#Israelite societal norms

[cbdhhc]

Passover Programs: Celebrating Tradition and Community

Passover Programs: Celebrating Tradition and Community

Introduction to Passover: A Time-Honored Tradition

Passover, or Pesach, is one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the Exodus of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery, as narrated in the Hebrew Bible. The festival lasts for seven to eight days and is marked by rituals that have been passed down through generations.

The Historical Significance of Passover

The story of Passover centers around the liberation of the Israelites from Pharaoh's rule in Egypt. This historical event is not just a tale of liberation but also a cornerstone of Jewish faith and identity, symbolizing freedom and divine intervention.

The Evolution of Passover Celebrations

Over time, Passover celebrations have evolved to accommodate modern lifestyles while still respecting traditional practices. This has led to the development of various Passover programs aimed at enriching the experience of this holy festival.

Understanding Passover Programs

Passover programs are organized events, often held in hotels or resorts, which provide a comprehensive Passover experience. They include services like Kosher meals, Seders, religious services, and educational activities. These programs are designed to relieve individuals and families from the extensive preparations typically associated with the festival.

Key Elements of Passover Programs

Kosher Meals: Ensuring strict adherence to dietary laws during Passover.

Seder Nights: Organized communal or private Seders that include reading the Haggadah, eating matzah, and other rituals.

Educational Workshops and Lectures: Focusing on the history and traditions of Passover.

Recreational Activities: Tailored to enhance the holiday experience in a relaxing environment.

Choosing the Right Passover Program

Factors to Consider

When selecting a Passover program, several factors come into play such as location, type of accommodations, level of religious observance, and cost.

How to Make the Best Choice

Research: Look up reviews and testimonials from previous participants.

Personal Preferences: Consider your level of religious observance and personal interests.

Budgeting: Understand the costs involved and choose a program that fits your financial plan.

Preparing for the Program

Once you have chosen a program, preparation is crucial. This includes understanding the schedule, the type of activities offered, and packing appropriately.

Essential Preparations

Packing List: This might include religious items, suitable clothing for various activities, and personal necessities.

Understanding the Program's Schedule: Familiarize yourself with the timeline of events and services.

The Impact of Passover Programs on Jewish Culture

Strengthening Community and Faith

Passover programs have a significant impact on how communities celebrate and understand the festival. They offer a space for communal bonding and a deeper connection to Jewish heritage.

Building a Sense of Belonging

Through shared experiences, participants often find a stronger sense of belonging and identity within the Jewish community.

Educational and Spiritual Enrichment

These programs provide an excellent opportunity for both adults and children to learn more about their history and traditions in an engaging and meaningful way.

Opportunities for Learning and Reflection

Interactive Sessions: These sessions can deepen understanding of Passover’s significance.

Spiritual Growth: The programs often include discussions and services that encourage personal reflection and spiritual growth.

Future Trends in Passover Programs

Adapting to Modern Needs

As societal norms and preferences change, Passover programs continue to evolve. They increasingly incorporate modern amenities and diverse activities while maintaining the essence of traditional observance.

Innovation in Tradition

Future Passover programs are likely to embrace more technological integration and varied forms of celebrating, making the festival more accessible and engaging to a broader audience.

Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Passover Programs

Passover programs offer a unique blend of tradition and modern convenience, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the spirit of the festival. They play a vital role in the continuity and evolution of Passover celebrations, ensuring that the essence of this time-honored tradition is passed on to future generations.

Embracing and Evolving Tradition

As we look forward to future Passover celebrations, the role of these programs in enhancing the festival’s experience cannot be overstated. They stand as a testament to the Jewish community's ability to honor their past while adapting to the present.

Please visit more details: https://www.myjewishlistings.com/passover-programs-pesach-resorts/

[womeninthebiblestories]

6 Women in the Bible Who Defied Gender Norms

The Bible is filled with stories of women who broke through societal norms and expectations to achieve greatness. Despite living in patriarchal societies, these women refused to be limited by their gender and instead used their God-given talents to make a lasting impact. Here are 6 women in the Bible who defied gender norms and inspired generations.

Deborah - A Judge and Military Leader Deborah was a prophetess and the only female judge mentioned in the Bible. She not only made decisions and judgments for the Israelites but also led them in battle against the Canaanites.

Huldah - A Prophetess and Scholar Huldah was a prophetess and scholar who advised King Josiah in matters of religion and scripture. She was highly respected for her knowledge and wisdom.

Miriam - A Leader and Musician Miriam was a prophetess, musician, and leader of the Israelites alongside her brothers Moses and Aaron. She played a crucial role in the Exodus from Egypt and was known for her powerful and joyful songs of praise.

Ruth - A Loyal and Faithful Daughter-in-Law Ruth was a Moabite woman who married into a Jewish family. After her husband and father-in-law died, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi and ultimately became an ancestor of King David and Jesus.

Esther - A Brave and Resourceful Queen Esther was a Jewish queen who saved her people from genocide by using her beauty, intelligence, and strategic planning to win the favor of the Persian king.

Tamar - A Clever and Determined Widow Tamar was a widow who tricked her father-in-law Judah into fulfilling his obligation to provide her with an heir. Her son Perez became an ancestor of Jesus.

These women in the Bible were not content to simply exist within the confines of societal expectations. They used their unique talents, abilities, and strengths to accomplish great things and inspire others to do the same. Their stories are a reminder that we too can break through gender norms and make a lasting impact on the world around us.

Scriptural References

Deborah - Judges 4-5

Huldah - 2 Kings 22:14-20; 2 Chronicles 34:22-28

Miriam - Exodus 15:20-21; Numbers 12:1-15; Micah 6:4

Ruth - Ruth 1-4

Esther - Esther 1-10

Tamar - Genesis 38

[princeofgod-2021]

LIGHT OF LIFE 79

John 1:4

KEEP MOVING...DON’T STOP! 6 – NO LIVING-DEAD PLS!

Exo 13:21-22 During the day the LORD went in front of them in a pillar of cloud to show them the way, and during the night he went in front of them in A PILLAR OF FIRE TO GIVE THEM LIGHT, SO THAT THEY COULD TRAVEL NIGHT AND DAY. The pillar of cloud was always in front of the people during the day, and the pillar of fire at night. GNB

Only the dead cannot move, no matter what you do or say. The dead won’t see or respond to light or trumpet sound.

If you must have the dead moving, it must be carried by the living and that is a pathetic drag in the journey.

Joseph’s skeleton was such a “mass”; he made the Israelites promise to carry his bones back with them to the promised land when God would have visited them.

Gen 50:25 Then Joseph asked his people to make a promise. Joseph said, "Promise me that you will carry my bones with you when God leads you out of Egypt." ERV

So, Joseph – though just one body – became [officially] the only “dead weight” the Israelites had to carry for a 40-year journey. How very cumbersome, right?

But then, Joseph had done all his own moving in his 110 years of living, having served God and these people faithfully and relentlessly. It was a small price – in honour – to pay him.

Now, imagine the pains and sorrows of having to “carry” a multitude of people who are living, but dead. You can only truly understand this if you were in the shoes of Prophet Moses.

Num 11:11-13 He prayed: I am your servant, LORD, so why are you doing this to me? What have I done to deserve this? You've made me responsible for all these people, but they're not my children. You told me to nurse them along and to carry them to the land you promised their ancestors. THEY KEEP WHINING FOR MEAT, but where can I get meat for them? CEV

It would indeed seem “sacrilegious” for me to call the people of God “Living Dead” but please keep with the context we are inspecting here and you would get what I mean.

Moses acknowledged the simple instruction he was given in Exo 3:6-10: “deliver the people from Egypt and lead them to the Promised Land”.

But when all forms of oppressive tantrums and violent insurrections turns a 40-day journey to 40 years and even so, slow you down and wear you out, that beloved, is Dead Weight!

1Th 5:6-7 so then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain on the alert and sober-minded. For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. TLV

In spiritual terms, to sleep means to be DEAD in one context and IRRESPONSIVE in another.

1Co 15:51 See, I’m giving you the revelation of a secret: we will not all come to the sleep of death, but we will all be changed. BBE

So, I Th 5:6-7 is saying: we must not be irresponsive or dead to propelling spiritual stimuli, as pagans are, but be awake, positively reacting to divine instructions and creatively applying them.

Then it said: those who SLEEP [become dead or positively irresponsive] or DRINK [become mind-flooded with vague, mundane motivations] do so in the NIGHT [the atmosphere of Sinfulness, cares of life, debauchery and wantonness].

Did Israel do this in the wilderness?

Num 11:4-5 There were FOREIGNERS traveling with the Israelites. They had a strong craving for meat, and even the Israelites themselves began to complain: "If only we could have some meat! In Egypt we used to eat all the fish we wanted, and it cost us nothing. Remember the cucumbers, the watermelons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic we had? GNB

Now, we have Pagans [Sleeping/Dead] amongst the Living and so, soon enough, the living got influenced and “Slept” like them. Spiritual food became loathsome to them (Num 11: 6-9).

1Ti 5:6 A widow who thinks only about having a good time is already dead, even though she is still alive. CEV

When in church, we’ve preached for donkey years yet see not much progressive/positive change in the brotherhood, nor morally upright behaviours, but loveless schisms, we should worry.

We see the brotherhood becoming increasingly, no different from the world and pagans, in dressings/appearance, speech and doings – honestly deduce by what sisters wear on Social Media.

Worse-case scenario: the manner in which the brotherhood argues [directly and indirectly] with leadership over the truth is disturbing, especially over traditions and societal norms of life.

Isa 45:9 “Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, ‘What are you making?’ or ‘Your work has no handles’? ESV

We are growing and acquiring materials, marrying, birthing babies, growing old and dying, but are we progressing towards heaven; are we becoming more and more like Jesus?

Are you…?

It becomes more disturbing where most “dead” souls actually think they are alive.

Rev 3:1-2 This is what you must write to the angel of the church in Sardis: I have the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. Listen to what I say. I know what you are doing. Everyone may think you are alive, but you are dead. Wake up! You have only a little strength left, and it is almost gone. So try to become stronger. I have found that you are not completely obeying God. CEV

To God, moving with Him and fulfilling His purpose means you are alive. Otherwise….

May God wake us up to his Spiritual Stimuli, in Jesus name, Amen.

Be back on Wednesday for more on this thought-provoking subtopic.

Keep Shinning!

Brother Prince

Monday, August 9, 2021.

08055125517; 08023904307

[mahometchristian]

Audio: Sacred Food, Holy People – John Davenport September 24, 2017 – Mahomet Christian Church – Texas Thesis: God provided Israel sacred food (manna) to teach that the people of God are not bound to follow societal norms but the people of God are those called to practice the kind and generous model expressed by Jesus. The people of God are a “holy people”, a people “set apart” for sacred life and service. A related text: 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. First Reading: Exodus 16:2-15 2 The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. 3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. 5 On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.“ 6 So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, 7 and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?” 8 And Moses said, “When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him — what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.” 9 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, ‘Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.’” 10 And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. 11 The Lord spoke to Moses and said, 12 “I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’” 13 In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. 14 When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. 15 When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.” The Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16 1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 When he went out about nine o’clock, he saw others standing idle in the marketplace; 4 and he said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went. 5 When he went out again about noon and about three o’clock, he did the same. 6 And about five o’clock he went out and found others standing around; and he said to them, ‘Why are you standing here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard.’ 8 When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ 9 When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage. 10 Now when the first came, they thought they would receive more; but each of them also received the usual daily wage. 11 And when they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? 14 Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” https://soundcloud.com/mahomet-christian/17-09-24-sermon-sacred-food-holy-people

[jjustwantobehere]

WHY do you fools take the rhetorical devices of an artist literally? Kendrick is simultaneously invoking his religious identity while rejecting a societal definition that fails to resonate with him spiritually and emotionally. Further: he is using the I perspective here, he is not making a normative statement about how you should identify. Ya’ll keep trying to make everyone use the language and tactics of liberation that you best understand. The language of liberation is different for everyone. If calling himself an Israelite makes him feel more free, more connected to his inner self, less defined by how society sees him, than so be it!

I saw this coming I’m not shocked or disgusted. It’s his life choice let him do him. I’m a proud black man but when I’m referred to on paper I like to put down Moorish because yes black is a color given to us by our oppressors and Moorish was our original description as a people. As the group he is joining I know hey have interesting radicalizations but I’m not a part of it so boom. As for what they do, don’t agree but it’s non of my business and I wish the best for their victims.

The difference between black men fuckery and yt dudes is shrinking at a rapid rate

[the-christian-walk]

SALVATION’S ANNOUNCEMENT

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The scriptures. May God bless the reading of His holy word.

 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

 Luke 2:8-14

 This ends today’s reading from God's holy word. Thanks be to God.

 Think about the day Jesus was born. There wasn’t a great crown gathered around the manger, shouting and cheering as the newborn boy emerged from the womb and into the world. There wasn’t anyone standing by to run and spread the news of the birth.

 No, there was no one at the manger except for Joseph and Mary, the young couple chosen to parent God’s only Son. No doubt still weary over the long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary celebrated the birth of Jesus alone, the only sounds outside of their expressed joy being the animals who were in the stable with them.

 Outside of Bethlehem, it was also quiet, a silent night that found shepherds doing what shepherds do, watching over the flocks of sheep to protect them from straying, theft, or attack by wild animals. It was thankless work, hard work, lonely work but necessary nonetheless. Many of the sheep would be used for sacrifices in the town or elsewhere as God’s people followed the law to seek atonement for their sins.  Given this, you would think the shepherds were somewhat respected members of the Israelite society.

 You would be wrong.

 Shepherds were largely looked down upon in Israelite society, pushed to the fringes as second class citizens. They would have been the last people anyone would have chosen for any special recognition or selection. But as we find with God, He sees people in a completely different light, often defying worldly societal norms. This would be the case on a quiet, dark night outside of Bethlehem following Jesus’ birth. Look again at Luke’s account of what happened:

 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”  Luke 2:8-14

 Imagine being one of those shepherds in the fields nearby Bethlehem. It was business as usual. You are watching over the flocks like you do every single day and nothing is happening out of the ordinary. Put yourself in their shoes for a minute as the night sky suddenly burst into light and came to life, an angel appearing before them surrounded by the Lord’s glory. It would have been enough to first startle and then frighten anyone. We would have been terrified right along with the shepherds had we been there.

 What was going to happen? The shepherds, already Israel’s downtrodden outcasts, must have feared the worst. After all, nothing of positive significance had ever happened to them before. Their sheep were their life.

 But the angel did not come to judge or condemn them. Rather, the angel came to deliver the following good news after assuring the shepherds that they had no reason to be afraid:

 “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 The long awaited Messiah had come! This Savior of God’s people had been foretold for ages by the prophets and those predictions had now come true! Indeed, these words of great joy to the shepherds, who like the virgin Mary before had to be wondering why God would choose to bring this message to them. Salvation’s announcement did not come to any king or governor or any other ruler. It didn’t come by way of a prophet, chosen by God to spread the message to others. No, this honor was bestowed upon the lowly shepherds who were told the Messiah could be found wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger in Bethlehem, the town of David.

 That alone would have been enough, right?

 I mean, it was an amazing happening and would have been plenty for these shepherds who had never experiences a fraction of what they just saw. But God wasn’t finished yet on that glorious night. Salvation’s announcement had a second act:

 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” 

 The angel that proclaimed the Savior’s coming was suddenly joined by a multitude of angels. We don’t know how many but it had to be an incredible sight as the company of the heavenly host raised their voices in praise to God giving Him all the glory while proclaiming peace on earth to those who had His favor. And the “those” they spoke of definitely included the shepherds who were eye and ear witnesses to one of the most remarkable events in biblical history.

 Salvation’s announcement had come in a big way and it would lead to the shepherds going to Bethlehem to seek, find, and be amazed at seeing the Messiah of the world first hand. We’ll pick up there tomorrow.

 PS: Of interest, during the classic Christmas hymn, Angels We Have Heard On High, we sing the words, “Gloria In Excelsis Deo”. These words are Latin which simply mean “Glory to God in the Highest”, echoing the words proclaimed by the company of the heavenly host. Next time you sing the hymn, picture yourself in their presence, glorifying and exclaiming God’s glory for sending His Son to save.

 Amen

 In Christ,

Mark

PS: Feel free to leave a comment and please share this with anyone you feel might be blessed by it.

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