Showing posts with label Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz. Show all posts

Thursday, December 20, 2018

Does the Christian Star of Bethlehem Have Its Roots in Judaism? By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS


Does the Christian Star of Bethlehem Have Its Roots in Judaism?


“He counteth the number of the stars; He giveth them all their names.” Psalms 147:4 (The Israel Bible™)
As Christmas approaches, stars, one of the symbols of the Christian holiday, appear. What few people realize is that the star, symbolizing an astronomical appearance described in the New Testament, may have its sources in Jewish eschatological literature – i.e. that describing the Messiah’s arrival.
The Star of Bethlehem is mentioned in the New Testament Book of Matthew where it is described as the appearance of a large and remarkable star. Inspired by the star, “wise men from the East” come to Israel where they ask King Herod, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?” They are directed by King Herod to Bethlehem based on a prophecy in Micah.
And you, O Beit Lechem of Efrat, Least among the clans of Yehuda, From you one shall come forth To rule Yisrael for Me— One whose origin is from of old, From ancient times. (Micah 5:1)
It is relevant to note the connection between Bethlehem and the Jewish concept of Messiah from the House of David. Bethlehem is the birthplace of King David and the Prophet Samuel anointed David as king of Israel in Bethlehem. The Hebrew word ‘Moshiach’ (Messiah) literally means ‘the anointed one.’
The Star of Bethlehem has become a central feature of the story of the birth of Jesus and features prominently in the upcoming holiday of Christmas. Some Christian theologians claimed that the star fulfilled a prophecy, known as the Star Prophecy based on a verse in Numbers.
I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not nigh; there shall step forth a star out of Yaakov, and a scepter shall rise out of Yisrael, and shall smite through the corners of Moab, and break down all the sons of Seth. (Numbers 24:17)
This Torah verse also plays a central role in the Jewish concept of the Messiah. This verse was interpreted by Rabbi Moses ben Maimon, known as Maimonides and by the acronym Rambam who was the foremost Torah authority of the 12th century. In his book, Mishneh Torah, the Rambam brings this verse about a star appearing as proof that the Messiah will come one day. According to the Rambam, the Messiah will come from Jacob, more specifically, from the tribe of Judah.
In addition, the Zohar, the foundational work of Jewish mysticism describes in detail the stars that are prophesied to appear as a precursor to the Messiah.

After 40 days, when the pillar rises from earth to heaven in the eyes of the whole world and the Messiah has appeared, a star will rise up on the east, blazing in all colors, and seven other stars will surround that star. And they will wage war on it. (Zohar, Parshat Balak)
The prophecy of the Star of Jacob was applied to Simon bar Kokhba, leader of the Second Jewish Revolt of 132 CE, whose adopted name meant “Son of a Star” in Aramaic.
David Nekrutman, the executive director for the Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding and Cooperation (CJCUC), noted that it is impossible to say whether the Christian Star of Bethlehem has its roots in the Jewish Star of Jacob.
“The Star of Jacob is undeniably a strong part of Jewish eschatology,” Nekrutman told Breaking Israel News. “Whether or not the verse about the Star of Jacob is the basis for Matthew, one of the more Jewish-oriented sections of the New Testament, is the focus of serious debate in academia.”
Nekrutman noted that classical Jewish sources interpreted the Star of Jacob in two very different ways.
“One approach as explained by the Ibn Ha’Ezra holds that the Biblical verse is a prophecy that relates to the time of King David,” Nekrutman explained. “The other tradition as expressed by Nachmanides holds that the Star of Jacob is a prophecy that is for sometime in the future, a later Messianic period.”
Nekrutman noted that despite the Star of Jacob having its source in the Jewish Messianic narrative, it was not nearly as prominent as its Christian counterpart.
“This might be seen as an attempt by Judaism in the exile to distance or differentiate itself from the more prevalent Christian host culture,” Nekrutman said. “But I think there is a more internal reason the Star of Jacob got deemphasized.”
“The failure of the Bar Kochba revolt – which was considered a political Messiah – had a large impact on the interpretation of the Star of Jacob,” he said. “The failure of the revolt led the sages to deemphasize the eschatology of the Star of Jacob. That led to a preference for the explanation that the Star of Jacob was no longer relevant since it was described as already happening in the time of King David.”
“The Star of Jacob is interpreted according to where you are in Jewish history. Nachmanides lived in one of the lowest periods of Jewish history. He was seeing the Star of Jacob as part of a much brighter future. The Star of Jacob was going to be fulfilled.”
Nekrutman explained that just as historical influences led to deemphasizing the end-of-days explanation of the Star of Jacob, the current state of the Jewish people may lead towards a renewed emphasis on the end-of-days prophetic understanding.
“Now that we are in the Land of Israel and we have a Jewish state, the Star of Jacob can now be seen more in the light of Jewish eschatology and its relevance for the future Messiah of the Jews,” Nekrutman concluded.

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Pro-Israel Christians: Snakes in the Vineyard or Brothers in Arms? and This Week's Top Opinions -Breaking Israel News

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Aug. 12, 2017

Losing and Winning the Temple Mount

By Caroline Glick
Israel ceded the Temple Mount to terrorists last week. But with a clear goal, we can get it back in short order and keep it perpetually for the good of all humanity.

Pro-Israel Christians: Snakes in the Vineyard or Brothers in Arms?

By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz
Fuchs has redefined missionary as any person who comes close to Judaism but who does not want to convert. This is incorrect. A Christian who does not preach and who does not convert anyone is, by definition, not a missionary.
 

Why Do YOU Need A Hebrew Calendar?

The Hebrew calendar determines on which day each Jewish holiday will occur. Each particular holiday brings with it a concrete spiritual reality from above that is available for us to tap into on that specific day. Passover, for instance, contains the opportunity to attain spiritual freedom; Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year) is the time for judgment. With our beautiful new Hebrew calendar, you can keep track of exactly where we are in the Jewish year!
 
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The Rise and Decline of Benjamin Netanyahu

By Ben-Dror Yemini
This talented man should have led Israel and himself to much better and higher places. He has proved he can do it.
 

Preparing For the Post-Abbas Era

By Caroline Glick
The post-Abbas era will pose new threats and opportunities for Israel. It is up to Israel to ensure that the opportunities are maximized and the threats are neutralized as quickly as possible.
 

The Palestinians’ “Creativity for Hate”

By Khaled Abu Toameh
The Palestinian girls who attended the coexistence camp are being accused, among other things, of injuring the feelings of their people by “promoting normalization” with the Israeli “enemy.”
 
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Wednesday, June 28, 2017

UPDATE: Are 770 Earthquakes at Yellowstone in Past Two Weeks a Prelude to the Big One? - Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS


UPDATE: Are 770 Earthquakes at Yellowstone in Past Two Weeks a Prelude to the Big One?

“Who looketh on the earth, and it trembleth; He toucheth the mountains, and they smoke” (Psalm 104:32)
769 earthquakes were recorded at Yellowstone over the last two weeks, raising concerns among seismologists that a catastrophic eruption may be brewing, and could hit sooner rather than later.
One quake measured over four on the Richter scale, five measured in the magnitude three range, 64 in the magnitude two range, and the other 699 have been measured at magnitude one or less.
Researchers from the University of Utah at the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory (YVO), said to the Star Valley Independent, “This is the highest number of earthquakes at Yellowstone within a single week in the past five years,” adding, “Seismic activity at volcanoes can signal an eruption is due to take place, although predicting exactly when a volcano will erupt is, at present, impossible.”
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Thursday, May 25, 2017

Czech Parliament Slams UNESCO Move as Multifaith Gathering Celebrates Jerusalem - Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz May 24, 2017 BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS


Czech Parliament Slams UNESCO Move as Multifaith Gathering Celebrates Jerusalem

“Pray for the peace of Yerushalayim; may they prosper that love thee.” Psalms 122:6 (The Israel Bible™)
As an act of unity with the Jewish State, top politicians and leaders of Christian and Jewish communities, along with several hundred citizens of the Czech Republic, gathered in a historic cathedral to celebrate Jerusalem Day on Tuesday.
The event was based in interfaith support for Israel. Cardinal Dominik Duka, hosting the solemn assembly in famous St. Vitus Cathedral at the Prague Castle, spoke about the common spiritual heritage shared by Christians and Jews. He expressed hope that peace would come when all nations come together to embrace the faith of Abraham and the Ten Commandments of Moses.
Daniel Fajfr, Chairman of the Ecumenical Council of Churches, quoted Psalm 122 in his address, assuring the audience that Czech Christians follow the precept of praying for the peace of Jerusalem.
Pray for the peace of Yerushalayim; may they prosper that love thee. Psalms 122:6
FULL REPORT HERE

Friday, April 14, 2017

80,000 Gather at Western Wall to Receive Priestly Blessing [PHOTOS] - Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS


80,000 Gather at Western Wall to Receive Priestly Blessing [PHOTOS]

“May the LORD bless you and guard you, May the LORD make His face shed light upon you and be gracious unto you, May the LORD lift up His face unto you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:23-27 (The Israel Bible™)
In a powerful display of the glory that once was the Jewish Temple, tens of thousands of worshipers gathered at the Kotel (Western Wall) in Jerusalem’s Old City on Thursday morning to receive the biannual Priestly Blessing from hundreds of Kohanim (men of the priestly caste).
An Estimated 80,000 people flocked to the site, in what has become a major aspect of the Passover holiday in Jerusalem.
The mass blessing by the kohanim, who are the descendants of Aaron, the first High Priest, takes place twice a year, on Sukkot and Passover. The priestly benediction is found in Chapter 6 of the book of Numbers, where God instructs Moses to tell Aaron and his sons how to bless the Israelites.

Friday, March 17, 2017

Alabama Evangelicals Pledge To Protect Threatened Jewish Center - Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS


Alabama Evangelicals Pledge To Protect Threatened Jewish Center


“Fear thou not, for I am with thee, be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I strengthen thee, yea, I help thee; yea, I uphold thee with My victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (The Israel Bible™)
Several Evangelical ministries in Alabama have joined together in an effort to raise $100,000 to protect the Levite Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Birmingham. The money will go towards improving security at the JCC that has been the target of four bomb threats recently. Each bomb threat results in evacuating the building and a search of the building. Security upgrades are estimated to cost approximately $1 million.
The ministries involved so far include Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association, The Center for Executive Leadership, Young Business Leaders, Lifework Leadership, JH Ranch, Alliance Ministries, and the National Christian Foundation of Alabama.  Several churches have pledged $5,000 to $10,000 towards the effort.
“We want to help in any way we can,” Scott Dawson, founder of Scott Dawson Evangelistic Association, told AL.com. “It just seems like the right thing to do. I think we can raise $100,000. I’m trying to get pastors to take up an offering to help them.”

Friday, February 10, 2017

Astonishing Astral Confluence Will See Eclipse, Full Moon and Comet on Jewish Holiday - Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS


Astonishing Astral Confluence Will See Eclipse, Full Moon and Comet on Jewish Holiday

“He counteth the number of the stars; He giveth them all their names.” Psalms 147:4 (The Israel Bible™)
This Friday night will bring together three prophetic significant astronomical events in an astonishing astral confluence arriving on a Jewish arboreal holiday with lunar roots.
Overnight, a penumbra lunar eclipse, the aptly named “snow moon”, and the passing of a comet will all appear within hours of each other. “Snow moon” is the traditional Native American name for the full moon in February, since this is typically the month with the most snow and the coldest temperatures.
A penumbra eclipse occurs when the moon moves through the outer part of Earth’s shadow. Lunar eclipses only occur during a full moon, but a penumbra eclipse is a relatively rare phenomenon, representing about a third of all eclipses. It creates subtle effect, making the moon seem just a bit darker.
A few hours after the eclipse, Comet 45P/Honda-Mrkos-Pajdušáková, which has been visible by telescope for the last two months, will make its closest approach to the Earth. It will pass within 7.5 million miles of our planet, returning again in 5.25 years.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

MK Glick on Attending Trump Inauguration: We Are Living in a Biblical Era By Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz BREAKING ISRAEL NEWS


MK Glick on Attending Trump Inauguration: We Are Living in a Biblical Era

“Be strong and of good courage; for thou shalt cause this people to inherit the land which I swore unto their fathers to give them.” Joshua 1:6 (The Israel Bible™)
In an historic first, a delegation of Israeli parliament members attended an American president’s inauguration last week, signaling a decided change in both the political and spiritual relationships between Americans and Israelis, and Jews and Christians.
The delegation to President Donald Trump’s inauguration last Friday, including two Likud members of Knesset, Rabbi Yehudah Glick, an advocate for universal prayer on the Temple Mount, and Sharren Haskel, was organized by Hayovela non-profit organization which brings Christian volunteers to Israel. Also in attendance, though not part of the Hayovel delegation, was settler leader Oded Revivi, mayor of Efrat and chief foreign envoy of the Yesha (Judea and Samaria) Council.
“If we want to stand with Israel, we have to start out this administration correctly,” Tommy Waller, founder of Hayovel, told Breaking Israel News, explaining the intention behind forming the delegation. “We have to acknowledge Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria and everything that means.”
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