The Jerusalem Prayer List – 07 June, 2024
by Joseph Shulam - From Jerusalem Israel
We are starting the Torah reading this Shabbat with the Book of Numbers. The names of the books of the Bible are very different in the Hebrew Bible than in the translations to other languages. Usually, the Hebrew names are taken from the Book's first words. Genesis is Bereshit, so one matches all the languages. However, Exodus is Shemot, which means names. Because the first words of the Book of Exodus are: "These are the names of the sons of Jacob…". The Greek names are more descriptive of the content of the Book. The Hebrew names are the first words of the Book. The Greek names deal with the main topic and subject of the books. Now, this Shabbat, we are entering the Book of Numbers. The Hebrew name of the Book of Numbers is "Bamidbar," which means "in the Desert." These are the first words that start the Book.
This Shabbats Torah, we will be reading from Numbers 1:1 – 4:20.
From the Prophets, we will be reading from Hosea 2:1-22.
From the New Testament, we will read Matthew 4:1 -17.
Every Synagogue in the world will be reading this exact text of the Book of Numbers on this next Shabbat, June 8th, 2024. Our Christian brothers and sisters should see how vital this reading cycle is to their faith. Reading the Torah on Shabbat is a command and a recommendation for the non-Jewish Disciples of Yeshua. Go to the Synagogue on the Sabbath Day and hear the Word of God read. Especially in the First Century, after the crucifixion of the Messiah, non-Jews had no other source of study of the Bible. People didn't have a Torah scroll in their homes unless they were wealthy and could hire a Jewish scribe to copy the five books of Moses for their private use, a year's work for a scribe. Even today, it is a year's work for a scribe to copy a Torah Scroll, which is why these scrolls are so expensive. If you want to buy a new Torah Scroll that is kosher and handwritten on goat skin, it will cost you no less than 90,000 dollars. It is a year's work of hours per day that a scribe would be writing. In our congregation in Jerusalem, we have several handwritten Torah Scrolls, and we have given several to congregations we helped establish in Brazil. We have either given or have a Torah scroll for our sister congregation in Finland. These Torah scrolls are all Kosher and have been examined by a unique computer that reads the scroll. If the computer locates a mistake, it photocopies and prints the page with the error marked so the scribe can fix it. This computer test of a Torah scroll costs very close to 1000 US dollars.
Why is the Book of Bamidbar (In the Wilderness in Hebrew) called Numbers in English? The reason is logical; the first four chapters of the Book deal with numbers, with the numbering of the children of Israel and each tribe and of the Levites and priests. Moses numbered the people who left Egypt, especially the tribe of Levi because the firstborn of the Tribe of Levi had to redeem the firstborn of Egypt, who died in the 10th Plague, which convinced the Pharaoh to release the Children of Israel from Egypt.
Why is this relevant for us who live in the 21st Century? There are a few very interesting principles that, in my opinion, are important for us as disciples of Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah, to learn and understand. All my life as a disciple of Yeshua my quest and search has been trying to understand God and His action and His reaction to the action of us, poor flesh bound human-beings, homosapians. This Latin word homosapians is made from two words: homo=human, and sapian=the root word for wisdom. So here is what God is concerned with, and we all need to know and understand. You see, dear brothers and sisters, the 10th Plague that God struck Egypt was the death of all the firstborn male children of the Egyptians, a brutal and harsh measure that forced the Pharaoh of that great empire that ruled nearly half of the continent of Africa. The death of these firstborns of Egypt convinced the Pharaoh to allow Moses to take all the children of Israel out of Egypt and take them to the land of Canaan, which was promised to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants as an everlasting inheritance. As you can see in your news channels, even as you read this prayer list – this promise to Abraham is still a boiling pot and a source of hate, racism, and war in the Middle East and actually around the world.
The text from our Torah reading tells us what for and why God needed to count the male Children of Israel in the Sinai wilderness. Numbers 3:44:
"And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 45 "Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the people of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle. The Levites shall be mine: I am the LORD. 46 And as the redemption price for the 273 of the firstborn of the people of Israel, over and above the number of the male Levites, 47 you shall take five shekels3 per head; you shall take them according to the shekel of the sanctuary (the shekel of twenty gerahs ), [1] 48 and give the money to Aaron and his sons as the redemption price for those who are over." 49 So Moses took the redemption money from those who were over and above those redeemed by the Levites. 50 From the firstborn of the people of Israel he took the money, 1,365 shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary. 51 And Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons, according to the word of the LORD, as the LORD commanded Moses." [2]
[1] Gerah is a unit of money, a silver coin that has a specific weight and the value of 5 shekel, that is also a silver coin. Israel’s money today is counted as a shekel. A dollar today is worth 3.66 shekel.
[2] The redemption of the first born in Israel was because of many Egyptian First born died just before the Passover and God wanted the first born of Israel and the Levites offer the 5 shekel silver coins as a redemption offering of gratitude for the salvation that they received before they left Egypt with Moses and Aaron.
What is the importance of these four chapters of the Book of Numbers? Most Christian pastors and teachers miss the significance and rarely teach from the first chapters of the Book of Numbers. However, it must be important when God's Word spends four chapters on something. Second, each one of the names of the people mentioned is a revelation. Because people were named by their occupation or by their place in the community, this is why you have so many Jews called "Goldsmith," "Sandler," or "Taylor." God's word is very conservative, and words are not wasted. So, when there is a counting of the heads of the Levites or the other tribes, and we understand the Hebrew texts, we can see and understand the culture, occupation, and lifestyle of the people of Israel in the wilderness. Here are a few examples from our reading on this Shabbat:
1. Tribe of Judah: Nahshon, son of Amminadab. "Nahshon". = "diviner." It may be from the root of "one who can guess." Amminadab: "My people are generous."
2. Tribe of Issachar: Nethanel son of Zuar. Nethanel: "God has given." Zuar: Possibly "small."
3. Tribe of Zebulun: Eliab, son of Helon = Eliab: "My God is Father." Helon: "Strong soldier" or "valiant."
4. Tribe of Reuben: Elizur son of Shedeur = Elizur: "My God is a rock." Shedeur: "Spreader of light" or "almighty is a fire."
5. Tribe of Simeon: Shelumiel, son of Zurishaddai = Shelumiel: "Friend of God" or "God is my peace." Zurishaddai: "My rock is the Almighty."
6. Tribe of Gad: Eliasaph son of Deuel = Eliasaph: "God has added." Deuel: "God is a friend."
7. Tribe of Ephraim: Elishama son of Ammihud = Elishama: "My God has heard." = Ammihud: "My people are glorious."
8. Tribe of Manasseh: Gamaliel son of Pedahzur. = Gamaliel: "God is my reward." Pedahzur: "The Rock has redeemed me."
9. Tribe of Benjamin: Abidan, son of Gideoni. = Abidan: "My father is judge." Gideoni: "one who cuts down" (a warrior).
10. Tribe of Dan: Ahiezer, son of Ammishaddai. = Ahiezer: "My brother is help." Ammishaddai: "My kinsmen are Almighty."
11. Tribe of Asher: Pagiel son of Ocran. = Pagiel: "God meets me." Ocran: "Troublemaker."
12. Tribe of Naphtali: Ahira son of Enan. = Ahira: "My brother is a badass!" Enan: "Has sharp eyes!"
You see, my brothers, that the names of the tribes' leaders give us a clue of their characters and sometimes their mission in life. There is a proverb in Hebrew that has always interested me! In Hebrew, it is כשמו כן הוא = "Keshmo Ken Who!" Meaning "He justifies his reputation, lives up to his name!" This proverb tells us that everyone's name describes his character and destiny.
What do we see in this list of names of the leaders of the tribes of Israel? I see two main motives: One is a relationship with God. We find the following abbreviations for God's name: El - Eli – Shaddai – Zur (rock) – El. The secondemphasis in these names is the family relationships: We find Ahi = brother, Ammi = my people (or my family), Av = Father, Avi = my father. The third strong motive in these names is salvation: Pada – redeem, Ezer – helper in the sense of savior, Dan = my judge, Gamal = rewarder.
So, my dear brothers, are these names often ignored by accident or not? These names reveal the life of the Hebrew nation during these 40 years of wandering in the Sinai desert. Again, I repeat the principle: the names you give your children reflect what is dear to you and what you wish your children to be, at least in the sight of their relationship with the Creator of this World.
The word of God in Ecclesiastes 7 says:
"A good name is better than fragrant oil, and the day of death than the day of birth."
I have to share with you an event that took place in Jerusalem in the year 1972. I was walking in the ultra-orthodox Jewish neighborhood of Mea Shearim. An American man was walking opposite me and stopped me to ask a question! The question was, "Young man, what is your name!" I told him my name was Joseph Shulam. He looked at me and said: "Joseph, you have a good name; guard your name and protect it because a good name is more precious than precious oil!" What is your name, sir? I asked him! Gordon Lyndsay, he said. I asked him where he was from, and he said he was from Dallas, Texas. I met Pastor Gordon Lyndsay's daughter, Shira, a few months later in Jerusalem. I heard that some Orthodox Jews had put a bomb at her door. I had never met Shira Lyndsay, but I just went to her house to encourage her because of the bomb that exploded at her door. Since those days, I have had the privilege of having a holy relationship with the Lyndsay family from Dallas, which includes Shira and later her husband, Ari, and her mother, Frida. I had the privilege of sharing her mother's monthly tithe with Shira for over 40 years. I urge you all, dear brothers, to think and value your name and reputation because it is easy to destroy your name, i.e., your reputation. After all, it is more precious than Gold (oil these days is not so precious).
The Bible has several horrible stories about numbering the children of Israel, but I will save these for a different occasion. I am hearing the news in Israel now, and there is horror enough in my life and the life of all of Israel. I ask you to pray for Israel and our men in uniform. Support Netivyah and donate by pushing the donate button. Please help us fight antisemitism indeed internationally, and help us support our military in both Gaza and our northern border. Things are getting hot from a military strategic point of view, and our enemy is harsh and cruel and worse than a dog with Dengi.
Without God's help and the help of God's disciples and servants helping us and through us, as well as the projects of Netivyah in Israel financially, we could not fight this battle. Right now, the most significant battlefield is not with Hamas or Hezbollah, but internationally, the battle against the poison that hate and antisemitism are spreading with lies and deception against Israel and the Jewish communities around the whole world. Help us do this work from our unique and chosen position as a bridge between the church and Israel and the Jewish communities worldwide.
Anti Semitism is not only against the Jews but against the King of the Jews. Our battle is the battle of Good News against God's Israel, which includes both Jews and Gentiles who have chosen to cast their lots with the God who created this world and is the FATHER of all, and who so loved the world that He sent His only begotten son so that no one will perish. Still, everyone has eternal life available to him! It is the battle of the Good News from Heaven against hate and racism, especially against Israel!
"If I forget you, O Jerusalem, Let my right hand forget its skill! If I do not remember you, Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth— If I do not exalt Jerusalem Above my chief joy."
(Psalm 137:5-6 NKJV)
Since last week we have released new content you can find on our podcasts and YouTube
A Torah Portion Podcast :
New Mind Candy - Abraham sacrifices Issac :
New Mind Candy - Explaining the Root of Hate ( I was asked what is Antisemitism
New Portuguese Mind Candy - Abraham sacrifices Issac:
New Portuguese Mind Candy - Explaining the Root of Hate (I was asked what is Antisemitism)
You can find the eBook and printed version
on Amazon
updates or requests please email us at:
Prayer@netivyahinternational.org
If you want to post an encouraging message there are multiple public platforms you can do it on. This will provide you a way to connect with the family of faith on this list who can access Facebook, Internet Websites, and Instagram.
Netivyah International Socials
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Joseph Shulams Socials
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We realize the prayer list is long. We have updated it and will continue to update it. These brother and sisters that need your prayers are encouraged by them. Your prayers are knocking on heavens door for healing and provision for mostly old brothers and sisters. Please consider time spent in prayer a way to bridge Geography time and space asking God to heal and bless these people who need our prayers.
Your prayers for brothers and sisters you don't know personally are pure love and building of the Body of the Messiah. It is Agape Love since you are doing this without any selfish interests and casting a vote in Heaven for someone who is your brother. Still, you don't know them, and God looks at these prayers that are unselfish and genuine expressions of love and care for another link in the long chain of love and faith that binds us together even though we might not know each other in this world.
When we all get to Heaven, it will be a joy to meet people we prayed for and sometimes even cried for. Brothers and sisters who are physically strangers but spiritually a part of the same body of Christ, I believe that one day we will have the privilege to sit together and share: "I remember praying for you to be healed!" "I remember praying for you to be safe when you were fighting in Gaza to free the hostages from the cruel hands of the terrorists of the Hamas in Gaza."
Pray for the following brothers and sisters who need divine grace and the gentle touch of the hand of God for healing and strength.
In Jerusalem:
Joseph & Marcia Shulam
Your continued prayers for Joe and Marcias health are appreciated. They are both comfortable at home while Joe continues to create new content online and Marcia is content at home as well. We are thankful for EmmaBeth and her weekly assistance for them both.
Ilana Ahijervie is a dear sister who is 98 years old and suffering from memory problems.
Please pray for our dear sister, Lea Kurkey.
Sarit, a sister born in Jerusalem, is over 88 years old and lives alone. She has no close family and suffers from several old-age illnesses.
Pray for Adam's father and mother, Barry and Dalia. They have some health problems and challenges.
Pray for Hannah suffering from Migraine Headaches. Miriam is a dear sister old age dementia.
Pray for Daniel S. and his children.
Pray for Gary, our dear leader in the Ro'eh Israel congregation, and his health, as well as for his wife Melanie and their family.
Pray for Um Mahmud Abu-Eid, Jimmy Abu-Eid, and all of the family. This is a dear family of old friends that needs healing and wisdom for the children and for their work.
Please pray for the Romero family, who live deep in the Negev desert. It is hot there, and they are far from our congregation, and we miss them.
In the U.K.:
Pray for Deborah Isaiah. I pray for the Lord to find Deborah Isaiah and lead her to a blessed life, family, and a solution to her problems.
In Finland:
Mauno Lemponen has been diagnosed with cancer in advanced stages. We are asking for God's Will to be done, giving him healthy days with family—prayers for Hilka, Miika, and Ester, who support each other.
Pray for Keijo and Salme, our dear partners and fellow workers in God's flock. Both Keijo and Salme have some challenging heart issues.
Pray for Satu-Maria, Sinni Tuuli, Anne Mirjami, our dear sisters
Pray for Eva H., Patty, Andrea, Julia, Victor, Aaron Tani, and Hillel.
In Brazil:
new - Matheus G has fallen and busted his lip and broken some teeth. Please pray for healing and successful dental work further down the road.
update - William Monteiro Alves with (Asperger's syndrome) has had a successful surgery today - prayer of Thanks. In addition he needs prayers regarding the state of his mental health are still needed.
Pray for the Congregations related to Netivyah in Brazil to have the strength and stamina to face the challenges ahead of them with courage and strength of faithfulness to the Lord and to the vision of the restoration of the church and Israel.
Pray for the millions of victims of the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisition who have been forced to convert to the Catholic church and now want to return home to the land of Israel and the faith of our fathers.
Pray for a dear young man, Paulo, from Curitiba, Brazil, who seriously needs our prayers for sanity and mental health.
Pray for a dear sister named Claudia Rita Souze Arau. She has cancer and needs God's healing hands to touch her with healing.
Pray for Fatima Maria Docarmo Guimararaes - pray for her health and her granddaughters' twin babies.
Guilherme Antonio Nothen Becker is suffering from back problems.
Aratuza de Oliveira and his wife. Pray for their 3-year-old child, Caique de Oliveira Becker, who has severe problems with his eyes, and ask the Lord to give healing to his eyes.
In Asia:
Pray for Pastor TJ in Taiwan.
Pray for Deborah Ruth, a dear sister from China.
Pray for Sister Yoko Nagumo in Japan.
Tony Tam, his wife Luisa, and his son Marco need special prayers for their situation.
We continue to pray for Zhou Wenrian, the Abe family, Toru San, Yumi Ohara, and her family: Deborah Ruth, Ayla, Daniel, and their daughter.
Pray for Dr. Song and his wife, Sister Harriet Kim and the KIBI Ministry.
In the United States of America:
Larry is asking for prayers for his grandchildren. I would say most of us that have grandchildren are concerned about the states of the world. The state of intolerance. The temptations out there. Please pray for the holy sprit to guide them in making good choices.
Bill C. is having some additional test this week. We all don’t like additional tests so we can relate to this. Pray for Jill supporting him.
Brother Philip Slate and his wife. She is suffering from several physical and mental health challenges.
Barbra and Angie in Alaska. Barbra has some pains and discomfort related to old age. Please lift them in prayer for strength and reduction in pain.
Please continue to pray for the daughter of Bill Culwell, who is very sick with cancer and is receiving a second round of treatment. Please pray for success and healing.
Jonathan Bernis is in a long six-month recovery from a liver transplant. We thank God for this match. Please pray for this new liver to function and provide much-needed function. Please pray for Elisangela and the girls and the doctors and nurses attending our dear brother Jonathan Bernis.
Please pray for Danah, my daughter's health issues. I pray for the Lord to give Danah wisdom, peace, and calm in life and her work.
Aaron Hook, Nancy Hook's oldest son, needs our prayers for wisdom and healing from past life issues.
Lift for blessing and healing Jonathan B., his wife Aviva, their new baby, his mother, and his brother Daniel.
Pray for these important men of God: Rabbi Salt, his family, and Rabbi Hasselblad. They are both older and need protection and blessings.
Also, pray for Ilana Avramov, who is married to my cousin Nissim and lives in New York City. Ilana has fallen and is now in rehab, learning how to walk again. We pray for her full recovery. She and Nissim both need our prayers.
Pray for Steve Mock - His cognitive condition has declined, and we ask for the grace of God and His Healing and strength. Steve and Josie's son Joseph has received a wonderful and glorious report. After the last bone marrow transplant, the report is that the doctors didn't find any leukemia in his body! Praise the Lord!
I am asking for a special prayer for a dear brother and friend who is now doing very important work in a very dangerous and precarious part of the world. Just mention DadyLion in your prayers and ask for divine protection and angelic accompaniment for this man of God.
For updates or requests please email us at:Prayer@netivyahinternational.org