcision is so important?
There is two types of Circumcision spoken of in the scriptures and both are very important. The first we do to our male children and the other Yahuah does to us all. I will start with the first type of Circumcision.
Circumcision is a sign of the covenant that Yahuah made with Abraham. Yahuah told Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.
At a later time Yahuah said unto Joshua, Make thee sharp knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time. And Joshua made him sharp knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. And this is the cause why Joshua did circumcise: All the people that came out of Egypt, that were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt. Now all the people that came out were circumcised: but all the people that were born in the wilderness by the way as they came forth out of Egypt, them they had not circumcised. For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of Yahuah: unto whom Yahuah swear that he would not show them the land, which Yahuah swear unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey. And their children, whom he raised up in their stead, them Joshua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them by the way. This can be found in the Book of Genesis (Bereshit ) chapter 17 verses 9 - 14 and Joshua 5:2 - 7
The second type of Circumcision is the Circumcision of the heart and can be found in Deuteronomy ( Devarim ) chapter 10 verse 16 and chapter 30 verse 6. Here we need only do as Yahuahhas said to do and make ourselves obedient to Him and He will do the rest.
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiff necked. And Yahuah thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love Yahuah thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. And Yahuah will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, which persecuted thee.
I would like to point out here that there are some that point to the "New Testament" to "I Corinthians chapter 7 verse 19" "Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of Yahuah thy God." They use this to say that circumcision is nothing but the keeping of the law and the law has been done away with. With this logic one can say that Murder is nothing, and not murdering is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of Yahuah thy God. So what then should we murder if we wish? I don't think so!! So we continue to circumcise the foreskin of our male children.
K. Why do Messianic Hebrews pray before and after each meal?
The prayer before each meal is only giving a blessing over the food that we are about to eat. We call it "Blessing the Meal" It could be said it is a way to "Kosher" or "Clean" any food that we might happen to be eating that was offered to a strange god before we got it and not knowing it was first offered to strange gods.
As for the prayer after this prayer is called "Grace" and it is giving thanks to Yahuah for the food we have just eaten. The two blessings are to bless the food first then give thanks for the food.
L. Why do Messianic Hebrews always sit when they eat?
We like the horse, cow, goat, and chicken are all animals. We are to be a bit more than just a horse, cow, goat, or chicken. We are to be above them. All other animals eat while standing, for the most part, therefore we, to separate ourselves from the other animals, eat while sitting. Now this is not to say we won't eat a bit or two while standing such as tasting something. We may also grab something to eat while in a hurry and eat it on the go. However for a full meal we always sit either on the ground or in a chair or on a stool. Usually with our food placed in front of us so as to serve ourselves from one dish to our plates. A meal is always served from one container into another, to eat from the serving container is like eating from a feed trough.
M. Why do Messianic Hebrews keep their heads covered?
In times past only the Priest were required to keep their heads covered while doing a prayer. Today because we have no "Temple" because the "Temple was destroyed. We have all in essences become as priest. Therefore we keep our heads covered while praying. Ok, you may ask but why all the time? This is just in case we say a prayer or blessing at an unusual time such as when some one sneezes. It is rather awkward to reach in a bag get out the head covering put it on say the blessing and then put it back in the bag. Much easier to just ware it all the time.
N. What is a Ben and Bat Mitzvah?
First the word "Ben and Bat". Ben is the Hebrew word for son and the word Bat is the Hebrew word for daughter. Mitzvah is a Hebrew word meaning "Commandment or Good Deed".
Now for the celebration called a "Ben Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah". They are the ceremony celebrating a child into the "adult apprenticeship" stage of their part in the Messianic Hebrew Congregation. This event takes place at the time when a boy reaches the age of thirteen and for a girl when she reaches the age of twelve. The reason for the girl reaching this point a year before the boy is that a girl, for the most part, matures faster than does a boy. At this time the boy and the girl has a full vote in what goes on in the congregation. How ever they are not allowed to teach or hold an office.
A male will also have an "Esh Mitzvah" at the age of thirty and a female will have an "Eshah Mitzvah" at the age of twenty five. This is when they reach the age of an adult and become a full member of the Messianic Hebrew Congregation. Esh is the Hebrew word for man and Eshah is the Hebrew word for woman or wife.
O. Do Messianic Hebrew have a Confirmation Service?
The Confirmation Ceremony is the next step in becoming a full Messianic Hebrew member after a person becomes an adult apprentice by Messianic Hebrew standards. This takes place after the ages of eighteen for a male and seventeen for a female. This decision is up to the individual but it must take place before a person may teach in the synagogue or hold an office in the Congregation. It is a simple ceremony confirming the participant's beliefs as a Messianic Hebrew.
P. What is the little leather boxes Messianic Hebrews wear on their Head and arm and why do they wear them?
These little boxes are called "T'fillin" and inside of these little boxes are scriptures. In one box is " The Two Great Commandments" and inside the other is "The Ten Commandments". For all Laws that Yahuahhas given us hang on these Commandments. It is written in Deuteronomy (Devarim ) 6:8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. Therefore we place these boxes on our hand and our foreheads.
We also have a more permiant box on the right hand side of our doors and gate post if we have a fenced in yard. Within these boxes are the same scriptures for it is written in Deuteronomy ( Devarim ) 6:4 - 9 Hear, O Israel: Yahuah our God is one God: And thou shalt love Yahuah with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
Q. What is the cloth with the tassels on it that the Messianic Hebrew wear and why are they worn?
The cloth it's self is called a "Tallith" which in English is a "Prayer Shawl". The Tassels on it are called "Zet Zet" and we find the commandment to wear such things in Numbers ( Bemidbar ) 15:38 - 40 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribbon of blue. And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that you may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of Yahuah, and do them; and that you seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you use to go a whoring: That you may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto Yahuah. Also in Deuteronomy ( Devarim ) 22:12 Thou shall make yourselves fringes upon the four quarters of your vesture, wherewith you cover yourself.
R. Do Messianic Hebrew shave?
A very simple answer here is, no, we don't shave nor are we allowed to cut our hair from a point, even with the top of our ears and in front of our ears downwards. This being the corners of our head and the beginning of the corners of our beards. It is forbidden for us to do so. The scriptures that proclaims this is Leviticus ( Vayyiqra ) 19:27 You shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shall you mar the corners of your beard. and Leviticus ( Vayyiqra ) 21:5 They shall not make baldness upon their head, neither shall they shave off the corner of their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.
There are times when we are permitted to shave. These are in time of health and safety mainly.
S. Do the Messianic Hebrew pray for the Dead?
Many people confuse our Kaddish as a prayer for the dead but it is a prayer for the living. Once a person is dead that person's life is over any chance they had for redemption is then in past. Their book has been closed and their fait is sealed. Our Prayer that is recited at the time of a death and everyday for a week and then every month for the next year and then on the anniversary of that person's death is for the living, not the dead. It is a way of remembering our loved one an most of all the recognition of Yahuah's power to give and take life as it suites Him. The Prayer it's self does not even mention the word dead or death. It goes back to the statement that the living know that they will die but the dead know nothing. They are but asleep awaiting judgment day.
T. Do Messianic Hebrew practice "sin confession" to their Rabben?
The only one who can forgive sin is Yahusha. Therefore there is no reason to confess our sin to anyone but Him and possibility to the person whom we sinned against. Provided we did something to someone, and he would already know about it so all we are doing is asking that person for his forgiveness. Although Yahuah already knows too He says we are to confess all to him in prayer and ask his forgiveness.
U. How does a friend comfort someone in mourning?
This deed is quite possibility the hardest thing we will ever have to do little on explain. The first thing is to remember that the person has just lost a loved one and is feeling much like they have lost everything to live for. Truly there is not much we can do, time alone is what is required. On the other hand, just being there, letting the person know you are available should they need you, is doing a lot. You do not have to say a word in fact the less you say, seems to be best you can do. We never know just what may upset the person we are trying to comfort. A hand shake, a pat on the shoulder, or a hug can do more than all the words one can speak in a life time. The simple act of being there does more to make a person feel better than anything you can say or do. Many people bring a food dish of some kind to the bereaved person mainly because there will be many people coming and going and the bereaved person will not feel like cooking.
V. Is shunning practiced in Messianic Hebrewism?
Some of Yahuah's commandments say that a person shall be cut of from the congregation. When a person breaks one of these commandments then that person is "Shunned" for a given time for each offense. Then they are permitted to rejoin the congregation after making restitution and the proper offering what ever they may be, provided it is appropriate. In the event of breaking some Commandments that person is formally discharged from the Orthodox Messianic Hebrew Community and is never allowed to return. Although any relative they have who is a Hebrew shall remain a Hebrew as well as they themselves. They just won't be allowed to be an active member of any Congregation.
Some of the offenses are: Teaching their children to follow the pagan beliefs and teachings, fortune telling, reading of cards & palms, witches, wizards, spell casters, or Homosexuals (men).
This comes from the scriptures in Deuteronomy ( Devarim ) 18:10 - 13 & Leviticus ( Vayyiqra ) 18 21 - 22 & Leviticus ( Vayyiqra ) 20: 13. Deuteronomy ( Devarim ) 18:10 - 13 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto Yahuah thy God: and because of these abominations Yahuah doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with Yahuah.. And Leviticus ( Vayyiqra ) 18:21 And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy Yahuah thy God: I am Yahuah thy God. Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. also 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.
Seeing that it is against the laws of this country for us to put someone to death, we simply bar them from the congregation, until such time we are permitted to follow these Laws of Yahuah. Also because we are not allowed by this countries laws to publicly whip or punish someone we use shunning in less serious offenses.
W. Is their a central ruler for all Messianic Hebrews?
Yes, Yahuah is the central ruler for all Messianic Hebrews. But to more answer the question asked which is, do we have a person who rules over all the Orthodox Messianic Hebrew? Well, that answer is also yes. This person is the High Chief. Note I said Person not man because this person could be a woman as well as a man.
The High Chief's succeeding High Chief is appointed by the current High Chief
and approved by the High Counsel. In the event the current High Chief
has made no such appointment and dies leaving no one to take his place, then
the High Counsel appoints a New High Chief. This new High Chief comes
from the High Chief's family on the father's side of the family.
| Before Reading the web site Please read this page to learn how to pronounce the Holy name correctly Thank You |
 |
Our pages.
If you have problems with this page please
contact:
