Messiah is the Author and the Goal of the Torah. Introduction
Simchat Torah is a celebration of the Torah (Instruction [Five books of Moses]). It occurs at the convergence point where the yearly Torah cycle both reaches its goal and with unbroken continuity, begins again. The service begins with the regular Torah liturgy followed by the aliyah (Going up) of the Chatan Torah (Groom of the Torah). This person is selected for the privilege of reading the last portion (Parashat V’zot Ha-Berachah D’varim [words]/Deut. 33:1-34:12) of the Torah (Instruction) for the end of the yearly Torah cycle. At the completion of the reading of the last Torah portion, “Parashat V’zot Ha-Berachah” (And this is the Blessing), the following is shouted by the community: “Chazak! Chazak! V’nitchazeik” [Be strong! Be strong! And may we be strengthened] The Torah scroll is then rolled out and back to the beginning, and the Chatan Bereishit (Groom of the beginning) reads the first portion of the Torah (Bereishit Genesis 1:1-6:8) to begin the next yearly Torah cycle. This Torah portion is named, “Bereishit” (Beginning). Messiah Yeshua, the Author and Goal of the Torah Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) is the Chatan Torah [Groom of the Torah] (He is the Author and the essence [D’var] of the Torah and fills the Torah with purpose, making the Word [D’var] of God echad [Complex unity]). Yeshua is also the goal of the Torah (Romans 10:4), and the Chatan Bereishit [Groom of the Beginning] (John 1:1); within time and space, He is the Alpha and Omega, eternal, the Aleph and Tav, the beginning and the goal, and at the same time, He is without beginning or end because He transcends time and space, having existed before the beginning and continuing to exist beyond the conclusion of time and space. Yeshua is the perfect Jew, having faultlessly kept the Torah. He is the only Jew ever to have achieved this. He is also God with us, “Immanuel” according to the prophet (Yishaiyahu/Isaiah 7:14). Contrary to the misteaching of some of the fathers of the Christian faith, Yeshua did not end the Torah in the sense that an end is the finish or conclusion of a matter, rather Yeshua is the end in the sense that He is the goal of the Torah (“End” is used in the same sense as its usage in the saying, “a means to an end [goal]). In fact, as I have already stated, Yeshua is both the Author and the Goal (End) of the Torah. Mattitiyahu/Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Torah (Instruction) or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fill.” Yochanan/John 1:1-5, 14 “In the beginning was the Word (HB. D’var, GK. Logos, AR. Memra), and the Word was with Elohim (God), and the Word was Elohim (God). He was in the beginning with Elohim (God). All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot comprehend or overcome it… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt (In the Sukkah of human form, housing the glory of the Father, as was the role of the Mishkhan in the desert) among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” For the celebration of the combined holiday of Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, it is traditional to throw candy and make honeyed foods for the children to remind them that God’s word is sweet like honey from the honey cone (Tehilim/Psalm 119:102-103). What the Bible says about The Word Tehilim/Psalm 119:102-103 “I have not turned aside from Your ordinances, for You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words (emrah: from emer, answers) to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Ivrim/Hebrews 4:12 “For the word (HB. D’var, GK. Logos, AR. Memra) of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of nefesh (soul) and ruach (spirit), of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the lev (inner being, heart).” Tehilim/Psalm 119:9-11 “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your Word (D’var). With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word (emrah: from emer, answers) I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” Tehilim/Psalm 119:105 “Your Word (D’var) is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Mattitiyahu/Matthew 4:4 “But He (Yeshua) answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD (HB. kol motza: everything that goes forth GK. Rhema: utterance, speech) THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD [Deut. 8:3]’” © 2018 Yaakov Brown “Do not think that I came to abolish the Torah (Instruction) or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fill.” -Mattitiyahu/Matthew 5:17 Introduction:
Simchat Torah is a celebration of the Torah (Instruction [Five books of Moses]). It occurs at the convergence point where the yearly Torah cycle both reaches its goal and with unbroken continuity, begins again. The service begins with the regular Torah liturgy followed by the aliyah (Going up) of the Chatan Torah (Groom of the Torah). This person is selected for the privilege of reading the last portion (Parashat V’zot Ha-Berachah D’varim [words]/Deut. 33:1-34:12) of the Torah (Instruction) for the end of the yearly Torah cycle. At the completion of the reading of the last Torah portion, “Parashat V’zot Ha-Berachah” (And this is the Blessing), the following is shouted by the community: “Chazak! Chazak! V’nitchazeik” [Be strong! Be strong! And may we be strengthened] The Torah scroll is then rolled out and back to the beginning, and the Chatan Bereishit (Groom of the beginning) reads the first portion of the Torah (Bereishit Genesis 1:1-6:8) to begin the next yearly Torah cycle. This Torah portion is named, “Bereishit” (Beginning). Messiah Yeshua, the Author and Goal of the Torah Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) is the Chatan Torah [Groom of the Torah] (He is the Author and the essence [D’var] of the Torah and fills the Torah with purpose, making the Word [D’var] of God echad [Complex unity]). Yeshua is also the goal of the Torah (Romans 10:4), and the Chatan Bereishit [Groom of the Beginning] (John 1:1); within time and space, He is the Alpha and Omega, eternal, the Aleph and Tav, the beginning and the goal, and at the same time, He is without beginning or end because He transcends time and space, having existed before the beginning and continuing to exist beyond the conclusion of time and space. Yeshua is the perfect Jew, having faultlessly kept the Torah. He is the only Jew ever to have achieved this. He is also God with us, “Immanuel” according to the prophet (Yishaiyahu/Isaiah 7:14). Contrary to the misteaching of some of the fathers of the Christian faith, Yeshua did not end the Torah in the sense that an end is the finish or conclusion of a matter, rather Yeshua is the end in the sense that He is the goal of the Torah. In fact, as we have already stated, He is both the Author and the Goal of the Torah. Mattitiyahu/Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to abolish the Torah (Instruction) or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fill.” Yochanan/John 1:1-5, 14 “In the beginning was the Word (HB. D’var, GK. Logos, AR. Memra), and the Word was with Elohim (God), and the Word was Elohim (God). He was in the beginning with Elohim (God). All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot comprehend or overcome it… And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt (In the Sukkah of human form, housing the glory of the Father, as was the role of the Mishkhan in the desert) among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” * For the celebration of the combined holiday of Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, it is traditional to throw candy and make honeyed foods for the children to remind them that God’s word is sweet like honey from the honey cone (Tehilim/Psalm 119:102-103). What the Bible says about The Word Tehilim/Psalm 119:102-103 “I have not turned aside from Your ordinances, for You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words (emrah: from emer, answers) to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Ivrim/Hebrews 4:12 “For the word (HB. D’var, GK. Logos, AR. Memra) of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of nefesh (soul) and ruach (spirit), of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the lev (inner being, heart).” Tehilim/Psalm 119:9-11 “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your Word (D’var). With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments. Your word (emrah: from emer, answers) I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” Tehilim/Psalm 119:105 “Your Word (D’var) is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Mattitiyahu/Matthew 4:4 “But He (Yeshua) answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD (HB. kol motza: everything that goes forth GK. Rhema: utterance, speech) THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD [Deut. 8:3]’” Simchat Torah Service 1.) Chatan Torah / Groom of the Torah Parashat V’zot Ha-Berachah Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12, Revelation 22:12-21 “Chazak! Chazak! V’nitchazeik” [Be strong! Be strong! And may we be strengthened] Invitation for favourite readings 2.) Chatan Bereishit / Groom of the beginning Parashat Bereishit Genesis 1:1-6:8, John 1:1-5, 14 3.) Torah procession, seven times around the shul. 4.) Birkat Cohanim © 2017 Yaakov Brown These traditions direct our gaze toward HaShem through Messiah Yeshua and remind us that we are practicing the living faith of the dead. A contemplative look at Simchat Torah
On the face of our Kehilah’s Aron Ha-kodesh (Torah Ark), we read the words, “Ha-D’var Emet”, The Word of Truth. The Torah is The Word of Truth. Yochanan 1 reminds us that Yeshua our Messiah is The Word of Truth, therefore as we celebrate the ketvi (written) word of HaShem we are also reminded of the living Word and Author of the Torah, Yeshua our Mashiyach. As we say the brachot and open the Ark, the Torah is revealed and its clothing is illuminated. The Torah is clothed as both King and Priest. At its head are twin crowns which represent the unity of G-d and His King Messiah, the Priesthood and the Kingship of Israel: the High priest wore a type of crown with the words, “Kadosh HaShem” engraved upon it and the King of Israel, a crown made of precious metal. The Torah Scroll is covered in a velvet garment representing both the priestly garments and the royal garments of the king of Israel. Embroidered on the Torah cover are the words, “From Zion shall go forth the Torah and the Word of HaShem from Jerusalem!” The New Testament explains that the Torah came through Moses and grace of redemption through the Mashiyach Yeshua. This is an extension of truth rather than a division of it. Therefore we understand that the humility of Moses and the victory of Yeshua have combined to reveal the fullness of the Torah, Who is Yeshua, Or Ha-Olam (Light of the world). At either side of the singular crown embroidered on the cover are two pillars. These pillars are born in the protection of HaShem over Israel, the pillar of smoke by day and the pillar of fire by night as she wandered through the desert toward the Promised Land. These pillars are also representative of the two pillars of 1 Kings 7, Jachin (He will establish) and Boaz (In him is strength). We understand therefore, that it is in the Torah, The living Word of Truth, Yeshua, we find security and strength. Over the cover rests a shield. This is the breast plate of the High Priest that contains the stones of the twelve tribes of Israel. This plate is worn over the heart (Lev), the core being, as a symbol of the Priest’s role as intercessor for Israel. This is brought to perfection in our great High Priest Yeshua. The shield is also symbolic of G-d’s protection of Israel and her king. This is echoed in the Magen David (Shield of David: Star of David). Beside the shield hangs a Yad (Hand) pointer which is used to direct the reader through the text without the human hand needing to touch the scroll itself. The Scroll is sacred and the human hand is unclean, the yad acts as an intermediary. In Messiah and through His hand we have direct access to the Instruction of G-d. Each of the items of outer clothing are removed and beneath is the scroll which is surrounded by a sash representing the Priestly sash and the girdle of the king. This is undone and the scroll is rolled out for the reading of the final portion of the Torah (V’zot Ha-Berachah: This is the blessing), concluding the Torah cycle. However, this is not an ending but a beginning because the reading of the last portion is immediately followed by the reading of the first portion B’reshit (Beginning). In many congregations it is customary for everyone to have an opportunity to make aliyah, going up to the bema to read from the Torah, however there are two specific roles to be played, first the Chatan Torah (Groom of the Torah) reads from the last portion of the Torah beneath a tallit which acts as a Chuppah (Wedding Covering), then the Chatan B’reshit (Groom of the beginning) reads from the first portion of the Torah in order to begin the cycle anew. A custom has also developed where the Scroll is rolled out and held by each of the members of the shul with the text facing away from the bearer and toward all the other members of the community so that everyone is seen both imparting and receiving the Torah. This is yet another wonderful reminder of our Messiah the Word of Truth, Yeshua, Who lives in us to impart His Word to others and lives in our brothers and sisters that they might impart His Word to us. Thus we are reliant on one another, the Torah binds us together in loving instruction through the living Word Yeshua our Mashiyach. Notice the seemingly back to front roles of the Chatan Torah and the Chatan B’reshit. Shouldn’t the beginning come first? This is another reminder of the eternal nature of The Word of Truth, Who knows the end from the beginning and Who dwells both within and without time and space. He is the Tav and the Aleph, the end and the beginning. We are also reminded of The Creator as we begin again with the words, “B’reshit bara Elohim”. As each person is called forth to read, we pronounce the Torah blessings and are reminded again of the formula that begins our prayers, “Baruch ata Adonai, Elohaynu melekh ha-olam, asher kidishanu b’mitzvotav…” In these words we understand the nature of salvation and redemption through the Light of the World (Yeshua). We pray, “All blessing comes from You Hashem our G-d, Ruler of the universe (All things), Who sanctifies us by Your right actions…” Notice that it is not our right actions but His that sanctify us. After the latter reading we dress the Torah and take turns carrying it as we dance around the shul seven times signifying the complete work of Hashem in all things. As we dance and sing with simchah (Great joy) we are reminded that it is the Word that holds the Universe together. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with G-d and the Word was G-d, He was with G-d in the beginning.” –Yochanan 1:1 We shower the yeladim (children) with blessing and candy to remind them of the psalmist’s words, “Your Torah… sweeter than honey from the honeycomb” (Psalm 19). This wonderful day that (In Eretz Israel) is combined with Sh’mini atzeret (The eighth day), the day after Sukkot, reminds us of the eternal simchah (Joy) that awaits us in the Olam Habah (World to come) when HaShem and His Word will dwell with us in eternal celebration and light. These traditions direct our gaze toward HaShem through Messiah Yeshua and remind us that we are practicing the living faith of the dead. Our forefathers passed this on to us l’dor v’dor (from generation to generation) so that we might take on the responsibility to do the same. As you celebrate Simchat Torah this year 5776, may you know the revelation of Yeshua the Mashiyach, may you see Him illuminated as Ha-D’var Emet, and may you be redeemed by His loving sacrifice for you and be reconciled to Hashem in eternal mercy and joy. Chag Simchat Torah Sameach lekulam! © 2015 Yaakov Brown |
Yaakov BrownFounder of the Beth Melekh International Messiah Following Jewish Community, Archives
February 2024
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