I just read Rabbi Sack’s discussion on parsha Ki Teitse. He explains the difference between rational (not necessarily justified hate ) and irrational hate through the story of the Amalekites. Today the Jewish people face many who do not want us to survive as Jews. They include Jews for Jesus, Messianic Jews and their growing organizations, like ICEJ.
Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God. When the Lord your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land He is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the name of Amalek from under the heaven. Do not forget. (Deut. 25:17-19)
Rabbi Sacks explained: The Amalekites did no more than attack the Israelites once, an attack that they successfully repelled (Ex. 17:13). Yet Moses commands, “Remember.” “Do not forget.” “Blot out the name.” In Exodus the Torah says that “God shall be at war with Amalek for all generations” (Ex. 17:16). Why the difference? Why did Moses tell the Israelites, in effect, to forgive the Egyptians but not the Amalekites? He provides an answer from Mishna, Avot (5:19):
When hate is rational, based on some fear or disapproval that – justified or not – has some logic to it, then it can be reasoned with and brought to an end. But unconditional, irrational hatred cannot be reasoned with. There is nothing one can do to address it and end it. It persists.
The Amalekites attacked the Israelites when they were “weary and weak”. They focused their assault on those who were “lagging behind.” Those who are weak and lagging behind pose no danger. This was irrational, groundless hate.
I recently received an invitation from International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem (ICEJ) via Facebook to join them September 24 at 2PM.
Join us for our monthly worship, teaching and prayer for Israel.
Live worship and special guest Mark Neugebauer teaching.
Jackie Clarke Intercession Leader.
Details to follow.
Upper Rooms by stairs or elevator.
CTF 272 Attwell Drive Toronto (near airport)
Details call ICEJ CA 416-324-9133 or
Mark Neugebauer is a retired teacher and messianic Jew.
“My sister and I were raised in Canada in a Jewish, Yiddish-speaking environment where all our friends were Jewish, and Israel was our raison d’être. Christianity was the religion of the outsiders, the faith of anti-Semites and Jew-haters, the creed of the Crusaders, Inquisitors, Persecutors, and Nazis. Yet my mother would remind me continually that ‘Jesus was a Jew.'”
My regular synagogue attendance led me to helping out in Hebrew school, participating in youth groups, and singing in the choir led by a wonderful cantor. In the choir were two Messianic Jews — that is, Jews who believe that Jesus is the Messiah whom God promised to send the Jewish people. They were praying to be able to lead someone to faith in Him…
They began to expound on the ancient prophecies in the Hebrew Scripture concerning the Messiah, but I didn’t hear a word they said. What I did hear was what the Lord spoke to my heart when He revealed Himself to me personally, saying, “Jesus is the Messiah; He is Lord.”
His father is a Holocaust survivor. Here is Neugebauer’s story: “Jesus Is Messiah: From Conservative Jew to Messianic Jew to Jewish Catholic”
If you have a problem with this video click here
Jackie Clarke is ICEJ Canada Prayer Director & Co-Leader. She was brought on board by Donna Holbrook, Canada National Director ICEJ.
“Jackie is an avid Bible scholar who has had a fascination with Israel since childhood. Her love for Israel has taken her there twice. The first visit was in 1995, and then again in 1999. She looks forward to making many more trips in the future. Jackie has been serving as the ICEJ Canada Prayer Director for just over a year. She holds degrees in Theology and Psychology. Her desire is to see the Hebraic roots of Christianity taught in the churches across Canada, beginning with her own congregation, Catch the Fire (TACF) Midtown.
She wants to comfort the people of Israel: “ Comfort ye, comfort ye my people.”
She wants to bring comfort through the love of Yeshua to people; like Holocaust survivors in Israel.
This is comfort for Holocaust survivors.
Jews promoting Jesus are Amalekites. They nip at the heels of the weak and the uneducated.They share “love” for the sole purpose of promoting the love of Yeshua. Bait and switch. They want more Mark Neugebauers.
“Among other sacrifices some evangelicals such as the ICEJ people in order to build their ties with Israel, have toned down their historic commitment to evangelize.” And yet, Jewish organizations accept money from these people. Could it be that ICEJ is always there with a handout?
Jewish organizations must be very good at wilful blindness.
From the Ethics of the Fathers: “Rabbi Tarfon used to say, it is not incumbent upon you to complete the task, but you are not exempt from undertaking it.”
