Beth Elohim Messianic Synagogue Building Altars: To build or not to build? As with most subjects in the Bible, the subject of altars and how they fit into G-d’s instructions to the Israelites is complex. It is true that in the Old Testament, G-d forbade the building of altars in several places (Deut. 12:1-4, 14,15… Read more »
Ask the Rabbi
Response to Question Concerning the Meaning of Psalm 40:6-8
Beth Elohim Messianic Synagogue Response to question about Psalm 40:6-8 In the Jerusalem Bible this psalm is described as a “Song of praise and a prayer for help.” There are slightly different variations depending on the text from which it was taken. In the Septuagint, the psalm is numbered as 39. The meaning is also… Read more »
Response to Question #50
Kaye P. asked where we are located. Kay, you did not leave a return e-mail so I would like for you to send it to the site so I can provide detailed instructions. Thank you for your interest in the synagogue. Brachas v’shalom, R. Tamah Davis
Response to “Ask the Rabbi” June 27
The question is about touching the Torah scroll. The prohibitions against touching the scroll are both practical and Rabbinical. We do not touch the Torah scroll out of respect and reverence for G-d’s Word, of course. According to the Rabbinic rulings, one becomes ritually unclean from touching the scroll and the mitzvot of reading from… Read more »
Where does it say in G-d’s Torah that Women Must Always Have Their Heads Covered?
G-d’s Torah does not mandate for a woman to have her head covered at all times. It was customary for most women in the ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, and the Greco-Roman world to cover their hair when they went outside the home. In biblical times, women covered their heads with veils or scarves. The unveiling… Read more »
Question about unclean animals
Shalom Ralph, Thank you for the interesting question. I am not sure which scriptures to which you are referring as there are multiple teachings on unclean animals. There are those that are forbidden to eat enumerated in Leviticus Chapter 11. Again, these are laws pertaining to eating and not touching. There are animals that if… Read more »
Question about bar mitzvah
There is nothing definitive about whether a step-father may hold a bar mitzvah for his step-son in G-d’s Torah. Therefore, holding to the concept/logic of kalv’komer (from the lesser to the greater), I submit to you that since this step-father has taken on the young man as his own son, it is permissible. Yahshua often… Read more »
Email 47
Shalom Rabbi Davis, I have a question. Since Yahshua is the one doing the revealing, who is the child that the woman gave birth to in Rev 12? Thanks in advance for your answer. Blessings, Sharon Rev. 12:1-4 The woman referred to in these passages is Israel. Note: the twelve stars is a metaphor for… Read more »
Email 46
What exactly did Yeshua mean when he said in Luke 10:19, “Remember, I have give you authority; so you can tread on snakes and scorpions.” Is this some type of Jewish idiom? Thank you, Tamala Dear Tamala, No, this is not a Jewish idiom. It is a reference to the Messianic Age (The Millennium when… Read more »
Email 45
Shalom Rabbi Davis, I was told that there is no such thing as a Messianic Jew.That you were either Christian or Jew.I told them the term Jew means born in Judea or of the Tribe of Judah.So you could be a Messianic Jew. So Rabbi Davis, What is your thoughts on it? What is a… Read more »