בס”ד

Shabbat Chol HaMoed Sukkot Exodus 32:12-34:26

Maftir: Numbers 29:26-31

Haftarah: Ezekiel 38:18-39:16

There was much discussion that Israel would attack Iran prior to the election in America in November 2012.  Although there are five weeks remaining before the election, most experts believe that after Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech at the U.N. last week the chances of an Israeli strike are very low. Not only does Israel feel threatened by their “neighbors” also within Israel’s borders there are many who would like to see the destruction of the Jewish State. Even though I am extremely pro military and believe that the Israel Defense Force must be ready to go to war and it is a righteous responsibility to support the I.D.F. both financially and through prayers, I would like to suggest to you an additional way to bring security to the borders of Israel.

In this week’s Torah reading HaShem promises to act in Israel’s behalf. For the L-RD says,

“You take heed in what I command you today! Behold I am driving out from before you the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivvite, and the Jebusite.” Exodus 34:11

Today, just like 3,500 years ago, Israel has numerous enemies dwelling in it. Most within Israel are highly concerned with the growing number of individuals living in Judea, Samaria, Gaza, Galilee, etc. which are opposed to the Jewish State. Some see establishing a Palestinian State as a solution. It is not; rather such a State will be a formula for war. Rather, one should ask the question, what will it take for HaShem to drive out these people from Israel as He promised? It is very significant that the Scripture warns (See verses 12 and 15) not to make an agreement with these people. In addition to this, there is an admonition not to practice idolatry and to destroy all which is related to false worship.

Unfortunately, Israel is not in the spiritual condition to discern what idolatry is and what it is not. Some of the same things that crept into Judaism before and after the destruction of the Second Temple are present today. These things, such as the Zodiac and other pagan practices, are what brought about the Roman Exile.

What needs to be done by you and me is to pray for a spirit of jealousy to come over Israel. A spirit that reminds the Jewish people that HaShem is a jealous G-d and demands spiritual fidelity. Israel needs to fall under conviction and learn that there are many things being taught and embraced as Judaism which Moses and the prophets spoke vehemently against. In other words, a spiritual renewal must take place. Such a renewal will only come about if the Judaism of the Rabbis, which is based in the Talmud, is departed from and there is a turning to the Biblical Scriptures.

The primary reason I am writing this is that more and more I am encountering individuals (believers in Yeshua) who think all that needs to happen to Judaism is Messiah Yeshua needs to be included. Such a view is far removed from the truth. The Judaism of today is built to exclude any possibility of accepting Yeshua. It is only when one leaves that framework and turns to the revelation of the Torah and Prophets will they meet Israel’s Messiah and will embrace Him and His New Covenant.

Chag Semach and Shabbat Shalom.