TV personality Glenn Beck is kicking off his Restoring Courage campaign on August 21st at 8pm in the Caesarea Amphitheater.
This event, as well as others taking place that week, will demonstrate to the world that Israel does not stand alone. Political and religious leaders from the US and other countries, including Senator Joe Lieberman, will be joining Beck for this amazing week of solidarity with Israel. At the kick-off in Caesarea, Beck will host Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, Pastor John Hagee and historian David Barton as guest speakers. This event will be televised and tens of millions of people around the world are expected to see it.
Glenn Beck is committed to the Jews living in Judea and Samaria and has proclaimed his support for our communities publicly. He was the only international media personality to discuss the Fogel family massacre and, indeed, presented an incredibly moving discussion of this terrible attack. (Please view this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjK8M4uxcjM). Beck is now producing a documentary on the family, which will be used to highlight the realities we are dealing with in Judea and Samaria.
His support for our right to be here is unconditional and unprecedented in a media personality. (See this recent clip as well: http://www.glennbeck.com/2011/07/29/glenn-dont-ever-call-it-west-bank-again/).
As a token of our appreciation for his stand with Israel and specifically with the settlement movement, we are asking you to join us on August 21st in Caesarea. This is a huge opportunity to show the world that the cause of Israel goes beyond our respective religions. But perhaps more importantly, this is an opportunity to participate in an event that can truly become a Kiddush Hashem, as we demonstrate to people around the world that Israel is an inspirational example of honor, courage and faith. Bus transportation to the event will be provided at no cost. Buses will depart from Efrat at 4:30pm, from Ariel at 4:00 pm, and from Karnei Shomron at 4:30 pm.
To reserve your seat, please phone Estelle at 09-7920958 or Limor at 050-634-0250.
Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Sondra Oster Baras
Chief Rabbi of Efrat CFOIC Heartland
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25 comments:
Will there be any transportation from Petah Tiqwa?
dunno. call the numbers there.
It's great that Glen Beck supports Israel including settlement in Y"SH. But let us not forget the hidden agenda of many Evangelical Christians with their brand of Apocalyptic zionism which hides their desire to see all Jews accept Christianity. Isay "kabdeihu ve chashdeihu"
It is also very troubling that R'Riskin seems to be going the route of Shmuly Boteach in blurring the theological divide between Judaism and Chrristianity. I wouldn't go to Caesaria to see him embrace Rev Hagee. This is not kiddush Hashem-aderaba it is chillul Hashem.
I take my lead from menachem mendel of shklov and his meetings with missionaries in 1816 and more
(review this).
more interesting related material here
I think it's fair that your readership know that the August 21st event in Caesarea is, in Beck's words. "geared specifically for Christians".
So those Torah observant Jews who tend to avoid interfaith theological gatherings, may find themselves in an uncomfortable position if they attend this specific event.
Yes, Ellen. But I am not sure there will be anything theological there. If a Christian says "Halleluyah", is it theological? Will there be a prayer service? Will they yell out "Jesus is the Messiah"?
In any case, take small comfort that it's pro-Israel and it's taking place in a pagan theater. Is it okay to be in a pagan theater where you-know-what-was-done and you-know-what-was-eaten?
So many questions, and hesitations, and fears and concerns.
People, you are old enough and wise enough to make your own decisions.
Thank you Winky for posting this. The Caesarea event is for Christians to enable them to show their support for and solidarity with Israel. However, Jews have been invited to attend to actually be recipients of the support shown. I am organizing the busses and encouraging people to attend so that we can show our appreciation for the support shown by Glenn Beck, John Hagee and Christians in the audience. I have discussed the content of the event with Glenn Beck personally and he has assured me we have nothing to worry about. They will make sure nothing is said to offend Jews. And as for Glenn Beck he has personally and publicly stated several times (twice in my presence) that Christians should stop trying to baptize Jews and instead just stand with Israel and the Jewish people as friends. That is huge!
I very much appreciate your righteous position concerning those who are promoting Samaria and Judea in a positive light.
The whole world needs to support the heartland of Israel
Thank you Winkie and Sondra for acknowledging that the event on the 21st is for Christians. I brought this up, because I think it's fair that your Torah observant readership be aware of this.
I don't think Rav Soloveitchik's psak (the most widely held halachic position in the modern Orthodox world) mentions Christian's yelling out "Halleluyah", or deals with baptisms or paganism. It has more to do with Jewish conduct in an interfaith setting and that we not jeopardize Israel's unique position, commitments and obligations.
Winkie and Sondra, this isn't about irrational fears and paganism, so please don't deride those Jews who hold by the halacha on interfaith matters and grapple in a serious manner with these issues. Rabbi Riskin is a maverick on interfaith matters and not everyone is comfotable with his postion. Thanks again for posting these concerns
Ellen, we are glad to be of service in elucidating aspects of almost inter-faith activities that some people might not be fully prepared to engage in. That, of course, is a problem for Jews to deal with. A matter of education and sensitivity. Not everything needs a psak and Jews who keep running for psakim can be a problem themselves or in this matter, for a very crucial development of great importance for Jews, for Israel and yes, for Christians who want to be true and faithful for their own principles, as written in Romans 9:4 -‘They are Israelites, and to them belong the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises’. That promise surely includes the one, repeated often to Abraham, Yitzhak, Yaakov, Moshe and all of the congregation of Israel, that the Land of Israel, which is known as Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1) is the Jewish national home.
Winkie,
First let me say that as a professional counter-missionary I regard Glenn Beck's support of Israel as a breath of fresh air - he stands out as an evangelical supporter of Israel who does not seem to have our salvation as his ultimate agenda.
That being said, I think the point that Ellen was making was not to disparage Mr. Beck, but to point out that whereas later Beck events are geared towards everyone, the one in Ceasaria is geared towards Christians, specifically (as Mr. Beck himself made clear) and to let Jews know that they might not want to attend that particular event if they do not wish to be at a Christian worship event.
But the thing that troubles me the most about this thread, and the thing that caused me to write is your quote of Romans 9:4. Besides the fact that it is wholely inappropriate for an Orthodox Jew to be quoting the New Testament as though it were authoratative, or even, chas v'shalom, Scripture. On top of that, you have done a crime to the New Testament and your readers.
By taking this one verse out of context, you have misled people into a specific understanding of the verse.
Just preceding the verse you quoted, in verse 3 Paul says that those who are separated from Christ (in other words the Jews he is speaking about in verse 4) are ACCURSED! Then, in verse 8 which is part of this passage, it says:
"That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants."
What does that mean in plain English? "It is not the Jews of today, the physical descendants of the chosen people who are the children of God, but it is the Christians who are regarded as descendants"
Cover it and cloak it and disguise it however you wish, but Romans 9-11 is cleverly veiled replacement theology and Orthodox Jews and Rabbis have no business quoting it.
Just my two cents worth, thank you for allowing me to speak my mind.
Penina Taylor
Director, Shomrei Emet Institute
www.shomreiemet.org
Penina,
Your explanation of the verses would only make sense as an attack on me if you think that I didn't know and that no one else knows that Christianity basically thinks Jews should be Christians and saved thereby (and yes, accursed. isn't that what we learn in our history lessons - from the Crusades to the Black Death to Martin Luther, etc.? - and if we don't, boy do we have an internal problem). If there are Jews who don't know that, that is a failing of all our educational institutions but probably most of those that stay away from anything that might be construed as "theology" or "interfaith".
Let those who know what we are doing do what what needs be done and stop raising a sort of "missionary-under-every-bed" scare because (a) Christians be definition proselytize but (b) some don't don't.
Don't throw the baby (Israel's political needs) out with the bathwater.
Thanks for helping us out on this.
Interesting point made by Penina.
I think Jews should refrain from quoting the new testament because
"They know not what they read". but here's something else to consider:
The theme of the event being advertising is the Book of Ruth. Evangelical Christians aspire towards a "covenantal union" or "marriage" with the Jewish people. So to someone like Pastor Hagee, "Your people shall be my people, and my God is your God" means, in Hagee's words, that Jews Christians are "bound together by a covenant relationship".
And that is a direct challenge to the halacha which requires that there be a separation between faith communities. Soloveitchik held that discussions on the covenant in Judaism and Christianity was off limits at interfaith gatherings.
This particular event on the 21st goes beyond the more "universal" event scheduled for the 24th.
Issues of morality and ethics and the rights of Jews to the Land of Israel should be discussed with people of other faiths. Together we should face the threat of secularism and the negation of religious values in modern culture. But we shouldn't endorse or put these issues on a Christian theological footing - especially in Eretz Yisrael.
Winkie,
Anyone who knows me knows that I don't attack people, only behaviors, and that I don't look for a missionary under every rug.
Israel does indeed need its supporters, but truth be told, in the end the only One Israel needs is the One true God of Israel.
Of course, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't be grateful for friendship and support, but we must be careful that we not sell our birthright for a bowl of porridge.
You make it sound like all Jews should know the context of Romans chapter 9 - no, they shouldn't. And you quote verse 4 in support of Evangelical Christian belief that Israel belongs to the Jews. However, read in context, Romans 9:8 is saying that the covenantal promises of the land, etc, belong to Christians, or read by some - Messianic Jews but NOT the Jews who don't believe in Jesus, because we are accursed and not really the inheritors...we are only the inheritors if we believe in Jesus.
Winkie, I was an Evangelical Christian/Messianic for 17 years. I was a counselor for the Billy Graham Crusade, went to bible college and was certified in Evangelism. My husband and I led a Messianic congregation.
I humbly suggest that you leave the quoting of the New Testament to those who actually understand it. Stick to the Tanakh - it suits you better.
And just in case you need additional assurance, I do nor dumble, wobble off the derech, knock down a fence post or two, and/or stagger into alien territory.
Bringing Christians to a place of respect and even honor towards the Jewish people is an important task ....especially if we ever expect them or anyone to understand the Jewish position and purpose in restoring the biblical nation of Israel.
Other verses I use in the NT are:
Rom 3:1-2 What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.
Rom 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,
These verses are mandates to those who call themselves Christians (followers of Jesus Christ) to respect and serve the Jewish people (the circumcision) and to even confirm the promises made to the fathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). In none of these verses is a covert "proselytizing" agenda mention ......either before or after the verses.
My message, to those who work with us, is that if they can't agree with these mandates then they are not practicing true Christianity.
Funny how you misinterpreted. I would not quote scripture to Jews or make sure all Jews know that verse. If I was leading a seminar on how to make sure you don't get converted, then I'd quote NT. But that reference above is something I would quote to...Christians. They're the ones that believe in it, not Jews. How'd you get that backwards?
Ellen, I am not quite sure your interpretation of that "covenant relationship" is correct or is held by the people you say it is. As I have other allies, I'll have to inquire but my reading of covenental-based support for Israel is different.
How did I get it backwards? Maybe because you quoted it, to, ummmm.... Jews?
I also have a different understanding on the metaphor of Ruth. When Christians quote Ruth and tell us that "your people will be my people and your God will be my God" they are saying that they are now part of the Jewish people, completely accepted into the covenant of the Jews because of their belief. That's how I understood it in bible college, that's how I understood it as a leader...
Regarding Romans chapter 3, verse 23 is the beginning of what is called by missionaries the "Roman Road" - its used to show that no one can go to Heaven without believing in JC.
Regarding Romans 15:8 - Jesus being a servant to the circumcision, taken in the context of the following verses means that he didn't come to save only the Jews but the whole world, especially the Gentiles but that he had to come as a Jew because God made promises to the Jews, so he had to come to the Jews first.
Anyway, thank you all for the invigorating discussion, I've got more important things to do than sit here and respond to a blog, exchanging sophmoric volleys that accomplish little.
Just be very careful of your words, words are powerful things, they can build worlds or they can destroy them.
Shalom,
Penina
PTO:
no, I quoted them to Christians. and to those who want to convince Christians to be pro-Zionist.
And after reading how you think this all 'sophmoric', I am glad to remind myself of your words:
"Just be very careful of your words, words are powerful things, they can build worlds or they can destroy them"
Take that to heart.
Heart? Did I quote scripture again? say something theological in that word and its context?
I have been following this discussion but it is going way above my simple hick town farmer-grandma's understanding of things.
My rough life experience taught me that I should cheer-on, every moral ethical expression and act ,as there aren't too many of those around when you need them!
So cheers to those who realize that it is the moral and decent and true thing to support Israel's right to our land!
But to call this event a Kiddush Hashem is in my humble opinion wrong ,offensive and out of proportion. Some of the people billed as being present at this event represent problematic outlooks for me as a jew to connect with ---and just yelling"haleluya "that you, winkie mention as not worthy of attention is for me enough to make this event anything but a kiddush Hashem.
Just one example , In Pastor Hagee's book,that an evangelical visiting Gush Katif gave me to read,I believe Jerusalem Countdown ,in the original addition ,the Pastor says that "we " must find the ways to make the Jews jealous of us so that they will accept Jesus as Messiah. Even if Pastor Hagee may be moral in his support of Israel ,and that is wonderful , cheering the Pastor on when he yells "Haleluya" knowing what is his goal is something I cannot do! Being there and and being part of this is a far cry , I think ,from a Kiddush Hashem.
Beautifully said, Anita.
Out-of-date Anita. Hagee has altered his theology. Maybe we have influenced him?
Here's a critic of him at this site (please, if you are sensitive to Christian rhetoric, don't open; trust me)
"Hagee's zealousness for the Jewish people and their cause has led him to commit a most serious doctrinal error — salvation for the Jews without conversion to Christianity. One newspaper account puts it this way:
Trying to convert Jews is a "waste of time," he [Hagee] said. . . .
Everyone else, whether Buddhist or Baha'i, needs to believe in Jesus, he says. But not Jews. Jews already have a covenant with God that has never been replaced with Christianity, he says."
another attack on him
I sure hope that you Winkie are right and I am wrong. However I also recall well a quote from Pastor Hagee's book where he says that lying and deception towards Jews is good if it helps towards bringing them to acceptance of Jesus, and he brought a quote on this from the New Testament to back this . But perhaps Pastor Hagee has changed his understanding and no longer accepts the new testament either?? or .... ?
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