Ancient Hebrew Words of Wisdom יהוה אורא

2010-04-09T11:35:00.015-05:00

Merkabah מרכבה chariot (as described in Ezekiel 1: 4-26)

The hebrew word merkavah derives from the root R- K- B which means “to ride.”

God’s throne is some what of a paradox. It is said to travel through out the heavens as if were some kind of a space vehicle. The Bible describes it as a fiery chariot made of angels and piloted by someone who sits on the throne or captain’s seat, who is identified as “the likeness of man.” The chariot is constantly moving about the heavens or space. Why would God’s throne be liken to a chariot?

Many try to explain away Ezekiel’s vision of the chariot as nothing more than an analogy that offers insight into man’s nature. This same sort of reasoning could put into question Elijah's ascension into the heavens.

And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, which parted them both assunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 2 Kings 1:11

Is it possible that God’s throne is nothing more than a celestial starship? if you think I've gone completely mad, please click this link. http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/sitchin/spaceships_ezekiel.htm
The spaceships of the Prophet Ezekiel

Another good link http://www.wanttoknow.info/ufocover-up10pg#cooper

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/space/article7107207.ece

Latest News..Must see! http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/dpp/morning_show/ufo-air-force-09282010

2010-03-08T13:02:00.018-06:00

Ra’ash רעש (earthquake)

The Hebrew word for earthquake is “ra’ash.” Ra’ash literally means “great noise.”

The Hebrew word "ra'ash," as well as its Assyrian and Arabic equivalents designating an earthquake, is indicative of a great noise or tremendous roaring. In Ps. lxxii. 16 the same word is used to describe the gentle rustling of wheat. It is also employed in poetry to express the harmonious choral song of angels. It would thus seem that during an earthquake the Hebrew was most impressed by the rumbling connected with it, which he regarded as a theophany (Ps. xviii. 8 [A. V. 7]; Hab. iii. 6; Nahum i. 5; Isa. v. 25). Thetrembling and smoking of the mountains, as during the revelation on Sinai (Ex. xix. 18, xx. 18), the moving of the door-posts, as during Isaiah's initiation (Isa. vi. 4), accompanying great theophanies, must in the view of the authors be regarded as earthquakes (comp. I Kings xix. 11, 12).Read more: http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=6&letter=E#ixzz0hgk2irmx

Many religious believe that God causes earthquakes to punish those who they believe to be wicked. Recently, after the quake in Haiti, evangelical U.S. broadcaster Pat Robertson said

“Haiti had been cursed after its slave founders made a "pact with the devil."

Louis Farrakhan (Nation of Islam) said "It's not an accident that a great earthquake took place in Chile," Farrakhan, 76, said an hour into his three-hour address. "It was a precipitate of what I have to tell you today of what's coming to America. You will not escape."

Rabbi Yehuda Levin, spokesman for the Rabbinical Alliance of America was quoted as saying, "Thirteen months before 9/11, on the day New York City passed homosexual domestic partnership regulations, I joined a group of Rabbis at a City Hall prayer service, pleading with G-d not to visit disaster on the city of N.Y. We have seen the underground earthquake, tsunami, Katrina, and now Haiti. All this is in sync with a two thousand year old teaching in the Talmud that the practice of homosexuality is a spiritual cause of earthquakes. Once a disaster is unleashed, innocents are also victims just like in Chernobyl."

Does God really punish the worlds inhabitants by means of earthquakes?

Rabbi Amy R. Scheinerman of Beth Shalom Congregation of Carroll County said,
“God does not ordain, cause or allow these things to happen to the poorest of the poor, except insofar as earthquakes are vital to life on earth. They are part of the way our planet is structured and without them it could not foster and maintain life.

“God,” the rabbi continued, “is part of the fabric of the universe. But that’s not the same as saying that there is a God in heaven pulling strings to cause earthquakes that will inflict untold suffering and devastation on poor people, or who fails to prevent such catastrophes from striking poor people. If anyone allows these things to happen, it is us, by failing to help impoverished countries like Haiti raise its standard of living.”

Science teaches us that “Earthquakes are the result of natural, tectonic changes in the solid crust of the earth and, as such, are not inherently catastrophic. Their bad reputation comes from the destruction to human settlements that accompanies them, when buildings collapse under the stress of forces produced by earthquakes. This destruction is not the ‘fault’ of earthquakes, but rather of the buildings, which, even in regions regularly visited by earthquakes, are not designed to work harmoniously with the violent forces periodically released. So buildings collapse, usually with considerable loss of life and injuries. The earthquakes are blamed, as though the purpose of these sublimely unself-conscious phenomena was to damage and destroy the human. “Earthquake Kills Thousands!” “Killer Quake Strikes!” “Earthquake Levels Town!” are typical aftermath headlines. What they should say is “Falling Buildings Kill Thousands!” “Killer Buildings Strike!” “Inadequately Designed Town Leveled!” http://lebbeuswoods.wordpress.com/2010/01/13/earthquake-again/

The shaking of the ground is not what kills most victims of earthquakes. The main killers in earthquakes are falling buildings, fires, landslides, avalanches and tsunamis.
http://earthquakefacts.net/Interesting-Earthquake-Facts.html

Each year, there are about a million earthquakes around the world. But only about 100 of these cause serious damage."
Per Month – 80,000
Per Day 2,600
And, per second, one earthquake is felt approximately every 30 seconds.

2010-01-04T14:57:00.004-06:00

Kavana כונה (Intent, Intense mental focus, concentration)
The Hebrew “Kavana” captures ones mental focus and intense concentration with the intent to make a firm connection with God. Concentration with meaning and pure intention is directed before God. It is taught one must learn to block all other thoughts and practice this mental discipline that facilitates or connects one’s soul or nishama with God. There are various techniques and principles of kavana taught within Jewish literature.

Kavana means concentration, mental focus, disciplined spiritual meditation
Mystical meditation during prayer

2009-12-11T10:19:00.007-06:00

lo-tov לו – טוב (not good)
יח וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה
אֱלֹהִים, לֹא
טוֹב הֱיוֹת הָאָדָם לְבַדּוֹ; אֶעֱשֶׂה-לּוֹ עֵזֶר, כְּנֶגְדּוֹ.

18 And the LORD God said: 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.'

The Holy Scriptures relate how everything God had made up until this moment, He pronounced “good-tov.” God formed man into His own image yet there appeared to be something missing. It was not good that man was alone. However, one can feel as if there alone in a room full of people.

According to Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, Genesis 2:18 reads "heyot" ha-adam le'vado rather than "li-he'yot," which implies not that "it is not good for man to be alone," but that it is not good for man to be "lonely."

God has instilled in us a fundamental need for a helper to meet the challenges of life. Without a helper there is emotional discomfort, distress, and loneliness.

2009-11-10T12:45:00.018-06:00

Kadosh קודש - Holy
What is the Hebrew definition of the word holy? Many believe it to be a extreme degree of goodness. However, the verbal root for kadosh is kadash קדש which means concecrated, "set apart." The Hebrew word for prostitute is "kedeishah" which defines a separation or detachment from society by means of an immoral lifestyle. In a spiritual sense God is set apart from all creation, beyond the world as we know it. He is high, lofty, and beyond our grasp and set apart from that which is common.

'Thou canst not see My face, for man shall not see Me and live.
Exodus 33:20

God actively hides with an unwillingness to be found. He is holy, set apart.

So the question arises, how are we to be holy?

ב דַּבֵּר אֶל-כָּל-עֲדַת בְּנֵי-יִשְׂרָאֵל, וְאָמַרְתָּ אֲלֵהֶם--קְדֹשִׁים תִּהְיוּ: כִּי קָדוֹשׁ, אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם. 2
Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them: Ye shall be holy; for I the LORD your God am holy. Levitcus 19

The children of Israel are holy or set apart from the world or the nations by means of law, language, moral character, festivals, dress, and diet. Every aspect of their life is designed with this intent, separation/holiness. They are to be a nation of kings and priest, set apart for devine service.

2009-09-27T18:18:00.011-05:00

Rachum רחום - mercy
Our God is for certain a God of mercy and on many occasions refered to as El Rachum, "the Merciful God." Without His continual mercy there could be no life. God doesn't merely forgive sins, quite simply, He wipes them away as if they never occurred; He remembers them no more.

Rachum, or mercy is rooted in the Hebrew noun rechem, which means womb.
The womb is a very strong muscle that surrounds the baby for protection during it’s growth and later contracts to push the baby out through the birth canal. It starts out very small and hollow but stretches to allow room for the growing baby.

Just as the womb of the mother nurtures and protects the child within, so to God in all his mercy encompasses us with life giving nutrients so that one day He can "push us out" into a new life, a new world.

God's mercy (rachum) stretches to allow room for the growing person just as the womb(rechem) stretches to allow room for the growing baby.

Micah 7:18,19
יח מִי אֵל כָּמוֹךָ, נֹשֵׂא עָו‍ֹן וְעֹבֵר עַל פֶּשַׁע, לִשְׁאֵרִית, נַחֲלָתוֹ: לֹא הֶחֱזִיק לָעַד אַפּוֹ, כִּי חָפֵץ חֶסֶד הוּא. 18 Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth the iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger for ever, because He delighteth in mercy.
יט יָשׁוּב יְרַחֲמֵנוּ, יִכְבֹּשׁ עֲו‍ֹנֹתֵינוּ; וְתַשְׁלִיךְ בִּמְצֻלוֹת יָם, כָּל חַטֹּאותָם. 19 He will again have compassion upon us; He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

2009-09-11T20:42:00.006-05:00

MASHACH - משח Anoint

In Hebrew, the term of an "anointed one" is mashiach, from which the term "Messiah" is derived. The Greek translation of this word gives us the English term "Christ." Jewish, Egyptian, and other ancient kings were often anointed, and in western history, anointing has been used as part of the royal coronation ceremonies, symbolizing a divine blessing upon the monarch.

The Hebrew mashach is a process of painting, besmearing, or anointing a person or an object with oil. The Hebrew anointing was in part a legal procedure implemented in conjunction with the ordination and consecration of a priest or king within Israel's tribal community. Ordination is represented by the Hebrew words [mileiat et yaddim] which means "to fill the hands." Academics define "fill the hand" within the context of the chosen receiving a staff, scepter, or some sort of hand held symbol in relation to their office. More than likely, the prophet was used a channel to transmit G-d's spirit to the chosen one in preparation for his new role as king or priest. Keep in mind the Hebrew word "meleit" means "to fill." We often hear the expression filled with anger or filled with joy, the body being analagous to a vessel that captures a spirit or emotion. In the anointing the "filling" is of G-d's spirit. The hands identified by the Hebrew "yaddim" expresses how man accomplishes any given work. The filling of G-d's spirit puts the anointed in a position to make the world a better place by directing his hands towards worldly endevors blessed by devine association.

2009-09-11T20:19:00.004-05:00

KORBAN קרבן - sacrifice

The Hebrew word for sacrifice is korban. The sacrifice of an animal to a deity was an acceptable form of worship among the ancients. Many mystical rites which are found in other religions can also be found in the Jewish sacrificial system. The Hebrew word korban comes from the root "karab" קרב which means.., "to approach" or "draw near." Many forms of religion believed that before "approaching " a deity one had to present a gift or offering to appease the god. Maimonides the great Jewish scholar, philosopher, and theologian believed the entire sacrificial system came about to accommodate man's primitive desires. Maimonides says the Torah, limits the practice permitting it only in certain places, at certain times, by certain people, and for certain purposes. Maimonides suggests that these limitations are designed to wean a primitive people away from the pagan rite of sacrifice.

2009-09-09T07:39:00.019-05:00

mikvah מקוה ritual bath
"Mikvah" is a ritual pool of water used for the purpose of attaining ritual purity.
Mikvah literally means "collection," perhaps taken from "a collection of water." Many biblical laws require complete immersion in water in order to regain ritual purity after having become impure. In the days of the beit haMikdash (Jerusalem Temple) the priest as well as the Jew who wished to enter had to first immerse in a mikvah. A modern mikvah may look like a small swimming pool. Today, it's main use is for;

women to achieve ritual purity after menstruation or childbirth
Jewish men to achieve ritual purity
traditional procedure for conversion to Judaism
for utensils used for food

The Torah provides additional regulations regarding immersion into this holy collection of water. One such regulation was for the Jewish priest to be immersed as part of his consecration into the priesthood.

From the very beginning water was viewed as a purifying agent. The Egyptians had sacred pools called "shi-netjer" for ritual purification. The circumcised Egyptian priest "hem netjer" might bathe 3 or 4 times a day performing religious rites in a state of purity.

2009-08-30T11:06:00.013-05:00

Brit milah בְּרִית מִילָה covenant of circumcision. Literally "covenant of the word."

Circumcision is a religious ceremony within Judaism where on the eighth day of life, the male infant enters into a "brit-covenant" with God. The circumcision is applied by a "mohel-circumciser."

In the book of Genesis God makes a covenant of circumcission with Abraham"You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, as a sign of the covenant between Me and you. At the age of eight days, you shall circumcise every male child born to you throughout the generations ..." Bereishis 17:11-1

The practice of male genital mutilation is far older than recorded history. Certainly, it is far older than the Biblical account of Abraham (Genesis 17). It seems to have originated in eastern Africa long before this time.

"Many theories have been advanced to explain the origin of genital mutilation. One theory postulates that circumcision began as a way of "purifying" individuals and society by reducing sexuality and sexual pleasure. Human sexuality was seen as dirty or impure in some societies; hence cutting off the pleasure-producing parts was the obvious way to "purify" someone.

It is now known that the male foreskin, or prepuce, is the principal location of erogenous sensation in the human male (see Anatomy.) Removal of the prepuce substantially reduces erogenous sensation.12,16 Therefore (in the appropriate cultural context), circumcision is revealed as a sacrifice of "sinful" human enjoyment (in this earthly life), for the sake of holiness in the afterlife.12

The Jews adopted circumcision as a religious ritual8,10,15,18 and preserved this prehistoric practice into modern times.10,16,18 The circumcision of Abraham removed only the very tip that extended beyond the glans penis.8,17,22,28 Moses and his sons were not circumcised. (Exodus 4:25) Although Moses apparently prohibited circumcision during the 40 years in the wilderness,15,18 (Joshua 5:5) Joshua reinstituted circumcision at Gilgal after the death of Moses.15,18 (Joshua 5:2-10) It is interesting to note that after the Israelites were circumcised, they immediately became soldiers in Joshua's army for the conquest of Palestine. (Joshua 6:1-3) "

The oldest evidence for circumcision comes from ancient Egypt. Many proofs of circumcision can be found by Egyptologist. There was a time it was assumed that all Egyptian males were circumcised. However, both circumcised and uncircumcised male members have been found on the unwrapped mummies of pharaohs.

Ancient Egyptian carved scene of circumcision, from the inner northern wall of the Temple of Khonspekhrod at the Precinct of Mut, Luxor, Egypt.

Malach

2009-08-08T05:38:00.013-05:00

Malach מלאך angel

The Hebrew "malach" is defined by our English word, angel. The Hebrew root lach לאך literally means "to send." This same root can be found in the noun "melacha" מלאכה meaning work and "malachut" מלאכות meaning message. Essentially, (malachim plural) are messengers of God. There are instances in the Bible where these angels can be depicted as the forces of nature, supernatural entity, or simply a man conveying a message. Two angels are mentioned in the Bible book of Daniel as Michael and Gavriel. The Talmud and Kabbalah identify the names of other angels such as Uriel, Reziel, Metatron, and Laila. Jewish tradition discourages the pronoucing the names of angels so as not to "disturb" them unnecessarily.There is an assumption that angels are always good. However, we know the Bible speaks of an angel that was sent to destroy Sodom. Certainly, Satan might also be considered a bad angel. However, Judaism teaches an angel is only a "messenger" who is sent to carry out God's will. It would seem to have no will or choice of it's own, but is programmed to complete a paticular task as assigned by God. St. Thomas Aquinas said, "Angels transcend every religion, every philosophy, every creed. In fact angels have no religion as we know it...their existence precedes every religious system that has ever existed on earth."

2009-07-24T07:57:00.021-05:00

Sulam Yaakov -סלם יעקב "Jacob's Ladder"

י וַיֵּצֵא יַעֲקֹב, מִבְּאֵר שָׁבַע; וַיֵּלֶךְ, חָרָנָה. 10 And Jacob went out from Beer-sheba, and went toward Haran.
יא וַיִּפְגַּע בַּמָּקוֹם וַיָּלֶן שָׁם, כִּי-בָא הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ, וַיִּקַּח מֵאַבְנֵי הַמָּקוֹם, וַיָּשֶׂם מְרַאֲשֹׁתָיו; וַיִּשְׁכַּב, בַּמָּקוֹם הַהוּא. 11 And he lighted upon the place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took one of the stones of the place, and put it under his head, and lay down in that place to sleep.
יב וַיַּחֲלֹם, וְהִנֵּה סֻלָּם מֻצָּב אַרְצָה, וְרֹאשׁוֹ, מַגִּיעַ הַשָּׁמָיְמָה; וְהִנֵּה מַלְאֲכֵי אֱלֹהִים, עֹלִים וְיֹרְדִים בּוֹ. 12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

Genesis 28:10-12 At "sunset"- beginning of a new day, (Judaism believes a day is measured from sunset to sunset) Jacobs falls a sleep upon Mount Moriah where the future temple will be built. He dreams of a ladder, ramp, or stairway reaching to the heavens with angels going up and down upon it. This dream represents the "bridge" between heaven and earth where angels or "messengers of God" ascend and descend. We know that the temple was a place of great holiness where God's presence - [Hebrew shechinah] dwelt among men. The gematria for sulam-bridge is סלם 130. Another Hebrew word with the same gematria is Sinai סיני where Moses connects with God and receives the 10 words or what we know as the Ten Commandments. The Hebrew tefilah תפלה or prayer also acts as a bridge that connects the earth to heaven.

The Hebrew word for God's presence is shechinah שכינה and it's gematria = 385. If we subtract shechinah from the Hebrew word for prayer, tefilah/515-385 we get 130 or sulam or bridge. Mathematically, prayer, 515 minus the connection or bridge130, equals God's presence 385!

2006-12-30T19:08:00.109-06:00

TZELEM צלם - shadow/reflection/image
In the first chapter of Genesis [Hebrew-Bereishis] G-d found all his work "good." However, when he fashioned man in his IMAGE (Hebrew b'tzelemo) - צלם shadow/image he declared his work "very good." It is said that even the angels in all their glory were not made in the image of G-d. Man is set apart from all creation by a Divine kiss and blessed by this holy association. In the book of Genesis all things were created by a COMMAND! This was not so with man. G-d immediately initiates a warm parental relationship by making known this clear, definite, and unique bond between man and his G-d. With this in mind, the taking of a human life becomes "unimagenable" when you consider your destroying a spark of divinity. It's really ironic to think that men kill and murder gods (sparks of divinity) in the name of G-d. Let no one mislead you; to remove life is to remove G-d. You are a "shadow"/[Hebrew-tzelem] of your Father in Heaven. G-d has given us this incredible opportunity to become co-creators with him. IMAGINE making the world a better place, for having lived. "Now" is the most important time of your life. One act of random kindness has the potential to change the face of the earth. IMAGINE the power of charity, goodness, love, and compassion.

YISRAEL ישראל - straight with G-d
Who was called out into the wilderness to receive G-d's word or Law? It was Yisrael! After Yisrael received the Torah they now were responsible for living out the true nature of their name. The Hebrew "Yisra" ישר means to be straight or to be right. The English equivalent to the Hebrew El אל is G-d. Combining the two defines their mission before G-d, "to be straight or right with G-d". If Yisrael is to be a nation of "kings and priest" they must set the standard by which all people approach G-d in righteousness. Being straight before G-d is incumbent upon all people everywhere.

MAYIM מים - water
Water - Mayim מים and Life - Chayim חיים have several wonderful similarities. They both are written in their plural form in the Hebrew script, hinting to a compassionate continuance that has no end. They both depend upon a vessel to be enjoyed and appreciated. Their formation comes from the heavens above while their enjoyment is appreciated by those beneath. They both are a free gift whose supply is endless. Isaiah the prophet invites us, " Hey there, all you thirsty ones! Come to the water. And the ones who have no money! Come, buy and eat". Isaiah 55: 1

OLAM V'AD OLAM
עלם - forever and ever
The Hebrew Olam is a mysterious word with more than one meaning. The English translation of the word olam is defined by the word "forever" expressing continual existence. But what is the Hebrew really saying? Olam means world. When we say Olam v'ad Olam or forever and forever, we are literally saying from world to world. There is the world that is [Olam ha zeh] and the world to come [Olam ha ba]; from world to world forever and ever. Olam at it's very root means to hide are to conceal; Our Sages teach us that the world to come [olam ha ba] is "hidden" from the world that is. [olam ha zeh]

RE'A רעה - friend, companion
The Hebrew word for friend, companion, or neighbor is Rei'a. Rei'a can also define thought or desire. Certainly we all "desire" a "friend" who is "thoughtful" and kind especially during a time of need.

SHALOM שלום - complete
Hidden within the Hebrew word shalom quietly rest a treasure chest of wisdom. Shalom patiently awaits the unsuspecting visitor to open and release its wealth of secret knowledge. SHALOM is widely used as a greeting or wishing peace to a friend. However, at the very root it means that which is complete, accomplished, or brought to perfection. Perhaps G-d is teaching us through this ancient word that when we offer a stranger assistance or comfort those who are distressed, it is then we have an opportunity to experience real peace. True peace will not materialize or become "complete" until it is enjoyed by all people. Random acts of kindness, especially towards those who might otherwise have gone unnoticed brings us one step closer to "COMPLETING" a full circle, "ACCOMPLISHED" through and brought to "PERFECTION" in the love of G-d the One in whose image we are created. SHALOM!!!

RAFA רפא - heal/relax
The Hebrew word for heal is Rafa. Rafa can also mean to relax. One must heal or relax the mind as well as the body in order to get a complete healing. The ancients knew that relaxation was key to restoring the body by means of their Sabbath. Doctors have come to know that stress plays a pivotal role in ones physical health. If stress can influence sickness and disease, then relaxation must have the potential to restore the body. Honor the day of rest and restore your soul.

E'MER אמר - saying
The Hebrew e'mer means word, saying, utterance, or command. However, it can also express a promise. One is able to appreciate by the ancient Hebrew that we should choose our words wisely and make good on what we say. Your word is your promise and the promise is your word אמר.

BARACH ברך - kneel down
G-d is blessed and praised in different ways by many people of diverse backgrounds throughout the world. Unfortunately, our praises toward G-d have the potential to become mechanical over a period of time. The Hebrew word for Bless or Praise is "Barach ברך" Barach literally means to bend the knee or to kneel down. Bending the knee means to surrender and to submit all of oneself to G-d.

ADAM אדם - soil, earth, dust
What is the Hebrew meaning behind the name Adam? There is more than one answer to this question. The ground or soil in the Hebrew language is called adamah אדמה and according to the Genesis account Adam was formed from the dust of the earth. We can say Adam was taken from adamah. G-d names Adam from the very earth that he was taken from. It is important to remember that Hebrew letters also serve as numbers; so A-Alef א is the first letter to the Hebrew alphabet and represents the number ONE. The Hebrew DAM דם defines the blood or the life. Adam is literally the A-DAM א דם or first blood, or first life. The Hebrew captures the true essence of the first man. He was the first blood or life created in the image of his heavenly Maker.

KVOD כבוד - glory
The Hebrew Kavod defines honor, esteem, glory, and majesty. It is often used in connection with G-d's name and presence. It is also interesting to note that kavod can mean "WEIGHT" or to make heavy. When a prophet would approach G-d in a vision he would literally feel a great weight or heaviness come over him. This might be analogous to an amusement park ride where "G" forces pushes you down into your seat. This overwhelming sensation was directly connected to the "GLORY" of G-d in all His majesty.

SHAMA שמע - hear and obey
Shama means to hear, listen, or understand. Shama can also mean to obey. It can be very difficult to obey G-d's command if we don't truly understand what is being said or written. G-d designated Moshe as teacher and the people were to listen and gain understanding so that the end result would be obedience towards God. All this is expressed by the Hebrew SHAMA שמע, Hear and Obey! Although the majority of Israel had the ability to listen, unfortunately few obeyed, resulting in the exile of G-d's chosen people to neighboring nations. Very often when a parent ask a son or daughter to clean their room the child might be slow in obeying. His or her first excuse might be, "but Mom, Dad, I didn't hear you!" Yes, even a child understands that hearing is the first step to obeying.

CHATA חטא - sin
Chata is sin. It can also describe failing or missing the mark. Chata can mean to forfeit. Life /chayeem can seem a bit of a battle from day to day. So often it is easy to do wrong but so very difficult to do right. When we sin/chata in essence we are giving up or forfeiting the battle. We become a prisoner of war and sin/chata having conquered us lead us about as a slave to further it's selfish desire.

DAVAR דבר - word
Davar means word, speech, command, or saying. Truly without davar'eem/words דברים communicating would be difficult. The Hebrew word Deber דבר is similar in spelling but depicts destruction. Heads of State or military leaders must be very careful with their davar /word... for words - davar'eem have the potential to lead (Deber דבר) to destruction. The wisdom of the ancient Hebrew teaches us that words can have a devastating effect upon society if not kept in check. However we know that words are used to teach, encourage, and praise G-d. May all your words be used to benefit your friends, family, and community.

SHEKER שקר - to lie, to deceive or act falsely
To lie in today's society doesn't seem to be a big deal. In fact we all have heard the terminology, "white lie" insinuating that some lies are good or necessary. Judaism has always considered falsehood a serious offense. When one lies they steal the mind of their fellow. This is similar to stealing a portion of their neighbor's soul, their inner most being. If one re-arranges the Hebrew letters that spell sheker קשר = (Shen Kof Resh) to (Kof Shen Resh) or kesher one comes to understand it's danger. Kesher means to bind unite and be strong. It means rebellion-conspiracy. To lie is to unite with the power of darkness the ultimate rebellion. The first lie in the book of Genesis ends with rebellion against G-d. To lie is to rebel against G-d. Contrary to public opinion there's no such thing as a "little white lie."

AD עד - duration eternity
Ad means during, while, the duration within time and space. It's only natural that while living we learn and grow in wisdom and knowledge. "Ad" in reverse is the Hebrew דע which means knowledge and wisdom. It is written, "The fear of Hashem is the start
of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Most Holy One is what understanding is. For
by me your days will become many, and to your years of life will be added."

Proverbs 9:10,11

HARAG הרג - to kill, murder, or slay
What is it that inspires one to take the life of another? "Harag in reverse spells the Hebrew גרה "Gara" which means to kindle, provoke, grow angry or enrage. It is written,"Let anger alone and leave rage; Do not show yourself heated up only to do evil. For evildoers themselves will be cut off, But those hoping in Hashem are the ones that will possess the earth. And just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more." PSALMS 37:8-10

CHOSHEN- חשן Breast plate
Choshen was the breast plate that adorned the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). The letters of the names of the twelve tribes were inscribed upon 12 stones. The numerical value for the word "choshen" is 358. ח8+ש300+ן50 What is the significence of the number 358? We get our English word Messiah from the Hebrew word Moshiach, which means anointed. The Hebrew anointing was in part a legal procedure implemented in conjunction with the ordination and consecration of a priest or king within Israel's tribal community. The numerical value of the word Moshiach is also 358. מ40+ש300+י10+ח8 The Choshen (Breast Plate 358) was a way G-d communicated to the High Priest by the illumination of the stones. May G-d soon send Moshiach (Anointed one 358) to communicate His will with the return of the illumination of the Shechina.

EMUNA - אמונה belief, faith, firmness
After prayer, it is common to hear the word "aman." But what is really known about this word we hear or use so often? To understand the answer to this question we must enter it's very core, the foundation that it rest's upon. The Hebrew "amon" is builder or architect. As a builder there must be a precise certainty to insure security, order, and firmness in order that those who enter may have "FAITH" or the "BELIEF" that the structure is sound. The Hebrew "emunah-trust, faith" is the sure certainty that G-d is the architect of every living thing. When we end our prayer with "Aman," we are certain that G-d hears us and will answer in his own time. Aman!

LECHEM - לחם bread
Lechem is bread. Wheat and grain feeds the world. Growing up in the early 70's bread had another meaning. Quite simply, bread was another term for money. If you asked someone if they had any bread, you in effect were asking if they had any money. Just as bread sustains life, so to money. Without it, one must depend upon the charity of others in order to survive. Lechem in the ancient Hebrew can also mean WAR! Why do men make war? In many instances war is about controling the bread, commodity, or money supply. Wicked men believe that he that owns the bread, rules the world. It would seem from the begining of time this destructive mind set has led to many wars.

ZACHAR - זכר to remember
The word for remember or recollect is zachar. The Hebrew noun zachar, is defined by being born as a male. It is through the male that the remembrance of his parents will be passed on to the next generation.

RUACH - רוח air, breath, spirit
Ruach signifies "air or wind." It may also signify "breath or spirit." The Bible teaches us that the spirit remains after death. It is written, " And the spirit will return to G-d who gave it." Eccles. 12:7 We are taught there are three parts to the soul, neshamot chaim-breath of life, ruach-wind or spirit that acts as a channel to facilitate or connect G-d's breath to the nefesh-rest upon the blood body. G-d's life giving breath (neshama) travels or is sent to us by means of wind (ruach/spirit) and rest (nefesh/ blood body/animal soul) upon the flesh.To learn more about the soul and spirit visit our web page, DEATH-When Tomorrow Ends.

ANAV - ענו humilty and gentleness
Anav is to be humble. Submitting to G-d and men in all humility, gentleness, and patience. Those who live a life of humility know what it is to walk with G-d. On a few occasions, I've had the unique opportunity to meet with some of the finest Chasidic scholars of our day, best sellers, men of well renown within the Jewish community. In every situation I found them to be kind, gentile, and very approachable. Their passion for Torah is reflected in their genuine humility towards all walks of life. Their "greatness" is only seen in the eyes of the stranger. In their own eyes, they are as if nothing. It's as if they purposely keep their vessel less than half full; making spacious room for G-d and their fellow man.

Pshat, Remez, Derush, Sod
The Torah teaches us there are four levels of understanding. When the Bible student adheres to these four paths they are better able to get a complete understanding of the sacred text. Each level of understanding provides a gateway to the next. The simple understanding gives way to the allusion, the allusion to an analogy, and the analogy to the secret.

Pshat - פשט - Plain Meaning

Remez - רמז - Hint, Allusion

Derush - דרוש Analogy, Metaphor

Sod - סוד - Secret, Mysticism

BET HA-MIKDASH - בית המקדש The Holy Temple in Jerusalem
The first and second Temples were constructed in Jerusalem around the years 1000 and 500 B.C.E. Golah - גולה which means exile continues until Messiah or Moshiach comes and rebuilds the third and final Temple. This is the time when Geulah - גאולה, Hebrew for redemption will take place. There is but one Hebrew letter that separates exile from redemption. That letter is Alef, which alludes to G-d or the Hebrew אלהים

LEB לב - Heart
The Hebrew word for heart [leb] can have more than one meaning. Certainly it defines the organ located in the middle of the body that pumps blood throughout. It can also mean the "middle part of anything." It can denote will, thought, and even understanding.
As to this passage, "And thou shalt love the L-RD thy G-d with all thine heart." Maimonides writes, "with all thine heart" to mean "with all the powers of thine heart," that is, with all the powers of the body, for they all have their origin in the heart;

SAREED שריד - Survivor (remain alive)
The Hebrew word for survivor is "sareed." All souls live out their life as a fugitive with the intent to escape the predator's appetite. The earth is a living organisim that feeds upon itself. Whether it be the animal kingdom or Wall Street, it's all about survival. And within this context the living strive to survive one more day. If we look at the Hebrew letters that spell survivor we may uncover a bit of wisdom. "SAR שר" is the first two letters in the word sareed which means, "ruler, leader, or prince." The next two letters "יד" spell Yad which defines the "hand." Therein lies the importance when electing a leader, ruler or prince. Surviving tomorrow may depend upon "the Ruler's Hand."

OT את (long o as in boat) Sign, Omen/Letter
The Hebrew word for Sign, omen, or warning is "ot." Ot את also is the same term for letter. Hebrew letters also serve as numbers and so every letter has a numerical value. In mathematics, we know that things equal to the same thing are equal to each other. The Torah has been described as written in a mathematical code where words having the same gematria, numerical value, have a relationship to each other.

Va yadu ki ani Havayah וידעו כי-אני יהוה "And they shall know I am the L-RD."
To know is to undestand and to percieve what is. Information is not to be confused with REVELATION. The numerical sum of the Hebrew "And they shall know I am the L-rd" is 207. The Hebrew word for LIGHT, ENLIGHTENMENT, or REVELATION is אור "OR" which also equals 207! G-d's presence is associated with the light of the shechina that will return with the coming of Moshiach. May he come quickly!

EIZER עזר - help, assistance
There is no greater joy, satisfaction, or comfort that comes when "helping" others. Helping others provides a mysterious healing within ourself. If we help strangers but yet ignore the needs of our own family, our motives may be brought into question. By rearranging the Hebrew word for eizer/עזר to zera זרע which defines seed, progeny, and family, we see the connection in letter as well as the gematria, 277. Helping are own family should come first and then the stranger.

DEVAK דבק - to stick, cling, attach, cleaving
How is Messiah/ Moshiach succesful and how is the world transformed? Moshiach recognizes his limitations and nothingness before Havayah. He relinquishes himself to all worldly thought and desire. How else can he ascend to the source? Beshet is quoted to the effect that annihilation is the only way to bear the infinite. It is written, " through his merit Moshiach shall come." What is his merit? He experiences a metaphorical death and conceives himself as if he were not. Moshiach disregards the concerns with his body. He is dead but yet alive. He attaches/ Hebrew- "DEVAK" himself to G-d at all times and clings to his very presence.

EMET אמת - truth, certainty, honesty
The Hebrew emet is defined by our English word, "TRUTH." Our Sages teach the Hebrew word emet is composed of the three letters, א-alef, מ-mem, ת-tav - the first, middle, and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet. This indicates that in order for something to be true, it must start at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end. There is no half truth in the Hebrew emet. These letters are a reminder, in order for there to be real truth, it must start from the beginning throughout it's conclusion.

GEULA גאולה - remption, to bring back
We get the Hebrew geulah from the noun goel גואל who was a redeeming kinsman responsible for continuing a lost bloodline or buying back lost ancestral land. In essence to redeem is to be “brought back.” Geulah is often associated with Messiah [Hebrew-משיח Moshiach] at the end of days.
10.“And it must occur in that day there will be the root of Jes’se that will be standing up as a signal for the peoples. To him even the nations will turn inquiringly, and his resting place must become glorious.12 And he will certainly raise up a signal for the nations and gather the dispersed ones of Israel; and the scattered ones of Judah he will collect together from the four extremities of the earth. Isaiah 11: 10,12

This bringing back certainly embraces all of Israel to G-d. Yet, before this can happen, there needs to be a “bringing back” of the house of David. David was much beloved and this very day countless claim to be able to trace their linage back to this royal house.

tsemach צמח - sprout, descendant, the Messiah/MOSHIACH
We know from the Bible that the coming son of David is likened to a sprout, twig, or branch whose root is connected to the stump of Jes’se or David’s father. Moshiach is to be a descendant of David. The root gives life to the family tree. The tree is defined genetically by it's root or life force. It provides water and nourishment to the branches above. The tree is defined by it's root. The only way to completely destroy the tree is by destroying the root. The root and or tree are one in the same, they are inseparable. It is possible for a tree to yield fruit forever, but first it must be planted. The seed is hidden in the darkness and eventually will sprout and produce more seeds into infinity. Although a seed yields it’s fruit in the darkness, with G-d's faithful care it continues to exist. It is often said, "the apple never falls far from the tree." Moshiach is often liken to a plant [Hebrew - tsemach צמח.] A plant is underground and hidden until G-d sheds His light and pours life giving water upon it, and so it is with Moshiach. In the book of Job it is written,

" For a tree there is hope, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again and that it's tender shoots will not cease. Even though it's root grow old in the earth, and it's stump die in the dust, yet at the first whiff of water it may flourish again and put forth branches like a young plant. Job 13:7-9

Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.

Zechariah 3:8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.

Zechariah 6:12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the L-rd of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the L-RD:

Moshiach is inseparable from his kind or his seed. This is something that is very important and must be taken into consideration when identifying the person of Moshiach ben David.

ahav אהב - love, to give
What is love? The ancient Hebrew defines love as an act of giving. The word ahav comes from the root hav - הב = give. The alef א that precedes הב hav modifies the meaning as "I give." Love is simply giving. The first act of love can be witnessed in the book of Genesis.

"In the beginning G-d created the heavens and the earth."

Love is a verb, an action word that creates. Giving of self is the act of true love that looks out for the comfort of others. True love is "other centered." Love is not something you say, love is something you do.

ot אות - "sign" and mofet מופת "marvel"
Extrodinary acts of G-d are alive and well. Signs, wonders, and devine manifestations take us from the natural to the supernatural. Many scholars attempt to down play biblical events that don't fit or conform to what they know as reality or the natural world. Many take complete comfort and security by living their life in a box, knowing and controlling their little space under the sun. However, if they should ever step out side the box, opportunities await that lead to a higher reality that conforms only to G-d's will. Someone once said, "to see the picture clearly, you must step outside the frame." Most who experience signs or marvels are reluctant to share their experience in fear that they will be labeled as crazy or a crackpot. Ironically, the first to throw stones are usually religious or those of the religious community. To those who have received find themself liberated. No longer tied and bound by chains of "faith" but by living and knowing what is, what is certain. To those who have received, there are no limitations and anything and everything is possible.

tseakah - צעקה cry
Tseakah denotes a (cry) for help. The gematria of tseakah is 265. Another Hebrew word that shares the same gematria is (sara סרה)which defines a turning away or apostasy. What commonality exist between the two? It can be very difficult to retain any spiritual identity in the secular world. All must venture out into a society driven by feverent competition with the hope to survive another day, week, or year. It's so easy to find one consumed by the demand and temptations of our world. Sometimes, it’s the many little things that accumulate upon the heart that has the potential to weaken us over an extended period of time. In other instances, it’s that one big sin that binds us and pulls us away from G-d. When we (sara סרה) turn away from G-d, we in essence turn away from everything that matters. We may discover another side of ourselves who is angry, irritable, and alone. Usually, it is a family member or those closest to us, that recognize something is terribly wrong. An invisible spiritual separation from G-d has now given life to a very visible physical disturbance. It is the hope and desire that the heart of the (apostate sara סרה ) will (cry tseakah צעקה ) for help and return to everything that matters.

devekut - דבקות attachment

Although science provided us with modern technology, it is unable to change men's hearts from bad to good. Our ability to known right from wrong is quickly disappearing. Man's greatest enemy is man. If not something miraculous intercedes, there would be no hope for mankind. Yet, there is hope for mankind by means of G-d's anointed, Moshiach!
The door way to the miraculous can be accessed by means of devekut (Hebrew-דבקות.) Devekut is the process where by the mystic cleaves to G-d. G-d is on their mind and heart all the time. There is no time when G-d is not on their mind. All their actions, all their ways is G-d. The Hebrew word for glue is devek דבק which is the root of devekut/attachment. When one attains this spiritual level ALL THINGS BECOME POSSIBLE. This consiousness will enable Moshiach ben David to draw down supernal power.

teffilah - תפלה prayer
The Hebrew word for prayer is teffilah. The word ‘pray’ in Hebrew is ‘pallel’, from the root, פלל meaning ‘to judge oneself.’ This may also mean to fall down or be overtaken (N-P-L). There are four types of prayer: Petitionary, thanksgiving, praise, and seeking forgivenes. Maimonides presents the mitzvah to pray as follows:

"A person should plead in prayer daily, and say the praises of the Holy One, the source of all Blessings, and subsequently request his needs; the things that he presently requires in the form of a plea, and finally, offer praise and thanks to God for all the good that He has already given, each person according to his ability.

Sincere prayer comes from within the hidden secret places of the soul. From within comes confession, thanks, and praise. It is the separation from G-d that makes prayer possible and meaningful. It is not natural for man to be without G-d. Prayer is the bridge that connects us to the Father of every living thing. Prayer is closely linked to the Hebrew דבקות devekut where there is a constant cleaving or attaching oneself to G-d. The Hebrew כונה "kavanah" concentration or intent is most important as well. One must clear their mind of all outside destraction or random thoughts and concentrate on G-d alone.

yadayim shofchot dam-naki ידים שפות דם-נקי

hands that shed innocent blood
Hands [Heb. yadayim] that shed [Heb. shofchot] innocent [Heb. nakee] blood [Heb. dam]. It's important to understand the Hebrew specifies the restriction of shedding "innocent blood." (dam naki) Unfortunately, the shedding of blood may be necessary given the anti social behavior that permeates our world. In order to protect life and guarantee safe and peaceful communities, the military as well as law enforcement officers made be called upon to shed the blood of those who endanger the lives and welfare of the innocent. If we should stand by and allow the criminal element to shed innocent blood, we become accomplices in their criminal act.

kee lo-yee'rahanee ha'adam va' ki כי לא-יראני האדם וחי
no man may see Me and live
To experience life in the flesh is to be removed from G-d. This is a time to refine the soul with the hope to progress to a higher reality. Judaism teaches the soul exists before it enters the body and leaves the body at the moment of death. Only in the flesh can the soul achieve whatever it needs to learn, in order to return to it's source. Perhaps there is a certain task the soul must complete or to rectify a certain sin. At the end of our life G-d makes account of our life's work which will decide our future existence. This all takes place for our benefit to grow and to ultimately reflect the image and likeness of G-d. For most if not all, it may take many lifetimes in order to reach this goal. The time, place, and family we are born into will provide the necessary elements to refine and tune the soul.

Gilgul, Gilgul neshamot or Gilgulei Ha Neshamot (Heb. גלגול הנשמות) refers to the concept of reincarnation, emanating from the Kabbalistic framework within Judaism. In Hebrew, the word gilgul means "cycle" and neshamot is the plural for "souls." Souls are seen to "cycle" through "lives" or "incarnations", being attached to different human bodies over time. Which body they associate with depends on their particular task in the physical world, spiritual levels of the bodies of predecessors and so on. reincarnation

Our imperfect world with all of lifes unfortunate circumstances provides the perfect stage or backdrop to learn and grow. All of of this takes place in the most severe and dark enviroment we call earth.

leib kadash לב חדש - "new heart"
I once heard a Rabbi say, "we all have a dark side." The soul is a complicated composite of wants and desires that rely upon the mind to navigate and control our moral character. Our life can be likened to a puzzle of many pieces. The first piece of the puzzle begins at birth, adding piece by piece as we grow into adulthood. Every aspect of our life is a working component that shapes who we are and what we are to be.

The first few years of life is most important as far as childhood development. Ones early environment will inspire feelings, perceptions, and thoughts that make up permanent pieces of the puzzle. Many wish to forget troubling experiences in their past, yet these also are a pieces of the puzzle that have both negative and positive traits. Much of who we are, we didn't choose, but yet it is. Many who use the Internet to grow in spiritual wisdom also have access to other sites that attract the dark side that we all have within us.

The Hebrew "new heart" literally means renew or more specifically to make ones heart young again. This fits which was previously written in that ones early development lays the foundation that shapes us. The Bible is encouraging us to renew, start over, to become as a child, to make our heart, the seat of motivation young again.

nefesh נפש - soul, I, the self, the living being

The belief in a God would seem to be a natural desire within early man. Yet, where does this mysterious need or drive originate? What is it exactly that pushes us beyond the realm of reality into a world of talking donkeys or water being turn into wine? Why does God remain hidden from man?

Perhaps the answer is very simple, one hides when they wish not to be found. The Hebrew word for conceal or hide is olam עלום. Although perplexing, there is something about man or the human experience where separation from God is temporarily necessary.

If God wished to communicate with man, He would certainly look upon the way man interacts or communicates. Traditionally, it is taught that man is blessed with five senses known as sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. These senses are associated with the body or man's physical nature.

The Bible teaches that man is a soul or the Hebrew, "nefesh." Nefesh is the part of the soul that is connected with the body and physical existence. It is through the nefesh that man is able to appreciate these five senses.

However, the Bible teaches us that God is a spirit or the Hebrew "ruach - רוח." The English definition of ruach or spirit is "wind." The wind is invisible to mans five senses and he is not able to see it. Man was created in a way that God is concealed or invisible to man.