"Hag S’Moyach," "Moadim Le Simcha."

Both of the above Hebrew greetings mean "Happy Holidays," or "A Blessed Celebration."

We extend seasonal greetings to both our Jewish and Christian friends as we realize the imminent coming of the "Light of the World" into the world. Isa 42:1-6; 49:5-7; Lk 13:45. You can look up last year’s Hannukah information on our web site (back page) under "Archives" and find WHY the Maccabees had to fight for the survival of the Jewish faith/religion and the traditions still observed today.

The word "Channukah" was not a newly-coined phrase. In fact whenever a "dedication" was performed in scripture, the words used to describe the occasion were "Chanak" = dedicate. Deut 20:5 I Kings 8:63; II Chron 7:5. This was notably relevant to one’s home, a "Channukat Ha Beit" which is still observed today.

Note: See last year’s newsletter on our web site. You may request a copy if you do not have internet services or last year’s newsletter and we will gladly send it out to you.

The word "Channukah" is used especially with reference to sacrifices, the altar, temple, city walls. Num 7:10-11; 84,88; II Chron 7:9; Ezra 6:16-17; Neh 12:27; title of Ps 30.

In Dan 3:2-3 the word also describes "dedication" for idols.

In the New Covenant/Testament it is described in John 10:22 in the Koine Greek as "Egkainia" which means the same as Channukah/Dedication. Yeshua, Jesus was present in Herod’s Temple for this occasion.

The first post Mosaic celebration called Channukah was held in the Jewish calendar 25th Kislev 165BCE/BC as the brave Maccabees finally liberated the Holy Temple precinct. It had been totally defiled by the Syrio-Greek armies of Antiochus Epiphanes. He had a policy that, following his predecessor Alexander the Great, all nations were to be conquered by imposing upon them the Greek culture. For the ancient sacred tradition of Israel this was defilement beyond all reason. The miracle of the oil as mentioned in the Talmud (see Shab. 21b) where one cruse of oil had been hidden and so was not defiled by the Syrio-Greeks is still the main theme of Channukah also known as the Festival of Lights. Why? Well, the one-day oil supply burned for eight days! This was a sign of the promise of the Holy Spirit – Messiah the "Anointed" would come. It was necessary to keep the FAITH of the Jewish people alive. If the brave Maccabees had not prevailed, with God’s help, Judaism would also not have survived and so there would have been no Messianic hope. This would culminate in the final g’eula = redemption/the final Goel = Redeemer/Messiah and the Jewish people would be redeemed for the last time from our galut = dispersion – exile from our Holy Eretz Israel, Holy Land of Israel. This would be to our Jewish people’s and the world’s nations the "Messianic Times/Millennium." The "Light of the World" will be known "as the waters cover the sea." Isa 11:9; Hab 2:145 and the fulfillment of Zech 2:14; 4:7. "Not by might, nor by power, but my Spirit says the Lord." So emphasis is put on the miracle over the military victory of the Jewish fighters – II Sam 23:10, 12; I Chron 29:11; Ps 98:1-2; I Cor 15:57.

As promised in our last newsletter we will now discuss as much as space will allow the celebration of "Christmas" and the much-contested use of the "Christmas tree."

As a person of Jewish descent /heritage, let me first explain that I do not personally use any of these symbols – trees, eggs, bunnies, chickens, etc. Another letter will explain that fertility symbols are abhorrent to our Jewish people – and therefore not a part of our Messianic witness. Indeed these are of ancient pagan origin – BUT ! – let me explain in love something not heard on the many TV and radio "bashing" of Christians, churches and pastors! Our main concern is that these people intend to nullify the multi-cultural WITNESS OF SALVATION BY GRACE not by works lest any person should boast. Eph 2:1-5 particularly read through to verse 10.

In ancient Israel, as the Hebrews moved about among the pagan, heathen nations, they were sorely tempted by the idolatrous licentious heathenism. Indeed many fell into these godless fertility worship traditions particularly tree/grove cults. See Ex 34:13; Deut 7:5; 12:3; Judges 3:7; I Kings 14:15, 23: 18:19; II Kings 17:10; 18:4; 23:14; II Chron 14:3; 17:6; 19:3; 24:18; 31:1; 33:3, 19; 34:3-4, 7; 17:8; Isa 27:9; Jer 17:1-2; Micah 5:14. This is a multitude of warnings! However, the trees = asherah or groves mentioned are actual worship and sacrifice systems. See illustration #1. Trees were very important to all nations – most including the Nordic, Slavic, Greeks, Romans, Africans, etc. and shockingly even the Hebrews fell into the worship of trees along with other idols.

Again – BUT ! - the trees in Middle Eastern cult worship were stripped of all foliage and branches – and as in the idolatrous tradition were stood erect to represent phallic devotion. Why? Well, silver and gold tinsel and globes, along with animals were tied to and hung upon it to represent universal sacrifice. This was done to invoke the "gods" to bring their nature forces for fertility of animal, vegetation/crops and even the mineral "kingdom," to bring forth copious supply! Usually these were made in the Mid-East into a pole, sometimes carved similar to the totem pole. In fact gods or spirits were believed among all nations to inhabit these!

Among the Canaanites the asherah was decorated as above – then burned – a sacrifice to the deity(ies). Most of the information we have concerning the Canaanite cult and mythology have been discovered north of Ugarit in Syria. The pantheon of gods such as El and Asherah and others were considered protectors of vegetation and fertility. These ancient archives (2000BCE/BC) also describe trade and commerce of dyed purple textiles, cattle, and oil, to name a few. The word "Canaanite" can denote "merchant or dyers of purple." See Isa 23:8; Prov 31:24; Job 40:30. See Illustration #2.

It should be noted that "Trees of Life" were also popular in all ancient Mid-East cultures. The scriptures mention this often. See illustration page and Gen 2:9; 3:22, 24; Deut 20:19-20; Prov 3:8; 11:30; 13:12; 15:4; Rev 2:7; 22:2, 14.

The rollers on each end of a Sefer-Torah, Torah Scroll are described as "Etzay V’Chayim," "Trees of Life!" See: Ps 1:2; Prov 3:1-3; 4-12; 13-18. In Israel today trees are planted as a sign of CHAI/LIFE.

Illustration 3 show two Israelites with the four species, i.e. branches and citron fruit. This is biblical – Lev 23:40, but since the legalists are centering an attack on "Christmas trees," and Joe G. recently stated "the bible absolutely forbids "Christmas trees,"

I looked at every biblical resource and concordance; it simply isn’t there! Wonder what version he used to get this information? However, I did find a picture of priests in the second Temple placing "trees" around the altar! Illustration #4. Let’s see if this may be from scripture or is it from the "Babylonian" Talmud. Is this also "Replacement Theology?" Scripture states unequivocally in Deut 16:21 "Thou shalt not plant thee a grove = Hebrew asherah/pl. asherot! of any tree, Hebrew "etz." (even) near unto the altar of the Lord thy God – etc." Vs 22 – "Neither halt thou set up any image, maisiebah i.e. pillar, idol, image, which the Lord thy God hateth."

Here’s an interesting question regarding this "image" problem. Matt 6:24 explains that one cannot serve God and mammon = Aramaic for money or wealth! So this brings up the attitude of Yeshua Jesus as a deeply "orthodox man." In Matt 22:17-20; Mk 12:26 and Lk 20:24 he was challenged with a question, "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" He rebukes their attempt to "trick" him. Vs 19 – show me a coin. Vs 20 – he asks, "Whose image and superscription is this?" (on the coin). Vs 21 – they answered "Caesar’s." He then tells them to give to Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. The "image and superscription" attributed deity to Caesar – typical of pagan rulers – not Kosher or acceptable to God’s kodshim/holy people. Dan 8:24.

Now I have a question – do we really understand what we just read? Especially "legalists" who try to put guilt feeling upon us without any love or compassion. As you watch TV or listen to the radio, do you see or hear loving compassion in their voices or on their faces? You should if it’s really there! Personally, I don’t discern it. Let me tell you how they are akin to those hypocrites who would tempt Messiah and us – Listen to Yeshua – HE would, as an orthodox Jewish rabbi – not even touch the pagan coin! This was to show that his kingdom was not tied to the economic world system – i.e. He is the true Eternal King, while Caesar was only temporal – even with his economic power.

One more question, do these (self) righteous legalists accept your currency (mammon) which is marked with worldly power statements like "Novus Ordo Seclorum" or new (age) world order. The $1.00 bill also contains a pyramid with occultic "seeing eye," etc. This is the Eye of Osiris, substituted for "God", isn’t it? So – shouldn’t the legalists "go all the way?" and not accept this mammon? Or as Richard R. on TV is emphasizing in his "attacks," "receiving or filthy lucre" or "ill-gotten gains." See I Tim 3:3,8; Titus: 7,11; I Peter 5:2. Please don’t be intimidated by the "looks" these people give either or the "prophecies" given by them over people as in recent programs. It is better not to prophesy than to be a FALSE prophet. See Jer 1:7-9, 17; 5:3; 7:19; 28:9; Zech 13:2-3; Acts 13:6; Rev 16:3; 19:20; 20:10; especially see Deut 13:1-3; 18:20-22 - A "Nathan K." comes to mind; mind control, manipulation, generalities, fortune telling and prognostication. Matt 7:15-20; 24:11-12, 24; Mk 13:22; Lk 6:26; II Peter 2:1; I Jn 4:1.

What about trees then – will anyone "saved by grace" be lost – lose favor with God? Should we all be on "guilt trips?" There are many agenda people who will take your "pagan" money. They all have products ready for gullible, but sincere "victims." This how ridiculous these "concepts" really are.

Let’s discuss the TREE issue.

Remember – the Trees of the Mid-East and the Greeks and Romans, plus other nations were tied to the altars of sacrifice. Also the gods/spirits who indwelt them were worshipped and feared! I Cor 8:4-6 – Paul exhorts us to know that an idol is nothing because we worship the One True God. In fact Acts 17:21-29 explains that he realizes their many gods are based on superstition and they are therefore very religious (Gk. both same words). Of course they were Greek legalists, Paul as a Jewish former legalist understood their zealous ignorance – vs 30. In vs 29 he tells them that the idols – devices of men means nothing in comparison to the Godhead – i.e. God is not afraid of them, so you, dear reader, need not be either. Vs 28 we exist in His power, no other. Back to vs 23. Paul finds among their devotions/objects of worship, a memorial dedicated to Agnostos Theos = the unknown God – higher than Zeus even! Paul states "You ignorantly worship him, and it’s him I have come to declare to you." Do you know that Theos = The God is a pagan designate – Paul says "You can know him." He does not berate their deep religious spirit. He tries to comfort = rachmanut them with the name showing forth the love of God. Rachmanut, Compassion is one of God’s names – Deut 30:3; Ps 86:15-16; Matt 15:31-32; I Jn 3:17-18. Shouldn’t we do likewise and be apt to teach compassion? Edify souls – not put them down! I Tim 3:2; II Tim 2:24-25.

So this is said in love! "Christmas and Easter" do have Gentile pagan roots. As a witness to Jesus as Messiah, I have found that these are two of the man reasons that Jewish people will close their ears. Zech 7:11; Acts 7:57. So we Jewish believers prefer to keep our own customs, Channukah and Passover, etc.

BUT – during the Middle Ages Martin Luther of Germany presented a play called the Paradise Tree which was also presented as Tree of Life and Tree of Calvary and decorated it with apples to represent God’s bounty/God’s gift and candles to represent the stars and the "Light of the World," the Messiah – and the stars of Heaven. See Gen 1:16-17 the promise to Abraham. Gen 15:5. Since then, this has become an international custom. In Jewish law we never interfere with the minhagim, established customs. One group cannot impose their interpretation upon another! Paul assures us of this regarding "contentious" people in I Cor 11:16 – minhagim and custom have the same meaning in the Greek New Testament! This halachik = legal concept actually supercedes law. The tradition of birthday celebrations was pagan – but not sinful. In fact we exchange gifts at Channuka – guess where it came from? CHRISTMAS – GOOD WILL influence WOW! Now legalism looks silly, doesn’t it? It does to me anyway! Don’t be intimidated by their "haughty looks/expressions." Arrogance is not Godly. See Acts 5:36; Rom 3:27; I Sam 2:3; Prov 8:13-14; Isa 13:11.

It is highly possible that on the 25th of December the Roman pagan celebrations, a festival of "Lights" and the Hebrew 25th Kislev became "intertwined due to the fact Roman pagan citizens and Jewish people HAD to celebrate – the KING/CAESAR DEITY. The Romans celebrated Caesar while the Jewish people celebrated God and the Christians, most who were still of Jewish origin, celebrated God’s Messiah along with the believers from among the Gentiles. This was a matter of life or death, so they simulated joyfulness. If the Romans suspected that you were not a part of the Sol Invictus festival, it was a death penalty. I Cor 6:12 – All things are lawful unto me but all things are not expedient for I will not be brought under the power of any.

While the Romans paid tribute to Caesar with a gift offering commemorating his birth as a living deity, followers of Messiah, while secretly celebrating sometimes behind closed doors, remembered his birth as the Son of God – true deity. The Messianics with the "traditional" Jews surely celebrated Channukah. One hoping for, the other rejoicing in, the birth of Messiah, THE GOD – KING – TRUE DEITY. All joined in the pagan tradition of gift giving. The believers in Yeshua, because of God’s Gift to the world, the ultimate gift ON THE TREE/CROSS for us and who also resurrected FOR US!

Conclusion

So friends, be encouraged with these words not to judge one another. Rom 14:12-13. Col 2:16-17, let no one judge you regarding food, drink, holy days, new moon or sabbath. These are a shadow of things to come, but the body = reality is of Messiah – Grace!!

Friends, too much time is being spent doing this. We need to get back to the Great Commission Mk 16:15, Col 1:23. These legalists are nothing more than a deterrent to this. Please make your views known by phoning the stations on which these programs are being broadcast and let’s GET ON WITH MESSIAH’S WORDS AGAIN! WE NEED YOUR HELP AND PRAYERS!

Another Web Site of interest www.geocities.com/Heartland/Flats/7746/Hatikva.htm. To see our story, click on photo of Dr. Mike and Gina.

Objective/Statement of Purpose:
Instruction of true vs pseudo/false Judeo-Christian understanding as presented on the media.

Seminars:
To teach Pastors/churches "How to witness to Jewish and other communities. Overcoming religious and cultural obstacles." This can be presented along with proper emphasis of Law versus Grace. Many people are confused due to dis-information on the media. We propose to make regular _ hour monthly video guide for inter-church study groups. Dr. Nangle is willing to visit each group upon request.

Programs:
We have discussed proposal of making available video, DVD, CD, audio cassettes and accompanying course outlines of Jewish-Christian series. The foundation for this will be based on animated figures of the Tabernacle. The model will be used as basis for showing Old Testament sacrifice system and how these "picture" all New Testament doctrines.

The series will represent a pure gospel emphasis – not doctrinal distinctive – to be presented as relevant to all evangelical traditions. This will also be made as a gospel witness – "restored" to Jewish understanding.

Some basic costs:
To make a walk-through of the Tabernacle with Dr. Mike Moshe Nangle who will be seen approaching priests, etc., which will be animated to perform sacrifices, offerings etc. $20,000. Models/arks/ priests, etc, $25,000, advertising/catalog $35,000, pictorial books, courses, $30,000 for a total of $100,000. This series will be beneficial for all school levels right up to seminary.

Willing to affiliate for identification purpose.

Pastor Randy Perkins of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, Abilene, TX and Pastor Matthew Van Hook of Noodle Baptist Church, Noodle, TX have expressed interest in helping to produce literature, internet, cassette tapes, etc. These could be made into extension/correspondence courses with a diploma upon completion. The format will be designed to un-complicate the pseudo-Jewish legalism which is so prevalent on media. Testing would be multiple choice – suitable for all levels.

A sound Biblical perspective will lay a solid foundation for the students. Traditional Jewish concepts will sufficiently guide students to be able to discern correctly between Old Testament and New Testament and Rabbinic traditions.

We request prayers and sponsors. Tax receipts issued to patrons and supporters.