Brit-Am Now no. 1316
March 16 2009, 21 Adar 5769
Contents:
1. Questions Concerning the Messiah son of Joseph
2. Brian
Patmore:  Torah Intended for all mankind!
3. David
Tempelhoff : We Are in Capitivity!
4. Charlotte Mecklenburg: Cannot Keep the Law Due to Prior Commitment!
5. Robert: Friend says "The
Khazars. Tribe 13" is fascinating!

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Tribe 13


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1. Questions Concerning the Messiah son of Joseph
Robert wrote:
 

I have  questions concerning the Moshiach ben Joseph from the Brit Am perspective. This person will obviously get his authority from the Almighty. I have learned he will ultimately suffer death, and this will be a very sad event, but during his tenure will he be recognized by both Judah and Joseph? And will He also be anointed to perform miracles?

My Jewish friends have told me they must do certain things in order to merit Moshiach, Must we also merit his coming, if so, what can we do to bring this about more speedily, if anything?
 
My opinion, right or wrong, has been one of frustration towards Christianity, but at the same time I am sympathetic. I feel there has been ample evidence to explain the purpose of Christianity to the adherents of Brit Am beliefs on your web site.
 
I have found the Brit Am site to be an uplifting and encouraging place to visit, and we are thankful for it.
 
Robert

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Brit-Am Reply:
(a) Foreword
(b) Answers to the Questions
(c) Brit-Am Sources on Messiah Son of Joseph

Robert Shalom,
I have attempted to answer your questions below after first having indulged in a rather lengthy foreword.
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(a) MBJ is not a figure from the Bible at least not someone expressly mentioned.
In the Talmud and Rabbinical Sources he is mentioned briefly.
He is something of a legendary figure and not someone whose existence is established by authority.
If someone said they did not believe in MBJ it would be no big deal from the Jewish point of view.
A Jew however who said they did not believe in the Messiah son of David could be accused of denying an Article of Faith and going against the Bible.
There is a great difference between belief in the Messiah son of David and the Messiah son of Joseph.
It is important to keep this distinction in mind. One can believe almost whatever one wants about MBJ and no-one can really say whether your are wrong or right.
Some conceive of MBJ as a real person who will appear in the End Times.
Others emphasize more the notion that MBJ represents an historical process.
Brit-Am accepts both approaches.
MBJ in our understanding represents a real person who will come in the End Times and lead or begin to lead the Lost Ten Tribes back.
MBJ also represents the age in which we live.
In this age the forces of Joseph meaning primarily Britain and the USA have been assisting Judah to return and rebuild the Land of Israel.
Religious Zionist Thinkers have also accepted the concept of MBJ.
For them MBJ represents the Zionist Movement especially its secular aspects.
They say that Theodor Herzl who founded Modern Zionism was a kind of prototype for MBJ.
Present day Zionism is building the Land, Ingathering the Exiles, and preparing the Material Infrastructure for a future Kingdom that will be inherited by Messiah son of David when he comes.
The Messiah son of David will provide the spiritual force and return to religious values that will be needed.
According to this school the death of MBJ represents the end of the secular material aspects of Zionism.
By praying that MBJ should not die they intend that the secular and religious aspects should be combined.
MBJ is not always associated with the Lost Ten Tribes.
Some time ago I heard a tape from a Rabbi (whose name I forget) who answered a question by claiming that no-where in the sources is MBJ linked with the Lost Tribes.
This is incorrect.
In the earliest sources (e.g. Targum Yehonatan on Exodus 40:11, Zohar Chadash, Balak 56b) MBJ is represented as a Prince of Ephraim or of Joseph and so too in other sources where it is strongly implied that MBJ will be at the head of the Lost Tribes of Israel or part of them.
The Malbim (1809-1879 CE) emphasizes that MBJ will lead the Ten Tribes in the end times.
##Our Sacred Sages had a tradition that in the beginning [of the End Times] there would arise a Messiah [i.e. Anointed Saviour] from the House of Joseph who will reign over the Ten Tribes. He will wage wars and all of Israel will be gathered together under his banner. [This will continue] until later on, a descendant of David will appear and he will reign over them....
##A transformation will take place. The Ten Tribes and the stick of Joseph will draw themselves closer unto the stick of Judah, and this too, will be through the agency of a Prophet and by miracles##.  The Commentary of "Malbim" on Ezekiel 37:15
Various verses in the Prophets concerning the Ten Tribes and Joseph in the End Times are associated with MBJ.
There is the book "Kol HaTor" ("Voice of the Turtledove") by Rabbi Hillel Shaklover which deals in detail with MBJ.
This work is attributed to a disciple of the Vilna Gaon (Rabbi Eliyahu from Vilna 1720-1797). It was discovered at a late date.
Claims have been made that this book is a forgery invented by Religious Zionist enthusiasts.
Whatever the case internal evidence shows the work to be consistent with the teachings of Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna and with Biblical exegesis.
Brit-Am was the first to show the relationship of MBJ as depicted in the book "Kol HaTor" and other sources with identification of the Lost Ten Tribes with the English-speaking peoples and related nations.
We spoke of this in detail in our book, "Joseph. The Israelite Destiny of America" (2001).
Certain Christians have tried to associated MBJ with the Christian Messiah.
The idea is that since MBJ as if to dies to atone for sins he parallels the Christian Savior whose father was also named Joseph. The idea however of a saintly person suffering or dying to save others is a well-known them and in Isaiah chapter 53 the whole Jewish People is depicted as such a "suffering servant".
A certain ministerial pair recently adopted the name "Kol HaTor" for an agenda of their own.
English translations of "Kol HaTor" are available, one of them on the web.
See:
Yedid Nefesh -Kol HaTor
http://www.yedidnefesh.com/kaballah/kol-hator/0.htm

Other works especially those of a Kabbalistic or philosophical nature also deal with MBJ.
In the past MBJ was mentioned often by certain Hassidic and other Rabbis and in recent times he is being recalled and discussed more and more.

See:
Wikipedia
Messiah ben Joseph
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messiah_ben_Joseph

Ramchal on MBJ
http://www.torah.org/learning/ramchal/classes/tgrrem6.html

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(b) Regarding your questions:
Whether MBJ will die or not is not certain. It is considered more of a possibility that may be averted.
At all events the Mashiach ben David will possibly at first join up with him and then later succeed him.
Mashiach ben David may take over altogether or he may merely take the major role with MBJ continuing to assist him.
Both the Gift of Prophecy and miracles will return in the Messianic Period and MBJ is associated with it.
MBJ will be recognized as the Leader of Joseph and initiate the re-unification of Joseph with Judah.

Concerning the idea of hastening the Messiah this is indeed praiseworthy.
Mainstream Juaism however does not emphasize this.
We ourselves in our way may be considered to be occupied with matters concerning the Messiah but we do not emphasize it consciously.

We understand the purpose of Chrisatianity to be to prepare the Lost Ten Tribes for their future role in World History.
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(c) Brit-Am Sources on the Messiah Son of Joseph

MOSHIACH BEN YOSEPH
http://britam.org/messiah.html

Moshiach ben Joseph and the Lost Ten Tribes.
The Messiah son of Joseph in Jewish Sources.
Proof concerning the identity of the descendants of Joseph and their present location
http://britam.org/tape3b.html

Messiah Son of Joseph and Manasseh
http://britam.org/menasseh.html#Son

New BAMBI Broadcasted Messages about Messiah son of Joseph
http://www.britam.org/Broadcasts/NewBambi.html#Joseph



2. Brian Patmore:  Torah Intended for all Mankind!
From: Brian Patmore <manco_yupanqui@bigpond.com>
Re: Brit-Am Now no. 1315

Shalom Yair,

Regarding Torah, from my readings of scripture and commentaries The Almighty intended Torah for all mankind.
The nation of Greater Israel was meant to learn and keep the Torah and then take it to all the world.
I personally cannot find a part of scripture that states that Israelites, not in THE LAND itself, do not really have to keep Torah.
Torah is meant to be kept by "all our generations" and "for ever !!"
Please let me know where my studies so far are wrong. What scriptural references do you have ?
I know that our ancestors, when they entered the land under Joshuah and the instructions of Moshe, had to treat that year as a Sabatical Year and start counting for the dates of the various feasts set down by The Almighty.
But, with the moon observations from Jerusalem, the Torah can be observed regarding the feast days in accordance with scripture.
Down Under, we keep these sacred days, the Shabbats, etc as best we can following scripture.
Mate, any assistance you can give would be most appreciated.
Many thanks,

Brian Patmore
Brisbane
Australia
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Brit-Am Reply:
It is clear from the Bible that all Peoples of the Earth are expected to fear the Almighty God of Israel.
In the Messianic Era the Messiah son of David will rule over the whole earth.

[Zechariah 14:16] AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, THAT EVERY ONE THAT IS LEFT OF ALL THE NATIONS WHICH CAME AGAINST JERUSALEM SHALL EVEN GO UP FROM YEAR TO YEAR TO WORSHIP THE KING, THE LORD OF HOSTS, AND TO KEEP THE FEAST OF TABERNACLES.                     

All peoples will be expected to come to Jerusalem at the feast of Succoth.
This indicates that some kind of set religious observances will be compulsory for everybody.
This however concerns the Time of the Messiah which will be different from our own time.

In our time the God of Israel can only be accessed through being acknowledged as the God of Israel.
Non-Israelites can (and should) pray to God and be answered but they can only do so by acknowledging HIM as the God of Israel.

[1-Kings 8:53] FOR THOU DIDST SEPARATE THEM FROM AMONG ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE EARTH,  TO BE THINE INHERITANCE, AS THOU SPAKEST BY THE HAND OF MOSES THY SERVANT, WHEN THOU BROUGHTEST OUR FATHERS OUT OF EGYPT, O LORD GOD.


[Exodus 33:16] FOR WHEREIN SHALL IT BE KNOWN HERE THAT I AND THY PEOPLE HAVE FOUND GRACE IN THY SIGHT? IS IT NOT IN THAT THOU GOEST WITH US? SO SHALL WE BE SEPARATED, I AND THY  PEOPLE, FROM ALL THE PEOPLE THAT ARE UPON THE FACE OF THE EARTH.                     
 [Exodus 33:17] AND THE LORD SAID UNTO MOSES, I WILL DO THIS THING ALSO THAT THOU HAST SPOKEN: FOR THOU HAST FOUND GRACE IN MY SIGHT, AND I KNOW THEE BY NAME.                     

See recent talks we gave on this matter:

The Golden Calf and the God of Israel and the Choseness of Israel
http://www.britam.org/Broadcasts/NewBambi.html#GC


1-Kings:8 The Supplication of Solomon on Behalf of Israel
http://www.britam.org/Broadcasts/NewBambi.html#1

Non-Israelites were never expected to keep the Torah.
It was for Israelites only.
The question remains as to how good is the proof that you are an Israelite?
How applicable is it to you on an individual bases?
Read our article:
"Joseph and the Law.
Do
Ephraimites have to Keep the Law of Moses in our time as distinct from the End Times?"
http://www.britam.org/worship.html




3. David Tempelhoff : We Are in Capitivity!
From: David Tempelhoff <david.tempelhoff@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Brit-Am Now no. 1314

Hello Yair,
 
To weeks ago I was reading King Solomons Prayer of blessing on the Temple.
 I was struck by the fact that we who believe we are descendents of the Lost 10 tribes are actually in Capitivity.
 We are lost. More lost than we know.
  Our forefathers rebelled and worshiped idols and turned away from Him.
 He split up the tribes for good. Even after delivering them from their enemies in spectacular fashion----Jehosaphat, Hezikiah
 I think He had had enough.
 They ( our forefathers) mixed the G-d of Isreal with the foreign gods. They created confusion and G-d did what he said he would do. He took them into captivity.
 We are still mixing truth with pagan teaching and doctrines and making God jealous by not keeping His commandments. Thats why we are lost.
 I dont think there will be a return until there is repentance. I know my heart is hard and needs to be softened.
   '......We have sinned and done wrong, we have committed wickedness";  and when they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies who led them away captive, and pray to You toward their land which You gave to their fathers, the city which You have chosen and the temple which I have built for Your name:  then hear in heaven....." 1 Kings 8vs 46
 
We need to pray for mercy from G-d that He will soften our hearts.
 
" they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped and praised the LORD, saying:
"For He is good, For His mercy endures forever." 2 Chronicles 7:2-4
 David 



4. Charlotte Mecklenburg: Cannot Keep the Law Due to Prior Commitment!
Re: Brit-Am Now no. 1315
Dear Yair,
I can not speak for others but I would like to speak for myself. There is nothing more I would like to do than keep the teachings of the covenant. But what would appear as a hit or miss by you is seen this way by me: The Jews say that sacrifices are not needed for atonement. Only confession of sin and accepting the forgiveness of God is necessary. What God wants is an honest contrite, open heart not sacrifices. Well, in that case, then the whole system of the teachings in the covenant are subject to question. If this is the case then what the Levitical system of teachings is all about is a matter of understanding the intent behind the physical manifestation of keeping these teachings. In other words, why do I put God's word on the door post of my house and on the gates of my property? Why do I abstain from lighting fire on Shabbat. I can keep do these acts until God shows me the significance of it or I can say to God, I don't want to mindlessly do these things and end up not having an honest heart before you, so teach me the meaning so that I can do these things with the kind of heart you want me to have. Now Judaism is good because it can teach us the manner of keeping these law but I don't sense that I ever get a good answer as to what these things mean.   Does Judaism give what these actions represent?

As a result, I just keep asking God to show me what I am really doing. If I put his word on my doorposts etc. what does it represent.   He has given me an answer, and so I have put them on my doorposts of my house in the U.S. ...But in this manner I am working on having the right attitude and view that God wants me to have regarding his law. Maybe when I get this right then what Judaism has to teach will complete what is needed in keeping the law in a manner that is in keeping with what God has in mind.

In Jeremiah 3 he promises to give us good shepherds that will impart wisdom and understanding. I am looking forward to that day. Right now most Rabbis don't want to come near us non-kosher Gentiles unless we want to convert totally and that means rejecting the Mashiach that has brought us thus far.   I can't go there. If some can that is fine, God will do what he can in the way he can with each individual.   It is one thing to redeem and bring salvation to Israel but if the individuals in the group are not totally on board with God the nation will need to call out for salvation again. We keep praying for Israel according to what God wants.  

I do hope this helps you to understand where some of us are coming from on the issue of the law.

Charlotte Mecklenburg
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Brit-Am Reply:

Regarding sacrifices etc I did not quote follow you.
We do not offer sacrifices at present because we cannot. If we could we would be obliged to do so.
There are reasons for everything and we are commanded to try and understand what we can.
Nevertheless even if our understanding fails us we are still obligated to obey.
You imply that you would be open to keeping the Law if you could do so without having to deny the Christian Messiah.
Fair Enough.
In the Messianic Era things will sort themselves out.
In the meantime we all should do what we can according to our own understanding.




5. Robert: Friend says "The Khazars. Tribe 13" is fascinating!
I wanted to thank you for the copy of the book, "The Khazars. Tribe 13", My friend who is Orthodox Jewish has had it for two weeks, and tells me it is fascinating! He tells me he is spending every spare moment reading. Robert





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