Judaica

Religious arts & crafts Religious arts & crafts allow artisans and crafters the opportunity to showcase the symbols of their faith, and the opportunity to craft an expression of their faith into tangible form. In this manner, religious arts & crafts provide a way for the faithful to proudly acknowledge their beliefs, and profess their love for their god or gods. Religious arts & crafts usually do this by referring to their religion's main textual tenants or predominant symbols. Which religions use arts & crafts to express belief? Religious arts & crafts, as commonly thought of in western society, is concerned primarily with Christianity. For this reason, the common symbols of...

Our Season's Greetings artwork has been provided by Puffy P who creates edgy and humorous properties for licensing, with a specialization in the teen/tween, Latin, and women's markets. You find snowmen, menorahs, snowflakes, Christmas trees, confetti, champagne, and cookies among the greetings! This set contains 25 paintable patterns. With over 1800 available patterns from an ever growing collection of artistic themes, SegPlay® PC will provide you with hours upon hours of painting fun and entertainment. SegPlay® PC Splash Screen With SegPlay® PC as an Art Appreciation teaching tool, students can memorize famous works of art, color by color. Children can truly touch images related to a wide...

It's a familiar story, and I have been through it before, and so have you. In January the Synagogue Personnel Committee told me that they were recommending that the synagogue not renew my contract. I had been here six years, and now they said it was time to go. I could have contested their decision by going public to the entire congregation, but I decided that if my leadership didn't want me anymore to be their Rabbi, that I was leaving. And then came the grief... Why didn't they want me anymore? What had I done, or not done, that displeased them? How had I failed them? Did this mean that I was a "bad" Rabbi? A "bad" person? And even worse, did they finally "find me out" as the imposter I sometimes...

Do you have big dreams in your heart? Are there things you are wanting to do for God? Do you have a great need in your life? Are there obstacles in your way that keep you from achieving what you desire? Then persevere! This week I attended Dave Ramsey's national webinar on America's financial crisis, the Townhall Meeting for Hope. It was excellent, and one of the things that Dave said which was so encouraging is that the number one quality of people who are successful is perseverance. A story in Mark 5:21-34 demonstrates one woman's perseverance in the face of all obstacles to get what she wanted. This story is a great lesson on the power of perseverance:o Know what you want.o Have faith in God.o...

Jesus' initial address at the Synagogue in Nazareth, chronicled in Luke 4:16-30, hall-marked the arrival of His mission to "bring good news to the poor." This essay seeks to focus on this key event and to explore the Lukan focus of the ministry of Jesus, regarding His interaction, concern and works, to the poor, within the Gospel. Strauss (1995) states that it is almost universally accepted that Jesus' first sermon at Nazareth was programmatically significant for the Gospel of Luke. Indeed, all commentators referenced in this essay posit that Luke has a special focus on highlighting the plight of the marginalised, indeed Moyter (1995) declares that the Gospel of John, for instance, shows "no...

Personal appearance and the importance of impeccable presentation seems to have become far less of a concern over the last few years than in former decades. If you go into a church, synagogue, restaurant, office or any formal event you will notice people dress down and don't always put the effort they used to in presenting themselves in a fashionable and professional manner. Years ago, you would not even think twice about walking into a church, synagogue, restaurant, office, or any formal event without dressing your best. I do not consider it an indication of old-fashioned values to insist that how you present yourself is of paramount importance. I don't care what anyone tells you I know that people...

Old Jerusalem is the Old City part of the capital of Israel. Until the mid 1800's it was the whole city known as Jerusalem since King David's reign. The city started to grow outside the walls until today when it is the largest city in Israel. The Old City is sacred to the three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Pilgrims from all over the world visit Jerusalem constantly as part of their Holy Land Trip to visit such special sites like the Temple Mount and the Western Wall for Jews, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians and the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque for Muslims. Since the Six Day War in June 1967, when the city was reunited, all places of worship are open...

One dilemma that a wedding videographer often faces is dim lighting in a church or synagogue. In order to get the best quality wedding video, you need an adequate amount of light, and an experienced wedding videographer will know how to work with any lighting situation. Most churches and synagogues do not allow lighting and many do not even want camera flashes used during the ceremony. Case in point, I was shooting the photography for a wedding in a big, beautiful old church outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The videographer came in and set up two 2000 watt quartz halogen flood lights. Needless to say, it looked like a movie set, wires everywhere, so it was no surprise to me when the priest came...

TB Joshua Predicted Eagles Victory - Coach Amodu The Super Eagles of Nigeria went into the last round of the qualifying matches of the 2010 world cup in South Africa with very thin hope. The team must win the match with Kenya and pray that Mozambique would defeat Tunisia, before any guarantee for a spot at the world cup fiesta. Many had written off the team wishing that Coach Amodu be sacked and relieved of his duties as the chief coach of the team. The team miraculously qualified for the world cup, after defeating Kenya. In what would obviously turn out to be the biggest story of the weekend, the Chief Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Coach Shuaibu Amodu came out to say that prior to the final...

Comparative Study between the Bible versus the Quran (51) - B: The second part (Chapter 51:1-10) The Old Testament verses from 1-10 say that the Israelites outnumbered the Egyptians (See: A: The first part). The New Testament verses from 1-10 are states that Jesus said: I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. The Noble Quran Verses from 1-10 are talking about different subjects, one of them is that the promise of the Afterlife is a true one (see: C: The third part - I and II). ------------ New Testament Chapter 51 in the New Testament is Luke 7;it is composed of 51 verses. Verses from 1-10 are talking about:   When Jesus had finished saying all this in the hearing of the people, he...

In the Hebrew traditions of studying the writings of the Talmud and Torah there are sometimes discrepancies in the ancient text that are open to interpretation. For a member of the synagogue the translation of the scripture may be taken one way and for another scholar the writings may be understood in an entirely different light. Although the Rabbi of the synagogue is the highest authority and may answer questions pertaining to the word of God, there are other references that can be used to gain insight and understanding into the ancient passages of scripture. By reading the summations and inspired thoughts that are provided by the Shulchan Aruch, a person that is concerned about a point of Hebrew...

If the Lord's Day is Sunday, then why is not the Lord's Day the Sabbath? "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet." (Revelation 1:10) John here simply states that he "was in the Spirit on the Lord's day." Although it is true that eventually the term "Lord's day" came to be used for Sunday, no evidence indicates this was the case until about a century after the Book of Revelation was written! In fact, there is likelihood that the term was applied to "Easter" Sunday before it was applied to a weekly Sunday. But the Roman province of Asia, to which the Revelation applies, had no Sunday-Easter tradition, either at the time the Revelation was written or...

A report in Greece's national newspaper, 'Ta Nea' has suggested that the Greek National teams biggest threat to their South African dreams come June is none other than Nigeria's own Pastor TB Joshua... With Greece and Nigeria drawn in the same group for the first ever African World Cup in South Africa, the Greek Press has taken keen interest in the circumstances behind the Super Eagles dramatic qualification. Greek manager Otto Rehhagel, who was at the helm of affairs at their historic European triumph in 2004, is also said to have taken note of the pastor's input in Nigerian football. “The pastor is considered the greatest opponent of Otto Rehhagel in the World Cup of SA, because it appears he is...

This article was written out of love to the holiest city on earth, Jerusalem. Jerusalem combines modern life with tales and wonders spreading thousands of years back in time. It's historical value is priceless and to this day it is the most sacred place to Christianity, Islam and Judaism. If you ever been to Jerusalem you know that there is something in the air. In a way, it feels as if the past was never gone and everywhere you look you see stories, old and new, combined into a magical experience of colorful sights, sounds, smells and exotic tastes that appeal to all your senses. If you are a real-estate lover, this article will provide you with a glimpse into the most desirable districts of...

Many church administrators do not see the need for a church security system. They sometimes feel that a security system does not belong in a church environment and that such a system would convey the wrong message to the parishioners. Unfortunately, violence and theft in churches and synagogues are becoming more and more prevalent in today's world. Church Security does not Have to Convey Distrust A properly installed church security system will not impair the feeling of openness and trust that most congregations wish to convey. Church security is as much about awareness and being prepared for the unexpected as it is about intrusive video surveillance and intrusion detection equipment. There are many...

Are you prepared to face unjust and unfair treatment? This is never nice but it is more real than you think, and more common than we are sometimes aware, and when we are confronted with such behaviour we can be slow to confess and admit that such a thing actually happened to one of us. Being open to speak of what people said and did can be a necessary part of the healing process. Turn with me to the New Testament book of Acts and Chapter 18. This quite dynamic and powerful man of God, Paul, is in the seaport of Corinth. The situation has become potentially explosive. When Paul preached Jesus Christ in the Jewish synagogue, there arose a strong reaction and violent opposition. Some, who came...

TB JOSHUA SPEAKS AS EMMANUEL TV’S CARGO PLANE LANDS IN QUAKE RAVAGED HAITI. In the wake of the recent devastating earthquake which descended on the nation of Haiti, there has been outcry from the world for people and nations to reach out to the affected areas of the country with relief materials which could help alleviate the sufferings of the people of Haiti. A large number of organisations, governments and individuals alike have been quick to respond to this call by sending in their donations in cash to help the people of the nation of Haiti. The humanitarian crisis that the people and nation of Haiti have to come to terms with has become clearer to the world with the commentaries of the media...

SID : hello, Sid Roth here with Jordan and Michelle Cook. Jordan was given a gift from God. But you know what, Michelle? I suspect it was regarded as having a lot to do with what you did when you were pregnant with Jordan. What did you do? MICHELLE : I played music and prayed for the baby all the time, every day. Each single day I wanted her to be besieged with worship music. SID : You know what's so superb, for those that have maybe tuned in for the 1st time, is Jordan has a mystical gift of painting that is auspicious. You said that you told your mom that you want to be on It's supernatural. JORDAN : You called us, and I got to be on here. Wahoo! ( laughter ) I'm wondering if you would let me know...

This year to celebrate Purim, try sending out some free e-cards to friends and family. E-cards sure will brighten up someone's day. According to the Book of Esther, the Persian king Ahasuerus was scorned by his wife, so he ordered all the most beautiful young ladies of the capital city Shushan to be brought to his court to pick a new bride from among them. He selected a girl named Esther, whose uncle Mordechai had warned her not to identify herself as a Jew, to be his Queen. With Esther isolated from her family, Mordechai would spend time each day in front of the palace gate to hear word of his beloved niece. As a result, he overheard two of the royal guards discussing a plot to murder the king and...

Carlos Abadi is an investment banker out of New York who focuses his talents especially on Latin American countries like Ecuador. He resides on the Boards of two important entities, while holding down the position of president for Abadi& Co. Carlos Abadi comes from a long line of philanthropists and carries on this family tradition by supporting charities important to him and being active in his synagogue and community. CarlosAbadi: The Financier Carlos Abadi is currently the president of the well-known international financial firm Abadi& Co. This financial firm specializes on emerging markets and is firmly established in the financial market as one of the oldest financial companies still in...

The Bat Mitzvah is the celebration of a girl becoming a woman. This is usually set on or near her thirteenth birthday as it is for the boys, although the Bat Mitzvah is also held by some on the young girls twelfth birthday because girls tend to mature faster than boys. After she turns thirteen she is expected to be morally responsible for her actions as a young adult. It's kind of like the spiritual 'age of reason' for Jewish children. Before the girl turns thirteen she may be taught about the synagogue and torah and will be encouraged to follow the Ten Commandments, but when she reaches that age she will be expected to follow the tenants set forth by the Ten Commandments. Bat Mitzvah means...

Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky, the most popular known name in the cantorial world and concert stage. Born in Liverpool, England Benny was born in Liverpool, England and began his singing career at an early age.  He joined as a soloist with the then world-renowned Cantor Johnny Gluck. It was Gluck who spotted the talent in him and took him to strides to pursue cantorial singing.  As Benny grew up he learned the trick of singing and that finally led to his adopting spiritual path. Armed with Master Degree in Music from Royal Manchester School of Music and Art, he was so much in love for music that he went on to pursued his career in it.  Benny Rogosnitzky had held concert at High Holiday Services at the...

If you're getting ready to celebrate a Bar Mitzvah, then now is the time to begin reviewing some of those etiquette issues associated with the big event. While some of these concepts may be familiar territory, most of them should be reviewed before you send out Bar Mitzvah Invitations Cards to everyone you know. Plus, you may need to know the information to help your other guests. Mitzvah Party 101 The purpose behind those bar mitzvah cards or bat mitzvah invitations may be common knowledge to you but it may not be so clear to some of your guests. You may want to explain to them that this event can best be classified as a rite of passage. Jewish boys and girls embark on this journey when they turn...

A kipa (pronounced KEE-pah) is a head covering. The plural is kipot (kee-POT, rhymes with "boat"). In Yiddish it is called a yarmulka (YAH-mih-kuh; note that the pronunciation does not resemble the English spelling). Kipot are available in many different sizes, shapes, materials, colors, and patterns. A covered head was the mark of a servant in ancient times. So wearing a kipa can signify that you are taking upon yourself the role of a servant, dedicating your Self to something beyond your own self; or it can just be a ritualistic way to remain conscious of all the associated values and behaviors; or it can just be an act of solidarity, belonging, and participation; or it can be just politeness...

Walking around Coptic or Old Cairo is an experience of being transplanted in time. Once known as the Roman stronghold of Babylon, Coptic Cairo is the oldest part of the city. The earliest settlement here dates back to the 6th century BC, where later the Romans built the fortress of Babylon. After the spread of Christianity in Egypt, Coptic Cairo became a Christian stronghold, where over 20 churches were built in an area of just 1 square mile - of these, five remain. Today, churches, monasteries, convents and even a synagogue dot the area, all predating modern Cairo. The word "Copt" taken from the ancient Egyptian word Ha Kaptah was one of the names for ancient Memphis, one of the capitals of Egypt...

The Jewish funeral services vary slightly depending on the distinct branches of Orthodox, Traditional, and Reformed. In general, the funeral service ceremony is clearly the starting point amazingly, instead of the ending of ceremonies. The Jewish memorial services are frankly simply roughly 20 minutes in time-span. The actual service consists of memorial service prayers that honor your life as well as articulate the lifespan of the dearly departed. Jewish family members normally favor that a donation be presented in lieu of flowers. An observance timeframe follows meant for thirty days soon after the service which often the bereaved resume their normal day-to-day activities, say specified prayers...

There are many times in your life when you might be afraid. You might be afraid of loosing your job, or of not having a job, or becoming sick. You might be afraid you won't be able to pay your bills. You might be afraid for your children, their health and well being. You know Job, in the Bible was a lot like that. Job was a good man who loved the Lord with all his heart. Living Bible Job 1:1: There lived in the land of Uz a man named Job--a goodman who feared God and stayed away from evil. Job had a problem, he was afraid all the time; he worried and feared all the time. He worried about everything including his children. He was afraid they would sin and curse God, he offered sacrifices all the...

One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully. And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy. And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?" But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away. And he said to them, "Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?" And they could not reply to these things. It's the Sabbath again and Jesus is doing what he does best - teaching, healing, and getting Himself into trouble! It's a marvelous story that contains all the elements that we...

I wanted to reflect a little on an infamous moment for many a person who has entered a modern synagogue. Picture it. You're in a strange town for the weekend, and you decide to go to Shabbat (Sabbath) services at a local synagogue. You step inside, nervously pick up a prayer book and take a random seat. Lots of people are chatting. Although nobody is being rude to you, no one is really going out of their way to greet you either. Things get started. Everybody starts to pray. You join them. And finally someone comes over to talk to you. Finally someone wishes to greet the new person. They tap you on the shoulder, look you in the eyes, and with pure devotion to our Creator in Heaven say: "Excuse me...

1. YOU MUST SEE ALL MEMBERS FACE TO FACE: DON'T SOLICIT ON THE PHONE Our aim is to produce a significant change in the member's attitudes and actions. That is not easy to accomplish. It takes a lot more than a phone call; it requires a two-on-one, face-to-face meeting. Use the telephone only to make an appointment to see someone personally. 2. WHEN AND WHERE YOU MEET IS IMPORTANT Try to make the meeting place on neutral ground, with plenty of time to talk things over. A leisurely meeting over the lunch table-any place where you come together on equal terms-is best. A hurried appointment at the office is worst. The discussion will be subject to interruptions. 3. GO IN PREPARED: KNOW HOW MUCH TO...

The spiritual needs of people continue to increase as economic, family, and larger world issues add stress to their lives. Many churches, synagogues, and mosques are looking for dedicated leaders to help their congregations and develop their faith and relationship with God. In fact, the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the number of jobs for clergy members will increase between 7 percent to 13 percent by the year 2018. Most people who are interested in a career as a clergy member feel God is calling them to this vocation. For others, it starts as a deep desire to help others. However your interest started, there is no denying there is a need for you. The Job Description A clergy member's job...

All of you who have read my articles on "Theology and Theologians or Bible Intellectualism and Bible Intellectuals" will know my views and be aware of the compelling evidence I have gathered that proves them to be next to useless when it comes to matters Holy Spiritual and Biblical. If you have not read them I thoroughly recommend them to you now for, without the knowledge contained therein you are, and will always be, vulnerable to their deceitful and deceptive ways. All the articles are here, on EzineArticles. Make no mistake these so called experts will lead you astray if you give them, not even, half a chance. Back to the title question; well did he? Did Paul 'reason' with the Jews in the...

If you are planning an upcoming bar mitzvah it is a good time to be sure you are up to date on the proper etiquette associated with the occasion. While some of them may be familiar, they should all be taken into account before you create and send the invitations out to all the guests. Also it is good information to know to help some of your guests who have never been to a bar mitzvah. Bar mitzvah invitations are used to invite guest to the celebration of the rite of passage of a Jewish thirteen year old child that signifies the beginning of their journey into adulthood. Although, the actual date of the bar mitzvah is up to the amount of time it takes the child to complete their religious training...

Hanukkah is an eight- day celebration during December that begins on Kislev. There are many different types of foods you may find on the menu during these eight days. Here are just a few: Menus may include Flaming Tea, Sweet Italian Bolo, Gingerbread house, Menorah Cake, Turkish Nut Cake, and Chicken for a main meal. Most of the menu items will be fried, whether they're sweet or savory. For fried chicken you will need 1 chicken or 4 chicken breasts. You will also need 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 eggs, one lemon, ground pepper and salt. You will also need flour. You take the chicken and pour the lemon juice, oil and salt and pepper over the chicken. You will then beat the eggs. You will coat...

You may have seen chocolate coins in bright gold and silver colored wrappers in the stores around mid-winter. Unless you're Jewish, you might not have known what these coins were for. While they're simply a tasty treat for the rest of us, these coins are a part of the Hanukkah celebration for Jews - they're called gelt, which is Yiddish for money. Gelt is often given out to children to help them enjoy the holiday. Sometimes the gelt is in the form of real coins - the equivalent of stocking stuffers - and larger gifts of money from grandparents. Gelt given in Israel is called dmei Hanukkah. In addition, those who visit Hasidic Rebbes during the season may receive coins, as a blessing. However, there...

In the United States, Thanksgiving kicks off the official holiday season. Traditionally, it is celebrated with family. Family members get together and have a meal of traditional Thanksgiving foods. These foods include things such as turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and warm pumpkin pie. Besides all the great food, it is also a time to give thanks for everything good that has happened throughout the year, and gives us a good chance to show appreciation for those who support us. As you can see, Thanksgiving allows for some wonderful emotional warmth just when the weather is starting to turn cold. Many people get the day off work, and can use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to forget...

There are numerous Jewish homes that put a Mezuzah on every door both inside and on the outside entrances and exits, while some homes only display a Mezuzah on the outside entrances. A Mezuzah has many defined steps that have to be followed as per the religious Jewish Laws on how to protect the 'Halacha', which is the Mezuzah scroll. There are Jewish Laws on how to position the Mezuzah, the doorways of where to locate the Mezuzah, and how often to check the Mezuzah. The silver Mezuzahs are purely hand-crafted oblong cases styled in many designs and Mezuzah covers do need special care. There are other materials which are used to handcraft a Mezuzah besides silver. A Mezuzah is a beautiful handmade...

As with every party revolving around Hanukkah, Menorah and candles are a vital part of the celebration. By beginning the party with candle-lighting, you will be able to set the proper atmosphere for the event. Dreidels are also commonly used as party games for Hanukkah. This game is a spinning contest where a four sided top is spun and depending on which way it lands, the spinner will gain or loose their gambling chips. The chips can be a variety of different things so think of the kids when deciding. Chocolate covered raisins seem to be a popular choice because they serve a dual purpose, treat and game piece. Consolation prizes also help to soothe the appetite of the non-winner. It is...

New babies are exciting news any time of year, but holiday babies provide ample opportunities to combine holiday photo cards with birth announcements. While many holiday photo cards feature family portraits, holiday baby announcements are extra special as they lend themselves to particularly charming ensembles of newborn and holiday cheer. Creating a personalized birth announcement may seem intimidating to those who are creatively challenged. However, the templates, customization options, and color schemes available from high quality providers make it easy, and combining your design with a variety of pictures can create photo cards that everyone will want to receive. For example, while spring is...

Chanukah is one of the English spellings for the word Hanukkah, which is a traditional Jewish holiday celebrated in Kislev (December/January). It is also known as the Festival of Lights, and celebrates the miracle that occurred upon the victory of the Maccabees against Syrian invaders, when a single days ration of oil kept the Menorah burning for eight days. The following are traditional Chanukah games. Dreidel Game A dreidel is a four sided top of Jewish origin. Each side has a Hebrew letter: Nun, gimel, hay, and shin, which is an acronym for ""A great miracle happened there."" The dreidel is a game played by children during the eight days in which Hanukkah is celebrated. Divide into groups of...

I have proven to myself, most prayerfully, that the Philadelphia Church of God is the most unique of all the groups who've distanced themselves from the Worldwide Church of God's devious doctrinal changes. Only Malachi's Message clearly speaks with AUTHORITY and not "like the scribes" (Matt. 7:29). I've listened carefully for THE Voice of the Shepherd, hearing what the Spirit says to God's Church today, checking out everything with the Bible and what Mr. Armstrong faithfully taught us (John 10:3; Rev. 3:22; 2 Thess. 2:15). Of course, there are those who claim to follow the traditions we've been schooled in, yet they've refused to humble themselves and submit to the fact that JESUS CHRIST had already...

Do a lot with a little The zodiac symbol for the month of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar is an archer, what Western astrology calls Sagittarius. An archer uses a bow, a simple tool that lets the archer send an arrow farther and faster than he could with his bare hands. He uses "leverage", like the power inherent in the month. Pulling the string puts tension in the wood, when released moves to the string which sends the arrow flying. It does not take much strength to use a bow and arrow. We are presently in the month of Kislev which includes the holiday of Chanukah towards the end. As a reminder, the Jewish/Kabbalah calendar follows the lunar cycle to define the start and finish of each of the twelve...

There are seven distinct Spirits of God. Each has Her own name and sphere of influence, but all always act together to produce the very character and nature of God Himself. Here we will consider some of the symbols used to represent the Seven Spirits of God. Some of the non-specific symbols of the Seven Spirits of God include: the seven -branched menorah (Exodus 25:31-40), the seven eyes on the rock (Zechariah 3:9) and on the Lamb (Revelation 5:6), the seven lamp stands (Revelation 1:12), the seven stars (Revelation 1:20), the seven horns on the Lamb (Revelation 5:6), and the seven thunders (Revelation 10:3). Even though each of these symbols represent the Seven Spirits of God collectively, we...

CANDLES DANCE ON THEIR MENORAH Candles dance on their menorah, Happy to be burning bright! All the children dance the hora, Nimbly leaping with delight Understand the miracle Kindled by a match that sings, A cantor with his canticle, Here to give the moment wings. CAN ANYONE EXPLAIN THE GLOW OF CHRISTMAS Can anyone explain the glow of Christmas? Holidays are candles in the night. Rebirth comes from family and friends In one bright blur of food and talk that ends Still burning as a peaceful inner light. There is no way to substitute for Christmas. Miss it and no circumstance feels right. All my heart's with you, yet I must miss this Season thick with love and rich delight. YOU'RE LIKE MUSIC PLAYING...

Mommy, can we get a Christmas tree? Asked me my then-4 year old son. Seemingly a simple question, but I've been dreading it since my son was born. I was born and raised in Israel. As a kid, I used to watch on TV the Christians arriving at their churches in Jerusalem and Bethlehem for services. That was the only exposure to Christians I had in Israel. No Christmas tree, no presents, no Santa Clause... when I came to the US in my early twenties, I was astonished and amazed as I went through the Holiday season. Nothing I had known before had prepared me for it. The constant flow of chocolates and cookies at the insurance company I used to work for, the shopping craze, the parties, the colorful displays...

I am happy to be a conduit through whom he relays this information to the world because it will help Christians to recognize the quiet voices of the Two Witnesses in our blaring media world. THE MARK, YOUR KEY OF PROPHECY & THE DOOR TO HEAVEN The Identity of the Mark of the Beast is the single most important piece of prophetic information you will ever possess. If you do not know what the Mark is, you are locked out of prophecy. Here is an illustration. The Books of Daniel and Revelation are like rows of rooms. There are doors between the rooms. The doors are locked (Revelation 5:4). The Mark of the Beast is the key that unlocks the first door to the first room. It is not 666. The door will not...

Chanukah's here! As you get ready to celebrate the miracle of this holiday, take a short trivia quiz. How much do you know about this festival of lights? Chanukkah Trivia Game 1. What other name is traditionally known by? (Answer: the festival of lights) 2. What is the miracle of the eight nights and days of Hanukkah? (Answer: The oil in the temple burned for eight days) 3. The story of Chanukah is a time for Jews to celebrate what? (Answer: Religious freedom - the story of Chanukkah tells of the Jews who were persecuted for many years by the Greco-Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes. Antiochus forced them to worship Greek gods instead of practicing their own Judaism.) 4. What was the name of the small...

Two controversial figures, referred to in the Book of Revelation as two witnesses, two olive trees, two candlesticks and two prophets, will boldly declare GOD'S JUDGMENTS and proclaim the LORD'S CONTROVERSY (Micah 3:8; 6:1-2), delivering a BLISTERING MESSAGE and a SCORCHING CONDEMNATION - just before NUCLEAR FIRE AND BRIMSTONE RAINS DOWN upon those who've rejected GOD'S ULTIMATUM (Isaiah 41:27; 30:27)! The wise will hear this THUNDER and take shelter (Revelation 10; Proverbs 27:12). It's been said that history repeats itself because nobody listened the first time. Who's listening today? Does anybody care? THE MESSAGE IS LOUD AND CLEAR! Another HOLOCAUST is coming! That warning must roar from...

Hanukkah is also known as the Festival of Lights and Hanukkah history is based around the eternal light that burned for eight days. This alone gives plenty of Hanukkah party ideas and Hanukkah decorations should traditionally be based around lights. When Hanukkah party planning you should consider tea lights, fairy lights and just about any other form of lighting you can think of, but always consider safety before appearance. A thousand tea lights can be very dangerous when revelers are really in the party spirit. Of all the Hanukkah party games you have to include Dreidel, which is a toy similar to a spinning top. You can easily find a way to incorporate Hanukkah party favors into this and give...