Can anyone explain the significance of the "m'chitzah"?
112547
It refers to the wall of hostility which separated Jews and Gentiles for so long. It also refers, metaphorically, to the the fence which separated the inner part of the Temple, where only the Jews could enter, from the Court of the Gentiles. St. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians wrote, "For he is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile both with God, in one body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it."  (Eph 2:14-16)\n\nThe gospel of salvation that God worked in Christ is reiterated in terms of what God's great love, expressed in Christ, means for us. In urging people to remember their grim past when they were dead in sins and what they are now in Christ, St. Paul saw both Jew and Gentile reconciled with God, now one new person, a new humanity, one body, the household of God, a temple and dwelling place of God's Spirit. \n\nThe Gentiles lacked Israel's messianic expectation, lacked the various covenants God made with Israel, lacked hope of salvation and knowledge of the true God; but through Christ all these religious barriers between Jew and Gentile have been transcended by the abolition of the Mosaic covenant-law for the sake of uniting Jew and Gentile into a single religious community, imbued with the same holy Spirit and worshiping the same Father. The Gentiles are now included in God's household as it arises upon the foundation of apostles assisted by those endowed with the prophetic gift, the preachers of Christ. With Christ as the capstone, they are being built into the holy temple of God's people where the divine presence dwells.\n\nWhat we see now is a new wall, skillfully built by Satan to thwart God's plans for blessing both Jew and Gentile.\n\nThe following is a list about how Jews and Christians may relate to one another:\n\n1. Jews and Christians worship the same God.\n2. Jews and Christians seek authority from the same book — the Bible (what Jews call Tanakh and Christians call the Old Testament).\n3.  Christians can respect the claim of the Jewish people on the land of Israel.\n4. Jews and Christians accept the moral principles of Torah.\n5. Nazism was not a Christian phenomenon.\n6. The humanly irreconcilable difference between Jews and Christians will not be settled until God redeems the entire world as promised in scripture.\n7. A new relationship between Jews and Christians will not weaken Jewish practice.\n8. Jews and Christians must work together for justice and peace.\n\nThe Church is a cultivated field, the tillage of God. On that land the ancient olive tree grows whose holy roots were the prophets and in which the reconciliation of Jews and Gentiles has been brought about and will be brought about again. That land, like a choice vineyard, has been planted by the heavenly cultivator. Yet the true vine is Christ who gives life and fruitfulness to the branches, that is, to us, who through the Church remain in Christ, without whom we can do nothing.\n\nAt all times and in every race, anyone who fears God and does what is right has been acceptable to him. He has, however, willed to make men holy and save them, not as individuals without any bond or link between them, but rather to make them into a people who might acknowledge him and serve him in holiness. He therefore chose the Israelite race to be his own people and established a covenant with it. He gradually instructed this people. . . . All these things, however, happened as a preparation for and figure of that new and perfect covenant which was to be ratified in Christ . . . the New Covenant in his blood; he called together a race made up of Jews and Gentiles which would be one, not according to the flesh, but in the Spirit.
1036359
It's a form of the word 'torah', Judaic holy scripture.  As in Torat Hashem means the Torah of God.\n\nShalom alechem!
776176
According to the Code of Jewish Law (the "Shulchan Aruch"), there are three\nrequirements for a valid conversion:\n\n1) Mikveh - All converts must immerse in the Mikveh - a ritual bath linked to a reservoir\nof rain water.\n\n2) Milah - Male converts must undergo circumcision by a qualified "Mohel." If he was\npreviously circumcised by a doctor, he then undergoes a ritual called "hatafas dam."\n\n3) Mitzvot - This is the clincher. The convert must believe in God and the divinity of the\nTorah, as well as accept upon himself to observe all 613 mitzvot (commandments) of the\nTorah. This includes observance of Shabbat, Kashrut, etc. -- as detailed in the Code of\nJewish Law, the authoritative source for Jewish observance. This means that a motor\nvehicle is not used on Shabbat, that cheese is eaten only with kosher supervision, that a\nwoman uses the mikveh every month, that hands are ritually washed before every bread\nmeal, that the status of a Kohen is preserved, and much much more.\n\nAll of the above must be done before a court of three Jewish men who themselves\nbelieve in God, accept the divinity of the Torah, and observe the mitzvot.
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Passover is the 8 day observance commemorating the freedom and exodus of the Israelites (Jewish slaves) from Egypt during the reign of the Pharaoh Ramses II.\n\nA time of family gatherings and lavish meals called Seders, the story of Passover is retold through the reading of the Haggadah. With its special foods, songs, and customs, the Seder is the focal point of the Passover celebration. Passover begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan. As the Jewish day begins at sundown the night before, for the year 2006, the first night of Passover will be April 12th.\n\nSo here for your entertainment are some fun Holiday things for you and your family. We've got stories of Moses and the exodus, we've got matzohs to find, songs to sing*, and matzoh brie to make! So bring your kids and tell your friends. And please stop by again. Don't forget to sign our Guestbook before you leave
382812
This is written in the Hebrew Talmud It says: "Be very careful if you make a woman cry, because God counts her tears. The woman came out of a man's rib--- not from his feet to be walked on, not from his head to be superior, but from the side to be equal, under the arm to be protected, and next to the heart to be loved.\n\nGod hears the words of the woman who complains to Muhammad about the cruelty of her husband; God hears her words when she complains directly to him. God listens to everything that is said; he hears all and observes all.
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I don't know.\nEven in the wikpedia quote from the Mishna Rabbi Akiva calls it Shir haShirim, and in other places it talks about the song of songs.  \nWeird.
1155288
Kabbalists have been finding mystical messages in the Hebrew scriptures for centuries.\n\nMore recently, "The Bible Code" has claimed to find all sorts of prophetic messages about current events "encoded" in the Bible.\n\nThe Bible Code has been pretty thoroughly debunked by demonstrations that remarkable prophesies can also be pulled out of "Moby Dick".  It seems that given enough words, you can put together just about anything you want.
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Yes, I was always amazed about this. Even more intersting is it takes about one whole year for one Torah. I always feel a great deal of respect for these people who dedicate their lifes to this cause and can sit hours one this very detailed work. I know I couldn't.\n\n     I am sure the text is accuate. I respect these people beyond doubt. The debates are from two sources. \n\n     First, what the text means. This is commonly addressed by rabbis and the different interperatations are generaly included in bar/bat mitzvah speeches to show the understanding of the Torah and their knowledge.\n\n     Secound, is the despite popular belief, the language translation from Hebrew to English. While two words may have the same connotation the annotaion may be different. Also langeges evolve over time. See http://www.webster.com/help/faq/etymology.htm\n\n\nOk I'm curious... Schneb. What religion are you? (Schneb sounds Jewish but I tought you were christian) If you don't want to tell its ok as it make no difference to my response.
226773
Most frequently theJewish Holy Book is used to refer to the Five Books of Moses- called the Torah.\n\nThe Fie books of Moses, is just the written part of what God gave to Moses at Sinai- there is another part  called the Mishnah (or oral law).  The Mishnah was written down a few centuries after the destruction of the Second Temple when it was felt that there was a risk of its transmission being compromised by the dispersal of the Jews.  Together woth Mishnah, later Rabbis added further commentaries known as the Gemorrah.  The collection of the Mishnah with the Gemorrahs is known as the Talmud and modern copies contain further commentaries from after the Gemorrah was sealed.\n\nIn addition to the Torah are the writings of the Prophets- Nevi'im ,and writings (? I'm not too sure of this translation) Ketuvim.  The written Torah combined with the Nevi'm and Ketuvim is known as the Tanakh, or as it is popularly called by non-Jews, the Old Testament.
480380
the eye is the all seeing eye of God, Pyramid reflects the fascination with rosicrucianism at the time.Novus ordo seclorum means the "new world order." There are also symbols of Israel united with the 13 colonies \n\nthe cloud above the eagle represents the shekina cloud of glory over Israel. and the star inside the cloud is the star of david with 12 stars to represent the 12 tribes of Israel..Toward the end of the american revolution, Geroge Washington obtained financial help from Jews both in the united States and in europe to finsh the war.  They were critical in help the colonies win and establish the nation. They are given this recognition on the emblem. This country then owes its existence to the nation of Israel and today we still protect ISrael in return.  There is a historical bond between america and the jewish nation in the quest for freedom adn peace.
364998
Mahdi is an Arabic word (Name or title, in this case) which  simply means Guided One.\nWe all know who Jesus was. The Jewish Messiah. (PBUH)\nThe Messiah and the Mahdi\nOne and the Same Person\nFrom the Traditions of the Holy Prophet it is evident that the Promised Messiah was to be a follower of the Holy Prophet. One Tradition tells us that \n\n'the Mahdi is no other than the Messiah' [Ibn-e-Maja]\nAnother Tradition says: \n\n'How would it be with you when the son of Mary will descend among you and you will have a leader raised from among you?" [bukhari, kitabul-anbiya, chapter nuzul isa bin maryam] \nThese two Traditions leave no doubt that the Messiah himself will be the Mahdi. He would lead followers of the Holy Prophet and would be one from among them, not an outsider. To think that the Messiah and the Mahdi are two different persons is wrong. It is against the clear indication in the Tradition: 'The Mahdi is no other than the Messiah.' It behoves good believers to ponder carefully over the utterances of the Holy Prophet. If the utterances seem contradictory, it is for us to try and resolve the contradictions. If the Holy Prophet said, on the one hand, that the Mahdi will appear before the Messiah, and the Messiah will then join the Mahdi and his followers in worship; and, on the other, that the Messiah himself is the Mahdi, what are we going to do? Accept one utterance and reject the other? Is it not rather our duty to consider the two utterances carefully and try to reconcile one to the other? The two utterances can be reconciled at once if we use one of them to interpret the other. It seems that the promise of the advent of the Messiah was couched in words which suggested that the Messiah and the Mahdi were two different persons. This suggestion is corrected by the Tradition which says 'No Mahdi but the Messiah' This Tradition makes it plain that the other Tradition is metaphorical. It means that a follower of the Holy Prophet will arise for the purpose of revivifying the world, but would not have that rank of a prophet. Then the promise relating to the second coming of Jesus will be fulfilled in his person and he will announce himself the Promised Messiah. The Tradition, therefore, tells us that the Promised One will start his career as a Muslim reformer who will become invested with the office of Messiah. Divine prophecies have to employ metaphors. They would convey very little otherwise. \n\nIf our interpretaion of these Traditions is not correct, then there are only two alternatives left for a seeker-after truth, both of them absurd and dangerous. Either, we admit that the Tradition, which describes the Messiah and the Mahdi as one and the same person, is not a true Tradition, or, we admit that the Messiah and the Mahdi are two different persons and that the intention of the Tradition is to point to a difference of spiritual significance in the two. It may mean that the true Mahdi would be the Messiah. The other, Mahdi would be insignificant compared with the Messiah. It would be like saying, "Nobody knows but so and so." When we say such a thing, we do not mean literally that nobody else knows. What we mean is that the given person knows very much more. However, both interpretations are dangerous. One requires us to treat, without good reasons, as spurious a Tradition which is a well authenticated one, true on all sound criteria. The other implies that the Mahdi, in comparison with the Messiah, will be as nothing. Such a thought would be contrary to the Traditions which teach that the Mahdi will be the Imam and the Messiah a follower who stands behind the Imam in a congregation. Both alternatives, therefore, are absurd. The only worthwhile interpretation we can put upon the Tradition is that they foretell the coming of a Messenger from among the followers of the Holy Prophet. This Messenger will first present himself as a reformer and later announce himself the Messiah of
920265
The passage of inspired text to which you refer finds place with in the context of the Lord's conversation with the Jews who were tempting him in an effort to "catch him in his words" as they often did.  The Jews knowing of the continued controversary about marriage law which found much addressing between the Jews who insisted that Moses allowed divorce for any reason, and the Jews who contended that that which Moses' law was restricted to divorce based upon adultrey only, well realized that the marriage, divorce, re-marriage topic was hotly contested. They concluded that such was indeed the best of subjects with which to put the Lord in the proverbial hot water before the then present audience.\nThe Lord, however, being wise to the foolishness of such simply asked the question; "have ye not read" the Scripture? The Lord plainly refered the Jews to the Garden of Eden when God established his law regarding marriage. It is of good importance to notice that in the context of Matt.19:1-12 the Lord twice referd to the "begining," going back to God's law regarding marriage established in the Garden.  The Lord explained that God's law was never intended to be set aside concerning marriage, and that God intends that marriage is to be for life, and that divorce was never even so much as mentioned in the Genesis record. Thus the importance of that which the Lord stated in Matt.19:6 "That which God hath joined together, let not man put assunder."\nThe Jews then followed up with the question; "why did Moses then command " that a bill of divorcement be given?  Jesus informed the Jews that Moses did so because of the "hardness of the hearts" (Matt. 19:8) of the Jews.   Notice again the Lord's comment when he stated; "but from the begining it was not so" (Matt.19:8). \nThe Lord plainly revealed the fact that God's law pertaining to marriage was to be forever sealed, that is marriage is for life and only in the case of adultery may one (an innocent party)  put away a mate. Only the innocent mate in a marriage has the right to divorce a spouce who has committed adultery.  The innocent party then has the right to re-marry with God's approval, and only the innocent party (Matt.19:6). \nThe Lord plainly declared that one who was put away for adultery has lost the right to re-marry and must remain single. One guilty of adultery must come to the knowlege of the truth and comply with God's marriage law and remain single. For one to re-marry, who has committed adultery, places one in a continoius state of adultery. Thus the reason the Lord prohibited the mate guilty of adultry to re-marry.  It must also be realized that the only reason the Lord authorized divorce is in fact adultery.  If a divorce occurs in which neither spouce has committed adultery then neither spouce meets the requirements of the only exception authorized by the Lord to indeed acquire a divorce. Thus neither spouce has the right to re-marry, for neither one has indeed met the law establishing the exception the Lord allowed.\nAfter the Lord had well explained this matter to the Jews then present, (the 12 apostles also being present) the apostles concluded that if that which the Lord had just set forth in verses 4-9 were true it would be better to never marry if one could not divorce his spouce (Matt.19:10). The Lord of course gave this a ready reply. The reply is indeed recorded in verses 11 and 12\nNotice: \nVerse 11; "But he (Jesus) said unto them, all men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given."     The passage is this by way of explaination. \nFirst; note that the words "But he said" are used. This of course settles the matter of the authority. It was Christ who said what he said.  Therefore, all men ought to heed well that which has been declared in the passage.\n\nSecond; The Lord stated, "All men cannot receive this saying."
713693
I'm Jewish, don't worry! For me, I would think it would a great thing to do as a mezzuzah does bless the house. Are you putting one up out of respect for your step family or because you do indeed think it will be a blessing and a "mitzvah" to do? If you truly believe in it's sanctity, as it is a sacred object whether then to appease your step family then it's fine.
275630
this paragraph is actually part of a prayer called "shema" in judaism. it is one of the holliest prayers. it is supposed to be the first thing you say in the morning and the last thing you say at night. \n\nthe words are things like the ten commandments and the torah. when it says tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads the torah is talking about something called tefillin, little boxes that have texts in them. they are tied with a leather strap, and are worn while praying. the texts are several passages from the torah. one of them being the text you have above. \n\nas for Write them on the doorframes of your houses it is much the same principal. these are called mezzuzot. inside they have a copy of the "shema"\n\nhope this helps,\nsry i couldn't remember more.
404196
called a kippah in Hebrew and a yarmulke in Yiddish. That is why you see two names. It comes from the concept that we should all ways recognize that the presence of G-d is above us and we should all ways remember that. \n\nToday it is a very strong custom among the Jewish people and if possible a mans head should all ways be covered by something either a hat that little cap or anything else when ever he is walking around.
308840
i heard it a while back yeah, except "basic" instead of "brief".. some other stuff: the names of the first 10 patriarchs of the bible tell God's plan.. lookee here\nhttp://www.susancanthony.com/aboutSusan/bibleits.html\n\nanother interesting thing is when God was on the cross, they hung a sign that said "Jesus the Nazarean and King of the Jews" which in hebrew is: Yeshua HaNazarei WMelech HaYehudim, the first letter from each  is Y-H-W-H, the name of God...
753318
I don't think you can find it yet because it was just recently released.  The first place it will come out is Natachaatlas.net.  Unless you know somebody who is from there who can interpret it for you.