May 28, 2009
Posted on May 28, 2009 in Miscellaneous | 0 comments
Aaron Eby suggested that I live blog from the conference (today would be the only day, since the rest of the week will be holy days), so I thought I would give it a small attempt…
Currently, I am sitting & listening to Joseph Good teach his second session on the Temple. He recently recovered from technical difficulties (thanks to Jeremy & Joel) and is back on track. He is speaking about the specifications of the Monumental Stairway & showing photos from the 1800s to present of the area.
May 28, 2009
Posted on May 28, 2009 in Shavuot | 0 comments
Again, this year, we are spending Shavuot with FFOZ at their Shavuot Conference in Hudson, WI. We got in just a couple of hours before sessions began last night and were in a whirlwind to get settled before the first session.
The theme for this year’s conference is the Beit HaMikdash (The Temple). Boaz Michael opened up the conference with a discussion of the significance of Psalm 84 in relationship to the Temple as a segue into the next session, lead by Joseph Good of Hatikva Ministries. Mr. Good will be leading the bulk of all of the sessions this year, as his knowledge of the Temple is encyclopedic. His past and current work with the Temple Institute are a testimony of his extensive knowledge on the subject. (On a side note, he mentioned last night that he was going to have to go next week to tell the constituents of the Temple Institute that their placement of the new bronze Laver is incorrect. Do you know anyone else respected enough in this area to be able to do that? Wow…)
Mr. Good gave us roughly a two-hour introductory session last night an an orientation to the minute details involved in Temple Research. I was fortunate to meet a few people from Mr. Good’s congregation a few years ago, and their description for listening to his teaching is probably the best I have heard. They said it’s like drinking from a fire hydrant. This is definitely the case. At the end of the session last night he asked, “Does anyone have any questions?” to which the response was a hearty round of laughter. We all knew that there was no time to ask all of the questions that were necessary and we would just have to make due and try to take as many notes as possible.
Lastly, I am also looking forward to hearing another speaker which I haven’t heard in a while. Grant Luton, from Akron, OH, is scheduled to speak as well this weekend. My family and I were privileged to spend time with his family and congregation a few years back and enjoyed ourselves immensely. We look forward to this time as well. I’ll try to keep you posted here and there. Blessings!
Apr 21, 2009
Posted on Apr 21, 2009 in Pirkei Avot, Shavuot | 0 comments
As we’re counting the omer in anticipation of Shavuot, it is traditional to study Pirkei Avot each week. If you don’t have a copy of it, you can study it online for free at my other site where I plan on making more texts like these available.
Study Pirkei Avot here.
Apr 21, 2009
Posted on Apr 21, 2009 in Personal | 0 comments
This past week was an emotional roller coaster. We had the sudden & unexpected passing of a loved one, the birth of a nephew and a bar mitzvah all within just a few days. These are the times I am thankful for family & friends. Thank you to everyone who has sent their condolences by email or through Facebook (btw – if you’re on Facebook, please look me up). Although the death was difficult, I believe this may be a catalyst to bring about some long term fruit for the glory of the Father. I’ll try to post photos of my new nephew and of the bar mitzvah later today or tomorrow. Blessings & thanks for your prayers…
Apr 14, 2009
Posted on Apr 14, 2009 in Minhag, Pesach, Yeshua | 0 comments
Quick post…
Last year we enjoyed our first “Moshiach’s Seudah” which is basically a mini-seder that revolves around the telling of stories about Messiah. This is a fairly recent tradition, done mostly in chassidic circles. I don’t have time to post details, but we had a great time last year and are planning on it this year as well. We used both rabbinic lore and narratives from the Gospels. I loved it when my then 3-year-old’s eyes got as big as saucers as I dramatically told the story of Yeshua walking on the water to meet his talmidim. Here are a couple of resources:
http://www.sichosinenglish.org/books/days-of-destiny/24.htm#n1
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/151041/jewish/The-Eighth-Day-of-Pesach-The-Feast-of-Mashiach.htm
