FRINGES-TASSELS

What do people mean when they refer to fringes and/or tassels? What do the Scriptures say about them? What is their purpose? Another word used today is “tallit”. Does it appear in the Scriptures? What does Yahweh expect of us today?

The Torah – A Modern Commentary, edited by W. Gunther Plaut –

Page 1123, regarding Numbers 15:37-41 – “The embellishment of garments with tassels and fringes appears to be older than the Bible and may be seen in pictorial representations of other peoples. [Finds from Mari show that fringes and locks of hair represented the whole person (note that in Ezek 8:3 tzitzit means ‘lock of hair’). They were required as verifications from laymen who had experienced visions and wanted to transmit them as prophetic reports. Fringes and locks of hair were also used in legal contexts as occasional substitutes for seals in signing clay documents.]”

Biblical Literacy, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin –

On page 513 the author says that the Bible does not give a number of the laws. It is recorded in the Talmud. The scholars he refers to – Moses Maimonides and Rabbi Aaron haLevi – did not do their counting and research until the twelfth and thirteenth centuries respectively.

Page 480 – “ ‘Numbers 15:39, which almost always is rendered in a sanitized translation, literally reads: ‘…Look at it (the fringe) and recall all the commandments of the Lord and observe them, so that you do not follow your heart and eyes after which you go whoring’ (in Hebrew, zonim acha-rei-hem)’.”

Page 481 – “If the goal of tzitzit is to remind all Jews to observe God’s laws, then why is the commandment restricted to males? Indeed, the Torah does not mandate such a restriction (it speaks of it as obligatory for the ‘Israelite people’). However, by the time of the Talmud, the Rabbis ruled that tzitzit are not obligatory for women. Perhaps the rationale was that women were more homebound than men, and thus less likely to come into contact with the sort of temptations that tzitzit were intended to guard against (in addition, the wearing of tzitzit was only mandated during the day, when they could be seen, and women were generally exempt from fulfilling such time-bound commandments (Babylonian Talmud, Menachot 43a).”

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PHYLACTERIES-TEPHILLIN

In reading and studying, I understood what phylacteries or tephillin were and I had seen pictures or diagrams of them. But I never saw them in use until we were on an El Al flight to Israel in 1999. About sunrise, the religious Jewish men got up from their seats, put on these items and their tallits and went to certain areas of the plane to face towards Jerusalem and conduct their morning prayers. It was like watching a performance on stage to see all the things they went through, step by step.

Where do these objects come from? Does Yahweh require them? What are they?

The words “phylacteries” or “tephillin” do not appear in the Old Testament. Only once it appears in the New Testament. The word “phylacteries” is the Greek #5440, phulakterion, meaning a guard-case, i.e. ‘phylactery’ for wearing slips of Scriptural texts. (Strong’s Hebrew –Greek Dictionary)

The Torah: A Modern Commentary, W Gunther Plaut, editor,

Page 472 – “Tefillin is the postbiblical Hebrew term for two small boxes containing Torah passages written on pieces of parchment, with leather bands attached to the boxes in such a way that one may be worn on the forehead, between the eyes, and the other tied to the arm. Tefillin (from tefillah, prayer) is the name of a small tractate in the Talmud that assembles the relevant prescriptions of tradition.”

Illustrated Manners and Customs of the Bible, J I Packer and M C Tenney, editors,

Page 482 – “To counter the idolatrous practice of wearing amulets, Hebrew men began wearing phylacteries. There were two kinds of phylacteries: one worn on the forehead between the eyebrows, and one worn on the left arm. The one worn on the forehead was called a frontlet. It had four compartments, each of which contained a piece of parchment. On the first was written Exodus 13:1-10, on the second was written Exodus 13:11-16, on the third was written Deuteronomy 6:4-9, and on the fourth, Deuteronomy 11:13-21. These four pieces of paper were wrapped in animal skin, making a square package. This small bundle was then tied to the forehead with a thong or ribbon.”

“The phylactery worn on a man’s arm was made of two rolls of parchment, on which the laws were written in special ink. The parchment was partially rolled up, enclosed in a case of black calfskin, and tied with a thong to the upper left arm near the elbow. The thong was then wound crisscross around the arm, ending at the top of the middle finger.”

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…FRINGES – TASSELS – PHYLACTERIES – TEPHILLIN…

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BEARD / HAIR

Questions have arisen from time to time about the proper length of men’s hair and whether or not it is necessary for them to maintain a beard. Can a man have long hair? What about shaving the head? If Yahweh expects a beard, can it be trimmed? Or is it to grow without cutting? What about the long side curls seen on some Orthodox Jews? Are those from Scripture?

Manners and Customs of the Bible, James M Freeman –

Page 93-94, regarding Leviticus 19:27 – “Among the ancients the hair was often used in divinations. The worshipers of the stars and planets cut their hair evenly around, trimming the extremities. According to Herodotus the Arabs were accustomed to shave the hair around the head, and let a tuft stand up on the crown in honor of Bacchus. He says the same thing concerning the Macians, a people of North Africa.”

“By the idolaters the beard was also carefully trimmed round and even. This was forbidden to the Jews.”

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HEADCOVERING

In many assemblies today, women can be seen with their heads covered with a variety of styles. Why? What is the purpose? Is it necessary? Does Yahweh expect it?

Usually there is a response that it is Yahweh’s instruction to be obeyed. Is it really? Yahweh’s Law is given in the first five books of the Bible. Where in that Torah is the command stated? No, they say it is in Paul’s writings. Are Paul’s writings a part of the Law? Are his writings the same as “Yahweh says”?

There are very few scriptures that even make reference to coverings and/or veils. We will take a look at each of them.

Genesis 38:14-15 14-And she (Tamar) put her widow’s garments off from her, and covered herself with a vail, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnath; for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given unto him to wife. 15-When Judah saw her, he thought her to be a harlot: because she had covered her face. (Bold type added for emphasis)

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KIPPAH / YARMULKE

Many Jewish men are seen wearing something on their heads, some of them all the time, others only when they go to worship or pray. It is a small, circular covering that lays against the head. They may be plain or colorful or have designs on them. These are known as a kippah (kippot in the plural) or as a yarmulke in Yiddish.

Should we as Yahweh’s people be wearing one? Are they in the Scriptures? If so, where? If not, where and when did it originate?

Journey Through Judaism, Alan D Bennett, editor,

Page 26-27 – “Another practice shrouded in mystery is the wearing of a head covering, or kipah, a custom that was not enshrined as law until the sixteenth century, when Joseph Karo declared in the Shulchan Aruch that a man is not permitted to walk four cubits (about 72 inches) with head uncovered.”

“In biblical times bareheadedness among men was customary. The stories of Samson (Judges 13-16) and of Absalom (2 Samuel 14:26) speak of their hair as a crown of glory, indicating that their heads were uncovered. The priests covered their heads as a sign of dignity, and the High Priest wore a golden diadem on his miter inscribed with the words ‘Holy unto the Lord’.”

“The wearing of a head covering during worship might have been influenced by the practice of Roman priests, who offered sacrifices with covered heads. Muslims, too, worship with heads covered. The Talmud speaks of the desirability of covering one’s head as a sign of fearing God. In one passage, Rabbi Huna, son of Rabbi Joshua, would not walk four cubits bareheaded, saying: ‘The Shechinah (Divine Presence) is above my head’ (Kiddushin 31a).”

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…HAIR-BEARD-HEADCOVERING-KIPPAH-YARMULKE…

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A few years ago, a group of ladies had a study at the Feast of Tabernacles about clean and unclean foods. They had come across a listing of foods and food products, divided into categories, with notations as to whether the items were clean or unclean, based on Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14:3-21. In many cases, the listing named what the added unclean ingredient was. By the end, it was suggested that if an item was labeled “kosher,” then buyers could be assured that those items were clean.

But is that the whole story? Is that all there is to it? Do we just look for items labeled as kosher? Is there a difference between “clean” and “kosher”? If a person follows the laws of clean and unclean meats, then are they “keeping kosher”? And just what is “kashrut”? Is it Scriptural? What is meant by “ritual slaughter”? Why do some wines carry the label of “kosher”? They aren’t made of animal products. If we do not follow Judaism in our beliefs, then why should we turn to it to tell us what is or is not okay to eat? Should we really rely on another group of people – or on Scripture? Are the “kosher” laws of Judaism the same as what Yahweh designated in Scripture? We will look at comments from various sources to see what “keeping kosher” really means.
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…DOES YAHWEH EXPECT US TO KEEP KOSHER?…

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Pentecost, as it is called in the New Testament, has several different names, among them Shavuot and Feast of Weeks. Why does this day have several names? Should we be observing it today? If so, how?

When? We are told to count it.

Count what? How?

The Jews have numerous traditions and interpretations of this day. Let’s look first at their customs and see if they have any merits.

COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS

Before we look at the pertinent scriptures, read through these questions. Keep them in mind when considering what the scriptures say and see if they mesh together.

* If it is on a set date, like Sivan 6, why should we have to count anything? Why didn’t Yahweh simply give the date as He did with the other set-apart days?
* Can it be proven that the Torah was given on this date?
* Did Yahweh say anything about commemorating the giving of the law?
* What is the origin of decorating with greenery?
* Where did the idea of Confirmation originate?
* Are we to interpret Yahweh’s word in accordance with the conditions of the day, as it says the Pharisees did?
* Is there any reference in Scripture about celebrating two days, not just one?
* Does the “Feast of Revelation” appear anywhere in Scripture?
* Are superstitions to play a part in the worship of Yahweh?
* Is there proof that the Children of Israel arrived at Sinai on the New Moon?
* Does this have any relationship to the covenant of Noah?
* Where in the Scripture does it mention eating only dairy foods?
* Are Easter and Whitsunday of Christianity in the Scripture?
* Who gave the Jews the right to put the emphasis on the giving of the Torah when that was nowhere in the commands of Yahweh for this day? They changed what He gave.
* Exactly what is the wave sheaf?
* What does the wave sheaf offering mean?
* What is the relationship between the wave sheaf and the Passover? Or the Days of Unleavens?

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…PENTECOST – FEAST OF WEEKS…

Over the last few years, there have been numerous questions regarding dance within the assembly. Some feel that the “sacred dance” or “Davidic dance” should be a part of our worship. Comments are made on how wonderful it is to be free to express themselves to Yahweh in a dance. Hours can be spent in teaching and learning the dances. Often there is more time spent there than in the actual worship of Yahweh; of studying His word; in dialogue discussing His Word and learning what He expects of us.

Can dance in the assembly be substantiated by Scripture? There are less than 30 verses in Scripture that have the word “dance” or “dancing” in them. Let’s take them one at a time, in order, and look at this issue. Each Scripture will be quoted, followed by questions and comments, and a brief description of the context surrounding the verse.

What is the context? The Ark of the Covenant is being moved to a tent that David had prepared for it in Jerusalem. Did he dance in response to a command from Yahweh?

Was David using a set of pre-planned steps, taught today as “Davidic dancing?”

That’s it. Those are the Scriptures regarding dancing.

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…IS DANCE COMMANDED IN THE ASSEMBLY?…

Yahweh’s Sabbath has been observed for thousands of years. His Sabbath is observed on the seventh day of the week, not on the first day. (For an explanation of why it is the seventh day of the week and not Sunday as Christianity teaches, please see our article titled “Yahweh’s Sabbath.”)

But truly understanding the Sabbath is a continual learning process. No one has all the answers about it. Questions continue to arise regarding what an individual may or may not do on that day. But the answers should come only from Yahweh’s Word, not from personal opinions or others’ traditions. Consider these questions while reading through the Scriptures that will follow.

QUESTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION

1. What does Scripture say about the Sabbath? And what does it not say?
2. Are there other times or days to observe in addition to the weekly Sabbath?
3. How do instructions for the weekly Sabbath compare to those for the annual Sabbaths?
4. Is it okay to spend money, shop, or eat out on the Sabbath?
5. What limitations are placed on our activities for the Sabbaths? What can we do?
6. Is it okay to have someone work for you on the Sabbath? What if they volunteer and are not paid?
7. Are there things presently in our individual Sabbath routines that might need reconsideration?
8. What about a housewife’s duties, such as preparing meals?

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…SANCTITY OF THE SABBATH…

It has been observed that many Sabbatarian congregations and Sacred Names assemblies have been able to discern the pagan origins of Christian holy days. But there appears to be blindness when it comes to purely Jewish/Judaic holy days and festivals. Referring, in other words, those days which are considered holy or required by Jewish or Judaic custom and not found among the commandments of Yahweh. One of these is Purim, so let’s take a look at it and then see what Yahweh has to say.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

* Are these traditions of Purim from Yahweh or from man?
* Who gave the command to read the book of Esther on Purim?
* How does Yahweh look at intoxication?
* Should we be concerned about a holiday’s origins?

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…PURIM – Biblical or Secular Holiday?…

This booklet is written with the idea of providing a means to get started on this study. It is by no means an effort to answer every question or give you all the answers. To truly understand, you need to do some research on your own and spend some time on your knees.

OVERVIEW

When people start attending church and seeking their Creator, one of the first things they wonder about is baptism. It is a rite of most churches and expected of all members. But what is it? Why is it done? What is the purpose? What does it mean? Are there requirements to be met first? Are there precedents of it in the Old Testament?

Why? There are references to baptism/immersion early in the Gospel accounts; John the Baptist – or John the Immerser was doing baptisms. People were going to him and being immersed in the Jordan River.

Why were they confessing their sins? John had been telling them to repent and be baptized. He was also telling them about the Savior to come.

They weren’t to be baptized just because it was the thing to do. Or because everyone else was doing it. It involved more than just saying, “I’m sorry.” The people were to exhibit evidence of their repentance.

While this was going on, before Yahshua ever began His ministry, He came down to the river to be baptized as well. At first, John did not want to do it – he felt unworthy. But Yahshua prevailed upon him.

Yahshua wanted to do everything in an orderly way and leave nothing out. He had nothing to repent of, but was leaving an example for us to follow.

SACRIFICES AND FORGIVENESS

Are there precedents for this in ancient Israel? We don’t find baptism, as we know it today in the Old Testament. What we do find is ritual cleansings. In the Law there were stringent rules of cleanliness – specific times for the people to wash themselves, clothes or other objects. The high priest had to do specific washings before and after offering sacrifices and so did the people.

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…REPENTANCE AND IMMERSION BAPTISM…

Most people who hear the word “Passover” know where it came from – from Exodus 12 when Yahweh was preparing for Moses to lead His people out of the land of Egypt. They have heard the story of Moses and the children of Israel.
Many of those people assume that Judaism’s Passover of today is the same thing that was given in Scripture. But is that true?

The Jewish observers have a meal called the Seder in place of the Passover meal. It has its own set of foods and rituals and is a very important part of their year. What does it involve? Can it be followed in Scripture?

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…SEDER – BIBLICAL or SECULAR ORIGINS?…

In our desire to get closer to Yahweh, we continue to search His Word and often we see things we did not see before. Yahweh did not give us all understanding at once — our human minds could not have grasped it. But as we seek, He gives us a little more. When He sees that we are willing to change and follow Him wherever He leads, He blesses us with deeper understanding. The cycle goes on. The time has come to review Passover in both the Old and New Testaments.

Have you ever noticed that different groups observe the Passover at different times? Sometimes a month or so apart? And they don’t necessarily do it at the same time as the Jews. Other churches observe what they call the Lord’s Supper as often as monthly. How do you know when the right time is? Is it observed with unleavened bread and wine? Or crackers and grape juice? Or with a Seder meal? What about the Night to be Much Observed? Is that a separate celebration? A different evening? How does it fit into the scheme of things? So, who is right? They can’t all be. We will look at some of these points, but by no means will all questions be answered.

The first instance of Passover is in the book of Exodus. The children of Israel had been in slavery in Egypt for a long time. Using Moses as a human leader, Yahweh had the people begin making preparations for freedom. He was going to show them who He was and the power He had.

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…PASSOVER ~OLD COVENANT – NEW COVENANT~…