Remembering U.S.

I have written several times about my ancestry on this blog. I am from eastern European and Jewish ancestry and a third generation American. From time to time (often in January) I look back into my ancestry to see if there are any new records or discoveries. The stories of my family are interesting as they capture the difficulty of immigration and assimilation into a new country. The United States is built on the strength and determination of immigrants.

Immigration Hall at Ellis Island in New York

I am amazed at how often people in our nation forget (or do not care) about the heritage of our nation. Foreigners face many problems including intense persecution and vetting. I have personally faced some of this and hear stories about discrimination from within my family. But my family was strong and we survived and have did well in a new land despite, or possibly because of the hardships. Because when you face difficulty it forces you to work harder in order to overcome.

Ellis Island in New York Harbor

The first immigrants to this nation faced many difficulties. These difficulties are recorded in history. The Pilgrims (of Thanksgiving fame) immigrated to a new land in order to escape systematic persecutions and imprisonments. Many of the first settlers in Virginia were tradesmen who sought to better themselves by finding either treasure or a new life. The colony of Georgia was founded by debtors who came to America for a fresh start. In all three cases most of the settlers died in the first two years. The persistence of those who died and those who lived have encouraged Americans for generations. These founders of our nation worked hard to established strong communities which survive even to this day.

My Grandfather saw these buildings in the lat 1890's

As I researched my family I visited the Tenement Museum in New York City. We learned how lower Manhattan was populated by waves of Italian, Irish, German, Jewish and Chinese immigrants. These families were poor. Some were persecuted. All of them were able to find a way to cross the ocean to America. And once in the United States they contributed to our greatness as a nation. These poor immigrants, many from non-Christian faiths became leaders in the real estate, food, energy, space, education and banking industries.

Solomon Tobachnikof and ship log. Also Yankel Levine

My grandparents came to the United States in this time period. Simon Tobachnikof sold clothing and later was involved in the real estate market (as was uncle Abe). Ben Finkelstein was worked in the garment industry. The Schulmans were leather workers and later owned restaurants in Cincinnati.
Many immigrants have come to escape hardship or to find a new life. Our President’s grandfather came from Germany in this time period. Ivanka Kushner’s in-laws were eastern European survivors of the concentration camps. The United States of that time welcomed refugees.

The New Testament teaches God is love - 1 John 4:8

Because of my connection with the past I have been given opportunity to connect with immigrants of the present. I have ministered to people from Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala and Colombia. Some of these people are legal, others illegal. All of these people contributed to our economy, many I knew worked in agricultural and construction. I have attempted to assist the illegal internationals in their effort to become legal, only to find the wall insurmountable for many who have helped the state of North Carolina prosper.

Many immigrants have lived in lower Manhattan

I have worked with Chinese and South Korean immigrants. I also know Palestinians who seek to live peaceful lives with all others in the United States. The struggles and dreams of many immigrants are similar to my grandparent’s struggles and dreams.

The Statue of Liberty welcomes immigrants to our shores

In time periods when our doors are open to immigration the United States flourishes. During times of isolation our economy suffers. Immigrants are the new customers who shop at our stores, join our workforce and purchase homes in our communities. They proudly desire to join our ranks through the immigration and naturalization process if we provide them opportunity through a well planned pathway. When we make the process difficult or impossible through poor planning, spontaneous decisions (or orders) the result is confusion, closed doors, distrust and illegalities. I pray for our government and a plan that will bring clarity rather than confusion. I look forward to a time when we will help persecuted peoples assimilate rather into our land with an absence of hate. From the very beginning every wave of immigrants has brought greatness. I look forward to the next wave which will make us great … again.

A trip to Israel, How hard will it be?

Many people fear overseas travel, lots of walking on tours, odd foods, strange customs, foreign languages, attacks, or various other types of hardships that will face them on foreign soil. They quote a line from the Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home,” and choose to remain at home.

A view of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives

While there is nothing wrong with home (there are a lot of built in comforts created by the homeowner), the person who refuses to travel also robs themselves of great experiences. The person who chooses to stay at home will miss out on a fantastic opportunity offered through a 14 day trip to the Holy Land in May 2018. People who chooses to travel to Israel will enjoy a great adventure, will see where Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Jesus, and almost every other person listed in the Bible walked and lived, and will come away with new understanding of what they hear at Church every Sunday.

The Synagogue at Migdal where Jesus taught

But will the trip be hard people ask. And I answer, except for a long flight across the Ocean and Europe, the trip will not be hard. And any hardship in the flight is well rewarded on the ground as we walk the Bible, hear history, and see the events of the Bible come to life.

One choice on the Israeli Breakfast menu

Our daily schedule on our 14 day trip to Israel begins with a breakfast banquet with fruits, different egg dishes, cereal, cheeses and many other items. In some places we will discover new dishes like shakshuka. The one thing many people will note is that there are not many meats. Orthodox Jews who keep a kosher diet do not mix meat and milk. Breakfast is a dairy meal. We will have time to eat, and to talk with others around the breakfast table.

Comfortable buses for traveling

Following breakfast we will board the bus. Our trip is arranged in a way that many nights we stay in the same hotel for several nights. On days when we move to different lodgings, we will leave our luggage outside the door of our room, and porters will pick up the luggage and have it at the bus to load (and for us to check) before we board. Tips to the hotel workers are included in the trip payment.

Some people take naps while riding the bus between stops

The bus which we will enjoy during the entire length of our trip has comfortable seats which recline. On longer drives some people will go to sleep. The windows are large so we have good visibility as our driver navigates the smooth roads of Israel and the West Bank. There is a shelf above the seat to store any items (like water, hats and souvenirs) which we carry with us.

After the bus drops us off in Joppa, it parks here

We exit the bus close to most attractions. When there is a walk the tour is planned in a loop so those who tire can sit down and the group will return. Extra time is included on each stop so those who are more adventurous and can go further. Those who are limber will have a chance to climb into the caves in Qumran. On lengthier hikes, such as on Mount Arbel our through the Wilderness of Zin non-climbers can wake up a little later and meet us at the top of the mountain, or ride the bus to the end of the hike.

Hiking Zin Canyon where Moses and Israel camped

While on our trip we will see and hear the customs of the people in Israel. We will learn the differences between Secular Jews and the Orthodox. We will also learn and talk about different groups of Muslims, Palestinians, the devout, the secular and the Druze. We will talk about clothing, traditions, prayers and lifestyle. We will learn about the culture of the people historically, traditionally and currently. We will see and experience the people within the protective bubble of our tour group, which is large enough to prevent culture shock.

Shopping in Jerusalem - there are always people

We will hear and learn foreign languages of the people in Israel. We will gain new words in Hebrew and Arabic. We will learn greetings like “good morning” and words of appreciation like “thank you.” The new words are not required, just interesting.

These new friends in Joppa know how to speak our language

Many people fear violence while in Israel. On my tours to Israel, and the trips taken by millions of other pilgrims not one single incident of fear has occurred. Israel depends on the tourist industry, so we will find we are protected by the Israeli military in any area which could be high risk. We will find we are protected from areas where violence might occur. The nation of Israel sends out warnings and schedules which help us avoid any problems which could occur. Our Israeli tour guide and bus drivers are well acquainted with protocol and have been hired to keep us safe.

There is always protection around when you need it

While we are traveling we will be given time for lunch. The normal day will end with a generous supper banquet. At supper we will be able to choose between various salads, meats, vegetables and desserts. There will also be fruits, there are always locally grown fruits in Israel. I love the fresh dates.

Our lodging on the Sea of Galilee. Date Palms in background

In the evening people can go to bed early, or take a nighttime side trip.  In the desert or in Galilee these evening gatherings or often devotionals or teachings. There will be opportunities to meet interesting people at our kibbutz in rural areas. In Jerusalem we will walk to the Western Wall (Kotel), to overviews of the city, to interesting shops and to sights not seen by many tourists.

Travel brochure. Check it out on the link below!

Our trip to Israel will be taken in luxury. We will see the sites and sights but we will avoid most of the hardships people fear in a foreign land. We will be with people who are very familiar with customs of the people and American needs. Any issue will be navigated without difficulties faced by those who must go it alone. The customs and culture created for our tour group will result in an enjoyable and informative trip filled with many memorable experiences. The 14 day trip to the Holy Land in May 2018 is something you do not want to miss! Sign up today and receive a discount.

Passover at Church??

Really? Should a church ever hold a Passover dinner?

The answer is YES! The congregation which never celebrates the Passover creates a huge deficit for a complete and experiential understanding of the BIble. Jesus and his disciples sat down for a Passover meal every year. The early church celebrated a derivative of the Passover called the Agape Feast. Passages such as 2 KIngs 23:21 and 2 Chronicles 30:1-20 condemn Israel for not observing the Passover.

BUT, some would say: “The Passover is an Old Testament celebration. The church is a New Testament organization.”

Sadly, such conversation betrays a lack of understanding. The New Testament tells us that Jesus celebrated Passover annually. In my book Spring: Connecting with God, I give details of Passover from the life of Jesus that many have missed. Jesus and his parents visited Jerusalem for a Passover celebration when he was twelve years old. The context of this celebration explains how Joseph and Mary could leave Jerusalem without their son.

The Passover also forms the backdrop for a visit from Nicodemus and the feeding of the 5,000 at the Sea of Galilee. Elements of the Passover Seder (especially the order of service including prayers and songs which takes place around at the dinner table) show up in both New Testament teachings.

Passover forms the basis for the Christian Communion (or Eucharist) service. The elements of bread and wine show up prominently in the Passover Seder. The Seder is outlined by four servings of wine associated with four promises given in Exodus 6:6-8. The stories of the Seder tell how salvation and redemption come to Israel beginning with the shedding of the blood of a lamb.

A celebration of Passover with your church will answer many confusing questions, such as, “Why is Easter, unlike other Christian holidays, celebrated on different days, and even in different months?”

Passover explains the timing and organization of the Jewish calendar. The festival is held during the first month (of the religious year) which is set by design to help people understand when to plant crops. Passover is the spring planting and early harvest festival. The holiday teaches us to look to God as the provider of all good things such as creation, spring, freedom, families, and love.

The Passover Seder (Seder means order, and includes prayers, songs, storytelling, questions, symbolic foods, and scripture - all taking place around the dinner table) is a family event. Inherent in its design, the gathering is held at home and not in the synagogue/church. The parents, not the pastor, are the teachers at this event. The family member leading speaks the words, “I do this because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.” The leader goes on to teach his or her family, with whom he or she has a personal connection, “This observance will be for you like a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that this law of the Lord is to be on your lips.” Passover is a home-based celebration of God’s love and providence for his people. The meal of remembrance has enabled the Jewish identity to survive for over 2,000 years without a homeland. Passover can be a great learning experience for Christian families and children.

Many Christians object to a Passover Seder because, “We’ve never done that before!”

However, these Christians are mistaken. The early church annually celebrated the Passover. An early church manual called the Didache explains that Christians met for a meal on the first day of every week, which was very similar to a Passover dinner. This meal is called the Love Feast in Luke 24:25-35; Acts 20:7, Jude 12, and Revelation 3:20. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 gives a detailed teaching on the Agape Feast.

Passover is a major theme throughout our Bible in both the Old and New Testaments. The teachings of this festival are fundamental to our faith. The environment and means in which the story of Passover is repeated demonstrates the teaching of history and faith for young children, solidifies and exemplifies these lessons for adults, and creates strength in the faith community. The Passover is a celebration worthy of our attention. Why has the church overlooked this important practice?

My family is available to lead a Passover Seder for your church (or to coach you to lead the meal). We regularly lead this service in North and South Carolina, New Orleans and the Cincinnati area. Contact us by leaving a comment on this blog.

To Make America Great - Again!

This week a new era started, with a new President, new cabinet members, new governors, mayors and many other world and local leaders who have just come into possession of the position they desired. The era began with the chant, “Make America Great Again!” What does that mean?

Our flag contains the story of our beginnings and expansion

We must first define America. America means the Western hemisphere of the world. It is made up of two continents with a connector and islands. America is named after Amerigo Vespucci. Our hemisphere is made up of many nations. The United States of America is one of the many nations, but there are others.

The Statue of Liberty welcomes immigrants from across the globe

The United Mexican States (Estados Únidos Mexicanos) is another nation which shares a border just to the south of the United States. The people of Mexico speak Spanish as do most of the other nations in America. Spanish is spoken by more people in our hemisphere and in the world than English. Many people in the eastern United States do not realize the rich Hispanic heritage of the southwestern region of our country which pre-dates both our independence and the incorporation of those states into the United States.

To “Make America Great Again” repeats the theme of an earlier time in the United States when the America First Committee was formed so we would not get pulled into the conflict of the century across the ocean. The America First Committee was one of the largest anti-war organizations in American history claiming over 800,000 members including John F. Kennedy, Gerald Ford, Walt Disney, Sinclair Lewis, E. E. Cummings, Charles A. Lindbergh and many others.

Our country is always growing and giving opportunity to all

When most people hear the phrase “Make America Great Again” we think of a time in the past captured through the paintings of Norman Rockwell. Some of the paintings have titles like Freedom from want, Walking to Church, They Remembered, and Freedom from fear. These paintings remind us of an era where people belonged to a strong community. They talked to each other, ate picnics together, competed in sports and enjoyed public events.

But this is not the America of today! The America of today is fragmented and fearful. We protect and insulate ourselves from others so we can exist in our own little world. We purchase security systems and guns because we fear. Some people put bars on their windows. And we talk of building a wall in south of Texas to keep American intruders out.

Norman Rockwell's "Trumpeter"

One demographic of our society, the people most likely to say “Make America Great … Again” really harbors a desire to make themselves great … for a first time. It's like the dream of the lottery. The slogan could just as well say, “Make Me Greater than anyone else.” But this is not what made our country great.

The United States of America becomes great when we realize we are in this together. We are a nation of many people and many races. What began as the land of indigenous people became a land of immigrants: Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and English. The Scotch-Irish and Germans and Eastern Europeans joined the mix as did Vietnamese and Indians, Chinese and others. We are a land which celebrates our differences, and similarities.

The United States opened doors to everyone

In a great America the masses are productive and valued. Those who amass wealth understand their responsibility to contribute to the welfare of everyone. The rich understand and fully participate in targeted benevolence (not government handouts) in order to advance those for whom the American dream is out of reach.

A great America is not a place where we protect our interests by finding tax loopholes. It is not a land which gives extravagant salaries to CEO’s. America is not the place where we take advantage of “cheap labor” south of the border or elsewhere. It is a land which gives appropriate rewards to those who work and watches out for the welfare of all (including those who can’t work).

A great America is a place where we turn off our televisions, computers and cell phones in order to come together for community events like picnics, baseball games, concerts, cultural events and worship. A great America would be a place of high morals where the phrase “do unto others and you would have others do unto you” has meaning and reality. It is a place where we care about one another because we know one another and we like each other. It is a place where Republicans talk to Democrats and include Libertarians and others in the mix because we become great by sharing ideas across party lines and working together.

Of Presidents and Royalty

Today the baton passes from Barack Hussein Obama to Donald John Trump. With the changing of the guard we will see differences in rhetoric, communication style and outward focus on the public side of Washington. Away from public view, because of the bureaucracy, some things will remain same.

Program near the steps of the Capitol in Washington, DC

Eight years ago I looked at the name of our President: Barack Hussein Obama. Barack is Hebrew for blessing (or lightning), Hussein is Arabic for a good or beautiful child. It is also a name for kings, such as the King of Jordan and former king of Iraq. Obama is a family name.

Parade in Washington, DC

Our new President also has an interesting name, Donald John Trump. Donald from the Gaelic Domhnall means ruler of the world. John or Johannan comes from the Hebrew word (יוֹחָנָן) God has graced. Our new President’s last name is a shortened form of an occupational term, Trumpeter. This is appropriate because twittering can be seen as a different form of trumpeting.

Constitution Hall in Philadelphia, PA

Today in Washington D.C. we transition from the reign of “Lightning beautiful child Obama” to the ascendancy of the “Trumpeter who is by the grace of God a Ruler of the World.”

Statue of Liberty welcomes immigrants to the USA

So, what will the administration of Donald John Trump look like? I borrow a line from Fiddler on the Roof, “I tell you, I don’t know.” For the time being I just observe. In four years we will know, and in fifty years historians will decide what “really” happened during Trump’s tenure.

What a fractured world looks like from World Trade Center

One thing we do know (and that we have already seen), promises will be broken. This is true of all Presidents. They can not be blamed, especially a man like Donald Trump, for he comes with no experience in government. And even if he had experience, there is no way to anticipate future events which will torment or bless his dynasty.

Festival on the Mall in Washington DC

A second thing which our new President will discover is that the office of the President changes a person. Contrast the philosophies of Barack Obama eight years ago with what we see in him today, there is change. This can be said of any President. During each year of our President Trump’s sovereignty we will see changing strategy. And if his hairdresser does not mess with it, we will see the graying of the hair which comes with wisdom.

Changing of seasons in the mountains

My prayer for our new President is that he will bring to pass the self-evident truth “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” By this I mean that all people: Black, White or Brown; Christian, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Agnostic or Atheist; Rich or Poor, Democrat, Republican or Libertarian; Inner City, Suburban or Rural, will come to have value.

A street in New York City

The scripture tells us, “When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the Levitical priests. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his fellow Israelites and turn from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel.” (Deuteronomy 17:18-20)

The President should defend the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and love the foreigner residing among within our land. (Dt. 10:18)  He should guard the common laborer and make sure they receive a fair wage “because they are poor and are counting on it.” Our bankruptcy laws should be overhauled to make sure workmen and small business owners are always paid for work performed. (Sorry about the rant but too many Christians have told me there was no problem with Donald Trump’s declaration of bankruptcies in order not to pay small businesses because the law allows it). “Otherwise they may cry to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.” (Dt. 24:15) The President (and all of his men) should not murder, commit adultery, steal, bear false testimony or send wrongful tweets. (Exodus 20)

Lincoln Monument and Reflecting Pool in Washington DC

We are to “be subject to the governing authorities” (Romans 13:1) and submit to the king as the supreme authority.” (1 Peter 2:13) Paul wrote, “that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Many approach the next four years with great hope. Others move forward in great trepidation. I pray that in the end we will find unity, prosperity and peace.

Israel Discoveries and a Fantastic Journey

I am pleased to invite you to join me on a 14 day trip to the Holy Land. I will be writing about different places we will visit over the next year on this blog (at least once a week). I do want you to join me on this trip to see Israel, meet the people, see the sites and hear the Bible stories. To see the full agenda or to sign up, click the links. You will be rewarded through personal discoveries and experiences by going on this journey.

Visit our website www.KosherCopy.com for details

Our trip to Israel will be comprehensive. We will journey throughout the land and visit each region. You will discover differences in terrain and how lives of people in the Bible were impacted by where they lived, the places they traveled and through the people they met.

Visit Independence Hall and Hagannah Museum in Tel Aviv

From the very first day of our trip you will be immersed in both the present and the past of Israel. We will visit the Palmach Museum where we will experience the lives and stories of men and women who fought for Israel’s independence. We will also visit the home where the original Declaration of Independence was read and accepted. We will also visit the port from which Jonah departed and the home where it is said Peter received his vision to share the Gospel with Gentiles. We will point out how the stories of Israel’s recent past have brought about a great sense of patriotism and love for “Eretz Yisrael.”

Enjoy beautiful Joppa

Along the journey we will visit the Shephelah, a region where many conflicts occurred. We will see where David fought Goliath, where Samson slew the Philistines and the place where Sennacherib  and Nebuchadnezzar assembled to launch an offensive against Jerusalem. We will travel this region on the bus and by foot in order to discover how geography played a key role in where battles of the scripture and wars of recent times were fought. We will explore hilltop protective fortresses as well as underground hideouts.

Modi'in from Canada Park, Israel

Our trip to Israel will take us into the Negev and the desert. Here we will walk where Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived and worked. We will see where they drew water and we will experience their way of life. We will even ride camels. While in the south we will visit the Wilderness of Zin and traverse the valley where Israel camped while under Moses’ leadership. We will sleep in the wilderness (in upgraded accommodations, of course) and see the same stars and constellations observed by the Patriarchs.

Ride Camels in the desert

We will experience in the lofty views from Masada and what life is like at the lowest spot on the surface of the earth. We will discover the caves in which David hid and we will climb into the caves where the scrolls of Qumran (Dead Sea Scrolls) were hidden.

Climb Masada and see the fantastic view!

We will float on the Dead Sea, dip our feet in the clear water of Ein Gedi and experience baptism in the Jordan river. We will touch the very stones which fell to the ground when the army of Joshua blew their trumpets at Jericho.

Take a cool swim like King David at EnGedi

We will visit together places I have written about in my books (Advent Journeys and Spring), but have never seen. Our bus will take us past Ramah, Mitzpah and Bethel to Shiloh. We will see the place where Samuel served in the Tabernacle and also the hills of Samaria. We will discover the landscape of the hill country and how it afforded ancient Israel protection.

See where Jesus walked from the top of Mount Arbel

In Israel we will walk the land where Jesus walked (including Nazareth, Capernaum and Magdala), climb the mountains he climbed (including Mt. Arbel and the Precipice) and sail on the Sea of Galilee. We will visit Synagogues where Jesus preached and we will see the home where it is said Peter lived. We will read the Beatitudes from the place it is thought to have been delivered and retell the story of how Jesus fed 5,000 people from two fish and five loaves of bread.

History lives through archaeological finds

Our journey will take us to the northernmost extremes of the land of Israel. We will walk atop the Golan Heights, drive along (and walk under) the Damascus Road, look into Lebanon and see Mount Hermon. We will view two of the sources of the Jordan River and discover why Jesus said, “on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

See and experience life as it was in ancient Galilee

We will discover what life was like in a normal Jewish home by walking into houses dating back to Talmudic times. We will see how people cooked, where they slept and how they maintained their homes. We will hear about the crops they grew and view their modes of transportation. We will come to understand a great deal more about how people lived life in Bible times.

See the Jezreel Valley on this unforgettable trip

Our journey through Israel will take us through the highlands of Galilee, across the Jezreel Valley and up the slopes of Mt. Carmel. We will see Megiddo and the arena at Caesarea where the Apostle Paul was tried. We will walk under the Roman Aqueducts and see King Herod’s swimming pool. We will traverse the Plain of Sharon and climb Beit Horon ascent past Modi’in.

Visit Caesarea, Israel

Our visit to Israel will let us live in Jerusalem for four nights. We will walk through the walled city.  We will touch the Western Wall, walk along the ramparts, shop in the markets, eat the foods, take in the aromas and experience the pace of life among Jews, Arabs and Christians. We will discover Jerusalem from the top of the Mount of Olives to the bottom of Kidron Valley. We will visit Temple Mount, walk through the water in Hezekiah’s Tunnel, and make entry through many of the historic gates.

Take a look at the itinerary

What will we discover in Israel? More than this blog can contain! I invite you to join me on a 14 day trip to the land of Promise.  Each day will be filled with sights, sounds and taste. And you will make discoveries which will stay with you for a lifetime.