The Black Woman's Prayers

Shalom:

"Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe,
Who has made me according to His will."
(Part of the morning prayers)

On this day, I would like to honour the jewel in our crown, the heartbreak of every black family, the silence strength of our nation.

The Black Woman. Our Mothers, Sisters, Aunts. Our Soul.

One of the reasons I believe that we as a people have survived is because of the Black Woman.

She has stood tall and strong as a queen next to her king.

When dragging from her homeland in chains, she held in her heart, in her soul of the stories of home, the lessons learned at the knee of her mother.

She has worked the cotton fields beside her man, cared for the Big House and willed not to roll up into a ball a die when her man was stole to pay the Master's debt or see her Mistress hand her newborn baby to a relative as a birthday present.

And yet in the midnight hour she prayed. She prayed for freedom; for herself, for her man and children, for her people.

She taught her children to pray, to seek the face of their Creator, knowing it was not He that commanded their enslavement, but another. She gave them hope for a better day.

She passed that hope to her daughter, the daughter would past that hope on to her daughter and so it would go.

Until we were free.

But the Black Woman didn't stop praying.

On her knees while scrubbing other woman's floor, she prayed. While nursing another woman's child, she prayed. Working in another woman's kitchen, she prayed. She prayed for her husband to get that and keep that job. She prayed her children would be good in school and learn their lessons well. So that when her daughter grows up, the only floor she would scrub would be her own. That the only her son would open, would be the woman leading to his house.

Black Women prayed during times of war and peace. During good times and bad.

Black Women went from being maids and cooks to teachers, doctors and lawyer. Preachers, dancers and singers. Many would go to into business for themselves.

And many would chose to stay home and raise their children, create a peaceful, nurturing home.

The Black Woman's Prayers.

Prayers whisper next to a bedside, while sweeping a floor or nursing a baby.

The prayers of all women have been the force, the power, the strength of the family.

We who are alive today are the answers to those prayers utter in slavery.

May we each live our lives in a matter that makes our mothers pround.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Boker Tov;


Upon waking up, we offer the following:

מודה אני לפניך מלך חי וקיים שהחזרת בי נשמתי בחמלה, רבה אמונתך.‏

Transliteration: Modeh ani lifanekha melekh hai v'kayam shehehezarta bi nishmahti b'hemla, raba emunatekha.
Translation: "I give thanks before You, Living and Eternal King, that You have returned within me my soul with compassion; Great abundant is Your faithfulness!"

I love this blessing. How often we take for granted waking up in the morning. G-d, in His mercy allows our eyes to open. He allows the breath in our body to flow and out of our mouths we praise Him.
I remember for the longest time, opening my eyes and uttering the words; "good L-rd, it's morning."
But many years ago, when I found this blessing, I remember my grandmother Callie would utter her breath these words of thanks, words she heard her father, Samuel Mixon utter.
I remember when Aries and I lived with my mother for a time, I could hear mummie as she would give up, hearing her slide from her bed to her knees to pray, to give thanks for a new day and for His guidance.
I used to pray; "L-rd, give me a good day. But one morning, I felt Him whisper, "How about just walking with Me today, and let Me guide You." And after all these years, it is still a joy to see where He will lead me.

Shortly after we were married, Mark and I bucked down and really worked on learning these blessings, holy words that have been the life breath of our people. It was during this time I remembered the sweet morning blessing.
During my depression, I forgot those blessings. All I could do was sit and stare into space. Or sit and cry. That's when it is truly a blessing to have a praying husband.
But I also knew G-d could understand the language of my tears.
And then He brought Montague into our lives.

I remember uttering the words, "Thank you, Father for this precious little furball." The G-d of Creation, made this little bundle of furry love and gave him to me. To teach me once again to give thanks. Just those few little words and a doggie's kiss broke the dam.
So once again, when I awake, I give thanks to The Holy One for allowing me this day, a day that holds its own surprises.
As I prepare to take my little guy out for his morning walk, I give thanks. I give that for my health, for my beloved husband, for Montague and for the sunny day I am about go and enjoy.
And I give thanks that my Heavenly Father with be walking with us.

Ladies Who Sang the Blues

Those who have gone before us, set the sample of how they overcame, going us the courage to do the same.
Laini
halom:
They had grace and pose. Class and style, even as they grew older.
They have been none these ladies since:

Miss Pearl Baily. Born March 29, 1918. Died August 17, 1990. A tall, handsome woman, her low, smokey voice always reminded me of my Aunt Lola. Miss. Baily was the lady who  flamed my interest in the Theatre.
Her father Joseph was a minister and her mother was named Ella Mae. Her given name was Pearly Mae but her parents anticipated she would be a boy and when a girl was born she was nicknamed "Dickie". Her brother was entertainer Bill Bailey.
 Miss Bailey spent her early life in Washington DC where she received her early education. She frequently appeared in the Old Howard theatre in downtown Washington. As a young woman she toured the Pennsylvania mining towns as a dancer and later as a singer in Vaudeville. She starred in the film St. Louis Blues opposite Nat King Cole, which was the biography of W.C. Handy. Her greatest theatre role was in the Broadway musical "Hello Dolly".
A very talented woman, Miss Bailey was a composer, singer and songwriter as well as a dancer. I remember her voice as being delicious smooth, dark and deep, like chocolate.

Miss Lena Horn. Born: June 30,1917 in Brooklyn, New York. Died May 9, 2010. Best known for the jazz ballad, "Stormy Weather.
Miss Horn was a pioneer among African-American performers.  Lena Horne's talent and beauty began to cause cracks the race barrier in Hollywood in the 1940s. A smooth singer of blues and jazz ballads, Miss Horne appeared onstage in Harlem when she was just 14 years old. By age 16 she was singing in the famous Cotton Club. Soon she made her way into films, starring in the popular 1943 musicals Stormy Weather and Cabin in the Sky. In later years she sang in clubs and was a steady presence on TV and radio. Horne's active career spanned six decades, and in 1989 she was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In one episode of the Cosby Show, Lena Horn played herself. Life long fan of Lena Horn, Clare gave her to her husband Cliff, a front front seat to see Miss Horn perform.
Janet Jackson had been picked to play the role of Miss Horn in a 2004 movie. But after Miss Jackson flashed her near naked breast during the half-time show of the Super Bowl, Miss barred Janet from taking the part.

Miss Ethel Waters. Born 31, 1896. Died
 Known as "sweet mama stringbean," Ethel was the child of a teenage rape victim and grew up in the slums of Philadelphia and neighbouring cities, seldom living anywhere for more than a few weeks at a time.
"No one raised me, " she once said. "I just ran wild."
Miss Waters not only excel at taking care of after herself, but found a career in singing and dancing; she began performing at church functions, and as a teenager was locally renowned for her "hip shimmy shake".
 In 1917 she made her debut on the black vaudeville circuit. She was billed as "Sweet Mama Stringbean" for her tall, lithe build. Her rendition of "St. Louis Blues", which Waters performed in a softer and subtler style than her rivals, Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith. Beginning with her appearances in Harlem nightclubs in the late 1920s, then on the lucrative "white time" vaudeville circuit, she became one of America's most celebrated and highest-paid entertainers.
 At the Cotton Club, she introduced "Stormy Weather", composed for her by  Harold Arlen. She wrote of her performance, "I was singing the story of my misery and confusion, the story of the wrongs and outrages done to me by people I had loved and trusted".
 Impressed, Irving Berlin Irving wrote "Supper Time", a song about a lynching, for Waters to perform in a  Broadway revue.
Miss Waters became the first African-American star of a national radio show. In middle age, first on  Broadway and then in the movies, she successfully recast herself as a dramatic actress.
I remember Ethel Waters in her later years as the "singing evangelist" for the Billy Graham. In a book written about her life, I learned that Miss Waters was a devoutly religious. well-known for being difficult to get along with. During the years of 1992-to 1997, I was the church librarian for my former church. After reading Miss Water's life story in 1992, I began to feature the stories of black Christians during Black History Month.
Each of these women were trail blazers. Today's actresses and performers have these ladies as well as others who know the walls and made the way for them.

How The Torah Scroll is Created Part 2

Shalom:
Next is the quill.

The scribe writes with a feather pen or reed pen, filling its tip from the ink. An iron pen is not use for two reasons:
1. There is a good chance the pen may puncture the parchment.
2. Iron is often used to make weapons of death and destruction, both of which oppose the intent of the Torah, which is life.

The letters of a Torah scroll are written in the "Assyrian" script. The various scripts or fonts in which we see  Hebrew commonly written or printed are not valid. The lines must be perfectly straight and even.  There are numerous laws detail the precise figure of each letter, and if even one letter is missing, even merely cracked or smudged, the entire Torah scroll is not kosher A printed Torah scroll, even if its letters conform to the required form, is not valid.It must me hand written.
Because the Torah scroll embodies the holiness of its message, the scribe's  focus exclusively on its pure text.  Any illustrations or artistic decorations are forbidden.

The Scribe. To become a scribe requires rigorous study and training-and great skill. Certainly, a person who has not carefully studied the laws pertaining to composing a Torah scroll cannot be a scribe. Above all,  the scribe must be a G-d-fearing and pious person, dedicated to the sanctity of the Torah scroll. If the scribe isn't G-d fearing and pious, like an unkosher parchment, the Torah Scroll is deemed unkosher.
The scribe may not rely on his memory.  He must copy the letters, word by word, from a kosher Torah scroll or a copy of a certified Kosher scroll.  Interesting, a right-handed scribe writes only with his right hand; a left-handed scribe, only with his left hand.
Since the  Names of G-d is  contained on the Torah, the scribe must write with utmost purity and devotion. It is customary that the scribe immerse himself in a Mikvah (ritual pool) before beginning his work. He also recites a blessing at the outset of his work and before each time he writes the Name of G-d.
The following is from the Chabad Site;

The Atzei Chayim

(Hebrew, pl., trees of life; sing., aitz chayim) The atzei chayim are the two wooden shafts attached to either end of the Torah.

The Gartel

(Yiddish, belt) The gartel is the sash used to tie the Torah scroll so that the Torah remains closed and secured under its velvet covering. When a Torah scroll is found to be non-kosher (e.g., a letter has faded) and awaits correction, its gartel is tied around its velvet covering, on the outside, as an ostensible reminder that it is out of commission.

The Mantel

(Yiddish, cloak) A valuable treasure is not left exposed and vulnerable. We cover the Torah scroll with multiple coverings, dressing it in a "cloak" before restoring it to its honourable place in the Ark and drawing the curtain. The mantel is an ornate covering that both protects and beautifies the Torah scroll, typically made of velvet and embroidered with golden thread, silk, and ornamental beads. Note; it is NOT called a foreskin.

The Keter

(Hebrew, crown) The Torah is our most precious possession, and we lovingly display that. We adorn it with a crown, typically silver, as a symbol of our endearment and veneration. The keter rests on the wooden shafts, which extend above the scroll.

The Yad

(Hebrew, hand) The yad is the pointer that the reader of the Torah uses to help others follow the written words as he reads. Usually made of silver, the end of this rod is commonly shaped like a hand with its index finger extended. A chain attached to its other end can be used to drape it over the Torah scroll when put away.

I first became interested in the construction of the Torah Scroll several years ago, when I thought it would be cool embroider Torah. I knew there were many laws surrounding the Torah and I didn't wish to do anything deemed unkosher.
It was in my research that what I had in mind would not be considered a kosher Torah. Oh I cane still do it, if I wish. But like a printed scroll, it would be invalid.
I still might do it, just for my own sense of touching the Divine, of feeling each letter of the Torah, making this Torah uniquely mine.

 

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How the Torah Scroll is Created

Shalom:
In my series about the Torah, I decided to add an entry of how a Torah Scroll is created.
I say created because if you have ever seen a Torah Scroll, it is a thing of beauty, a piece of Art that rivals the world's greatest artists.
Mark says this is one of the reasons why the Torah Scroll is called 'She"; because of Her beauty.

To create an authentic Torah scroll is a mind-boggling masterpiece of labour, time and skill. Made up of  between 62 and 84 parchment sheets (usually cow skin) which have been-cured, tanned, scraped and prepared according to exacting Torah law specifications. Containing exactly 304,805 letters, the resulting handwritten scroll takes almost year, or a litter more, to complete. An expert pious scribe carefully inks each letter with a feather quill, under the intricate calligraphic guidelines of Ktav Ashurit (Ashurite Script). The sheets of parchment are then sewn together with sinews to form one long scroll. While most Torah scrolls stand around two feet in height and weigh 20-25 pounds, some are huge and quite heavy, while others are doll-sized and lightweight.

A Torah scroll may only be written on parchment from the skin of a kosher animal, usually a cow skin. However, the animal need not necessarily be slaughtered in a ritually acceptable manner. As long as the species is kosher, the parchment may be used for a Torah scroll.
Interestingly enough, a Rabbi once told me that the skin of fish cannot be used to make a Torah scroll. The reason is fish skin exudes an unpleasant odour. And since the parchment is to be used for a holy object, the parchment must be prepared with that in mind.
Therefore, a Jew must carry out or, at the very least, assist in this task. A Torah Scroll written on unkosher skin, and/or written by an non-Jew is not considered kosher.
The scribe first  must mark off the lines on the parchment with slight grooves. The utensil used for this purpose may not leave any colouring on the parchment. It is preferable that this marking, too, be carried out with the intent to write a Torah scroll.

Only black ink is acceptable. Ink of any other colour is not kosher for a Torah scroll.
In biblical times, the ink used for writing a Torah scroll was made by boiling oils, tar and wax,  then collecting the vapours. Afterwards, that mixture would be combined with tree sap and honey, and then dried out and stored. Before its use, it would be mixed with gall-nut juice.
Today, the scribes prepare ink using gall-nut juice and gum. The black colour is achieved by adding various tints.
 I still like the idea of honey being used in the making of ink, however.(Thy Word is sweet).

Time in A Bottle

Shalom:

Sometime in the early morning, I had a dream, one that has remain with me like the scent of fresh cut roses.
In my dream, I was looking for packing time. I heard my mother suggest I look in the basement. So, I went outside our building and headed for the basement.
But it wasn't the basement of my apartment building. Well lit and clean. And a staircase led to a door that was ajar.
I went upstairs and opened the door.
I closed my eyes and inhaled.
Peppermint candy.
It had been more than forty years, but I knew I had to knock on the door.
"Come in Elayne."
I knew that voice. Called to heaven forty years ago, but I knew that voice.
Grandmother Callie Prude
She sat in the Queen Anne chair next to her dresser, her bible on her lap, wearing a purple dress with a white collar.
I remember asking her when will I get to wear a purple dress like her.
She would tell me, "when your an old woman like me,"
She motioned for me to sit on her bed and I did. I had forgotten this room. I was once again five years old and Grandmother let come in to spend a little time with her.
Grandmother mother Callie lived with us the first five years of my life, then went to live with other family members.
I remember her Bible, a table Bible she loved to read.
A Bible my mother would later use as a study Bible.
A Bible I now have.
I remember the wallpaper the beautiful, soft bed, the light from her lamp was always soft.
Grandmother smiled. I told her she looked just like mummie when she smiles.
Grandmother laughed and said; "your just like your mother.'
I asked Grandmother, "what was mummie like as a little girl?"
Grandmother laughed and gave me a wink and said once again, "your just like your mother."
She then said, "I see you still haven't manage to tame that hair, girl."
I giggled. It's true. It finally has grown back long enough for me to braid, but still untamed.
 I then saw her long, silver, thick braid resting on her shoulder. I always loved to play with her hair.
She reached into the top draw and handed me the packing tape I needed.
I thanked her and took the roll, touching her hand.
Just as soft and warm as I remember. She still of ivory soap, Jergers lotion and peppermint candy.
She asked where I was going and I told her I was going on a field trip to Bush Gardens.
"Let me give you something."
As Grandmother stood, I stepped out of her way.
While I am told I am the spitting imagine of Grandmother, I was not blessed with her height. Grandmother Callie stood at six foot and solid. She was, as they say, a handsome woman.
She opened the drawer and and handled me a camera.
But not just any camera. An major upgrade from the I have, more like one a professional would use. She taught me how to use and then, with a kiss, send me on my way.
I didn't wish to leave, but I knew my time with my grandmother was coming to a close. She sat back down and went back to her bible reading.
Upon walking outside, I saw the group I would be travelling with to Bush Gardens, showing them my new camera.
My friends were amazed. Nothing like this was even on the market yet....
I awoke and felt Mark take me in his arms.
I told him my dream. He listened, amazed by the detail I could remember.
As I write this I still remember every sight, sound, scent and texture. I can see my grandmother's face.
It was as if I was given a few minutes with the woman would changed my diapers, sung me lullaby's, was there to saw my first steps and hear my first words. Who would let me play with her
button collection and loved to dance and sing. Who read me bible stories and shared her peppermint candy. I am a believer that G-d does speak in dreams. And I do believe He is telling me something.n
If only I could save that sweet time in a bottle.
For now, I guess this blog will have to do.

The Torah

Shalom:
Today I would to share about the Torah Scroll.

The Torah Scroll are the scriptures that we use in Shabbat and weekly services. They are written on parchment scrolls, usually made out of cowskin. Always hand-written in beautiful Hebrew calligraphy with "crowns". These crowns are crows-foot-like marks coming up from the upper points on many of the letters.
 This style of writing is known as STA"M. Which is an abbreviation for "Sifrei Torah, Tefillin and Mezuzot," which is where you will see that style of writing.
We do not touch the parchment of the Torah. There are several theories for this; some say it is because the Scroll is so holy. Others say the reason is because the Scroll is made from animal skins, which is a source of defilement. Others (which is what I hold to) say because our fingers has acids that will damage the ink and the skin over time.
Instead, we use a pointer to follow along with the text, which is known as a Yad. "Yad" means "hand" in Hebrew, and the Torah pointer is usually in the shape of a hand, with a pointing finger.
The Scrolls are kept covered with fabric and often embroilered.

It is often ornamented with silver crowns on the handles of the scrolls and a silver breastplate on the front.
The  Torah Scroll are kept in a cabinet in the Synagogue called an Ark, as in the Ark of the Convenant. Not to be confused with "Noah's Ark.   While my hebrew studies taught me that The "Ark" of the Covenant and the ark in synagogue are an acrostic of "aron kodesh" (holy cabinet), others others teach that it is an archaic English word derived from the Latin arca (cabinet).
I personaly don't see a need to split hairs over this issus. 
The Torah scrolls come with no vowels or musical notes, so the learning of hebrew is a must and even then usually requires substantial advance preparation. I have a "baby torah" one that has pointed text along with the Trope Trainer so that I can here the notes and learn the passage.
The Chumash.
The Jewish scriptures are also from in bound form that correspond to the weekly readings
 (called parshiyot in Hebrew). Scriptures bound in this way are  referred to as a chumash. The word "chumash" comes from the Hebrew word meaning five, and refers to the five books of the Torah. Sometimes, a chumash is simply refers to a collection of the five books of the Torah.
 But often, a chumash contains the entire first five books, divided up by the weekly parshiyot, with the haftarah portion inserted after each week's parshah.
In our home, we have both. This way we can not only keep up with the weekly reading, but discuss the passages doing the week.

You can also find Torah Scrolls in the home. It isn't usual for a family to own their own Torah. And in the home, the Torah Scroll is given the same honour and respect as you would find in a Synagugoe. How wonderful it is when children are brought up to love and respect G-d's Holy Word, right in their own home. coming to embrace Her at an early age.
More next time.

How Precious You Are.

Shalom:
I was telling Mark last night, after watching the service where Mr. Messer wrapped Eddie Long in the Torah Scroll, I came to realise how precious Torah is to me. How dear His Word is to me. 

It isn't that we worship the Torah Scroll, but the One Who gave us the Torah. It His Love Letter to His People and to all who would embrace Her. In Proverbs we find the following:

"She is a Tree of  Life to all who takes hold of Her. And happy (Blessed) are all who retain Her."

No wonder the Torah is called the jewel of our faith.

Her wisdom to be desired more than silver and gold, A Pearl of Great Price.

"She is more precious than rubies and all the things you may desire cannot compare with Her." Proverbs 3:15

I find myself reading my bible more, studying more, seeking more and of G-d through the beauty of His Word.

So thank you, Mr. Messer. Thank you for reminding how precious the Torah is to me, to my family. Thank you for reminding me of the Treasure I have.

This is Not How to Apply The Torah. Part Two

Shalom:
To be honest, I was rather reluctant to write a blog about the service that occurred a week ago today.
 After I saw this video, I almost didn't even comment because I felt I would give Mr. Messer a platform to peddle his wwear on.
But in my heart, I knew the damage this mockery of a service could do to Messianic Judaism, to Jewish-Christian relations that have been building the past several years, how non-believers could have a field day with this.
I had no idea how right I would be. In less than twenty-fours of my viewing the King Long Video, as it is being called, it affected not just the body of believers, but the Jewish world as well. As a former Messianic Jew, I knew I had to speak out, to add my voice to those being raised, it to make it clear bot Christian and Jewish communities, to people of good will, that Mr. Messer is not a part of mainstream Messianic Judaism. But has soundly been denounced for his actions. Mr. Messer is not received as a Messianic, but known as a Lone Ranger and has been an object of offend for years.
Yes, I believe in forgiveness and restoration. I believe G-d indeed forgives and we must be willing to return that person back to G-d, to faith.
However, as I stated in an earlier blog entry, there is nothing Torah based or traditional about what Mr.Messer did in "restoring Eddie Long."
 In a response to those of us who were outraged with his actions, Mr Messer, said "people misunderstood his intends of restoring a fallen brother." Mr Messer still see he has done anything wrong.
Mr Messer is a self-appointed Messianic Rabbi, who declaring the soon-to-be divorced and accused pedophile Eddie Long (Long settled out of court.) to be a king. I threw up over this video. I watched in disbelief as this man desecrated a Torah scroll, one he claims survived the Holocaust no less (I have a hard time believing this) and committed one of the most offensive acts towards Jews by a so-called believer that I have seen.
As I stated in my last entry there were a number of false statements made, including calling the Torah Mantle a foreskin.
False. Unheard of as well as offended.
A brand new scroll starts at $60,000.
False. That is the most one can pay for a scroll.
 Thirty-nine lambskins are used to make a Torah.
False. I spoke to a Rabbi friend of my (and I thank G-d he is still speaking to me) he told me it is more like 80 skins used, depending on the need and it is a cow skin, more often than not, than lamb.
Trying to make a connection to a connection to Yeshua's flogging, Messer said there are thirty-nine seams in a Torah Scroll. Now, a seam is one piece of skin which three or four columns of text will appear.
Again false. My friend said it usually between 62 and 84 seams.
Because of the oil on our hands, we do not use our finger to touch the parchment. We use a Torah scroll pointer called a Yad, Hebrew for Hand, not finger.
Messer say it takes three and half years to write a Torah scroll; once again reaching to connect this three and a half years to  Yeshua’s three and a half years of ministry.
Sorry, false. If a scribe works about six hours a day, the Torah scroll could be finish in a year, just a little longer. Not three and a half.
Holocaust Torahs is given  to cities that need to be released into a new anointing.
FALSE. Almost every synagogue and Messianic synagogue in every city has a Torah scroll. Also as stated in my last post, individuals, families, Jewish schools and other places of higher Jewish learning, have Torah Scrolls.
 And the nonsense of 90% of the world's Jews never seeing or touching a Torah Scroll is also false. Weekly the Torah is lifted up around the world for ALL to see.
I could go on, but much of that has already been covered.
So why are you writing about this again, Laini?
Because the damage that has already been done.
A quote from Rabbi David Shiff, a legitimate Messianic leader in Atlanta, said, “Ralph Messer in no way represents Messianic Judaism. He is not affiliated with any legitimate branch of Messianic Judaism. His actions in no way reflect the position of Messianic Judaism. I found the presentation to be repulsive and inappropriate."  My Jewish brothers and sisters have been offended and rightfully so. I don't have a problem with the Torah being shared with all who wish to learn her truths. But those who claim to be 'rabbis' must teach her properly, teach the proper way to present the Torah, to carry Her, to apply Her. Torah is liken to a Woman, because She is precious. Like the woman of the home, Torah is the heart and the jewel of our faith, She is to be desired more than sliver and gold. Just as  the only one who would play marbles with rubies is a child becuase he doesn't it their worth, so too Torah. So many people play with Torah, with G-d, like a toy. Not realising they are playing with Holy Fire.
One just cannot handle Torah or the Holy One as one wishes.
As I watched Eddie Long being wrapped in the Torah, I thought of the kings and queens of Israel. None were ever 'crown with a Torah Scroll.' In fact, each monarch was to write his or her own Torah Scroll.
There was a  woman who brought a tallit (a prayer shawl) forth. It was dragging the grow. This was something I had to be corrected in years ago. 
While watching me handling my tallit, my first hebrew teacher showing me both how to properly don it and gently reminding me the tallit must never touch the ground. This is how we teach Torah.
 It is not my intend to get in a discussion if it is proper for a woman to wear a tallit. Some say yes, some say no. But everyone who dons the tallit shows how to not only wear it, but take great pains not to allow it to touch the ground.
All Messianic Jews have ever done is try to live a life that says you can be Jewish and believe in Yeshua. They spent the last half-century contending for their Messianic faith and in one day, a YouTube video hits the Internet and it in essence white-wash all of us with Messer's brush, threating to to discredit us all.
Thankfully, the Jewish friend who send me the video knew us well enough to know that Mark and I didn't alight ourselves with Messer.
But how many people; Christians, Jews, Muslims, etc believe we are all like this?
The Bible is filled with warnings not to believe every new doctrine that comes around the pike. To test every teaching, even if it sounds right.
Throwing around Hebrew words doesn't make one a Hebrew sholar or teacher. Not everything that glitters is gold.
And for the record, Mr. Messer himself has admitted he has never been ordrian as a Rabbi. He knows no hebrew.
I know his followers feel people like myself are out to get their leader.
Not so. What we ask is Mr. Messer takes some time and learn what the Torah truly says. Learn the true meaning of holy objects before he claims to be an authory.
Mr. Messer's teachings and actions reflect badly on all of us who name the Name of Yeshua. And it is the actions of men and women like Messer that has caused many to leave the Messianic Movement, return to the church or synagogues, keeping our beliefs to ourselves, wanting nothing more than to live in peace, learn Torah and serve G-d.
There are more smarter, more educated men and women who can and have addressed this matter better than I.
 But I having been caught up in a cult in my teens; though now free some 30 years, I still remember the pain and heartache it caused me and my family. I have been held under the spell of a Mr. Messer, caught up in a web of lies. Again, I am thankful for freedom. Mostly in part because I began to study the book for myself and not just accept something a 'learned man or woman" taught me."
So when I saw the video, I couldn't help but weep for the peopl witnessing this mockery, even for Eddie Long. For none any idea the snake had entered their garden and were willing to accept the deadly fruit he offered.
I now I know how the Apostle Paul felt, when he in tears and pleadings, warned about false teachers coming into the fold:
Acts 20:29-31 "I know that after my departure, fierce wolves will come in amoung you, not sparing the flock; and from amoung your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert,"
It is my hope and prayer that the events of last week can be turned around and in the end, lead people to be curious enough to see what all of this fuss is all about.
And who knows, maybe draw men and women to G-d and His Holy Word.

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My Roots Part One

Shalom:
I have always been interested in history. Not just American history, but world history.
At an early age, I known that the history books were full of what white men and women had done to build this nation. I learned the role of the then 'Amercian Indian.' But I did not see people my own colour in my history textbooks.
So how did my people get here? My mother and grandmother had always told me we were part Indian, that my great-grandfather was of the Chickasaw tribe. But still, how did we black folks get here?
It wasn't until 5th grade that I would get my answers.
That year, my sister and I were attending a mostly black school and for the first time I learend about how Black people came to these shores.
I learned some came as servants, working seven years as free men, though servants and after their years of servant was over, they were free to go on with their lives. I learned how Native Americans were first enslaved, but knew the land too well and ran away.
Thur the Slave Trade.
I learned during my very first Black History Week, how black men and women, first as slaves, then as free men and women worked to build this nation. I learned the roles they paid in the American story.
And while it would not be until my son started school that I saw black faces and stories in the history books, I had already told my son about the heroes and heroines of this nation. Heroes and heroines who came in every colour.
In seventh and eight grade, I enrolled in the Black History source. It was an elected course and it ran the whole school year.
It was an amazing class. Not only did I learn so much about our contribution to this nation, but to the world, I came home each day with more and more facts to share with my mother. It was the only time in my life that I liked school.
During the summer of my four-teen year, a friend of my mother gave me novels and comic books that were African American history. During this time, I would how my own family fit in the pattern of Amercia's quilt.
Then the mini-series Roots came out. Like some many blacks, the story of Alex Haley awaken in me the desire to know about my own roots.
I went to the library, spend hours upon hours, week and week and finding....
Nothing.
Until after I married Mark and he gave me a year's subscription to Ancestry.com.
It was then, six years ago, the pieces began to fall into place.....

Get Rid of The Box.

Shalom:
Race.
Whatever legal form one fills out, there is that four letter word.
Race.
That ugly little box we are asked to check-off.
I remember the first time I was given the option, Other. I smiled and wrote human.
I still do.
We are one race, the human race. We are various colours, various cultures, various beliefs. But the same race.
That's so simple, Laini.
Yes, I know. It is.
That very simple thought of respect for each other, as fellow human beings, would frankly stop war, hunger and crime. If only wewould see each other as Scrooge's nephew once stated; "all people as fellow travellers to the grave and not some other race of creatures bound on other journeys." (from a Christmas Carol)
When my mother was born, upon her birth records she was listed as, Coloured.
When my mother gave birth to me, upon my birth records I was listed as, Negro.
When I gave birth to my son, upon his birth records, he was listed as African American.
One day, those stupid little boxes will be done away with and we will be known as we truly are.
Human Beings.
Children of G-d

New Birth Crowns Eddie Long as King

This is the video I was referring to in my last post. In no way am Mark or I in agreedment with what your about to view.

This Not How to Apply the Torah.

Shalom:
I start this entry with the following: I am not a Rabbi. While Mark and I are Torah-Observant, this is no way makes us experts. Just two Hebrews who love G-d, His Torah and His people. And the Truth. We try to live our lives in a matter that honours our G-d and Torah.
 My grandmother Callie and my mother imparted in me a love for the Scriptures. My Uncle Oscar of blessed memory, would often talk about world history, World War II and his love of  Torah. I know he thought I wasn't listening.
 But I was.
As a child, I attended church with my family. While as a teen, I got involved in things I later would regret and was ashamed of, I found a very loving and forgiving G-d Who welcomed me back when I repented.
During the years, I have been blessed to study under both christian and jewish sholars, as well as continue to read and study Torah and our faith.
As a Hebrew believer of HaMessiah, I began involved with the Messianic movement in 1989. During our first and then courtship and engagement, we attended Beth Messiah Synagogue, we were married there and still have many good friends who still worship there. People grow and change, so about four years ago we left Beth Messiah and now attend a Conservative congregation.
I have said all of this to set the stage for what I am about to share.
To my knowledge, there as been only one man who was wrapped in a Torah Scroll. This was second century rabbi Hanina ben Teradion, who was wrapped in a Torah scroll and burned alive as a Martyr.
Until a few days ago, when a friend send me a YouTube on facebook. She wrote, what she saw on this video troubled her and asked for my opinion.
The video was of a service held at The New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlantic, Georgia. The church's Bishop, Bishop Long invited a Rabbi Ralph Messer to teach Torah Truths  to his congregation.
Nothing wrong with that. I know many Rabbis who are invited to churches to speak.
But on this Sunday morning, that is not what happen.
Several minutes into the video, I had to press pause and ran to the loo to vomit. I kid you not.
As a Hebrew believer of HaMessiah, I began involved with the Messianic movement in 1989. During our first and then courtship and engagement, we attended Beth Messiah Synagogue, we were married there and still have many good friends who still worship there. People grow and change, so about four years ago we left Beth Messiah and now attend a Conservative congregation. Therefore, what I witnessed on this video not only made me sick, not only offended me as a Hebrew believer, but angered me.
In this video, dated January of this year, a ceremony was performed by Rabbi Messer, in which the Rabbi crowned Bishop Long,as a king, using a Torah Scroll as some sort of royal robe.
 It wasn't that long ago that Bishop Long had been involved in a scandal in which he was accused by five young men of sexual misconduct. In the beginning, Bishop Long denied the allegations. Months later, a settlement was reached. During this time, the Bishop's wife filed for divorce.
Whatever happen, that is between Eddie Long and G-d. If the charges were true, there should have been public repentance. That matter is once again between Bishop Long, his church and G-d.
My problem is with the ritual performed at his church, where he is lifted up a king, which has no bases either in scripture or in Jewish tradition. My problem is the use and misuse of the Torah Scroll itself. My problem is the offend this performance will cause in the Jewish community and people of faith at large. 
Before seeing this video, I had never heard of Ralph Messer, who is a Messianic Jew, a person who is Jewish heritage and recognize Yeshua HaMessiah as Messiah. Yet, I did not see anything I know as Jewish thought or practice in his handling of the Torah Scroll or in the service itself.
First, it was the matter the Torah was held.

This is the proper way to carry the Torah.

As you can see, people stand in respect to G-d's Holy Word and to the One Who gave us the Torah.
Then there is calling the mantle that covers the Torah as a foreskin.
That was the second time I got sick. The mantle is not a foreskin. It's purpose to protect the Torah until it is brought for public use. The Torah is referred to as She, not He. The Torah in Hebrew is feminine, personified as She. "She is a Tree of Life. See Proverbs 3:18. The Torah poles are called in Hebrew etzim, "trees," not "justice and blessing."
"Only one of great authority is given a finger to touch the scroll is not true. A boy (Orthodox, only boys) or girls Conservative and Reform permit women to be called to the Torah) upon reaching the age of 13, has a wonderful celebration in which is he/she are called forth and can chant according to the custom of the congregation. Convents to the Jewish faith may also celebration their becoming "bar or bat mitvah (son or daughter of the Commandment). The Yad, is the Torah Scroll pointer that is used, not only so that the reader doesn't touch the letters, but to keep one's place in the chanting of the text. In the former congregation we attended, both Mark and I have had the honour of chanting from the Torah a few times.

 And the Yad is a 'hand' not a 'finger." Mark gave me one as a Hanukkah gift when we were first married.
Which leads me to the following claim: that 90 percent of Jews have never seen or touched a Torah Scroll. Really? In synagogues around the world, every Shabbat the Torah is taken out of the Ark that it is held in and processed through the Assembly, not once but twice. Those standing and watching the Torah pass by,reach out and touch it in respect. Our former Rabbi would invite those who had never seen a Torah Scroll to come up and view it.

And I have yet to find a verse in scripture where Jesus Himself says He is "the eternal government of G-d."
Rabbi Messer claims that he "knows" none of Bishop Long's ancestors or relatives has ever seen a Torah scroll. How does he know this? What does he based this claim on? I could say "G-d told me I am an direct descendant from the Queen of Sheba." And without hard prove, people have the right to question that claim.
I checked with my science geek husband who told me there is no such thing as a "king chromosome." The kings and queens of Israel ruled the land. Their were not priests or prophets. Nor is there any truth to the claim that the kings and queens of Israel were crowned with Torah scrolls
The donning of the tallit or prayer shawl, is done by those who bar or bat mitzvah and older. In many communities man dons the tallit on his wedding day. Even the way it was donned was wrong. We hold the tallit is front of us, holding the band  and recite the traditional blessing for the tallit and then wrap ourselves in it, for more blessings then place it properly across the shoulder. None of which was done at this service.
With respect to Rabbi Messer, he has no authority to crown Bishop Long king, to address him as an Israelite king. He has no formation or bases to claim in do so. Only one from the tribe of Yehudah can sit on the Throne. And not even Rabbi Messer can change that. Nor can Rabbi Messer, "as a Jew" speak "life" to Bishop Long. There is only One Life Giver; both physically and spirituality
Watching Bishop Long elevation, reminded me of many Jewish weddings Mark and I have attended. Known as the Chair Dance, the bride and groom are lifted up on chairs and they hold a white piece of cloth between them. While Mark and I did not do this, it is one of the highlights of any Jewish wedding  But there is no evidence of this being part of the coronation of a Israelite monarchs.
Neither the Torah Scroll or The Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26) are to be used as a magic charm. Neither has the power to clease a fallen leader and "restore and give a new anointing." And to take our scared scriptures, a Torah Scroll, along with our traditions without citing a biblical text, a Jewish Sage or Rabbi as sources to back up his claim is wrong.
What I saw was the lifting up of a man, now called king. A man who sat on a chair held by four men, receiving the worship of the congregation he is suppose to serve. What I saw was not the worship of G-d, but of Bishop Eddie Long.
While I would  not say that this was the Rabbi's intend, that service actually desecrated the Torah. It was an offence to all who hold the Torah dear.
Bishop Long and his followers would do better to take a page from the book of Acts.
Acts 17: 10-11 reads: ¹⁰ As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. ¹¹ Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."
Even if sounds good, sends a thrill up our spine or tickles our ears, we must learn to "test the spirits to see if they are of G-d or no."
I will share my own personal story in my next blog entry.

Why Do We Need Black History Month?

Boker Tov:Yesterday began Black History Month.
I wanted to write this entry yesterday, but the day was rather busy.
Around the first week of the year, I received a summons for jury duty. My service began yesterday.
My first thought was 'oh joy.' But then I thought back to when I was in tenth grade.
It was social studies class and that year our class studied our legal system. This included having holding a trial in class.
I had been home for two week with the flu, but had kept up with my homework. So when I returned to class, I was shocked to learn I would be the Prosecutor, and I had to quickly get up to speed on the case.
I learn much from that class. My teacher said I would make a fine lawyer, but I have to admit I found it boring.
Turns out that was the very reason my mother chose not to go to law school.
So now, as an adult I get to be part of the progress. The last time I was in a courtroom, I was a witness. This time, a juror.
Of course the summons informed me it would be a long day and bring a book and sweater since the courtroom can be chilly. Pity I can't bring a piece of needle-point or a baby blanket to work on.
Mark is still in school and I don't like leaving Montague alone all day, we took our little dude to the neighbourhood doggie Daycare, Wags, where he had a great time and met new friends.
So, I showed early, went through security and headed off for the jury room, waiting for District Court to open.
While I waited, I overheard a conversation between two police officers. One was sharing how he would be going to his daughter's school later in the day. He would be speaking to the daughter's class about being a police officer. His wife, a lawyer would be there as well to share about being a lawyer.
But not just a police officer and lawyer. But a black officer and black lawyer.
It was then I remember that this was the beginning of Black History Month.
What a long way we have come. There was a time this couple would not be officers of the court, but cleaning it. There was a time, I would not have been called to serve as a juror. I would be cleaning the very lobby we are sitting in.
One hundred years ago, the only way I would live in the neighbourhood I call home is as live-in help.
Black History is American History. It is All Americans History. This nation was builded with the muscle, blood, sweat and tears of men, women and children, both sold and stolen from their homes and brought across the waters to another land, another world and enslaved for the rest of their lives.
That is part of this nation's history, like it or not.
I am the hope and dreams of my great-great grandparents who were amoug the slave force I speak of. They prayed one day their children or their childrens' children would taste and enjoy freedom.
We do.
We have come a long way. But we still have a long way to go.
That's why we still need Black History Month.