Photos: Jewish Parents Let Kids Smoke Cigarettes On Purim

By LaVrai, 27 June, 2009, No Comment

I was surprised to just learn that this is a common way to celebrate Purim in this Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Israel.

These little boys sure look like they’re having a good time… I wonder if they sneak a smoke when it’s not Purim. Notice the little one on the left with several cigarettes in his hand.

: An ultra-Orthodox Jewish youth lights a friend’s cigarette during celebrations for the Jewish holiday of Purim in Jerusalem’s Mea Shearim neighbourhood March 11, 2009. (Reuters)

: (Reuters)

Purim is a celebration of the Jews’ salvation from genocide in ancient Persia, as recounted in the Book of Esther.

Photos: Day Life

The Trouble With Pslam 110, ‘The Day Of Wrath’ And Melchizedek

By LaVrai, 6 June, 2009, No Comment

I was going through Psalm 110 today (in the NKJV) and thought about the Judaic interpretation of so-called Messianic prophecies. Psalm 110 is oft cited by Christians as telling of Jesus the Christ being told by the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY that HE would share HIS throne. Scholars who practice Judaism, however, refute this claim, saying instead that Psalm 110, titled “A Psalm of David,” is indeed about GOD’s promise to King David (the second “Lord” in the passage).

Based on the “Christianized” translation I was reading (NKJV), I found the Judaic interpretation unsatisfactory. I have written on this passage before, but focused more on the inconsistencies of the JPS use/translation of “Lord/lord/LORD.” This time, I am more concerned with what the passage says about Melchizedek, whom I will explain below.

Looking at verse 4 of Psalm 110 as translated by the Jewish Publication Society, it seems impossible that the passage is about King David, a man blessed by GOD.

Pope: Jews, Christians & Muslims All Pray To The Same GOD

By LaVrai, 20 May, 2009, 1 Comment

POPE-AUSTRALIA/

Pope Benedict XVI recently wrapped up his visit to the Holy Land, reports the Catholic News Agency. He commented on his trip, in which he rubbed shoulders with Muslims, those of the Jewish faith, Christians and Mary worshipers, in an address at St. Peter’s Basilica. He thanked GOD for Jerusalem and called on folks of different faiths to try and live peaceably… we don’t all have to believe the exact same things to respect one’s neighbor. But then.

Pope Benedict’s Planned Visit To Israel’s Wailing Wall Causing Storm

By LaVrai, 18 March, 2009, No Comment

UPDATE (3/21/09): Israeli Ambassador Confirms Benedict Can Wear Cross At Wailing Wall

h 26, 2000h 26, 2000
English: King James Version (1611) - KJV
Izbrano poglavje ne obstaja!

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While Pope Benedict XVI is currently touring HIV/AIDS-plagued Africa and causing a mess (Pope rejects condoms for Africa), folks in Israel are already in disagreement over his planned May visit to the Jewish state. The rabbi who oversees the Wailing or Western Wall, where Jewish faithful (presumably practicing) go to pray and leave their personal written prayers to GOD says Pope Benedict should not wear the cross (that usually hangs around the pope’s neck) to the Holy site (what remains of the second Temple). Also, security forces in the country are considering banning worshipers from the area during Benedict’s visit. Apparently, this rabbi has banned others from the site for the same reason… but as you can see in this photo, Pope John Paul visited the wall while wearing a cross.

Video: ‘Jews For Jesus’ Branded As Cult In Israel

By LaVrai, 3 February, 2009, No Comment

This a rather interesting news piece from an Israeli television program (called HOT TV, I believe) in which the Jews for Jesus campaign in Israel is pretty much branded as a cult (so much of objectivity and fairness). The director of the Israeli chapter and another gentleman are interviewed after the presentation.

I thank GOD for the Christian men and women who put themselves on the frontlines to spread the Good News — Salvation in Christ Jesus alone.