The High Holy Days – In the Shadow of Messiah’s Sacrifice •

New Feature: Meet the Missionaries • Revelation Study

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TheChosenPeople

TheChosenPeople

Volume IX, Issue 8 September 2003

2 The Chosen People

Dear friend of the Jewish people,The Jewish High Holy Days are upon us.

Our Chosen People Ministries staff membersare getting ready for dozens of outreach servicesaround the world.Without a doubt, this is themost significant season of the year for theJewish community—and a very important timefor your mission to the Jewish people. MoreJewish people will hear the Gospel and be opento the message of Jesus during the next fewweeks than at any other time of the year.

The connection between the sacrificialsystem in the Old Testament and the atoningsacrifice of Jesus the Messiah is one of the mostimportant in Scripture. Let me explain a littleabout it.

The Sacrificial System in ScriptureAlthough I grew up in a traditional Jewish

home, I gave very little thought to the sacrificialsystem described in the Old Testament. Likemost Jewish people, I viewed it as somethingJudaism had outgrown.

For one thing, the Synagogue is not at alllike the Temple in the Scriptures.We haverabbis, not priests.We offer prayers, not animalsacrifices. In fact, most Jewish people todaythink the sacrificial system is barbaric—and areglad the Jewish religion no longer requires thesacrifice of animals.

After I became a believer in Jesus, I beganreading the Jewish Scriptures and grew in myunderstanding of the Word of God. But even so,I still had a problem comprehending thesacrificial system. I knew that Jesus died for mysins and rose from the dead. But I still could notbelieve that the God who made cute little furryanimals wanted us to sacrifice them—and insuch a gory manner.

As a New Yorker, I have not seen manyanimals butchered. But unlike some of myfellow Jewish people, I actually had some imagesin my mind when I thought of animal sacrifice.

You see, my grandfather was a butcher! Heowned a butcher shop in Brooklyn and I visitedhim there regularly. So I have some idea ofwhat the sacrificial system might have lookedlike—and smelled like—because of the time Ispent at my grandfather’s shop.

But, like most modern day Jews, I observedthe Jewish Holidays without recognizing thedeep importance and significance of thesacrificial system.

AAThe High

Holy Days– In the

Shadow ofMessiah’s

SacrificeThe cover image of Rosh Hashana is by Samuel VeraSforzza. This

and other of his paintings are featured in this year’s Jewish ArtCalendar available from CPM for just $12.95. Use the order card.

September 2003 3

means “sin” but can also mean “topurify.”

The Fellowship Offering, fromthe Hebrew word shalom (µwlv),meaning “peace.” This offeringsymbolizes the desire for peace withGod.

The Meal Offering, from theHebrew minchah (hjnm), whichmeans “to cause to rest.”This is anoffering of flour, oil andfrankincense.

The Thank Offering comesfrom the Hebrew word todah(hdwt), meaning “thanksgiving.”

The Freewill Offering comesfrom the Hebrew word nedevah(hbdn), meaning “to offer willingly,”for no other reason than because onewants give something to the Lord.

The Ordination Offering isfrom the Hebrew word miluim(µyawlm), which comes from a rootmeaning “completeness,” or “to be full.”

In the Shadow of theSacrifices

Most of my fellow Jewish peopleknow very little about the sacrificialsystem. But during the High HolyDays, especially Yom Kippur (the Dayof Atonement), reminders of thesacrifices abound. Even the blowingof the shofar (the Ram’s Horn)reminds us of the substitutionarysacrifice God provided to Abrahamso that he did not have to slay hisson, Isaac.

Draw near to Him.

The entire Yom Kippur service inthe synagogue is modeled after thesacrifices designed for this all-important Day of Atonement.

Modern Jews might be repulsedby the sacrificial system, butthroughout the High Holy Days, welive in its shadow. We know thatGod demands more than good

works—or even sincere hearts—inorder to grant forgiveness of sin.AsJews, we know there is somethingmissing.

What is Missing?As we have seen, God ordained the

sacrifices to give us the opportunityto draw near to Him.This is theunderlying meaning of sacrifice.Andthe sacrificial system—the Festivals,the Priesthood and the Temple—weregiven for one purpose: to bringbeloved Israel close to God.

God wants us to have peace andfellowship with Him. But from thestart, He has also made it clear thatwe cannot achieve this on our own.Our sin has created a barrierbetween us and God. But the GoodNews is that He sent His Son as theultimate korban sacrifice to draw usclose to God Himself. Each of thesacrifices I have described above insome way points to Jesus—Yeshua—who is the fulfillment of all the Lawand Prophets. He Himself is ouratonement, the One whom God sentto draw us to Himself.

God set the sacrificial system inplace as a temporary measure and asa prophetic pointer to the atoningsacrifice offered by Messiah Himself.He is our great High Priest,Who notonly offers the sacrifice, but isHimself the sinless offering.

This is God’s will, and as Hebrews10:10 tells us, “By that will we havebeen sanctified through the offering of thebody of Jesus Christ once for all.”

My prayer is that God will use theHigh Holy Day services provided byyour mission to the Jewish people, todemonstrate clearly that thesacrificial system was designed todraw us to the Light ofYeshua, in Whom wehave forgiveness of sinand everlasting life.

Yours in Him,

MitchDr. Mitch Glaser

President

The Heart of theSacrificial System

Studying the Hebrew termswhich describe the various sacrificeswas an eye-opener for me. Let meshare some of these terms with youso you can understand why thesacrificial system is so important.

Each of the sacrifices

points to Jesus—

Yeshua, who is the

fulfillment of all the

Law and Prophets.

The general term for “sacrifice” iskorban (ˆbrq). This has beentranslated as “sacrifice,” but it reallycomes from the Hebrew word karav(brq), which means “to draw near.”In other words, the emphasis placedupon the very term “sacrifice” is notprimarily the killing of an animal oreven the shedding of the animal’sblood, but rather drawing near toGod.This becomes quite clear fromLeviticus 10:3, which says,“By thosewho come near Me I must be regarded asholy;And before all the people I must beglorified.”

The Sacrifices in theBook of Leviticus

Several different sacrifices arenoted in Leviticus, and each one isdescribed by a unique Hebrew term.Let me list them:

The Guilt Offering comes fromthe Hebrew word asham (µva),which simply means “guilt.”Someone who sinnedunintentionally made this offeringonce they became aware of their sin.

The Burnt Offering comesfrom the Hebrew olah (hl[),meaning “to rise up,” just as smokerises up from the burnt offering.

The Sin Offering, from theHebrew root chet (afj), which

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4 The Chosen People

Eva’s lifelong love ofMessiah, her family ties,her education and her

calling to reach Jewish peopleare all deeply intertwined.Having made a commitmentto the Lord at a young age,Eva received a Jewish StudiesDegree from Moody BibleInstitute.While a Moody student, she workedwith Chosen People Ministries and met MichaelR., a Jewish man who was also in the Jewish Studiesprogram.They were co-workers with Chosen PeopleMinistries and married soon after graduating from Moody.

Michael and Eva served with Chosen People Ministriesin New York City and Long Island, planting Messianiccongregations, developing discipleship programs and doingwhat they could to foster Jewish evangelism.WhenMichael left his position with Chosen People Ministries tobecome the head of Jewish Studies at Moody BibleInstitute, Michael and Eva moved to Chicago.

Now serving as Chosen People Ministries’ ChicagoCoordinator, Eva is active in evangelism and discipleship,teaches Bible studies, oversees the Chicago staff, mentorsMoody students who are involved with Chosen PeopleMinistries, and is part of the leadership team of a Messianicfellowship.

Michael and Eva live in Buffalo Grove, a Chicago suburbthat has the fastest growing young Jewish community inthe Midwest.They have two sons, Zack and Seth.

Living in a Jewish neighborhood provides opportunitiesfor numerous “divine appointments.”

Eva recently told about Ira and Lily,* a Jewish coupleshe had a good conversation with while walking in theneighborhood. She told Michael about it, and not longafter, Michael also met them on the street and recognizedthem from Eva’s description. Michael astonished them ashe spoke to them by name and even remembered theirdog’s name.They shared a good laugh when Michaelrevealed he was Eva’s husband! The two couples areplanning to get together for dinner.

Another example of Eva’s “neighborhood evangelism” is afriendship she is cultivating with Michele.* A Jewishnewcomer from back East, she told of her desire to give herchildren a “good Jewish education.” Eva spoke with her ofthe foundation of the Hebrew Scriptures and theirfulfillment in the New Testament. Michele has questions, andthe two of them are continuing to discuss spiritual matters.

Rachel G was borninto in Messianic Jewishfamily, and was raised in

New York City and Toronto,Canada. Her earliestrecollections include handingout pamphlets on the street andgathering around the diningroom table with people withwhom her parents were sharing theGospel or discipling. From an early age, her parentshelped instill the importance of telling the Jewish peopleabout their Messiah.Their example helped guide Rachel toaccept Yeshua as her Messiah and gave her a desire to reachthe Jewish people.

While a teenager, a major family crisis struck, but thisadversity caused her to grow stronger in her walk with theLord.At the age of 18, she rededicated her life to God anda few years later, she entered Moody Bible Institute andgraduated with a double major in Jewish Studies andBible/Theology. She became quite active on campus, anddeveloped her vision for ministry and gathering peopletogether to teach and train them in Jewish evangelism.

Rachel joined the staff of Chosen People Ministries inMarch 2002 as Coordinator of Short-Term Missions. Sheis based out of New York City where she is involved inorganizing STEP (Summer Training and EvangelismProgram), college outreaches and conferences. She alsoshares the exciting work of Chosen People Ministries inchurches and college campuses.

Rachel G

* Names changed

Meet theMissionariesChosen People Ministries’ field evangelists to the Jewishpeople are the cutting edge of the Mission’s calling. We

honor their faithfulness, sacrifice and courage in thisdifficult form of service to Messiah. This month, and in

months to follow, we would like you to get to know them.So, it is with great pleasure that we introduce you to a

new feature we are calling “Meet the Missionaries.”

Eva R

This year’s STEP outreach proved to be a bigconfidence builder. Rachel helped coordinate an outreachin Manhattan on July 4th, in which over 20,000 peoplewere given Gospel tracts. Rachel says,“I’ve learned a lotwhen it comes to preparing and organizing STEP,especially grooming my leadership skills. It’s been aprivilege to co-lead STEP and I love being anencouragement to those who are new at this. For me,Jewish ministry and leadership are ‘in my blood’—I lovethe fact that I can dedicate my time and energy to servingthe Lord this way. I couldn’t see doing anything else!”

Dr.Al Reichman, whocomes from a long lineof Orthodox rabbis, was

first exposed to the Gospel atage 8, when a friend invitedhim to attend a Vacation BibleSchool.After that summer, twoof his sisters attended a youthcamp sponsored by the samechurch and came home having accepted Jesus as theirSavior.Al and his sisters began to attend church.

As a child,Al felt pressure to profess faith in the Lordoutwardly, but struggled for a long time with theknowledge that he was not a sincere believer. However, as ateenager,Al finally, genuinely began trusting Jesus as hisMessiah. However, this decision was a costly one—hisfather mourned him as dead and never spoke to him again.

Al and his wife, Michele, are now on staff with ChosenPeople Ministries, where Al serves as National MinistriesRepresentative and as Southwest Regional Director. Hisduties include traveling to churches all across the country,sharing his burden of taking the Gospel “to the Jew firstand also to the Greek.”

One recent ministry highlight shows how God can useour own experiences to touch other lives.While preachingin a church in Missouri,Al described how long it took himto reach a sincere faith in Messiah.When he gave theinvitation, a lady came forward, weeping.As Al tells it,“Shecame to me later, still weeping—but this time they weretears of joy.With her voice quivering, she simply said,“Thank you for your story.” I asked if she had put her trustin Jesus as her Savior that morning and she nodded herhead. She went on to tell me that she, too, had been pushedinto praying a prayer as a very young girl, but knew in herheart that she had never truly believed in or trusted Christ.She was thrilled to have this settled once and for all.”

Al and Michele have a daughter, Korrie.

Daniel Nessim is the sonof Jewish believers.Through the example

of their love of Messiah, Danielbecame a believer when hewas just seven years old.Twoyears later, the family movedfrom London, England, to Canada, where hisfather became the director of Bible Testimony Fellowship. In1986, Daniel’s father founded Zion Messianic Fellowship inVancouver, British Columbia.The help Daniel gave hisfather in planting this work proved to be excellentevangelistic training for the future.

Daniel is married to Deborah, also a Jewish believer.Together, they host regular outreaches and fellowshipmeetings for Jewish people in Seattle,Washington.The Nessims began service with Chosen People Ministriesin 1998, establishing a ministry of evangelism anddiscipleship to the Jewish people of the Seattle region.

Much of their ministry comes through fellowshipgroups. Daniel helps lead the Minyan once a month.Thismeeting is named after the gathering of ten Jewish men,the number Jewish tradition teaches is a prerequisite toholding a prayer service.This fellowship group meets atdifferent homes or restaurants and its purpose is tostrengthen the fellowship of Jewish men, both believers andseekers who also attend.

Another group is the Chavurah (Fellowship) hosted bythe Nessims to provide an opportunity for fellowship andtraining in Jewish evangelism.

Daniel tells us,As a Jewish believer, I serve as a resource to show Jewish

seekers that it is possible to be Jewish and to acceptMessiah.Through my upbringing and training the Lord hasequipped me for the privilege of serving in this way.

Recently, we have had the privilege of making thefriendship of a Jewish man who is searching in regards tospiritual things. His wife is a believer and he is askingquestions like, ‘How can a Jewish person believe in Jesus?’and,‘What does it look like for a Jew to believe?’ ‘David‘ isreally winning our hearts and our hope is that he may soonchoose to give his heart to God, accepting His Son. Ourfriendship is growing, and I know God is drawing himtoward a decision.

I’m also excited about another vision we have, which is todevelop coffee house ministry. I am praying and talking withother Jewish believers to begin something in Seattle, no farfrom the university.We want to attract Jewish seekers andalso operate as a Messianic center.Daniel and Deborah live in the Seattle area with their

son, Sammy.

September 2003 5

Al Reichman

Daniel Nessim

Through Jewish Eyes

The fifth chapter of Revelationshows Messiah exercising HisLordship over the earth.The royalreign that was conceived “before thefoundation of the world” (John17:24) speeds toward its consum-mation, as we see Messiah regainingthe rightful authority that man lostthrough sin in the Fall (Genesis 3).

Chapter 5 describes foursuperlative attributes that qualifyMessiah to inherit and rule over theearth.

His Titles (5:5)All heaven, earth and Hades were

searched to find One qualified toopen the scroll (5:3) and John weptuntil One was found with titles inkeeping with His superior authority.Messiah is called the “Lion of theTribe of Judah” (5:5). Long ago, Jacobprophesied, “The scepter shall not departfrom Judah…until Shiloh comes”

(Genesis 49:10).The lion imagesignifies mastery, sovereignty andvictory.

Messiah is also called the “Root ofDavid” (5:5). In His humanity, Jesushad His roots in David (Isaiah 11:1).In His Deity,Yeshua is the Root ofDavid. He who created David wasalso the “offspring of David.”

Revelation 22:16 declares, “I, Jesus,have sent My angel to testify to you…Iam the Root and the Offspring of David,the Bright and Morning Star.” By virtueof His superior titles, Messiah isqualified to reign.

His Worthiness (5:12-14)The “lion” is now worshiped as

the “Lamb.”The notion of Jesus asGod’s sacrificial Lamb abounds inScripture (John 1:29, 36;Acts 8:32;1 Peter 1:19).As the Lamb, He is theOne who purchased people by Hisdeath, yet lives evermore to be

worshiped and adored by everycreature.

Here is a fulfillment of Philippians2:10,“that at the name of Jesus everyknee should bow.” Prayers as well aspraise are offered up to the Lambupon the throne.These “incenseprayers” are a sweet odor (Revelation5:8) to Him who makes intercessionfor the saints (Romans 8:27) andanswers their petitions (Revelation6:9-11; 8:16).

His Wisdom (5:6)“…in the midst of the throne…stood

a Lamb…having seven horns and seveneyes…” (5:6). Jesus in Hisomniscience is seen as the “Lambhaving seven eyes.” Here the HolySpirit (“the seven Spirits of God”)appears in close connection to theslaughtered Lamb (God the Son).This text provides the basis for theHoly Spirit proceeding from both theFather and the Son.

His Works (5:9,10)Messiah’s redemption and

judgment are both in view.The pastwork of atonement and reconciliationare connected with the “Lamb ofGod.” But the “Lion of God” remindsus that the “wrath of the Lamb” isforthcoming (Revelation 6:16). Godhas appointed His Son to sit as Judgeover the Supreme Court of theUniverse (John 5:22; Revelation20:11-15).

Messiah the LordMessiah Jesus alone, by virtue of

His superlative attributes, is qualifiedto reign, not only over Heaven andEarth, but over each and every one ofus.You and I must submit either toMessiah’s redemption or to the wrathof the Lamb of God.There is nomiddle way. Choose life(Deuteronomy 30:19)—in the Nameof Jesus the Messiah. ✡

MESSIAH’S TITLEDEED TO THE EARTH(Revelation Chapter 5)

b y D a n i e l G o l d b e r g , T h . D . , D . D .

See theBible

6 The Chosen People

N E W S N E W SN E W S B R I E F SSTEP IN A WEEK

VOLUNTEERS

WITNESS FOR

MESSIAH

Earlier this summer,eleven “STEP in a Week” volunteers brought

the Gospel to the streets of New York City. Linda,a STEPper from Houston, met with a Jewishbusinessman and his wife who expressed greatinterest in Jesus. Linda shared how Bible studyand spiritual emphasis had truly enriched hermarriage. The couple was intrigued and Linda ishoping to keep in contact with them. She shared,“It was an exciting opportunity to ‘provoke themto jealousy’ as Romans 11:11 commands us.”

“I AM ONE OF THEM!”Recently, Chosen People Ministries staff memberLuda F. was encountering difficulty while handing outflyers in New York City for English and Bible classes. AJewish couple confronted her and told her theprophets Isaiah and Jeremiah were “for Christians,not for Jews.” Just then, a rabbi stepped up and Ludaasked him, “Isaiah and Jeremiah, aren’t they Jewishbooks?”

“Yes,” admitted the rabbi, and added, “Some Jewsbelieve in Jesus.”

“That’s right,” Luda replied. “I am one of them!”

ARIZONA WOMAN FINDS

JEWISH ROOTS IN JESUS

Paula,* who converted to Judaism over twenty yearsago, had become increasingly discontent in hersynagogue. Open to an alternative, she heard aboutCathy Wilson, Chosen People Ministries’ outreachworker. Paula and Cathy met regularly throughoutthe spring, and Paula attended Scottsdale BibleChurch’s “Jewish Roots of Christianity” SundaySchool classes and also the monthly Messianicfellowship Cathy helps lead. Several weeks later,Cathy reports, Paula became a child of God byputting her faith in Messiah!

B R I E F SB R I E F SN E W S N E W S N E W S

NEVER GIVE UP!Michael Z., the Director of Chosen PeopleMinistries’ work in Israel, recently baptizedanother new Jewish believer. Ruth* is a Jewishimmigrant who for the last eight years workedwith Christians in Moldova, using her expertise asan English teacher to help them with translationprojects. Their Christian witness made animpression on her, and Ruth began a spiritualsearch. Then in Israel, while attending ChosenPeople Ministries’ Messianic congregation, shemade he decision for Messiah. Michael says, “Itwas an absolute joy for all of us, and one moreencouragement to never give up. Everything hasto come in its time.”

“YIDDISHE MAMMEH” PROCLAIMS THE

GOSPEL

Chosen People Ministries’ Lauren B. has a rare giftfor working among the Hasidic community—themost Orthodox of Orthodox Jews. Becoming anew mother has given her the opportunity toform many new relationships with other mothersof newborns. With motherhood on her mind,Lauren wrote a tract, called Yiddishe Mammeh(“Jewish Mother” in Yiddish). Our team inBrooklyn is planning to distribute 4,000 YiddisheMammeh flyers to Hasidic women in time for theHigh Holy Days. Please pray that God will providethe funds.

REMEMBERING JONAS COHEN

Jonas Cohen, one of the Mission’s faithfulworkers and the last Jewish man to bebaptized by Leopold Cohn, the Mission’sfounder, passed away on June 15th at theage of 94. Retiree Ruth Wardell recentlywrote in tribute, “He was known for hisexcellent teaching, his sense of humorand his love for Jesus.”

His wife, Rachel, who died in 1975, was afaithful co-worker.

* Names changed

September 2003 7

WANTED:A believing person orcouple to serve withChosen PeopleMinistries in Israelfor a one-year term.Must have goodadministrative skills,public relationsability, and not mindworking behind thescenes.

This is a support-raise missionaryposition.Missionaries wouldneed to live in ornear Jerusalem andwork with MichaelZ., our IsraelDirector.

To learn more pleasecall 212-223-2252and ask to speak withStewart Jefferson.

The Chosen People NewsletterChosen People Ministries has been taking the love of the Messiah to Jewish people worldwide since 1894.

The Chosen People newsletter is published monthly by Chosen People Ministries. For more information, or to receive The Chosen Peoplenewsletter, write to: Chosen People Ministries, 241 East 51st Street, New York, NY 10022. In Canada, write to: Box 897 Station B, North York, ON M2K 2R1. In Australia, write to: Celebrate Messiah, PO Box 5006, Glenferrie South VIC 3122(www.celebratemessiah.com.au) • Editor: Zhava Glaser • Staff Writer: Alan Shore • Design: Lois Gable

Pleaseremember

Chosen PeopleMinistries inyour will. “I

will bless thosewho bless you.”

(Genesis 12:3)

Chosen People Ministries U.S. Board of Directors: Mr. Gary W. Smith, Chairman • Mr. Roy Adams • Dr. Darrell Bock •

Mr. Jeffrey Branman • Ms. Cindy Forbes • Dr. Mitch Glaser • Dr. Gregory Hagg • Mr. John Holbrook • Mr. Eugene Johnson •

Dr. John L. Pretlove • Dunewood Truglia, Esq. • Mr. David C. Weland

Serving in: Argentina • Australia • Canada • England • France • Germany • Israel • Mexico • Ukraine • United States

The High Holy Days – In the Shadow of Messiah’s Sacrifice • New

Feature: Meet the Missionaries • Study of Revelation Chapter Five

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ChosenPeople

Volume IX, Issue 8 September 2003

Printed in the USAN0309Visit us on the web at www.chosenpeople.com

The Jewish Art CalendarDo you like the cover of thisnewsletter? This original art is found inthis year’s Chosen People Ministries Jewish ArtCalendar, which is filled with Messianicprophecies and fascinating insights into theJewish holidays. This is a perfect gift for yourJewish friend, or order one for your own home,too. (September 2003 through August 2004)

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